vehicle tracking system - V-Track AVL System

The Mapping and Display software displays the vehicle data in one or more "map windows." Each window can be set to display a particular area, route, or incident, or to track a specific sub-set of the entire fleet (from the entire fleet to an individual vehicle). The auto-pan feature allows a specific window to automatically update the display to track the vehicles, routes, and incidents specified in the windows display criteria. A window set to display an incident and a responding vehicle, for example, will automatically pan and zoom (in or out) to display the both the incident and vehicle - 'closing' in as the vehicle approaches the incident.

The vehicle icons may be configured to indicate (using colors, blinking and directional symbols, labels, and size) various vehicle attributes (such as ID, status, speed, heading, etc.). All of the vehicle attribute data may be instantly queried and displayed in a pop-up box using a standard identify tool. Further, alarm and event notification may be set to notify the user of a status change for a particular vehicle.

The Real-Time Vehicle Tracking Software displays the current location and status of the vehicle fleet, along with incident, route, and other attribute information, over both raster and vector-based maps (as desired). The use of a powerful GIS engine along with the incorporation of vector map data allows for almost endless display and analysis possibilities. A wide variety of customizable functionality is available and is described below.

Real-Time Vehicle Tracking

ESRI Based GIS The RSI Mapping software is based on mapping and GIS engines from ESRI, the largest GIS software vendor in the world, and a pioneer of the technology. Their systems are in use throughout the world by utilities, governments, and large companies, in thousands of applications, which rely on analysis of spatially referenced data. RSI AVL was the first system in the world to implement a real-time GPS interface into ArcView. Current RSI mapping can be based on a variety of ESRI products including ArcGIS 9, ArcView, ArcIMS, and others.

Various combinations of the above applications may be installed on each individual workstation as desired. The assignment of user-permission levels allows access to appropriate sub-sets of the installed functionality.

Other Base-Side Applications

Mobile Control and Configuration

Report Generation (tabular or map-based)

Real-Time Vehicle Tracking (map-based)

The RSI AVL Mapping interface can be configured as a powerful ESRI based GIS software application in a client/server environment or as a Web-based tracking application. Either can be customized with an appropriate sub-set of the available mapping, reporting, and configuration applications as dictated by the requirements of the user (dispatcher, manager, administrator). The RSI AVL system will provide operations personnel the capability to rapidly, geographically analyze the GPS information and make critical decisions. These computers are responsible for running the Geographic Information System (GIS), which displays data collected from the mobile units by the Communications Controller. They run the tools and controls that enable the operations personal to quickly adapt the information they are collecting and analyzing the views they are using to manage evolving situations. The Mapping and Display Subsystem consists of a network PC-based workstations running various software applications:

The V-Track unit is capable of interfacing to a wide variety of external mobile data terminals, mobile computing devices, and in-vehicle peripherals. Depending on the needs of the customer, any type of mobile computing device may be utilized for a variety of functions including: e-mail, database queries, work orders, navigation, card-swipe, two-way messaging, and other customizable applications.

Mobile Data Terminal / In-Vehicle Computing Device

The V-Track unit is designed and manufactured by Radio Satellite Integrators, and contains a 32-bit Intel 386EX-based modem/controller with FLASH memory and battery-backed RAM, a 16-channel WAAS capable GPS receiver, one or more internal or external wireless transceivers , and several external data and sensor ports. To ensure reliability and availability of the entire system, the critical mobile units, which are necessarily installed in a "computer hostile" environment are manufactured to demanding standards. High quality components, extensive RF/EMI shielding, and bulletproof power conditioning circuitry protect the GPS receiver and micro-controller, ensuring reliable and efficient operation under the tough conditions encountered in the mobile environment. On-board diagnostics firmware enables remote and in-vehicle troubleshooting, while the FLASH memory allows for easy upgrades in the field. The V-Track unit is manufactured to military specifications to withstand the heat variations and vibration common in the mobile environment.

The V-Track Unit Mobile Sub-System

The Mobile Subsystem consists of a V-Track unit; GPS and RF antennas and cabling (GPS and RF); all required data, sensor, and power connections; and optional mobile data terminals, in-vehicle computing devices (such as laptop PCs), or other in-vehicle peripherals.

The Mobile Subsystem and Base are linked via two-way wireless communications, allowing for real-time data transmission between the vehicles and the base. The Base Subsystem and Mapping and Display Subsystem are linked by the local and wide area networks.

manages all fleet communications and configuration, acts as a messaging and data transfer gateway between base-side applications and in-vehicle devices, and archives and distributes the vehicle location and status information to the mapping application either over the Web or your network. The Base Server can be located at the client site or if it is a Web based system it will be hosted by RSI.

can be configured in either a true client/server software program or as a Web browser-based application. Users interact with the system through industry-standard mapping tools as well as customized reporting applications.

is centered around the in -vehicle V-Track unit, a self-contained unit integrating GPS, wireless communications, and on-board sensors/devices. The V-Track unit is responsible for the reporting of vehicle location and status information, in addition to acting as a transparent communications gateway between the Base and any mobile data terminal or computing devices.

Radio Satellite Integrators' V-Track AVL System is a fully integrated Automatic Vehicle Location system comprised of multiple subsystems: