In-Cab Communications Module

• US 20130002456A1
• Filed: 08/30/2012
• Published: 01/03/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Kenneth W. Crane, Max L. Fuller, Robert Lathrop, Scott Davison
• Original Assignee: Kenneth W. Crane, Max L. Fuller, Robert Lathrop, Scott Davison
• Inventors: Fuller, Max L., Crane, Kenneth W., Davison, Scott, Lathrop, Robert
• Application Number:
  US13/598,802
• Publication Number:
  US 20130002456A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/990
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/362 received from an external device or application, e.g. PDA, mobile phone or calendar application
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3629 Guidance using speech or audio output, e.g. text-to-speech text to speech systems per se G10L13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3632 Guidance using simplified or iconic instructions, e.g. using arrows G01C21/365 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0833 Tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/202 Dispatching vehicles on the basis of a location, e.g. taxi dispatching

Abstract

A communications module for conveying information to the driver of a truck is provided. The module is designed to reside in the cab of a truck that is carrying a full truckload of cargo. The communications module includes a user interface such as a screen. The communications module also has a modem. The modem is used for communicating with a host trucking management system through a wireless communications system. The communications module has a vehicle navigation system. The vehicle navigation system communicates with a GPS satellite system to generate maps on the user interface. The navigation system allows the driver to refer to a map on a screen for driving directions en route to a cargo pick-up location or other location. Further, the communications module includes a processing unit that is programmed to receive cargo delivery data sets from the host trucking management system.

Claims

15-1. The communications module of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is further programmed to:

inform the driver whether the cargo includes hazardous material; and

provides directions through the vehicle navigation system to a cargo delivery location on roads that are compatible with hazardous material transportation. GPS

16-2. The communications module of claim 12, wherein:

the cargo delivery data sets comprise dispatch routes; and

the processing unit is further programmed to present a tab that enables a driver to add a stop to a dispatch route.

17-3. The communications module of claim 16, wherein the tabs comprise a list of terminals.

21. A host trucking management system for conveying dispatch information to a fleet of trucks over a wireless communications network, wherein:

each truck has an in-cab communications module residing in a cab of the respective truck;

each truck carries a full truckload of cargo; and

each communications module comprises a user interface having a screen, a modem for communicating with the host trucking management system through the wireless communications system, a vehicle navigation system that communicates with a GPS satellite system to generate maps on the screen, and a processing unit;

wherein the processing unit of each communications module is programmed to;

receive cargo delivery data sets from the host trucking management system through wireless telecommunications signals, with each cargo delivery data set containing at least a first cargo delivery location;

associate instructions for cargo delivery locations with geo-positioning coordinates through the vehicle navigation system;

send an acknowledgment of the first cargo delivery location through the user interface, wherein the acknowledgement is a receipt signal that is sent from the communications module to the host trucking management system in response to driver input; and

automatically send an arrival signal to the host trucking management system when the truck is within a specified distance from the first cargo delivery location.