Patent Publication Number: US-8972097-B2

Title: System and method to enhance the utility of vehicle inspection records by including route identification data in each vehicle inspection record

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of prior co-pending application Ser. No. 12/942,874, filed on Nov. 9, 2010, which itself is a continuation-in-part of prior co-pending application Ser. No. 12/724,232, filed on Mar. 15, 2010, which itself is a continuation-in-part of prior co-pending application Ser. No. 11/675,502, filed on Feb. 15, 2007 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,680,595 on Mar. 16, 2010, the benefit of the filing dates of which are hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120. Prior co-pending application Ser. No. 11/675,502 itself is a continuation-in-part of prior co-pending application Ser. No. 11/425,222, filed on Jun. 20, 2006, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,564,375 on Jul. 21, 2009, which itself is a continuation-in-part of prior co-pending application Ser. No. 11/247,953, filed on Oct. 11, 2005, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,362,229 on Apr. 22, 2008, the benefits of the filing dates of which are hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicle fleet operators often operate vehicles along predefined and generally invariant routes. For example, buses frequently operate on predefined routes, according to a predefined time schedule (for example, along a route that is geographically, as well as temporally defined). Fleet operators often assign specific vehicles to particular routes. Occasionally, maintenance issues necessitate changing the vehicles assigned to specific routes. It is often tedious and time-consuming for fleet operators to keep track of which route a particular vehicle has been assigned to at any given time. 
     In addition to keeping track of what routes specific vehicles have serviced, fleet operators also must be concerned with complying with federal law, which presently requires that commercial drivers make a visual inspection of specific components on any type of vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs (11,793 kgs) or more. Components for which inspection is required include the brake system, fuel system, warning lights, tires, etc. An exemplary vehicle inspection report listing the components and systems that must be inspected by a driver to satisfy the DOT regulations is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Under the current system, a driver is only required to fill out a paper log and keep it on file for 90 days. Many experts report that less than half of the drivers ever perform the check. Instead, many drivers simply fill out the report while seated in the cab of the truck or in a coffee shop. The report is meaningless unless the listed components and systems have actually been inspected. For example, a driver who fails to actually inspect components on his vehicle will fail to detect that brake fluid is leaking from a hydraulic master brake cylinder. As a result, the brakes on the driver&#39;s truck may fail, potentially causing a serious accident. 
     It would be desirable to provide such fleet operators with method and apparatus to facilitate performing such important vehicle inspections, which also captures vehicle identification data and route identification data, so that fleet operators can more readily determine what route a particular vehicle serviced on a particular day, while also complying with the vehicle inspection requirements. 
     SUMMARY 
     This application specifically incorporates herein by reference the disclosures and drawings of each patent application and issued patent that is identified above as a related application. 
     Disclosed herein are method and apparatus for enabling route identification (ID) data to be readily collected during vehicle inspections that must be performed daily by commercial vehicle operators. An electronic inspection record including route ID data, vehicle ID data, and inspection data is automatically generated. If desired, driver ID data can also be included in the electronic inspection record. The electronic inspection record is conveyed to a remote computing device (i.e., a computing device remote from the vehicle that is inspected). Electronic inspection records for all fleet vehicles can be searched, to enable fleet operators to quickly determine what route a specific vehicle serviced on a specific day. It should be understood that the term electronic inspection record encompasses data stored in any type of file structure (i.e., different data types, such as driver ID data, vehicle ID data, route ID data, and inspection data can be stored as discrete files logically coupled with pointers to related data, or the different types of data can be stored together in a single data file defining the inspection record). 
     The electronic inspection record is generated when an operator uses a handheld device while performing the vehicle inspection. The handheld device records data relevant to the inspection to a non-transient memory. The electronic inspection record can be conveyed to a different non-transient memory remote from the vehicle, such that the electronic inspection record can be analyzed by a computing device remote from the vehicle. The electronic inspection record can be used as a record to verify that the inspection was performed. Significantly, the method and apparatus disclosed herein enhance the usefulness of archived vehicle inspection data, because the route ID data incorporated into the electronic inspection record will indicate which one of a plurality of predefined routes the vehicle will service (in the case of a pre-trip inspection) or has serviced (in the case of a post-trip inspection), so the fleet operator will be able to more readily determine what route a specific vehicle serviced on a specific date (noting that each electronic inspection record includes a date identifier, to enable the inspection data to be used to show compliance with inspection rules mandating daily inspections). 
     The route ID data included in the electronic inspection record uniquely identifies a specific one of the plurality of predefined routes. Thus, examination of the inspection record will enable the route ID data to be used to identify upon which one of a plurality of predefined routes the vehicle was operating during the time period corresponding to the electronic inspection record. 
     In general, the electronic inspection record will be analyzed by a remote computing device. For example, the remote computing device can be a computing system controlled or accessed by the fleet operator. The remote computing device also can be operating in a networked environment, and in some cases, may be operated by a third party under contract with the fleet operator to perform such services. Thus, the electronic inspection record including the route identification ID and the inspection data will be conveyed from the handheld device used to generate the electronic inspection record via a data link to the remote computing device. 
     An exemplary embodiment can be implemented using the following basic elements: a vehicle to be inspected, an operator to perform the vehicle inspection, an ID data input means (ID data to input include at least vehicle ID and route ID, and in some embodiments the driver ID can also be input), an inspection data collection means, a data link means, and a remote computing device. In general, the remote computing device can be implemented by a computing system employed by an entity operating a fleet of vehicles. Entities that operate vehicle fleets can thus use such computing systems to track and manipulate data relating to their vehicle fleet. It should be recognized that these basic elements can be combined in many different configurations to achieve the method defined above. Thus, the details provided herein are intended to be exemplary, and not limiting on the concepts disclosed herein. 
     A particularly useful implementation of the exemplary embodiment noted above involves a first alternative in which the electronic inspection record is stored in a memory associated with a portable data collection device used to perform the vehicle inspection, before being conveyed to the remote computing device for analysis. In a second alternative, the electronic inspection record is stored in a memory associated with a vehicular onboard computer, before being conveyed to the remote computing device for analysis. 
     When the inspection record is stored in a memory associated with a portable electronic data collection device, the operator can input the route ID data via a user interface, such that the route ID data are stored in the memory of the portable electronic data collection device. Such a portable electronic data collection device can be used not only to store the route ID, but also to collect and store other data collected in connection with the operation of the vehicle. The other data and the route ID data will typically be combined into a data set (i.e., an inspection record) unique to a specific operational period for a specific vehicle. The use of a portable electronic data collection device to collect inspection related data has been described in detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,671,646, entitled SYSTEM AND PROCESS TO ENSURE PERFORMANCE OF MANDATED SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS, the specification and drawings of which are hereby specifically incorporated herein by reference. The use of a portable electronic data collection device to collect ancillary data (including sensor data such as brake temperature data, tire pressure data, oil temperature data, engine coolant temperature, geographic position data, and other data corresponding to operational characteristics and condition of the vehicle) has been described in detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,362,229, entitled ENSURING THE PERFORMANCE OF MANDATED INSPECTIONS COMBINED WITH THE COLLECTION OF ANCILLARY DATA, the specification and drawings of which are hereby specifically incorporated herein by reference. The inspection record is then conveyed to a remote computing device for subsequent analysis of the inspection record, including analysis configured to identify which one of the plurality of predefined routes the vehicle was operating over during the period the inspection record was collected. The inspection record can be conveyed to the remote computing device in a variety of different ways. The inspection record can be extracted from the portable electronic data collection device using a wireless communication (such as radio frequency and IR data transfer), a hardwired interface, or portable memory storage media that can be moved to another location to extract the data. If desired, the inspection record can be transmitted to the remote computing device in real-time, if the portable electronic data collection device or vehicle is equipped with radio or cellular communication capability. The remote computing device will parse the inspection record to locate the route ID data, thereby enabling identification of which one of the plurality of predefined routes matches the route ID data, such that a specific one of the plurality of predefined routes can be identified as corresponding to the specific period during which the inspection record was collected. 
     When the inspection record is stored in a memory associated with an onboard computer, the operator can input the route ID data via a user interface, such that the route ID data are stored in the memory of the onboard computing device. Note in such an embodiment, a handheld data collection device (such as the device discussed above) will be used to collect the inspection data, which then must be conveyed to the vehicle onboard computer to be combined with the route ID data. Additional vehicle data can then be added to the inspection record by the onboard computer if desired. Vehicle onboard computing devices are often configured to collect data from a variety of sensors integrated into the vehicle. Such sensor data are often communicated to the onboard computer via a J-bus, although such an embodiment is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting. Sensor data can include brake temperature data, tire pressure data, oil temperature data, engine coolant temperature data, geographic position data, and other data corresponding to operational characteristics or conditions of the vehicle. The sensor data and the route ID data can, in this exemplary embodiment, be combined into an inspection record unique to a specific operational period for a specific vehicle. 
     Regardless of whether the inspection record is stored in a handheld device used to perform the inspection, or in a memory logically coupled to an onboard vehicle computer, the inspection record (including at least the inspection data, the vehicle ID data, and the route ID data), is then conveyed to a remote computing device for subsequent analysis of the inspection record, including analysis that identifies upon which one of the plurality of predefined routes the vehicle was operating over during a time period proximate the inspection of the vehicle. The inspection record can be conveyed to the remote computing device in a variety of ways. 
     In a related exemplary embodiment, the inspection record also includes driver ID data. While it is important to be able to match the inspection record to a specific vehicle (to provide evidence that a specific vehicle was inspected), the vehicle ID data can be provided in many ways. For example, a particular handheld data collection device can be assigned to a specific vehicle, and handheld ID data can be included in the inspection record, so the handheld ID data is used to uniquely tie the inspection record to a specific vehicle. In embodiments where data from a vehicle&#39;s onboard computer is included in the inspection record, some of that data (for example, sensor ID data unique to a specific sensor on that vehicle, or a vehicle identification number (VIN) provided by the onboard computer) could be used to uniquely tie the inspection record to a specific vehicle. 
     Another aspect of the novel concepts presented herein is directed to a system and apparatus implementing the functional steps generally as described above. 
     The methods disclosed herein are preferably implemented by a processor (such as a computing device executing machine instructions to implement the specific functions noted above) or a custom circuit (such as an application specific integrated circuit). Further, the concepts disclosed herein also encompasses machine instructions stored on a non-transitory memory medium, which when executed by a processor implement one or more of the methods disclosed herein, and systems for implementing the disclosed methods. In one exemplary system, the basic elements include a computing device remote from the vehicle that implements the function of analyzing the electronic inspection record to identify at least one of the following parameters: a specific vehicle, a specific time, a specific driver, a specific fault identified in the inspection record, and a specific route identified in the inspection record. It should be understood that the term computing device encompasses computing environments including multiple processors and memory storage devices, where certain functions are implemented on different ones of the multiple processors. Thus, the term computing device not only encompasses single desktop and laptop computers, but also networked computers, including servers and clients, in private networks or as part of the Internet. The data being processed can be stored by one element in such a network, retrieved for review by another element in the network, and analyzed by yet another element in the network. 
     This Summary has been provided to introduce a few concepts in a simplified form that are further described in detail below in the Description. However, this Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects and attendant advantages of one or more exemplary embodiments and modifications thereto will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a high level logic diagram showing exemplary overall method steps implemented in accord with the concepts disclosed herein to identify a specific predefined route over which a vehicle has been operated by analyzing inspection data collected for the vehicle, where the timing of the inspection is correlated to the predefined route; 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary computing device that can be employed to implement some of the method steps disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  are exemplary functional block diagrams showing how a plurality of functional elements can be configured differently to implement the method steps of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  (Prior Art) is an exemplary manually-completed inspection record used for safety inspections of tractors and trailers, illustrating the specific components and systems that are required to be inspected; 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram of a tractor and trailer equipped with tokens at each component to be inspected, illustrating a person using a portable electronic data collection device to collect other data to be incorporated into an inspection record along with route ID data, generally in accord with the method steps of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of a portable device for use in making a safety inspection of a vehicle, showing a message that prompts the operator to input route ID data into the portable electronic data collection device, such that the route identification data are combined with inspection data to achieve an inspection record corresponding to a specific vehicle for a specific period of time, generally in accord with the method steps of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a schematic block diagram of the functional components included in the portable device of  FIG. 5B ; and 
         FIG. 5D  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for transferring an inspection record from a portable electronic data collection device over the Internet, between the portable electronic data collection device that is disposed in a docking station and storage on a remote computing device. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Figures and Disclosed Embodiments are not Limiting 
     Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced Figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and Figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Further, it should be understood that any feature of one embodiment disclosed herein can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment that is disclosed, unless otherwise indicated. 
       FIG. 1  is a high level flow chart showing the overall method steps implemented in accord with one aspect of the concepts disclosed herein. In a block  14 , a user (hereafter referred to as the operator, since generally, the user will be the operator of the vehicle, although it should be recognized that other individuals, such as fleet maintenance personnel or supervisors, can be assigned to carry out this and other tasks discussed herein) inputs route ID data into a memory, so that the route ID data can be combined with inspection data to generate an inspection record corresponding to a specific vehicle operated during a specific period of time. As described in greater detail below, in a first exemplary embodiment, the memory is associated with a portable electronic device used by the operator to collect the other data. In a second exemplary embodiment, the memory is incorporated into the vehicle (such as memory associated with an onboard computer). 
     In a block  16 , inspection data for the vehicle are collected before (in the case of a pre-trip inspection) or after (in the case of a post-trip inspection) the vehicle is operated over the predefined route identified in block  14 . To enable inspection records to be correlated with a specific vehicle, vehicle ID data is either input in block  14  along with the route ID, or the vehicle ID is collected with the inspection data in block  16 . If desired, driver ID data can be similarly provided. In some embodiments, but not all embodiments, additional data (beyond inspection data and route ID data) can be collected to be combined with the inspection data, vehicle ID data, and route ID data. Such additional data can comprise a wide variety of different data types, such as operational parameters collected during operation of the vehicle over the specific predefined route (data such as brake temperature data, engine temperature data, coolant temperature data, tire pressure data, and geographical position data, although it should be recognized that such data types are intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting on the scope of this approach). 
     In a block  18 , an inspection record including the route ID data and the inspection data (and any other collected data) is conveyed to a remote computing device via a data link. It should be recognized that, depending on the specific configuration of the vehicle, the inspection record can be conveyed after a trip over a specific predefined route has been completed, or in real-time while the route is being traveled by the vehicle (the real-time embodiment requires a vehicle to be equipped with a wireless communications data link). 
     In a block  20 , the inspection record is analyzed to identify a specific predefined route over which the vehicle has been operated (i.e., the inspection record is parsed to identify the route identification data, which are then used to identify a particular one of the plurality of predefined routes over which the vehicle traveled). 
     Such a method will enable operators of a fleet of vehicles to be able to analyze electronic inspection data (noting that commercial vehicle operators are required to keep some type of inspection data, either electronic records or paper copies of inspection reports such as that shown in  FIG. 4 ) to determine over which specific predefined route a vehicle was operated during a time period corresponding to a vehicle inspection. Since many commercial vehicle operators already keep electronic inspection data, adding the route ID to such inspection data will enable the electronic inspection data to not only provide evidence of inspections that were performed, but also provide a data record that the fleet operator can analyze to determine what route a vehicle serviced at a particular time associated with a vehicle inspection (noting that the inspection data is time indexed, to enable the inspection data to show compliance with daily inspection requirements). While specific vehicles are often assigned to specific routes, occasionally, maintenance issues or other events necessitate changing the vehicles assigned to specific routes. The method disclosed herein provides an alternative to the often tedious and time-consuming prior art techniques implemented by fleet operators to keep track of which route a particular vehicle was assigned to at any given time. 
     In general, analysis of the inspection record to determine the predefined route will be carried out by a remote computing device. In general, the remote computing device in at least one embodiment is a computing system controlled or accessed by the fleet operator. The remote computing device can be operating in a networked environment, and in some cases, may be operated by a third party under contract with the fleet operator to perform such services.  FIG. 2  schematically illustrates an exemplary computing system  250  suitable for use in implementing the method of  FIG. 1  (i.e., for executing step  20  of this method). Exemplary computing system  250  includes a processing unit  254  that is functionally coupled to an input device  252  and to an output device  262 , e.g., a display (which can be used to output a result to a user, although such a result can also be stored). Processing unit  254  comprises, for example, a central processing unit (CPU)  258  that executes machine instructions for carrying out an analysis of the electronic inspection record to identify at least one of the following parameters: a specific vehicle, a specific time, a specific driver, a specific fault identified in the inspection record, and a specific route identified in the inspection record. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the machine instructions implement functions generally consistent with those described above with respect to step  20  of  FIG. 1 . CPUs suitable for this purpose are available, for example, from Intel Corporation, AMD Corporation, Motorola Corporation, and other sources, as will be well known to those of ordinary skill in this art. 
     Also included in processing unit  254  are a random access memory (RAM)  256  and non-volatile memory  260 , which can include read only memory (ROM) and may include some form of memory storage, such as a hard drive, optical disk (and drive), etc. These memory devices are bi-directionally coupled to CPU  258 . Such storage devices are well known in the art. Machine instructions and data are temporarily loaded into RAM  256  from non-volatile memory  260 . Also stored in the memory are an operating system software and ancillary software. While not separately shown, it will be understood that a generally conventional power supply will be included to provide electrical power at a voltage and current level appropriate to energize computing system  250 . 
     Input device  252  can be any device or mechanism that facilitates user input into the operating environment, including, but not limited to, one or more of a mouse or other pointing device, a keyboard, a microphone, a modem, or other input device. In general, the input device will be used to initially configure computing system  250 , to achieve the desired processing (i.e., to parse an inspection record for a specific vehicle at a specific data to identify the route the vehicle serviced that date). Configuration of computing system  250  to achieve the desired processing includes the steps of loading appropriate processing software into non-volatile memory  260 , and launching the processing application (e.g., loading the processing software into RAM  256  for execution by the CPU) so that the processing application is ready for use. Output device  262  generally includes any device that produces output information, but will most typically comprise a monitor or computer display designed for human visual perception of output. Use of a conventional computer keyboard for input device  252  and a computer display for output device  262  should be considered as exemplary, rather than as limiting on the scope of this system. Data link  264  is configured to enable data collected in connection with operation of a vehicle to be input into computing system  250  for subsequent analysis to identify a specific route over which the vehicle has been operated. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that many types of data links can be implemented, including, but not limited to, universal serial bus (USB) ports, parallel ports, serial ports, inputs configured to couple with portable memory storage devices, FireWire™ ports, infrared data ports, wireless data ports such as Bluetooth™, network connections such as Ethernet ports, and Internet connections. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  are functional block diagrams showing how a plurality of functional elements can be configured differently to implement the method steps of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3A  shows the basic functional elements, which include an operator  22 , a route ID data input  24 , a vehicle  26 , an inspection data collector  28  (i.e., an element configured to collect inspection data documenting that a vehicle inspection was performed), a data link  30 , and remote computing device  32 . Those of ordinary skill in the art should readily recognize that these functional elements can be combined in a plurality of different configurations to implement the method steps of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3B  schematically illustrates a first such configuration in which route identification data input  24  and inspection data collector  28  are implemented in a portable electronic data collection device used by the operator to both input the route ID data into the portable electronic data collection device, and to collect and store the inspection data. As noted above, the use of a portable electronic data collection device to collect both inspection data and ancillary data related to the operation of the vehicle is described in commonly assigned patent applications that have above specifically been incorporated herein by reference. The use of a portable electronic data collection device represents a particularly efficient exemplary embodiment. 
     In conjunction with collecting the inspection data, the operator will import the route ID data into the handheld electronic data collection device. It should be recognized that the route ID data can be entered before the inspection data are collected, the route ID data can be entered contemporaneously with the collection of the inspection data, or the route ID data can be entered after the inspection data have been collected. Generally, the route ID data are entered in connection with the operation of the vehicle over one of the plurality of predefined routes. Whenever the vehicle is subsequently operated over a different one of the plurality of predefined routes, the inspection record (comprising the route ID data and the inspection data) corresponding to the earlier used route of the plurality of predefined routes must be kept separate from the inspection record corresponding to a different one of the plurality of predefined routes. Generally, this is accomplished by date, as often the vehicle will service only a single predefined route on a given day. If a vehicle will service more than one route, then an additional inspection can be performed to generate an inspection record including inspection data and route ID data for that additional route. Alternatively, if a vehicle is servicing more than one route per vehicle inspection (noting such inspections generally are performed daily), then the operator can input new route ID data when the vehicle finishes one route and starts another. A time stamp included with the new route ID will enable the fleet operator to determine what route the vehicle was servicing at a given time and date, by reviewing the inspection records. 
     In general, route ID data input  24  comprises a keyboard or function keys incorporated into a portable electronic data collection device, and the route ID data are input as an alphanumeric sequence or numerical sequence. It should be recognized however, that other data input structures (i.e., structures other than keyboards) can instead be implemented, such that the concepts presented herein are not limited to any specific ID data input device. The operator can also use the handheld electronic data collection device to scan a token that uniquely corresponds to a specific one of the plurality of the predefined routes. For example, the operator can be provided with a plurality of tokens, each one of which uniquely corresponds to one of the plurality of predefined routes, such that the user selects the appropriate token, and uses the handheld electronic data collection device to scan the appropriate token. Many different tokens/sensor combinations can be implemented. Barcodes and optical scanners represent one combination, while radio frequency ID (RFID) tags and RFID readers represent another such combination. The advantage of a token/sensor combination is that the handheld electronic data collection device is not required to incorporate a keypad for entry of the route ID data. As a further alternative, the route ID data can be entered verbally, using voice recognition software in the handheld electronic collection device to recognize the verbal input. In embodiments where the route ID data is entered into a portable electronic data collection device, preferably the portable electronic data collection device is also employed to collect the inspection data (i.e., inspection data collector  28  is part of a portable electronic data collection device). The inspection data can include inspection data and/or data collected by sensors incorporated into the vehicle (configured to collect data such as engine temperature data, oil temperature data, brake temperature data, tire pressure data, tire temperature data, and geographical position data; recognizing that such data types are intended to be exemplary rather than limiting). Preferably, inspection data collector  28  comprises a sensor responsive to a token on the vehicle. As disclosed in detail in commonly assigned U.S. patent applications that have above been incorporated herein by reference, the token can simply indicate that an operator was proximate the token (i.e., the other data simply confirm that the operator was proximate the token), or the token can be configured to provide ancillary data collected by a sensor that is logically coupled to the token. Note that in this embodiment, the route ID data are stored in a memory in the portable device. 
       FIG. 3C  corresponds to an alternative configuration for the functional elements shown in  FIG. 3A . In this alternative configuration, data link  30  has been incorporated into the portable electronic data collection device (which also comprises ID data input  24  and inspection data collector  28 ). Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such a data link can be implemented in a variety of different fashions, including, but not limited to, serial data ports, parallel data ports, USB data ports, infrared communication ports, Firewire ports, and/or radio frequency transmitter/receivers. In this embodiment, the route ID data are stored in a memory in the portable device. 
       FIG. 3D  corresponds to yet another alternative configuration for the functional elements shown in  FIG. 3A . In such an alternative configuration, the route ID data input and the data link can be incorporated into the vehicle. An exemplary implementation of such an alternative configuration is a vehicle equipped with a wireless transmitter (as the data link, although as discussed above in detail, it should be recognized that other data links can be alternatively employed). Often such a transmitter may be part of a global positioning satellite (GPS) unit. Such a GPS unit can include a keypad, a touchpad, (or one of the alternative input devices discussed above in detail) enabling the operator to input the route ID data. During operation of the vehicle, the GPS unit will collect geographical positional data. Note that in this embodiment, the route ID data are stored in a memory in the vehicle, and the portable device will need to be logically coupled to the vehicle such that the route ID data can be combined with the inspection data before being conveyed to the remote computing device as an inspection record. The inspection record will include the route ID data, the inspection data, and in at least some embodiments, geographical position data. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 5A-5D , described in detail below, it should be recognized that additional details relating to such Figures can be found in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,671,646, entitled SYSTEM AND PROCESS TO ENSURE PERFORMANCE OF MANDATED SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS, the disclosure and drawings of which have been specifically incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram of a tractor and trailer equipped with tokens at each component to be inspected, illustrating a person using a portable electronic data collection device to collect other data to be incorporated into an inspection record along with route ID data, generally in accord with the method steps of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5A  illustrates a tractor-trailer  510  with which a portable electronic data collection device is usable to carry out a safety inspection. Tractor-trailer  510  is provided with a plurality of tokens affixed adjacent to each checkpoint or component that is to be inspected. While only a few of the tokens are illustrated in  FIG. 1 , it should be recognized that most inspections will include additional tokens enabling the operator to be in compliance with the DOT regulations regarding pre- and post-inspections of such vehicles (noting that  FIG. 4  is exemplary of a paper based checklist for such a vehicle inspection). A token can be affixed adjacent to the components and systems requiring inspection, although several components might be associated with the same token. For example, in the engine compartment, one token might be used for providing inspection of both the radiator and the belts. As a driver moves about the tractor and trailer, evidence that the driver or the person doing the inspection moved sufficiently close to the components being inspected so that the inspection could actually take place is recorded in a portable device  520  (first exemplary embodiment). Further details of portable device  520  and of other related embodiments are described below. 
     For the few tokens illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the relevance of the disposition of the token adjacent to a corresponding component of the tractor-trailer  510  should be evident. For example, token  512  is disposed adjacent to tandem dual rear tires  514  on the trailer. Since all the tires of the tandem dual rear wheels on the left rear of the trailer are readily visible from a position adjacent to token  512 , a single token is sufficient to determine that the driver was sufficiently close so that all four tires at the left rear of the trailer could be readily inspected. Similarly, tandem dual wheels  518  on the left rear of the tractor are readily inspected when an observer  522  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 5A . In this position, the observer moves portable device  520  within a maximum predefined range of token  516 , which is exposed above tandem dual rear wheels  518 . Portable device  520  detects and responds to token  516 , recording data indicating that the driver was in a position to inspect tandem dual rear wheels  518  on the tractor. It is contemplated that the operator may initiate the recognition of a token by activating a switch, or the portable device can instead simply automatically respond when a token is sufficiently close to the portable device. 
     Other tokens  524 ,  526 ,  530 , and  532  are illustrated adjacent other components of the tractor that are part of the safety inspection. For example, token  526  is affixed adjacent to a tire  528 , on the right front of the tractor, while tokens  530  and  532  are accessible if the front hood of the tractor is opened and are disposed adjacent the hydraulic brake master cylinder and the engine belts/radiator, respectively (not shown separately). For each token, there is a predetermined maximum distance that portable device  520  can be held from the token that will enable the portable device to detect the token, and thus, the component that is associated with it in order to produce a record as evidence that the person holding the portable device was in a position to inspect the component. Depending upon the component to be inspected and the type of token, different predetermined maximum distances may be assigned to the various components. The different predetermined maximum distances might be implemented by partially shielding a token to vary the distance at which the portable device can detect the token. 
       FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of a portable device for use in making a safety inspection of a vehicle, showing a message that prompts the operator to input route ID data into the portable electronic data collection device, such that the route ID data are combined with inspection data to achieve an inspection record corresponding to a specific vehicle for a specific period of time, generally in accord with the method steps of  FIG. 1 . While  FIG. 5B  indicates that an exemplary portable electronic data collection device includes a keyboard-based route ID data input, it should be recognized that the other data input structures or devices discussed in detail above can alternatively be employed. As part of the inspection (or before the inspection, or after the inspection, but sometime in conjunction with the operation of the vehicle over one of the plurality of predefined routes), operator  522  is prompted to input the route ID data by a message  558  appearing on a display  540  of portable device  520 , for example, using a keypad  568 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . As noted above, a specific token associated with a specific route can be read by the portable device to input the route ID data. Vehicle ID data and driver ID data can be similarly input into the portable device. Display  540  can also be used to prompt the operator to move to a different inspection location. For example, if operator  522  has just completed the inspection of tandem dual tires  514  on the left rear of the truck, display  540  can provide a prompt indicating that the operator should “verify tire condition—left rear of tractor.” A sensor  546  on portable device  520  responds to token  516  when the portable device is held less than the predetermined maximum distance from token  516  by producing a signal indicating that the portable device was within the required range of tandem dual tires  518  to enable the operator to inspect the tires. 
     Display  540  is disposed on a front surface of a housing  542  of portable device  520 . Sensor  546  is disposed on the top edge of housing  542 , while an optional USB port  548  is disposed on the bottom edge of housing  542 , opposite sensor  546 . An antenna  544  is also disposed on the top edge of the housing for transmitting radio frequency (RF) transmissions to a remote data storage site  561  that is used for long-term storage of data resulting from safety inspections, which corresponds to the functional block diagram configuration of  FIG. 3C . The data produced by a safety inspection indicate each of the components of the vehicle (or other system or apparatus being inspected) that were visited by the operator, so that the portable device was positioned within the predetermined maximum distance from the token associated with the component, and further indicates the status of the component entered by the operator (or automatically recorded). 
       FIG. 5C  is a schematic block diagram of the functional components included in the portable device of  FIG. 5B . Thus,  FIG. 5C  illustrates functional components  567  that are included in portable device  520 , either on or inside housing  542 . A central processing unit (CPU)  562  comprises the controller for portable device  520  and is coupled bi-directionally to a memory  564  that includes both RAM and ROM. Memory  564  is used for storing data in RAM and machine instructions in ROM that control the functionality of CPU  562  when the machine instructions are executed by it. CPU  562  is also coupled to receive operator input from controls  568 . Typically, after operator  522  inputs the route ID data and has visited each of the checkpoints required for the safety inspection (thereby collecting the other data), the operator can transmit the inspection record (comprising the route ID data and the other data/inspection data) that have been collected during the inspection to remote data storage site  561  through an RF transmission via antenna  544 . The data provide evidence that the operator has visited the components and indicated the state and condition of the components that were visited and inspected and also provide an indication upon which one of the plurality of predefined routes the vehicle has been operated to be specifically identified, generally as discussed above with respect to the method of  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, optional USB port  548  on portable device  520  can be coupled to a network interface  563  on an external cradle or docking station (an example of which is described below in connection with  FIG. 5D ), which is in communication with remote data storage  565 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . In  FIG. 5C , CPU  562  is shown communicating data to transmitter  566  (or through another data link) using a wired and/or wireless data communication link. The data collected and stored (in memory  564  of portable device  520 ) during the safety inspection can thus be safely transferred to the remote data storage site and retained for as long as the data might be needed. 
     In some cases, it may be preferable to transmit the data to the remote site immediately after making a safety inspection to ensure that the data retained in memory  564  are not lost should an accident occur that destroys portable device  520 . An accident destroying the evidence that the safety inspection was implemented could have an adverse effect during any litigation related to the accident, which might allegedly have been caused by one of the components that was purported to have been inspected. However, since the risk of such an accident is relatively remote, it is contemplated that an operator may collect the data from a number of safety inspections in memory  564  and then subsequently upload the data to remote data storage  565  by coupling the portable device to the external cradle or docking station that includes a USB port terminal and network interface that facilitates connecting via the Internet or other network, to a remote storage, generally as indicated in  FIG. 5D . The cradle or docking station might be maintained by a carrier at a freight terminal, which is at least periodically visited by the truck that was inspected. Alternatively, the external cradle or docking station might be disposed at a different site and/or connect to the remote data storage site through other types of communication links. One example of such a communication system is the OMNITRACS™ satellite mobile communication system sold by Qualcomm Corporation that enables drivers on the road and carriers to remain in communication with each other and enables the carrier to monitor the location of a tractor-trailer during a trip. By linking portable device  520  through USB port  548  to such a data communication system, the data stored within memory  564  can readily be transmitted to a remote site maintained by the carrier for long-term storage, even while a trip by the tractor-trailer is in progress. 
       FIG. 5D  is a schematic diagram of the system for transferring an inspection record from a portable electronic data collection device over the Internet, between the portable electronic data collection device in the docking station and storage on a remote computing device. Docking station  529  includes an interface circuit that couples the data port on portable device  520  to a personal computer  554  through a data link  531 . In this exemplary embodiment, the interface circuit converts the data format of portable device  520  to a format compatible with data link  531 , which is connected to an input port of remote computer  554 . It is contemplated that docking station  529  might be disposed in a terminal or other location to which the portable device is returned between inspections or at other times, to transfer data from the memory within the portable device to remote storage on remote computer  554 . 
     The tokens that are affixed at various points on the tractor-trailer (or adjacent components of other types of systems or apparatus unrelated to a vehicle) can be of several different types, depending upon the type of sensor  546  that is included on portable device  520 . In at least one exemplary embodiment, the token that is employed is an RF ID (RFID) tag that is attached with a fastener or an appropriate adhesive to a point on a frame or other support (not shown) adjacent to the component associated with the token. One type of RFID tag that is suitable for this purpose is the WORLDTAG™ token that is sold by Sokymat Corporation. This tag is excited by an RF transmission from portable device  520  via antenna  544 . In response to the excitation energy received, the RFID tag modifies the RF energy that is received from antenna  544  in a manner that specifically identifies the component associated with the RFID tag, and the modified signal is detected by sensor  546 . An alternative type of token that can also be used is an IBUTTON™ computer chip, which is armored in stainless steel housing and is readily affixed to a frame or other portion of the vehicle (or other type of apparatus or system), adjacent to the component associated with the IBUTTON™ chip. The IBUTTON™ chip is programmed with JAVA™ instructions to provide a recognition signal when interrogated by a signal received from a nearby transmitter, such as from antenna  544  on portable device  520 . The signal produced by the IBUTTON™ chip is received by sensor  546 , which determines the type of component associated with the token. This type of token is less desirable since it is more expensive, although the program instructions that it executes can provide greater functionality. 
     Yet another type of token that might be used is an optical bar code in which a sequence of lines of varying width or of other distinctive characteristic encodes light reflected from the bar code tag. The encoded reflected light is received by sensor  546 , which is then read by an optical detector. Bar code technology is well understood in the art and readily adapted for identifying a particular type of component and location of the component on a vehicle or other system or apparatus. One drawback to the use of a bar code tag as a token is that in an exposed location, the bar code can be covered with dirt or grime that must be cleaned before the sequence of bar code lines can be properly read. If the bar code is applied to a plasticized adhesive strip, it can readily be mounted to any surface and then easily cleaned with a rag or other appropriate material. 
     Still another type of token usable in the present approach is a magnetic strip in which a varying magnetic flux encodes data identifying the particular component associated with the token. Such magnetic strips are often used in access cards that are read by readers mounted adjacent to doors or in an elevator that provides access to a building. However, in the present approach, the magnetic flux reader comprises sensor  546  on portable device  520 . The data encoded on such a token are readily read as the portable device is brought into proximity with the varying magnetic flux encoded strip comprising the token. As a further alternative, an active token can be employed that conforms to the BLUETOOTH™ specification for short distance data transfer between computing devices using an RF signal. However, it is likely that the range of the signal transmitted by the token would need to be modified so that it is substantially less than that normally provided by a device conforming to the BLUETOOTH™ specification. It is important that the portable device be able to detect that it is proximate to the component within a predetermined maximum range selected to ensure that the operator is positioned to actually carry out an inspection of the component. 
     Alternative Portable Devices 
     While it is likely that an initial preferred embodiment will employ portable device  520 , it is also contemplated that an accessory might be provided for a personal digital assistant (PDA), such as the PALM™ PDA, which would enable the PDA to be used for the same functions as portable device  520 . The accessory to the PDA will include a sensor to detect when the PDA is within the predetermined maximum range from the token associated with the component currently being inspected. The conventional controls on the PDA can be used to make and enter a selection. Furthermore, instead of using a cursor control, it is also contemplated that a touch screen display might instead be used for making selections of menu items and other options presented to the operator. In addition, the PDA would need to be programmed to carry out the functions implemented by portable device  520 , as described above. Smart phones including a token reader (or coupled to an accessory token reader) can also be similarly employed. 
     Exemplary Analysis of Inspection Records by Remote Computing Device 
     As discussed above, the concepts disclosed herein encompass including route ID data in an inspection record also including inspection data, such that a fleet operator can use the electronic inspection record (which is archived to provide evidence that required inspections were completed) to determine which route a particular vehicle serviced during a time period corresponding to the inspection. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, where the inspection is a pre-trip inspection, the route ID data portion of the inspection record (which includes inspection data and route ID data) indicates what route the vehicle will service in a time period between the current pre-trip inspection and a subsequent pre-trip inspection. In another exemplary embodiment, where the inspection is a post-trip inspection, the route ID data portion of the inspection record (which includes inspection data and route ID data) indicates what route the vehicle serviced in a time period between the current post-trip inspection and the previous post-trip inspection. The artisan of ordinary skill will appreciate that the inspection record can include a temporal data element that is used to define a time period after (or before) the inspection data that corresponds to specific route ID data. As a default, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the inspection data and route ID data correspond to a specific day (as many fleet operators perform one vehicle inspection per day, and assign a particular vehicle to a single route per day). 
     An exemplary set of inspection data will include inspection data, route ID data, driver ID data (a useful data component, but not one that is strictly required), vehicle ID data, and time data (i.e., data defining the date and time of the inspection). In an exemplary embodiment, the inspection data includes token data that provides evidence that the handheld device used to collect the inspection data was proximate specific tokens distributed about the vehicle at a specific time and date (providing evidence that an operator tasked to perform the inspection was physically proximate to the vehicle equipment requiring inspection). In another exemplary embodiment, the inspection data is an electronic checklist similar to the checklist of  FIG. 4  (noting that such a checklist need not include each element of the checklist of  FIG. 4 , and that such a checklist does not provide evidence that the operator was physically proximate the vehicle components to be inspected). 
     To comply with inspection requirements, a fleet operator will generate inspection data for each day a specific vehicle is operated. Such fleet operators can use such exemplary inspection records in a number of ways. First, the inspection record can be used to show that the fleet operators complied with vehicle inspection requirements (regulatory defined requirements and/or fleet operator defined requirements). Fleet operators can also use the inspection record to determine which route a vehicle serviced on a specific date or time. The artisan of ordinary skill will recognize that many different search parameters can be used to extract desired data from the archived inspection records for the fleet. Such data searches are based on defining a specific parameter (such as driver ID, route ID, vehicle ID, and/or inspection date) and searching the archived data for particular inspection records that include a match. 
     One potentially useful search may indicate to a fleet operators that specific routes generate maintenance problems identified in vehicle inspections. Assume that post-trip inspections records are segregated from pre-trip inspection records (this can be done in a search string). A user searches the post-trip inspection records for all records where the inspection data indicates a problem. If one particular route is overrepresented in that search result, such a result suggests that conditions over that route can be leading to mechanical failures flagged in the post-trip inspection. This can lead the fleet operator to changing the route to reduce the maintenance problem, or changing the vehicles assigned to that route (for example, if the mechanical failure flagged in the inspection record are predominately brake problems, then vehicles with heavier duty braking systems can be preferentially assigned to that route, or the route can be slightly revised to avoid terrain (such as a particularly steep road surface) leading to the failures). 
     As used herein an the claims that follow, the phrase time period proximate the inspection of the vehicle should be understood to refer to that period, either before or after the vehicle inspection, when the vehicle will be used to service the route whose identity has been included in the inspection record. When a vehicle will be used to service multiple routes throughout a single day, the driver can perform a new inspection to be associated with the new route. For many fleet operators, the time period will be a calendar day. However, the concepts disclosed herein encompass different time periods. Fleet operators can define time periods (i.e., time periods before or after a vehicle inspection) to suit their individual needs. Further, users are free to define such time periods as only including time after an inspection (suitable for pre-trip inspections), or only including time before an inspection (suitable for post-trip inspections). In an exemplary but not limiting embodiment, the time period is defined by both a pre-trip vehicle inspection (which defines the beginning of the time period) and a post-trip vehicle inspection (which defines the end of the time period). 
     Although the concepts disclosed herein have been described in connection with the preferred form of practicing them and modifications thereto, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many other modifications can be made thereto within the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of these concepts in any way be limited by the above description, but instead be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.