FRAUD-PROOF VEHICULAR COUNTING SET

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a set of pulse numerical counters driven by an electronic circuit to accumulate pulses proportionally to the duration of determined situations on the operation of automotive vehicles. The goal is to provide fraud-proof, easy handling low cost data to improve automotive fleet efficiency.

Description: FRAUD-PROOF VEHICULAR COUNTING SET This invention is intended for primary use on automotive vehicle fleets in order to get and f. to store data concernin / the way these vehicles are opera. ted, to make possible later evaluation. BACKGROUND ART Linear or coded graphic recorders are - *" the most popular means to acquire and to store information concerning vehicle and driver's behavior.Because the information they present is somewhat complete and detai ¬ led, they require specialized workmanship or complex expensive machines to interpret the graphics and to maintain the recorder in proper functioning condition. There is a generalized tendency towards com puterized apparatus capable of summarizing information in the vehicle prior to printing it on paper or recor¬ ding it into electronic or magnetic media that can "be transfered to main data processing systems. These com¬ puterized apparatus are usually expensive, fragile and sometimes subject to fraud. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The present invention greatly differs both from current linear or coded graphic data recorders and from computerized devices because it classifies the operating conditions in order to accumulate pulses on numerical conunters proportionally to the duration of each operating condition. The graphic recorders need graphicvpaper, ink, etc that require workmanship to be setled and removed, while opening the recorder. This invention presents data on panel visi¬ ble numerical counters which can be easily copied wi¬ thout opening the device and without material costs. 10. Since it does not need opening it has increased relia¬ bility and simplicity, requiring no specialized work¬ manship for data transference. The numerical data can be directly introduced into conventional commercial., micro-computers and treated by common spreadsheet soft , 5 ware as well as by hand. It is more simple, cheaper, stronger, easier to install and to maintai -than exis¬ ting devices, being completely fraud-proof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION FO DRAWINGS The accompanying drawing is a diagrama of 0 the invention comprising the following parts: 1) pulse counter panel 2) main circuit 3) adjustable resistors 4) engine alternator 5 5) speed transducer 6) speedmeter shaft 7) additional sensors 8) warning lights 9) warning buzzer 10) summing interface • 11) checking circuit 12) "operative" warning light 5 13) reset switch 14) sealed container 15) power and signal wire 16) speed signal wire BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 10 As may be seen from the drawing, the set _ contains a pulse numerical counter panel (l) which is driven by temporized electrical pulses from the main circuit (2) generated by an internal clock and contro¬ lled by internal logic gates which compare the input 15 signal (monitored variables) to the previously set ad¬ justable resistors (3). The main circuit (2) is built from solid state components mounted on a printed circuit board as usual, the internal references being the adjustable re 20 sitors (3) . The main circuit (2) monitors engine speed by means of the electrical frequency generated by the " * alternator (4) of the engine. It also monitors vehicle j speed by means of the frequency generated by a speed 25 transducer (5) attached to the original speedmeter shaft (6). In its basic configuration the invention - monitors this two sources of information only, accumu- lating into four counters the following data: a) total engine woring time, b) total engine overspeed time, c) total vehicle overspeed time, d) total stopped vehicle engine functioning time. The described four counter embodimet althou. gh requiring a few counters and two information wires only, makes possible to evaluate how long the engine operated on its ideal speed range which is an interme¬ diate range betwen the minimum and the maximum achie¬ vable speeds. It also makes possible to cheek if the engine had been left at run for a long time while the vehicle was stopped and also to evaluate how long the vehicle was driven at overspeed. Under fleet owner's request additional coun ters and sensors (7) can be incorporated in order to monitor other informations such as low oil pressure ocurrence, doors movements, expended fuel, switchings, etc. In order to advise the driver an infringe¬ ment is about to be taken into account or is already being taken into account, the circuit turns on warning lights (8) or a warning buzzer (9). The ievice points out driving errors, in a certain manner controlling the driver, restringing its action up to what is allo¬ wed, so, safety guaranties against violation, and data alteration are a must and are provides, pointing occur. rence of fraudulent actions: a) an interface (10) which sums the alter¬ nate signal generated by the alternator (4) to the power supply voltage, the result being sent through the same wire (15) . This interface also restricts the current through this wire to a safe limit in case " of short-circuit to ground or to the power supply. This interface is encapsulated in insula- ting resin to prevent short-circuits, humidity and vi- bration, the capsule being so formated to be directly attached to the alternator (4). b) a checking circuit (11) to detect zero voltage from the power and signal wire (15) and to mo¬ nitors the transducer (5) impedance. This cheking cir- cuit (11) drives the "operative" warn'ing ligth (12) which indicates the device is being properly powered when this light is on, when it is off indicates lack of power, when is flashing indicates lack of power whichwas already restablished. There is an internal reset switch (13) to reset this light to its "on" state. By means of this warning light one can know whether the device suffered a lack of power or information from the alternator (4) since they come together through the same wire (15), as well as if the speed transducer wjl re (16) was open or short circuited; c) a seal on the attachment of the transdu¬ cer (5) to the speedmeter shaft (6) to avoid it can be disconnected whithout being noted. d) an hermetic sealed box (14) which conta ins the whole hardware except the speed transducer (5) end the summing interface (10). This box has transparent visors to made the counters contents, the warnign lights and the "operative" indicating light visible.Thetaxis put in the driver's sight. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY An automotive vehicle may be operated " in many ways, some leading to fuel wasting and engine wea- rout. On the other hand a correctly operated vehicle not only has its useful life extended but also offers increa. sed safety and economy. The device described herein is requires s an instrument of management, pointint out irregularities that may ruin fleet efficiency, cargo and passenger sa¬ fety and confort. Concomitantly distinguishes the good conductors, leading then to increaded skill.

Claims: CLAIMS 1) FRAUD-PROOF VEHICULAR COUNTING SET comprising a fraud-proof set of pulse numerical co-unters (1) which accumulate pulses proportionally to the duration of de. termined situations on automotive vehicle operation. 2) FRAUD-PROOF VEHICULAR COUNTING SET comprising as a safety arrangement an interface (10) which sums the frequency generated by the vehicle alternator (4) to the power supply voltage, sending them through the sa- me wire (15) . 3) FRAUD-PROOF VEHICULAR COUNTING SET comprising as a safety arrangement a wiring voltage and impedance che¬ cking circuit (11) connected to an "operative" warning light (12). 4) FRAUD-PROOF VEHICULAR COUNTING SET comprising a se¬ al on the attachement of the speed transducer (5) to the vehicle speedmeter shaft (6). 5) FRAUD-PROOF VEHICULAR COUNTING SET comprising a her metic sealed box (14) equiped whith warning lights (8) and transparent panel visors, said box containing the whole hardware except the speed transducer (5) and the summing interface (10).

Inventors: RODRIGUES AMADEU TONUSSI, RODRIGUES MARCO ANTONIO TONUSS, RODRIGUES RONNEY TONUSSI, RODRIGUES RUBENS TONUSSI, RODRIGUES, AMADEU, TONUSSI, RODRIGUES, MARCO, ANTONIO, TONUSSI, RODRIGUES, RONNEY, TONUSSI, RODRIGUES, RUBENS, TONUSSI
Applicants: TACOM LTDA
Application year: 1986
Main classification: G07C5
IPC codes: G07C5