AUTOMATED VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       INTRODUCTION

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to monitor and manage assets in realtime has become paramount for various industries. Among these, the transportation and logistics sectors have witnessed a transformative shift with the advent of Automated Vehicle Tracking Systems (AVTS).

These sophisticated technological solutions leverage the power of global positioning and telecommunications to provide unparalleled insights into vehicle location, movement, and operational status. The fundamental premise of an AVTS lies in its capacity to combine Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology embedded within individual vehicles with advanced software platforms that meticulously collect, analyze, and present fleet-wide data. This seamless integration allows businesses to gain a comprehensive, real-time picture of their mobile assets, leading to significant improvements in efficiency, safety, and security across their operations.

The evolution of vehicle tracking systems can be traced back to early rudimentary methods, but it is the widespread adoption of the Global Positioning System (GPS) that truly revolutionized this domain. GPS, a satellite-based navigation system, enables precise determination of a vehicle's geographical coordinates. When coupled with telematics, which involves the long-distance transmission of computerized information, AVTS can transmit this location data to a central server. Here, the raw data is processed and visualized on electronic maps, accessible via the internet or specialized software applications.

This accessibility empowers fleet managers, dispatchers, and business owners to make informed decisions rapidly, optimizing routes, managing schedules, and responding effectively to unforeseen circumstances. Automated Vehicle Tracking Systems are not monolithic; they encompass a range of technologies and operational methodologies designed to cater to diverse needs. Broadly, these systems can be categorized into two primary types: active and passive. Active tracking systems, often referred to as real-time tracking systems, continuously transmit data as it is collected. This allows for immediate monitoring of vehicle location and status, providing instant alerts for events such as unauthorized movement, speeding, or deviations from planned routes. The immediacy of data in active systems is crucial for operations that demand constant oversight and rapid intervention, such as emergency services, high-value cargo transport, or public transportation. Conversely, passive tracking systems store data internally within the tracking device. This accumulated data is then downloaded and analyzed at a later time, typically when the vehicle returns to a central depot or at scheduled intervals. While passive systems do not offer real-time insights, they are often more cost-effective and suitable for applications where immediate monitoring is not a critical requirement, such as historical route analysis or post-trip performance evaluation.

Many contemporary vehicle tracking devices ingeniously combine both active and passive capabilities, offering a hybrid approach that provides the best of both worlds: real-time alerts for critical events and detailed historical data for comprehensive analysis. The benefits derived from implementing an automated vehicle tracking system are extensive and far-reaching, impacting various facets of business operations. One of the most significant advantages is enhanced efficiency in fleet management.

By providing real-time visibility into vehicle locations and movements, businesses can optimize route planning, minimize idle times, and ensure timely deliveries. This optimization directly translates into reduced fuel consumption, lower operational costs, and improved overall productivity. Furthermore, AVTS plays a pivotal role in enhancing driver safety and accountability. These systems can monitor driving behaviors such as speeding, harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and unauthorized stops. Such data allows fleet managers to identify risky driving patterns, provide targeted coaching, and implement incentive programs for safe driving, thereby reducing accidents and insurance premiums. In terms of security, vehicle tracking systems serve as a powerful deterrent against theft and unauthorized use of vehicles. In the unfortunate event of a theft, the system's ability to provide precise location data significantly increases the chances of vehicle recovery.

Moreover, geofencing capabilities allow businesses to define virtual boundaries, triggering alerts if a vehicle enters or exits a designated area, further bolstering security measures. The technological landscape underpinning automated vehicle tracking systems has undergone rapid advancements. Beyond the foundational GPS technology, modern systems often integrate with other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) like GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, enhancing positional accuracy and reliability, especially in challenging environments where GPS signals might be weak or obstructed.

The integration of telematics extends beyond mere location tracking to encompass a broader range of vehicle diagnostics and driver performance metrics. This includes data on engine performance, fuel levels, mileage, and even vehicle health, providing a holistic view of the fleet's operational status. Advanced AVTS solutions now incorporate features such as remote engine disabling, which allows authorized personnel to remotely shut down a vehicle in case of theft or unauthorized use, adding an extra layer of security. Real-time alerts, customizable to specific events or thresholds, ensure that relevant personnel are immediately notified of critical incidents, enabling prompt response and mitigation. The ability to integrate with other enterprise software systems, such as dispatching software, inventory management systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, further amplifies the utility of AVTS, creating a seamless flow of information and streamlining end-to-end operations. In conclusion, the automated vehicle tracking system has evolved from a simple location-tracking tool into sophisticated, indispensable technology for modern businesses. Its multifaceted capabilities, ranging from real-time monitoring and operational optimization to enhanced safety and robust security, make it a cornerstone of efficient and effective fleet management.

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The vehicle tracking system is an electronic device that tracks the vehicle’s location. Most of the tracking systems use a GPS module to locate a vehicle's position (El-Rabbany, 2016). Many systems also combine communication components, such as satellite transmitters, to communicate the vehicle’s location. The design of the tracking system has been divided into three (3) parts: basic design, intermediate design, and advanced design. The basic design of the vehicle tracking system consists of a GSM module, a GPS module, a microcontroller, a relay circuit and an LCD. In this paper, we have included sensors to detect unauthorized intervention. When any unauthorized user (i. e. a person other than the 2 owner) tries to get access to vehicles, the system sends an SMS to the owner. The user commands the system to look down at the vehicle remotely. The gates and accelerator pedal are locked using instructions from the microcontroller. The speed of the motor is gradually reduced. Meanwhile, the coordinates of the location (i.e. latitude and longitude) are sent to mobile users. These coordinates can be used to view the location of the vehicle on Google Maps. This system is designed for users in the land construction and transport business, providing real-time information such as location, speed, and expected arrival time of the user's moving vehicles in a concise and easy-to-read format. This system may also be useful for the communication process between the two points. Currently, GPS vehicle tracking ensures safety while travelling (Brain, 2014). This vehicle tracking system is found in clients' vehicles as a theft prevention and rescue device. The vehicle owner or the Police follow the signal emitted by the tracking system to locate a stolen vehicle.

1.2       STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The global issue related to a constantly increasing crime rate needs to be urgently addressed by both developed and developing countries. In Nigeria, 2,000 cases of car theft in average are reported each year (Nairaland.com, 2011), and the number is still increasing. If not recovered soon, stolen vehicles are generally sold, revamped or even burned if the resale price is to locate it and track it, which considerably decreases the chances of recovering it. In this work, we propose the design and implementation of a car tracking anti-theft system that will protect and protect vehicles. Moreover, the bad culture of private and commercial drivers, accompanied by the poor roads and road traffic in the country, has over time increased the rate of casualties on the road so rapidly, 30% of deaths in Nigeria were caused by Vehicle accidents and road casualties in the year 2016. This project is focused mainly on increasing the chances of survival for the victims of these casualties introduced earlier.

1.3       AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This work aims to design a device that alerts the owner of a vehicle when an unauthorized person tries to gain access to their vehicle. The information is analyzed using sensors and transmitted to users through GSM, and the coordinates of the location of the vehicle are sent via GPS. Objectives are:

i.                 To study and investigate the basic operation of the GPS module.

ii.               To design the GPS/GSM and Push button based on the system

iii.             To implement the designed system on a hardware prototype

iv.             To analyze the efficiency of the developed system.

1.4             SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Vehicle tracking and locking systems are used to track the vehicle sleep mode / active mode. If the identified SMS is sent to microcontroller, issue the necessary signals to stop the motor after switching off the engine, motor cannot restart without permission of password Tracking of vehicle place is easy and doors locked automatically, thief – cannot get away from the car.

1.5             LIMITATION OF THE STUDY GPS

GPS Location can be inaccurate sometimes A GPS unit calculates the location of the device by receiving and interpreting the signal from 3 or more satellites. However, technical difficulty can cause blocking of these signals when the line of sight is blocked by tall buildings, trees or obstacles in the pathway. Any such issues might cause GPS units to show inaccurate positions and can cause you problems.

1.6             DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.     GPS (Global Positioning System):  A satellite-based navigation system that provides precise geographic location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) and time information to GPS receivers anywhere on Earth. In vehicle tracking, GPS modules collect real-time location data from satellites.

2.     GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications): A standard for digital cellular networks used for voice calls, SMS, and data transmission. In tracking systems, GSM modules enable communication between the vehicle tracking device and the central server via mobile networks.

3.     GPRS (General Packet Radio Service): A packet-based mobile data service on GSM networks that allows continuous internet connectivity at low data rates. GPRS facilitates real-time data transmission from the tracking device to the server without requiring a constant voice connection.

4.     Tracking Device (Vehicle Tracker): An embedded hardware unit installed in a vehicle that integrates GPS, GSM, and GPRS modules to collect location data and transmit it to a remote server.

5.     Central Monitoring Server: A backend system that receives, processes, and stores vehicle location data transmitted via GPRS. It hosts the database and provides APIs for user interfaces.

6.     Real-Time Tracking: The continuous monitoring of a vehicle's location with minimal delay (typically a few seconds), allowing live updates on digital maps.

7.     Geofencing: A virtual geographic boundary set by the user. The system triggers alerts when a vehicle enters or exits predefined zones.

8.     SIM Card (Subscriber Identity Module): A removable chip in the GSM module that authenticates the tracking device on a cellular network and enables data transmission.

9.     Data Logger: A storage component within the tracking device that records location history when outside network coverage, syncing later when connectivity is restored.

10.  API (Application Programming Interface): A set of protocols that allow software applications (e.g., mobile/web apps) to communicate with the central server and retrieve tracking data.

11.  SOS/Emergency Alert: A panic feature in tracking systems that sends an immediate distress signal with the vehicle's location in case of theft or accidents.

12.  Two-Way Communication: A feature allowing the server to send commands (e.g., engine immobilization) to the tracking device and receive acknowledgements.

13.  Latency: The delay between data collection by the GPS device and its display on the user interface, influenced by network speed and server processing.

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