Logging accurately
The main concept behind GO device logging is to produce an accurate representation of the original data by logging the essential points on a graph and discarding redundant points. We sometimes refer to this as curve-based logging.
This is best illustrated by example:
In this graph, the actual trip is represented by the blue curve. The red dots represent a simple time-based sampling where a speed value is recorded at regularly spaced time intervals. Notice how some high points and low points are missed by this approach. Also notice that, even when the speed does not change, the time-based approach continues reading the same value.
The green dots represent a more accurate record of the data by establishing the ideal way to reproduce the data with the fewest number of data points. This is the basic principle that underpins the intelligent logging of the GO device.
Position and speed
The GO device monitors both position and speed at the same time, using the approach discussed above, to log the data. By doing so, the speed profile can be very accurately reproduced and the location of the device determined. This also means the trip will be logged properly around corners (yielding a very accurate mileage calculation).
Engine diagnostics
The GO device also monitors key engine diagnostic values and applies the approach above to log these values (data such as RPM curve, fuel level and many other parameters) in an optimized manner that allows an accurate reproduction of events without the drawbacks associated with time- or distance-based logging.
Note: The intelligent logging approach means the rate at which the data is logged will vary; we cannot specify a fixed logging rate such as “x times per hour” because the logging rate depends on the driving behaviour of the vehicle. The GO device will log as many times as required to accurately represent the data being recorded while minimizing redundant data.
Technical details
The methodology used to determine the optimal time to log GPS points is a curve-based algorithm that utilizes the Ramer-Douglas-Peucker (RDP) algorithm. The purpose of the RDP algorithm is to create a simplified curve compared to the original data. This is done by removing trivial and redundant data points, and keeping only the relevant data points within the allowable error limit.
The curve-based algorithm is used to determine which of the second-by-second GPS points need to be saved and transmitted to MyGEOTAB. The curve logging algorithm allows the GO device to keep only the points that are necessary in order to provide an accurate representation of the events logged. Accuracy is dictated by the predetermined allowable curve error values.
When the algorithm runs on the set of data points, it starts with the first and last points in the data set and automatically marks these as to-be-saved. It then considers the points between the first and last points; the data points will be continually divided until a line segment within the allowable error limit is obtained; this point will then be marked as to-be-saved. The algorithm will then run again for any points between the first point and the new point as well as any points between the new point and the last point.
The curve-based algorithm is run first on Latitude vs. Longitude and then on Speed vs. Time. The curve algorithm is run on speed values between the to-be-saved points predetermined by running the curve on position.
Based on the curve reduction method and the chosen allowed error values, the requirement is that the data between two saved GPS points will be acceptably linear in both position and speed.
GPS logging
When the curve algorithm is run on the data is dependent on several factors, which are listed below:
- The curve buffer becomes full.
- The actual position of the GO device differed excessively from the predicted position of the GO device.
- Another event triggered the running of the curve.
Below is a list of parameters which utilize the curve algorithm for data logging.
Fault and status data logging – Curve logging on engine data
Where appropriate engine data is logged using the curve-based algorithm. The following is a list of the engine data now logged using the curve-based logic:
- Battery Temperature
- Brake Lining Remaining
- Brake Temperature
- Cab Interior Temperature
- Charge State
- Coolant Level
- Coolant Temperature
- Cruise High Speed Limit
- Engine Cooling Fan Speed
- Engine Oil Level
- Engine Oil Life Remaining
- Engine Oil Pressure
- Engine Oil Temperature
- Engine Speed
- Fuel Alcohol Composition
- Fuel Filter Life Remaining
- Fuel Level
- Maximum Road Speed Limit
- Outside Temperature
- Starter Brush Life Remaining
- Starter Current
- Tire Pressure
- Transmission Oil Level
- Transmission Oil Temperature
- Washer Fluid Level
Vehicles will not necessarily return all of the above information; the list is based on all the supported engine protocols.
Total fuel used
Total Fuel Used is generic status data. No matter how fuel information is received from a particular vehicle, be it OBD2, J1708, J1939 or another diagnostic standard, a generic Total Fuel Used record will be saved after ignition off. An additional record, Device Total Idle Fuel Used, which is the fuel used while road speed is 0, is also saved on ignition off.
Device Total Fuel Used (Telematics Device Code 2187) and Device Total Idle Fuel Used (Telematics Device Code 2188) are the parameters used to track fuel consumption.
Seat belt and odometer
Seat belt and odometer requests are proprietary on most passenger cars. It is GEOTAB’s goal to support seat belt and odometer across all the major vehicle manufacturers. If you are unable to obtain seatbelt or odometer requests for your vehicle, please contact GEOTAB Support.
You can query the percentage of seat belt, odometer and other engine based data is supported for different vehicle types via MyAdmin.
Seat belt use is logged on status change: a value of 1 represents the seat belt unbuckled, while a value of 0 represents the seat belt buckled. Odometer is logged both on ignition on and ignition off.
