System and method for remotely monitoring the connect/disconnect status of a multiple part vehicle
AssigneeSecura Corporation
InventorsJoseph V. DiLullo, Stephan C. Schifter, Michael Negin, Kenneth W. Paist
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for monitoring the status of a multiple part vehicle. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a tag for placement on a second part of the vehicle. The tag communicates a unique ID code to an interface unit on the first part of the vehicle. The interface unit detects the presence of a valid ID code, and in response, provides an indication that the second part of the vehicle is connected. A transmitter provides data indicative of the connect/disconnect status of the vehicle to a central station. Vehicle position data may also be provided to the central station.
Claims43
Status monitoring apparatus for a vehicle having a first part and at least one second part comprising:
- (a) tag means for placement on the second part of the vehicle, the tag providing a unique ID code;
- (b) processing means for placement on the first part of the vehicle for detecting the presence of a valid ID code from the tag means and or providing a status indication that the second part has been connected to the first part when a valid ID code is detected and that the second part has been disconnected from the first part when a valid ID code has not been detected;
- and,
- (c) transmitting means for placement on the first part of the vehicle for transmitting at least the status indication to a remote location.
Status monitoring system for a vehicle of the type comprising a tractor and a detachable trailer, the tractor having a power source coupled to a power bus with a power cable that is connectable to the trailer to energize a power bus of the trailer, the system comprising:
- a) a tag on the trailer for electronically impressing an ID code onto a medium when the trailer's power bus is energized, the ID code uniquely identifying the trailer;
- b) an interface unit (IFU) on the tractor for detecting the presence of a valid ID code on the medium and for providing a status indication that a trailer is connected to the tractor when a valid ID code is detected and that no trailer is connected to the tractor when a valid ID code is not detected;
- and,
- c) a transmitter for receiving the status indication from the IFU and transmitting at least the status indication at periodic intervals to a receiving station.
Method of monitoring the status of a multiple part vehicle having a first and at least one second part comprising the steps of:
- a) impressing a unique ID code on a medium when the second part of the vehicle is connected to the first part of the vehicle;
- b) detecting whether a valid ID code has been impressed on the medium;
- c) providing a status indication representing the connect/disconnect status of the second part of the vehicle based upon the result of step (b);
- d) transmitting the status indication, and also the ID code if a valid ID code has been detected, a to a central station at periodic intervals;
- and,
- e) transmitting the status indication and the ID code to the central station upon any change in the status indication.
Apparatus according to claim wherein the transmitter transmits at least the status indication to a satellite, and data indicative of vehicle position is determined remotely of the vehicle based, at least in part, upon the transmission from the transmitter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.