Abstract: A cargo-sensing unit including: an image sensor; a transceiver; at least one processor; and a memory having stored thereon computer program code that, when executed by the processor, controls the at least one processor to: receive, from a controlling server and through the transceiver, an instruction to capture an image of cargo space within a cargo container; control the image sensor to capture an image of the cargo space in response to receiving the instruction; and operate in accordance with a determined cargo container status based on an analysis of the captured image.

Abstract: A wireless authentication interference unit comprising: a receiver; a transmitter; and a controller configured to: detect, via the receiver, a first wireless signal indicative of a wireless authentication protocol between an authentication terminal and an authentication key; and output, via the transmitter, an interference signal during a broadcast of an authentication message from the authentication key, wherein the interference signal disrupts authentication of the authentication key by the authentication terminal.

Abstract: A wireless authentication interference unit comprising: a receiver; a transmitter; and a controller configured to: detect, via the receiver, a first wireless signal indicative of a wireless authentication protocol between an authentication terminal and an authentication key; and output, via the transmitter, an interference signal during a broadcast of an authentication message from the authentication key, wherein the interference signal disrupts authentication of the authentication key by the authentication terminal.

Abstract: A cargo-sensing unit including: an image sensor; at least one processor; and a memory having stored thereon computer program code that, when executed by the processor, controls the at least one processor to: instruct the image sensor to capture an image of a cargo space within a cargo container; compare the captured image to a baseline image of an empty cargo container; and determine, based on the comparison between the captured image and the baseline image, a cargo space utilization estimate.

Abstract: A cargo-sensing unit including: an image sensor; a transceiver; at least one processor; and a memory having stored thereon computer program code that, when executed by the processor, controls the at least one processor to: receive, from a controlling server and through the transceiver, an instruction to capture an image of cargo space within a cargo container; control the image sensor to capture an image of the cargo space in response to receiving the instruction; and operate in accordance with a determined cargo container status based on an analysis of the captured image.

Abstract: A diagnostic port connector for a vehicle that includes a locking mechanism is disclosed. The system can comprise a connector body, such as a male OBD-II connector. The connector can include a plurality of connector pins, with the pins capable of passing signals and messages from the vehicle's on board diagnostic system to a device in electrical communication with the connector. The connector can also include a connection retention component. The connection retention component can be configured to maintain a connection between male connectors and female connection ports by interfering with a protruding portion of the female connection port.

Abstract: A power source and power management system including: a controller configured to transmit tracking information of the power source and power management system; an energy harvesting power source; a non-degrading rechargeable power source electrically connected to the energy harvesting power source and configured to be recharged by energy generated by the energy harvesting power source; and a power manager configured to control switching of a system power source between the energy harvesting power source and the non-degrading rechargeable power source based on a power state of the energy harvesting power source and a power state of the non-degrading rechargeable power source.

Abstract: A multi-relay including a first relay switch operable over a first current range; a second relay switch operable over a second current range; and a current sensor configured to: detect an input current; in response to the input current being within the first current range, activate the first relay switch; and in response to the input current being within the second current range, activate the second relay switch.

Abstract: A diagnostic port connector for a vehicle that includes a locking mechanism is disclosed. The system can comprise a connector body, such as a male OBD-II connector. The connector can include a plurality of connector pins, with the pins capable of passing signals and messages from the vehicle's on board diagnostic system to a device in electrical communication with the connector. The connector can also include a connection retention component. The connection retention component can be configured to maintain a connection between male connectors and female connection ports by interfering with a protruding portion of the female connection port.

Abstract: A system for renting vehicles is disclosed. The system can comprise a vehicle access communicator (“VAC”) capable of interfacing with one or more functions of a rental vehicle and a user provided portable electronic device. The VAC can control various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the door locks and/or enabling/disabling the vehicle. The VAC can also monitor various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the fuel level and/or the odometer readings. The VAC can connect to the portable electronic device using a suitable connection method to access additional functionality such as, for example and not limitation, locations services, cellular, and/or internet access. The VAC and the portable electronic device can be used to provide a rental system with reduced infrastructure and operating costs. The system can enable the use of “Green Zones” to provide permanent or temporary vehicle rental areas.

Abstract: A diagnostic port connector for a vehicle that includes a locking mechanism is disclosed. The system can comprise a connector body, such as a male OBD-II connector. The connector can include a plurality of connector pins, with the pins capable of passing signals and messages from the vehicle's on board diagnostic system to a device in electrical communication with the connector. The connector can also include a connection retention component. The connection retention component can be configured to maintain a connection between male connectors and female connection ports by interfering with a protruding portion of the female connection port.

Abstract: Implementations for a system to receive a message indicating that an ambient light level measured by an ambient light sensor within a container exceeds a first threshold value or falls below a second threshold value; in response to the message indicating that the ambient light level exceeds the first threshold value, activate a cargo sensor; and in response to the message indicating that the ambient light level falls below the second threshold value, de-activate the cargo sensor.

Abstract: A system for renting vehicles is disclosed. The system can comprise a vehicle access communicator (“VAC”) capable of interfacing with one or more functions of a rental vehicle and a user provided portable electronic device. The VAC can control various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the door locks and/or enabling/disabling the vehicle. The VAC can also monitor various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the fuel level and/or the odometer readings. The VAC can connect to the portable electronic device using a suitable connection method to access additional functionality such as, for example and not limitation, locations services, cellular, and/or internet access. The VAC and the portable electronic device can be used to provide a rental system with reduced infrastructure and operating costs. The system can enable the use of “Green Zones” to provide permanent or temporary vehicle rental areas.

Abstract: Implementations for a system to receive a message indicating that an ambient light level measured by an ambient light sensor within a container exceeds a first threshold value or falls below a second threshold value; in response to the message indicating that the ambient light level exceeds the first threshold value, activate a cargo sensor; and in response to the message indicating that the ambient light level falls below the second threshold value, de-activate the cargo sensor.

Abstract: Monitoring asset performance to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) is described. A method is described including receiving a set of asset performance information relating to at least one target asset associated with a company, calculating a KPI in view of the set of asset performance information, determining a cost benefit measurement based on the calculated KPI, and generating a report including at least one of the KPI or the cost benefit measurement. Additionally, the calculated KPIs and/or cost benefit measurements may be used to perform intra-company comparisons and inter-company comparisons.

Abstract: An impact sensor calibration tool, wherein an impact sensor is installed on a vehicle and in wireless communication with a processor, which analyzes data reported by the impact sensor. Specifically, the impact sensor of the present invention continuously measures two dimensional acceleration of a vehicle. Changes in vehicle acceleration create impulse data and the impact sensor reports this data to a processor. The processor performs statistical calculations on the data to identify the vehicle's normal use operation and from this, develops an impact threshold wherein impulses exceeding this threshold are identified as impacts. The impacts may be further characterized as real impacts and stored in memory for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A system for renting vehicles is disclosed. The system can comprise a vehicle access communicator (“VAC”) capable of interfacing with one or more functions of a rental vehicle and a user provided portable electronic device. The VAC can control various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the door locks and/or enabling/disabling the vehicle. The VAC can also monitor various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the fuel level and/or the odometer readings. The VAC can connect to the portable electronic device using a suitable connection method to access additional functionality such as, for example and not limitation, locations services, cellular, and/or internet access. The VAC and the portable electronic device can be used to provide a rental system with reduced infrastructure and operating costs. The system can enable the use of “Green Zones” to provide permanent or temporary vehicle rental areas.

Abstract: A system for renting vehicles is disclosed. The system can comprise a vehicle access communicator (“VAC”) capable of interfacing with one or more functions of a rental vehicle and a user provided portable electronic device. The VAC can control various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the door locks and/or enabling/disabling the vehicle. The VAC can also monitor various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the fuel level and/or the odometer readings. The VAC can connect to the portable electronic device using a suitable connection method to access additional functionality such as, for example and not limitation, locations services, cellular, and/or internet access. The VAC and the portable electronic device can be used to provide a rental system with reduced infrastructure and operating costs. The system can enable the use of “Green Zones” to provide permanent or temporary vehicle rental areas.

Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.

Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system for managing data associated with mobile assets (e.g., vehicles). The system includes an asset monitor, a user input device, a data storage device, a mobile wireless transceiver and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the mobile asset. The user input device is adapted to receive input data from a user. The data storage device is adapted to store the monitored data and input data. The mobile asset processor is adapted to determine that an event associated with the mobile asset has initiated; receive the collected data associated with the event from the asset monitor; determine that the event has completed; and store the collected data to the data storage device.