Showing papers on "Fleet management published in 2012"

The Digital Twin Paradigm for Future NASA and U.S. Air Force Vehicles

Abstract: Future generations of NASA and U.S. Air Force vehicles will require lighter mass while being subjected to higher loads and more extreme service conditions over longer time periods than the present generation. Current approaches for certification, fleet management and sustainment are largely based on statistical distributions of material properties, heuristic design philosophies, physical testing and assumed similitude between testing and operational conditions and will likely be unable to address these extreme requirements. To address the shortcomings of conventional approaches, a fundamental paradigm shift is needed. This paradigm shift, the Digital Twin, integrates ultra-high fidelity simulation with the vehicle s on-board integrated vehicle health management system, maintenance history and all available historical and fleet data to mirror the life of its flying twin and enable unprecedented levels of safety and reliability.

Pre-paid usage system for encoded information reading terminals

Abstract: A fleet management system for managing a fleet of encoded information reading (EIR) terminals can comprise one or more computers, a fleet management software module, and a payment processing software module in communication with the fleet management software module. The fleet management software module can be configured, responsive to receiving a customer initiated request, to generate an unlocking message upon processing a payment by the payment processing software module. The unlocking message can be provided by a bar code to be read by an EIR terminal, or by a bit stream to be transferred to an EIR terminal via network. Each EIR terminal can be configured to perform not more than a pre-defined number of EIR operations responsive to receiving the unlocking message.

Liner Ship Fleet Deployment with Container Transshipment Operations

Abstract: This paper proposes a liner ship fleet deployment (LSFD) problem with container transshipment operations. The proposed problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming model which allows container transshipment operations at any port, any number of times, without explicitly defining the container transshipment variables. Experiments on the Asia–Europe–Oceania shipping network of a global liner shipping company show that more than one third (17–22 ports) of the total of 46 ports have transshipment throughputs. Computational studies based on randomly generated large-scale shipping networks demonstrate that the proposed model can be solved efficiently by CPLEX.

Fleet management system

Abstract: FIELD: information technology. ^ SUBSTANCE: method is realised via automated set up of a vehicle processing materials, identifying the vehicle or operator, wherein the vehicle processing material has a transceiver and a processor, where said set up involves: wireless transmission of a message from the vehicle to a server computer, where the message contains the identity of the operator or the identity of the vehicle; wirelessly receiving on the vehicle from the server computer setup parameters relating to identity; reconfiguring one of the characteristics of the vehicle based on the received setup parameters; transmitting setup information on the network bus of the vehicle. ^ EFFECT: design of a software and hardware system for communication of mobile devices in a wireless network environment, broader functional capabilities of wireless communication with respect to reliable software solution for implementing a wide range of functions for managing assets of an enterprise. ^ 26 cl, 17 dwg

A new shared vehicle system for urban areas

Abstract: The paper concerns the conceptual design of a transport system for pedestrian areas. The proposed transport system is based on a fleet of eco-sustainable Personal Intelligent City Accessible Vehicles (PICAVs). The vehicles are shared through the day by different users and the following specific services will be provided: instant access, open ended reservation and one way trips. Referring to the proposed transport system, a new methodology to optimise the fleet dimension and its distribution among the stations is proposed in this paper. The problem faced is an optimisation problem where the cost function to be minimised takes into account both the transport system cost and the user costs that depend on the waiting times. A random search algorithm has been adopted. Given a fleet dimension and its distribution among the stations, the waiting times of the users are assessed by a microscopic simulation. The simulation model tracks the second-by-second activity of each PICAV user, as well as the second-by-second activity of each vehicle. The overall methodology has been implemented in an object-oriented simulator. The proposed transport system has been planned and simulated for the historical city centre of Genoa, Italy.

Development of map matching algorithm for low frequency probe data

Abstract: In order to lower the operating costs of a large scale probe vehicle system, countermeasures for decreasing operating cost of the system, such as lowering of data polling frequency and use an existing fleet management system, are necessary. Such countermeasures, however, reduce the accuracy of the traffic information that is generated from the collected probe vehicle data. In this study, the authors developed several map matching algorithms that can be applied to low frequency and little information probe vehicle data. These map matching algorithms were verified using actual probe vehicle data collected in the area around Nagoya, Japan. The results show that the data can be map matched with a high degree of accuracy by combining an appropriate link cost, generation of reasonable candidate routes, evaluation of the routes, and introducing the concept of a driver’s route choice.

Vehicular fleet management system and methods of monitoring and improving driver performance in a fleet of vehicles

Abstract: A system and method is described in which vehicles are configured to collect driver and vehicle event data, selectively compress and encode the collected driver and vehicle event data, and communicate the compressed and encoded data wirelessly to one or more telematics service providers. Servers poll this driver event data periodically, process it, and present multiple methods to end users by which they are able to view and analyze it. The present system permits fleet managers to use this driver event data, received through a report or notification, or pulled directly from a web-based portal, to monitor, correct or reward driver behavior, and to implement driver education and training programs.

Telematics system with 3d inertial sensors

Abstract: The present invention considers the telematics systems providing apparatus and operation methods for apparatus, including wireless, accelerometer and gyroscope capabilities offering: trajectory recovery on transportation vehicle in the case of the predefined event, specific driving event detections like drifting, side-slip, roll-over, abrupt turning, as well as driving under influence, inherently enhanced positioning of the vehicle, as well as capability to provide method for behavior analysis of the vehicle. Proposed method of operation being executed in cloud allows fleet management individual and sub-group behavior analysis, combined with ability of emergency related activities, as well as charging, remote system control and maintainance. Proposed solution is addressing apparatus and method of operation allowing "pay HOW your drive" vehicle operation.

Economic analysis of vehicle-to-grid (V2G)-enabled fleets participating in the regulation service market

Abstract: Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) describes a system where electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) can connect to the electric grid an participate in markets managed by grid system operators. This paper evaluates the opportunities for V2G-enabled EVs and PHEVs to realize revenues from the regulation market that offset operating costs, making them more cost competitive with conventional vehicles. We built a ten-year net cash flow model for a fleet of delivery trucks to assess the costs and benefits of adopting this technology. To project potential V2G revenue, we modified and adapted a simulation model developed by a grid system operator. Based on exploration of numerous scenarios we determined which combination of factors produced the lowest total cost of ownership. Additionally, we conducted sensitivity analysis on battery size. Our results indicate that EV and PHEV fleets offer lower operating expenses for urban pickup and delivery services than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE). In addition, fleet managers can expect to offset 5–11% of the total cost of ownership with V2G revenue.

Electric vehicle fleet charging system

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system comprises one or more system power and control modules (SPCM) and vehicle charging stations (VCS); wherein the SPCM distributes power from a power source to the VCS, and the VCS distributes power to one or more electric vehicles Another electric vehicle charging system comprises an SPCM, VCS, a fleet management system (FMS) for monitoring and controlling the charging system, and a communications network for sharing information A system for managing a plurality of electric vehicles comprises a plug-in module configured to collect and store information from an on-board diagnostics system of at least one of the plurality of electric vehicles, management software, a communications network, and a smart device software application for displaying system information A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for supporting a management system for a plurality of electric vehicles to extract, organize, and display information from the management system

Design and development of a context-aware decision support system for real-time accident handling in logistics

Abstract: This paper describes the design and development of a context-aware fleet management system (CFMS) prototype for real-time accident handling in logistics using a design science approach. One of the most important decisions in fleet management is the optimization of vehicle scheduling during an accident, such as a vehicle breakdown and mechanical failure during delivery. The schedule planner has to assign another vehicle to take over the task; thus, accident handling needs the reassignment or re-scheduling of vehicles. The large number of available vehicles for reassignment and numerous trips in a day make rescheduling complicated and difficult to resolve. In this paper, we propose a CFMS integrated with global positioning system (GPS) for real-time vehicle positioning and eSeal enabled by the RFID technology, to help human planners with rescheduling. A CFMS prototype was built and evaluated in a real-world setting. The system prototype was satisfactory during evaluation. The system was found to be more effective by its potential users and field logistics experts in aiding real-time accident handling in logistics. The design science approach used to develop the prototype could form a basis for further research.

Data management and applications in a world-leading bus fleet

Abstract: Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) Systems are being introduced increasingly in many major cities around the world to improve the efficiency of our road-based passenger transport systems. Satellite-based location and communication systems, particularly the Global Positioning System (GPS) have been the platform for AVL systems which are now supporting real-time passenger information (RTPI), fleet management and operations (FMOs) and public transport priorities (PTPs), to name three key applications. The process of real-time on-board bus location can result in a substantial database where the progress of the bus is stored typically on a second-by-second basis. This is necessary for the primary real-time applications such as those listed above (e.g. RTPI, FMO and PTP). In addition, it is clear that such data could have an array of ‘secondary’ purposes, including use off-line for improving scheduling efficiency and for automatic performance monitoring, thus reducing or removing the need for manual on-street surveys. This paper looks at these and other innovative uses of AVL data for public transport, taking the recent iBus system in London as a current example of a modern AVL/GPS application in a capital city. It describes the data architecture and management in iBus and then illustrates two further examples of secondary data use – dwell time estimation and bus performance analysis. The paper concludes with a discussion of some key data management issues, including data quantity and quality, before drawing conclusions

Vehicle soil pressure management based on topography

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for managing an interface between a machine or work vehicle and a surface that the machine/work vehicle travels on in order to provide an optimum work performance level that balances fuel efficiency and surface adversity. Fleet management and reporting capabilities pertaining to such interface management are also provided.

An investigation into the vehicle routing problem with time windows and link capacity constraints

Abstract: In this work, we investigate a new, yet practical, variant of the vehicle routing problem called the vehicle routing problem with time windows and link capacity constraints (VRPTWLC). The problem considers new constraints imposed on road links with regard to vehicle passing tonnage, which is motivated by a business project with a Hong Kong transportation company that transports hazardous materials (hazmats) across the city and between Hong Kong and mainland China. In order to solve this computationally challenging problem, we develop a tabu search heuristic with an adaptive penalty mechanism (TSAP) to help manage the company's vehicle fleet. A new data set and its generation scheme are also presented to help validate our solutions. Extensive computational experiments are conducted, showing the effectiveness of the proposed solution approach.

Fleet Management Systems and Processes

Abstract: Automated fleet management systems and associated processes. In one embodiment, a method can be provided. The method can include receiving a service request from one or more customers, providing the one or more customers with a plurality of resources to select from, wherein the plurality of resources is ranked by a pain measure, and based at least in part on a customer selection of at least one resource with a pain measure, assigning at least one resource to the one or more customers.

Systems and methods for assessing vehicle and vehicle operator efficiency

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system for assessing vehicle efficiency. According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured for receiving and assessing vehicle telematics data in order to determine an idle percentage of engine run time value representing the percentage of the vehicle's engine run time during which the vehicle's engine was idling during the one or more time periods. In addition, the fleet management computer system may be configured for assessing vehicle telematics data in order to identify segment of engine idle time and generate a graphical display indicating various attributes of the identified idle time segments. The idle time percentage and idle time segments generated by the system can be used to assess the efficiency of vehicles and/or vehicle operators in an associated fleet.

Implementation of a real time passenger information system

Abstract: Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are gaining recognition in developing countries like India This paper describes the various components of our prototype implementation of a Real-time Passenger Information System (RTPIS) for a public transport system like a fleet of buses Vehicle-mounted units, bus station units and a server located at the transport company premises comprise the system The vehicle unit reports the current position of the vehicle to a central server periodically via General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) An Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) algorithm running on the server predicts the arrival times of buses at their stops based on real-time observations of the buses' current Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates This information is displayed and announced to passengers at stops using station units, which periodically fetch the required ETA from the server via GPRS Novel features of our prototype include: (a) a route creator utility which automatically creates new routes from scratch when a bus is driven along the new route, and (b) voice tagging of stops and points of interest along any route Besides, the prototype provides: (i) web-based applications for passengers, providing useful information like a snapshot of present bus locations on the streets, and (ii) web-based analysis tools for the transport authority, providing information useful for fleet management, like number of trips undertaken by a specific bus The prototype has been demonstrated in a campus environment, with four-wheelers and two-wheelers emulating buses The automatic real-time passenger information system has the potential of making the public transport system an attractive alternative for city-dwellers, thereby contributing to fewer private vehicles on the road, leading to lower congestion levels and less pollution

Improving Logistics Services Through the Technology Used in Fleet Management

Abstract: Outsourcing logistics has established itself in the area of the LSP (Logistics Service Provider), which offers a range of services to its customers. In this line, transportation is characterized as one of the most important services, and therefore efficient fleet management is essential for establishing a high level of customer service. With advances in technology and vehicle tracking systems, this approach of management has gained new possibilities for the improvement of logistics services. By studying the specific case of an LSP, this paper investigates the use of these technologies in the management of their business and services. The results indicate that the LSP seeks to increase its services and to streamline information in order to respond to customer needs in real time. It is also evident in this case under study that the combination of the technology available together with the fleet management system has become a distinguishing feature for this LSP, one which increases their skills and important information for both customers and business.

Developing green fleet management strategies: Repair/retrofit/replacement decisions under environmental regulation

Abstract: The considerable cost of maintaining large fleets has generated interest in cost minimization strategies. With many related decisions, numerous constraints, and significant sources of uncertainty (e.g. vehicle breakdowns), fleet managers face complex dynamic optimization problems. Existing methodologies frequently make simplifying assumptions or fail to converge quickly for large problems. This paper presents an approximate dynamic programming approach for making vehicle purchase, resale, and retrofit decisions in a fleet setting with stochastic vehicle breakdowns. Value iteration is informed by dual variables from linear programs, as well as other bounds on vehicle shadow prices. Sample problems are based on a government fleet seeking to comply with emissions regulation. The model predicts the expected cost of compliance, the rules the fleet manager will use in deciding how to comply, and the regulation’s impact on the value of vehicles in the fleet. Stricter regulation lowers the value of some vehicle categories while raising the value of others. Such insights can help guide regulators, as well as the fleet managers they oversee. The methodologies developed could be applied more broadly to general multi-asset replacement problems, many of which have similar structures.

Systems and methods for assessing delivery performance based on operational data

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system for assessing delivery performance. According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system may be configured for assessing operational data to identify the occurrence of one or more delivery stops, identify one or more stop attributes for each of the identified delivery stops, and generate a graphical display indicating the identified delivery stops and stop attributes. In addition, the fleet management computer system may be configured to assess the operational data to determine dispatch statistics including cumulative or average delivery performance statistics grouped according to various working shifts.

Measured performance of the application of EGNOS in the road traffic sector

Abstract: European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) is a satellite-based system developed to improve the performance of GPS in the European region. It not only enhances the estimated positioning accuracy but also provides an integrity solution. We assess the EGNOS performance through analysis of real measurements, performed in different road user environments. We investigate the use of the integrity concept in future Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based applications in the road environment, considering both suburban and dense urban areas. The analysis is motivated by the fact that there is an increasing number of road applications, such as billing system, transportation of dangerous goods, remote tracking of trucks and snow plows, fleet management and "pay as you go" car insurances, where the system liability has to be guaranteed. The scope of the analysis is to investigate to which extent the use of the integrity concept can be used for such purpose; the assessment is based on real measurement campaigns in representative environments, providing statistical results in terms of accuracy and integrity, and in a wider sense of the feasibility of the use of EGNOS for augmenting the reliability of GNSS positioning for road applications.