A method for logging and reporting driver activity and vehicle operation includes identifying a driver of a vehicle, recording operating data with an on-board recorder that is hard-wired to an engine control module, coupled to a mileage sensing system, and linked to a global navigation satellite system, and recording duty status of the driver. An hours of service log and a fuel tax log are created from the operating data. The method includes comparing the driver's hours of service log to an applicable requirement, indicating to the driver whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement, automatically uploading the logs to a receiver external to the vehicle using a wireless telecommunications network, and emitting a compliance signal representative of whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement to a second receiver external to the vehicle and under control of authorities.

Driver activity and vehicle operation logging and reporting

A messaging unit (16) equipped with a cellular transceiver (38) is attached to a mobile item (12) located within a communications network (10). The messaging unit (16) issues a feature request having data digits that represent information on the mobile item (12). The cellular transceiver (38) transmits the feature request using the network (10). The feature request is received at an MTSO (20) and then routed to a platform (24), a clearinghouse (22), or the platform (24) through the clearinghouse (22). The data digits are translated into information on the mobile item (12) and stored at the platform (24) or the clearinghouse (22) for access by a host (26).

Data messaging in a communications network using a feature request

The invention relates to an apparatus for determining a tax for a vehicle including a positioning device operable to determine a plurality of vehicle positions along a route traveled by the vehicle. A memory stores geographic information defining a plurality of taxing regions through which the route of the vehicle passes. An odometer measures the distance traveled by the vehicle. A processor is coupled to the positioning device, the memory and the odometer. The processor receives vehicle positions from the positioning device, geographic information from the memory, and optionally the measured distance from the odometer. The processor determines the tax for the vehicle in at least one taxing region through which the route of the vehicle passes in response to the vehicle positions, the geographic information, and the measured distance.

Method and apparatus for determining tax of a vehicle

A call delivery system (10) for delivering a call to a mobile unit (12) on a vehicle (14) includes both a data communications network (16) and a mobile voice communications network (20). The mobile unit (12) generates call delivery information and communicates this information to a platform (18) using the data communications network (16). The platform (18) receives a call for the mobile unit (12). The platform (18) retrieves call delivery information received from the mobile unit (12) and establishes communications between the platform (18) and the mobile unit (12) using the mobile voice communications network (20). The platform then completes the call between the caller (36, 40, 44) and the mobile unit (12). Alternatively, the platform (18) can generate a call back message for transmission to the mobile unit (12) using the data communications network (16).

Method and apparatus for call delivery to a mobile unit

A differential positioning system (10) includes components of a satellite-based or land-based positioning system (12) and components of a mobile communications network (14). The differential positioning system (10) provides accurate and immediate position information to a mobile unit (17). A transmitter site (40) of a mobile communications network (14) is associated with a reference positioning receiver (38). The reference positioning receiver (38) generates correction data for transmission to the mobile unit (17). The mobile unit (17) includes a mobile communications device (42) for receiving the correction data generated by the reference positioning receiver (38) and a mobile positioning receiver (24) for generating a position fix. The mobile unit (17) refines the position fix generated by the mobile positioning receiver (24) using correction data received by the mobile communications device (42).

Locating system and method using a mobile communications network

A control station (12) initiates a system timing signal transmission which is re-transmitted from a satellite (14). In response to receiving the system timing signal, the control station (12) then generates a time correction factor which is distributed to a plurality of transmission stations (16, 18). The transmission stations (16, 18) in response to receiving the system timing signal transmission and the time correction factor distributed from the control station (12) generate a time adjustment factor which is used to correct the local transmission clocks (36, 36'), thereby providing time synchronization of data transmissions generated from the transmission stations (16, 18).

Simulcast synchronization and equalization system and method therefor

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain a simulcast clock synchronizing system by equalizing delays caused in a transmission path. SOLUTION: A control station 12 starts transmission of a system timing signal, which is re-transmitted from a satellite 14 . Then the control station 12 generates a time correction factor in response to the reception of the system timing signal and distributes the obtained factor to many transmission stations 16, 18. The transmission stations 16, 18 generate a time adjustment factor used to correct local transmission clocks 36, 36' in response to the transmission of the system timing signal and the reception of the time correction factor distributed from the control station 12, thereby attaining time synchronization of transmission of data generated from the transmission stations 16, 18. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Simulcast clock synchronization and frequency equalization system and method therefor

A control station (12) initiates a system timing signal transmission which is re-transmitted from a satellite (14). In response to receiving the re-transmitted system timing signal, the control station (12) then generates a time correction factor signal which is distributed to a plurality of transmission stations (16, 18). The transmission stations (16, 18) in response to receiving the system timing signal transmission and the time correction factor signal distributed from the control station (12) generate a time adjustment factor signal which is used to correct the local transmission clocks (36, 36'), thereby providing time synchronization of data transmissions generated from the transmission stations (16,18).

Steven Arthur Goreham

Papers

Simulcast synchronization and equalization system and method therefor

Simulcast clock synchronization and frequency equalization system and method therefor

Simulcast synchronization and equalization system