Computer assisted driver vehicle inspection reporting system

Patent 5680328 Issued on October 21, 1997. Estimated Expiration Date:

May 22, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventors

Application

No. 445832 filed on 05/22/1995

US Classes:

701/35, With data recording device701/29, Vehicle diagnosis or maintenance indication701/30, Indication of maintenance interval701/32, Vehicle or device ID702/179, Statistical measurement702/184Maintenance

Examiners

Primary: Trammell, James P.
Assistant: Smith, Demetra R.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Uthoff, Jr.; Loren H.

International Class

G06G 007/00

Abstract

A computerized electronic system (10) for use in conjunction with a fleet of vehicles for complying with pre- and post-trip vehicle inspection reporting requirements while improving fleet maintenance and operations efficiency. An on-board computer (OBC) (12) having integrated or interfaced communications capability is used to receive and store data input by the driver and maintenance personnel. The OBC (12) may electronically store at least the current driver's inspection report and previous driver's inspection report to satisfy regulatory requirements. A copy of these reports can be produced on the vehicle in either electronic or paper form as required by an inspector. A ground support system (GSS) (16) may receive certain inspection information from an OBC (12) on a real time basis and thereby is provided ready access to pertinent vehicle data. The GSS provides necessary archival capabilities as well as use of the OBC data to automate routing and maintenance scheduling as well as to generate statistical information.