Abstract:
A system and a method for a mileage (or other distance measurement) logging apparatus (or portable mileage logger) is configured as an electronic device, which keeps track of the vehicle&#39;s mileage. The mileage logger is independent of the vehicle&#39;s electrical and sensor systems, although it may also be configured to tap a vehicle&#39;s power connection. The mileage logger is configured for portability. Hence, it can be transferred from one vehicle to another and removed from the vehicle without the need for disabling and re-wiring. Moreover, the mileage logger may be configured with input/output ports to connect with a personal computer to download data from the apparatus. Alternative embodiments of the mileage logger may also be configured to include wireless network capabilities with an electronic mail protocol that allows for automatic wireless transmission of e-mailing capability to a user&#39;s computer, utilizing wireless network connections.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims a benefit of, and priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/639,851, titled “Mileage Logging Apparatus”, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention generally relates to the field of mileage tracking of vehicles.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     There are many instances where one wants to keep track of vehicle usage and keep a written record. For example, mileage logs help identify vehicle conditions to help maintain or service a vehicle. In another example, employers may require the travel (or mileage) log when their employees are on official business travel. Similarly, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires self-employed workers to keep a mileage log for tax deduction purposes when personal vehicles are used for business use.  
         [0006]     Currently, mileage logs are typically maintained by manually writing a journal entry reflecting an odometer reading of a vehicle at a particular point in time. Such tasks are tedious, and often result in inaccurate mileage logs because of a lack of discipline necessary to keep an accurate log. The resulting downsides of inaccurate mileage logs include less accurate data relating to vehicle service and maintenance or financial loss in the form of tax deduction disallowance by the IRS of an entire annual business expense of a personal vehicle. Therefore, there is a need for a more accurate and reliable mileage tracking apparatus.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention includes a system and a method for a mileage (or other distance measurement, e.g., kilometers) logging apparatus (or portable mileage logger). In one embodiment, the mileage logger is configured as a small electronic device, which keeps track of the vehicle&#39;s mileage. The mileage logger is independent of the vehicle&#39;s electrical and sensor systems, although it may also be configured to tap a vehicle&#39;s power and/or sensor system.  
         [0008]     The mileage logger is configured for portability. Hence, it can be transferred from one vehicle to another and removed from the vehicle without the need for disabling and re-wiring. Moreover, the mileage logger may be configured with input/output ports, e.g., a USB port or IEEE 1394 port, to connect with a personal computer to download data from the apparatus.  
         [0009]     Alternative embodiments of the mileage logger may also be configured to include wireless network capabilities, e.g., IEEE 802.11a, b, g, or n, IEEE 802.16, or general product radio service (GPRS) with an electronic mail protocol that allows for automatic wireless transmission of e-mailing capability to a user&#39;s computer, utilizing wireless network connections. Further, the portable mileage logger may be configured to include a hardwired and/or software user interface that allows for use in multiple configurations, for example, between business and personal use modes when the personal vehicle is in use as well as between two or more vehicles.  
         [0010]     The features and advantages described in the specification are not all inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     The invention has other advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0012]     Figure (FIG.)  1  illustrates an example of one embodiment of a mileage tracking apparatus in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a functional block diagram of a mileage tracking apparatus in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  shows one embodiment of a process for in-vehicle operation of a mileage tracking apparatus with a “logging enabled” key such as “business”/“personal” buttons in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a distance computing module in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0016]     The Figures (FIG.) and the following description relate to preferred embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of the claimed invention.  
         [0017]     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.  
         [0000]     Architectural Overview  
         [0018]     The present invention includes a mileage (or other distance measurement, e.g., kilometers) tracking apparatus that is configured to track of the vehicle mileage. In one embodiment, the mileage tracking apparatus is configured as an electronic device. Further, the electronic device may be configured for portability and may be configured independent of vehicle electronics. The electronic device may be battery powered, although it may also be configured to plug into a vehicle&#39;s power port (e.g., a cigarette lighter) to draw power for it.  
         [0019]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is an example of one embodiment of a mileage tracking (or logging) apparatus (or device)  110  in accordance with the present invention. The mileage tracking apparatus  110  includes a housing  115  and a vehicle power adapter  120 . The housing  115  includes a display window  125  and one or more selection buttons, e.g.,  130   a, b  (generally  130 ). The housing  115  also includes an interface port (not shown)  135 . The display window  125  may be a display such as an LCD or plasma display and is used to display text, images and the like. The one or more selection buttons  130  may be any button that allows selection such as a switch, membrane, jog dial or the like. The selection may include selection of a director, e.g., navigation, or an item, e.g., select a link or function.  
         [0020]     The selection buttons  130  can also work in both modes, navigation and select depending on a particular activity. The selection buttons  130  can also be configured to switch between modes, e.g., personal (e.g., record personal related information) or business (e.g., to record business related information). The interface  135  is any interface that allows communication with another device, e.g., a personal computer. Examples of an interface  135  include a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an IEEE-1394 interface, an infrared interface, an IEEE 802.11a, b, g, or n interface or a Bluetooth interface.  
         [0021]     In one embodiment, the housing  115  is configured to be portable, e.g., handheld. For example the housing may have a form factor similar to a pager or a personal digital assistant, e.g., 6 to 12 centimeters (cm)×4 to 8 cm×1 to 3 cm. The housing  115  may be constructed of any rigid or semi-rigid material, including plastic, fiberglass, metal, or composites thereof.  
         [0022]     In one embodiment the vehicle power adapter  120  is configured as a vehicle cigarette lighter plug that is integrated with the housing  115 . The vehicle power adapter supplies power to the apparatus  110 . In alternative embodiments the vehicle power adapter  120  may include a cord that is housed within the housing  115  and which can be extended from the housing for plugging into a vehicle cigarette lighter. In other alternative embodiments the vehicle power adapter  120  may be structured in other physical configurations for connecting with a power source (e.g., in a vehicle, building, or the like) having a power source receptacle, e.g., an alternating current (A-C) power receptacle or a cigarette lighter receptacle. In other alternative embodiments the power source may be a direct current (DC) power source, e.g., a battery or solar cell.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a functional block diagram of a system  210  for mileage tracking apparatus  110  in accordance with the present invention. The system  210  includes a positional system, e.g., an accelerometer  215  or analog signal interface  220  and/or an optional global positioning system (GPS) receiver  225 , a real time clock  230 , an optional voice recorder  235 , other optional data modules  240 , a power regulator  245 , a processor (CPU) and a memory  250 , a display (e.g., a display driver)  255 , a user interface  260 , or data storage  265 , a back-up power (optional)  270  and a personal computer (PC) interface  275 . The components are coupled through a data and power bus  280 . The accelerometer  215  is configured as a position sensor and is further described below.  
         [0024]     The analog signal interface  220  is configured to convert analog signals from the accelerometer  215  into digital signals. The analog signal interface  220  may be configured as a separate component or may be integrated into the accelerometer  215 . The GPS receiver  225  is optional and is configured to receive global positioning signals through the air. The GPS receiver  225  is further described below. The real-time clock  230  is used for date- and time-stamp each file. The date and time provides relevant timestamp information, e.g., for use in tax records. The optional voice recorder  235  is configured to capture voice (or other sound signals) for storage into the memory ( 250 ) or data storage  265 .  
         [0025]     The power regulator  245  is configured to couple a power source (e.g., vehicle power source) and provide appropriate power conversion functionality when applicable. The CPU/memory  250  are conventional processor or controller and memory components. The display  255  is a conventional display interface, for example, for a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or a thin film display. The display  255  is a screen that may also be configured to accept input, e.g., as a touch sensitive or inductive positioning technology. The display  255  may be configured as a display window  125  that is integrated with the housing  115 .  
         [0026]     The user interface  260  includes keys and/or switches to allow a user to interact with the system. The keys may be QWERTY or reduced-QWERTY keys, directional keys or the like. The switches may be a jog dial, scroll wheel, pre-programmed buttons or the like, e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In addition, the user interface may include a graphical and/or text display screen presentation. Further, the user interface  260  may be a touch screen configuration. The user interface  260  is further described below.  
         [0027]     The PC (or other computer) interface  275  is a conventional computer communication interface such as USB, IEEE-1394, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11, e-mail client, Bluetooth and the like. The computer interface  275  is further described below. The data storage  265  is a conventional data storage such as magnetic disk, optical disk, flash-memory drive, or other non-volatile storage. The back-up power  270  is a conventional back-up power system such as battery or rechargeable power cells.  
         [0028]     The mileage tracking apparatus  110  computes distance traveled by a vehicle based on one or More inertial position sensors, a Global Positioning System (GPS), or a combination of both. The inertial system is based on accelerometers, which gives acceleration of the vehicle. The acceleration can be integrated twice to give the distance the vehicle moved. The GPS gives absolute position, however, it is dependent on a GPS satellite constellation, and a GPS signal reception. Even if the GPS is integrated in the system, retaining an inertial system is preferred so that the accelerometer-based inertial system can “fill the gap” of GPS system when the GPS signal may not be available (e.g., the vehicle is traveling through a tunnel).  
         [0029]     The user interface during the in-vehicle operation can be a one or two button(s)-(a) switch(es) or a touch sensor, to toggle the logging mode between “enable” and “not-enable”. It is noted that the device can also be configured so that logging can be enabled for more than one mode. The distance traveled, along with other information such as date, time, typed or voice memo, and the like, will be stored in an internal, non-volatile memory system (e.g., magnetic media, optical media, solid state, or other types of non-volatile storage system).  
         [0030]     This information captured and stored by the mileage logger can be transferred to a user&#39;s computer by connecting the device to a computer via various industry standard connection methods. Examples of such connection methods include Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, IEEE 1394, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, Bluetooth and the like.  
         [0031]     Once the device is communicatively connected to a computer, the user can initiate a download from the computer. The mileage logger can be configured so that it can be seen by the computer as an external disk drive, so that no special software is required on the user&#39;s computer to download the mileage information onto the computer. In addition, there can be automatic electronic mail (e-mail) integration using a conventional e-mail client. For example an e-mail transfer can be initiated automatically from the mileage logger  110 , when the mileage logger  110  senses an available wireless network connections, such as IEEE 802.11a, b, g, or n when such optional hardware is implemented to the mileage logger  110  (e.g., when a vehicle is parked within a range of wireless hotspot, it automatically initiates an e-mail transfer). Moreover, the resulting file can be printed out, or read from software that the user prefers for record keeping or form completion (e.g., expense reports, tax form preparation).  
         [0032]     In other alternative embodiments, the mileage logger may be integrated into a manufactured vehicle. Such systems may also be configured to be coupled with the vehicle electronics and have access to the vehicle&#39;s on board computer to obtain relevant data such as vehicle speed and/or the distance traveled. This configuration would also include an communication interface (wireless or wired) that would allow for downloading the data into a user&#39;s computer for use thereafter, e.g., record keeping, form completion, and the like. When the device configuration is optimized for the vehicle maintenance purpose, it is possible for service providers, e.g., auto manufacturers, dealers or maintenance shops, to receive periodic automatic e-mails from the device with the vehicle use data so that they can monitor the use of the vehicle to better schedule the maintenance and customer notifications.  
         [0000]     Position Sensor  
         [0000]     Inertial System  
         [0033]     In one embodiment the mileage logger  110  is configured to integrate an accelerometer  215  that comprises micro electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers. Depending on the sophistication and level of accuracy desired, acceleration of the vehicle can be measured in one to three axes. A single axis system offers lowest cost, but a user typically will align the system (the sensor) with the travel direction of the vehicle. Misalignment may introduce an error in computation of the distance traveled. Additional accelerometers reduce or eliminate such errors. In some embodiments, using three accelerometers allows a user to install (or simply carry) the device in the vehicle oriented in any direction.  
         [0034]     One embodiment of the mileage logger  110  uses numerical integration methods to integrate the acceleration in time once to obtain the vehicle speed, and integrate the velocity in time again to obtain the distance traveled. Conventional numerical integration algorithms are suitable for this type of integration. Moreover, the mileage logger  110  may be configured to minimize accumulated integration error to provide accurate readings.  
         [0035]     In order to minimize the accumulated integration error, it is desirable to have a “self-initialization” capability. This automatic system can reset its velocity computation to zero in two ways. When the system is powered up, it initializes the velocity to zero. In embodiments of the mileage logger  110  configured with one or more accelerometers, the mileage logger  110  can be configured to sense vibration of the vehicle. When there is no vibration, and the sum of vectors is equal to the expected constant gravity vector, the mileage logger  110  can be preconfigured to assume that the vehicle is stopped, and therefore, it re-initializes the velocity to zero. With this on-the-fly (or real-time) initialization scheme, the accumulated integration error in the distance computation is de minimus and/or should be acceptable.  
         [0000]     Global Positioning System  
         [0036]     Alternative embodiments of a mileage logger  110  are configured with a GPS receiver  225  to obtain the distance traveled from the GPS data. The GPS receiver  225  provides absolute position of the vehicle at a given frequency. The distance can be computed from the GPS position information and summed up. In embodiments where position information from the GPS receiver  225  is dependent on the availability of the GPS signals, for example when a vehicle is traveling through a tunnel, a deep canyon, or GPS reception is inhibited by the terrain, the mileage logger  110  may also be configured to include an inertial system as a backup.  
         [0000]     User Interface  
         [0037]     The mileage logger  110  may be configured with a user interface  260  that allows for interaction and ease of use. The user interface  260  can be hardwired and/or mechanical, e.g., duals, buttons and/or switches, can be software, e.g., menus, selection windows, or can be a combination of hardwired or mechanical and software, e.g., scroll menu selection with a job dial and actuate the jog dial to make a selection. In one embodiment the user interface can be categorized in there phases: (1) initial setup, (2) in-vehicle operations, and (3) data download. The initial setup provides an interface to allow a user to initialize a mileage logger  110  for operation. Examples of initialization include preparing to capture data for a particular trip between a source and destination, allowing for trip information (e.g., name of trip and/or source/destination information) identifying whether data to be captured is for personal use or business use, identifying a vehicle and/or individual for which captured data will be associated and the like. The in-vehicle operation allows activity such as voice or other data entry rotations and storage, further configuration of data capture in view of changes made after initialization, noting and/or logging trip related information such as parking and toll fees and the like. The download data operation includes a user interface configured to download data through a wired or wireless connection to a destination device, for example, personal computer, laptop, or directly to a data storage medium as further described below.  
         [0038]     All three phases may be configured in software (e.g., application software with a graphical user interface), in hardware (including firmware) (e.g., hardwired buttons for a particular function), or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, the in-vehicle operation phase may also include an additional user interface that provides simplicity and intuitiveness from the traffic safety standpoint, such as voice memo recording for each entry. It is noted that such interfaces can also be integrated into the other phases.  
         [0000]     Data Storage  
         [0039]     The mileage logger  110  may be configured to include a data storage device  265 . The data storage device  265  may be a non-volatile storage device such as a magnetic disk drive, solid-state storage device, or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the mileage logger may be configured to incorporate removable storage capability, for example, a CompactFlash® card, an XDCard, a USB thumbdrive, an optical disk, or the like. The small data storage devices may be configured to store data, for example, date/time, mileage data, vehicle usage and voice memo.  
         [0000]     Computer Interface  
         [0040]     The mileage logger  110  will have a means to communicate with a personal computer by an interface, e.g., a PC interface  275 , that may be a wired connection, e.g., USB, serial, parallel or Ethernet network, or a wireless connection, e.g., Bluetooth. Some embodiments may be configured to include an integrated wireless network, e.g., IEEE 802.11.  
         [0041]     Embodiments of the mileage logger  110  may also integrate an e-mail client with the network software. For example, when the mileage logger  110  includes an integrated wireless network, the mileage logger  110  may be configured to sense a stable wireless network signal (e.g., the car is parked near the office or home equipped with the wireless network, or any other commercial hot spot) and trigger the e-mail to send the log to a predetermined e-mail address. The predetermined e-mail address can be entered as a part of the initial device setup.  
         [0042]     The mileage logger  110  can be configured for operation without any interaction with the operator of the vehicle operator. Since the mileage logger can be independent of the vehicle system it can even hidden from the vehicle operator. Such a device can provide back-up information in addition to the traditional odometer to prevent odometer fraud.  
         [0043]     When the device includes its own internal battery, it can be used to track the mileage (also speed and acceleration—therefore the performance) of a vehicle without any electrical system or odometer, such as bicycles, or any other human and animal powered vehicle, as well as humans and animals themselves. In such a configuration the device can be used for sports training (for humans, race horses, and other animals).  
         [0044]     It is also possible to include some additional sensors producing information such as medical and health information in the log. For example, a heart rate monitor integrated with the speed and distance traveled as well as acceleration, can be marketed to avid bicyclists, runners, and other athletes. It is also possible to monitor the patients with various medical conditions. Unlike the existing medical data logger, the device can log not only the resulting medical conditions (e.g., higher heart rate), but also the level of exercise that is the cause of the medical condition. Monitoring the vertical acceleration (i.e., the impact load) may be a very important factor for people and animals with certain medical conditions.  
         [0045]     The mileage logger  110  advantageously provides an apparatus for more accurate mileage tracking and record keeping for vehicles and other things that move from a first location to a second location. Moreover, as noted above, the present invention is configured to include an inertial system, a GPS or a combination thereof providing accurate readings and back up capability. Further, the device can be configured to be self-contained, and hence, is portable for use with multiple vehicles and other moving things.  
         [0000]     Operational Architecture  
         [0046]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a process for in-vehicle operation of a mileage logger  110  with a “logging enabled” key such as “business/personal” buttons. The process starts  310  and determines  315  whether a computer is connected to the mileage tracking apparatus. If a computer is connected, a data download module in the computer is configured to download  320  data from the mileage tracking apparatus. If no computer is connected, the process scans  325  a mode selector key buffer to determine which mode of operation has been selected, e.g., by a user. The process then determines  330  whether mileage logging is enabled. If it is not enabled, the process returns back to a start state. If it is enabled, the process opens  335  a new file and gives it a time and date stamp.  
         [0047]     The process then uses a distance computation module to begin calculating  340  distance traveled.  FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a process for a distance computing module in accordance with the present invention. The process starts an initialize  415  parameters for acceleration (a), speed (v) and distance (d) within the software along with time information (e.g., date and start time as set through the clock  230 ). The process then has the accelerometer  215  acquire  420  acceleration data. The process determines  425  if a steady gravity vector is achieved. If so, the process reinitializes  430  speed. If not, or if speed has been reinitialized, the process computes  435  incremental speed, cumulative speed, incremental distance, and cumulative distance.  
         [0048]     Once the computations are completed, the process displays  440  speed and distance on the display  255 . It is possible to configure the process  440  to continuously send the speed and display to the computer interface as it updates the display. This allows the computer, if connected while the mileage logging is enabled, to receive the speed and distance data on real-time for whatever the purpose user may have. The process is configured to scan  445  the mode selection key buffer for any activity triggered by the user. For example, the process could determine  450  that logging was still enabled and begin acquiring acceleration data. If logging was not enabled, the process would return  455  to the main interface state, for example, as described in  FIG. 3 . Returning to  FIG. 3 , the process finally is configured to stop data gathering (e.g., stop time through clock  230 ) and output  345  distance data, date/time stamp information and the like before closing the file. This output data may be output from the data storage  265  once the mileage tracking apparatus connects  315  with a computer through the computer interface  275  and the data download module  320  begins downloading the data. As previously stated, the device looks like a storage device to a computer. The download can be initiated from the computer as if the user is copying a file from an external disk drive. It is further noted that the downloaded data can be sent directly to a software application or forms in a manner that allows for further data operations, e.g., completion of a trip expense form which may include preprogrammed information such as government set mileage deduction data and the like.  
         [0049]     The present invention beneficially provides an apparatus for efficiently and accurately keeping track of trip related information for purposes that include business or personal use. Moreover, the device is configured so that the data may be output to other devices, forms, etc. to allow for reporting presentation, or further data operation. Further, because such data is automatically captured and transferred, the potential for errors in intermediary or manual steps is significantly reduced.  
         [0050]     Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for a system and a process for a mileage tracking apparatus through the disclosed principles of the present invention. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.