System and method for managing a remotely located asset

• US 20030225707A1
• Filed: 04/28/2003
• Published: 12/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/09/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Id Systems Incorporated (PowerFleet, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Id Systems Incorporated (PowerFleet, Inc.)
• Inventors: Jagid, Jeffrey M., Hecker, Yaron, Ehrman, Michael L., Pimentel, Leonard, Ehrman, Kenneth S., Pinzon, Joseph M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,656,271 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/64
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/304 Boats
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/302 using recording means, e.g. black box
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/063 Operations research, analysis or management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06312 Adjustment or analysis of established resource schedule, e.g. resource or task levelling, or dynamic rescheduling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/203 Inventory monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/382 insuring higher security of transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 15/00 Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points handling coins or valuable papers, e.g. banknotes, G07D; apparatus for vending or hiring articles or services activated by coins, credit cards, paper currency or the like G07F7/00, G07F17/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/32 in combination with an identity check
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/127 to a central station ; Indicators in a central station
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/20 Monitoring the location of vehicles belonging to a group, e.g. fleet of vehicles, countable or determined number of vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/107 wherein the security policies are location-dependent, e.g. entities privileges depend on current location or allowing specific operations only from locally connected terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/108 when the policy decisions are valid for a limited amount of time
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/04 specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 : involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 : in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 : Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 : Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 : Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/76 : Group identity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A commercially viable solution for providing an asset management system that provides for accessing assets, tracking location of assets, managing OSHA compliance of the assets, and monitoring impact of the assets. The asset management system may utilize system architecture having intelligent wireless devices associated with the individual assets. The use of intelligent wireless devices allows for the asset management system to operate and maintain functionality substantially without loss of data in the event of a loss of communication between the wireless devices and a management computing system via a network, including an out-of-range condition of the wireless devices with respect to a local monitor.

Claims

1. A method for providing access to an asset for an operator of the asset, said method:

receiving an operator identifier;

determining a group identifier associated with the operator identifier, the group identifier being indicative of a group that the operator is a member;

determining, based on the group identifier, whether the operator is authorized to utilize the asset!; and

providing access to the asset in response to successfully determining that the operator is authorized to utilize the asset.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said determining whether the operator is authorized to utilize the asset includes verifying at least one of the following:

day, time, and location of the asset.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising determining the location of the asset by a device associated with the asset.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said determining of the group identifiers is performed exclusively by a device coupled to the asset.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the asset is at least one of fixed and mobile.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving a password associated with the operator identifier, the password being utilized in providing access to the asset for the operator.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising disabling the asset from being operated by the operator in response to at least one of the following:

after an authorized use of time;

when indicated by the operator; and

when determined by condition data.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising disabling the asset in response to determining that the asset is currently not being operated and has not been operated for a minimum duration of time.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said determining of the group identifier includes accessing a database containing the group identifier.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising generating a transaction code in response to said providing access to the asset.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising forming a dataset including the transaction code, time of providing access to the asset, and operator identifier.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising storing the dataset.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising transmitting the dataset.

14. The method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving a biometric measurement associated with a biometric identifier of the operator.

15. The method according to claim 1, further comprising generating the group identifier by associating operators with particular assets or types of assets.

16. The method according to claim 1, further comprising assigning groups of assets to a group of operators.

17. A system for providing an access to an asset by an operator, said system comprising:

means for receiving an operator identifier;

means for determining a group identifier associated with the operator identifier, the group identifier being indicative of a group that the operator is a member;

means for determining, based on the group identifier, whether the operator is authorized to utilize the asset; and

means for providing access to the asset upon successfully determining that the operator is authorized to utilize the asset.

18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising means for verifying at least one of the following:

day, time, and location of the asset.

19. The system according to claim 18 further comprising means for determining the location of the asset.

20. The system according to claim 17, wherein the asset is at least one of fixed and mobile.

21. The system according to claim 17, further comprising means for receiving a password associated with the operator identifier, the password being utilized in providing access to the asset for the operator.

22. The system according to claim 17, further comprising means for disabling the asset from being operated by the operator in response to at least one of the following:

after an authorized time of use;

when indicated by the operator; and

when determined by authorization condition data.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein said means for disabling includes means for determining that the asset is currently not and has not been operated for a minimum duration of time.

24. The system according to claim 17, wherein said means for determining of the group identifier includes means for accessing a database containing the group identifier.

25. The system according to claim 17, further comprising means for generating a transaction code in response to said providing access to the asset.

26. The system according to claim 25, further comprising means for forming a dataset including the transaction code, time of providing access to the asset, and operator identifier.

27. The system according to claim 26, further comprising means for storing the dataset.

28. The system according to claim 26, further comprising means for transmitting the dataset.

29. The system according to claim 17, further comprising means for measuring a biometric identifier of the operator.

30. The system according to claim 17, further comprising means for generating the group identifier by associating operators with particular assets or types of assets.

31. The system according to claim 17, further comprising means for assigning groups of assets to a group of operators.

32. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon sequences of instructions, the sequences of instructions including instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

receive an operator identifier;

determine a group identifier associated with the operator identifier, the group identifier being indicative of a group that the operator is a member;

determine, based on the group identifier, whether the operator is authorized to utilize the asset; and

provide access to the asset upon successfully determining that the operator is authorized to utilize the asset.

33. A wireless device operable to provide access to an asset by an operator, said mobile wireless device comprising:

a processor operable to determine accessibility for the operator, said processor being in communication with the asset to enable and disable usage of the asset by the operator;

an input device coupled to said processor, and operable to receive information associated with the operator;

a memory device coupled to said processor; and

at least one database stored in said memory device, said at least one database including (i) identification data related to the information associated with the operator, and (ii) authorization condition data associated with the identification data.

34. The wireless device according to claim 33, wherein the information associated with the operator includes an operator identifier.

35. The wireless device according to claim 33, wherein the data related to the information associated with the operator includes a group identifier.

36. The wireless device according to claim 33, wherein the asset is at least one of fixed and mobile.

37. The wireless device of claim 33, wherein the authorization condition data includes at least one of the following:

day, time, and location of the asset.

38. The wireless device according to claim 37, wherein the location of the asset is determined by the processor.

39. The wireless device according to claim 33, further comprising a wireless communication unit coupled to said processor, and operable to receive the data related to the information associated with the operator and authorization condition data.

40. The wireless device according to claim 33, wherein the input device includes at least one of a keyboard, microphone, memory device reader, and physiological reader.

41. The wireless device according to claim 33, wherein i said processor is further operable to generate a transaction code in response to an operator being provided access to the asset.

42. The wireless device according to claim 41, wherein said processor is operable to form a dataset including the transaction code and information associated with the operator and to store the dataset in the at least one database.

43. The wireless device according to claim 33, wherein said processor is operable to disable the asset based on at least one of the following:

an authorized use of time;

an indication by the operator; and

the condition data.

44. A method for tracking the location of an asset utilizing at least one wireless device in an asset management system, said method comprising:

receiving at least one communication signal by a mobile wireless device from the asset management system;

calculating position of the asset, by the mobile wireless device, based on the received at least one communication signal; and

storing the position of the asset in the mobile wireless device.

45. The method according to claim 44, further comprising:

determining whether the asset is in motion; and

calculating the position of the asset at a higher frequency rate based on whether the asset is in motion as compared to a frequency rate if it is determined that the asset is not in motion.

46. The method according to claim 44, wherein the asset is at least one of fixed and mobile.

47. The method according to claim 44, wherein said calculating includes performing a triangulation calculation.

48. The method according to claim 44, wherein said storing occurs based on an operating condition of the asset.

49. The method according to claim 48, wherein the condition includes being in motion and being idle.

50. The method according to claim 44, wherein said storing is substantially periodic.

51. The method according to claim 44, wherein the mobile wireless device is an asset communicator.

52. The method according to claim 44, wherein said receiving of the at least one communications signal is terrestrial based.

53. The method according to claim 44, wherein said receiving of the at least one communications signal is satellite based.

54. The method according to claim 44, further comprising:

generating an identifier associated with said calculating of the position of the asset, the identifier being in temporal relation to other identifiers generated for other positions of the asset;

forming a dataset including the identifier and position of the asset; and

wherein said storing of the position of the asset in the mobile wireless device includes storing the formed dataset.

55. The method according to claim 54, further comprising:

determining if communication link between the mobile wireless device and a component of the asset management system exists; and

communicating the dataset to the component of the asset management system if a communication link exists.

56. The method according to claim 55, further comprising maintaining the dataset in the mobile wireless device until a determination is made that a wireless communication link is established.

57. A wireless device for performing location tracking of an asset being monitored by an asset management system, said wireless device comprising:

means for receiving at least one communication signal from the asset management system;

means for calculating, coupled to said means for receiving, position of the asset based on the received at least one communication signal; and

means for storing, in communication with said means for calculating, the position of the asset being monitored by the asset management system.

58. The wireless device according to claim 57, further comprising:

means for determining whether the asset is in motion; and

means for calculating the position of the asset at a higher frequency rate based on whether the asset is in motion as compared to a frequency rate if it is determined that the asset is not in motion.

59. The wireless device according to claim 57, further comprising:

means for generating an identifier associated with the calculated position of the asset, the identifier being in temporal relation to other identifiers generated for other positions of the asset;

means for forming a dataset including the identifier and position of the asset; and

wherein said means for storing the position of the asset is further operable to store the dataset.

60. The wireless device according to claim 59, further comprising:

means for determining if communication link between the wireless device and a component of the asset management system exists; and

means for communicating coupled to said means for computing and operable to communicate the dataset to the component of the asset management system if a communication link exists.

61. The wireless device according to claim 60, further comprising means for maintaining the dataset in said means for storing until a determination is made that a, wireless communication link is established.

62. A wireless device coupled to an asset and operable to perform location tracking of the asset being monitored by an asset management system, said wireless device comprising:

a receiver operable to receive at least one communication signal from the asset management system;

a processor in communication with said receiver;

software executed by said processor and operable to calculate position of the asset based on the received at least one communication signal; and

a storage unit in communication with said processor and operable to receive and store the calculated position of the asset.

63. The wireless device according to claim 62, wherein said software is further operable to:

determine whether the asset is in motion; and

calculate the position of the asset at a higher frequency rate based on whether the asset is in motion as compared to a frequency rate if it is determined that the asset is not in motion.

64. The wireless device according to claim 62, wherein the asset is mobile.

65. The wireless device according to claim 62, wherein said software utilizes a triangulation computation to perform the calculation to determine position.

66. The wireless device according to claim 62, wherein said software stores the position based on an operating condition of the asset.

67. The wireless device according to claim 66, wherein the operating condition includes being in motion and being idle.

68. The wireless device according to claim 62, wherein the storage unit is operable to store the calculated position substantially periodically.

69. The wireless device according to claim 62, wherein said receiver is operable to receive terrestrial based signals.

70. The wireless device according to claim 62, wherein said receiver is operable to receive satellite based signals.

71. The wireless device according to claim 62, wherein said software is further operable to:

generate an identifier associated with the calculated position of the asset, the identifier being in temporal relation to other identifiers generated for other positions of the asset;

form a dataset including the identifier and position of the asset; and

wherein said storage unit is further operable to store the dataset.

72. The wireless device according to claim 71, wherein said software is further operable to:

determine if a communication link between the mobile wireless device and a component of the asset management system exists; and

communicate the dataset to the component of the asset management system if a communication link exists.

73. The wireless device according to claim 72, wherein said software is further operable to maintain the dataset in said storage unit until a determination is made that a wireless communication link is established.

74. A method for utilizing a wireless communications system having a wireless infrastructure and a wireless device associated with the asset, said method comprising:

receiving an operator identifier from an operator of the asset;

prompting, independent of an active communication link between the wireless device and wireless infrastructure, a question related to operational status of the asset for the operator;

receiving a response to the question; and

storing the response to the question.

75. The method according to claim 74, further comprising:

determining that an active communication link between the asset and wireless infrastructure exists; and

transmitting the stored response to the wireless infrastructure from the wireless device if an active communication link exists, otherwise, maintaining the response to the question.

76. The method according to claim 74, further comprising:

assigning an identifier to the response having a temporal relationship to other identifiers assigned to other responses; and

storing the identifier in relation to the response.

77. The method according to claim 76, wherein the identifier is a transaction code.

78. The method according to claim 74, further comprising:

receiving a new question by the wireless device from the wireless infrastructure; and

updating the question.

79. The method according to claim 74, wherein the question is specific to the asset.

80. The method according to claim 74, further comprising storing a list of questions related to the operation status of the asset.

81. The method according to claim 80, further comprising receiving the list of questions via a wireless communications link prior to said storing thereof, the list of questions being related to OSHA compliance.

82. The method according to claim 74, further comprising waiting for a predetermined time period prior to prompting a sequential question, the predetermined time period based on an estimated time to perform an inspection of the asset related to the question being prompted to the operator.

83. The method according to claim 74, wherein the response has a severity value associated therewith.

84. The method according to claim 74, further comprising:

determining if the question is required to be prompted for the operator; and

performing said prompting of the question to the operator if said determining results in the affirmative.

85. The method according to claim 74, further comprising:

determining if the question is required to be prompted based on an operating condition of the asset; and

performing said prompting of the question to the operator if said determining results in the affirmative.

86. The method according to claim 74, wherein said prompting of the question includes accessing questions that relate to OSHA regulations.

100. The wireless device according to claim 85, wherein said processing unit is further operable to access a list of questions related to OSHA regulations.

87. A wireless device for performing inspection of an asset utilizing a wireless communications system having a wireless infrastructure, said wireless device being associated with the asset and comprising:

an input unit operable to receive an operator identifier from an operator of the asset;

a processing unit operable to receive the operator identifier from said input unit and operable to prompt, independent of an active communication link between the wireless device and wireless infrastructure, a question related to operational status of the asset for the operator;

a display unit coupled to said processing unit and operable to display the question being prompted to the operator, a response to the question being prompted being received by said processing unit; and

a storage unit in communication with said processing unit and operable to store the response to the question.

88. The wireless device according to claim 87, wherein said processing unit is further operable to:

determine that an active communication link between the asset and wireless infrastructure exists; and

transmit the stored response to the wireless infrastructure if an active communication link exists, otherwise, maintain the response to the question.

89. The wireless device according to claim 87, wherein said processor is further operable to:

assign an identifier to the response having a temporal relationship to other identifiers assigned to other responses; and

store the identifier in relation to the response.

90. The wireless device according to claim 89, wherein the identifier is a transaction code.

91. The wireless device according to claim 87, wherein said processing unit is further operable to:

receive a new question from the wireless infrastructure; and

update the question being stored in said storage unit.

92. The wireless device according to claim 87, wherein the question is specific to the asset.

93. The wireless device according to claim 87, wherein said storage unit is further operable to store a list of questions related to the operation status of the asset.

94. The wireless device according to claim 93, wherein said processing unit is further operable to receive the list of questions via a wireless communications link prior to said storage unit storing the list of question, the list of questions being related to OSHA compliance.

95. The wireless device according to claim 87, wherein said processing unit is further operable to wait for a predetermined time duration prior to prompting a sequential question, the predetermined time duration being based on an estimated time to perform an inspection of the asset related to the question being prompted to the operator.

96. The wireless device according to claim 87, wherein the response has a severity value associated therewith.

97. The wireless device according to claim 96, wherein said processing unit is further operable to communicate a message in response to the response exceeding a predetermined severity value.

98. The wireless device according to claim 87, wherein said processing unit is further operable to:

determine if the question is required to be prompted for the operator; and

prompt of the question to the operator if the determination results in the affirmative.

99. The wireless device according to claim 87, wherein said processing unit is further operable to:

determine if the question is required to be prompted based on an operating condition of the asset; and

prompt of the question to the operator if the determination results in the affirmative.

101. A system for performing inspection of a mobile asset utilizing a wireless communications system having a wireless infrastructure and a wireless device associated with the asset, said system comprising:

means for receiving an operator identifier from an operator of the asset;

means for prompting, independent of an active communication link between the wireless device and wireless infrastructure, a question related to operational status of the asset for the operator, said means for prompting being in communication with said means for receiving;

means for receiving a response to the question and in communication with said means for prompting; and

means for storing the response to the question, said means for storing being in communication with said means for prompting.

102. The system according to claim 101, further comprising:

means for determining that an active communication link between the asset and wireless infrastructure exists; and

means for transmitting the stored response to the wireless infrastructure from the wireless device if an active communication link exists, otherwise, maintaining the response to the question.

103. The system according to claim 101, further comprising:

means for assigning an identifier to the response having a temporal relationship to other identifiers assigned to other responses; and

means for storing the identifier in relation to the response.

104. The system according to claim 103, wherein the identifier is a transaction code.

105. The system according to claim 101, further comprising:

means for receiving a new question by the wireless device from the wireless infrastructure; and

means for updating the question.

106. The system according to claim 101, wherein the question is specific to the asset.

107. The system according to claim 101, further comprising means for storing a list of questions related to the operation status of the asset.

108. The system according to claim 107, further comprising means for receiving the list of questions via a wireless communications link prior to said storing thereof, the list of questions being related to OSHA regulations.

109. The system according to claim 101, further comprising means for waiting for a predetermined time duration prior to prompting a sequential question, the predetermined time duration based on an estimated time to perform an inspection of the asset related to the question being prompted to the operator.

110. The system according to claim 101, wherein the response has a severity value associated therewith.

111. The system according to claim 101, further comprising:

means for determining if the question is required to be prompted for the operator; and

means for prompting the question to the operator if the determination results in the affirmative.

112. The system according to claim 101, further comprising:

means for determining if the question is required to be prompted based on an operating condition of the asset; and

means for prompting the question to the operator if the determination results in the affirmative.

113. A system for monitoring impact of an asset, said system comprising:

an input unit operable to receive an operator identifier of the asset prior to the asset being operated;

at least one sensor coupled to the vehicle and operable to sense an impact on the vehicle, and operable to produce at least one impact signal associated therewith;

a processing unit in communication with said input unit and said at least one sensor, said processing unit being operable to receive the at least one impact signal from said at least one sensor, said processing unit further operable to determine, based on the at least one impact signal, a level of impact on the vehicle; and

a storage unit in communication with said processing unit and operable to store the operator identifier and level of impact as a dataset.

114. The system according to claim 113, wherein said at least one sensor is operable to generate the at least one impact signal based on a change in G-force.

115. The system according to claim 113, wherein the asset is an automobile or truck.

116. The system according to claim 113, wherein the asset is an industrial or military vehicle.

117. The system according to claim 113, wherein said processing unit is further operable to:

form an indicator; and

apply the indicator to the dataset.

118. The system according to claim 117, wherein the indicator is a transaction code.

119. The system according to claim 113, wherein said processing unit is further operable to determine an angle of impact on the asset if multiple sensors are utilized to sense an impact.

120. The system according to claim 113, further comprising a wireless receiver unit in communication with said processing unit and operable to receive a wireless communication signal including at least one impact threshold, said processing unit being operable to receive and store the at least one impact threshold in said storage unit.

121. The system according to claim 120, wherein the at least one impact threshold includes a level value.

122. The system according to claim 120, wherein the at least one impact threshold includes a duration value.

123. The system according to claim 113, further comprising:

a wireless communication unit in communication with said processing unit and operable to communicate with a wireless network, said processing unit operable to determine whether a communication link by said wireless communication unit with a wireless network exists; and

if the communication link exists, said processing unit operable to transmit the stored dataset to the wireless network via said wireless communication unit,

otherwise, upon the communication link becoming established, said processing unit operable to transmit the stored dataset to the wireless network via said wireless communication unit.

124. The system according to claim 123, further comprising a network storage unit operable to receive and store the dataset in the wireless network.

125. The system according to claim 113, wherein said processing unit is further operable to:

determine time of impact;

determine an assignment status of the asset at the time of impact; and

store the assignment status with the dataset in said storage unit.

126. The system according to claim 113, wherein said processing unit is further operable to:

receive an impact threshold indicative of an impact severity above which to store the at least one impact signal in response to an impact being sensed by said at least one sensor; and

store the at least one impact signal in response to the impact level crossing the impact threshold.

127. The system according to claim 126, wherein the impact severity includes impact level and duration.

128. The system according to claim 113, wherein said processing unit is further operable to:

determine time of impact;

monitor a state of a device operable to move at least a portion of the asset at the time of impact; and

store the state with the dataset.

129. The system according to claim 113, wherein said processor is further operable to:

determine time of impact;

determine location of the asset at the time of impact; and

store the location of the asset with the dataset.

130. The system according to claim 113, wherein said processor is further operable to:

receive the dataset; and

analyze the dataset.

131. The system according to claim 130, wherein said processing unit is operable to analyze the dataset in substantially real-time.

132. The system according to claim 130, wherein said processing unit is further operable to:

generate a message indicative of the impact dataset; and

communicate the message to a supervisor or an authority for notification of an impact of the asset.

133. The system according to claim 132, wherein the communication includes at least one of the following message types:

page, e-mail, and voice communication.

134. The system according to claim 113, wherein said processor is further operable to at least partially disable the asset in response to receiving the impact signals.

135. The system according to claim 113, further comprising wireless network infrastructure operable to prevent usage of one or more assets from being utilized by the operator involved with the impact of the asset.

136. The system according to claim 113, further comprising a sensory signal generator operable to notify other individuals in the vicinity of the impact of the asset.

137. The system according to claim 113, wherein said processing is further operable to:

determine time of impact; and

store the time of impact in association with the dataset.

138. The system according to claim 113, wherein the level of impact is indicative of severity of impact.

139. A method for monitoring impact of an asset, said method comprising:

receiving an operator identifier of the asset prior to the asset being operated;

receiving at least one impact signal;

determining, based on the at least one impact signal, a level of impact; and

storing the operator identifier and level of impact as a dataset.

140. The method according to claim 139, wherein said receiving the at least one impact signal includes determining a change in G-force.

141. The method according to claim 139, wherein the asset is an automobile or truck.

142. The method according to claim 139, wherein the asset is an industrial or military asset.

143. The method according to claim 139, further comprising:

forming an indicator; and

applying the indicator to the dataset.

144. The method according to claim 143, wherein the indicator is a transaction code.

145. The method according to claim 143, further comprising:

determining whether a communication link to a wireless network exists; and

if the communication link exists, transmitting the stored dataset to the wireless infrastructure,

otherwise, upon the communication link becoming established, transmitting the stored dataset to the wireless infrastructure.

146. The method according to claim 145, further comprising storing the dataset in the wireless infrastructure.

147. The method according to claim 139, further comprising:

determining assignment status of the vehicle at the time of impact; and

storing the assignment status with the dataset.

148. The method according to claim 139, further comprising:

wirelessly receiving an impact threshold indicative of an impact severity above which to store the at least one impact signal in response to an impact; and

storing the impact signals in response to the impact level crossing the impact threshold.

149. The method according to claim 148, wherein the impact severity includes impact level and duration.

150. The method according to claim 139, further comprising:

determining time of impact;

monitoring a state of a device operable to move a least a portion of the asset at the time of impact; and

storing the state with the dataset.

151. The method according to claim 139, further comprising:

determining time of impact;

determining location of the asset at the time of impact; and

storing the location of the asset with the dataset.

152. The method according to claim 139, further comprising:

receiving the dataset; and

analyzing the dataset.

153. The method according to claim 152, wherein said analyzing is performed substantially real-time.

154. The method according to claim 152, further comprising:

generating a message indicative of the impact; and

communicating the message to a supervisor or an authority for notification of an impact of the asset.

155. The method according to claim 154, wherein said communicating includes at least one of the following message types:

page, e-mail, and voice communication.

156. The method according to claim 139, further comprising at least partially disabling the asset in response to receiving the impact signals.

157. The method according to claim 139, further comprising preventing usage of one or more assets from being utilized by the operator involved with the impact of the asset.

158. The method according to claim 139, further comprising producing a sensory signal to notify other individuals in the vicinity of the impact of the asset.

159. The method according to claim 139, further comprising:

determining the time of impact; and

storing the time of impact in association with the dataset.

160. The method according to claim 139, wherein the level of impact is indicative of severity of impact.

161. A system for monitoring impact of an asset, said system comprising:

means for receiving an operator identifier of the asset prior to the asset being operated;

means for sensing an impact and generating at least one impact signal;

means for processing the at least one impact signal having said means for processing the at least one impact signal being in communication with said means for sensing an impact;

means for determining, based on the at least one impact signal, a level of impact, said means for determining the level of impact being operated by said means for processing; and

means for storing the operator identifier and level of impact as a dataset.

162. The system according to claim 161, further comprising:

means for forming an indicator operated by said means for processing; and

means for applying the indicator to the dataset operated by said means for processing.

163. The system according to claim 161, further comprising:

means for determining whether a communication link to a wireless network exists;

means for transmitting the stored dataset to the wireless infrastructure if the communication link exists; and

means for maintaining the stored dataset until the communication link becomes established in communication with said means for transmitting for transmission of the dataset to the wireless infrastructure in response to the communication link becoming established.

164. The system according to claim 161, further comprising means for storing the dataset in the wireless infrastructure.

165. The system according to claim 161, further comprising:

means for determining time of impact;

means for determining assignment status of the asset at the time of impact operated by said means for processing; and

means for storing the assignment status with the dataset operated by said means for processing.

166. The system according to claim 161, further comprising:

means for receiving an impact threshold indicative of an impact severity above which to store the at least one impact signal in response to an impact, said means for receiving the at least one impact threshold being operated by said means for processing; and

means for storing the at least one impact signal in response to the impact severity crossing the impact threshold.

167. The system according to claim 161, further comprising:

monitoring a state of a device operable to move at least a portion of the asset at the time of impact in communication with said means for processing; and

means for storing the state with the dataset, said means for storing said means for processing.

168. The system according to claim 161, further comprising:

means for determining location of the asset at the time of impact in communication with said means for processing; and

means for storing the location of the vehicle with the dataset, said means for storing the location being operated by said means for processing.

169. The system according to claim 161, further comprising:

means for receiving the dataset operating within a wireless infrastructure; and

means for analyzing the dataset operating within the wireless infrastructure.

170. The system according to claim 169, wherein said means for analyzing operates substantially real-time.

171. The system according to claim 169, further comprising:

means for generating a message indicative of the impact dataset, said means for generating a message in communication with said means for analyzing; and

means for communicating the message to a supervisor or an authority for notification of an impact of the asset, said means for communicating in communication with said means for generating the message.

172. The system according to claim 161, further comprising means for at least partially disabling the asset in response to receiving the at least one impact signal, said means for at least partially disabling being in communication with said means for processing.

173. The system according to claim 161, further comprising means for preventing usage of one or more assets from being utilized by the operator involved with the impact of the asset, said means for preventing usage being in communication with means for processing.

174. The system according to claim 161, further comprising means for generating a sensory signal in communication with said means for processing and operable to notify other individuals in the vicinity of the impact of the asset.

175. The system according to claim 161, further comprising:

means for determining time of impact; and

means for storing the time of impact in association with the dataset.

176. The system according to claim 161, wherein the level of impact is indicative of severity of impact.

177. A system for analyzing data associated with assets monitored by an asset management system, said system comprising:

a database containing the data associated with the assets being monitored by the asset management system, the data being generated in response to events occurring in association with respective assets;

a computing unit in communication with said database;

software executable by said computing unit and operable to;

receive a request to select specific data associated with the assets; and

process the selected specific data to form a dataset based on the events of the respective assets to generate a report for a user of the asset management system to view; and

a display device in communication with said computing unit and operable to receive and display at least a portion of the dataset based on the events of the respective assets for the user to view.

178. The system according to claim 177, wherein said software is further operable to generate a graphical representation of the dataset.

179. The system according to claim 177, wherein said database includes multiple, related portions having relationships of at least one common data element.

180. The system according to claim 177, wherein said database further includes event indicators representative of an event type.

181. The system according to claim 180, wherein the event indicators include operator identifiers generated in response to operators of the assets interacting with at least one component of the asset management system to utilize the asset.

182. The system according to claim 180, wherein the event type includes completion of an OSHA related questionnaire.

183. The system according to claim 180, wherein the event type includes start and stop times of the assets.

184. The system according to claim 180, wherein the event type includes entry into an unauthorized area for the vehicle.

185. The system according to claim 180, wherein the event type includes entry into an unauthorized area of an operator of the asset.

186. The system according to claim 177, wherein the assets are mobile.

187. The system according to claim 177, wherein the assets are stationary.

188. The system according to claim 177, wherein the dataset formed by the processing of said software includes data representative of utilization of the assets.

189. The system according to claim 188, wherein the utilization includes a value indicative of the number of different assets used.

190. The system according to claim 188, wherein the utilization includes a value indicative of the peak number of assets used.

191. The system according to claim 188, wherein the utilization includes a value indicative of the average number of assets used relative to the total number of assets.

192. The system according to claim 188, wherein the dataset is formed for a time duration selected by the user.

193. The system according to claim 188, wherein the utilization includes an accumulated amount of time that the assets are utilized to perform operations.

194. The system according to claim 193, wherein the operations include motion time.

195. The system according to claim 193, wherein the operations include log-in time.

196. The system according to claim 193, wherein the operations include lift time.

197. The system according to claim 193, wherein said software is further operable to compare actual accumulated amount of time that the assets are utilized with planned utilization of the assets.

198. The system according to claim 197, wherein the comparison is performed with respect to available resources.

199. The system according to claim 198, wherein the available resources includes vehicles or operators.

200. A method for analyzing data associated with assets monitored by an asset management system, said method comprising:

monitoring events occurring in association with the assets;

generating data associated with the respective assets being monitored and in response to events occurring with respective assets;

communicating the data generated to be stored in a database;

storing the data in the database;

receiving a request to select specific data associated with the assets;

processing the selected specific data to form a dataset based on the events of the respective assets to generate a report for a user of the asset management system to view; and

displaying at least a portion of the dataset based on the events of the respective assets for the user of the asset management system to view.

201. The method according to claim 200, further comprising generating a graphical representation of the dataset.

202. The method according to claim 200, further comprising forming the database as multiple, related portions having relationships of at least one common element.

203. The method according to claim 200, wherein said generating data includes generating event indicators representative of an event type.

204. The method according to claim 203, wherein the generation of event indicators includes generating an operator identifier in response to an operator of the asset interacting with at least one component of the asset management system to utilize the asset.

205. The method according to claim 200, further comprising displaying an OSHA related questionnaire operable for an operator of an asset to answer.

206. The method according to claim 200, wherein said generating of the data includes generating start and stop times of the asset in response to the asset being started and stopped.

207. The method according to claim 200, wherein said generating of the data includes generating an alert identifier in response to the asset entering an unauthorized area.

208. The method according to claim 200, wherein said generating of the data includes generating an alert identifier in response to an operator of the asset entering an unauthorized area.

209. The method according to claim 200, wherein said generating includes forming data representative of utilization of the assets.

210. The method according to claim 209, wherein the forming of data representative of utilization of the assets includes forming a value indicative of the number of different assets used.

211. The method according to claim 209, wherein the forming of data representative of utilization of the assets includes forming a value indicative of the peak number of assets used.

212. The method according to claim 209, wherein the forming of data representative of utilization of the assets includes forming a value indicative of the average number of assets used relative to the total number of assets.

213. The method according to claim 209, wherein the forming is based on a time duration selected by the user.

214. The method according to claim 209, wherein the forming of data representative of utilization of the assets includes an accumulating an amount of time-that the assets are utilized to perform operations.

215. The method according to claim 214, wherein the operations include motion time.

216. The method according to claim 214, wherein the operations include log-in time.

217. The method according to claim 214, wherein the operations include lift time.

218. The method according to claim 214, further comprising comparing actual accumulated amount of time that the assets are utilized with planned utilization of the assets.

219. The method according to claim 218, said comparing is performed with respect to available resources.

220. The method according to claim 219, wherein the available resources includes vehicles or operators.

221. A method for monitoring utilization of an asset by an operator of the asset, said method comprising:

generating an event start notification associated with the operator starting an operation with the asset;

initializing an event counter value in response to the event start notification to maintain a count associated with an operating parameter of the asset as utilized by the operator;

updating the event counter value until an event stop notification is received;

generating an event stop notification associated with the operator stopping the operation with the asset; and

storing the event counter value in association with information related to the operator.

222. The method according to claim to claim 221, further comprising accessing stored information associated with the operator in response to the event start notification.

223. The method according to claim to claim 221, wherein said initializing the event counter value includes:

accessing a stored global counter value associated with the operator; and

setting the event counter value to the global counter value.

224. The method according to claim 221, wherein said generating the event start notification is in response to receiving a login request from the operator.

225. The method according to claim 221, wherein said initializing the event counter value includes setting the event counter value to zero.

226. The method according to claim 221, further comprising collecting data associated with the operating parameter of the asset.

227. The method according to claim 221, wherein the operating parameter is utilization time of the asset by the operator.

228. The method according to claim 221, wherein said updating the event counter value includes increasing the event counter value on a substantially periodic basis.

229. The method according to claim 221, further comprising:

establishing a communication link; and

communicating the stored information including the event counter value.

230. The method according to claim 221, wherein the starting of the operation includes starting a device operable to move at least a portion of the asset.

231. The method according to claim 221, wherein the starting of the operation includes utilization of the asset.

232. A device for monitoring utilization of an asset by an operator, said device comprising:

a memory unit operable to store information associated with the asset and operator;

a database stored in the memory unit and operable to maintain data elements;

an operator interface operable to receive input from the operator;

an input/output (I/O) unit operable to communicate with a sensor coupled to the asset;

a processing unit in communication with said memory unit, I/O unit, and operator interface, said processing unit operable to;

generate an event start notification in response to the operator starting the operation with the asset;

initialize an event counter value in response to the event start notification to maintain a count for the operating parameter of the asset as utilized by the operator;

update the event counter value until an event stop notification is generated;

generate an event stop notification associated with the operator stopping the operation with the asset; and

store the event counter value in said database in relation to the information associated with the operator.

233. The device according to claim 232, wherein said computing unit is further operable to access stored information associated with the operator in response to the event start notification.

234. The device according to claim 232, wherein during the initialization of the event counter value, said processing unit is further operable to:

access a stored global counter value associated with the operator; and

set the event counter value equal to the global counter value.

235. The device according to claim 232, wherein the generation of the event start notification is in response to a login request by the operator of the vehicle via said operator interface.

236. The device according to claim 232, wherein during the initialization of the event counter, said processing unit is further operable to set the event counter value to zero.

237. The device according to claim 232, wherein said processing unit is further operable to collect data associated with the operating parameter of the asset utilizing the sensor coupled to the asset.

238. The device according to claim 232, wherein the operating parameter is utilization time of the asset by the operator.

239. The device according to claim 232, wherein said processing unit is operable to increase the event counter value on a substantially periodic bases.

240. The device according to claim 232, wherein said processing unit is further operable to:

establish a communication link with a wireless infrastructure; and

communicate the stored information including the counter in the database to the wireless infrastructure.

241. The device according to claim 232, wherein the starting of the operation includes starting a device operable to move at least a portion of the asset.

242. The device according to claim 232, wherein the starting of the operation includes utilization of the asset.

243. A method for gathering information from an operator of an asset, said method comprising:

forming a list of questions for response by the operator of the asset;

distributing the list of questions to the asset;

prompting the operator with a first question from the list of questions;

receiving a response from the operator in response to the first question;

based on the response, selecting a second or third question to prompt the operator; and

prompting the selected second or third question for the operator to respond.

244. The method according to claim 243, further comprising providing predetermined responses for the operator to select to respond to the first question.

245. The method according to claim 243, further comprising communicating a notification to someone other than the operator based on the response.

246. The method according to claim 243, wherein the first, second, and third questions are related in a hierarchical structure.

247. The method according to claim 243, further comprising disabling at least a portion of the asset based on the response.

248. The method according to claim 243, wherein the first question is related to OSHA regulations.

249. The method according to claim 243, further comprising:

assigning the list of questions to a particular type of asset; and

if the asset is of the particular type, then accessing the list of questions prior to prompting the operator with the first question.

250. The method according to claim 243, further comprising:

assigning the list of questions to a particular asset; and

storing the list of questions at the particular asset.

251. The method according to claim 243, further comprising assigning the list of questions to a group of operators.

252. The method according to claim 251, further comprising:

determining a group that the operator is assigned; and

if the operator is assigned to the same group that the list of questions is assigned, then accessing the list of questions to prompt the operator.

253. The method according to claim 243, further comprising assigning the list of questions to a condition.

254. The method according to claim 253, wherein said prompting the operator with the first question is in response to the condition that the list of questions is assigned occurring.

255. The method according to claim 253, wherein said assigning the list of questions includes selecting a condition from a list of conditions including at least one of the following:

date, time, location, battery voltage, sensed operation of the asset, and impact.

256. The method according to claim 253, further comprising determining whether to display the list of questions again based on the response from the first question, being related to the condition, after the occurrence of the condition.

257. A system for gathering information from an operator of an asset, said system comprising:

a management computing system operable to maintain a list of questions for response by the operator of the asset;

a wireless infrastructure in communication with said management computing system and operable to distribute the list of questions to the asset; and

an asset communicator associated with the asset and in wireless communication with said wireless infrastructure, said asset communicator including (i) a wireless communication unit operable to receive the list of questions from said wireless infrastructure, (ii) processing unit in communication with the wireless communication unit and operable to receive the list of questions from the wireless communication unit, (iii) storage unit in communication with the processing unit and operable to store the list of questions, (iv) display unit in communication with the processing unit, and (v) input interface in communication with the processing unit, the processing unit further operable to;

prompt the operator with a first question from the list of questions via the display unit;

receive a response from the operator utilizing the input interface in response to the first question;

select either a second or third question to prompt the operator based on the response; and

prompt the selected second or third question on the display unit for the operator.

258. The system according to claim 257, wherein said management computing system is further operable to receive and distribute, via said wireless infrastructure to said asset communicator, the predetermined responses for the operator to select to respond to the first question.

259. The system according to claim 257, wherein the processing unit is further operable to generate and communicate a notification to someone other than the operator via said wireless infrastructure based on the response.

260. The system according to claim 257, wherein the first, second, and third questions are related in a hierarchical structure.

261. The system according to claim 257, wherein the processing unit of said asset communicator is further operable to disable at least a portion of the asset based on the response to the first question.

262. The system according to claim 257, wherein the input interface is a key pad or touch screen integrated with the display unit.

263. The system according to claim 257, wherein the first question is related to OSHA regulations.

264. The system according to claim 257, wherein said management computing system is further operable to assign the list of questions to a particular type of asset and, if the asset is of the particular type, then said asset communicator is further operable to access the list of questions prior to prompting the operator with the first question.

265. The system according to claim 257, wherein said management computing system is further operable to assign the list of questions to a particular asset and the processing unit is further operable to store the list of questions in the storage unit.

266. The system according to claim 257, wherein said management computing system is further operable to assign the list of questions to a group of operators.

267. The system according to claim 266, wherein the processing unit is further operable to:

determine a group that the operator is assigned; and

access the list of questions to prompt the operator if the operator is assigned to the same group that the list of questions is assigned.

268. The method according to claim 257, wherein said management computing system is further operable to assign the list of questions to a condition.

269. The method according to claim 268, wherein the processing unit is further operable to prompt the operator with a first question is in response to an occurrence of the condition that the list of questions is assigned.

270. The method according to claim 268, wherein the assignment of the list of questions via the management computing system includes providing a list of conditions for selection, wherein the list of conditions includes at least one of the following:

date, time, location, battery voltage, sensed operation of the asset, and impact.

271. The method according to claim 268, wherein said asset communicator is further operable to determine whether to display the list of questions again based on the response from the first question, being related to the condition, after the occurrence of the condition.