Tachograph

A tachograph is an instrument used for recording the speed and distance of a vehicle, as well as the working time of the driver. It is typically used in long-distance vehicles such as buses and trucks to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. The tachograph consists of two main parts: the recording unit and the chart recorder.

The recording unit is a digital device that is fitted to the vehicle and records the data onto a memory card. This data includes the vehicle's speed, distance traveled, engine revolutions per minute (RPM), and the driver's working time. Additionally, the recording unit can be used to record other data such as fuel consumption and driver behaviour.

The chart recorder is used to generate a paper chart from the recorded data. This chart can be used to monitor the vehicle's performance, as well as to check that the driver has complied with the regulations. The chart recorder also has a built-in printer for printing reports.

Example of Tachograph

The Eberspächer D3K is an example of a tachograph. It consists of the following components:

• Recording unit: This unit is made up of a control unit and a memory card, which are both fitted to the vehicle. The control unit records data such as vehicle speed, distance traveled, and RPM, while the memory card stores the data.
• Chart recorder: The chart recorder is used to generate a paper chart from the recorded data, which can be used to monitor vehicle performance and driver behavior.
• Printer: The printer is used to print reports from the chart recorder.

When to use Tachograph

Tachographs are mainly used in long-distance vehicles such as buses and trucks to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

The following are some of the specific reasons for using tachographs:

• To monitor the overall performance of a vehicle: The tachograph records data such as speed, distance traveled, engine revolutions per minute (RPM), and fuel consumption of the vehicle, which can be used to monitor the performance of the vehicle.
• To check driver compliance with regulations: The tachograph can be used to monitor the driver's working time and ensure that they are not exceeding the maximum working hours allowed.
• To generate reports and charts: The chart recorder in the tachograph can be used to generate a paper chart from the recorded data, which can then be used to generate reports and charts that can be used for analysis and decision-making.

Types of Tachograph

• Analogue Tachograph: This type of tachograph uses a mechanical recording unit that generates a paper chart. The paper chart is used to track the vehicle's speed, distance traveled, and the driver's working time.
• Digital Tachograph: This type of tachograph uses a digital recording unit that records the data onto a memory card. This data can be used to track the vehicle's speed, distance traveled, engine RPM, and the driver's working time. It also has the capability to record additional data such as fuel consumption and driver behaviour.

Steps of Tachograph

1. The recording unit is fitted to the vehicle and records the data onto a memory card.
2. The data includes the vehicle's speed, distance traveled, engine revolutions per minute (RPM), and the driver's working time.
3. The chart recorder is used to generate a paper chart from the recorded data.
4. The chart can be used to monitor the vehicle's performance, as well as to check that the driver has complied with the regulations.
5. The chart recorder also has a built-in printer for printing reports.

Advantages of Tachograph

• Cost-effective: Tachograph systems are relatively inexpensive and can be installed quickly and easily.
• Comprehensive data: The recording unit records a wide range of data, including the vehicle's speed, distance traveled, engine RPM, and driver's working time. This data can be used to monitor performance and compliance with regulations.
• Accuracy: The tachograph is accurate and reliable, providing accurate data about the vehicle's performance and driver behavior.

Limitations of Tachograph

Despite its many advantages, there are some limitations of tachographs that should be considered. These include:

• Accuracy: The accuracy of the tachograph depends on the quality of the data recorded, as well as on the accuracy of the recording unit and chart recorder.
• Cost: Tachograph systems can be expensive to purchase and install, and may require regular maintenance.
• Data security: The data recorded by the tachograph needs to be secured to prevent tampering or unauthorized access.

Other approaches related to Tachograph

In addition to the tachograph, there are other approaches to monitoring and recording vehicle performance and driver behavior. These include:

• GPS tracking systems, which use satellite technology to track the location, speed, and direction of a vehicle in real time.
• In-vehicle video systems, which are used to record video footage of the vehicle's interior and its surroundings.
• Automated driver monitoring systems, which use sensors and algorithms to detect driver behavior such as drowsiness, speeding, or lane drifting.

Tachograph — recommended articles

Radio frequency identification (RFID) — Internet of things — Pos terminal — Business logic — Smart factory — Information processing — Quick response code — Attendance management — Preventive and predictive maintenance

References

• Furgel, I., & Lemke, K. (2006). A review of the digital tachograph system. Embedded Security in Cars: Securing Current and Future Automotive IT Applications, 69-94.
• Coroama, V. (2006). The smart tachograph-individual accounting of traffic costs and its implications. In Pervasive Computing: 4th International Conference, PERVASIVE 2006, Dublin, Ireland, May 7-10, 2006. Proceedings 4 (pp. 135-152). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
• Baldini, G., Sportiello, L., Chiaramello, M., & Mahieu, V. (2018). Regulated applications for the road transportation infrastructure: The case study of the smart tachograph in the European Union. International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, 21, 3-21.