Method And System To Identify And Mitigate Problematic Devices

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent Number 9215590 for Authentication Using Vehicle Data Pairing discloses the wireless pairing of a portable device with an on-board computer of a vehicle for authenticating a transaction with a third party. [0003] General definitions for terms utilized in the pertinent art are set forth below.

[0004] BLUETOOTH technology is a standard short range radio link that operates in the unlicensed 2.4 gigaHertz band, defined in IEEE 802.15.1 originally an now by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).

[0005] Memory generally includes any type of integrated circuit or storage device configured for storing digital data including without limitation ROM, PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, flash memory, and the like. [0006] Processor generally includes all types of processors including without limitation microprocessors, general purpose processors, gate arrays, array processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and digital signal processors.

[0007] Secure Connection Packet (SCP) is used to provide authentication between multiple devices or a local party and remote host to allow for secure communication or the transfer of computer files.

[0008] Service Set Identifier (SSID) is a 1 to 32 byte string that uniquely names a wireless local area network. [0009] User Interface or UI is the junction between a user and a computer program. An interface is a set of commands or menus through which a user communicates with a program. A command driven interface is one in which the user enter commands. A menu-driven interface is one in which the user selects command choices from various menus displayed on the screen.

[00010] Web-Server is a computer able to simultaneously manage many Internet information-exchange processes at the same time. Normally, server computers are more powerful than client computers, and are administratively and/or geographically centralized. An interactive-form information-collection process generally is controlled from a server computer, to which the sponsor of the process has access.

[00011] There are multiple sources of data that can be utilized by a vehicle for efficiency and cost savings. However, there is a need for collecting, processing and interpreting the data in a manner that can be utilized by a vehicle.

Summary Of The Invention

[00012] The present invention provides a system and method for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated “health” checks for device performance. The invention can detect faults/problematic devices based on a known data set without human intervention/inputs.

[00013] The invention allows an assigning authority to access off-vehicle and/or on-vehicle data. One or more elements of the data is used to identify a problematic device based on a known data set (e.g., trend analysis) and to inform an instruction set. The assigning authority initiates a mitigation or a series of mitigations to resolve the issue. [00014] One aspect of the present invention is a method for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance. The method includes accessing data, at an assigning authority for a vehicle, data from at least one source of a plurality of sources, the plurality of sources comprising engine data, mobile device data, LMU data, and HOS data. The method also includes analyzing, at an assigning authority, the data based on a plurality of pre defined patterns to identify a malfunctioning device. The method also includes generating, at an assigning authority, a mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device. The method also includes transmitting, from the assigning authority, the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device.

[00015] Another aspect of the present invention is a system for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance. The system comprises assigning authority engine for a vehicle; a device for a vehicle, one or more databases, and one or more cloud sources. The assigning authority engine is configured to access data from at least one source of a plurality of sources, the plurality of sources comprising engine data, mobile device data, LMU data, and HOS data. The assigning authority engine is configured to analyze the data based on a plurality of pre-defmed patterns to identify a malfunctioning device. The assigning authority engine is configured to generate a mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device. The assigning authority engine is configured to transmit the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device.

[00016] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a program that causes a processor to perform functions to utilizing data and computational information from on- vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance by executing the following steps. Accessing data, at an assigning authority for a vehicle, data from at least one source of a plurality of sources, the plurality of sources comprising engine data, mobile device data, LMU data, and HOS data. Analyzing, at an assigning authority, the data based on a plurality of pre-defmed patterns to identify a malfunctioning device. Generating, at an assigning authority, a mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device. Transmitting, from the assigning authority, the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device.

[00017] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance. The method includes accessing data, at an assigning authority for a vehicle, data from at least one source of a plurality of sources, the plurality of sources comprising on-board data and off-board data. The method also includes analyzing, at an assigning authority, the data based on a plurality of pre-defmed patterns to identify a malfunctioning component for a vehicle. The method also includes generating, at an assigning authority, a mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning component. The method also includes transmitting, from the assigning authority, the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning component.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

[00018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for remote profile management for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off- vehicle sources.

[00019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of sources of data for remote profile management for a vehicle. [00020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system for remote profile management for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off- vehicle sources.

[00021] FIG. 4 is an illustration of multiple sensors on a truck. [00022] FIG. 4A is an illustration of truck sensors connected to a BUS.

[00023] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for remote profile management for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources.

[00024] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of system for a secure communication protocol for connecting a wireless device to a single access point in a vehicle. [00025] FIG. 6A is a continuation of the block diagram of FIG. 1.

[00026] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for a secure connection to a wireless network of a vehicle.

[00027] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a driver identifying a vehicle through connection of a tablet computer to an unpublished network. [00028] FIG. 9 is an isolated view of general electrical components of a mobile communication device.

[00029] FIG. 10 is an isolated view of electrical components of a server.

[00030] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of method for securely connecting a wireless device to a single access point in a vehicle. [00031] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a system for securely connecting a wireless device to a single access point in a vehicle.

[00032] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a driver identifying a vehicle through connection of a tablet computer to an unpublished network.

[00033] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a system for remote profile management for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off- vehicle sources.

[00034] FIG. 15 is a flow chart for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance. [00035] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a system for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance.

[00036] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a system for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance.

Best Mode(s) For Carrying Out The Invention

[00037] A system 1600 for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance is shown in FIG. 16. The system 1600 comprises an assigning authority engine 1105 for a vehicle 1000, a device 110 for a vehicle 1000, one or more databases 1615, and one or more cloud sources 1175.

[00038] The assigning authority engine 1105 is configured to access data from at least one source of a plurality of sources, the plurality of sources comprising engine data, mobile device data, location management unit (LMU) data, and hours of service (HOS) data. The assigning authority engine 1105 is also configured to analyze the data based on a plurality of pre-defmed patterns to identify a malfunctioning device. The assigning authority engine 1105 is configured to generate a mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device. The assigning authority engine 1105 is further configured to transmit the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device.

[00039] The device 110 for the vehicle 1000 is configured to perform the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device. The mitigation strategy is a plurality of actions. Alternatively, the mitigation strategy is a single action.

[00040] The malfunctioning device is associated with the vehicle 1000. [00041] One embodiment of the present invention is “Crunch and Punch”, as shown in FIG. 17.

[00042] “Crunch” 1620 (Identification of the Problematic Device): Crunch ingests all of the data 1615 and looks for pre-defmed patterns 1622 to identify problematic devices. Uses known issues that have been identified through customer support cases, data analysis, and other means. The data comes from multiple sources: engine data, mobile device data, LMU (CVD) data, and HOS data. To analyze all of this data, a query is created per defined issue that identifies problematic devices.

[00043] “Punch”1625 (Resolving the Issue): Punch involves actually sending mitigations 1628 to the devices. It uses the data sent from Crunch, specifically the device ID 1624 and the issue 1626, and will send an action or a series of actions 1630 to resolve an issue. Not all issues are resolved by a single action and may require a series of mitigations to resolve the issue. Punch can monitor how many times a device has been reported by Punch and use this data for a phased mitigation approach.

[00044] “Crunch and Punch” provides automated identifications and resolutions, and also allows for manually-initiated device health evaluation and mitigations. The tool enables customers to resolve their own issues which in turn minimizes the amount of time it takes to resolve reported issues from the field.

[00045] In a preferred embodiment, the malfunctioning device is a device that resides within a cab/interior of the vehicle 1000. In one embodiment, the malfunctioning device is the CVD 135. In an alternative embodiment, the malfunctioning device is the mobile device. In another embodiment, the malfunctioning device comprises a processor, a memory, and a wireless transceiver or communication interface. In a most preferred embodiment, the malfunctioning device receives a software update or fix to correct the problem.

[00046] A method 960 for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance is shown in FIG. 15. The method 960 includes accessing data, at an assigning authority for a vehicle, data from at least one source of a plurality of sources, the plurality of sources comprising engine data, mobile device data, LMU data, and HOS data at step 961. At step 962, analyzing, at an assigning authority, the data based on a plurality of pre defined patterns to identify a malfunctioning device. At step 963, generating, at an assigning authority, a mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device. The mitigation strategy may be a single action or a plurality of actions. At step 964, transmitting, from the assigning authority, the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device. The malfunctioning device is associated with the vehicle.

[00047] The method 960 also comprises performing the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device. The method 960 further comprises analyzing the effectiveness of the mitigation strategy and using the data to identify additional patterns (automated learning).

[00048] Another embodiment of a method for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance is for a malfunctioning component(s). The method comprises: accessing data, at an assigning authority for a vehicle, data from at least one source of a plurality of sources, the plurality of sources comprising on-board data and off-board data; analyzing, at an assigning authority, the data based on a plurality of pre- defined patterns to identify a malfunctioning component for a vehicle; generating, at an assigning authority, a mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning component; transmitting, from the assigning authority, the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning component.

[00049] The method preferably comprises performing the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning component. The malfunctioning component is associated with the vehicle. The mitigation strategy may be a single action or a plurality of actions.

[00050] The assigning authority engine 1105 is configured to access data that can be used to identify problematic devices based on a known data set: the data comes from multiple sources: engine data, mobile device data, location management unit (LMU), connected vehicle device (CVD) data, and hours of service (HOS) data. To analyze all of this data, a query is created per defined issue that identifies problematic devices. The assigning authority engine is configured to inform an instruction set based on the data and at least one input from off-board data and on-board data; using known issues that have been identified through customer support cases, data analysis, and other means. The assigning authority engine is configured to initiate a mitigation/response or a series of mitigations (proscribed action), including Responsive actions, User- configured reports, Fused reports, Component reports, and similar.

[00051] The assigning authority engine preferably operates in the cloud. Preferably the assigning authority engine applies artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), trend analysis, and/or similar statistical methods to received data. Alternatively, the assigning authority engine is located on a vehicle device, which enables it to recognize and mitigate issues in real-time. Alternatively, the assigning authority engine is one or more networked devices comprising a processor that executes an algorithm relating to vehicle data. Optionally the assigning authority engine is intermittently connected/disconnected from a network or vehicle devices.

[00052] Another embodiment of the present invention is a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a program that causes a processor to perform functions in utilizing data and computational information from on- vehicle and off-vehicle sources to identify problematic devices and to execute automated mitigations of known issues and automated health checks for device performance by executing a set of steps. The steps include accessing data, at an assigning authority for a vehicle, from at least one source of a plurality of sources, the plurality of sources comprising engine data, mobile device data, LMU data, and HOS data; analyzing, at an assigning authority, the data based on a plurality of pre-defmed patterns to identify a malfunctioning device; generating, at an assigning authority, a mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device; and transmitting, from the assigning authority, the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device.

[00053] Another step also comprises performing the mitigation strategy for the malfunctioning device. The mitigation strategy is a plurality of actions. Alternatively, the mitigation strategy is a single action. The malfunctioning device is associated with the vehicle.

[00054] The non-transitory computer readable medium preferably resides, but is not limited to, on a server or on a mobile device such as a tablet computer.

[00055] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 1100 for remote profile management for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources. The system 1100 includes a vehicle 1000, an assigning authority engine 1105, a remote profile manager (RPM) toolset 1130 with an RPM sync program, and a plurality of databases 1125, both accessible through the cloud 1110. A vehicle 1000 preferably includes a CVD 135. The remote profile manager toolset 1130 preferably includes a server 1135. The plurality of databases 1125 is preferably composed of multiple databases 1125a-d.

[00056] The assigning authority engine 1105 preferably has a work assignment that has been generated for a specific vehicle 1000. In a preferred embodiment, the assigning authority engine 1105 resides at a server for the system 1100, and the RPM toolset 1130 resides at a separate server. Alternatively, the assigning authority engine 1105 and the RPM toolset 1130 reside at the same server. The assigning authority engine 1105 is preferably configured to access and combine off-vehicle content and on-vehicle data, along with the work assignment, to produce dynamic, temporal combinations of data elements and instructions for the vehicle 1000. Additionally, the assigning authority engine 1105 provides permission to various share data for app-to-app integration. In one example, the assigning authority engine 1105 grants permission to a workflow application running on a mobile communication device for the vehicle 1000 to obtain data from a navigation application running on the mobile communication device. The assigning authority engine 1105 instructs the navigation application to share the data with the workflow application. In one specific example, the shared data is global positioning system (GPS) coordinates for the vehicle.

[00057] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a set 2000 of sources of data for remote profile management for a vehicle. The set 2000 preferably includes vehicles 2001, devices 2002, operations 2003, assignments 2004, third parties 2005, software apps 2006, miscellaneous 2007 and other 2008.

[00058] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system 1300 for remote profile management for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources. The system 1300 comprises an assigning authority engine 1105, a remote profile manager toolset 1130, data sources (2001-2008), cloud sources 1175, a vehicle 1000 and a CVD 135 within the vehicle 1000. The cloud sources 1175 include a main protected server/cloud 1183, an original equipment manufacturer server/cloud 1182, a customer server/cloud 1181 and a public server/cloud 1180. Multiple other servers/clouds and/or databases can be utilized with the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims. The cloud sources 1175, databases 1125, RPM 1130 and assigning authority engine 1105 communicate with the CVD 135 utilizing various wireless communication protocols including WiFi, cellular networks, BLUETOOTH, GPS, and the like. The contents of each of the data sources (2001-2008) and cloud sources 1175 are accessible and combinable by the assigning authority engine 1105 to produce dynamic, temporal combinations of data elements and instructions for the vehicle 1000. The assigning authority engine 1105 is configured to use the remote profile manager toolset 1130 to execute the dynamic, temporal combinations. The dynamic, temporal combinations access data from the cloud sources comprising third party data and vehicle, timing, event, and/or positioning (“VTEP”) data 1160 to inform instruction sets delivered by the assigning authority engine 1105. The instruction sets are preferably temporal permission for the on-vehicle sources and off-vehicle sources (e.g., applications) to connect and share data with each other.

[00059] The vehicle 1000 has multiple endpoints with direct connectivity to the CVD 135 and requires no routing through a cloud service. The endpoints are user interfaces or built in displays, devices connected through fixed or wireless connection to the vehicle’s CVD 135, sensors connected through a vehicle bus 105 (see FIG. 4A) to the CVD 135, or directly to the CVD 135 via wired or wireless connection, like devices. The vehicle 1000 is preferably a primary generator and source of VTEP data 1160.

[00060] One or more elements of the VTEP data 1160 is used as the basis to synchronize timing between the data, or computational outputs of two or more sources of electronic information. A single coherent information picture 1170 is formed from fusing data and computational information from the on-vehicle and the off-vehicle sources. The new information data set combination (single coherent information picture) is a display of information generated from the combination of data from the on-vehicle sources and the off-vehicle sources. The data set can include dynamic route information (road condition changes due to weather, construction and the like), an updated driver’s profile, vehicle engine date, cargo data, dynamic compliance rules, micro-navigation data, fuel stop data, inspection stations on the route, wireless communications connectivity status, time to destination, and the like. An example of a new information data set combination is imparting GPS location data from a truck/CVD onto cargo (see potato chips example below). The new information data set combination is preferably any new combination of the connected data sources data for the specific vehicle of interest. [00061] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a system 1500 for remote profile management for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources. At step A, VTEP data is gathered from multiple databases, cloud services and other off-vehicle sources, as well as on-vehicle sources. At step B, the RPM toolset is used to configure multiple assigning authority rules based on the collected VTEP data. At step C, multiple instruction sets are delivered to multiple cloud services, other off-vehicle sources and on-vehicle sources. At step D, off-vehicle sources such as physical infrastructure, vehicles, mobile devices, and mobile device applications share data per the delivered instruction sets. At step E, back office managers, physical infrastructure, on-vehicle and off-vehicle sources are provided with new information data set combinations enabling novel processing capabilities for the system.

[00062] In one embodiment, the off-vehicle source is a mobile application operating on a mobile device, and the data originates from the mobile application.

[00063] In another embodiment, app to app integration is utilized to generate the information data set. The app to app integration is performed at a remote server, within an app on a mobile device, on a CVD or a combination thereof.

[00064] The cloud sources preferably comprise a public cloud source, a private cloud source, a hybrid cloud source, a multi-cloud source, a service provider cloud, a telematics service provider cloud, an original equipment manufacturer cloud (truck manufacturer, Tier 1 supplier, device supplier and the like), a customer cloud (end user) and/or a public cloud.

[00065] The system also preferably includes physical infrastructures with communication devices comprising at least one of a building, a gate, an access controlled point of entry, a parking structure, a weigh station, a toll collection structure, a fueling equipment and a vehicle service equipment. In one embodiment, a passive device on a physical structure broadcasts a unique ID which is received by a mobile device and a vehicle gateway device. If the passive device is a BLUETOOTH device, it broadcasts a BLUETOOTH advertisement.

[00066] Multiple vehicle connected mobility devices are preferably used with the system 1500 and comprise at least one of a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a scanning device, a beacon, a RF passive or active communication device and a signature capture device.

[00067] Affiliates with the system 1500 include at least one other vehicle authorized to share data via vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), Cloud, or other RF communication protocols, a TMS system authorized by the assigning authority engine 1105 to directly take data from or provide data to the vehicle CVD 135, an authorized cloud provider, and an authorized user granted access by the assigning authority.

[00068] The vehicle 1000 is preferably one of a long-haul semi-truck, a bus, a sedan, a pick-up, a sports utility vehicle, a limousine, a sports car, a delivery truck, a van, or a mini-van.

[00069] The RPM 1130 preferably comprises a RPM sync for syncing with other devices, servers, the Cloud, the CVD and the like.

[00070] The real-time data for the vehicle 1000 preferably comprises a real time speed of the vehicle, tire pressure values from a plurality of tire sensors, refrigeration/HVAC unit values, a plurality of fluid levels (e.g. oil level), a plurality of power unit values, a real-time fuel tank capacity, vehicle part temperatures (e.g. engine temperature), and a fuel type.

[00071] The system comprises a configurable range of allowable values for various measurements. Values outside of the allowable range trigger mitigations.

[00072] The real-time driver/operator profile comprises amount of time driving (e.g. five hours) during a pre-determined time period (e.g. one day), number of rest breaks during the pre-determined time period, license compliance data, physical disabilities and driving violations. [00073] One example of an off-vehicle source is a fuel stop. A profile of a fuel stop preferably comprises real-time types of fuels available, set billing instructions, physical dimensions of a plurality of fuel pumps, GPS coordinates, hours of operation, food service availability, and resting area availability. The predetermined fueling time period is a time range to fuel the vehicle based on the real-time GPS location of the vehicle, the real-time speed of the vehicle, the distance to the selected fuel stop from the real-time GPS location of the vehicle, and the hours of operation of the fuel stop.

[00074] A configuration of the vehicle 1000 is preferably selected from one of a single trailer, a dual trailer, a triple trailer, and a refrigeration trailer.

[00075] Another example of an off-vehicle source is a database with dynamic compliance rules according to federal, state, local, company, or other regulations. The dynamic compliance rules comprise speed limits, transport of toxic waste, the transport of refrigerated cargo, the rest durations for drivers/operators, the necessary insurance coverage, and the type of taxes and fees to be paid. The workflow utilized by the assigning authority engine 1105 preferably comprises an origination location, a destination, a route to the destination, a cargo, a time of departure and a time of arrival.

[00076] In one non-limiting example, the assigning authority engine 1105 receives data over the cloud from a customer server 1181 that a shipment of bags of potato chips were damaged in transit. The assigning authority engine 1105 accesses a CVD 135 or mobile device for the vehicle that delivered the bags of potato chips to determine the origination location, the destination location and the route. The assigning authority engine 1105 uses a navigation app on the mobile device (e.g. tablet computer) to determine the route, and an elevation of the route. The assigning authority engine 1105 determines that the vehicle traveled over a high elevation mountain range that probably resulted in the damage to the bags of potato chips due to a pressure differential. The assigning authority engine 1105 uses this information to reroute a subsequent shipment of bags of potato chips to avoid the high elevation mountain range. [00077] FIG. 4 is an illustration of multiple sensors on a truck 1000. The vehicle/truck 1000 preferably comprises an oil level sensor 1005, an engine sensor 1010, a power sensor 1015, a refrigeration/HVAC sensor 1020, a temperature sensor 1025, a tire pressure sensor 1030, and a fuel sensor 1035. Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that multiple other sensors may be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. FIG. 4A is an illustration of multiple sensors on a truck connected to a data bus 105 of the truck. Each of the sensors (oil level sensor 1005, engine sensor 1010, a power sensor 1015, a refrigeration/HVAC sensor 1020, a temperature sensor 1025, tire pressure sensors 1030a-d, and fuel sensor 1035) is preferably connected to the data bus 105 for transferring data to an on-board computer of the vehicle 1000, or directly to the CVD 135. Alternatively, some or all of the sensors use wireless communications to communication with the CVD 135.

[00078] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for a method 500 for remote profile management for utilizing data and computational information from on-vehicle and off- vehicle sources. At block 501, the contents of each of a plurality of databases are accessed by an assigning authority engine. At block 502, the contents are combined to produce a plurality of dynamic, temporal combinations of data elements and a plurality of instruction sets for a vehicle. At block 503, the plurality of dynamic, temporal combinations is executed. At block 504, data from a plurality of cloud sources comprising third party data and vehicle, timing, event, and/or positioning (“VTEP”) data is accessed to inform the plurality of instruction sets delivered by the assigning authority engine to the RPM. At block 505, one or more elements of the VTEP data is used as a basis to synchronize timing between the data, or computational outputs of two or more sources of electronic information. At block 506, a single coherent information picture is formed from fusing data and computational information from the on-vehicle and the off-vehicle sources. [00079] A system 10 for securely connecting a wireless device to a single access point in a vehicle for a predetermined work assignment is shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A. The system 10 preferably comprises a remote server (cloud)

11, a vehicle gateway device 130, a smart device 110 and a passive device 61. The vehicle gateway device 130 is preferably a connected vehicle device (“CVD” 135).

[00080] The server/cloud 11 accesses dataset 12 and obtains driver information 13. Vehicle information, mobile device information (MAC address), passive device information (beacon ID) and other information to compile a SCP packet 14. At block 15, the server 11 provides SCP definitions to the vehicle gateway device 130 and the mobile device 110. At block 16 the server/cloud 11 authorizes the SCP. At block 17, the server/cloud 11 communicates with the vehicle gateway device 130.

[00081] The vehicle gateway device 130 uses datasets 22, with the beacon ID 23, a scan of wireless devices 24 along with the SCP definitions 26 received from the server/cloud 11 to compile a CVD compiled SCP packet 25. The CVD compiled SCP packet is sent to the cloud/server 11 at block 16 and authorization/validation of the CVD compiled SCP packet is received at block 27. At block 28 the SCP is authorized for broadcasting at the vehicle gateway device 130 a wireless network with a hidden and hashed SSID unique to the vehicle, the hidden and hashed SSID generated from the validated SCP packet. At block 29, the vehicle gateway device 130 communicates the broadcast with the server/cloud 11. At block 31, the vehicle gateway device 130 communicates with other devices, namely the smart device 110 over preferably a WiFi hotspot 32 and the passive device 61 by pairing using a BLUETOOTH communication protocol at block 33.

[00082] At block 49, the smart device (mobile device) 110 compiles a complied mobile device SCP packet from the SCP definitions 42, the data sets 48, the beacon ID 43, the Tablet ID 45, a driver ID 46, a vehicle ID 47 and scan of wireless devices 44. The mobile device 110 generates the hashed SSID and a passphrase from the complied mobile device SCP packet. At block 51, the mobile device 110 connects to the WiFi hotspot 32 of the vehicle device gateway 130.

[00083] The passive device 61 broadcast a unique ID at block 62 which is received by the mobile device 110 and the vehicle gateway device 130. At block 63, if it is a BLUETOOTH device, it broadcasts a BLUETOOTH advertisement at block 64.

[00084] The SCP is defined by an assigning authority in the server/cloud 11. The server/cloud 11 sends the SCP definition and any other required data in datasets to the CVD 135 and the mobile device 110. The CVD 135 adds the contextual data from local datasets to the sever-sent data to compile its SCP based definition. The local datasets include data wirelessly scanned from passive devices, preferably transmitting a BLUETOOTH beacon. Other local datasets include information from the vehicle. The CVD 135 sends its compiled SCP packet to the server 11 for authorization. The server 11 verifies the CVD compiled SCP packet, and if valid, the server 11 transmits a validation/approval signal to the CVD 135. The CVD then generates an access point SSID/passphrase with SCP. Likewise, the mobile device 110 utilizes contextual data from local datasets to compile its SCP based on the definitions. The mobile device 110 connects to the access point of the CVD 135 using the SCP. The CVD 135 and the mobile device 110 also connect to the passive device 61 since it is part of the SCP definition.

[00085] As used by the assigning authority engine 1105, a predetermined work assignment is a temporal event with a fixed start and completion based on assignable boundary conditions. The assignable boundary condition is at least one of a predetermined time period, a geographical destination, and a set route. Alternatively, the assignable boundary condition is any feature with a beginning and a termination. The assigning authority is performed by a person or persons, who have the appropriate authority and mechanisms to assign specific tasks and assets to a specific vehicle and vehicle operator or custodian, and to assign workflow assignments to same. The predetermined work assignment is assigned to a known person or entity that has its own primary networked device accessible through a password protected user interface, a specific name and password that auto-populates or otherwise automatically satisfies a plurality of credentials requirements, wherein the plurality of credential requirements are automatically available or revoked based on the assignable boundary condition identified in a pairing event.

[00086] The CVD 135 preferably broadcasts a WiFi wireless network with a hidden and hashed SSID unique to the host vehicle and protected by a unique, dynamically generated and hashed passphrase. The vehicle ID is entered into an application on the tablet that is then converted to the same hashed SSID and passphrase, which allows the tablet to attempt to connect to the corresponding CVD WiFi network and begin communication.

[00087] A method 900 for a secure connection to a wireless network of a vehicle is shown in FIG. 7. At block 901, a server generates definitions for a SCP packet for assigning authority for a vehicle. At block 902 the server transmits the definitions for the SCP packet to a CVD and a mobile device. At block 903, the CVD compiles the SCP packet to generate a CVD compiled SCP. At block 904, the CVD transmits the CVD compiled SCP to the server for authorization. At block 905, the server transmits authorization for the CVD compiled SCP from to the CVD for creation of a validated SCP. At block 906, the mobile device generates a dataset to compile a mobile device compiled SCP. At block 907, the CVD broadcasts at a wireless network with a hidden and hashed SSID unique to the vehicle. The hidden and hashed SSID is generated from the validated SCP packet. At block 908, the mobile device generates the hashed SSID and a passphrase from the dataset, which allows the mobile device connect to the wireless network. At block 909, the mobile device searches for a vehicle having the CVD broadcasting the wireless network in a hidden mode. At block 910, the mobile device securely connects with the CVD. [00088] One embodiment utilizes a system for vehicle to mobile device secure wireless communications. The system comprises a vehicle 210, a CVD 135, a mobile device 110 and a passive communication device 61. The vehicle 210 comprises an on-board computer with a memory having a vehicle identification number (VIN), a connector plug, and a motorized engine. The CVD 135 comprises a processor, a WiFi radio, a BLUETOOTH radio, a memory, and a connector for mating with the connector plug of the vehicle. The mobile device 110 comprises a graphical user interface, a mobile application, a processor, a WiFi radio, and a cellular network interface. The passive communication device 61 operates on a BLUETOOTH communication protocol. The server 11 is configured to generate a plurality of definitions for a SCP packet for assigning authority for the vehicle. The server 11 is configured to transmit the plurality of definitions for the SCP packet from the server to the CVD 135 and the mobile device 110. The CVD 135 is configured to compile the SCP packet to generate a CVD compiled SCP. The CVD 135 is configured to transmit the CVD compiled SCP to the server 11 for authorization. The server 11 is configured to transmit authorization for the CVD compiled SCP to the CVD 135 for creation of a validated SCP. The mobile device 110 is configured to generating a dataset to compile a mobile device compiled SCP. The CVD 135 is configured to broadcast a wireless network with a hidden and hashed SSID unique to the vehicle, the hidden and hashed SSID generated from the validated SCP packet. The mobile device 110 is configured to generate the hashed SSID and a passphrase from the dataset, which allows the mobile device connect to the wireless network. The mobile device 110 is configured to search for a vehicle having the CVD broadcasting the wireless network in a hidden mode. The mobile device 110 is configured to connect to the CVD 135 over the wireless network.

[00089] The dataset preferably comprises at least one of a plurality of definitions for the SCP packet, a tablet ID, a driver ID, a vehicle ID, a beacon ID, identified or defined entity/participant to the transaction, descriptions, actions, or states of thing, characteristics of identifiable devices, when present in a certain proximity and/or context.

[00090] Optionally, the mobile device 110 connects to a passive device 61, the passive device operating on a BLUETOOTH communication protocol. The passive device 61 is preferably a BLUETOOTH enabled device advertising a unique ID as a beacon or a complex system (speaker, computer, etc.) that emits BLUETOOTH enabled device advertising a unique ID as a beacon.

[00091] The mobile device 110 preferably receives input from a driver of the vehicle, and/or the server 11 contains the assigning authority that generates the SCP definitions.

[00092] The passive device 61 is preferably an internal device in the vehicle or an external device posted on a gate to a facility and generating a beacon. The beacon from the passive device is preferably a mechanism to ensure that the connection between the mobile device 110 and the CVD 135 occurs at a specific physical location dictated by the assigning authority through the server 11. Preferably, the automatic connection between the mobile device 110 and the CVD occurs because the assigning authority, through the server, has dictated that it occurs.

[00093] As shown in FIG. 8, a staging yard 200 for trucks 210a-201d, each of a multitude of trucks 210a-210d broadcasts a wireless signal for a truck specific network, with one truck 210c broadcasting a wireless signal 225. However, the SSID is not published, so unless a driver is already in possession of the SSID, the driver will not be able to pair the tablet computer 110 with the CVD 135 of the truck 210a to which the driver is assigned. So even though the wireless signals are being “broadcast”, they will not appear on a driver’s tablet computer 110 (or other mobile device) unless the tablet computer 110 has already been paired with the CVD 135 of the vehicle 210. A driver 205 in possession of a tablet computer 110 pairs, using a signal 230, the tablet computer 110 with the wireless network 225 of the CVD 135 of the truck 210c, and thus the driver 205 locates the specific truck 210c assigned to the driver 205 in a parking lot full of identical looking trucks 210a-d.

[00094] The mobile communication device 110, or mobile device, is preferably selected from mobile phones, smartphones, tablet computers, PDAs and the like. Examples of smartphones and the device vendors include the IPHONE® smartphone from Apple, Inc., the DROID® smartphone from Motorola Mobility Inc., GALAXY S® smartphones from Samsung Electronics Co.,

Ltd., and many more. Examples of tablet computing devices include the IPAD® tablet computer from Apple Inc., and the XOOM™ tablet computer from Motorola Mobility Inc.

[00095] Wireless standards utilized include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802. llg, AX.25, 3G, CDPD, CDMA, GSM, GPRS, radio, microwave, laser, Bluetooth, 802.15, 802.16, and IrDA.

[00096] BLUETOOTH™ technology operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band of the radio-frequency spectrum, and in a preferred embodiment the secondary device 30 and/or primary device 25 is capable of receiving and transmitting signals using BLUETOOTH™ technology. LTE Frequency Bands include 698-798MHz; 791-960MHz; 1710-2170MHz; 1427-1660.5MH; 2300- 2700MHz; 3400-3800MHz, and in a preferred embodiment the secondary device 30 and/or the primary device 25 is capable of receiving and transmitting signals using one or more of the LTE frequency bands. WiFi preferably operates using 802.11a, 802.11b, 802. llg, 802.11h communication formats as set for the by the IEEE, and in in a preferred embodiment the secondary device 30 and/or the primary device 25 is capable of receiving and transmitting signals using one or more of the 802.11 communication formats. Near-field communications (NFC) may also be utilized.

[00097] As shown in FIG. 9, a typical mobile communication device 110 preferably includes an accelerometer 301, EO (input/output) 302, a microphone 303, a speaker 304, a GPS chipset 305, a Bluetooth component 306, a Wi-Fi component 307, a 3G/4G component 308, RAM memory 309, a main processor 310, an OS (operating system) 311, applications/software 312, a Flash memory 313, SIM card 314, LCD display 315, a camera 316, a power management circuit 317, a battery 318 or power source, a magnetometer 319, and a gyroscope 320.

[00098] Each of the interface descriptions preferably discloses use of at least one communication protocol to establish handshaking or bi-directional communications. These protocols preferably include but are not limited to XML, JSON, HTTP, HTTPS, SSL, TCP/IP, Serial, UDP, FTP, Web Services, WAP, SMTP, SMPP, DTS, Stored Procedures, Import/Export, Global Positioning Triangulation, IM, SMS, MMS, GPRS, SFTP, secure copy,

RSync, WebDAP, and Flash. Databases that may be used with the system preferably include but are not limited to MSSQL, Access, MySQL, Progress, Oracle, DB2, Open Source DBs and others. Operating system used with the system preferably include Microsoft 2010, XP, Vista, 200o Server, 2003 Server, 2008 Server, Windows Mobile, Linux, Android, Unix, I series, AS 400 and Apple OS.

[00099] Components of a cloud computing server 40 of the system, as shown in FIG. 10, preferably includes a CPU component 401, a graphics component 402, PCI/PCI Express 403, memory 404, non-removable storage 407, removable storage 408, Network Interface 409, including one or more connections to a fixed network, and SQL database(s) 415a-415d. Included in the memory 404 is an operating system 405, a SQL server 406 or other database engine, and computer program s/software 410. The server 40 also preferably includes at least one computer program configured to receive data uploads and store the data uploads in the SQL database. Alternatively, the SQL server can be installed on a separate server from the server 40.

[000100] A flow chart for an alternative method 600 for a secure connection to a wireless network of a vehicle is shown in FIG. 11. At block 601, the CVD broadcasts an encrypted, blind SSID based on specific vehicle data. At block 602, leveraging the known vehicle data and the encryption algorithm a mobile device searches for a vehicle having a CVD broadcasting the wireless network. At block 603, the mobile device is connected with the CVD.

[000101] A system for a secure connection to a wireless network of a vehicle is shown in FIG. 12. The vehicle is a truck 210. Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the truck 210 may be replaced by any type of vehicle (such as a bus, sedan, pick-up, sport utility vehicle, limousine, sports car, delivery truck, van, mini-van, motorcycle, and the like) without departing from the scope of spirit of the present invention. The truck 210 preferably comprises a motorized engine 234, a vehicle identification number (“VIN”) 233, an on board computer 232 with a memory 231 and a connector plug 235. The on board computer 232 preferably has a digital copy of the VIN 233 in the memory 231. The on-board computer 232 is preferably in communication with the motorized engine 234. The truck 210 may also have a GPS component for location and navigation purposes, a satellite radio such as SIRIUS satellite radio, a driver graphical interface display, a battery, a source of fuel, and other components found in a conventional long distance truck.

[000102] Also in the truck 210 is a CVD 135 comprising a processor, a WiFi radio, a BLUETOOTH radio, a memory and a connector to connect to the connector plug 235 of the on-board computer 232.

[000103] A driver 205 preferably has a mobile communication device such as a tablet computer 110 in order to pair with a wireless network generated by the CVD 135 of the truck 210. The tablet computer 110 preferably comprises a graphical user interface 335, a processor 310, a WiFi radio 307, a BLUETOOTH radio 306, and a cellular network interface 308.

[000104] As shown in FIG. 13, a staging yard for trucks 210a-210k, each of a multitude of trucks 210a-210k broadcasts a wireless signal 224a-k for a truck specific network, with one truck 21 Of broadcasting a wireless signal 225. However, all of the wireless signal 224a-224k and 225 do not publish their respective SSID so that a mobile device 110 must already be paired with the CVD 135 of a truck 210 in order to connect to the truck based wireless network 224a-224k or 225 of each of the CVDs 135 of each of the trucks 210a-210k. A driver 205 in possession of a tablet computer 110 pairs with the specific truck wireless network 225 of the CVD 135 of the truck 21 Of, and thus the driver 205 locates the specific truck 21 Of assigned to the driver 205 in a parking lot full of identical looking trucks 210a-210k.

[000105] One embodiment is a system for utilizing a remote profile manager for vehicle dynamic compliance with multiple vehicle statutes and regulations.

The system comprises a truck 210, a CVD 135, a tablet computer 110, a server 40 and a plurality of databases. The vehicle comprises an on-board computer with a memory having a vehicle identification number (VIN), a connector plug, and a motorized engine. The CVD 135 comprises a processor, a WiFi radio, a BLUETOOTH radio, a memory, and a connector for mating with the connector plug of the vehicle. The tablet computer 110 comprises a graphical user interface, a processor, a WiFi radio, a BLUETOOTH radio, and a cellular network interface. A location of the truck 210 is determined using a GPS component of the truck 210. The location of the truck 210 is transmitted to the server 40 by the CVD 135. The server 40 retrieves real-time compliance rules for the location of the truck from the plurality of databases, which are preferably State vehicle databases, municipal vehicle databases, county vehicle databases, and Federal vehicle databases. The server 40 transmits the real-time compliance rules to CVD 135 for display on the tablet computer 110 so that a driver of the truck 210 can stay in real-time compliance with State and Federal motor vehicle and driving rules. The rules pertain to speed limits, transport of toxic waste, the transport of refrigerated cargo, the rest durations for drivers, the necessary insurance coverage, the type of taxes and fees to be paid, and the like. The display on the tablet computer is preferably in the form of a visual alert, an audio alert or a haptic alert. Other displays include forms such as attestation forms, and data such as timers, current speed limits, and the like. The trigger for each jurisdiction is preferably from the GPS of the truck 210, the speed of the truck 210, cellular or WiFi triangulation from a network, and the like.

[000106] The CVD 135 obtains the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the on-board computer and transmits the VIN with the location to the server 40 for verification of the truck 210.

[000107] Another embodiment is a system for utilizing a remote profile manager for utilizing multiple vehicle odometer values. The system comprises a vehicle 210, a CVD 135, a tablet computer 110, a server 40 and a plurality of databases. The vehicle comprises an on-board computer with a memory having a vehicle identification number (VIN), a connector plug, a motorized engine, an odometer component from an engine source, an odometer component from a dashboard source, an odometer component from a chassis source, and an odometer component from a transmission source. Thus, the truck 210 has a multiple of odometers that can be used to determine a mileage of the truck 210. The connected vehicle device (CVD) 135 comprises a processor, a WiFi radio, a BLUETOOTH radio, a memory, and a connector for mating with the connector plug of the vehicle. The tablet computer 110 comprises a graphical user interface, a processor, a WiFi radio, a BLUETOOTH radio, and a cellular network interface. Each of the odometer component from an engine source, the odometer component from a dashboard source, the odometer component from a chassis source, and the odometer component from a transmission source generates an odometer value, which is monitored by the CVD 135. The CVD 135 generates a new odometer value for one of the odometer component from an engine source, the odometer component from a dashboard source, the odometer component from a chassis source, and the odometer component from a transmission source, and the CVD modifies the odometer value by the delta value to generate the new odometer value.