Procedure and arrangement for reading driver cards

Abstract

Methods for reading information from a driver card for a vehicle, which include the following: A - Reading a driver card number from a driver card inserted into a card reader in the vehicle; B - Generating a driver card number radio signal containing the read driver card number; C - Receiving the driver card number radio signal with the driver card number in a traffic control center and forwarding the received driver card number to a processing unit, characterized in that the method further comprises: D - Determine in the processing unit whether driver data should be read from the driver card with the received driver card number, and if so, how: E - Generating a read command radio signal containing a read command and forwarding the read command to the card reader, F - Reading driver data from the driver card relating to the driver's activities, G - Generating a driver data radio signal containing the read-out driver data, H - Receiving this driver data radio signal at the aforementioned traffic control center and forwarding the received driver data to the processing unit.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement according to the preambles of the independent claims. Background of the invention

[0002] A tachograph is a device that is legally required in heavy goods vehicles and buses participating in commercial transport (there are exceptions). This device continuously records speed as well as driving and rest times. There are two methods for recording the data; the older method uses a diagram on paper (analog tachograph), but since 2005, a computer memory in the tachograph is used together with a driver card in the form of a chip card ("smartcard") to store the data (digital tachograph).

[0003] The justification for the necessity of a tachograph is the ability to monitor driving and rest times. It also enables speed monitoring. Commercial vehicles are permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 80 km / h (90 km / h on expressways and motorways), buses at 90 km / h. Commercial vehicles with trailers are permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 80 km / h; this also applies to expressways and motorways.

[0004] The use of tachographs became mandatory in the EEC from 29 September 1986 onwards through EEC Regulation 3821 / 85 of 20 December 1985. A "European Agreement on the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport" (also abbreviated as "AETR") entered into force on 31 July 1985. Regulation 561 / 2006 / EC of the European Community, adopted on 11 April 2007, specifies the driving and rest times applicable to professional drivers. These times can be monitored by employers, the police, and other authorities using tachographs.

[0005] In other words, tachographs are essentially mandatory in all European countries for vehicles subject to EU driving and rest time regulations. This includes most vehicle combinations with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

[0006] A driver may drive continuously for a maximum of 4 hours and 30 minutes, including a break. This must be followed by a break of at least 45 minutes. The maximum driving time is 9 hours, or a maximum of 10 hours per day twice a week. These regulations exist for safety reasons, to prevent drivers from becoming overly fatigued and to avoid unacceptable working conditions due to competition. There are also rules regarding weekly rest periods, the reduction of daily or weekly rest periods, situations where two people are in the vehicle simultaneously, when the vehicle uses a ferry, or when the driver is performing loading or unloading operations.

[0007] Tachographs were manipulated, for example by falsifying diagrams or installing devices that tricked the tachograph into thinking the vehicle was stationary when it was actually moving. This led to the introduction of digital tachographs with personal driver cards. This type of tachograph reads the vehicle's speed via an encrypted electrical interface and also stores this data in encrypted form. Each driver is only allowed one driver card, and they must insert this card into the tachograph for all their activities to be recorded.

[0008] The latest generation of digital tachographs can also automatically and wirelessly (via radio) transmit data from the tachograph's internal memory and from the driver card memory to a server, where the data can be stored and analyzed as required. This wireless transmission often takes place via a telematics unit installed in the vehicle with a built-in GSM / GPRS modem. The tachograph is typically connected to the telematics unit via an electrical interface, such as a CAN data bus.

[0009] Some patent documents representing this state of the art are discussed below.

[0010] US 2010 / 0273476 A1 concerns a control unit that automates the downloading of data from a tachograph. This can occur while the vehicle is being driven and also prevents the driver from neglecting or failing to archive data. Based on this automated download, data can be archived and analyzed.

[0011] US 2011 / 137517 A1 concerns a procedure in which a vehicle's driving data is automatically retrieved from the tachograph. The downloaded data is automatically evaluated and compared with rules to determine whether the driving data violates any rule.

[0012] WO 2011 / 043715 A1 describes a method and a system for establishing a connection between a vehicle and a database, the connection being used to transmit information about the tachograph. In the system, a tachograph records tachographic data when a driver card is inserted into the associated card reader.

[0013] EP 2 369 555 A1 describes a digital tachograph and a method for a tachograph, comprising a user data secondary memory for storing user-related data and a secondary memory control means for transferring user-related data between the user data primary memory or the tachograph memory and the user data secondary memory.

[0014] WO 2006 / 008527 A2 describes a digital tachograph comprising a vehicle unit, a speed sensor, a smartcard interface, a display (20), a communication interface, and an alarm. The tachograph can read data from a smartcard and / or write data to a smartcard inserted into the smartcard interface.

[0015] EP 2 110 788 A2 describes a system, together with the corresponding electronic operating unit, which is used for automatically and sequentially reading the data loaded into the personal electronic cards of truck drivers and for transmitting the same data to an electronic address assigned to each truck driver.

[0016] EP 1 717 760 A1 describes a data acquisition system for vehicle and driver data of motor vehicles, in particular trucks and buses, comprising a vehicle-side data recording device per vehicle, which interacts with a driver card; and a central storage unit at the respective vehicle location for archiving the vehicle and driver data, wherein a card interface for the driver card is installed in devices in filling stations, parking garages and / or parking lots for reading the vehicle and driver data during temporary vehicle stays and for forwarding the read data to a central data management point.

[0017] EP 2 157 551 A2 describes a tachograph data readout device for reading data, in particular driver card data and / or company data, from a digital tachograph of a commercial vehicle, comprising a card reader configured for reading a driver card of the tachograph, an interface for communicating with a mobile phone, and an electrical control unit configured for carrying out a method comprising the steps of reading a driver card data readout command from the mobile phone via the interface, reading the driver card data from the driver card via the card reader in response to the driver card data readout command, and sending the driver card data to the mobile phone via the interface.

[0018] WO 2009 / 021825 A1 describes a tachograph that digitally stores driver- and / or vehicle-related data in an internal memory and has an interface for transferring the data to external devices. This interface is freely accessible on the front panel of the tachograph and is configured for transmitting authentication data and for the subsequent transmission of data. The document also describes an arrangement equipped with this interface and a method for data transmission, in particular for downloading data via remote data retrieval.

[0019] A drawback of many current systems is that the driver has to keep track of when it's time to download the driver card data, i.e., when the driver data needs to be transferred to a central unit. There are various ways to remind the driver when it's time, but these are located in the vehicle and not linked to a specific driver card. This is a disadvantage, as it's common for a driver to use many different vehicles. Furthermore, the driver has to initiate the data transfer manually. This can be a disadvantage because the driver might forget.

[0020] Current solutions require a high degree of attention and planning regarding adherence to the time at which the driver is to download their card, in order to ensure that the download complies with applicable legal requirements.

[0021] One problem with the known solutions is that they do not offer a fully automated solution for reading driver cards.

[0022] Another problem is the need to track whether a driver card is the same during repeated starts in the vehicle, i.e., whether someone is on a longer journey.

[0023] The object of the present invention is to achieve an improved reading of driver cards which does not require any manual action on the part of the driver and also ensures that applicable regulations with regard to the reading of data from driver cards are complied with. Brief description of the invention

[0024] The aforementioned problems are solved with the help of the invention defined by the independent claims.

[0025] Preferred embodiments are defined by the independent claims.

[0026] According to the invention, there is a server designed to track when it is time to read the respective driver card. This preferably occurs at a regular and predetermined interval, such as every 28 days. The length of the interval can vary from country to country.

[0027] Whenever a driver card is used, i.e., inserted into a card reader in the vehicle, a driver card number signal with information about the card's identity is preferably generated for an external server.

[0028] The server monitors whether it is time to read the card, i.e., whether the specified interval has expired. When it is time to read the card, i.e., to transfer the respective driver data to the server, the transfer is initiated and executed.

[0029] This results in a fully automated and reliable solution, ensuring that the driver card is downloaded regularly at low cost.

[0030] The following invention is characterized by a number of advantages.

[0031] There is no need to draw up complex schedules to ensure that the driver card is read in accordance with legal regulations.

[0032] Manual follow-up routines to ensure the driver remembers to read their card are not necessary.

[0033] Driver card readouts are not lost, even if the card is not removed from the tachograph.

[0034] The number of messages required to achieve the expected function is reduced. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the arrangement according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of part of the arrangement according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention

[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Identical or similar objects in the figures have the same reference designation.

[0037] First, an arrangement in connection with reading data from a driver card 2 for a vehicle 4 according to the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 1 described.

[0038] The arrangement includes a card reader 6 designed to accept a driver card 2, read data from the driver card, and add data to it. The data on the driver card includes a driver card number, which uniquely identifies the card and links it to a driver, as well as driver data relating to the driver's activities. Driver activities may include, for example, driving and rest times. The information stored as driver data is defined by a set of rules, which was discussed in the background section above.

[0039] The arrangement further comprises a first communication unit 8, which is installed in the vehicle 4 and is designed to receive a driver card number read from the card reader 6 and to generate a driver card number radio signal 10 containing the respective driver card number. The card reader 6 communicates with the first communication unit 8 preferably via the vehicle's CAN data bus, as indicated by a bidirectional arrow.

[0040] A second communication unit 12 is housed in a traffic control center 14 and is designed to exchange information with the first communication unit 8 via radio. Communication takes place, for example, via GSM, GPRS, or another transmission technology.

[0041] The second communication unit 12 is capable of receiving the driver card number signal 10 containing the driver card number and forwarding the received driver card number to a processing unit 16. The forwarding is indicated here by a bidirectional arrow. The processing unit can consist of several different devices, such as servers, one or more of which may be under the control of a vehicle manufacturer.

[0042] A storage unit 17 is designed for storing and reading data linked to the driver card number, depending on instructions from the processing unit.

[0043] According to the invention, the processing unit 16 is designed to determine whether driver data should be read from the driver card 2 with the received driver card number.

[0044] If a readout is to take place, the processing unit 16 is suitable to generate a readout command which is forwarded to the second communication unit 12, which in turn can generate a readout command radio signal 18 containing the readout command and transmit the signal 18 to the first communication unit 8 in the vehicle.

[0045] The first communication unit 8 is designed to receive the read command signal 18 and then forward the read command to the card reader 6. As a result of receiving the read command in the card reader, driver data is read from the driver card. The read driver data is then forwarded to the first communication unit 8, which is capable of generating a driver data signal 20 containing the driver data, and forwarding the driver data signal 20 to the second communication unit 12. The received driver data is forwarded to the processing unit 16. The driver data is stored, for example, in the storage unit 17.

[0046] The schematic block diagram in Fig. Figure 2 shows in more detail how the data exchange between the first and the second communication unit 8, 12 takes place.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the processing unit 16 is suitable to determine whether driver data should be read out depending on a time parameter that is linked to the reading of driver data from the driver card 2 with the received driver card number.

[0048] The time parameter can, for example, specify the time since the last data readout. If this parameter exceeds a predefined interval, a readout is initiated. This predefined interval is determined by the regulations discussed above and can, for example, be 28 days. A clock linked to the driver card number is activated, and when the clock has registered 28 days, it is time for a new data readout.

[0049] According to another variant, the time parameter indicates the current time the driver card number was received, and if the time parameter has exceeded a predefined time, a decision is made to perform a readout. In this case, the processing unit has proceeded based on the previous readout process and calculated a new predefined time, e.g., 28 days in the future.

[0050] According to the aforementioned embodiment, the processing unit 16 is thus suitable for determining whether driver data should be read out depending on the aforementioned time parameter. This is carried out first. According to a further embodiment, when the processing unit has determined that it is time to read out driver data, a check is carried out to determine whether a predefined authentication condition, which is related to the driver card 2 and the received driver card number, is met.

[0051] This authentication condition consists of linking the respective driver card number with a company card 22.

[0052] A company card 22 is, for example, a physical chip card ("smartcard") which, simply put, allows the traffic control center 14 to read driver data from a company card using a card reader 6. In order for driver data to be read from a driver card with a specific driver card number, the number must be stored in the company card 22 or linked to it in some other way. If this authentication condition is met, a read command is generated according to the description above.

[0053] All embodiments have in common that when driver data is received by the processing unit 16, it is suitable to update the time parameter, i.e., to reset the clock to zero or to set a new time at which the data is to be read.

[0054] The present invention also relates to a method for reading data from a driver card for a vehicle. The method is designed, for example, to be carried out by the arrangements described above, and reference is made to this description in applicable cases.

[0055] The procedure is described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 3 described.

[0056] The procedure includes: A - Reading a driver card number from a driver card that is inserted into a card reader in the vehicle; B - Generating a driver card number radio signal containing a read driver card number; C - Receiving the driver card number radio signal in a traffic control center and forwarding the received driver card number to a processing unit. The method according to the invention further comprises: D - Determine in the processing unit whether driver data should be read from the driver card with the received driver card number, and if so, how: E - Generating a read command radio signal containing a read command and transmitting the read command to the card reader, F - Reading driver data from the driver card relating to the driver's activities, G - Generating a driver data radio signal containing the read-out driver data, H - Receiving this driver data radio signal at the aforementioned traffic control center and forwarding the received driver data to the processing unit.

[0057] Step D determines whether driver data should be read out. According to one embodiment, which refers to the flowchart in Fig. As will be explained in section 4, this occurs depending on a time parameter that relates to reading driver data from the driver card with the received driver card number.

[0058] The flowchart shows sub-steps D1 and D2 of step D for implementing this embodiment. Accordingly, the time parameter denotes the time since the last read operation, and if the time parameter exceeds a predefined interval, a decision is made to perform a read. Alternatively, the time parameter indicates the current time, and if the time parameter has exceeded a predefined time, a decision is made to perform a read. This was also described above in connection with the description of the arrangement. In step D1, the received driver card number is identified, e.g., in a database in which, among other things, the time parameter is stored in connection with the driver card number. In step D2, it is determined whether the time parameter has expired or not.The process checks whether a certain time has elapsed; if so, it continues with step E (step D3 belongs to a different embodiment). If the time parameter has not yet expired, then it is not yet time to read driver data, and the process returns to the start.

[0059] According to yet another execution method, in step D3 (see Fig. 4) It is checked whether a predefined authentication condition, which is linked to the driver card with the received driver card number, is met. If this is the case, the process continues with step E; otherwise, the procedure returns to the start. As mentioned above, the authentication condition involves linking the aforementioned driver card number to a company card, as discussed above.

[0060] The time parameter is updated when step H is completed, i.e., when the driver data has been received.

[0061] The invention also includes a computer program product 24 (see Fig. 1) which includes computer program instructions configured to perform the steps according to the procedure described above when the computer program instructions are executed in a computer system, the computer program product being readable by a computer.

[0062] From a systems engineering perspective, it is also better if the system itself can decide on and execute the download in order to achieve a balanced load on the system and avoid waiting loops.

[0063] Improved scheduling is needed to continue offering the current remote download services.

[0064] When a driver card is inserted into the card reader, the driver card number is read. The driver card number is also read every time the vehicle is started.

[0065] To avoid sending a driver card number signal every time the card is inserted or the vehicle is started, one embodiment of the invention allows for a process based on normal driver behavior. For example, if the driver typically inserts the card 10 times per month, it is not necessary to send a driver card number signal for the first 7 times (as an example), but only for the eighth time and thereafter. This reduces data traffic from the vehicle and simplifies its management. This can be achieved, for example, by having the tachograph or another device in the vehicle track how often the card is inserted or the vehicle is started per unit of time, e.g., per month.

[0066] If driver cards are not changed in a vehicle, the frequency of queries can be optimized by also generating a moving average value for the number of starts and times that actually led to a download.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the processing unit or other units connected to the traffic control center are suitable for handling the situation even when driver data from more than one driver card needs to be read practically simultaneously and the driver cards are linked to the same company card. In this case, the downloads are scheduled to run in sequence, with the first identified driver card being downloaded first, then the second identified card, and so on. Alternatively, the driver card with the highest priority is downloaded first.

[0068] Prioritization is preferably governed by a set of rules, initially based on the time it took to download driver data from a particular card. As described above, driver cards must initially be downloaded in descending chronological order, meaning that those whose download was the oldest and therefore most urgently need to be downloaded—for example, to prevent data loss and comply with overarching regulations—are processed first and have the highest priority.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Various variants, modifications, and equivalents are possible. The above embodiments are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope of protection of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Method for reading information from a driver card for a vehicle, comprising: A - Reading a driver card number from a driver card inserted into a card reader in the vehicle; B - Generating a driver card number radio signal containing the read driver card number; C - Receiving the driver card number radio signal with the driver card number in a traffic control center and forwarding the received driver card number to a processing unit, characterized by , that the procedure further includes: D - Determine in the processing unit whether driver data should be read from the driver card with the received driver card number, and if so, how: E - Generating a read command radio signal containing a read command and forwarding the read command to the card reader, F - Reading driver data from the driver card relating to the driver's activities, G - Generating a driver data radio signal containing the read-out driver data, H - Receiving this driver data radio signal at the aforementioned traffic control center and forwarding the received driver data to the processing unit. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein in step D it is determined whether driver data should be read out depending on a time parameter relating to a readout of driver data from the driver card with the received driver card number. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the time parameter specifies the time since the last readout process and, if the time parameter exceeds a predetermined interval, it is determined that a readout should take place. [4] Method according to claim 2, wherein the time parameter indicates the current time and, if the time parameter has exceeded a predetermined time, it is determined that a readout should take place. [5] Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein in step D it is determined whether driver data should be read out depending on the time parameter and whether one or more predefined authentication condition(s) relating to the driver card with the received driver card number is / are fulfilled. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein these authentication conditions include the reference of the corresponding driver card number to a company card. [7] Method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the time parameter in step H is updated when the driver data is received. [8] Arrangement for reading information from a driver card (2) for a vehicle (4), the arrangement comprising: - a card reader (6) designed to accept a driver card (2) and to read data from the driver card and to add data to the driver card, the data comprising a driver card number and driver data relating to the driver's activities, - a first communication unit (8) which is arranged in the vehicle (4) and is designed to receive a read driver card number from the card reader (6) and to generate a driver card number radio signal (10) which contains the corresponding driver card number, - a second communication unit (12) arranged in a traffic processing unit (14) and designed to communicate with the first communication unit (8), wherein the second communication unit (12) is designed to receive the driver card number signals (10) with the driver card number and forward the received driver card number to a processing unit (16), characterized by, that the processing unit (16) is suitable for determining whether a readout from the driver card (2) with the received driver card number should be carried out, and if a readout should be carried out, the processing unit (16) is suitable for generating a readout command which is forwarded to the second communication unit (12) which is suitable for generating a readout command signal (18) which contains the said readout command, and for forwarding the signal (18) to the first communication unit (8), whereby this readout command is forwarded to the card reader (6) which performs a readout of driver data;the read-out driver data is then forwarded to the first communication unit (8), which is suitable for generating a driver data signal (20) containing the driver data, and for forwarding the driver data signal (20) by radio to the second communication unit (12), whereupon the received driver data is forwarded to the processing unit (16). [9] Arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the processing unit (16) is suitable to determine whether driver data should be read out depending on a time parameter relating to the reading of driver data from the driver card (2) with the received driver card number. [10] Arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the time parameter specifies the time since the last readout process and, if the time parameter exceeds a predetermined interval, it is determined that a readout should take place. [11] Arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the time parameter indicates the current time and, if the time parameter has exceeded a predetermined time, a decision is made that a readout should take place. [12] Arrangement according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the processing unit (16) is suitable to determine whether driver data should be read out depending on the time parameter and whether one or more predefined authentication condition(s) relating to the driver card (2) with the received driver card number is / are fulfilled. [13] Arrangement according to claim 12, wherein these authentication conditions include the reference of the corresponding driver card number to a company card (22). [14] Arrangement according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the processing unit (16) is suitable to update the said time parameter when it receives driver data. [15] Computer program product containing computer program instructions configured to perform the steps according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 7 when the computer program instructions are executed in a computer system, wherein the computer program product can be read by a computer.

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