Telargo has designed an integration protocol using the On-Board Unit’s serial port that allows third-party device integration with Telargo systems. Devices such as bar-code readers or electonic signature capture devices can be used to transfer data to the Telargo
Fleet Center. This data can be used in the Telargo system or exported to the customer’s information system.
Additional sensors and other equipment can be connected to the On-Board Unit:
- Open door sensors
- Passenger counting systems
- Payment systems
- LED display in and outside of the vehicle
- Other existing or additional sensors
Integration protocol system overview
The serial integration protocol defines communication structures for serial port data exchange. This enables easy integration of various devices, with little or no adjustment to the On-Board Unit firmware.
Productivity tools
Productivity tools support is available that increases service productivity and usability and covers specific customer needs. These tools provide easy, transparent connection of external third-party or industry-specialized devices.
Integration with Bluetooth™ communication technology allows the use of:
- Bluetooth™ hands-free headsets
- Third-party PDAs
- Wireless bar-code readers
- Electronic signature capture devices
Open door sensors
Open door sensors enable public transport companies to have the confirmation if the driver opened a door at a specific bus stop or not. The information also enables analysis such as how long the doors are open on each stop, depending on the route, time of day, etc.
Passenger counting sensors
In order to know how man passengers there are currently in the bus as well as to have the overview on how many passenger get in and out at each stop, third party passenger sensors can be installed. They give valuable information that can help you dispatch additional vehicles in case that the current one is full. Analyzing passenger entrances and exits enables the ability to adjust the route layouts as well as timetables.
Payment systems
The Telargo system can be connected to a payment system in order to automatically transfer the encrypted payment data from the payment terminal in the vehicle to a third party server. This gives an agency real time data on the payments as well as automates the transfer itself. With this integration the driver does not need to log into the payment system or input the current zone or stop, since this information is transferred from Telargo to the payment system automatically.
Displays on a vehicle or at stops
Connecting the Telargo unit to the external displays at the bus stops the route information is displayed automatically. Internal displays show the next stop announcements as well as commercials as set by the agency using remote content management on the server.
Connection of third-party device over serial integration protocol
Once data is acquired on the device, it is forwarded to the On-Board Unit. This serves as a “black box”. It prepares device data and equips it with communication overhead (frame number, encryption, and compression). This frame is then sent to the Telargo Fleet Center over the primary communication channel or its backup, if needed. The Fleet Center confirms receipt of this specific frame (frameID) from the specific On-Board Unit and sends back a confirmation so that the third-party device receives acknowledgment and the On-Board Unit has confirmation of successful data forwarding. Retransmission is not attempted unless there is no confirmation from the Telargo Control Center within the predefined time interval.
