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REAL TIME VEHICLE

LOAD MONITORING
By
BSE15-10
Embedded system
DEPARTMENT OF NETWORKS
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATICS TECHNOLOGY

A Project Proposal Submitted to the School of Computing and Informatics Technology

for the Study Leading to a Project in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Bachelor of
Science in software engineering of Makerere University.

Supervisor
Mary Nsabagwa
Department of networks
School of Computing and Informatics Technology, Makerere University
mnsabagwa@cit.ac.ug, +256-41-540628, Fax: +256-41-540620

December 2014

GROUP MEMBERSHIP:

Names

Registration Number

Kemigisa Irene

11/U/9260/PS

Gumisiriza Brian

11/U/9290/PS

Nalwadda Dorothy

11/U/9316/PS

Mpiirwe Isaac

11/U/9239/PS

ii

Signature

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 ................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Problem Statement............................................................................................................................ 1
1.3 Main Objective .................................................................................................................................. 1
1.4 Other Objective ................................................................................................................................. 2
1.5 Scope................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.6 Significance ........................................................................................................................................ 2

CHAPTER 2 ................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.

Literature review ................................................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Means of costing goods in the transportation sector...................................................................... 3
2.3 Technologies of performing digital weight ..................................................................................... 3
2.4 Applications of weighting in business.............................................................................................. 4
2.5 Sample automated systems. .............................................................................................................. 5
2.51 LPG leakage monitoring system. ............................................................................................... 5
2.5.2 Solar Based Digital Electronic Weighing Machine. ................................................................ 5
2.5.3 Advanced high resolution digital weighing System................................................................. 5
2.6 Conclusion. ........................................................................................................................................ 5

CHAPTER 3 ................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.

Methodology ......................................................................................................................................... 6
3.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Data Collection Methods .................................................................................................................. 6
3.1.1 Interviews.................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.2 Brain storming ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Data Analysis. .................................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 System Design .................................................................................................................................... 7
3.4 System Implementation. ................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.1 Program Writing and Simulation ............................................................................................. 8
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3.4.2 Downloading firmware .............................................................................................................. 8

3.4.3 Setting up hardware connections.............................................................................................. 8
4.

References ............................................................................................................................................. 9

5.

Appendices.......................................................................................................................................... 11
5.1 Appendix a: Proposed budget ........................................................................................................ 11
5.2 Appendix b: Proposed Work plan ................................................................................................. 11
5.3 Appendix c: Interview questions to vehicle owners. .................................................................... 12

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CHAPTER 1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
Weight is defined as the amount or quantity of heaviness or mass an object weighs [1].Other
important definitions of weight related to vehicles are; Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the
total weight of a vehicle plus its load and tire weight is maximum safe weight a tire can carry
at a specified pressure [2].

1.1 Background
In Uganda, privately owned vehicles including trucks are used to transport goods at a fee. The
vehicle owners usually get a set of people who drive the vehicles and later deliver the earnings
to the vehicle owners. The amount of money earned depends on a number of factors including
value of the goods being carried, weight of the items loaded onto the vehicle, distance from
origin of goods to the destination, area in which the vehicle works from, and bargaining power
of parties involved.[3], [4]
Many vehicle owners are being cheated in a way that the employees bring less money or no
money at all complaining that they have not worked or customers were rare yet they have
been working all day and also overloading the vehicles that increases the rate at which cars
depreciate.
For a vehicle owner it is not easy for him to know if the vehicle was in use or not. Therefore
there is need for a system that will monitor the vehicle load in relation to how much work is
being done. This will help them to know whether their vehicles have been working or not.

1.2 Problem Statement

Vehicle owners face challenges when their workers claim that they did not work or when they
return less money at the end of the day. However they sometimes overload the vehicles and
this could cause negative effects on the steering, brakes or even the speed control of the
vehicle, thus incurring more costs on repairs and maintenance.

1.3 Main Objective

To develop a system that will monitor the load and weight of commercial cargo vehicles at all
times and places.

1.4 Other Objective

To gather information that will help in developing the system.

To design and implement an embedded system that will monitor loading and weight of
commercial cargo vehicles.
To test and validate the developed system.

1.5 Scope
The system shall enable automatic weighing of commercial cargo vehicles and when a weight
(Loading weight) is reached, it shall send messages to vehicle owners informing them of the
location of the vehicle and the weight of the load. When the weight goes below the loading
weight, i.e. when offloaded, a message shall be sent again.

1.6 Significance
Vehicle owners will now be able to monitor their vehicles and the work that is going on.
This will reduce on charges due to overloading.

CHAPTER 2
2. Literature review
2.1 Introduction
This section explores the available and relevant literature to the subject of loading vehicles. It
also gives detailed information on means of costing goods in transportation, technologies of
determining digital weight, applications of weighting in business and the relationship between
real time vehicle load monitoring system with the existing systems.

2.2 Means of costing goods in the transportation sector

There are various ways companies cost goods on transit.
Water transports cost of shipping relative to the value of the good, and size. New Zealand, the
United States, and the ALADI countries of Latin America use the stated means for costing goods
on marine [3], [4].
On the other hand, air transport costs in terms of weight or volume (price per kilogram), and
value of the goods being transported [3], [5], [6], [7], [8].
In addition to that, road transport charges per kilogram of the good to be delivered and
sometimes distance is also considered. DHL, Aramex are one the companies that transport goods
on road and use the same means of costing [9], [10].
Lastly, railway transport considers weight of good in relation to distance (price per kilo of good
and weight per kilometre of transport distance) [11], [12].

2.3 Technologies of performing digital weight

D technology which uses the strain gauge principle operates on weighing cells that comprise an
elastically deformable body on which strain gauges are mounted which change their resistance
on deformation [13].
F technology which uses Frequency-modulated force measurement principle operates on a
combination of two familiar elements of weighing technology and developed a new technology
for the medium resolution range [13].
K technology which uses Electromagnetic force compensation considers the loaded weight
which is compensated by an electro magnetically generated force [13].

2.4 Applications of weighting in business.

Weight is an important aspect when it comes to business starting from small scale retail business
up to very large company. Small scale business normally use weight when measuring small
items like a kilogram of an item. As it comes to large companies especially manufacturing
companies [14], usually they pack finished products in sacks of certain weights which are
normally indicated in kilograms. All this is done while following a given set of weights and
measurement laws, regulations, and standards to achieve equity between buyers and sellers in the
market place [15],[16],[17].
Most states collect taxes based on the weight of transported goods. Truck weigh stations are used
for these tax purposes as well as to monitor the weight of a truck to ensure that it falls within the
safety guidelines that each state has in place for its road system [18]. The maximum allowed
weight varies but the common standard one is 34,000 pounds (15,400 kilograms). Weight is
usually calculated in two measurements that is Axle weight and Gross weight [18].
At the weigh stations, there are different methods of getting the weight of a truck and they
include:
One-axle - This is the most cumbersome method where a truck gradually drives across a single
scale, stopping each time a set of wheels is on the scale. Once all the axles have been weighed,
the total is added together.
One-stop With this method, a series of scales are used so that the entire truck can be weighed
at once. The scales are typically connected to a single electronic controller that automatically
combines the axle weights to get the gross weight.
Weigh-in-motion (WIM) - This uses a series of embedded sensors to calculate the weight per
axle as a truck drives over the sensor pad. Unlike the other two methods, there is no need for the
truck to come to a complete stop while on the scales. [19].
When a vehicle is found to have the normal load, a certificate is issued which shows the weight
of the vehicle. If the vehicle weight is correct, the issued certificate exempts the vehicle from
being check-weighed again with the same load on the same journey [20].
When a vehicle is found to be overweight it may be prohibited from continuing its journey until
any excess load has been redistributed or removed as necessary. The responsibility for this rests
solely with the driver of the vehicle. In other circumstances a direction notice can be issued by
an officer, which permits the vehicle to be moved to a nearby place where the excess may be
removed safely.

With the exception of a direction notice it is a serious offence to move a vehicle whilst a
prohibition notice is in force. A prohibition notice must be removed by an officer before the
vehicle is able to continue its journey.
Circumstances where vehicles are overweight a fine is normally charged and this affects the
driver, the vehicle owner and the operator [20].

2.5 Sample automated systems.

2.51 LPG leakage monitoring system.
Natural gas is another widely used fuel in homes and it is used to produce clean energy, however
there is a serious threat about its leakage. The gas being heavier than air does not disperse easily
and may lead to suffocation when inhaled; also the leaked gas when ignited may lead to
explosion. So as to prevent such incidences from happening, this system was developed to
monitor and display the quantity of gas level in the cylinder. When gas level reaches below the
threshold limit, the system sends an SMS alert to the user as well as gas refill agency. It uses an
MQ5 gas sensor which can detect different combustible gases with low cost, and a PIC
microcontroller to alert when the levels of gas detected is beyond safety limit. The system also
takes emergency measures to turns off the power supply, when the leakage is detected [21].

2.5.2 Solar Based Digital Electronic Weighing Machine.

Since continuous supply of electricity is very important problem in some countries, this system
was developed to solve such incidences, since most digital weighing machines use power. This
system operates on both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) supply. It totally
works on solar energy which saves a lot of electric energy. This system also works with the help
of emergency LED light. [22].

2.5.3 Advanced high resolution digital weighing System.

Most of the weighing machines that were in existence were giving inaccurate results in
measuring. Because of this problem, this system was developed to enhance the measurement
accuracy. The system basically uses digital filtering techniques to remove measurement noises
from the extremely low frequency noise of the static weighing system. It also uses the novel
algorithm in the measuring products successfully [23].

2.6 Conclusion.
With the technology growth, we decided to come up with this system which will help all the
vehicle owners that is individuals and companies which will help them monitor their vehicles
usage. This project will be of great impact to vehicle owners.

CHAPTER 3
3. Methodology
3.0 Introduction
This section is undertaken to elaborate the main methods, tools and techniques that will be used
to develop the application. The methodology provided will be followed so as to provide a solid
realistic system structure

3.1 Data Collection Methods

This section discusses methods and procedures of collecting data as a necessary requirement for
system development so as to have a rooted understanding of the users information needs,
and identify user requirements. The research will consider research methods such as;
interviews, field study and brain storming to gather the relevant information.

3.1.1 Interviews
This will involve conducting interviews with the officials of DHL Company. Questions about
how good are loaded onto the vehicles and how they monitor their vehicles during transportation.
All this will be achieved by structuring the questions that allow interviewees express how they
think and feel about the problem and the presented solutions. Questions will be open ended.

3.1.2 Brain storming

Sitting together as a group and creatively discuss the possible solutions on how vehicles are
loaded, how much a vehicle should carry and how messages will be sent to the vehicle owners.
After all the ideas are generated, the participants will prioritize the ones agreed on for this
solution.

3.2 Data Analysis.

Data analysis is the process of identifying and summarizing data with the intent to extract useful
information and develop conclusions. In data analysis, requirements will be grouped into user
requirements, functional and non-functional requirements based on the system study.

3.3 System Design

Figure
Block
diagram
the proposed
3.3.13:1
Block
diagram
of theofproposed
systemsystem
as shown in figure 1 below

LOAD
CELL
SENSOR

ADC

8051
Microco
ntroller

GSM (Message
sending) unit

Figure 3:2 Flow chart showing the interactions and flow of events.

Receiving
Unit

3.4 System Implementation.

This section illustrates the actual realization of the system.

3.4.1 Program Writing and Simulation

Program will be written using C as a programming language using keil as the development tool,
and then the simulation will be done under the ISIS Proteus VSM environment. The ISIS Proteus
VSM environment has an inbuilt tools which helps in setting up the schematic of all the required
components specifically hardware which makes it a better environment to use.

3.4.2 Downloading firmware

This involves transferring the code from the host machine to the target device. The target device
is the microprocessor which controls the other devices that are connected to it. Without the
firmware, the component ceases not to have control, since the firmware is the controller of all the
components that are connected to the microprocessor to accomplish their required purposes.

3.4.3 Setting up hardware connections.

Having the code transferred to the microprocessor, all the necessary devices to make up the
system will be assembled on a circuit board as described. Then connections to each device will
also be made. This involves connection of the load cell to the ADC, and then the ADC to the
microprocessor and Microprocessor connects to GSM modem. With all the connections set well,
then all the testing will also be done.

4.

References

[1] [Online]. Available: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/weight

[2][Online]. Available: www.trucking truth.com.
[3] D. Hummels. (2009). International transport forum. [Online]. Available:
www.internationaltransportfoum.org
[4] [Online]. Available: http://www.kkfreight.com/ocean-freight.html
[5] [Online]. Available: http://go.worldbank.org/TJAIH5ZZS0
[6][Online].Available:
http://www.exporthelp.co.za/modules/16_logistics/air_freight_calculations.html
[7] [Online]. Available: http://www.ppiaf.org/freighttoolkit/knowledge-map/air
[8] [Online]. Available: http://www.cargoforce.co.uk/cheapest-cargo.html
[9] [Online]. Available: http://www.cargoforce.co.uk/road-freight.html
[10] Dhl. (2014, January.). International service price list. [Online]. Available:
http://www.dhl.com.pl
[11] [Online]. Available:
http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,6,335,906,908
[12] R. Vahrenkamp. The logistic Revolution the rise of logistics in the mass consumption
society.
[13] U. Berli, and M. Bnzli. (1991, May.). Electronic weighing principles. [Online]. Available:
http://www.fisica.uh.cu/bibvirtual/vida%20y%20tierra/balanzas/Weighing_Principles.pdf
[14] [Online]. Available: http://www.kuwaitpack.com/
[15] [Online]. Available: http://www.averyweigh-tronix.com/manufacturing
[20] [Online]. Available: http://www.averyweigh-tronix.com/manufacturing
[17] National measurement (2014, March) Packaged goods: weights and measures regulations.
[Online].Available: https://www.gov.uk/packaged-goods-weights-and-measures-regulations.
[18] [Online]. Available: http://www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/
9

[19] [Online]. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/civil/question626.htm

[20] [Online]. Available: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/vehicle-overloading
[21] K.Padma Priya, M.Surekha, R.Preethi, T.Devika, N.Dhivya. (2014, Feb.). Smart gas
cylinder using embedded system. [Online]. Available:
http://www.ijireeice.com/upload/2014/february/IJIREEICE1G__a__Padma_Smart.pdf
[22] N. Sandip, and W. Pradip. (2014, July.). Digital Electronic Weighing Machine Operate on
Solar Energy with Emergency LED Light [Online]. Available:
http://ijetae.com/files/Volume4Issue7/IJETAE_0714_24.pdf.
[23] B. Dahikar, and S. Patle. (2013, Oct.). Design of an embedded platform for digital weighing
system to enhance measuring capabilities. [Online]. Available:
http://ijircce.com/upload/2013/october/29Design.pdf

10

5. Appendices
5.1 Appendix a: Proposed budget
Table 1: Budget
ITEM

QAUNTITY

UNIT
PRICE(Ugx)

TOTAL
PRICE/COST(Ugx)

STATUS

Laptop

1,200,000

4,800,000

Available

100 per page

50,000

Not available

Printing
Weight sensor

50,000

50,000

Not Available

GSM Modem

650,000

650,000

Not available

Hardware

70,000

70,000

Not available

Transport

50,000

200,000

Not available

Airtime

20,000

80,000

Not available

5,828,000

TOTAL

5.2 Appendix b: Proposed Work plan

Table 2: Work plan
Time

Item

Leader(s)

September to November, 2014

Proposal writing and delivery

Irene and Brian

November, 2014

Fieldwork/requirements
collection

Isaac

November to December, 2014

Writing Requirements
specification and delivery

Dora and Irene

January to February, 2015

Writing Design and delivery

Isaac and Irene

January to April, 2015

Implementation and coding

Dora and Brian

March to April, 2015

Testing and validation

Irene

April to May, 2015

Report writing

Dora

11

5.3 Appendix c: Interview questions to vehicle owners.

1. How do you normally monitor vehicles during transportation of cargo?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. How do you determine the maximum weight to be loaded on the trucks?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. Are there circumstances when there is need to carry more than the maximum allowed weight?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4. If you are to carry more than the allowed weight what measures do you take in order not to be
arrested and charged?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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