Telematics Device and Equipment Data Reporting Methodology

Abstract

The data reporting telematics device includes a controller, a device battery, and a transceiver for transmitting telematics signals including data related to an equipment having a battery, during an inactive state of the equipment, (i) if the equipment battery voltage is greater than a first equipment battery threshold, the transceiver is powered by the equipment battery to transmit signals at a first interval, (ii) if the equipment battery voltage is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than a second threshold and the device battery voltage is greater than the device battery threshold, the transceiver is powered by the device battery to transmit signals at a second interval, and (iii) if the equipment battery voltage is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold and the device battery voltage is less than or equal to the device battery threshold, the transceiver is powered by the equipment battery to transmit signals at a third interval, and the device battery is recharged from the equipment battery.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 17 / 651,160, filed February 15, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a telematics device and a method for reporting equipment related data. [Background technology]

[0003] Telematics technology utilizes sensors, controllers, and telecommunication devices / systems to sense, report, and monitor information related to various equipment, such as vehicles, scissor lifts, boom lifts, forklifts, and other machines. In particular, sensors connected to the equipment, such as battery monitors, fuel sensors, Global Positioning System (GPS), and other sensors, can be used to sense various equipment parameters, such as battery and fuel levels, location, operation time, faults, and other parameters. Such information can be provided to a telematics device, which typically includes an electronic control unit (ECU), or controller, and a wireless communication device. The controller can monitor different equipment parameters as indicated by the equipment sensors and report such parameters through the telecommunication system to a remote equipment or location via the telecommunication device. The equipment information monitored and reported in this manner by the telematics device is useful for various purposes, such as troubleshooting the equipment in the field, preventive maintenance, and location tracking. For example, a telematics system is the Genie Lift Connect Program offered by Terex.

[0004] The components of the telematics device, including the controller and the communication device, are powered from a battery connected to the equipment on which the telematics device is installed or in which the telematics device is embedded. The telematics device may also include a device battery that can power the controller and the telecommunication device as well. That is, when the equipment is in operation and / or in use (also described as the equipment's active state or active operating mode), the telematics device may be powered from the equipment battery. Alternatively, when the equipment is stopped and its controls are powered off (also described as the equipment's inactive state or inactive operating mode), the telematics device may be powered from the equipment battery or the telematics device battery.

[0005] During an active equipment state, when powered from the equipment battery, the telematics device may transmit wireless telematics signals at 15 minute intervals, although such intervals may be longer or shorter. However, during an inactive equipment state, even when powered from the equipment or device battery, transmitting wireless telematics signals at such intervals would rapidly deplete battery capacity. As a result, the duration available for the telematics to report data relating to the equipment would be shortened, which may adversely affect the health of the telematics during the inactive equipment state.

[0006] Thus, what is needed is an improved telematics device and method for reporting data associated with the equipment that defines a balanced approach to maintaining equipment battery health and telematics health that allows for a duration of data reporting that supports the business need to prioritize equipment maintenance. Such improved telematics devices and methods would help address, reduce, mitigate, solve or eliminate the above-mentioned problems and challenges associated with existing telematics devices because the duration of telematics data reporting is maintained after the equipment battery voltage drops to a critical level. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment described herein, a telematics device for reporting data associated with an equipment is provided, the telematics device comprising a transceiver for transmitting wireless telematics signals including data associated with the equipment, the equipment comprising a battery having a first equipment battery threshold and a second equipment battery threshold associated with the battery, the first equipment battery threshold being greater than the second equipment battery threshold. The telematics device further comprises a device battery having a device battery threshold associated with the device battery, and a controller. While the apparatus is in an inactive state, the controller (i) controls the transceiver to transmit equipment telematics signals at a first interval, the transceiver being powered from the equipment battery, if the voltage level of the equipment battery is greater than the first equipment battery threshold, and (ii) controls the transceiver to transmit equipment telematics signals less frequently than the first interval, if the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than or equal to the first equipment battery threshold and greater than the second equipment battery threshold, and the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold. (iii) when the voltage level of the device battery is less than the first device battery threshold and greater than the second device battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery is less than the device battery threshold, controlling the transceiver to transmit device telematics signals at a third interval less frequent than the first interval, the transceiver being powered by the device battery and causing the device battery to be recharged from the device battery.

[0008] According to another non-limiting exemplary embodiment described herein, there is provided a method of reporting data associated with an inactive device via a telematics device, the telematics device comprising: (i) a transceiver for transmitting wireless telematics signals including data associated with the device, the device comprising a battery having a first device battery threshold and a second device battery threshold associated with the battery, the first device battery threshold being greater than the second device battery threshold; (ii) a device battery having a device battery threshold associated with the device battery; and (iii) a controller. The method includes transmitting device telematics signals at a first interval when a voltage level of the device battery is greater than a first device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered from the device battery. The method further includes transmitting device telematics signals at a second interval less frequent than the first interval, the transceiver being powered from the device battery, when the voltage level of the device battery is less than or equal to the first device battery threshold and greater than the second device battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold. The method further includes transmitting an equipment telematics signal at a third interval less frequent than the first interval when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than or equal to the first equipment battery threshold and greater than the second equipment battery threshold, and when the voltage level of the device battery is less than or equal to the device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered from the equipment battery and causing the device battery to be recharged from the equipment battery.

[0009] According to other non-limiting exemplary embodiments described herein, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer-executable instructions for reporting data associated with an inactive equipment via a telematics device, the telematics device comprising: (i) a transceiver that transmits a wireless telematics signal including data associated with the equipment, the equipment comprising a battery having a first equipment battery threshold and a second equipment battery threshold associated with the battery, the first equipment battery threshold being greater than the second equipment battery threshold; (ii) a device battery having a device battery threshold associated with the device battery; and (iii) a controller. When instructions are executed by the controller, the telematics device transmits an equipment telematics signal at a first interval when a voltage level of the equipment battery is greater than a first equipment battery threshold, and the transceiver is powered from the equipment battery. When the instructions are executed by the controller, the telematics device transmits an equipment telematics signal at a second interval less frequent than the first interval when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than or equal to the first equipment battery threshold and greater than the second equipment battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold, and the transceiver is powered from the device battery.When the instructions are executed by the controller, the telematics device transmits an equipment telematics signal at a third interval less frequent than the first interval when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than or equal to the first equipment battery threshold and greater than the second equipment battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery is less than or equal to the device battery threshold, and the transceiver is powered from the equipment battery and the device battery is recharged from the equipment battery.

[0010] Detailed descriptions of these and other non-limiting exemplary embodiments of telematics devices and methods for reporting equipment related data are set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a machine with a telematics device that reports data related to the machine.

[0012] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a telematics device for reporting equipment related data in one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating non-limiting example device battery life estimates as a function of non-limiting example periodic message reporting rates provided by a non-limiting example telematics device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Upon request, non-limiting details of the embodiments are disclosed herein. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may take various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and features may be exaggerated or reduced in size to show the details of specific elements. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art.

[0015] Non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of a telematics device and method for reporting equipment related data will be described in further detail with reference to the figures. For convenience and ease of understanding of the figures, the same reference numerals may be used herein to refer to the same components and features throughout the drawings.

[0016] In this regard, Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a device 10 including a telematics device 12 that reports data related to the device 10. Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a telematics device 12 that reports data related to the device 10 in one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As previously mentioned, the telematics device 12 utilizes sensors 14a, 14b, 14c to sense, report, and monitor information related to the equipment 10 having the battery 16. That is, the equipment 10 may include a vehicle, a scissor lift, a boom lift, a forklift, or other equipment, machine, or device. The equipment 10 may be driven and / or powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) (not shown), which may be started using the equipment battery 16. In such an embodiment, the equipment 10 may also include an alternator (not shown) for recharging the equipment battery 16, which in such an embodiment may comprise a 12 volt battery or other suitable battery of other suitable voltage. The alternator and / or equipment battery 16 may power electrical or electronic components or systems (not shown) in or on the equipment 10, such as electric motors, lights, electronic displays, electronic controls and / or control systems, and other electrical or electronic components or systems.

[0018] Alternatively, device 10 may be powered and / or powered by one or more batteries, including equipment battery 16 (e.g., device 10 may include an electric vehicle (EV)). Such one or more batteries, including equipment battery 16, may power electrical or electronic components or systems (not shown) within or on device 10, such as electric motors, lights, electronic displays, electronic controls and / or control systems, and other electrical or electronic components or systems. In such embodiments, device 10 may include an on-board interface and / or interface with an external charging device, station, or system, and be configured to periodically recharge the equipment batteries, including equipment battery 16, and in such embodiments, including a 24 volt battery or other suitable battery of other suitable voltage.

[0019] The sensors 14a, 14b, 14c connected to the equipment 10 can provide data and / or information to the telematics device 12, which may include an electronic control unit (ECU) or controller 18, a wireless telecommunications device 20 including a transceiver 20′ and an antenna 20″, and a device battery 22. That is, the sensors 14a, 14b, 14c may include a battery monitor sensor 14a, a global positioning system (GPS) 14b, a fuel sensor 14c, or other types of sensors that sense different parameters related to the equipment 10, including equipment battery or fuel levels, location, run time, faults, or other equipment parameters. The controller 18 of the telematics device 12 can monitor different parameters of the equipment 10, as represented by the equipment sensors 14a, 14b, 14c, and transmit wireless equipment telematics signals 24 through a telecommunications system (not shown) via the telecommunications device 20 to report such parameters to a remote device or location (not shown). It should be noted that the telecommunication device 20 may be a cellular device, a WiFi device, or any other type of device capable of wireless communication. Additionally, the transceiver 20' may receive wireless signals that may be utilized by the controller 18 for a variety of purposes, such as to program or adjust settings of the telematics device 12, or for the telematics device 12 to report certain equipment parameters, such as its location, on demand in response to received wireless command signals. As previously discussed, information related to the equipment 10 monitored and reported in this manner by the telematics device 12 may be useful for a variety of purposes, such as troubleshooting the equipment 10 in the field, performing preventative maintenance on the equipment 10, tracking the location of the equipment 10, and the like.

[0020] The components of the telematics device 12, such as the controller 18 and the telecommunications device 20, may be powered from a battery 16 on which the telematics device 12 is mounted or connected to the equipment 10 in which the telematics device 12 is incorporated. A device battery 22 of the telematics device 12 may also power the telematics device 12, including the controller 18 and the telecommunications device 12. That is, when the equipment 10 is operating and / or in use (also described as an active state or active operating mode of the equipment 10), the telematics device 12 may be powered from the equipment battery 16. Alternatively, when the equipment 10 is stopped and its controls are powered off (also described as an inactive state or inactive operating mode of the equipment 10), the telematics device 12 may be powered from the equipment battery 16 or the telematics device battery 22.

[0021] While the device 10 is active, it is powered from the device battery 16, and the telematics device 12 may transmit wireless telematics signals at 15 minute intervals, although the intervals may be longer or shorter. However, while the device 10 is inactive, whether the device 10 is powered from the device battery 16 or the device battery 22, transmitting wireless telematics signals 24 at such intervals will rapidly deplete battery capacity. This may adversely affect telematics health by reducing the duration available for telematics reporting.

[0022] Thus, what is needed is an improved telematics device 12 and method for reporting data associated with the equipment 10 that defines a balanced approach to maintaining equipment battery health and telematics health that allows for a duration of data reporting that supports the business need to prioritize equipment maintenance. Such an improved telematics device 12 and method would help address, reduce, mitigate, solve or eliminate the above-mentioned problems and challenges associated with existing telematics devices by maintaining a duration of telematics data reporting after the equipment battery voltage drops to a critical level.

[0023] That is, during an inactive equipment state, the telematics device 12 may be configured to transmit wireless telematics signals at longer intervals than during an active equipment state, such as once per hour, to extend the life of the equipment battery 16 or the device battery 22, thereby extending the duration of the telematics reports. Similarly, during such an inactive equipment state, the telematics device 12 may initially be powered from the equipment battery 16 and switch to internal battery power when the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 reaches a selected threshold. The selected threshold may be designed to maintain the overall health of the equipment battery 16 by maintaining the capacity of the equipment battery 16 above a critical level. However, extending the reporting interval may result in insufficient information to determine the health of the equipment battery, leading to a negative interpretation of the telematics health, due to the limited life of the telematics device battery 22.

[0024] Alternatively, telematics health may be improved by lowering a selected threshold voltage of the equipment battery 16 at which the telematics device 12 switches to being powered from the internal device battery 22. That is, such a lowering of the threshold voltage may be selected based solely on the minimum voltage required to continue powering the telematics device 12. However, such an approach may mean that the telematics device 12 may consume equipment battery 16, which may jeopardize the health of the equipment battery if not properly monitored.

[0025] Alternatively, a threshold intermediate to those mentioned above may be selected, however, selecting an intermediate threshold may result in a lack of commonality in a mixed fleet solution, with different telematics device types operating differently and needing to be monitored according to different standards, etc. Furthermore, whether the duration of reporting available when using such an intermediate threshold is sufficient for telematics integrity will require testing of each individual telematics device and battery at the threshold under consideration.

[0026] It should be noted that the equipment battery health may also be reported by a telematics signal in the form of or including battery voltage information or data. The battery voltage should not be allowed to drop to a level so low as to impair the battery health or lifespan. Telematics health is characterized as the ability of the telematics device 12 to maintain a duration for reporting equipment battery voltage, which reporting may then be used to prioritize maintenance of the equipment 10. In the present invention, the duration for telematics reporting is defined by the time it takes the telematics device 12 to power from the equipment battery 16 until it reaches a voltage threshold, switch to the internal battery 22 for data reporting, and then the time it takes the internal battery 22 to reach its minimum limit. That is, such equipment voltage threshold is defined in firmware of the telematics device 12 when it switches to the internal battery 22 to continue reporting.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating a non-limiting, exemplary device battery 22 estimated life span as a function of a non-limiting, exemplary periodic message reporting rate provided by a non-limiting, exemplary telematics device. Referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 2, an exemplary telematics device (TD) 12 may include an internal device battery 22 with different estimated life spans as a function of the rate or interval of telematics messages reported periodically by transmitting a wireless telematics signal 24. More specifically, an exemplary internal battery 22 of an exemplary TD 12 has an estimated battery life span of 1.8 days when transmitting a wireless telematics signal 24 every hour. This estimated life span extends to 2.2 days, 2.5 days, and 2.7 days when the TD 12 transmits a wireless telematics signal 24 every 2 hours, 4 hours, and 8 hours, respectively. When the transmission intervals are 12 hours, 18 hours, and 20 hours, the estimated life span of the internal battery 22 extends to 2.8 days. Finally, for transmission intervals of 24, 48 and 72 hours, the estimated life of the internal battery 22 is extended to 2.9 days.

[0028] 1-3, an exemplary telematics device 12 mounted or integrated into an equipment 10 having a 12 volt battery 16 may be configured to select or set an exemplary equipment battery 16 voltage threshold of 11.1 volts when the internal battery 22 is disconnected or a switch or transition occurs to the internal battery 22. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, if the message reporting interval is hourly, the telematics device 12 will stop reporting in less than two days (i.e., 1.8 days). Such an outcome may result in a negative interpretation of the telematics health because not enough information is available to determine the machine's battery health.

[0029] In this manner, an equipment AC voltage threshold at which the telematics device 12 switches from the equipment battery 16 to the internal battery 22 can be selected or set, for example, down to 7 volts, allowing the example telematics device 12 to continue to draw power and report data from the equipment battery 16 for a longer period of time. This approach and the selected voltage threshold can be based solely on a minimum voltage requirement to continue to power the example telematics device 12. With such a configuration, the example telematics device 12 could potentially draw enough power from the equipment battery 16 to threaten the health of the equipment battery 16 if proper monitoring is not performed.

[0030] Thus, when the telematics device 12 switches from the equipment battery 16 to the internal battery 22, an equipment battery voltage threshold intermediate the exemplary equipment battery voltage thresholds described above (e.g., between 11.1 volts and 7 volts) may be selected or set, e.g., 10 volts. Such a configuration may cause the exemplary telematics device 12 to operate differently than other telematics devices and therefore require monitoring along different lines, resulting in a lack of commonality in mixed fleet solutions. Individual telematics devices and batteries would need to be tested for this or other intermediate thresholds to determine whether the reporting duration available when using such an intermediate threshold is sufficient for telematics health purposes.

[0031] The improved telematics device 12 of the present invention may be configured to maintain a balance between telematics report health and equipment battery health and extend the duration of data reporting to meet reporting and / or other requirements. That is, in an inactive state, i.e., when the equipment 10 is powered down and the telematics device 12 goes into a sleep mode and wakes up at set intervals to perform data reporting, the telematics device 12 firmware may be configured to set an equipment battery threshold of 11.1 volts when the telematics device 12 stops drawing power from the equipment battery 16 and switches to drawing power from the internal battery 22. The telematics device 12 may be configured to send an alert notification when this equipment battery threshold is reached.

[0032] The telematics device 12 may be configured to power from the equipment battery 16 when the equipment battery voltage is greater than 11.1 volts and to report the equipment battery voltage at hourly wake-up intervals, although other intervals may be used. It should be noted that in addition to the equipment battery voltage, the telematics device may also report other additional information or parameters related to the equipment 10, such as location. That is, under the control of the controller 18 of the telematics device 12, the transceiver 20' of the telematics device 12 may transmit wireless telematics signals 24 at such intervals that include not only the equipment battery voltage information or data, but also other additional information or data related to the equipment 10. Configuring or setting up the telematics device as described herein may also include configuring or setting up the controller 18 of the telematics device 12 to perform and / or control the transceiver 20' to perform the operations and / or functions described herein.

[0033] When the telematics device 12 switches to being powered from the internal battery 22, the telematics device 12 may be configured to send wake reports every 12 hours, although other intervals may be used, i.e., the interval between such reports may vary depending on the capacity of the device battery, and may be shorter if the capacity of the device battery 22 allows. In this manner (i.e., a wake report interval of every 12 hours), the telematics health of the device 10 may be extended to 2.8 days, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] Furthermore, the telematics device 12 can be configured to switch power back to the equipment battery 16 when the voltage level of the internal battery 22 reaches a threshold that requires charging of the internal battery 22 or that triggers the telematics device 12 to enter a hibernation or hibernate mode, and to draw power from the equipment battery 16 while the internal battery 22 is being recharged and / or until it is fully charged. That is, the telematics device 12 can be configured to refrain from powering the transceiver 20' from the device battery 22 until the device battery 22 is fully charged, and can be configured to resume powering the transceiver 20' from the device battery 22 when the voltage level of the device battery 22 reaches an appropriate value. An alert in this case (i.e., when the voltage level of the internal battery 22 of the telematics device 12 reaches a threshold that requires charging of the internal battery 22 or that triggers the telematics device 12 to enter a hibernation or hibernate mode) can be reported by the telematics device 12 through the transmission of the telematics signal 24. Additionally, the wake-up reporting interval may be maintained at 12 hour intervals, although other intervals may be employed, and in this manner, the telematics health of device 10 may be extended by an additional 2.8 days, as shown in FIG.

[0035] The telematics device 12 may repeat this operation until the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 drops to 10 volts, at which point the telematics device 12 may transition to a hibernate mode, and an alert may be reported by the telematics device 12 through the transmission of a telematics signal 24. It should be noted that the telematics device 12 may subsequently exit the hibernate mode when the equipment 10 transitions to an active state.

[0036] Thus, the telematics device and method of the present invention can extend telematics device wake-up reporting to just under six days (e.g., 2.8+2.8=5.6 days) at the very least (see FIG. 3). However, depending on how long it takes for the device battery 16 to drop to 10 volts, it may theoretically be possible to extend data reporting beyond six days, but this should be determined empirically.

[0037] It should be noted that the telematics method of the present invention may be applied to other telematics devices, after evaluating the internal battery life and reporting method of such devices individually and adjusting the method to the characteristics of the device. Additionally, although equipment battery thresholds of 11.1 volts and 10 volts are described herein in conjunction with a 12 volt equipment battery 16, such as in the case of an internal combustion engine powered equipment 10, other voltage thresholds may alternatively be selected or utilized in conjunction with a 12 volt equipment battery 16 or equipment batteries having other nominal voltages. That is, as noted above, a 24 volt equipment battery 16 may be provided, such as in the case of a DC battery powered equipment 10, in which case equipment battery thresholds of 22.2 volts and 20 volts may be selected or utilized in accordance with the description herein.

[0038] 1-3, a telematics device 12 for reporting data related to the equipment 10 will be described. The telematics device 12 may include a transceiver 20' configured to transmit a wireless telematics signal 24, the wireless telematics signal 24 including information or data related to the equipment 10, the equipment 10 including a battery 16 having a first equipment battery threshold and a second equipment battery threshold associated with the battery 16, the first equipment battery threshold being greater than the second equipment battery threshold. It should be noted that the transceiver 20' may also be configured to receive wireless signals that may be utilized by the controller 18 for various purposes, such as to program or adjust settings of the telematics device 12 or to have the telematics device 12 report certain equipment parameters, such as location, on demand in response to received wireless command signals.

[0039] The telematics device 12 may further include a device battery 22 having a device battery threshold associated with the device battery 22, and a controller 18 in electrical communication with the transceiver 20' and the battery 22. That is, the device battery 22 may be in electrical communication with the transceiver 20'.

[0040] As previously mentioned, while the device 10 is inactive, if the voltage level of the device battery 16 is greater than a first device battery threshold, the controller 18 may be configured to control the transceiver 20' to transmit the device telematics signal 24 at a first interval, with the transceiver 20' being powered from the device battery 16. It should be noted that transmitting the telematics signal 24 at the first interval is also contingent on the voltage level of the device battery 22 being greater than a threshold. While the device 10 is inactive, the controller 18 may be configured to control the transceiver 20' to transmit the device telematics signal 24 at a second interval, less frequent than the first interval, with the transceiver 20' being powered from the device battery 22, if the voltage level of the device battery 16 is less than or equal to the first device battery threshold and greater than a second device battery threshold, and the voltage level of the device battery 22 is greater than the device battery threshold. While the device 10 is in an inactive state, the controller 18 may be configured to control the transceiver 20' to transmit the device telematics signal 24 at a third interval less frequent than the first interval, such that the transceiver 20' is powered from the device battery 16 and the device battery 22 is recharged from the device battery 16 when the voltage level of the device battery 16 is below the first device battery threshold and above the second device battery threshold and when the voltage level of the device battery 22 is below the device battery threshold.

[0041] That is, the first interval can be once every hour and the second interval can be once every 12 hours, but other first and second intervals can be selected or used where the second interval occurs less frequently than the first interval. Similarly, the third interval can be the same as the second interval or another interval that occurs less frequently than the first interval.

[0042] The controller 18 of the telematics device 12 may be further configured to enter a hibernation mode when the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 is less than or equal to a second equipment battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery 22 is less than or equal to the device battery threshold. The controller 18 may further be configured to control the transceiver 20' to transmit equipment telematics signals at a second interval (or AC interval), with the transceiver 20' being powered from the device battery 22, when the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 is less than or equal to the second equipment battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery 22 is greater than the device battery threshold.

[0043] Further, for a device 10 having an internal combustion engine powered machine, the first device battery voltage threshold may be 11.1 volts and the second device battery voltage threshold may be 10 volts. For a device 10 having a battery powered machine, the first device battery voltage threshold may be 22.2 volts and the second device battery voltage threshold may be 20 volts.

[0044] Additionally, the controller 18 may be configured to control the transceiver 20′ to transmit a wireless alert signal when the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 is below a first equipment battery threshold, and / or when the device battery 22 is recharged from the equipment battery, and / or when the controller 18 transitions to a hibernation mode.

[0045] The controller 18 may further be configured to compare the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 to a first equipment battery threshold and, if the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 is less than or equal to the first equipment battery threshold, compare the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 to a second equipment battery threshold. The controller 18 may further be configured to compare the voltage level of the device battery 22 to the device battery threshold if the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 is less than or equal to the first equipment battery threshold and greater than the second equipment battery threshold. The controller 18 may further be configured to compare the voltage level of the device battery 22 to the device battery threshold if the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 is less than or equal to the second equipment battery threshold. That is, the controller 18 may receive a signal indicative of or representative of the voltage level of the equipment battery 16 or the device battery 22 from the equipment battery 16, the device battery 22, or a sensor connected to the equipment battery 16 or the device battery 22.

[0046] It should be noted that the telematics device 12, the controller 18, the telecommunications device 20 including the transceiver 20′ and the antenna 20″, and the device battery 22, and / or other units, control units, controllers, consoles, algorithms, devices, features, systems, functions, modules, arrangements, etc. described herein may include and / or be executed in or by one or more of one or more more suitably programmed processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors including a central processing unit (CPU)) and associated memory and / or storage devices, which may include data, firmware, operating system software, application software, and / or other suitable computer-executable programs, codes or instructions for controlling their operation and / or for executing the particular algorithms represented by the various functions and / or operations (including their interactions and coordination) described herein. Such processors, as well as other circuits and / or hardware, may be included in one or more ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or may be packaged separately or assembled into a System-on-a-Chip (SoC). Similarly, multiple processors, various circuits, and / or hardware may be distributed across multiple separate components and / or locations.

[0047] That is, the components described herein, including the telematics device 12, the controller 18, the telecommunications device 20 including the transceiver 20′ and the antenna 20″, and the device battery 22, may enable, facilitate, or be configured as described herein to perform the various steps, functions, and / or operations described herein and to provide a method for reporting data related to inactive equipment via a telematics device. Similarly, the memory and / or storage devices and executable programs, codes, or instructions described herein may enable, facilitate, or be configured as described herein to provide a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon for performing the various steps, functions, and / or operations described herein and to report data related to inactive equipment via a telematics device, and to execute particular algorithms represented by the various steps, functions, and / or operations described herein.

[0048] As is apparent from the above, various non-limiting embodiments of a telematics device and method for reporting data related to equipment have been described. The telematics device and method of the present invention defines a balanced approach to maintaining equipment battery health and telematics health that allows for a duration of data reporting that supports the business need of prioritizing equipment maintenance. The telematics device and method of the present invention improves the duration of telematics data reporting that is maintained after equipment battery voltage drops to a critical level, thereby helping to address, reduce, mitigate, solve or eliminate the above-mentioned problems and challenges associated with existing telematics devices.

[0049] While various embodiments have been shown and described herein, they are merely exemplary and it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all that are possible. Instead, it is to be understood that the words used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A telematics device that reports data relating to an equipment, comprising: a transceiver for transmitting a wireless telematics signal including data associated with the device, the device comprising a battery having a first device battery threshold and a second device battery threshold associated with the battery, the first device battery threshold being greater than the second device battery threshold; a device battery having a device battery threshold associated with the device battery; and a controller. While the device is inactive, the controller: controlling the transceiver to transmit device telematics signals at a first interval when a voltage level of a device battery is greater than the first device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered from the device battery; if the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than or equal to the first equipment battery threshold and greater than the second equipment battery threshold, and if the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold, controlling the transceiver to transmit equipment telematics signals at a second interval less frequent than the first interval, the transceiver being powered from the device battery; A telematics device configured to control the transceiver to transmit equipment telematics signals at a third interval less frequent than the first interval when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than the first equipment battery threshold and greater than the second equipment battery threshold, the transceiver being powered from the equipment battery and causing the device battery to be recharged from the equipment battery when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than the first equipment battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery is less than the device battery threshold.

2. 2. The telematics device according to claim 1, The third interval is equal to the second interval.

3. 2. The telematics device according to claim 1, The telematics device, further comprising: the controller configured to transition to a hibernation mode when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than or equal to the second equipment battery threshold and when the voltage level of the device battery is less than or equal to the device battery threshold.

4. 2. The telematics device according to claim 1, The telematics device further comprises a controller configured to control the transceiver to transmit equipment telematics signals at the second interval when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than or equal to the second equipment battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold, the transceiver being configured to be powered from the device battery.

5. 2. The telematics device according to claim 1, A telematics device, wherein for an equipment having a machine powered by an internal combustion engine, a first equipment battery voltage threshold is 11.1 volts and a second equipment battery voltage threshold is 10 volts, and for an equipment having a machine powered by a battery, the first equipment battery voltage threshold is 22.2 volts and the second equipment battery voltage threshold is 20 volts.

6. 2. The telematics device according to claim 1, A telematics device, wherein the first interval is once every hour and the second interval is once every 12 hours.

7. 2. The telematics device according to claim 1, The telematics device is further configured such that: (i) the voltage level of the equipment battery is equal to or less than the first equipment battery threshold, (ii) the device battery is recharged from the equipment battery, and (iii) the controller transitions to a hibernation mode, the controller controls the transceiver to transmit a wireless alert signal.

8. 1. A method for reporting data relating to inactive equipment via a telematics device, comprising: The telematics device (i) a transceiver for transmitting a wireless telematics signal including data associated with the device, the device comprising a battery having a first device battery threshold and a second device battery threshold associated with the battery, the first device battery threshold being greater than the second device battery threshold; (ii) a device battery having a device battery threshold associated with the device battery; (iii) a controller; The method comprises: transmitting a device telematics signal at a first interval when a voltage level of a device battery is greater than a first device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered from the device battery; transmitting device telematics signals at a second interval less frequent than the first interval when the voltage level of the device battery is less than or equal to the first device battery threshold and greater than the second device battery threshold, and when the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered from the device battery; transmitting an equipment telematics signal at a third interval less frequent than the first interval when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than or equal to the first equipment battery threshold and greater than the second equipment battery threshold, and when the voltage level of the device battery is less than or equal to the device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered from the equipment battery and causing the device battery to be recharged from the equipment battery.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, The third interval is equal to the second interval.

10. 9. The method of claim 8, The method further includes transmitting an equipment telematics signal at the second interval when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than or equal to the second equipment battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold, wherein the transceiver is powered from the device battery.

11. 9. The method of claim 8, 1. A method for an equipment having a machine powered by an internal combustion engine, the first equipment battery voltage threshold being 11.1 volts and the second equipment battery voltage threshold being 10 volts, and for an equipment having a machine powered by a battery, the first equipment battery voltage threshold being 22.2 volts and the second equipment battery voltage threshold being 20 volts.

12. 9. The method of claim 8, The method, wherein the first interval is once every hour and the second interval is once every 12 hours.

13. 9. The method of claim 8, The method further includes transmitting a wireless alert signal when (i) the voltage level of the equipment battery is below the first equipment battery threshold, (ii) the device battery is recharged from the equipment battery, and (iii) the controller transitions to a hibernation mode.

14. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon for reporting data relating to inactive equipment via a telematics device, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising: The telematics device includes: (i) a transceiver for transmitting wireless telematics signals including data related to the equipment, the equipment comprising a battery having a first equipment battery threshold and a second equipment battery threshold associated with the battery, the first equipment battery threshold being greater than the second equipment battery threshold; (ii) a device battery having a device battery threshold associated with the device battery; (iii) a controller; When the instructions are executed by the controller, the telematics device: transmitting a device telematics signal at a first interval when a voltage level of a device battery is greater than a first device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered from the device battery; transmitting device telematics signals at a second interval less frequent than the first interval when the voltage level of the device battery is less than or equal to the first device battery threshold and greater than the second device battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered from the device battery; A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that transmits an equipment telematics signal at a third interval less frequent than the first interval when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than the first equipment battery threshold and greater than the second equipment battery threshold, and when the voltage level of the device battery is less than the device battery threshold, the transceiver is powered from the equipment battery, and the device battery is recharged from the equipment battery.

15. 15. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium of claim 14, The third interval is equal to the second interval.

16. 15. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium of claim 14, Further, the instructions, when executed by the controller, cause the telematics device to transition into a hibernation mode if the voltage level of the equipment battery is below the second equipment battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery is below the device battery threshold.

17. 15. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium of claim 14, Further, when the instructions are executed by the controller, the telematics device transmits an equipment telematics signal at the second interval when the voltage level of the equipment battery is less than or equal to the second equipment battery threshold and the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold, and the transceiver is powered from the device battery.

18. 15. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium of claim 14, A non-transitory computer readable recording medium, wherein, for an equipment having a machine powered by an internal combustion engine, a first equipment battery voltage threshold is 11.1 volts and a second equipment battery voltage threshold is 10 volts, and, for an equipment having a machine powered by a battery, the first equipment battery voltage threshold is 22.2 volts and the second equipment battery voltage threshold is 20 volts.

19. 15. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium of claim 14, The first interval is once every hour and the second interval is once every twelve hours.

20. 15. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium of claim 14, Furthermore, when the instructions are executed by the controller, the telematics device: A non-transitory computer readable storage medium that transmits a wireless alert signal when: (i) the voltage level of the equipment battery is below the first equipment battery threshold; (ii) the device battery is recharged from the equipment battery; and (iii) the controller transitions to a hibernation mode.

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