(12) United States Patent
`Borugian
`
`USOO6718235B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,718,235 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`(54) ROUTE CONTROL SYSTEM
`
`(75) Inventor: Dennis A. Borugian, High Point, NC
`(US)
`
`5,570,087 A 10/1996 Lemelson .............. 340/870.05
`5,684,455 A 11/1997 Williams et al. ............ 340/439
`5,686,765 A * 11/1997 Washington ......
`... 307/10.5
`5,729,199 A 3/1998 Cooper et al. ...
`... 340/541
`5,729,619 A 3/1998 Puma ............
`382/115
`5,740,548 A 4/1998 Hudgens ...................... 701/35
`5,805,079 A 9/1998 Lemelson .............. 340/870.05
`5,812,067 A * 9/1998 Bergholz et al............ 340/5.52
`5,813,989 A 9/1998 Saitoh et al. .....
`... 600/484
`5,815,070 A 9/1998 Yoshikawa .....
`340/439
`5,850,193 A 12/1998 Shimoura et al. .
`340/995
`5,880,679 A * 3/1999 Lenart et al. .....
`... 340/5.6
`5,905,433 A 5/1999 Wortham .......
`340/431
`5,917,433 A 6/1999 Keilor et al. ....
`340/989
`5,919.239 A 7/1999 Fraker et al. ................. 701/35
`5,969.433. A 10/1999 Maggiora et al. .......... 307/10.5
`6,060,989 A 5/2000 Gehlot .............
`340/576
`6,232,874 B1 * 5/2001 Murphy - - - - - -
`340/426
`Related U.S. Application Data
`6,366,198 B1 * 4/2002 Allen et al. ................. 340/426
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/332,660, filed on Nov. 19,
`* cited by examiner
`2001.
`(51) Int. Cl. ................................................ G06F 19/00
`Primary Examiner Tan Q. Nguyen
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Watts Hoffmann Co., L.P.A.
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................... 70,795,79,
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`(58) Field of Search ................................ 701/1, 29, 33,
`"...: 2. S. 3. 2. s A method and apparatus for detecting conditions that indi
`s
`ws
`s
`s
`s
`10 s
`cate unauthorized usage of a vehicle and for responding to
`the conditions that indicate the vehicle is being used in an
`unauthorized or unintended way. A vehicle computer is used
`to monitor conditions of a driver and unintended usage. The
`computer is also used to respond to conditions that indicate
`an unauthorized or unintended vehicle usage has occurred.
`;3. A 's ERA, al- - - - - - - - - - - - 3. The vehicle is shut down and/or disabled when an unautho
`5,068,656. A 11/1991 Sutherland .................. 340/989
`rized usage is detected.
`5,459,304 A * 10/1995 Eisenmann
`... 235/380
`5,465,079 A 11/1995 Bouchard et al. ........... 340/576
`31 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`(73) ASSignee: yely Tuck Nort America, Inc.,
`reenSDOro,
`(US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/092,324
`9
`(22) Filed:
`Mar. 6, 2002
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`UNAUTHORIZED DRIVER AND HOURS OF SERVICE CHECK ROUTINE
`
`
`
`
`
`HOURS
`EXCEED AL
`OWABLE
`
`ENTER AUTHORIZED DRIVER CODE
`OR WOLUMTARILY SHUT DOWN WE
`HICLE WITHIN GIVEN TIME, NOTify
`CENTRAL CONTROL OG AND TRANS
`kii REAL-TIME PHOTO OF ERWER.
`
`PUL OFF ROAD FOR A
`REST PERIOD HOURS
`HAVE BEEN EXCEEDED.
`
`90
`
`WEHCLE
`SHUT OWN
`WITHN GIVEN IME OR
`NEW DRIVER TOOK OVER
`WITN GWEN
`ME
`
`AUTHOR
`ZE DRVER
`CODE ENTERED
`
`NOTIFY CENTRAL CONTROL
`HAT DRIVER HAS exce
`ALLOWABLE HORS
`
`94.
`
`ALTHOR
`IZATION TO Ex:E)
`ALLOWABE HOURS
`
`BEGIN WEHICLE SHUTDOWN SEQUENCE
`AFTER FIVE MNUTS NOTY CENERAL
`CONROL OF WEHICe LO&ATN WEHI
`CLE CAN BE RE-ACTIVATED Y
`ENERNG AWALI
`RWER COe.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NOTIFY DRVER TO PULOWER
`
`98
`
`BEGIN WEHICLE SHUTDOWN SEQUENCE. NCIFY CENTRAL CONTRO OF WEHICLE
`OCATION. WEHICLE CAN 8E RE-ACTWATED BY ENTERN A WALI
`RWER COE,
`PRIOR DRIVER'S CODE WILL BE WALL AGAIN AFTER DEFENE RESPERIOD,
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`
`
`SABLENGCOMMANDS
`MESSAGES
`10
`REPORTS AN MESSAGES
`
`AUTHORIZATION APPROVA.
`DSABLNG COMMANDS
`
`CENTRAL CONFCL
`
`16
`
`
`
`2)
`
`
`
`CRVER DENTIFICATION
`
`
`
`DFWER COFEENCY
`
`
`
`
`
`PSATA
`
`ON-BOARD COMPUTER, DASH
`SPLAY AND KEBOARD
`
`r-32
`
`GPS SATELLITE
`
`Fig.1
`
`
`
`DRIVER DENTIFICATION
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SATELLITE
`COMMUNICATION
`UNIT
`
`10
`
`46
`
`UNAUTHORIZED DRIVER ANDHours of service check"
`
`5O
`
`UNPLANNED TRALER UNCOUPLING ROUTINE-52
`
`UNPLANNED LOSS OF MAN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY
`TO UVU ON-BOARD COMPUTER (POSSIBLE TAMPERING)
`
`54
`
`DALY REPORTING AND PREVENTATIVE
`MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING
`
`56
`
`Fig.6
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`
`
`WEHICLE ON-BAR)
`COMPUber, DASH
`DSPLAY AND
`KEYBOARD
`
`ENGINE/WEHICLE DATA, DRIVER INPUT DATA, WEHICLE MILEAGE
`
`ACTIVATE THACTOR-DESABLING COMMANDS, E, FUE SHUTOFF,
`:GNONDESANG, FLASHING GHSC.
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 4 of 10
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 5 of 10
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`DRIVER COMPETENCY
`
`ENTER DRIVER
`IDENTIFICATION CODE
`
`58
`
`46
`
`60
`
`DISPLAY RANDOMLY GENERATED
`NUMBER FOR GIVEN TIME WITH
`A SEQUENCE NOTATION
`
`Fig.7
`
`NUMBER
`ENTERED IN
`PROPER SEQUENCE
`WITHIN GIVEN
`TIME
`
`68
`
`FAILED
`TEST MORE
`THAN TWICE
`WHN GIVEN
`TIME
`p
`
`LOG DRIVER REACTION TIME,
`DATE AND TIME OF CHECK
`FOR EACH ATTEMPT
`
`66
`
`DELAY RE-TEST FOR FOUR
`HOURS, WAIT FOR A SPECIFIC
`TIME OF DAY OR UNTIL. A NEW
`DRIVER CODE IS ENTERED
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`70
`
`
`
`1. LOG AND TRANSMIT TO CENTRAL CONTROL
`REAL-TIME DRIVER PHOTO, REACTION TIME
`AND INABILITY TO ENTER PROPER NUMBER
`FOR EACH ATTEMPT .
`
`2. PROGRAMMABLE OPTION TO DISABLE THE
`VEHICLE FOR GIVEN TIME OR UNTIL EITHER
`CENTRAL CONTROL PROVIDES AN OVERRDE
`CODE OR A NEW DRIVER CODE IS ENTERED.
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`UNAUTHORIZED DRIVER AND HOURS OF SERVICE CHECK ROUTINE
`
`ENTER Driver code AND RouTE code -72
`
`Fig.8
`
`
`
`DRIVER
`AUTHORIZED
`p
`
`DEVIATION
`FROM ROUTE
`
`ONE
`RE
`
`HOURS
`EXCEED AL-
`OWABLE
`
`ENTER AUTHORIZED DRIVER CODE
`OR VOLUNTARLY SHUT DOWN VE
`HICLE WITHIN GIVEN TIME, NOTIFY
`CENTRAL CONTROL, LOG AND TRANS
`MIT REAL-TIME PHOTO OF DRIVER,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PULL OFF ROAD FOR A
`REST PERIOD. HOURS
`HAVE BEEN EXCEEDED,
`
`VEHICLE
`SHUT DOWN
`WITHN GIVEN TIME OR
`NEW DRIVER TOOK OVER
`WITHN GIVEN
`TIME
`
`AUTHOR
`IZED DRIVER
`CODE ENTERED
`
`N
`NOTIFY CENTRAL CONTROL
`THAT DRIVER HAS EXCEEDED
`ALLOWABLE HOURS.
`
`
`
`AUTHOR
`IZATION TO EXCEED
`ALLOWABLE HOURS
`
`PULL OVER, VEHICLE WILL BE
`DISABLED, NOTIFY CONTROLLER.
`
`8O
`
`BEGIN VEHICLE SHUTDOWN SEQUENCE
`AFTER FIVE MINUTES. NOTIFY CENTRAL
`CONTROL OF VEHICLE LOCATION. VEHI
`CLE CAN BE RE-ACTIVATED BY
`ENTERNG A VALID DRIVER CODE.
`
`
`
`N
`
`96
`
`NOTIFY DRIVER TO PULL OVER
`
`98
`
`BEGIN VEHICLE SHUTDOWN SEQUENCE. NOTIFY CENTRAL CONTROL OF VEHICLE
`LOCATION. VEHICLE CAN BE RE-ACTIVATED BY ENTERING A VALID DRIVER CODE.
`PRIOR DRIVER'S CODE WILL BE VALID AGAIN AFTER DEFINED REST PERIOD.
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`DEVATION FROM ROUTE MAN ROUTINE
`
`50
`
`
`
`110
`
`112
`
`Fig.9
`
`NOTIFY DRIVER TO RETURN TO PLANNED
`ROUTE, CONTACT CENTRAL CONTROL FOR
`ROUTE DEVIATION AUTHORIZATION OR
`PREPARE FOR VEHICLE SHUTDOWN.
`NOTIFY CENTRAL CONTROL
`
`
`
`
`
`DEVIATION
`FROM AUTHORIZED
`ROUTE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIVE MINUTE TIMER
`
`ENTERED
`RESTRICTED PER
`|METER OR APPROACH
`NG ONE
`p
`
`Y
`
`NOTIFY DRIVER OF BREACH OF
`UNAUTHORIZED PERMETER.
`NOTIFY CENTRAL CONTROL.
`
`124
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`VEHICLE
`RETURNED TO
`PLANNED ROUTE OR
`DEVATION AUTHORIZA
`TION OBTANED
`
`
`
`
`
`126
`
`DEVIATION
`AUTHORIZATION
`OBANED OR VEHICLE
`LEFT RESTRICTED
`PERMETER
`?p
`
`128
`
`1. BEGIN VEHICLE SHUTDOWN
`
`2, NOTFY CENTROL CONTROL
`AND LAW EN FORCEMENT
`OFFICIALS
`
`3. VEHICLE CAN BE RE
`ACTIVATED BY ENTERING
`VALID DRIVER CODE AND
`TEMPORARY ROUTE
`DEVATION CODE
`
`
`
`
`
`NOTIFY DRIVER THAT FAILURE TO ENTER
`DEVATION AUTHORIZATION CODE WILL
`RESULT IN VEHICLE SHUTDOWN, NOTIFY
`CENTRAL CONTROL LOG AND TRANSM
`REAL-TIME PHOTO OF DRIVER,
`
`
`
`BEGIN VEHICLE SHUTDOWN SEQUENCE,
`VEHICLE CAN BE REACTIVATED BY ENTER
`ING A VALID DRIVER CODE AND TEMP
`ORARY ROUTE DEVATION CODE.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`122
`SHOW EMERGENCY START INSTRUCTIONS, A CONTACT PHONE NUMBER
`FOR USE BY EMERGENCY OR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL.
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 8 of 10
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UNPLANNED TRAILER UNCOUPLNG
`
`52
`
`132
`
`TRALER
`ELECTRICAL CABLE
`DISCONNECTED IN A
`LOCATION OUTSDE OF
`GPS RADIUS
`?p
`
`1, TRANSMIT VEHICLE LOCATION AND FAULT
`CONDITION TO CENTRAL CONTROL.
`
`2, NOTFY DRIVER TO RECONNECT TRAILER
`CABLE AND/OR ENTER OVERRIDE CODE
`3. ACTIVATE THE OPTIONAL TRALER BATTERY
`BACK-UP AND TRANSMIT TRALER
`IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION TO CENTRA
`CONTROL. F DFFERENT FROM TOWING VEHICLE
`
`4. ACTIVATE OPTIONAL TRALER DOOR LOCKS OR
`APPLY TRALER SPRING BRAKES
`
`1. RE-TRANSMIT VEHICLE AND/OR TRAILER LOCATION
`TO CENTRAL CONTROL EVERY 15 MINUTES ONLY
`IF THEY CHANGE GPS LOCATION
`
`2. TRANSMT REAL-TIME PHOTO OF DRIVER IF
`VEHICLE SPEED IS > 0 MPH
`
`TRALER
`CABLE RECONNECTED
`AND OVERRIDE CODE
`ENTERED OR TRALER
`MOVED TO AUTHORIZED
`GPS LOCATION
`p
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UNPLANNED LOSS OF MAIN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY
`To SYSTEM ON-BOARD COMPUTER (POSSIBLE TAMPERING)
`
`1 40
`
`MAN
`ELECTRICAL
`POWER SUPPLY
`AVAILABLE TO ON
`BOARD COMPUTER
`
`
`
`1. ACTIVATE BATTERY BACK-UP TO ON-BOARD COMPUTER
`2. TRANSMIT GPS LOCATION, VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
`NUMBER AND FAULT CONDITION TO CENTRAL CONTROL
`
`J. REQUEST THAT DRIVER ENTERS PROPER DISARMING
`CODE OR RE-ESTABLISH MAN ELECTRICAL POWER
`TO ON-BOARD COMPUTER OR VEHICLE MAY BE
`FURTHER DISABLED
`
`MAN
`ELECTRICAL
`POWER RE-ESTABLISHED
`OR PROPER DS
`ARMING CODES
`ENTERED
`p
`
`Fig.11
`
`1. TRANSMIT GPS LOCATION, VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER,
`REAL-TIME PHOTO OF DRIVER AND FAULT CONDITION TO
`CENTRAL CONTROL IF VEHICLE LOCATION CHANGES
`
`2. IF THE VEHICLE OWNER HAS PROGRAMMED THE DISABLNG
`FEATURE, IT WILL NOW BE ACTIVATED
`
`3. SYSTEM CAN BE RESET BY RE-ESTABLISHING UVU COMPUTER
`POWER OR OVER RIDDEN BY ENTERING DSARMING CODE
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 2004
`
`Sheet 10 Of 10
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`DALY REPORTING AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING
`
`148
`
`56
`arous
`
`COMPARE VEHICLE MILEAGE TO THAT REQUIRED FOR MAINTENANCE AND
`IDENTIFY PLANNED MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS FAULT CODES
`
`
`
`149
`
`
`
`
`
`ARE
`THERE ANY
`FAULT CODES OR
`MANTENANCE
`REQUIRED
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
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`
`
`
`
`154
`
`DISPLAY FOR DRIVER:
`
`
`
`1. REQUIRED MAINTENANCE
`AND/OR FAULT CODES
`2. USE GPS LOCATION OF VEHICLE
`RELATIVE TO NEAREST AUTHORIZED
`MAINTENANCE SITE AND PROVIDE
`DRIVER OPTIONS TO VIEW DIRECTIONS
`
`
`
`SCHEDULE
`REPAIRS OR
`MAINTENANCE PER
`ON-BOARD COMPUTER
`RECOMMENDATION
`
`1. REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF
`SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AT
`SELECTED FACILITY
`
`
`
`2, NOTIFY DRIVER WHETHER OR NOT
`MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN SCHEDULED
`
`3. AUTHORIZED MANTENANCE SITE WILL
`UPDATE MANTENANCE STATUS AFTER
`WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED
`
`
`
`TRANSMIT VEHICLE FAULT AND DIAGNOSTIC CODES, MILEAGE, LOCATION,
`DRIVER LOG (HOS) INFORMATION, COMPLIANCE TO ROUTE AND SPEED
`LIMITS, DRIVER'S DECISION REGARDING SCHEDULING OF MAINTENANCE
`IF REQUIRED.
`
`WAT 24 HOURS OR FOR A SPECIFIC TIME OF DAY
`TO TRANSMIT INFORMATION
`
`152 FG12
`9.
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 11
`
`

`

`1
`ROUTE CONTROL SYSTEM
`
`US 6,718,235 B1
`
`This application claims the benefit of provisional appli
`cation No. 60/332,660, filed Nov. 19, 2001.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`The present invention relates to a method and apparatus
`for monitoring unauthorized usage of a vehicle and, more
`particularly, the present invention relates to a method and
`apparatus that detects conditions of a driver and a vehicle
`that indicate operation of the vehicle is unauthorized and
`provide a response to the detected conditions.
`BACKGROUND ART
`Unintended usages of a vehicle, Such as a tractor trailer,
`include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
`driving of a vehicle when fatigued, driving of a Stolen
`vehicle, deviating from a planned route, driving a vehicle
`into a restricted area, uncoupling a trailer at an unplanned
`location, and driving a vehicle in need of maintenance.
`Driving of a vehicle by an impaired operator greatly
`increases the chance that the vehicle will be involved in an
`accident. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Standard #49 C.F.R.
`392.3 requires fatigue impaired drivers to Stop. According to
`the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
`(NHTSA), one out of eight traffic fatalities in 1998 resulted
`from a collision with a large truck. Alcohol related fatalities
`accounted for 38% of all traffic fatalities in 1998. According
`to the Commercial Car Journal (CCJ) survey, 55% of drivers
`violate hours of service (HOS) rules by driving more than 10
`hours without an 8 hour break. Stolen tractors and/or trailers
`cost fleet owners a large Sum of money per occurrence.
`Vehicles may become unsafe when they are not properly
`maintained.
`Prior art disclosures have dealt with monitoring vehicle
`drivers. Examples include detecting a drowsy driver by
`monitoring eyelid movement of the driver, detecting drowsi
`neSS by Sensing meandering of a vehicle in a lane of a road,
`monitoring heart rate and skin vibrations to detect the mental
`condition of the driver, testing a driverS alertneSS by requir
`ing the driver to move a turn signal lever in a Sequence of
`requested directions, detecting intoxication by monitoring a
`driver's iris, monitoring acceleration and deceleration and
`Steering irregularities to determine a drivers fitness.
`Prior art disclosures have dealt with tampering with a
`trailer. It is known in the prior art to Sense penetration into
`a trailer. A camera and Sound recorder is used during theft.
`One prior art theft prevention System monitors doors and
`alerts a central control.
`It is known in the prior art to track travel of a long haul
`truck within an acceptable rectangular Zone and report
`exceptions to a central control or generate an exception
`report.
`What is needed is an interactive monitoring System that
`detects conditions that indicate unauthorized vehicle usage
`and provides for a response to the detected conditions that
`assures that the usage is not unauthorized or shuts the
`vehicle down.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a method and apparatus
`for monitoring unauthorized usage of a vehicle. One
`embodiment of the method of monitoring unauthorized
`usage of a vehicle concerns testing the competency of a
`driver to operate a motorized vehicle. A randomly generated
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`number is displayed in the vehicle for a given period of time.
`A user interface is provided in the vehicle for the driver to
`enter digits that correspond to the randomly generated
`number. The system determines whether the driver has
`entered the digits that correspond the randomly generated
`number in a proper Sequence within a given period of time.
`In the exemplary embodiment, a vehicle computer is used to
`generate the randomly generated number. The user interface
`is connected to the vehicle computer. A display is coupled to
`the computer for displaying the randomly generated number.
`The computer is programmed to determine whether the
`driver has entered digits that correspond to the randomly
`generated number in a proper Sequence.
`In one embodiment of the method of testing the compe
`tency of a driver to operate a motorized vehicle, a forward
`Sequence notation or a reverse Sequence notation is dis
`played. The forward or reverse Sequence notation provides
`an indication to the driver to enter the digits in one of a
`forward Sequence or a reverse Sequence. The proper
`Sequence corresponds to the displayed Sequence notation. A
`driver reaction time may be logged when it is determined
`that the driver has entered digits that correspond to the
`randomly generated number in the proper Sequence within
`the given period of time. The driver is retested after a given
`period of time. The driver may be required to enter a driver
`identification code before the randomly generated number is
`displayed. A new driver is tested when the driver enters a
`driver identification code. At least one of the driver reaction
`time and an ability to enter the digits that correspond to the
`randomly generated number are logged when the driver fails
`to enter digits that correspond to the randomly generated
`number in the proper Sequence within the given period of
`time. A central control is notified when the driver has failed
`to enter the digits that correspond to the randomly generated
`number in the proper Sequence within a given period of time.
`The vehicle may be disabled when the driver fails to enter
`digits that correspond to the randomly generated number in
`the proper Sequence within the given period of time.
`In one embodiment, a vehicle is disabled when a potential
`theft occurs. The system determines that a driver is not
`authorized to operate the vehicle. The System also deter
`mines that the vehicle has deviated from a planned route.
`The vehicle is disabled when it is determined that the driver
`is not authorized to operate the vehicle and has deviated
`from the planned route.
`Variations of the method of disabling a vehicle when a
`potential theft occurs include tracking the location of the
`vehicle and notifying a central control location when it is
`determined that the driver is not authorized to operate the
`vehicle and it is determined that the vehicle has deviated
`from the planned route. In the method, the driver may be
`requested to enter an authorized driver code and route code
`within a given period of time. The system will determine
`whether an authorized driver code has been entered by the
`driver. The vehicle will be disabled if an authorized driver
`code is not entered by the driver.
`In one embodiment, a vehicle computer and a global
`positioning System are used to determine that the driver is
`not authorized to operate the vehicle and the vehicle has
`deviated from the planned route. The vehicle computer has
`an interface that allows the driver to enter a driver authori
`Zation code. The computer is programmed to determine
`whether the driver is authorized to operate the vehicle. The
`global positioning System is coupled to the computer for
`determining that the vehicle has deviated from the planned
`route. The computer is programmed to disable the vehicle
`when the driver is not authorized and the vehicle has
`deviated from the planned route.
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 12
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`In one embodiment, a vehicle is disabled when a prede
`termined number of Service hours is exceeded. The System
`determines whether an allowable number of Service hours
`has been exceeded by a driver. A central control is notified
`when the allowable number of vehicle service hours has
`been exceeded by the driver. The system determines whether
`the central control provided authorization to exceed the
`allowable number of Service hours. The driver is notified
`that the vehicle will be disabled within a given period of
`time when authorization to exceed the allowable number of
`vehicle Service hours is not granted. The vehicle is then
`disabled.
`In variations of the method for disabling a vehicle when
`a predetermined number of Service hours is exceeded
`includes reactivating the vehicle by entering a valid drivers
`code. The driver code may be revalidated after a defined rest
`period has lapsed.
`In one embodiment, a vehicle computer and a communi
`cation System are used to disable a vehicle when a prede
`termined number of Service hours is exceeded. The vehicle
`computer is programmed to determine whether an allowable
`number of service hours has been exceeded by the driver.
`The communication System is coupled to the computer for
`notifying the central control when the allowable number of
`Service hours has been exceeded. The communication SyS
`tem is configured to receive authorization from the central
`control to exceed the allowable number of Service hours and
`to notify the driver that the vehicle would be disabled within
`the given period of time when authorization to exceed the
`number of allowable vehicle Service hours is not granted.
`The computer is programmed to disable a vehicle when
`authorization to exceed the allowable number of vehicle
`Service hours is not granted by the central control.
`In one embodiment, a route traveled by a vehicle is
`controlled. An authorized route is defined with an acceptable
`deviation radius. When it is determined that a location of the
`vehicle is outside the acceptable deviation radius, the
`vehicle is shut down. A computer and global positioning
`system may be used to control the route traveled by the
`vehicle. The computer is programmed to define the autho
`rized route with the authorized acceptable deviation radius.
`The global positioning System is coupled to the computer for
`determining location of the vehicle. The computer is pro
`grammed to determine whether the location of the vehicle is
`outside the acceptable radius. The computer shuts down the
`vehicle if the vehicle is outside the acceptable deviation
`radius for a predetermined period of time.
`In variations of the method for controlling a route traveled
`by the vehicle, the driver and a central controller is notified
`that the vehicle has deviated from the authorized route. An
`interface between the driver and the central control is
`provided that allows the driver to request authorization to
`deviate from the authorized route. The system determines
`whether authorization from the central control to deviate
`from the authorized route is granted. The vehicle is allowed
`to deviate from the authorized route when authorization to
`deviate from the authorized route is granted by the central
`control. The vehicle is shut down if the vehicle fails to enter
`the acceptable deviation radius or obtain authorization to
`deviate from the authorized route from the central control.
`Emergency Start instructions may be displayed when the
`vehicle is shut down. Control information may be displayed
`that allows emergency perSonnel to obtain a valid driver
`code and temporary route deviation code.
`In one embodiment, a route traveled by the vehicle is
`controlled. A perimeter is defined around a restricted area.
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`US 6,718,235 B1
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`When it is determined that a location of the vehicle is inside
`the perimeter around the restricted area, the vehicle is shut
`down. The computer and a global positioning System may be
`used to define the perimeter around a restricted area and
`determine whether the location of the vehicle is inside the
`perimeter. The computer is programmed to define a perim
`eter around the restricted area. The global positioning Sys
`tem is coupled to the computer for determining the location
`of the vehicle. The computer is programmed to determine
`whether a location of the vehicle is inside the perimeter. The
`computer shuts the vehicle down if the vehicle is inside the
`perimeter.
`In variations of the method for controlling a route traveled
`by a vehicle the driver, a central controller, and a restricted
`area Site are notified that the vehicle is in the perimeter
`around the restricted area. The System determines whether
`authorization from the restricted areas site to enter the
`perimeter of a restricted area is granted. The vehicle is
`allowed to enter the perimeter of a restricted area when
`authorization to enter the perimeter is granted. The vehicle
`is shut down if the vehicle fails to leave the perimeter or
`obtain authorization to enter the perimeter from the
`restricted area Site. Law enforcement officials may be noti
`fied that the perimeter has been breached. The vehicle may
`be reactivated by entering a valid drivers code and the
`temporary route deviation code. Emergency Start instruc
`tions may be displayed when the vehicle is shut down.
`Contact information may be displayed that allows emer
`gency perSonnel to obtain a valid driver code and a tempo
`rary route deviation code that allows the vehicle to be
`moved.
`In one embodiment, uncoupling of a vehicle trailer is
`monitored. A planned trailer uncoupling area is defined.
`When it is determined that the trailer has been uncoupled
`outside the planned uncoupling area, the System determines
`the location of the vehicle with a global positioning System.
`Uncoupling of the vehicle trailer may be monitored using an
`onboard vehicle computer and a global positioning System.
`The vehicle computer is programmed to define a planned
`trailer uncoupling area. The global positioning System is
`coupled to the computer for determining the location of the
`trailer. The computer is programmed to determine that the
`trailer has been uncoupled outside the planned uncoupling
`aca.
`In variations of the method for monitoring a vehicle
`trailer, a trailer battery backup is activated. The doors of the
`trailer are automatically locked. The fifth wheel of the
`vehicle is automatically locked. Spring brakes of the trailer
`are automatically applied. The tires may be automatically
`deflated. The trailer battery backup, the doors of the trailer,
`the fifth wheel of the vehicle, tire inflation and/or deflation
`and the spring brakes of the trailer may be controlled by the
`on board vehicle computer.
`In one embodiment, a location of the vehicle is monitored
`when the main electrical power that is Supplied to an
`onboard Vehicle computer is removed. The System deter
`mines a main electrical power Supply is not available to the
`vehicle onboard computer. A battery backup is activated to
`power the vehicle onboard computer. The System determines
`the location of the vehicle using a global positioning System.
`The location of the vehicle is transmitted to a central control.
`An onboard vehicle computer, a backup battery, a global
`positioning System and a communication System may be
`used to monitor the vehicle location when electrical power
`Supplied to the onboard vehicle computer is removed. The
`onboard vehicle computer is programmed to determine that
`the main electrical power Supply is not available to the
`
`Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Exh. 1008, p. 13
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`US 6,718,235 B1
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`S
`vehicle onboard computer. The backup battery is coupled to
`the onboard computer. The computer is programmed to
`activate the battery backup when the main electrical power
`Supply is not available to the computer. The global posi
`tioning System is coupled to the computer for determining
`the location of the vehicle. The communication System is
`coupled to the computer for transmitting the location of the
`vehicle to a central control.
`In one embodiment, vehicle maintenance is Scheduled.
`Vehicle mileage is compared to a predetermined mileage
`required for maintenance. A number of hours a vehicle
`operation is compared to a predetermined number of hours
`of vehicle operation. An indication that maintenance is
`required is provided when the vehicle mileage exceeds the
`predetermined mileage or when the number of hours of
`vehicle operation exceeds the predetermined number of
`hours of vehicle operation. The System identifies the location
`of the vehicle and provides directions to a maintenance
`facility that is near the vehicle. An onboard vehicle computer
`and display may be used to Schedule vehicle maintenance.
`The onboard Vehicle computer is programmed to compare
`the vehicle mileage to the predetermined mileage required
`for maintenance and to compare the number of hours of
`vehicle operation to a predetermined number of hours of
`vehicle operation. The display is coupled to the computer for
`providing an indication that maintenance is required while
`vehicle mileage exceeds the predetermined mileage or when
`the number of hours of vehicle operation exceeds the
`predetermined number of hours of vehicle operation. The
`global positioning System is coupled to the computer for
`identifying the location of the vehicle. The computer is
`programmed to provide directions to the maintenance facil
`ity that is near the vehicle.
`In one embodiment of the method for scheduling vehicle
`maintenance, Service is Scheduled automatically at a main
`tenance facility for the vehicle. The vehicle computer may
`be programmed to automatically Schedule the Service at the
`maintenance facility.
`Additional features of the invention will become apparent
`and a fuller understanding obtained by reading the following
`detailed description in connection with the accompanying
`drawings.
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`FIG. 11 is a flow chart depicting a System for monitoring
`unplanned loSS of main electrical power to a vehicle onboard
`computer, and,
`FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a system for scheduling
`maintenance.
`
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`The following disclosure concerns a system 10 that
`detects various conditions of a vehicle 12 and a driver 14 or
`operator that indicate that the vehicle is being used in an
`unauthorized manner and responding to the detected condi
`tions.
`Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated vehicle 12 is a
`tractor trailer 16a, 16b. It should be readily apparent that the
`System could be used with any type of vehicle, Such as an
`automobile. In the illustrated embodiment, the tractor 16a is
`equipped with an onboard computer 18, a display 20 coupled
`to the onboard computer 18 and a user interface 22 coupled
`to the onboard computer 18. The display 20 is located in the
`vehicle dash in the exemplary embodiment. The display
`displayS messages from the onboard computer 18. The
`display 20 is also used for communication with central
`control perSonnel. In the illustrated embodiment, a digital
`camera 19 is coupled to the computer 18. The digital camera
`is mounted inside the vehicle and is positioned to take a
`picture of the driver 14. The camera is mounted on the
`vehicle dash or the driver's side “A” pillar facing the person
`in the driver's seat.
`Referring to FIG. 2, a global positioning System antenna
`24 and a Satellite communications unit 26 are coupled to the
`computer 18. The computer 18 is used to monitor driver
`identification, hours behind the wheel, travel distance, driver
`reaction time and State of alertneSS, global positioning
`System information, Such as location, time and date, Speed,
`direction and distance traveled, trailer coupling Status, main
`power Supply to the unauthorized vehicle usage System
`(UVU) 10 and vehicle maintenance data and status relative
`to planned vehicle maintenance and Status.
`Referring to FIG. 1, the system 10 monitors driver iden
`tification and driver competency using the user interface 22.
`The system 10 communicates with a central control 28 and
`a restricted area site 30 and receives information from a
`global positioning Satellite 32 to detect conditions that
`indicate that the vehicle 12 is being used in an unauthorized
`fashion.
`Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment the trailer 16b
`includes a separate onboard computer 34, a global position
`ing System antenna 36 and a Satellite communications unit
`38.
`FIG. 3 shows the communication between the onboard
`computer, the driver, the tractor & trailer, central control,
`and restricted areas. The computer 18 is linked to the
`Satellite communications unit 26 which allows Satellite and
`transceiver communication and receipt of disabling com
`mands from the control center 28 or restricted area 30. The
`satellite communications unit 26 of the tractor 16a and the
`satellite communications unit 38 of the trailer 16b allow two
`way communication between the tractor 16a and the trailer
`16b. A sensor 40 is included on a trailer door 42 that is
`monitored by the onboard computer 18 or 34 to determine
`whether the trailer door 42 is open or closed. The onboard
`computer 18 monitors whether the trailer ele