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US6505106B1 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Analysis and profiling of vehicle fleet data

Assignee: MediaTek Inc
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Filing: 1999-05-06
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Granted: 2003-01-07
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Expires: 2019-05-06
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Data records transmitted from a plurality of vehicles are collected at a central data repository, where realtime or batch analysis and profiling can take place to facilitate vehicle fleet maintenance. Preferably, each data record includes data derived by synchronizing on-board diagnostic computer output and GPS 3-dimensional location data, correlated by time and tagged with vehicle identification information, and is forwarded to the central data repository via cellular Internet. The central data repository includes analysis and profiling routines to identify immediate operational problems on a given vehicle, e.g., engine overheating, as well as overall fleet operational behavior, i.e. which vehicles, drivers and routes lead, over time, to increased maintenance costs. As data is collected over time, the experience database becomes more and more valuable and enables the fleet manager to improve its fleet operational decisions, such as route scheduling, maintenance scheduling, vehicle purchasing, driver assignments, and the like.

Inventors

  • 👤 Kelvin Roderick Lawrence
  • 👤 Jay A. Tunkel

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-27 00:39
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C5/00; G07C5/008; G01; G01M; G01M15/00; G01M15/04; G01M15/05; G01M17/00; G01M17/007

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim 176 words
A method in a data processing system for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising the steps of: receiving multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; analyzing the correlated diagnostic and position data over time to identify a given maintenance problem, wherein the identified maintenance problem is at least one of a vehicle route, a given driver, and a vehicle route-driver combination that, for a given vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle over a given time period; and taking an action to resolve the identified maintenance problem, wherein the action comprises at least one of assigning a given vehicle an alternate route to avoid the vehicle route, assigning a new driver to the given vehicle to avoid the vehicle-driver combination, and scheduling preventive maintenance for vehicles that use the vehicle route.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 176 words
A method in a data processing system for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising the steps of: receiving multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; analyzing the correlated diagnostic and position data over time to identify a given maintenance problem, wherein the identified maintenance problem is at least one of a vehicle route, a given driver, and a vehicle route-driver combination that, for a given vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle over a given time period; and taking an action to resolve the identified maintenance problem, wherein the action comprises at least one of assigning a given vehicle an alternate route to avoid the vehicle route, assigning a new driver to the given vehicle to avoid the vehicle-driver combination, and scheduling preventive maintenance for vehicles that use the vehicle route.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 32 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the correlated data is analyzed over a given time period to identify given vehicles in the fleet that exhibit out of specification operation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the streams of correlated data are stored at a data repository.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the correlated streams are received over a wireless Internet communications link.
Claim 6
Independent Claim 113 words
A method in a data processing system for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising the steps of: receiving multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; and analyzing the correlated diagnostic and position data over time to identify a given maintenance problem, wherein the identified maintenance problem is a given vehicle-driver combination that, for a given vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle over a given period of time.
Claim 7
Independent Claim 113 words
A method in a data processing system for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising the steps of: receiving multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; and analyzing the correlated diagnostic and position data over time to identify a given maintenance problem, wherein the identified maintenance problem is a given vehicle-driver combination that, for a given vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle over a given period of time.
Claim 8
Independent Claim 106 words
A method in a data processing system for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising the steps of: receiving multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; analyzing the correlated diagnostic and position data over a given time period to identify a given vehicle route that is associated with increased maintenance costs; and assigning given vehicles an alternate route to avoid the given vehicle route.
Claim 9
Independent Claim 106 words
A method in a data processing system for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising the steps of: receiving multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; analyzing the correlated diagnostic and position data over a given time period to identify a given vehicle route that is associated with increased maintenance costs; and assigning given vehicles an alternate route to avoid the given vehicle route.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 177 words
A computer program product in a computer-readable medium for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising: means for receiving and storing multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; means for analyzing the correlated data to identify a given maintenance problem, wherein the identified maintenance problem is at least one of a vehicle route, a given driver, and a vehicle route-driver combination that, for a given vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle over a given time period; and means for taking an action to resolve the identified maintenance problem, wherein the action comprises at least one of assigning a given vehicle an alternate route to avoid the vehicle route, assigning a new driver to the given vehicle to avoid the vehicle-driver combination, and scheduling preventive maintenance for vehicles that use the vehicle route.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 177 words
A computer program product in a computer-readable medium for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising: means for receiving and storing multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; means for analyzing the correlated data to identify a given maintenance problem, wherein the identified maintenance problem is at least one of a vehicle route, a given driver, and a vehicle route-driver combination that, for a given vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle over a given time period; and means for taking an action to resolve the identified maintenance problem, wherein the action comprises at least one of assigning a given vehicle an alternate route to avoid the vehicle route, assigning a new driver to the given vehicle to avoid the vehicle-driver combination, and scheduling preventive maintenance for vehicles that use the vehicle route.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 24 words
The computer program product as described in claim 7 wherein the analyzing means includes means for identifying a vehicle having a given operating condition.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 27 words
The computer program product as described in claim 7 wherein the analyzing means includes means for identifying which routes force vehicles to exhibit out of specification operation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 98 words
A computer program in a computer-readable medium for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising: means for receiving and storing multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicle and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; and means for analyzing the correlated data to identify a given maintenance problem wherein the analyzing means includes means for identifying vehicle/driver combinations that result in increased maintenance costs.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 98 words
A computer program in a computer-readable medium for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising: means for receiving and storing multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicle and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; and means for analyzing the correlated data to identify a given maintenance problem wherein the analyzing means includes means for identifying vehicle/driver combinations that result in increased maintenance costs.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 151 words
A server, comprising: a data repository; means for receiving and storing in the data repository multiple data records of correlated data, each data record from one of a plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; and means for analyzing the correlated data to identify a given maintenance problem, wherein the identified maintenance problem is at lest one of a vehicle route, a given driver, and a vehicle route-driver combination that, for a given vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle over a given time period; and means for taking an action to resolve the identified maintenance problem, wherein the action comprises at least one of assigning a given vehicle an alternate route to avoid the vehicle route, assigning a new driver to the given beguile to avoid the vehicle-driver combination, and scheduling preventive maintenance foe vehicles that use the vehicle route.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 151 words
A server, comprising: a data repository; means for receiving and storing in the data repository multiple data records of correlated data, each data record from one of a plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; and means for analyzing the correlated data to identify a given maintenance problem, wherein the identified maintenance problem is at lest one of a vehicle route, a given driver, and a vehicle route-driver combination that, for a given vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle over a given time period; and means for taking an action to resolve the identified maintenance problem, wherein the action comprises at least one of assigning a given vehicle an alternate route to avoid the vehicle route, assigning a new driver to the given beguile to avoid the vehicle-driver combination, and scheduling preventive maintenance foe vehicles that use the vehicle route.
Claim 18
Independent Claim 172 words
A system for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising: receiving means for receiving multiple streams of correlated data, each stream form on of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; analyzing means for analyzing the correlated data to identify a given maintenance problem, wherein the identified maintenance problem is at least one of a vehicle route, a given driver, and a vehicle route-driver combination that, for a given vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle over a given time period; and resolution means for taking an action to resolve the identified maintenance problem, wherein the action comprises at least one of assigning a given vehicle an alternate route to avoid the vehicle route, assigning a new driver to the given vehicle to avoid the vehicle-driver combination, and scheduling preventive maintenance for vehicles that use the vehicle route.
Claim 19
Independent Claim 172 words
A system for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising: receiving means for receiving multiple streams of correlated data, each stream form on of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; analyzing means for analyzing the correlated data to identify a given maintenance problem, wherein the identified maintenance problem is at least one of a vehicle route, a given driver, and a vehicle route-driver combination that, for a given vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle over a given time period; and resolution means for taking an action to resolve the identified maintenance problem, wherein the action comprises at least one of assigning a given vehicle an alternate route to avoid the vehicle route, assigning a new driver to the given vehicle to avoid the vehicle-driver combination, and scheduling preventive maintenance for vehicles that use the vehicle route.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 31 words
The system as recited in claim 12 wherein the correlated data is analyzed over a given time period to identify given vehicles in the fleet that exhibit out of specification operation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 20 words
The system as recited in claim 12 , wherein the streams of correlated data are stored at a data repository.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 20 words
The system as recited in claim 12 , wherein the correlated streams are received over a wireless Internet communications link.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 108 words
A computer program product in a computer-readable medium for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising: means for receiving multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; means for analyzing the correlated data over a given time period to identify a given vehicle route that is associated with increased maintenance costs; and means for assigning a given vehicle an alternate route to avoid the given vehicle route.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 108 words
A computer program product in a computer-readable medium for analysis of data generated by a plurality of vehicles in a fleet, wherein each of the vehicles is equipped with an onboard diagnostic device and a global positioning system, comprising: means for receiving multiple streams of correlated data, each stream from one of the plurality of vehicles and containing correlated diagnostic and position data in a time stamped format; means for analyzing the correlated data over a given time period to identify a given vehicle route that is associated with increased maintenance costs; and means for assigning a given vehicle an alternate route to avoid the given vehicle route.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2006-01-06 2006-07-08 2007-01-07 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2010-01-06 2010-07-08 2011-01-07 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2014-01-06 2014-07-08 2015-01-07 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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