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 method for reporting equipment related data. [Background technology]

[0003] Telematics technology utilizes sensors, controllers, and telecommunications devices and 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 systems (GPS), and other sensors, can be used to sense various equipment parameters, such as battery and fuel levels, location, operating hours, faults, and other parameters. Such information can be provided to telematics devices, which typically include an electronic control unit (ECU), or controller, and wireless communication devices. The controller can monitor different equipment parameters indicated by the equipment sensors and, via the telecommunications devices, report such parameters to remote equipment or locations over the telecommunications system. The equipment information monitored and reported by telematics devices in this manner is useful for various purposes, such as in-field equipment troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and location tracking. For example, one telematics system is the Genie Lift Connect Program offered by Terex.

[0004] The components of a telematics device, including the controller and the communication device, are powered by a battery connected to the equipment in which the telematics device is installed or incorporated. The telematics device may also include a device battery that can power the controller and the telecommunications device. That is, when the equipment is in operation and / or in use (also referred to 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 referred to 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 by 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 by the equipment or device battery, transmitting wireless telematics signals at such intervals rapidly depletes battery capacity. As a result, the duration available for the telematics to report data related to the equipment is shortened, which may adversely affect the health of the telematics during the inactive equipment state.

[0006] Therefore, what is needed is an improved telematics device and method for reporting data associated with the device that defines a balanced approach to maintaining device battery health and telematics health, while enabling a duration of data reporting that supports the business need to prioritize device maintenance. Such an improved telematics device 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 device's 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 related to a device is provided, the telematics device including a transceiver for transmitting wireless telematics signals including data related to the device, the device including 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. The telematics device further includes a device battery having a device battery threshold associated with the device battery, and a controller. While the device is in an inactive state, the controller (i) controls the transceiver to transmit device telematics signals at a first interval, the transceiver being powered by the device battery, if the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the first device battery threshold, and (ii) controls the transceiver to transmit device telematics signals less frequently than the first interval, if 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. (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, control 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 for reporting data associated with an inactive device via a telematics device, the telematics device including: (i) a transceiver configured to transmit wireless telematics signals including data associated with the device, the device including 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 the first device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered by 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 by 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 device battery voltage level is greater than the device battery threshold. The method further includes transmitting a device telematics signal at a third 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, the transceiver being powered by the device battery and causing the device battery to be recharged from the device battery, when the voltage level of the device battery is less than or equal to the first device battery threshold.

[0009] According to another non-limiting exemplary embodiment described herein, there is provided a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for reporting data associated with an inactive equipment via a telematics device, the telematics device comprising: (i) a transceiver for transmitting wireless telematics signals including data associated with the equipment, the equipment including a battery having a first equipment battery threshold associated with the battery 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 the instructions are executed by the controller, the telematics device transmits the equipment telematics signals at a first interval when a voltage level of the equipment battery is greater than the first equipment battery threshold, and the transceiver is powered by 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 explanation of the drawings]

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

[0012] [Figure 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] [Figure 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 INVENTION

[0014] As required, non-limiting details of 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 particular 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 figures.

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

[0017] As previously described, telematics device 12 utilizes sensors 14a, 14b, and 14c to sense, report, and monitor information related to equipment 10 having battery 16. That is, equipment 10 may include a vehicle, a scissor lift, a boom lift, a forklift, or other equipment, machine, or device. Equipment 10 may be powered and / or driven by an internal combustion engine (ICE) (not shown), which may be started using equipment battery 16. In such embodiments, equipment 10 may also include an alternator (not shown) for recharging equipment battery 16, which may comprise a 12-volt battery or other suitable battery of another suitable voltage. The alternator and / or equipment battery 16 may power electrical or electronic components or systems (not shown) within or on 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 operated by one or more batteries, including device battery 16 (e.g., device 10 may also include an electric vehicle (EV)). Such one or more batteries, including device 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 configured to periodically recharge the device batteries, including device battery 16, and in such embodiments, including a 24-volt battery or other suitable battery of other suitable voltage.

[0019] Sensors 14a, 14b, 14c connected to equipment 10 can provide data and / or information to 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, 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 equipment 10, including equipment battery or fuel level, location, operating time, faults, or other equipment parameters. Controller 18 of telematics device 12 can monitor different parameters of equipment 10, as represented by equipment sensors 14a, 14b, 14c, and report such parameters via telecommunications device 20 to a remote device or location (not shown) by transmitting wireless equipment telematics signals 24 over a telecommunications system (not shown). It should be noted that telecommunication device 20 may be a cellular device, a Wi-Fi device, or any other type of device capable of wireless communication. Additionally, transceiver 20' may receive wireless signals that controller 18 may utilize for various purposes, such as to program or adjust settings on telematics device 12 or to have telematics device 12 report certain equipment parameters, such as location, on demand in response to received wireless command signals. As previously discussed, information related to equipment 10 monitored and reported by telematics device 12 in this manner may be useful for various purposes, such as troubleshooting equipment 10 in the field, performing preventative maintenance on equipment 10, and tracking the location of equipment 10.

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

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

[0022] Therefore, what is needed is an improved telematics device 12 and method for reporting data associated with equipment 10 that defines a balanced approach to maintaining equipment battery health and telematics health, while enabling 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, telematics device 12 may be configured to transmit wireless telematics signals at longer intervals, such as once per hour, than during an active equipment state to extend the life of equipment battery 16 or device battery 22 and thereby extend the duration of telematics reports. Similarly, during such an inactive equipment state, telematics device 12 may initially draw power from equipment battery 16 and switch to internal battery power when the voltage level of equipment battery 16 reaches a selected threshold. The selected threshold may be designed to maintain the overall health of equipment battery 16 by maintaining the capacity of equipment battery 16 above a critical level. However, extending the reporting interval may result in insufficient information for determining the health of the equipment battery due to the limited life of telematics device battery 22, leading to a negative interpretation of telematics health.

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

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

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

[0027] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating exemplary, non-limiting device battery 22 life expectancies as a function of exemplary, non-limiting periodic message reporting rates provided by exemplary, non-limiting telematics devices. Referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 2, an exemplary telematics device (TD) 12 may include an internal device battery 22 with different life expectancies depending on the rate or interval of telematics messages reported periodically via the transmission of wireless telematics signals 24. More specifically, the exemplary internal battery 22 of the exemplary TD 12 has an estimated battery life of 1.8 days when the TD 12 transmits wireless telematics signals 24 every hour. This estimated life extends to 2.2 days, 2.5 days, and 2.7 days when the TD 12 transmits wireless telematics signals 24 every 2 hours, 4 hours, and 8 hours, respectively. For transmission intervals of 12 hours, 18 hours, and 20 hours, the estimated life expectancy 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 on or incorporated into equipment 10 having a 12-volt battery 16 may be configured to select or set an exemplary voltage threshold of 11.1 volts for equipment battery 16 when the internal battery 22 is disconnected or when a switchover or transition to the internal battery 22 occurs. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, if the message reporting interval is hourly, telematics device 12 will stop reporting in less than two days (i.e., 1.8 days). This result may lead to a negative interpretation of the telematics health because there is not enough information available to determine the machine's battery health.

[0029] In this manner, the 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 drawing power and reporting data from the equipment battery 16 for a longer period of time. This approach and the selected voltage threshold can be based solely on the minimum voltage requirement to continue powering 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 telematics device 12 switches from equipment battery 16 to internal battery 22, it may select or set an equipment battery voltage threshold intermediate the exemplary equipment battery voltage thresholds described above (e.g., between 11.1 volts and 7 volts), e.g., 10 volts. Such a configuration may cause the exemplary telematics device 12 to operate differently from other telematics devices and therefore require monitoring according to different standards, potentially resulting in a lack of commonality in mixed fleet solutions. Individual telematics devices and batteries may 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 reporting health and device 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 device 10 is powered down and the telematics device 12 goes into sleep mode, waking up at set intervals and reporting data, the telematics device 12 firmware may be configured to set a device battery threshold of 11.1 volts when the telematics device 12 stops drawing power from the device 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 device battery threshold is reached.

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

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

[0034] Furthermore, 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, the telematics device 12 can be configured to switch power back to the equipment battery 16 and draw power from the equipment battery 16 while the internal battery 22 is recharging 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, or 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 a telematics signal 24. Additionally, the wake-up reporting interval may be maintained at every 12 hours, although other intervals may be employed. In this manner, the telematics health of device 10 may be extended by an additional 2.8 days, as shown in FIG.

[0035] Telematics device 12 may repeat this operation until the voltage level of device battery 16 drops to 10 volts, at which point telematics device 12 may transition to a hibernate mode. An alert may be reported by telematics device 12 through the transmission of telematics signal 24. Note that telematics device 12 may subsequently exit hibernate mode when device 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 a minimum of just under six days (e.g., 2.8 + 2.8 = 5.6 days) (see FIG. 3). However, depending on the time it takes for the device battery 16 to decay to 10 volts, extending data reporting beyond six days may theoretically be possible, but this should be determined experimentally.

[0037] It should be noted that the telematics method of the present invention can be applied to other telematics devices, provided that the internal battery life and reporting methodology of such devices are individually evaluated and the methodology is tailored to the device's characteristics. Furthermore, while device battery thresholds of 11.1 volts and 10 volts are described herein in conjunction with a 12-volt device battery 16, such as in the case of an internal combustion engine-powered device 10, other voltage thresholds may alternatively be selected or utilized in conjunction with a 12-volt device battery 16 or device batteries having other nominal voltages. That is, as noted above, a 24-volt device battery 16 may be provided, such as in the case of a DC battery-powered device 10, in which case device 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 equipment 10 will be described. Telematics device 12 may include a transceiver 20′ configured to transmit wireless telematics signals 24, the wireless telematics signals 24 including information or data related to equipment 10. That is, equipment 10 includes a battery 16 having a first equipment battery threshold and a second equipment battery threshold associated with battery 16, the first equipment battery threshold being greater than the second equipment battery threshold. Note that transceiver 20′ may also be configured to receive wireless signals that are utilized by controller 18 for various purposes, such as to program or adjust settings on telematics device 12 or to have 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 device 10 is in an inactive state, if the voltage level of device battery 16 is greater than a first device battery threshold, controller 18 may be configured to control transceiver 20′ to transmit device telematics signals 24 at a first interval, with transceiver 20′ being powered by device battery 16. Note that transmitting telematics signals 24 at the first interval is also contingent on the voltage level of device battery 22 being greater than a threshold. While device 10 is in an inactive state, controller 18 may be configured to control transceiver 20′ to transmit device telematics signals 24 at a second interval, less frequent than the first interval, with transceiver 20′ being powered by device battery 22, if the voltage level of device battery 16 is less than or equal to the first device battery threshold but greater than a second device battery threshold and the voltage level of 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 when the voltage level of the device battery 16 is less than or equal to the first device battery threshold and greater than the second device battery threshold, so that the transceiver 20′ is powered by the device battery 16 and the device battery 22 is recharged from the device battery 16, if the voltage level of the device battery 16 is less than or equal to the first device battery threshold.

[0041] That is, the first interval can be once every hour and the second interval can be once every 12 hours, although other first and second intervals can be selected or used, provided that 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), and the transceiver 20′ to be powered by 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] Additionally, 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 device battery 16 is below a first device battery threshold, and / or when the device battery 22 is recharged from the device battery, and / or when the controller 18 enters a hibernation mode.

[0045] The controller 18 may further be configured to compare the voltage level of the device battery 16 with a first device battery threshold, and, if the voltage level of the device battery 16 is less than or equal to the first device battery threshold, compare the voltage level of the device battery 16 with a second device battery threshold. The controller 18 may also be configured to compare the voltage level of the device battery 22 with a device battery threshold if the voltage level of the device battery 16 is less than or equal to the first device battery threshold but greater than the second device battery threshold. The controller 18 may also be configured to compare the voltage level of the device battery 22 with a device battery threshold if the voltage level of the device battery 16 is less than or equal to the second device battery threshold. That is, the controller 18 may receive a signal indicative of or representative of the voltage level of the device battery 16 or the device battery 22 from the device battery 16, the device battery 22, or a sensor connected to the device 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 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, code, or instructions for controlling their operation and / or for executing particular algorithms represented by the various functions and / or operations (including their interaction and coordination) described herein. Such processors, as well as other circuits and / or hardware, may be included in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), 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 telematics device 12, controller 18, telecommunications device 20 including transceiver 20′ and antenna 20″, and 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, code, 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 foregoing, various non-limiting embodiments of telematics devices and methods for reporting data related to equipment have been described. The telematics devices and methods of the present invention define a balanced approach to maintaining equipment battery health and telematics health, enabling a duration of data reporting that supports the business need to prioritize equipment maintenance. The telematics devices and methods of the present invention improve 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 exemplary only and it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all that are possible. Instead, it is to be understood that the language used herein is descriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes can 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 related to equipment, comprising: a transceiver for transmitting wireless telematics signals including data associated with the device, the device having 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; a controller; While the device is in an inactive state, the controller: controlling the transceiver to transmit device telematics signals at a first interval when a device battery voltage level is greater than the first device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered from the device battery; If 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 if the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold, controlling the transceiver to transmit device telematics signals at a second interval less frequent than the first interval, the transceiver being powered by 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 by the equipment battery and causing the device battery to be recharged from the equipment battery, when the voltage level of the device battery is less than the first equipment battery threshold and greater than the second equipment battery threshold, and the voltage level of the device battery is less than the device battery threshold.

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

3. The telematics device according to claim 1, The telematics device, wherein the controller is further 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. The telematics device according to claim 1, The telematics device is further configured such that, 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 controller controls the transceiver to transmit equipment telematics signals at the second interval, and the transceiver is powered by the device battery.

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

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

8. 1. A method for reporting data relating to inactive equipment via a telematics device, comprising: The telematics device (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; (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 a device telematics signal 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 by 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 when the voltage level of the device battery is less than or equal to the device battery threshold, transmitting a device telematics signal at a third interval less frequent than the first interval, wherein the transceiver is powered from the device battery and causes the device battery to be recharged from the device 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. The method of claim 1, wherein for an equipment having an internal combustion engine-powered machine, 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 battery-powered machine, the first equipment battery voltage threshold is 22.2 volts and the second equipment battery voltage threshold is 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 device battery is below the first device battery threshold, (ii) the device battery is recharged from the device battery, and (iii) the controller transitions to a hibernation mode.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions 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 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; and (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 when the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold, the transceiver being powered by the device battery; A computer-readable non-transitory 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 by the equipment battery, and the device battery is recharged from the equipment battery.

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

16. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, and a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium that, when executed by the controller, causes the telematics device to transition to a hibernation mode if 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 less than or equal to the device battery threshold.

17. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage 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 when the voltage level of the device battery is greater than the device battery threshold, and the transceiver is powered by the device battery.

18. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, 1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, comprising: a first device battery voltage threshold of 11.1 volts and a second device battery voltage threshold of 10 volts for a device having a machine powered by an internal combustion engine; and a first device battery voltage threshold of 22.2 volts and a second device battery voltage threshold of 20 volts for a device having a machine powered by a battery.

19. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, 10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein the first interval is once every hour and the second interval is once every 12 hours.

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

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