I , Driver
Page 111
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
diagnosis
made. Two password levels are available: a "mechanic" level with limited access and an "owner" level with full access.
Heatth and officiercy The main areas where the driver's performance can be helped by communicating with his FM are fuel efficiency and accurate fault diagnosis in the event of a breakdown on the road.
The system includes a fuel consumption targeting function, with the target set by the system administrator. This takes the form of a fixed pointer on a bar chart on the display which represents the target, and a moving pointer which represents actual consumption. All the driver has to do is match the consumption pointer with the target level.
In the event of a breakdown away from base, everyone's time can be saved by the diagnostic function. The driver simply makes a cellphone call to either Volvo's roadside breakdown service or his cwn workshop. While seated at the wheel he can pass on the data shown on the display. The technician will then know the exact fault before leaving base and can take the correct spares for a speedy repair.
Gonnocthrtty Volvo's first generation of dectronically controlled trucks used Road Relay, which provided a basic level of information to the driver and could also be used with the Volvo InRoads software package to transfer data to a plugged-in laptop computer.
The latest system on the FM is designed to be part of a much wider communications system. Users will soon have the option of directly downloading data using Volvo's new Trip Manager software package, and a Smart Card reading tachograph will be available.
It doesn't stop there, though, as all of this hitech wizardry can be incorporated into Volvo's Dynafleet system.
Dynafleet is a total communications package combining GSM mobile telephony, GPS satellite positioning and the vehicle's electronics. With a PC-based software package back at base and a small in-cab computer, near instant communications between the depot and the truck are possible throughout most of Europe and the Middle East.
The lucky FM drivers can receive and send load status information, report shortages or delays, be warned of traffic blackspots and identify his position on an on-screen map display; all in real time.
At the same time. the traffic office knows exactly where the truck and load are at any time.
lithe truck happens to break down in a back street in Milan, not only will the traffic office know, but they will know exactly where it is and what the fault is, reducing costly downtime to a minimum.