WO2002003346A1

WO2002003346A1 - Vehicle information systems on-board recorder ('visor') for trucks

Info

Publication number: WO2002003346A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/020342
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shmuel Dotan
Original assignee: Hercules T. Ltd.; Karmali, Rashida, A.
Priority date: 2000-06-30
Filing date: 2001-06-27
Publication date: 2002-01-10
Also published as: AU2001273004A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to pressure sensing and weight recording devices for trucks, tractors, trains, cargo cars, ships and shipping containers, trailers, buses, airplanes and vehicles in general, and more particularly to the Vehicle Information Systems On-board Recorder (VISOR) (10). The VISOR (10) is a tamper-proof a data processor that is portable, affordable and easily installed on the chassis (5) or comparable structure. It is connected to auxiliary pressure sensing units (3, 4 to N) and a monitor in the truck cab. Accurate weight measurement and changes in cargo load and distribution, plus traffic safety matters such as speed are registered in memory by the VISOR (10). The VISOR (10), like the 'black box' of an airplane is tamper-proof and accessible only by a password, to appropriate authorities.

Description

VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEMS ON-BOARD RECORDER ("VISOR") FOR TRUCKS

1. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pressure sensing and recording devices for trucks, tractors, trailers, trains, cargo cars, shipping containers and cargo ships, buses, airplanes and vehicles in general, and more particularly to the vehicle information systems on-board recorder (VISOR). The invention comprises of a data processing unit housed in a tamper-proof unit that is easily portable, and is installed on the chassis or comparable structure in a vehicle. The VISOR is connected to auxiliary pressure sensing units and a monitor. Changes in cargo load and distribution and problems of stability and safety in traffic are registered by the VISOR and an instantaneous and continuous readout is provided on the monitor which is prominently located in the cab of the truck.

Traditionally, truck weighing has been carried out using small, portable wheel scales carried by the law enforcement personnel or vehicle weight specialists.

The term "trucks" as used herein is defined as including light and heavy trucks, vans, buses, trains, ships, airplanes of different shapes and sizes, and manufactured worldwide. These trucks are used to transport various types of cargo including, but not limited to, bulk loads, freight packages, people, animals or a combination of any one of them. More elaborate and safer weighing procedures are associated with fixed weigh stations located adjacent to major highways and providing truck access by on-and off-ramp structures. However, overloaded trucks will avoid traveling highway sections at which the scales are located. Similarly, operators attempting to avoid law enforcement, for example, drunk while intoxicated, will avoid traveling major highway sections.

On-board weighing systems or weigh-in-motion systems have been designed for safety control or for commercial purposes, to prevent overloaded trucks from traveling highways and causing unsafe roadway conditions. There are several examples of on-board scales in the prior art. These prior art systems for on-board weighing have been subject to numerous problems that do not make them practical for general use. All the systems described in the prior art are easily programmable and can be modified to circumvent regulatory standards and/or law enforcement authorities. Some are designed to be virtually built into the suspension system itself and when damaged, the whole system needs to be repaired. Others incorporate numerous moving parts and linkages such that they may work well for a limited time under static conditions but not over-the-road driving conditions.

Some truck scales employ airbag suspension. These scales are expensive, having a display only by LED's, are self mounting, have a low accuracy and are suitable for use only by the trucker and not the inspectors.

Others are marginally accurate due to drift in response to variations in temperature and other weather conditions. One such prior art on-board scale described in WO 99/05484, includes a weighing system and a comparator for comparing the measured total vehicle weight value with a threshold value, for safety purposes. The system employs a load sensor which can be a weight sensor or a pressure sensor. This load sensor creates an output signal which is proportional to the actual load. The comparator is part of a control unit that is in communication with each of the load sensors. Whenever an output signal generated exceeds a threshold value, an indication unit generates a visible or audible alarm. The specification describes the control unit as a "black box" and teaches that the main advantage of the black box is that it is easily programmable by software and thus, can be used as an add-on to any vehicle by changing the manufacturer's threshold settings for load

However, what is being described as an advantage in WO 99/05484 poses a serious problem in monitoring the weight of trucks since it assumes that the operator will change the settings to abide by standards set by the manufacturer. For a number of different reasons, it is likely that the operator may be tempted to alter standard settings in order to avoid legal penalty due to carrying excess cargo load.

Excess weight of trucks affects the control of the vehicle and makes it difficult to navigate regardless of whether the roads are dry or wet. Moreover, the manner in which the load is distributed affects the performance of the vehicle irrespective of the experience or quality of the operator. It is a well-known fact that excess cargo often creates commercial inducements that override any safety consideration through ignorance, recklessness or unreasonable risk taking.

Transportation entities charged with the maintenance and development of highways are particularly concerned with the deterioration of highways by heavy commercial vehicles. In addition to achieving the maximum legal payload, care must be taken not to exceed the load limit for each axle. Generally, the operator desires to minimize the loading time while achieving the maximum allowable payload during initial loading. That is, the operator desires to quickly load up to the legal limit and maximize his profit by using the full hauling capacity of the trailer.

Accordingly, it is generally desirable to have a tamper-proof weight measuring and data processing unit that enables precise monitoring of the cargo weight and enables lawful management of the hauling capacity and/or driving conditions for different types of trucks. In addition to achieving the maxim legal payload, care must be taken to ensure that the weighing and/or data processing systems are not "fixed" or tampered with, by programming or "infecting" the system to mislead the inspectors and the public in general. Instead of having one intact weighing system, the system should comprise of several components of sensor units, each of which can be repaired separately without affecting the performance of the overall system.

2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a tamper-proof electronic device and weighing system - the vehicle information systems on-board recorder (VISOR)- is provided for use in a truck or vehicles in general. The VISOR is provided to monitor and record any excess weight and/or distribution of the cargo in real time and in memory. The VISOR addresses the safety issues, is affordable, portable, convenient to install, accurate and has memory capacity that enables storage of data which can be useful not only in safety and commercial matters but in compiling traffic trends.

The present invention is developed to provide a method and apparatus for weighing trucks that are either static or in motion.

The present invention comprises of a plurality of sensor units installed in the area of the springs and various components of the truck, to gauge the actual weight of each of the auxiliary attachments to the truck and/or the sum total weight of the cargo and the truck.

The preferred embodiment comprises of (a) sensor units for measuring pressure, (b) conversion units for measuring distance, (c) an electronic conversion circuit, (d) a viewing screen indicating the weight and/or any other data parameters processed, and (e) a VISOR including a data processing system, a memory system for entry of data and system for extracting data from memory.

In the preferred embodiment, the VISOR is contained within a protective housing containing a secure seal that is tamper-proof and which can be opened only by authorized personnel and officials who will be assigned passwords.

The preferred embodiment of the memory system comprises of data including, but not limited to, the date, time, weight, and destination points. Distance traveled of driving and weather conditions. Such data is retrievable from memory at any time and provides a readable record for that VISOR. The VISOR is programmed to disallow or abort any attempts at altering the record in memory.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the VISOR is provided with a panel of warning signals, each signal indicating when the allowable limit is exceeded for that signal's parameter. For example, if one of the sensors on the springs is defective or damaged, or if the cargo weight distribution is asymmetric, or the truck has stability or balancing problems in traffic, or whether there has been an illegal theft of goods or substitution in the cargo load. The different embodiments of the present invention provide methods for measuring the distance of the declivity of the chassis in the direction of the vehicle's axles while the vehicle is being loaded, using routine technologies which include, but are not limited to, Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT), Non Contact (magnetic) Displacement Transformer (NCDT), Non Contact Inductive Transformer (NCIT), Non Contact Capacitive Transformer (NCCT), Non Contact Optical Displacement (NCOD), Draw Wire Displacement Sensors (DWDS), or air pressure gauge sensor (APGS). This invention is described by appended claims in relation to description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the following drawings:

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a simplified drawing of the present invention showing the external view of the contacting members the chassis (1 ), the springs (2), the axle (3), the clamp to the transducer (4), the clamp to the chassis (5), the cylinder covering the transducer (6), and the truck spring clamp (7) in relation to the wheel (8).

Fig. 2 is a simplified drawing of the present invention depicting the truck VISOR from its external view, depicting the VISOR cover (9) and the VISOR box (10).

Fig. 3 is a detailed diagram of the internal structure of the truck VISOR showing the VISOR box (10), the input/output (I/O) connector (11 ), the tamper switch (12), the electrical print circuit (13), the VISOR cover (9) and the special locking screws of the VISOR (14).

Figs. 4 represents the live model of a display color monitor internal structure of the truck VISOR.

Fig. 5 is a diagram describing the internal structure of the display monitor including the display box (16), the main electrical print circuit for the display monitor (17), the potentiometer print circuit (18), the push button print circuit (19), the display card (20), the potentiometer knobs (21 ), the color display (15) and the push buttons (22).

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the exploded view of the main components of the scale including the transducer (4), chassis (1 ), the spring (2), the spring clamp (7), the axle (3), the transducer damp (4), and the spring to chassis clamp (5).

Fig. 7 describes the schematic of electronic truck scale device including 2 circuits - an upper one and a lower one, the analog transducers (1 ) and (2), the voltage and current regulators 5. The regulator 5 stabilizes and smoothens the signals existing out of the transducers (1 ) and (2). A plurality of analog amplifier (7), (8) to (N), are placed after the regulator (5) to make the signals strong and stable, and eventually reach the A/D converter (11 ). Air pressure sensors (3) and (4) to (N) are connected to regulator (6) and their circuits are in symmetry to the upper circuit above, the only difference being that the signals are for air sensors. Unit (13) is a transmitter/receiver (tx/rx). It is also called a "Transceiver" antenna. It is connected to an A D converter (14). An electronic switch (15) is located between the upper circuits and the lower circuit. This switch (15) is engaged for different types of scale settings which include spring trucks, air cushion suspension trucks or both methods. Included also are the RESET (to reset the system to start) and POWER (connected to the truck battery) switches. Fig. 8 describes a schematic block diagram showing the accelerator data (16), the weight sensor data (17), and the speed data (18), all feeding into the A/D converter (19) which is connected to the microprocessor controller (21 ), the controller (21 ) is regulated by the microprocessor "CLOCK" (20). Component (22) represents the display monitor upon which is displayed all the informational data, component (23) has the transmitter/receiver data I/O (in/out), component (24) has the systems memory and component (25) contains the I/O data information.

Fig. 9 is a different embodiment of the microprocessor including component (26) showing the accelerator data, component (27) displaying the weight sensor data, component (28) having the speed data and unit (29) representing the truck. (30) is the A/D converter, which is connected to the data portals (26), (27) and (28). Component (31 ) is the real time switch and component (32) is the tamper switch. The main processor (33) is connected to (i) the monitor (34) which displays the data, warnings and indicators; (ii) the printer including the pushbuttons and display print (35); (iii) the main print (36) in the display, (iv) the rear I/O data terminal, (v) the I/O memory terminal (38), (vi) the memory panel (39) and (vii) the transmitter/receiver data output.

Fig. 10 describes a panel which describes the various control gauges and safety related data including the screen real time clock (41), the blinking hazard indicator for over weight (42), the indicator for instability of cargo (43), the tachograph at real time (44), the intensity control for the screen (46), the real time speedometer (47), the screen load time (48), the screen unload time (49), the hazard sound alarm for over weight (50), the double pushbutton in (load time) and out (unload time) (51 ), the double pushbutton in (tachograph reading) and out (speed on time) (52), the double pushbutton in (weight) and out (stability of the truck in 3D) (53), the screen (54) and the display box (55).

4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following sets forth a detailed description of the best-contemplated mode for carrying out the invention. This description is intended to be illustrative of the invention and should not be taken to be limiting.

Referring to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, one of the preferred embodiments of a vehicle information systems on-board recorder (VISOR) (10) includes a cable-extension position transducer (6 ). This model of the VISOR is compact, inexpensive and easy to use. The VISOR provides a combination of a strong stainless steel cable and an optical plate, said optical plate having an accuracy level of measuring distances of up to 50-pulse output per 1mm. The VISOR is small, light (about 3 lbs in weight), durable, and accurate and produces reproducible measurements. It is thus highly suitable for measuring changes in total weight as well as distribution of the load during the course of routine loading and off-loading of trucks, especially those used in hauling goods cross country. The VISOR (10 ) may be placed in a two-part cylinder to protect it from damage, and is connected by brackets to every axle (3 ) preferably near the spring (2 ). It is hooked to the chassis (5 ) by additional brackets. Thus it is easy to handle and does not interfere with the structure of the truck as a whole because its installment requires no drilling or soldering besides the brackets and screws. The input voltage for the VISOR is in the range of 5 to 30 volts DC.

An important feature of the present invention is its response time, which is quick and accurate in relation to changes in distance between the chassis (5) and the springs (2 ). Thus, by monitoring the characteristics of the springs and the high sensitivity of detecting even the smallest of changes, the information on the weight can be processed accurately and rapidly. The VISOR produces a digital output of data that is compatible with the processor and requires relatively simple electronic circuits.

Referring to Fig. 7 to Fig. 10, the plurality of transducers (1), (2) to (N) are supplied with energy from the truck's battery via a main fuse of the system. When a load is added to the truck, the transducers send a signal which passes through voltage and current regulators (7 ) to be stabilized to an analog signal, said analog signal then reaches the amplifiers (7, 8 to N) and is converted to a suitable signal for processing. It is then converted to a digital signal and processed in the microprocessor (21 ).

The plurality of pressure sensors (3, 4 to N) also send a signal when the load is added to the truck and similarly, as above, the signal undergoes conversions before being processed in the microprocessor (21 ).

The microprocessor (21 ) has a self-clock (20 ) which regulates the speed at which the signal is processed and is the control center for the entire system. All data is fed into the processor and is processed therein. The tamper switch (32 ) is connected to the processor and records in memory the moment (time and date) that the VISOR cover is removed.

Inside the truck, train, or ship cabin is provided a monitor (22 ) with control push buttons for various data including, among others, speed (47), load (48) and unload time (49), sound alarm (50), real time clock (41) or a tachograph at real time (44). The driver or inspector can obtain various types of information by applying the appropriate switch, for example for a 3D view of the truck, the truck's load balance, or the weight on each axle wheel. At the time that the truck is being loaded, the driver may opt to take the display box (22 ) out of the cabin and connect it to the rear of the truck, thus enabling him to coordinate and monitor in real time, the manner in which the truck is loaded. As a result the correct weight is loaded in the order that maintains the balance of the entire truck. All the information such as weight distribution, the actual packaging of the trailer and time are registered by the processor. Such information is seen in real time and in 3D and is stored in memory, to be accessed later. In the event of a change in weight during transit due to evaporation of water or dehydration of the cargo, due to spoilage of fresh produce, to substitution of registered cargo with illegal goods, even the slightest of change will be recorded by the VISOR.

In the event of an overload or failure of load balance, the hazard light (red) on the display screen goes on, and continues to blink. The sound alarm also alerts the driver or the inspector of hazardous or illegal loading conditions. The information stored in the VISOR is tamper-proof, and in the event of an accident or some other traffic event, the authorities can receive all the information as registered by such VISOR. The authorities may also access such information from the VISOR from a distance of about 500 meters with laser technology that is currently used to check vehicle speed.

The present invention also provides an embodiment such as a special "gun check" for transmitting and receiving information from the VISOR, from a distance.

The information is stored in flash memory for a long time and the capacity of storage will be determined for different uses. Access to the VISOR memory is only given to authorized users by use of a Password and special commands and procedure.

The present invention also provides an embodiment to enable the use of such password and procedure to regulate the access of information by the appropriate authorities. The present invention provides an effective tool for evaluating risk and insurance policy premiums for operators of trucks, trains, ships and all modes of transport.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the embodiment disclosed in the example which is intended as an illustration of one aspect of the invention and any methods and devices which are functionally equivalent are within the scope of the invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for determining the weight of a truck, such truck being movably supported by wheels in contact with a surface, and comprising: a VISOR including a data processing microprocessor, a memory system for storage of data, and a means for extracting data from memory; a plurality of sensor units installed in the springs, axle or chassis, each sensory unit being configured to exhibit difference in distance due to the dynamic force imposed thereon on the truck part, said sensor units being operatively connected to the VISOR, and having input signals of amplitude variable in response to said dynamic force; and a monitor including a viewing screen and a plurality of push buttons representing different data, said monitor being connected by an electric circuit to the means for extracting data from memory in the VISOR and deriving the value of weight of the truck.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the VISOR is provided having an amplifier to filter out noise and stabilize the signal.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein, a transmitter/receiver is located in the processor to generate a substantially peak amplitude value of the output signal representing the weight equivalent value.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the data processor is provided with a digital converter, thereby deriving said output signal as digital signal to identify the weight equivalent.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the VISOR is protected from damage by placing it in a housing unit, and the housing unit is built to be tamper-free.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the VISOR is equipped with data processing instrumentation that is suitable to measure changes in the weight and distribution of the cargo on the truck.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a gun check to monitor data in the VISOR from a distance.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a unit which is programmed to receive a password and allow access to the user.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an indicator which detects data which have exceeded a threshold standard level, said indicator operatively associated with setting off an alarm or a blinking hazard signal.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a unit that outputs the weight value to a readout.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 , including memory capacity for storing a calibrating datum acquired during manufacturing or in response to the application of a known calibrating unit to said VISOR.

12. A method for determining characteristics of a truck, such as weight, the method comprising the steps of : providing a plurality of remote sensor units which are attached to truck parts such as springs, axle or chassis, providing a data processor operatively connected with the sensor units having input signals variable in response to the cargo to be weighed, converting said input signals to digital values and storing the data in memory, and acquiring said select digital value to be displayed on a visual screen.