3. Basic Hardware Architecture
Virtual Map (VM) offers a range of products to suit specific market needs, operating conditions or custom applications. All products are based on a single core design with "plug-and-play" features that allow for rapid customization and deployment.
4. Fleet System Components
The tracking system proposed will be based on Virtual Map's Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS).
A PC server will operate as the controlling centre and will host VM TRACE™ (Fleet Monitoring System).
VM TRACE™ is the primary software that interacts with the inboard GPS device and manages information that is received from the fleet and displaying it to users. This controlling centre forms the nucleus of the monitoring system and is the gateway to monitoring the fleet.
The PC control centre will be located at the primary control location. The PC control centre will require a secure dedicated lease line and fixed IP address for tracking of more than 5 vehicles simultaneously.
Historical tracked data may be downloaded periodically (as specified by the client) through either a direct data channel dial-up into the device or via manual download from a portable PC. Should the secondary location users require the log files, these can be delivered via the client's intranet or through email.
4.1 Communications Infrastructure
- The PC control centre will be connected directly to GPRS or Telecommunications Service Provider's SMS Centre. Positions for 100 vehicles can be polled at a maximum rate of once every 5 seconds (bandwith of Mbps).
- The use of GPRS/SMS as a communications backbone is advantages because of the widespread coverage by Singtel, data encryption capabilities and lower operating costs.
- Given the number and polling rate required, VM has proposed the use of GSM modem for the trial phase and a dedicated lease-line to Singtel's Megapop should the system be required to track more than 5 vehicles simultaneously. Some GPS devices also support GPRS communication.
- Each vehicle will require an X8 device and a GSM SIM card with GPRS/SMS subscriptions.
4.2 Tracking and Historical data logging process
- The hardware proposed is VM's X8, a multifunctional device that obtains GPS readings, has an inbuilt GSM modem and can be fully configured to interact with onboard mechanical equipments. The device has 8 I/O ports.
- VM's X8 can be queried via GPRS/SMS or be programmed to send position updates periodically.
- The device will store up to 30,000 position co-ordinates in its onboard RAM logging data when the vessel is in operation at intervals of 3 seconds.
- Historical tracked data will be downloaded once a day or one every three days through a direct dial-up to the device. Data will be transferred at a rate of 9 kbps.