| |
| |
TECHNOLOGY |
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
Server Architecture |
|
| |
GPS Server Architecture
GPS vehicle tracking systems works on the GPS based navigation system, GPS tracker becoming popular for monitoring fleets of vehicles operated by Govt. & private owners across the world in Buses, Trucks and other commercial vehicles. Below, find more information about practical GPS applications for city fleets. The rise of auto theft globally, makes GPS tracking device highly in demand which works as a car security system to protect it from any possible theft or hacking. Actually, depending on the specific fleet, user may require one of two types of vehicle tracking systems. To make that decision, it helps to understand the technology behind the GPS tracking system, find information regarding the mechanism of GPS vehicle tracking. The technology consist of GPS tracking devices mainly hardware instruments and operated with the help of software programs. To understand the technology first you know the structural design of the GPS server.
Practically, there is lot more to this, Fuel theft algorithms, notification emails, rule based SMS, Geo fence calculations, Driver Performance calculations and presentation, Vehicle Maintenance Rules are to name a few of them |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
Simplified Flow: |
|
| |
The hierarchy of server architecture is simple to understand. The basic principle of GPS tracking device is reception, storing and transforming the data to the server application regularly.
Basically, As per the chart given below, Trackjinn GPS Device transmits data over the IP layer using either UDP or TCP. Device Server application receives the packets, validates it against authenticated devices and then stores in MySQL database of the corresponding device. The tracking servlet serves tracking requests from customer PC/Laptop/Mobile and present a unified view of Vehicle Dashboard and Maps. Mapping support is present for all major mapping providers. It includes OpenLayers/OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, Microsoft Virtual Earth, and Mapstraction.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
HARDWARE DEVICES & SOFTWARE STRUCTURE |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Architecture of Hardware Devices
All Trackjinn Devices are built on top of a common hardware foundation which includes at least the GPS Module, GSM Module, Power block, and Processor. Other elements may be present depending on the device type and application involved. The hardware devices include, Processor, GSM/GPRS Modem, GPS Module, Flash, Power Systems, Keypad, LCD module and Sensors and Relays. Below check how these devices plays the important role to work the GPS vehicle tracking systems: |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
Processor:
This is a 32 bit Microprocessor IC from Texas Instruments and is the controlling entity of the tracker Device. Processing capabilities of this Microprocessor are enough to handle all messages from GPS, sensors, GSM, I/O and GPRS in the flick of an eye.
GSM/GPRS Modem:
This is a fully type approved GSM/GPRS modem that has proven itself for stable, reliable performance on wireless networks worldwide for more than five year, It is connected to the Processor via first UART interface. Apart from this, it is also connected to SIM card, Vibrator, Microphone and Speaker for the corresponding functionality. It supports Quad Band, so the device can work anywhere in the world.
GPS Module:
GT-1613-SF is a complete GPS engine module that features super sensitivity and ultra low power. It receives the GPS signal from GPS antenna, and transmits out complete NMEA protocol data message with position, velocity, altitude and time information. This module is connected to the second UART port of the Processor. It is built on high performance, low-power SIRFIII chipset and has a quite high sensitivity of -159dBm
Flash:
128Mb flash is used to store the firmware of device and also used to store all date and sensor related parameter in case GPRS is not available. As and when the GPRS is possible, these parameters are transmitted out to the server.
Power Systems:
Power circuitry provides power to all the modules in the Device. Stage 1 converts raw power ranging from 6-30 volts to variable voltage of 3.7 volts to 4 volts. The variable voltage goes to internal battery as well as stage 2. This variable voltage is needed to charge the internal battery at constant current. Stage 2 converts 3.7-4.0 volts to 5V, 3.3V and 1.8Volts; these are further distributed across various modules of the device. Constant current charging ensures longer life of internal battery and lesser load on vehicle battery.
LCD module:
This is an optional attachment and is be used as a means to communicate between fleet control room and the vehicle inmates. LCD module can also be used to display all parameters inside the vehicle.
Keypad:
This Short navigation based keypad is used to communicate with tracking server as well as control room in case of customized fleet solutions.
Sensors and Relays:
These systems attached to vehicle and Device based upon the usage. Trackjinn currently support most of the sensors available. They can be used to check multiple instruments & vehicles such as
• Fuel Level
• Battery Status
• Engine RPM
• Door status
• Throttle position
• Gear Position
• Glass status
• Ignition cut-off Relay
• Passenger Count
• Fuel Cutoff Relay
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Software Devices |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Trackjinn GPS Tracker Software Architecture
All Trackjinn Devices have a common set of software blocks as their foundation elements. All the elements have been proven to work for years.
GSM/GPRS stack:
The software that makes wireless communication possible, runs on the GSM/GPRS module. This comes with the module and developed and rigorously tested by worlds leading multinational data networking and telecommunications equipment companies Siemens/Nokia. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
GPS stack:
The software that runs here collects raw GPS signals and performs complex computations to present a unified GPS fix of the following format:
LATITUDE-LONGITUDE-SPEED-HEADING-ALTITUDE-NUM_SATELLITES
The stack here comes from the industry leader in GPS, SiRF technologies' world acclaimed SiRf star III chipset.
Control Software:
This is the core of GPS Tracker and controls GSM and GPS modules, takes analog and digital input samples, controls the LCD and keypad and runs inside the Microprocessor.
1. RTOS:
The embedded real-time operating system used here is uC/OSII. The function of RTOS is to provide stable multitasking support, File System to store parameters, inter-task communication and resource sharing, preemptive scheduling and memory Allocation/De-allocation. The essence of using an RTOS over here is deterministic and real-time response of Device toward all events.
Below is priority table of tasks in RTOS. Lowest number signifies highest priority.
2. Device Drivers:
Control software has to communicate with all the hardware modules e.g. LCD,keypad to send or receive information. This is done with the help of a piece of dedicated code that communicates with a particular Hardware device. Various device drivers used in Tracker software are:
UART Driver: This is used to communicate with GSM/GPRS module and the GPS modules.
LCD Driver: This is dedicated for controlling and abstracting the LCD module. It provides a simple interface to configure use the LCD Module.
I/O driver: All analog and digital I/O attachments are accessed and controlled via this driver.
Flash Memory Driver: It implements all the low-level Flash Read and Write Functions. Operating system utilizes these functions to realize the file-system.
3. Tasks:
Tasks are used to break down a complex piece of software requirement into simple and virtually parallel smaller requirements. The requirement for control software is fairly complex. It ranges from collecting GPS location data, sensor data, displaying information, getting user inputs to transmitting parameters to server. Following tasks makes up the control software Application layer.
a. GPS Task:
This task uses the UART driver to collect GPS location data from the GPS module. The GPS data is in NMEA format and spread across various messages, the task combines these in one message, converts in native format and then queues this message into a shared queue.
b. Analog Task:
This task initializes the Analog to Digital converter and performs periodic sample measurements. Analog measurements range from Temperature to fuel level. The task queues up valid measurements to main task for later transmission.
c. Digital Task:
To ensure timely delivery of all door open/close and other on/off events all digital measurements have been offloaded to this dedicated digital task.
d. Geodo Task:
This task implements geo fencing, geo zone and odometer functionality. It performs necessary calculations and generates the resulting events. It also implements the function of virtual odometer. All the events are queued in a shared queue.
e. Protocol Task:
It processes all the server communications, SMS communications and periodic synchronization between server and Device. It queues all responses to be sent to the server to a shared queue. Another important function of this task is wireless firmware upgrade. The software of all Trackjinn devices can be upgraded remotely without bringing the device to our repair stations. This feature of remote programming is truly world class and unique.
f. Main Task:
This task has several functions apart from reading all the queues and starting GPRS transmission procedure. It reads the shared queues as per the priority of the corresponding task. After reading and transmitting all messages from the shared queue of the highest priority task, it goes on for the next highest priority and so on till all messages have been sent out to the server.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
| Testimonials |
|
|
|
| |
Tens of thousands of companies benefit from the use of Trackjinn tracker. Here is just a small sample of the comments we get every day:
We are very pleased with the tracking system recently purchased and installed in our vehicles. It has proven to be beneficial in our day-to-day operations. The software is easily accessible and amazingly accurate. We would like to thank you for introducing your system to us and look forward to using the system in the future.
Troy M. Smith
TLS, Inc.
Thank you for introducing the Trackjinn Tracker® system to us at AREA Services, Inc. Our technicians can run but they cannot hide. The system not only keeps them from speeding, but it allows us to compare their actual time and location to their service tickets. We have had to discharge one tech because he was constantly speeding and using his company vehicle for personal use.
The system allow us to "Trust but Verify."
Stu Jardine, Owner
AREA Service, Inc.
Your system gives us the assurance that our trucks and drivers are being utilized to the fullest.
Randall Jones
Jones Lumber
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
