DATA LOGGING AND TRACKING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a data logging and tracking system and, more particularly, to a data logging and tracking system suited, but not exclusively so, for tracking location as a function of time for incremental upload to a web- based database.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Commercial systems exist for vehicle tracking and fleet management. These systems are particularly suited to real-time data upload and for use where communications are reliable and space for equipment is not at a premium.

[0003] When it comes to tracking of a person's movements the rate of movement is usually much lower than that for vehicle tracking. The equipment which performs the tracking must be as convenient to carry as possible. This usually dictates a small tracking or data logging device with a bare minimum of technical specifications e.g. data storage, battery capacity, transmission range and the like.

[0004] It is desired to provide the functionality of vehicle tracking and fleet management type systems in the context of systems intended for tracking of a person's movements.

[0005] Real time tracking systems are known such as those marketed by IntelliTrac. Real time systems ^{^} require relatively expensive portable data logging devices which need substantially continuous connection to the mobile telephone network. There are substantial costs associated with this capability. These systems, by their nature, require associated hardware and software which is customised specifically for the system. Such systems, therefore, do not provide flexibility in terms of offer of access to multiple parties at the same time.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a system which will work with multiple logger platforms, without requiring specific proprietary hardware and/or software solutions.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide a system which enables upload of, and viewing of, GPS-specified tracks on a third party website.

[0008] Specifically, it would be advantageous to provide a core software module adapted to multiple hardware I/O platforms, thereby rendering system capability non-hardware-specific.

[0009] It would further be desirable if maps annotated with designated routes and with tracking information can be shared with multiple parties via the Internet.

Notes

[0010] The term Comprising' (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of xhaving' or ^including' , and not in the exclusive sense of "^consisting only of .

[0011] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

Definitions

[0012] GPS: stands for Global Positioning System. Whilst examples are provided using this system the examples are to be read as also permitting use of competing satellite-based positioning systems and indeed systems which use other means to provide positioning information such as, for example, triangulation using mobile telephone tower locations.

[0013] Smart phone: currently a smartphone is a digital input output device adapted to operate as a telephone communicating over a cellular telephone network. A smartphone is distinguished by including sufficient computing power and memory to permit downloading of program code (termed applications or apps) to provide special purpose capability to the smartphone such as, for example, positioning applications. Commercial examples of smartphones include the Apple iPhone, the Samsung Galaxy series of smartphones incorporating the Android operating system and the Nokia Lumia 800 incorporating the Windows Mobile operating system.

[0014] Application or app: designates program code downloadable to a digital input output device such as a smartphone.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[001S] In one form, a highly functional system adapted for use by multiple users is provided by the use of a store and forward step to augment the basic functionality of a typical pedestrian type. More particularly such a system is proposed for a Web-based incremental upload type tracking system.

[0016] Accordingly, in one broad form of the invention, there is provided a Web based incremental/periodic upload type tracking system comprising:

a data logger for logging of data at predetermined logging intervals; said data logger having a data export mechanism for export of tracking data derived from said data;

a web accessible database;

a web connectable transmitter for transmission of said tracking data to said web accessible database. [0017] Preferably, said data logger has a location processor which outputs current location.

[0018] Preferably the location processor outputs the current location as a position in three dimensions.

[0019] Preferably, the location processor incorporates a satellite-based GPS coordinate processor.

[0020] Preferably, said web connectable transmitter receives said tracking data from said data logger on a periodic basis for accumulation and storage preparatory to a subsequent on transmission of at least portions of accumulated tracking data to said web accessible database. ·

[00213 Preferably, the web accessible database instigates a duplication check prior to said on transmission of at least portions of accumulated tracking data so as to firstly identify and secondly not upload data which has already been received from said web connectable transmitter on a previous upload occasion.

[0022] In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided an acquisition and upload utility for loading into the memory of a programmable digital I/O device, thereby to implement the system described above.

[0023] In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a data logger comprising

a processor;

a memory;

a transmitter; and

a receiver;

said data logger acquiring position data at predetermined intervals determined by an internal clock; said data logger storing the data so as to accumulate said data in a data table for subsequent on transmission of at least portions of said data from said data table at a predetermined time.

[0024] In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a web connectable transmitter; the transmitter including a processor;

a memory;

a receiver; and

a transmitter;

the transmitter including a receiver module for acquisition ' of data from a data logger;

the transmitter including a memory for storage of said data;

the transmitter including a transmitter module for transmission of at least portions of said data stored in said memory to a web accessible database located at a remote location.

[0025] Preferably, the web connectable transmitter is arranged to accumulate said data in a data table for subsequent on transmission of at least portions of said data at a predetermined time to said web accessible database.

[0026] Preferably, said web connectable transmitter and said data logger share the same memory.

[0027] Preferably, said web connectable transmitter and said data logger are housed within a single housing.

[0028 ] In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a media containing code for execution by a processor; said code implementing a web connectable transmitter as described above . [0029] In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a media containing code for execution by a processor; said code when executed implementing a data logger as described above.

[0030] In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a data logger having no SIM card and having a communications module for placement in periodic electronic data communication with a local, separate digital communications device thereby to transfer periodic, incremental data bursts from said data logger to said separate digital communications device; said local, separate digital communications device incorporating store and forward apparatus for storing and amalgamating multiple ones of said incremental data bursts for subsequent periodic on forwarding of amalgamated data bursts to a remote location.

[0031] In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a Web based incremental/periodic upload type tracking system comprising:

Any one of a range of multiple brands of hand-<held GPS data loggers for logging of data at predetermined logging intervals; said data loggers each having a data export mechanism for export of tracking data derived from said data;

a web accessible database;

computer executable software for uploading of said tracking data to said web accessible database, and

wherein tracking data derived from said multiple brands of GPS data loggers may be viewed, edited and allocated to any one of multiple users.

[0032] Preferably said GPS data logger has a location processor which outputs current location. [0033] Preferably the location processor outputs the current location as a position in three dimensions.

[0034] Preferably the location processor incorporates a satellite-based GPS coordinate processor.

[0035] Preferably said web connectable transmitter receives said tracking data from said data logger on a periodic basis for accumulation and storage preparatory to a subsequent on transmission of at least portions of accumulated tracking data to said web accessible database.

[0036] Preferably the web accessible database instigates a duplication check prior to said on transmission of at least portions of accumulated tracking data so as to firstly identify and secondly not upload data which has already been received from said web connectable transmitter on a previous upload occasion.

[0037] Preferably said system implemented by an acquisition and upload utility for loading said tracking data into the memory of a programmable digital I/O device.

[0038] In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a GPS tracking system; said tracking system including a data logger comprising

a processor;

a memory;

connectivity means for uploading tracking data to a data receiving web site

said data logger acquiring position data at predetermined intervals determined by an internal clock;

said data logger storing the data so as to accumulate said data in a data table for subsequent up-loading of at least portions of said data from said data table at a predetermined time, and [0039] wherein computer executable software provides for data from any one of a range of different brand GPS data loggers to be uploaded to a database of a web site.

I

[0040] Preferably the transmitter includes

a processor;

a memory;

a receiver; and

a transmitter;

the transmitter, including a receiver module for acquisition of data from a data logger;

the transmitter including a memory for storage of said data; the transmitter including a transmitter module for transmission of at least portions of said data stored in said memory to a web accessible database located at a remote location.

[0041] Preferably said web connectable transmitter is arranged to accumulate said data in a data table for subsequent up-loading of at least portions of said data at a predetermined time to said database of said web site.

[0042] Preferably said system includes media containing code for execution by a processor; said code implementing up-loading of said tracking data.

[0043] Preferably said system includes media containing code for execution by a processor; said code when executed implementing a data logger as claimed in claim 8.

[0044] In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a tracking system including a data logger; said data logger having no SIM card and having a communications module for placement in periodic electronic data communication with a local, separate digital communications device thereby to transfer periodic, incremental data bursts from said data logger to said separate digital communications device; said local, separate digital communications device incorporating store and forward apparatus for storing and amalgamating multiple ones of said incremental data bursts for subsequent periodic on forwarding of amalgamated data bursts to a remote location; and wherein tracking data derived from said multiple brands of GPS data loggers may be viewed, edited and allocated to any one of multiple users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a Web-based tracking system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment,

[0047] Figure 2 is a screenshot showing a boundary defining arrangement suitable for use with the embodiment of either Figure 1 or Figure 7,

[0048] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the operational relationship between components of the system in use

[0049] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the steps in operation of the web connectable transmitter

[0050] Figure 5 is a flow chart showing the steps in operation of the web connectable transmitter in more detail

[0051] Figure 6 is a flow chart showing an alternative set of steps in the operation of the web connectable transmitter,

[0052] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a Web-based tracking system in accordance with a second preferred embodiment. [0053] Figure 8 is a block diagram for interaction of a basic version of the system of Figure 7.

[0054] Figure 9 is a block diagram of interaction for a fully featured version of the system of Figure 7.

[0055] Figure 10 illustrates an interaction sequence using programmed hand held devices for the system of Figure 8.

[0056] Figure 11 illustrates an interaction sequence using progrartimed hand held devices for the system of Figure 9.

[0057] Figure 12 illustrates an interaction sequence for supervisor login into the system of Figure 8.

[0058] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram for the registration process for the system of Figure 8 or .

[0059] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram for the authentication process for the system of Figure 8 or 9.

[0060] Figure 15 is a sequence diagram for the tracking process for the system of Figure 8 or 9.

[0061] Figure 16 is a sequence diagram for the monitoring process for the system of Figure 8 or 9.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0062] With reference to Figure 1 there is illustrated a data logging and tracking system 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0063] In this instance, the system 10 comprises a data logger 11 arranged to store and forward data 12- to a web connectable transmitter 13.

In this instance the web connectable transmitter 13 comprises a personal computer 14 arranged to execute program code stored in memory thereon thereby to effect the web connectable transmitter 13. Whilst in this instance the web connectable transmitter 13 is constructed by programming a general-purpose computer, it will be understood that the web connectable transmitter 13 can be implemented as a stand-alone hardware unit or its hardware can be incorporated within another device.

[0064 ] The function of the web connectable transmitter 13 is to receive data 12 from data logger 11 and to store that data preparatory to on transmission of at least portions of the data to a web accessible database 15. The path 17 of the data 12 from the web connectable transmitter 13 to the web accessible database 15 includes but is not necessarily limited solely to the Internet 16.

[0065] In a preferred form the data 12 comprises a series of three-dimensional coordinates 18 collected at predetermined time intervals ΔΤ and stored in memory 19 within data logger 11 most preferably in the form of a table 20.

[0066] Most preferably the coordinates represent locations along a route 21 referenced against the time at which the data logger 11 was at those locations.

[0067] The table 20 containing the coordinates 18 associated with respective timestamps Tl, T2... is stored in table form in memory 19. Periodically a data download will be instigated whereby at least portions of the data in table 20 are transmitted from data logger 11 to the web connectable transmitter 13. In preferred forms this can be done via a cable connection such as a USB connection. In alternative forms it can be done by a short-range radio connection such as Bluetooth or the like.

[0068] The data 12 comprising the data download is stored in memory 22 within Web connectable transmitter 13. From there the data is transmitted as a separate step of the path 17 to memory 23 forming part of the web accessible database 15.

[0069] The data 12 can be utilised to populate a map 33 as illustrated in Figure 2. More specifically a designated area 29 can be specified by the use of a polygon 32 whose borders 31 are manipulated to conform or align with geographic artefacts such as roads or rivers or a specified or desired area of activity which may include, but is not limited to, commercial or business related activity.

[0070] In addition, as illustrated in Figure 3 the actual paths traversed within the polygon 32 can be overlaid on the map and shared with multiple parties.

[0071] In a preferred form as illustrated in Figure 3, the web accessible database 15 associates the data 12 in data table 20 with an instance of logger 11. The logger 11 can be associated with a specific sub entity 24 in this case a user of the data logger 11. Multiple sub entities, each respectively associated with their own logger 11 can be associated with an entity 25. Each entity 25 is associated with its own respective client entity 26. A processor 27 within web accessible database 15 runs multiple instances of code in memory 23 whereby multiple entities 25 and the data associated with each can be managed as a bureau model.

[0072] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the steps in operation of the web connectable transmitter 13. [0073] Figure 5 is a flow chart showing the steps in operation of the web connectable transmitter 13 in more detail.

[0074] Figure 6 is a flow chart showing an alternative set of steps in the operation of the web connectable transmitter 13.

[0075] By way of summary and with reference to Figures 1 to 5, there is described an embodiment of a GPS tracking system preferably for business related purposes that utilises a website and PC utility software to:

• Manage the information from multiple GPS data logger units such as data logger 11

• Link GPS data to specific work related KPIs and related data fields

• Share and display dynamic web based maps with one or more GPS tracks overlayed on a custom job map to one or more third parties

[0076] Features of the PC Upload Utility will include:

• Desktop software which extracts raw GPS data from GPS data loggers and uploads the data for allocation to a job, and other related work KPIs via a webservice

• The utility software will be generic in that it will work with multiple brands of GPS data loggers. In the alternative, it may also be specific to a brand of hardware and website related to that hardware that is specifically intended to cater for or support commercial or business related activities .

• The desktop utility is automatically launched on connection of the GPS data logger to PC hardware through a USB or Bluetooth connection

• GPS track data from multiple units can be viewed, edited and allocated to work related data either on the website or on the desktop utility itself • The utility can be configured to relate to a website created for a specific work purpose (such as security or post related activities) or for generic business related websites

• It is envisaged that the utility will be made available, for use with all GPS data loggers on any GPS map sharing website. In the alternative, it may also be specific to a brand of hardware and/or website related to that hardware that is specifically intended to cater for or support commercial or business related activities.

• Facilitates upload of GPS tracks from multiple ^offsite' locations by multiple users

• Allows management of GPS data logger hardware settings

• Provides an option to save GPS files to the PC locally in either a generic format or proprietary format from data loggers at time of track upload to the website

[0077] Features of the GPS tracking website will include:

• Website facilitates the management and display of data from multiple GPS data loggers to multiple user types (includes both staff and customers) with multiple GPS tracks overlayed on a polygon

• Allows sharing of maps, linked to jobs with multiple tracks

• Manages the allocation of multiple tracks to jobs, workers, delivery areas and job related KPI's

• Identifies and handles track duplications on upload to the website (includes duplicate tracks on upload, or tracks uploaded that are already in the database)

• Reports on job related information gathered from multiple data loggers, including reports on GPS hardware activities

• Allows export of GPS and job related data from the website in either generic or a proprietary file format

SECOND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0078] With reference to Figure 7, there is illustrated in diagram form an implementation of a dat logging and tracking system 110 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment.

[0079] Like components are numbered as for the first embodiment but in the 100s series.

[0080] In this instance the web connectable transmitter 113 is implemented in software as code stored in a memory on a smart phone 50. Similarly the data logger 111 is also implemented in software as code stored in a memory on smart phone 50. Preferably the memory comprises memory 51 and the same memory is also used to store data 112 as part of the initial acquisition in data logger mode and subsequently for transmission of the data 112 by the web connectable transmitter 113.

[0081] By way of summary, the arrangement of the second embodiment can be implemented as a smart phone application ( ^hone app' ) that configures the GPS on a mobile phone to record and upload GPS tracks to a website at specified intervals for viewing on a website by one or more parties.

[0082] The phone app will have two functions: a worker function which

• Allocates obs' from a website to a worker

• Provide details about the job/s to the worker including instructions and specified job map from the website

• Allow the worker to upload the GPS tracks directly to the specified job on the website at specified intervals (as set on the phone app itself)

• Allow the worker to view their progress in relation to the specified job map with a polygon overlayed

and a supervisor function which:

• Allows a supervisor to view all workers in the field • View individual workers progress via historical GPS track information overlayed on a polygon

[0083] Worker or supervisor functionality is selected when logging into the app by username and password via a web service which draws information from the relevant website about the user type of a specific user.

[0084] Particular versions of the system according to Figure 7 will now be described with reference to the drawings implementable on a 'smart phone' . The fully featured version provides functionality similar in nature to that of the previously described first embodiment.

[0085] Figure 8 is a block diagram for interaction of a basic version of the system of Figure 7.

[0086] Figure 9 is a block diagram of interaction for a fully featured version of the system of Figure 7.

[0087] Figure 10 illustrates an interaction sequence using programmed hand held devices for the system of Figure 8.

[0088] Figure 11 illustrates an interaction sequence using programmed hand held devices for the system of Figure 9.

[0089] Figure 12 illustrates an interaction sequence for supervisor login into the system of Figure 8.

[0090] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram for the registration process for the system of Figure 8 or 9,

[0091] Figure 14 is - a sequence diagram for the authentication process for the system of Figure 8 or 9. [0092] Figure 15 is a sequence diagram for the tracking process for the system of Figure 8 or 9.

[0093] Figure 16 is a sequence diagram for the monitoring process for the system of Figure 8 or 9.

IN USE

The following description relates to a specific instance of the invention intended for postal use. ^!

The dash

[0094] Once you have logged in, you will arrive at the dashboard the dash').

[0095] From the dash you can view the status of:

• your personal jobs (jobs booked by you)

» your company's jobs

• jobs due to start in the next 7 days

• GPS tracks waiting to be uploaded

• clients and distributors

• customer booking requests

• Specific job-related KPIs

[0096] You can also update your company profile, create and manage work groups, and manage users and clients.

[0097] You can also download the generic Track Utility software.

Setting up your company profile

[0098] Go to settings on the right hand side of the dash.

• Click on the Company profile icon

• Check the details of your: company name

primary contact

primary email address

(These should have come across from when you signed up and created your account . )

[0099] Now upload your company logo.

[00100] ^> Click on the browse button, select your logo and upload.

[00101] Now click save profile' and your company profile is complete.

Setting up work groups

[00102] Work groups are sub-groups of your distribution operation. Users who are part of a work group can bnly see and manage jobs that have been allocated that that group.

[00103] The work group function is normally used by large businesses to ensure that:

• Supervisors only view and manage their own jobs and distributors

• That job, user and client data is organized in a way that is easy to manage

[00104] To set up a group:

• Click on the group icon on the right hand side of the screen

• Click add new group

• Add the group name and save

[00105] The bulk action function on the Manage Groups page will allow you to delete groups.

Creating and managing users [00106] You will need to add users before you can create a job or upload GPS tracks.

[00107] To add a user:

• Click on the add new user button

• Add the user name (your choice but usually an abbreviation)

• Add the users first and last name

• If you have set up work groups, add the user to a work group.

• Assign the user a role (for a full description of user roles see 'Users' table)

• Add the user' s email address and contact phone number

• Create a password and confirm

• Click update profile and the new user will be saved.

[00108] If the ^x send password to user' box is ticked, the password and user name will be emailed directly to the user.

[00109] To delete users simply tick the box on the left of the users name and use the delete function in the bulk actions to delete the user.

[00110] You can also sort the user list by clicking on the headings at the top of each column, or view user types in isolation by clicking on the blue user type links at the top of the page.

Adding clients

[00111] Before you can create jobs or load GPS tracks to jobs, you will also need to add clients.

[00112] To add a new client:

• Click on the add new client' button.

• Add the clients company name and add the client to a group

• Click add client t00113] You will now need to add users to that client. These are people who will be the contact on jobs or may book jobs.

• Click on the add new user button

• Give the client a user name (your choice but usually an abbreviation)

• Add the client's first and last name

• If you have set up work groups, add the client to the work groups

• The client will automatically be assigned as a client role

• Add the clients email address and contact phone number

• Create a password and confirm

• Click update profile and the new client user will be saved*

[0100] If the ^send password to user' box is ticked, the password and user, name will be emailed directly to the client.

How to create a job

[0101] Before you can load a GPS track, you need to create a job to load the track to.

[0102] Give the job a name:

• Click on ^create job' in the navigation bar to start the job wizard

• Enter a name for the job

• Select a previous job in the job template drop down list* or (new job) to create a new job template

• Click create jobs

[0103] Fill in the job details:

• Select a start and finish date

• Add a client and delivery stock type to the job by clicking on the add ''client and stock item' button • Choose a client, a contact and a stock type from the drop down menus

• Include a description of the stock (i.e. newsletter, flyer etc)

• Include a description of the the stock quantity

• Include any special delivery instructions

• You can add multiple stock items and or clients to the jobs by clicking on the ""add stock' button and repeating this process.

• Now click next.

[01041 The next step is to add a delivery area to the job. This can be one or more locations and includes suburb, postcode and state information. *

• Type in at least three characters of the delivery suburb or post code and click the looking glass or hit enter.

• Click on the relevant suburb or hold control and click to select multiple suburbs.

• Click on the arrow to move your selected suburbs into the delivery area box.

• Suburbs can also be removed from the selected list by using the arrows.

• Click next to save and move to the next step.

[0.105] The next ste is to add distributors.

• Distributors are listed in alphabetical order in the or you can search for a distributor by using the text box at the top of the table

• Select one or more distributors from the list on the left of the screen (as with delivery areas, multiple selections can be made by holding down control and clicking)

• Click next to move to the final step [01061 The final step in creating a job is drawing a map of the distribution area (a 'distribution map'). (Refer Figure 2.) In a particular version, the system can provide automatic bespoke mapping based on GIS data such as postcodes, sub-postcode demographic data and suburbs.

• Click the create maps button on top right of the map page.

• Use the search box on the bottom left of the map screen to search for your delivery area. In a preferred form, the map automatically centres to the area selected.

• Click on the 'add polygon' or 'draw map' button and use the maps drawing tool to create an outline of your distribution area or multiple areas.

• Click on 'save map' to save the map

• Now click 'save job' and your job has been created and saved in the job list

[0107] In a further form, the system may include automatic bespoke mapping based on GIS data such as postcodes, sub postcode demographic data, suburbs, etc.

Tracking your distributors in the field

[0108] Any GPS data logger that records in the GPS file format will work with the website.

[0109] There are also a range of GPS data loggers that are compatible with the Upload Utility.

[0110] To track using the GPS data loggers simply charge the unit, switch it on to 'log' wait until it starts logging (usually a couple of minutes until it gets a GPS signal) and start tracking. Once you have finished, turn the unit off go back to your PC and upload the GPS files to the website.

Loading GPS tracks to the website [0111] There are three ways to upload GPS tracks to the website:

• From a GPS data logger using the Track Utility software to upload directly

• Using the phone app (available in ίPhone and Android)

• Uploading a, GPS track manually from your PC

Loading tracks using the Utility

[0112] To load tracks using the Utility:

• Click on the Track Upload Utility icon on the right hand side of the dash and follow the installation instructions.

• Once the utility is installed on your computer' s desktop click on the icon to open the utility

• Connect the USB lead to the GPS unit and plug it into a USB port .

• When plugging a unit in for the first time, a pop up screen will appear and the Utility software will give the GPS unit a unique identification number

• Close the pop up screen

• Click ^Λ ΘΟ' to upload tracks to the website Manual track upload

[0113] You can also upload tracks manually that have been saved to your PC.

• Click on the manual and upload icon.

• Click on the select button to browse your folders and select a GPS file. If you select the wrong file you can remove them using the remove button.

• One you have selected the tracks you want, click on the upload button and they will appear on the track upload page

• Repeat the process above to load tracks to a job.

Uploading tracks to jobs - The Track Upload Page [0114] If you have used the Upload Utility software, your tracks will automatically appear on the track upload page on the website.

[0115] The track upload page allows you to upload tracks to jobs and link them to clients,, delivery areas, distributors and the number of items delivered by that distributor.

Loading tracks to Jobs

[0116] Each track appears in the track list table and is uniquely identified by the GPS unit ID number they came from and the track start date and time . ·

[0117] You can preview a track before loading it by clicking on the date and time information, -

[0118] The preview screen displays the track overlaid on a map information and includes key information on the track such as start and finish times, total duration and average and maximum speeds.

[0119] To load a track to a job:

• Select the job you want to load the track from the drop down list (If you haven't created a job or client you will need to go back and do so)

• Once you have chosen a job, the client for that job will automatically appear in the dro down list, check the tick box

• If you have added delivery areas when creating your jobs they will also appear in the dropdown. If you have multiple delivery areas select the one that applies to his track.

• Now select the distributor whose track this is. The user who loaded the track will automatically appear as the default in the dropdown list. Administrators and supervisors can select any distributor.

If a distributor is loading a track only they will appear in the list as they can only upload tracks to their jobs.

• Lastly, you add the number of deliveries done in the track by this distributor.

• Repeat the process for multiple tracks.

• When finished, click save and the tracks will be upload to the relevant page

• You ca delete tracks from the list using the bulk actions button.

Track Upload Utility ' ^{' '}

[0120] The Track Upload Utility makes uploading tracks and sharing them with clients quick and easy. Key features of the Track Upload Utility include:

• One click upload from the GPS unit to the website

• Staff can upload tracks remotely from any location without the need for proprietary GPS PC software

• The software allows users to upload multiple tracks off units automatically and can also upload from multiple units simultaneously,

• The utility can be installed by distributor, supervisors and administrators directly from the website dash

• The Utility software give each GPS unit a unique identifying number that can be used to audit GPS hardware use

• The Utility works with most QSTARZ and Trans System GPS hardware. We recommend X1000BT. It is constructed to work with the majority of GPS data logger hardware. In alternative versions, the software will be rendered compatible with as many makes and models of GPS units as possible.

[0121] To use the Utility to upload tracks: • Click on the Track Upload Utility icon on the right hand side of the dash and follow the installation instructions.

• Once the utility is installed on your computer' s desktop click on the icon to open the utility

• Connect the USB lead to the GPS unit and plug it into a USB port .

• When plugging a unit in for the first time, a pop up screen will appear and the Utility software will give the GPS unit a unique identification number:

• Close the pop up scree

• Click ^y GO' to upload tracks to the website Managing GPS settings

[0122] The track upload software also allows you to manage settings on your GPS hardware.

• Click on the ^settings' on the bottom right of the utility login screen.

• The settings screen allows you to:

Delete tracks on the unit

Change the log settings to walk, bike or car

Shows you how much memory the device is using.

You can set the GSP device to overwrite existing tracks if the memory is full, or stop logging.

You can also reset the device to default settings which is the walk setting.

• There are several other settings on the utility tab including:

A split track setting that

You can automatically launch the desktop utility when the device is connected

Remove automatically tracks from the device after upload.

Check for updates manually. Viewing and editing jobs

[0123] To view current jobs, click on the jobs tab in the navigation bar.

[0124] The list is ordered by job number, jobs name and schedule start date. Clicking in the column head allows you to order jobs by any of these fields,

[0125] You can also view the jobs map by clicking on the map icon.

[0126] The bulk actions function allows you to delete archive jobs.

[0127] Select one or more jobs using the tick boxes, select the action and click apply.

[0128] By clicking on the jobs name you can > view the job details page. This page allows you to view and edit jobs information.

[0129] View and edit maps by clicking on the map icon.

[0130] The public maps will show you the view the client will receive. It is not an editable map.

[0131] The private maps allows you to view and edit the map. [0132] Map editing tools allow you to alter the map [0133] Add one or more polygons.

[0134] Save a map view in your preferred scale. [0135] . As with the other maps, you can zoom in and out and select from a range of map views .

■ [0136] Click on the add client button to edit _r client, stock type and quantity and delivery instructions.

[0137] You can change the schedules start date and job name by clicking the firm edit icon on the jobs summary section. The actual start and finish dates are not editable and are automatically generated from the date and time stamps off the first and last GPS tracks for a job.

[0138] Delivery areas and distributors can be added to jobs by clicking the edit buttons ^J

[0139] Details on each track uploaded to a job appear in the track information section once a track is uploaded.

[0140] Information from the GPS unit such as start and finish timer, duration and distance are not editable.

[0141] By clicking the edit button you can change the distributor, number of deliveries, stock and delivery areas.

[0142] Once complete, a job can be archived by clicking on the archive button.

Job archive

[0143] Completed jobs are archived to ensure that the current jobs list does not grow to an unmanageable length.

[0144] To archive works the same way as the job detail page, jobs can be referred to the current job list using the restore job button at the bottom of the page. Job reports

[0145] To begin, select a report on the left hand side, of the page .

[0146] Each report will have a number of options or filters you will need to set in order for the correct data to be incorporated into the report.

[0147] Once you have set the options and filters press one of the icons to view or download the report in the chosen format. Some reports will have different options for report format.

[0148] There is a report format that can be viewed on the web page. This option is useful for quickly viewing the data on screen. '

[0149] There is a report format that can be viewed as a PDF file. This option is useful for viewing on screen and for printing.

[0150] There is a report that can be viewed as an Excel file. This option is useful for viewing on screen and for printing.

[0151] Lastly, there are report formats that download reports as a PDF or Excel file. This will typically be saved in your Downloads folder. This option is useful if you wish to store the report for your records or offline use. Job Over-view Report

[0152] The Job Overview report provides a quick onscreen summary about a single job. t0l53] Use the filters to locate the job you wish to generate a report for, then click the preview icon to display the report.

Job Detail Report .

[0154] The Job Detail report provides detailed information about a single job.

[0155] Use the filters to locate the job you wish to generate a report for, then click the icon to generate the report in the preferred format {PDF or Excel) .

Job Summary Report

The Job Summary report provides a summary of information about all jobs that fall between the selected date ranges for the selected clients .

[0156] Jobs that have more than one client will be grouped onto a single page.

[0157] Use the filters to locate the job you wish to generate a report for, then click the preview icon to display the report.

[0158 If the report generated does not show any jobs please ensure you have the correct date range specified, and that the correct clients have been selected.

Worker Report

[0159] The Worker Report provides summary information relating to selected clients and distributors active between the selected date range. [0160] If the report generated does not show any charts and/or tables, please ensure you have the correct date range specified, and that the selected distributors were active within this date range .

GPS Unit Summary Report

[0161] The GPS Dnit Summary report provides usage information about all of the GPS hardware units used between the selected date range.

[0162] Use the Show All checkbox to list all GPS Units, regardless of when they have bee used.

[0163] If the report generated does not show any GPS units ensure you have the correct date range specified.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0164] The system according to any one of the above described embodiments provides for a web connectable transmitter for receiving, storing and forwarding data such as for example tracking data, in the context- of a web based periodic upload type tracking system delivered via a separate digital input output device acting as an intermediary between a data logger and a web accessible database. In a specific embodiment the separate digital input output device can also receive data from the web accessible database so as to provide the ability for a user to view data stored on the database. Such data can include tracking data. In further specific forms it enables viewing of multiple instances of tracking data.

[0165] The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.