The Infomob™ system is a hardware-software product designed to handle all supervision issues, the collection of data, the logistics and security of mobile transport. The basic characteristic of Infomob™ is its “open system” architecture which facilitates communication with the outside world, both in terms of collecting data directly from sensors and in terms of communicating with other electronic systems (data switching, access control systems, etc.). This capacity derives from the use of not just a simple microprocessor on the Infomob™ exchange, but of an evolved micro-controller equipped with a resident on-board operating system. The reprogrammable characteristics and easy nature of software maintenance, always allow Infomob™ users to find the correct solution to their problems, having, at their disposal, not just a simple standard product that is only partly suitable to handle existing issues.
The careful design of the hardware makes it the ideal product for use in the automotive area or mobile transport in general.

Localisation:

Infomob™ integrates an on-board GPS receiver which can recognise the geographic position of the vehicle, its speed and its direction at any given moment. The data emanating from the GPS is integrated with other parameters measured on board and/or emanating from land, and processed by an internal micro-controller: by using this technique, positioning is precise to within 2 metres. The benefits of knowing, in real time, the position of the vehicle is evident in the applications regarding security and the handling of transport logistics. Infomob™ is able to record the route taken by the vehicle and send the information on land when ordered to do so by the Operations Centre; Infomob™ automatically recognises, and without any land-based intervention, if the route taken by the vehicle corresponds to the one pre-established and/or if the vehicle has reached a “friendly” port, like for example a depot, in order to carry out loading / unloading operations.
As option, the GPS receiver may have ‘dead-reckoning’ capability, in order to have correct positioning even when less than 3 satellites are in view (i.e. tunnel, underground parking, etc.).

Communications:

Infomob™ integrates an internal GSM module that allows for the transmission of on- board data to a land-based operations centre. The Infomob™ on-board software handles the communication both in data transmission mode (point-to-point and/or GPRS) and through short text messages (SMS) and, if the system is equipped with certain accessories, it is possible to carry out normal voice communication. Infomob™ can make outgoing calls only to pre-established numbers from the land-based centre, just as it can refuse all incoming calls not originating from predefined numbers; as a further security feature, together with the blocking of telephone numbers, data transmission with the land-based operations centre is restricted to the correct exchange of identifiable codes and password. If the GSM network is unavailable, or particular applications are required, Infomob™ can be interfaced with other external communication vectors, such as radio modems, satellite telephones, or modern short-range communication systems at 2.4 GHz; for all those applications in which real time data transmission is not essential, Infomob™ can be connected, for the downloading of data, to particular devices located in certain regularly used sites (for example, the garage area in the various depots). The same device can be used for an inverse function, that is, the loading of data on board the vehicle, or to update the Infomob™ application software.

Advantages:

Infomob™ enables one to carry out a vehicle radio-localisation, thereby locating the geographical position of the mobile vehicle; this location, transmitted and converted into images onto an electronic mapping system, allows one to handle several events. The immediate effects consist in the control of the vehicle, to intervene in the short term and without errors, to prevent the theft of the actual vehicle or to allow for immediate assistance in the event of an accident, even without the active assistance of the people involved. The indirect effects mainly consist of an improved organisation of resources, of vehicles and men, the best logistics for transportation activities and stock, as is the case for Institutional bodies with improved law and order intervention or citizen welfare (the Police Forces, Fire Brigade, Emergency Health Services etc.), with a notable saving in repeatable costs. From the point of view of stocks and the consignment of goods, with Infomob™ on board the vehicle, all the necessary data of the work that needs to be carried out can be sent and processed. For example, plans for the consignment of goods complete with invoice data and stock management, entirely automated with figures, consignees and anything else that is necessary. From the point of view of logistics, the ability of Infomob, unique within the marketplace, to memorise routes of up to 15,000 points and the high speed with which the actual data is sent to the Operations Centre, enables one to handle the optimisation and checking of routes with greater precision; where localisation data is integrated by other information relating to the work carried out (the weighing of skips, the amount and value of product sold, etc.), with suitable software, it is possible to easily carry out even complex geo-marketing analysis, always supported by very precise mapping. The capacity of calculation and handling of the Infomob™ interface user renders the apparatus similar to a real and proper PC (without its frailties), allowing for an extensive processing of data on board the vehicle; this also includes interfacing with palmtop terminals, laser scanners, or other high level peripherals which are necessary to run the business on board the vehicle. There is thus the possibility of making real time calculations of remaining stock, of checking the consignment plan, of changing the actual consignment plan. The ability of interfacing with analogue and digital signals enables, at the client’s discretion, to monitor consumption, the temperature of the goods being transported, the efficiency of the means of transport, programming maintenance intervention, etc.

Technological Innovations:

Infomob™ is the result of more than 10 years experience in data gathering in the industrial sector, specifically in automation and control. Its construction features, both electrical and mechanical, have been studied to enable it to function in unfavourable environments, such as in automotive applications or, in any event, the collection and processing of on-field data.
The container is a single block, made of aluminium extrusion, with a low copper content to increase its resistance to corrosion, which is already high in traditional aluminium; moreover, the container is powder-painted. The degree of protection of the container may be up to IP65 (watertight); any ultimate downgrading owing to the presence of coaxial connectors for the antennas can be overcome, if necessary, with a special seal using silicon-based products.
The cables and connectors used to connect the apparatus to interface modules are industrial, IP68-NEMA 6-protected, i.e. submersible; the cables are anti-inflammable, oil-resistant and coupled to connectors directly in the factory for moulding.
The interface modules are completely moulded with a non-hygroscopic resin and with watertight connectors; the cables supplied for connecting the modules to the sensors originate from the aeronautical industry, with operating temperatures ranging from –65°C to +150°C, resistant to chemical agents, to erosion and can be directly wired in the engine compartment (they have exceeded MIL and NATO military standards in trials, they are approved by the Lloyd’s Registry and by the railways in Britain for use on means of transport and are on the NASA list of “preferred products”).
At the heart of the Infomob™ system lies the VM-1 micro-controller, used throughout the world in the most diverse sectors, extremely robust and specifically designed for embedded applications, or rather where maintenance is impossible. Consider, for example, that its less powerful version, the Scorpion K4, is used to control the level of the water in dams in Holland, and activates the pumps for the possible transfer of water from one dam to another; in the area of scientific research, it has obtained NASA approval and has been used to monitor experiments in crystal growth on board the Space Shuttle.
Infomob™ has also been designed to make allowance for the installation requirements in the various sectors in which it is used (security, logistics, data gathering), in such a way as to minimise time and errors: any I/O module or interface (which can be placed, as one likes, on the vehicle regardless of the position of the Infomob box) is exclusively connected to Infomob™ by means of a 4-wire Bus cable for maximum simplicity and speed of installation and the cables supplied are prewired and tested at the factory.

Main technical characteristics

130 x 100 x 35 mm in size – weight 700g (approx.)
Aluminum case, powder painted, sealed up to IP65

Siemens GSM module integrated:
Standard Dual Band GPRS class 8 automotive
On request Dual Band GPRS class 8 with J2ME Tri Band GPRS Class 10
Voice communication interface on-board (pre-amplified) - GSM antenna totally hidden

GPS receiver integrated:
Standard: 12 channels
On request: 12 channels with Dead Reckoning capabilities (inertial navigation)
Integrated piezo-gyro.
Dedicated input for odometer
Dedicated RS-232 port to interface navigation software on PDA
Magnetic mount amplified GPS antenna (standard)
In-vehicle GPS antenna (on request)
Differential correction (on request)

12 – 24 Vdc power supply – max 400 mA
Power supply filtered and protected against reverse polarity, overvoltage,
short circuit and thermal overload.
Internal Li-Ion battery pack (on request)
Operativity with vehicle’s battery disconnected, for ADR vehicles compatibility (on request)
Separate power supply lines for GSM, GPS, µP and services, entirely controlled by µP
Power supply voltage and internal test points monitored by microprocessor

Controller with resident multitasking operating system and object oriented programming
512Kb SRAM - 512K FLASH
SRAM with battery backup - SRAM cells equipped with checksum to store vital data
Double watchdog: hardware and software
Real time clock
Firmware upgradable via GSM

4 Digital inputs and 2 outputs (1 relè + 1 P-Channel MOSFET).
Shaking/movement sensor integrated on board.
3 Digital out for transponder’s antenna (optional, external) driving
3 RS-232 serial ports on-board
Alphanumeric LCD (4x20) with 16 key keypad (on request)
Maximum expandiblity on bus:
128 digital I/Os, 32 analogue inputs,
8 analogue outputs, parallel port.
Bus cable for expansion modules with PUR sleeve, non fire-propagating
and oil-resistant, connector with anti-vibration fixing nut, epoxy cover (500 hours under saline mist), nickel-plated palladium-gold points, IP68 sealed

Operating temperature from –40°C to +85°C (-20°/+70°C with some GSM modules, and –20°/+60°C with internal battery pack installed)
Vibration: from 10Hz to 500Hz 3G
Automotive approved: directive 95/54/EC


Accessories and modules on request

- LCD Alpha Module: 4 x 20 Alphanumeric LCD display, backlit LED, 16-key keypad (4 function keys) in silicon rubber, highly efficient buzzer. Black-painted aluminium container (up to IP65) 150 x 80 mm, fixing brackets, adjustable tilting support. A version with integrated SmartCard is also available.

- Keypad: 40 x 50 mm 12-key diaphragm, backlit by three electroluminescent lamps, thermoformed and metallic-domed keys for maximum sensitivity, adhesive fixing. The module is resin moulded.

- Transponder Module: Unwritable transponder reader, compensated for metals, 200 x 30 x 25 mm in size, extremely robust construction, status signalling LED, buzzer. The module is resin moulded. Ideal for access control; can be used together with Car Keypad or Alpha LCD Module.

- Trailer Identification Module: Module with programmable code with 32000 combinations for identification of semitrailer (or container). The module is resin moulded. It is used together with the Bus Protection Module.

- Bus Protection Module: Module designed to eliminate possible external disturbance. It is advisable with the use of Bus modules installed outside the vehicle cabin The module is resin moulded.

- Refrigerator Temperature Module: 1 input to measure the temperature (integrated sensor) and 6 inputs for technological controls; 1 separate input for the loading hatch; programmable code with 32000 combinations to identify the refrigerator semitrailer (or container). The module is resin moulded.

- Serial Cable: 3 meters in length, non fire-propagating PUR and oil-resistant, IP68 connector with anti-vibration fixing nut, epoxy cover (500 hours under saline mist), nickel-plated palladium-gold points.

- Bus Extension Cable: 3 meters in length, M/F wired, non fire-propagating PUR and oil-resistant, IP68 connector with anti-vibration fixing nut, epoxy cover (500 hours under saline mist), nickel-plated palladium-gold points.

Infomob’s features of expandability and flexibility enable for the manufacturing of custom-built detection-control modules at a reasonable cost. It is possible to detect analogue signals, both in current and in voltage, and digital signals (optoisolates or not); this allows it to interface directly with any sensor used in the sector to measure physical size (temperature, pressure, position, etc.) The client, therefore, also has the possibility, and vice-versa, to use the most suitable sensor for data gathering, without having to compromise. The design and production cost of the modules varies considerably on the basis of the type of sensor that requires connection and on the level of precision that is necessary.

Brief Overview of Some Available Functions

- On-board status. This enables the Operations Centre to receive, in just one single data package or SMS message, all the information relating to the status of the vehicle. This includes both the information collected from the basic installation (speed, co-ordinates, alarms, etc.) as well as the information received from the main additional modules (trailer identification and/or tow, refrigerator temperature, etc.) The Operations Centre can receive an on-board status message as a response to a specific request, or programme their dispatch at prearranged intervals (tracking) or in the case of pre-established events. Tracking time is configurable separately for the security operations centre and the logistics operations centre .

- Route memorisation. Infomob™ is capable of memorising up to 15,000 positions detected by the GPS in order to reconstruct the route taken by the vehicle. The rate of registration is configurable from 5 to 900 seconds. The compression of data carried out by Infomob™ enables the complete downloading of the file to the Operations Centre in less than 5 minutes of communication. To give an example, if one considers that in a complete working day positions are recorded every 5 seconds, the file is downloaded in just 90 seconds.

- Logging events. For every relevant event, Infomob provides a logbook with an exhaustive description of the status of the vehicle and the event which was registered. For example, changes in operations status are recorded (Garage, Security, Mission, etc.) both for typing in the password as well as modifications carried out by the Operations Centre via remote, the reason which sets off the alarm, the release/coupling of the trailer, the exceeding of the speed limit, the start and the end of a stopover, etc- The log of events can be personalised to accept the Client’s specific data, like for example the weighing of the skip. The log of events is downloaded to the Operations Centre with a special command. The last 250 events are stored.

- Free text messages. The Operations Centre can send a text message to the vehicle (through data as well as SMS) and the driver, through the Infomob™ keypad, can reply. It is then automatically reported to the Operations Centre. The choice of response is found among 10 pre-coded alternatives, but which are sent by the Operations Centre itself and can vary every time. Infomob™ can line up up to 10 input messages. If more than one Operations Centre can send free text messages (for example Logistics and Safety), Infomob™ automatically direct the reply to the competent centre (the one which has sent the specific message).

- Telephony Communications. Every Infomob™ can be equipped, as an accessory, with a telephone receiver, a hand free kit or a speakerphone kit. Calls towards Infomob™ are free (unless certain numbers are directly blocked on the SIM). It is possible to call 3 numbers (quick-dial) pre-set by the Operations Centre. Notification of incoming calls is usually signalled by the ringing of the telephone and the reply is automatically made at the fifth ring; in the event of an alarm, the incoming call from the Operations Centre is silent and ambient listening is possible.

- Telephone number configuration. The Operations Centre can define a list of telephone numbers on board the vehicle, each one of which has a given specific function: calls (data or SMS) towards the Security Operations Centre, calls (data or SMS) towards the Logistics Operations Centre, calls in telephony etc.

- Friendly points. The Operations Centre can send a list of ‘friendly’ points to the vehicle (up to 30), each one of which is characterised by the geographical position and the radius of identification. When Infomob™ detects that the vehicle is in the vicinity of a friendly point, without generating alarms, allows for several operations to be made on board the vehicle (e.g. the opening of the loading hatch) or it can proceed in automatic (e.g. the downloading of a route to the Operations Centre). Reaching a friendly point is automatically recorded in the logbook.

- Journeys. Infomob, configured by the Operations Centre at the right moment, handles the journey completely, or rather it is capable of recognising the various stages and compare the journey times with those pre-established in the journey schedule. In the event of delays, or diversions from the pre-established route, Infomob promptly informs the Operations Centre assigned to Logistics or Security, depending on the nature of the event. It is possible to define routes of up to 300 segments and 6 stages. With Infomob™ data compression technology, the complete downloading of 300 segments requires just 10-15 seconds communication.

- Stopovers and stoppages. Infomob™ automatically detects all stopovers and stoppages made by the vehicle. Stoppages are registered automatically in the route’s memory files. If stoppage (even with the engine switched on) is longer than that laid out by the Operations Centre, it turns into a stopover and is automatically memorised as such in the logbook. As soon as the vehicle sets off again (if after a stopover), the ‘end of the stopover’ is recorded in the logbook. The Operations Centre can configure Infomob™ in such a way that it automatically sends an SMS message indicating the start/end of the stopover. (notified).

- Trailer Release/Coupling. Infomob™ automatically detects all operations relating to the release and coupling of the trailers (or the containers) carried out by the vehicle. The operations are automatically recorded in the logbook. The Operations Centre can configure Infomob™ to automatically send an SMS message indicating the release/coupling of the trailer (notified). With this function, the Operations Centre is capable of not only monitoring the position of the vehicle, but also keep precise trace of the engine/trailer pairing (or container) and the locations of the trailers parked in the loading areas.

- Speed. Infomob™ automatically detects the exceeding of a speed limit set by the Operations Centre. The exceeding of the limit and the subsequent reduction to this limit are automatically memorised in the logbook. The Operations Centre can configure Infomob™ to automatically send an SMS message indicating the exceeding of a speed limit (notified)

- Tracking. Infomob™ can be configured by the Operations Centre for Security to automatically send a message indicating position/on-board status at pre-established intervals. Tracking can be set out both in data mode as well as SMS, and the relative communication intervals can be set out separately. In addition, the Operations Centre for Logistics can set out further tracking time (only through SMS) so that Infomob™ can send it a message indicating position/on-board status independent of the one sent to the Operations Centre for Security.

- Vehicle access control. Access to the vehicle is generally allowed by typing in a code on the keypad. In those cases where there is a promiscuous use of the vehicle (e.g. rental vehicles or building-site vehicles) Infomob™ allows for the installation of a transponder module. The Operations Centre can thus associated 50 transponders for every vehicle, and access is obtained by simply bringing the transponder closer to the reader. All accesses to the vehicle are automatically recorded in the logbook.

For further information:


Infomob srl
Via Romili, 20/8
20139 Milano
Tel: +39 02 55230472
Fax: +39 02 55230432

www.infomob.it

info@infomob.it



Copyright © Synapsis srl 1997 – 1999
Infomob srl 1999 – 2004




All rights reserved
No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form whatsoever. Sections of this manual can be freely copied, exclusively, if used with apparatus manufactured by Synapsis srl or Infomob srl.
The technical and functional characteristics shown here can vary without notice.






WARNING!
Users of Scorpion K4 and Synapsis srl or Infomob srl control equipment should be aware of the possibility of a system failure, and must consider the implications of such failure. Synapsis srl and Infomob srl can accept no responsibility for loss, injury, or damage resulting from the failure of our equipment. Use of our products in applications where their failure to perform as specified could result in injury or death is expressly forbidden.