GB2313211A - Vehicle multi-function management - Google Patents

Abstract

A management system for emergency, recovery, public service vehicles etc that have multiple vehicle functions 8, such as flashing beacons, sirens, internal heating/ventilation, security devices eg door locks, engine/brake control, windows, all or selected ones of which may need to be enabled/operated/disabled automatically at the instance of a particular event, comprises means 3 for processing signals from function selection means 1, 2 and sensors 4 (which indicate the status of features, such as brake on, door opened, light on, gear changed, ignition on, passenger present, unauthorised entry etc). If various pre-defined criteria relating to the feature status and/or selected functions are met, the processing means 3 enables or disables functions via relay board 6. The status of features/functions is displayed by means 7 which could include LEDs. These could be infra-red versions that flash in a particular pattern to be detected externally.

Description

MOTOR VEHICLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM This invention relates to a motor vehicle management system, particularly, but not limited to, a management system for emergency vehicles, recovery vehicles, public service vehicles, including road sweepers, heavy plant vehicles, motorcycles, prisoner transport vehicles, marine vehicles, and pleasure craft vehicles.

Previously, when having to respond to a particular event an emergency vehicle has had a number of functions which must be activated individually to assist the emergency vehicle with moving through traffic. These functions may variously include sirens, flashing headlights, roof mounted beacons, grille lamps and rearwardly facing flashing red lamps. Great concentration is required to control a motor vehicle in such conditions.

Attempting also to control the various abovementioned functions reduces the amount of attention which a driver can give to the traffic outside. Serious consequences can result if the drivers attention is diverted for too long.

The vehicle may collide with other traffic for instance.

It is also frequently the case that a number of functions would be required in response to other outside conditions.

In a similar way a particular function of the vehicle may only be required, or even possible, if particular functions of the vehicle are activated or if certain criteria relating to vehicle are met.

It is an object of the present invention to address the abovementioned disadvantages.

According to one aspect of the present invention a motor vehicle management system comprises at least control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of the motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle should be activated depending on the status of one or more features of the motor vehicle.

Preferably, the system further comprises a function selection means for selecting a desired system function, the function selection means may comprise a switch means.

Preferably the control means comprises computing means, which may be a computer. The computer of the control means may comprise an integrated circuit. The computing means may include a program. The program may include criteria which must be met by one or more features of the motor vehicle before the control means will activate one or more functions of the motor vehicle.

A plurality of functions of the vehicle may be activated, subject to the criteria of each of said functions stored by the control means, by a single activation of the function selection means.

Alternative/additionally, one or more functions may be automatically activated by the control means if, for instance, the status of one or more of said features matches a predetermined status pattern.

The or each function selection means may indicate the status of at least one feature of the vehicle. The or each function selection means preferably comprises a plurality of switches. The switches may be operable to activate a particular function or functions of the motor vehicle. The switches preferably indicate whether or not a function or functions associated with that switch is activated. At least one of the switches may indicate the status of a particular feature of the motor vehicle, which switch or switches may only operate as an indicator.

The switches preferably have associated with them at least one light emitting diode (LED), which diode or diodes may be housed beneath a substantially transparent cover. Preferably, each switch is provided with first and second LED's. Said first LED preferably lights continuously whilst the motor vehicle management system is energised. Said second LED preferably lights when it's associated function is operative. Said second LED may light to indicate the status of a particular feature of the motor vehicle.

The or each function selection means may comprise a panel of switches. Where more than one function selection means is provided, the function selection means may be placed at spaced locations of the vehicle.

The switches may be latching switches, which may activate an associated function when pressed a first time and may deactivate an associated function when pressed a second time. The switches may be momentary switches, which may activate an associated function only when the switch is pressed.

The control means may be arranged to receive signals from the function selection means and from the feature status determining means.

The feature status determining means may comprise at least one relay connected between a particular feature of the motor vehicle and the control means. Preferably, relays are connected between different features of the motor vehicle and the control means. The relays may be mechanical relays. The relays may be solid state relays.

The relays may include micro-switches, which may be attached to an opening of the vehicle to indicate when a cover of said opening is opened. Where a relay is connected to a feature of the motor vehicle which uses electrical power, the relay may be operable to supply said power or to cease a supply of power to the feature. The supply or ceasing to supply power to the feature may be controllable by the control means.

The function selection means may be arranged to pass signals to the control means by means of a system of at least three electrical connections. The system of at least three electrical connections may comprise a first connection to pass a signal from the function selection means to the control means, a second connection to return the signal to the function selection means from the control means for checking and a third connection to pass a signal from the function selection means to the control means confirming the returned signal.

The function selection means may be arranged to indicate to a user if the criteria of the control means are not met when a function is selected with the function selection means. The indication to the user may include the relevant switch of the function selection means flashing. The indication may alternatively or additionally comprise a sound being produced by the function selection means.

The function selection means may be arranged to be fitted into an existing electrical supply point in a motor vehicle. The function selection means may be arranged to fit in to a Din aperture of a motor vehicle.

The function selection means may include at least one switch which may be a multifunction switch. The or each multifunction switch may be arranged to activate a plurality of functions of the motor vehicle simultaneously. Each of the functions which are arranged to be activated by the multi function switch may be operable individually by another switch. Each of the functions controlled by the or each multi function switch may be arranged to be activated only if the criteria for its functioning are met. Each of the said functions may be arranged to deactivate if the criteria for said function fail to be met.

A multi-function selection switch may be operable to select a pursuit/fast respond mode. Said pursuit/fast respond mode may include the activation of a number of features of a motor vehicle, which features may include flashing beacons, forward facing flashing lights, flashing headlights, grille lamps, and a siren. The siren, grille lamps and headlight flasher may be enabled through a handbrake of the motor vehicle, such that when the vehicle comes to rest and the handbrake is applied those features will automatically cancel. The pursuit/fast respond mode may include the siren, grille lamps and flashing headlights restarting when the handbrake is released. Any of the functions controlled using the pursuit/fast respond mode may be selected or deselected individually with the function selection means.

An ignition security mode may be actuated by a multifunction selection switch, which mode may allow the operator to turn off the ignition and remove the keys from the vehicle. In the ignition security mode, all of the functions of the vehicle may be caused to remain in the state they were in when the ignition security mode was activated. The ignition security mode may include the ignition of the vehicle deactivating if a person attempts to drive the vehicle away. The ignition security mode may include the activation of a fuel restriction valve if a person attempts to drive the vehicle away. The ignition security mode may include the activation of air brakes of a vehicle if a person attempts to drive the vehicle away.

Ancillary equipment may also be cancelled if a person attempts to drive the vehicle away. The motor vehicle management system when in ignition security mode may only be reset with the use of the ignition key.

The motor vehicle management system may include secure compartments in the motor vehicle, which secure compartments may only be opened when the control means receives signals to the effect that certain criteria have been met. The secure compartment may be a drugs box. The drugs box may only be openable when micro switches in the rear doors of an ambulance indicate to the control means that said doors are closed. The drugs box may be openable when the vehicle is in motion, it may be openable in motion regardless of which functions are selected by said function selection means. Similar combinations of features such as a handbrake being applied or passenger doors being opened or closed may be used as criteria for whether a secure box should open or not, for instance, front doors of the vehicle may lock when rear doors are opened.

The secure compartment function may be extended to a container in an armed response vehicle, which container may hold firearms. The control means may retain information about the time at which the secure container had been opened and/or closed. The control means may be arranged to ensure that the information could not be erased from the control means until said information had been retrieved from the control means. With such a feature a full opening and closing history in any period could be obtained.

According to another aspect of the present invention a motor vehicle management system comprises at least one function selection means, control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of a motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle chosen by activation of the function selection means should be activated depending on the status of one or more features of the motor vehicle, in which the function selection means includes at least one multi-function selection switch operable to select a mode which includes the activation of a number of features of a motor vehicle, which features include flashing beacons, forward facing flashing lights, flashing headlights, grille lamps, and a siren.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle management system comprises at least one function selection means, control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of the motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle chosen by activation of the function selection means should be activated depending on the status of one or more features of the motor vehicle, the function selection means may include at least one multi-function selection switch operable to select an ignition security mode, which mode allows the operator of the vehicle to turn off an ignition of the vehicle and remove a key for the ignition from the vehicle, in said mode all other functions of the vehicle may be caused to remain in the state they were in when the ignition security mode was selected.

According to another aspect of the present invention a motor vehicle management system comprises control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of the motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle should be activated depending on the status of one or more features of the motor vehicle, said motor vehicle may include secure compartments which may only be opened when the control means receives signals to the effect that certain criteria have been met. Said secure compartment may be a drugs box, which box may only be openable when micro-switches in the rear doors of the vehicle indicate to the control means that said doors are closed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle management system comprises control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of the motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle should be activated depending on the status of one or more features of the motor vehicle, in which the motor vehicle is an armed response vehicle having a container for fire arms, said control means being arranged to retain information about the time at which the container has been opened and/or closed, the control means also being arranged to ensure that the information could not be erased from the control means until said information had been retrieved from the control means.

According to another aspect of the present invention a motor vehicle management system comprises control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of the motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle should be activated depending on the status of one or more features of the motor vehicle, in which the motor vehicle includes a radio transmitter/receiver and a sound convertor, which sound convertor utilises the speakers of the radio to allow functions of the vehicle to be controlled remotely. Functions which may be controlled may include locks on the vehicle doors. The vehicle ignition may be remotely controllable. The windows of the vehicle may be remotely controllable. The motor vehicle management system may also include at least one light emitting diode (LED) mounted on a substantially upwardly facing surface of a vehicle. The or each LED may be an infra red LED. The or each LED may be remotely operable.

The or each LED may be arranged to flash in a distinctive pattern. The distinctive pattern may be chosen to identify the type of vehicle with which the or each LED is associated. A plurality of LEDs may be mounted on the surface, which LEDs may flash in a distinctive pattern which pattern may be chosen to distinguish the type of vehicle with which the LEDs are associated.

The or each LED may be mounted on weather strips of a vehicle. The or each LED may be mounted on a patch, which patch may be removable from the vehicle. The patch may be permanently attached to the vehicle. The or each LED may be powered by a rechargeable battery.

According to another aspect of the present invention a vehicle tracking device comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) mounted on a substantially upwardly facing surface of the vehicle. The or each LED may be an infra red LED. The or each LED may be remotely operable.

The or each LED may be arranged to flash in a distinctive pattern. The distinctive pattern may be chosen to identify the type of vehicle with which the or each LED is associated. A plurality of LEDs may be mounted on the surface, which LEDs may flash in a distinctive pattern which pattern may be chosen to distinguish the type of vehicle with which the LEDs are associated. The or each LED may be mounted on weather strips of a vehicle. The or each LED may be mounted on a patch, which patch may be removable from the vehicle. The patch may be permanently attached to the vehicle. The or each LED may be powered by a rechargeable battery.

The invention includes vehicles, such as emergency vehicles, recovery vehicles, public service vehicles including road sweepers, and heavy plant vehicles, motor cycles and prisoner transport vehicles incorporating a motor vehicle management system in accordance with any of the above aspects.

All of the above aspects may be combined with any of the features disclosed herein, in any combination.

The present invention may be brought into practice in various ways but two embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the layout of a switch panel; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the component layout of a printed circuit board which receive messages from the switch panel of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the component layout of an auxiliary switch panel; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the component layout of a printed circuit board interface board for receiving messages from the switch panels of Figures 1 and 3; Figure 5 is a front view of the switch panel shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a front view of a secondary switch panel; Figure 7 is a functional diagram of a motor vehicle management system; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the component layout and interconnection of the printed circuit boards of Figure 2 and Figure 3; and Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a multiplex embodiment of motor vehicle management system.

Referring initially to the block diagram of figure 7, a broad outline of various features of the management system of the present invention will be described.

The system as shown in figure 7 comprises function selection means 1,2, processing means 3, sensors 4 for connection to various external features 5, and interface means such as relay board 6 for providing communication between processing means 3, a display means 7 and external vehicle functions 8.

Briefly, the processing means 3 processes signals given to it by the function selection means 1, 2 and, by the sensors 4 (which indicate the status of external features, such as whether the handbrake is on) and, if various predefined criteria relating to feature status and/or selected functions are met, the processing means enables or disables given functions via the relay board 6.

The status of features/functions may be displayed on a display means 7.

Referring now in more detail to figure 2, an embodiment of the motor vehicle engine management system comprises a switch panel 10 (equivalent to the function selection means in Figure 7) connected to a printed circuit board 11. The printed circuit board 11 receives signals from the switch panel 10. The printed circuit board 11 transmits the signals to a printed circuit interface board 12 (see Figure 4, equivalent to the processing means 3 in figure 7). The printed circuit interface board 12 operates relays (not shown) that energise various functions of a motor vehicle, providing that various criteria of the switch panel 10 and the relays are met. Said criteria are stored in a programme included in a micro-controller 39 of the printed circuit interface board 12.

The switch panel 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises switches 21 to 36. Each switch contains first and second light emitting diodes 37 and 38 (equivalent to the display means 7 in figure 7). The first light emitting diode 37 in each switch is always illuminated whilst the switch panel is energised. The second light emitting diode 38 in each switch is only illuminated when that switch is closed. Figure 5 shows the front face of the switch panel 10 showing switches 21 to 36. Each switch has an associated function. In this example the function of the switches are those available in an emergency ambulance.

The functions are as follows.

The switch 21 has a "cancel all" function, which when held down for a predetermined period, which is 2 seconds in this example, returns all the other switches 22 to 36 to their open condition.

The switch 22 is a spare in this example and is not connected to a particular function of the vehicle.

The switch 23 activates or deactivates, depending on whether the switch is closed or open, a "reverse buzzer".

The switch 24 controls a set of lights in the left hand side of the ambulance saloon.

The switch 25 controls a set of lights in the right hand side of the ambulance saloon.

The switch 26 controls a set of red lights at the rear of the ambulance.

The switch 27 controls a set of lights in the front grille of the ambulance.

The switch 28 controls a set of beacons on the roof of the ambulance.

The switch 29 is a spare switch which does not control a particular function of the ambulance.

The switch 30 controls a function for a "fast heater"; for heating the interior of the ambulance.

The switch 31 controls a "slow heater" function; for heating the interior of the ambulance.

The switch 32 controls a set of lights attached to the left hand side of the ambulance for illuminating the exterior of the ambulance.

The switch 33 controls a similar set of lights to that of the switch 32, except that the lights illuminate the rear exterior of the ambulance.

The switch 34 controls a set of lights mounted on the right hand exterior of the ambulance, for illuminating the exterior of the ambulance and surrounding area.

The switch 35 controls a function to cause a set of headlights of the ambulance to flash.

The switch 36 controls a siren of the ambulance.

Figure 6 shows a second switch panel comprising ten switches 62 to 71. The switches have respective functions of night light, trauma light, trauma light dim, saloon light dim, right hand incubator, fresh air fast, fresh air medium, fresh air slow, extractor fan and left hand incubator.

The printed circuit board 11 is mounted to the rear of the switch panel 10. The printed circuit board 11 receives signals from the switch panel 10, the signals are translated through a programme in the micro controller 40 and then transmitted to the interface board 12. In order to eliminate any interaction between spurious signals within the ambulance and the signals for the management system, the signals are transmitted using a system of three connections. A first connection transmits the signal to the micro controller 39 containing a programme.

The micro controller 39 returns the signal through a second connection to check the validity of the initial signal, confirmation is then transmitted back through a third connection.

The printed circuit interface board 12, which is connected to the printed circuit board 11 comprises the micro controller 39 having a programme with criteria for controlling whether the switches 21 to 36 or 62 to 71 should be allowed to energise their particular function.

The printed circuit interface board 12 also has connections to thirty six relays. The relays are connected themselves to particular parts of the ambulance, for instance the handbrake, side lights, foot brake, gear change, headlight, ignition, passenger doors and rear doors. The relays are connected to the micro controller 39 of the printed circuit interface board 12. The micro controller 39 uses the information from the switches 21 to 36 and 62 to 71 and from the relays to determine whether the preset criteria have been met for the function chosen by actuation of one of the switches 21 to 36 or 62 to 71.

The printed circuit interface board 12 is piggy-back mounted onto a relay board (not shown). The relay board is furnished with, in this example, twelve relays each with its own fuse rated at 20 amps and a light emitting diode which indicates a given relay is activated. A further relay board is provided with twenty four additional relays which have fuses and light emitting diodes as above. The relay board has a bus bar and heavy duty earth connection for twelve/twenty four volt high current feed. Each output is via a spade terminal or plug. There are eight input terminals on the relay board (this number can be increased) for enabling switches.

A third printed circuit board (not shown) is mounted behind the printed circuit board 11. The third printed circuit board comprises a tone generator with all known emergency vehicle siren tones included in a memory chip.

The tones can be selected by country for instance.

In use, when a particular switch is pressed the signal from the switch will be passed from the switch panel 10 to the printed circuit board 11 and onto the printed circuit interface board 12. The programme stored in the micro controller 39 on the printed circuit interface board 12 determines whether the function selected by the switch is selectable in accordance with the pre-programmed criteria and if the state of one or more relays associated with the function is in agreement with the criteria set in the programme, then the function associated with the particular switch which was pressed will be activated.

The criteria relevant to each of the switches 21 to 36 will now be set out.

The switch 21 has a "cancel all" function which will switch off all relays and all switch panel light emitting diodes and reinitialize the management system. The cancel all function of the switch 21 can only be used if the relay connected to the ignition shows that the ignition is on. If this key is pressed whilst the ignition is off, then three "beep" tones are sounded and the system ignores the activation of the switch 21. If the ignition is on, however, the switch must be held for approximately 2 seconds. It then emits one beep sound and all the functions are cleared and the entire system is reinitialized. The light emitting diode stays on only until the key is released.

In relation to each of the switches mentioned if the criteria in the programme are not met then three "beep tones will be sounded and the system ignores the press of the switch.

In this example the switch 22 does not have a particular function.

The switch 23 activates the reverse buzzer and does not depend on any other relays for its function. The reverse buzzer is connected to a relay connection 105 on the printed circuit interface board 12. If not deselected manually, the relay 105 and the second light emitting diode in the switch 23 both deactivate automatically after approximately 3 minutes have elapsed from the switch being pressed.

The saloon lights in the left hand side of the ambulance are operated by the switch 24. The function of this switch does not depend on the status of any other relays. The left hand saloon lights are connected through a relay connection 103 on the printed circuit interface board 12. When the switch 24 is activated, the left hand saloon lights are illuminated at full intensity. When the switch 24 is activated, the switch 64 on the secondary switch panel 13 is enabled.

The saloon lights in the right hand side of the ambulance are operated by the switch 25 and are connected through a relay connection 112 on the printed circuit interface board 12. The activation of the switch 25 also enables the switch 64 of the secondary switch panel 13.

The switch 26 activates red lights at the rear of the ambulance. The rear lights are connected to the printed circuit interface board 12 through a relay connection 135.

The red lights will only illuminate if the relay connected to the handbrake indicates that the handbrake is engaged.

A delay of 15 seconds may be introduced so that the lamps will extinguish 15 seconds after the handbrake has been released.

The switch 27 allows activation of the lamps in the front grille of the ambulance. The lamps will only be illuminated if the relay connected to the ignition indicates that the ignition is on. The grille lamps operate through a relay connection 114 on the printed circuit interface board 12.

The switch 28 allows the operation of the beacons on the roof of the ambulance. Relay connections 117 and 123 on the printed circuit interface board 12 are permanently enabled. These are connected to the beacons. A relay connection 118 of the printed circuit interface board 12 is enabled if the ignition relay indicates that the ignition is on. If all three of the relay connections 117, 118 and 123 are enabled and the switch 28 has been pressed, then the beacons will illuminate. The relay connection 118 follows the state of the ignition and so with the switch 28 selected, the beacons will illuminate when the ignition is on and will not illuminate when the ignition is off.

The switch 29 does not have an associated function in this example.

The switch 30 allows the operation of the "heater fast" function. If the switch 30 is pressed and the ignition relay connection on the printed circuit interface board 12 indicates that the ignition is on then the heater fast function will be activated. The heater fast function is connected to the relay connection 101 on the printed circuit interface board 12.

The switch 31 allows the activation of the "heater slow" function and will also operate if the ignition relay indicates that the ignition is on. The heater slow function operates through the relay connection 104 on the printed circuit interface board 12. If the switch 30 is pressed and the relay connections on the printed circuit interface board 12 indicate that the heater slow function has been enabled, then the heater fast function will be enabled via the relay connection 101 and the heater slow function and the second light emitting diode for the switch 31 will be cancelled. Similarly if the heater slow function is selected via the switch 31, then the heater fast function, operated through the relay connection 101, and the second LED in the switch 31 will be cancelled if they are operative.

The switch 3

The scene lights for the rear of the ambulance are operated via the switch 33 and are connected to a relay connection 133 on the printed circuit interface board 12.

The operation is the same as that for the left hand scene lights.

The scene lights for the right hand side of the ambulance are operated by the switch 34. The right hand scene lights are connected through a relay connection 136 of the printed circuit interface board 12 and the operation of these lights is the same as for the left hand scene lights and the rear scene lights.

The switch 35 activates the headlight flash function.

This function is enabled if the ignition relay indicates that the ignition is on. The headlight flash function operates through a relay connection 113 on the printed interface board 12.

The siren feature of the ambulance is activated by the switch 36 and it is always enabled. The siren operates through a relay connection 116 and the printed circuit interface board 12.

The switch 62 on the second switch panel operates a night light. This function is connected via a relay connection 132 on the printed circuit interface board 12 and is always enabled.

The switch 63 of the trauma light function operates through a relay connection 134 on the printed circuit interface board 12. This function is always enabled.

The trauma light dim function is activated through the switch 64. The function operates through a relay connection 131 of the printed circuit interface board 12. Activation of the switch 63 for the trauma light will result in a relay connection 131, for the trauma light dim, and the LED for the switch 64 being cancelled if these two functions are activated. Similarly, activation of the switch 64 to enable the trauma light dim will result in deactivation of a relay connection 134 (for the trauma light) and the LED for the switch 63 if these two features are already activated when the switch 64 is pressed.

The switch 65 for the saloon lights dim function is only enabled if the left hand saloon lights or right hand saloon lights have been activated via one of the switches 24 or 25. The saloon lights dim function operates through a relay connection 110 on the printed circuit interface board 12. If the switch 65 is de-selected then the left hand saloon lights or the right hand saloon lights, whichever have been selected, will be restored to full intensity. If both the left hand saloon lights and the right hand saloon lights are switched off via the switches 24 and 25 whilst the saloon lights dim function is in operation then the relay connection 110 of the printed circuit interface board 12 and the second light emitting diode for the switch 65 will deactivate automatically and will stay off until reselected.

The right hand incubator function is activated through the switch 66 and operates through a relay connection 124 of the printed circuit interface board.

This function is always enabled.

The switch 67 activates the fresh air fast function and is enabled only if the ignition relay indicates that the ignition is on. The fresh air fast function operates through a relay connection 120 of the printed circuit interface board 12. The fresh air medium and fresh air slow functions are operated by the switches 68 and 69 respectively and operate through relay connections 122 and 119 respectively. Both fresh air medium and fresh air slow are also enabled only if the ignition relay connection of the printed circuit interface board 12 indicates that the ignition is on. If one of the switches 67 to 69 is selected and the ignition is on then the relay connections corresponding to the other two switches and their respective second light emitting diodes will be cancelled if either of them is energised when the said switch is selected. This simply means that if, for instance, fresh air fast is selected when fresh air medium is activated, then fresh air medium will deactivate and fresh air fast will commence.

The switch 70 controls the extractor fan function and is enabled only if the ignition relay connection of the printed circuit interface board 12 indicates that the ignition is on. The extractor fan function operates through a relay connection 121 of the printed circuit interface board 12.

The left hand incubator is activated through the switch 71 and is always enabled. The left hand incubator operates through a relay connection 115 of the printed circuit interface board 12.

The functions which are enabled by the ignition relay indicating that the ignition is on will normally switch off when the ignition goes off. The functions will remain off when the ignition is turned on again. The only exception to this is a relay connection 118, which controls the beacons function. This follows the state of the ignition, i.e. when selected the beacons will deactivate when the ignition is switched off and reactivate when the ignition is switched on again.

In a similar way functions which are enabled by the handbrake will switch off when the handbrake is released and remain off until reselected. These functions will, of course, only be activated when they are re-selected with the handbrake on.

The management system may include multi-function switches, which may be located on a third switch panel or may utilise spare switches. The multifunction switches may be used to select several functions with one switch.

For example, a pursuit/fast respond mode may activate the beacons with additional forward facing flashing lights, if fitted, head light flashing, grille lamps, and the siren system. The siren may be enabled through the side lights when they are on low in the above mode. When the side lights are on high, the siren will not operate unless selected via the siren switch. This feature is to allow for the fact that the siren is not desired during the hours of darkness. Similar control may apply to the headlight flasher. If the siren, grille lamps and headlight flasher are enabled through the handbrake, then when the vehicle comes to rest and the handbrake is applied, they will automatically cancel. In this mode, the siren, grille lamps and headlight flasher will restart when the handbrake is released. Any of these functions can be selected or deselected individually even if in the pursuit/fast respond mode. This mode allows the driver to concentrate on driving in an emergency situation without having to look and select several switches.

An ignition security mode may allow the operator to turn off the ignition and remove the keys, leaving the vehicle in order to carry out their duties without the worry of the vehicle being stolen. Once this mode is selected and the ignition keys have been removed it is not possible to cancel the mode nor is it possible to use the cancel all function. Therefore, no unauthorised person could get into the ambulance and, for instance, turn off the incubators or any other electrically maintained device. If a person does try to drive the vehicle away, the ignition will cancel and this mode may be programmed to cancel ancillary equipment and may also give a warning signal by use of the reverse alarm. The system is reset by the use of the ignition key only. This mode would address the problem of the need for an emergency vehicle to maintain maximum power from its power source which feature would be very useful for breakdown and recovery vehicles. Alternatively, the ignition security system may activate a fuel restriction valve to slow the speed of a vehicle if it is removed without authorisation. A further alternative would be to activate air brakes in the event of unauthorised removal.

One of the switches may be used as a security switch.

By the use of micro switches connected to, for instance, the engine cover, luggage compartment or the boot lid it would be possible to cause the switch to transfer from its background lighting with the first diode illuminated to the bright illumination in which both diodes are illuminated if one of the compartments or covers has been interfered with. The micro switches may be connected to the printed circuit interface board 12 via one of the relay connections. The bright illumination will continue even if the opening has been closed to its correct position. This part of the system is based on taking a low voltage positive to ground. Should any interference take place on its passage to ground there would be a break in the circuit giving an indication that the circuit had been interfered with or opened. Once the operator has ensured that no interference has taken place or dealt with any interference, then he can reset the system by pressing the switch. In a similar way to the cancel all switch 21, this switch may have a five second delay time so that it cannot be cancelled by accidentally touching the switch.

A recovery vehicle may have a safety system in which a power transmission (eg. for a winch) of the vehicle may only be activated when the vehicle is stationary and the clutch has been depressed and held down for five seconds.

The pursuit/fast respond mode, ignition security and security switches would be programmed to be independent of the cancel all switch 21. The management system may also be used with other emergency vehicles, for example a police patrol car. The fast response/pursuit switch would be particularly relevant to a vehicle of this type.

Hardware links may be provided on the printed circuit interface board 12, which links would allow the enabling parameters of various relays to be changed by the user.

In this example, three hardware links have been installed.

The first hardware link concerns the operation of the rear red lights which in normal usage can only be activated if the handbrake relay indicates that the handbrake is on.

The first hardware link allows the rear red lights to be illuminated irrespective of the condition of the handbrake if the first hardware link is open.

A second hardware link works in relation to the heater fast and heater slow functions controlled by switches 30 and 31. In normal use, the heater fast and heater slow functions can only be activated if the ignition relay indicates that the ignition is on. Use of the second hardware link allows the heater fast and heater slow functions to be used irrespective of the ignition relay if the hardware link 2 is closed.

The scene lights for the left hand rear and right hand sides of the vehicle are, in normal use, only illuminated if the handbrake is on. If the third hardware link is closed, then any of the left hand rear and right hand scene lights may be illuminated irrespective of the condition of the handbrake.

Additional functions which could be envisaged in this embodiment, but are also equally applicable to other types of motor vehicle, could be as follows. When it is desired that a box containing drugs in an ambulance, for instance, remain secure then the relay connections could be used to ensure that the box can only be opened when a set of criteria, which may not be immediately obvious, must be satisfied before the box can be opened. The relay connections between the printed circuit interface board 12 and the rear doors of the ambulance may be required to be closed before the drug box can be opened. Similar criteria can also be envisaged to achieve the same result.

The box containing drugs may open automatically when the criteria have been met. To provide security in an ambulance or the like, infra red sensors may be mounted near to the rear doors of the ambulance. The sensors would detect an unauthorised entry into the ambulance.

When an entry is detected the management system may automatically lock various features of the ambulance, including the drugs box and/or stretcher. Alternative sensors such as microwave sensors or heat sensors may be used. A security feature such as this may also be used in vehicles such as delivery vehicles or aircraft.

In use, data transfer between the switch panels 10 and 13, the printed circuit board 11 and the printed circuit interface board 12 can take place in either direction, between all units in the system, on a modified IC bus. The units may communicate via an synchronous serial link, using a four wire interface.

A second embodiment of motor vehicle management system uses the switch panels 10 and 13 and printed circuit boards 12 and 13 referred to in relation to the first embodiment. These pieces of apparatus are used in relation to a police armed response vehicle however.

On an armed response vehicle in the boot or the rear of an estate car there is a metal box fixed to the floor of the vehicle that has to meet home office requirements.

The lid has to be secured by deadlocks. The security switch function described above could be extended to the security of the box. The function may include a section either incorporated in the metal box or on the printed circuit interface board 12. A plug may be included to allow a hand held computer to be connected to the system to give information about when the box had been opened and closed. The system could be arranged to ensure that the information could not be erased until a reading had taken place. Therefore, in any period between readings a full opening and closing history could be obtained. This might ensure that the contents had been checked at the beginning and end of each shift, or on handover. The information would indicate any unauthorised opening of the box.

A further possibility for an emergency vehicle, such as a police car, would be to include a hostage mode. This mode may be commenced when a vehicle was taken by persons not authorised to do so. A sound converter would be included in the vehicle which would utilise the speaker outlet on the police radio. The mode may ensure that the radio would be permanently energised so that it is receptive to further signals. The radio may be arranged to energise in response to a radio signal, which signal may be on an emergency services frequency. The radio may operate with a radio based tracking system. Certain functions of the vehicle could then become under the control of the police, provided the vehicle is in a reception area. The control may be provided by a handheld switch panel, which may plug into the vehicle or function with infra-red signals or radio signals. If necessary a selected number of channels could be used and changed remotely. Once the hostage mode had been commenced a remote controller may introduce interruptions in the management system in the engine in order to slow the vehicle down. When the vehicle is considered to be in an area where any action taken would not affect others, then the ignition system could be killed by remote control. At the same time, if required, all doors and windows could be deadlocked. All signals over the radio would be in the high frequency so as not to alert occupants of the vehicle to the fact that the vehicle was being controlled remotely. Each vehicle with such a hostage mode could have its own unique code which could be permanently installed on the integrated circuit in the printed circuit interface board 12. Additionally, a stun grenade may be included in the car, which stun grenade may be detonated remotely.

A further possibility is to include LEDs, which may be infra red LEDs, on an upper surface of the vehicle.

The LED could be arranged to flash with a particular frequency or pattern. A helicopter could then detect the LEDs with an infra red camera, enabling the helicopter to follow the vehicle at a safe distance. The LEDs may flash in a particular manner depending on the type of vehicles eg an armed response vehicle, a covert vehicle or a dog van or other such types of vehicle. The LEDs may be mounted in weather strips on a vehicle or alternatively on a separate pad. The pad may be permanently or temporarily mounted on an upwardly facing surface of the vehicle eg the roof. A removable pad may include rechargeable batteries for powering the LEDs. A recharger for the batteries may be kept in the vehicle. Of course, other coding or marking systems apart from LEDs could be utilised to the same effect.

Pressure sensitive seat pads could be fitted to the seats of a vehicle, which pads, in conjunction with another motor vehicle management system described herein, could be arranged to limit the speed of the vehicle when the pads detected that a passenger was present on the seat. These pads may be used to limit the speed on a police patrol car when a civilian is in the rear seat of the car for instance.

A third embodiment of motor vehicle management system is particularly suited to use with a bus, coach or similar vehicle. In this example, only ten of the switches 21 to 36 of the switch panel 10 may be used. This example may also use the printed circuit board 11 and printed circuit interface board 12 connected in the same way as described in the first embodiment of motor vehicle management system.

In this coach version the following features are connected to relays, the status of which relays is used to determine whether a function should be enabled when one of the switches on the switch panel is pressed. The relays may have the following functions: a bell push, to indicate that a passenger would like to alight; engine cover; emergency door; ignition; passenger door; side lights; and handbrake.

The switch 22 may be used only as an indicator, rather than to select a particular function. The second diode in this switch could be used to illuminate when the relays connected to printed circuit interface board 12 indicate that both the ignition is on and that the emergency door is open. A buzzer could be arranged to sound when the second light emitting diode is illuminated.

The second light emitting diode and buzzer may switch off automatically when either of the preconditions is no longer met.

The switch 23 in the coach version could be used to activate a reverse buzzer override function. When the ignition is on and the switch 23 is pressed the second light emitting diode illuminates and the reverse buzzer may be switched off. The reverse buzzer override switch may be connected through the relay connection 101 on the printed circuit interface board 12. The reverse buzzer override function may switch off automatically when the ignition goes off.

The switch 24 may control a "heater fast" function which may only operate when the relay connections 101 to 135 on the printed circuit interface board 12 indicate that the ignition is on and that the switch 32 has been activated. The "heater fast" function operates through the relay connection 102 on the printed circuit interface board 12. The function may also turn off automatically if either of the two preconditions ceases.

The switch 25 may control saloon lights in the right hand side of the coach. Preferably, no preconditions are required to allow the lights to illuminate on the activation of the switch 25. The right hand saloon lights may be connected to the relay connection 103 on the printed circuit interface board 12.

The switch 26 in this example may have no designated function. The switch may however be connected through the relay connection 104 on a printed circuit interface board 12.

The switch 30 on the switch panel 10 may be used only as an indicator. The second light emitting diode may illuminate when the relay connections on the printed circuit interface board 12 indicate that the ignition is on and that the engine cover is open. The buzzer may sound whilst the second light emitting diode is illuminated. The buzzer and second light emitting diode may switch off automatically when either of the preconditions ceases.

The switch 31 may control a cab light override function. Usually a driver's cab light illuminates when the passenger door opens, provided that the side lights are on. The cab light override function may operate when the side lights relay connection of the printed circuit interface board 12 indicates that the side lights are on.

The cab light may not illuminate when the passenger door opens when this function is enabled. The cab lights may be controlled by the relay connection 105 of the printed circuit interface board 12. The switch 31 may be used to switch the cab lighting on and off, regardless of door position, provided that the side lights remain on. If the side lights are turned off, the relay may switch off automatically, and the switch 31 may dim. The dimming may be provided by the second light emitting diode being switched off.

The switch 32 may control a "heater slow" function.

The function would only operate if the ignition relay connection on the printed circuit interface board 12 indicates that the ignition is on. If the switch 32 is not activated, the switch 24 (heater fast function) may also be disabled.

The switch 33 may control saloon lights in the left hand side of the vehicle. There are no preconditions to enable this function. The left hand saloon lights may be connected through the relay connection 107 on the printed circuit interface board 12.

The switch 34 may be used only as an indicator. The second light emitting diode may be caused to illuminate when the bell push function is operated or when a "COACH STOPPING" sign is illuminated. The second light emitting diode in the switch 34 may switch off automatically when both preconditions cease.

There are additional features included in the coach version of the motor vehicle management system. An auto stop system feature controlling a "COACH STOPPING" sign could be provided via the relay connection 108 on the printed circuit interface board 12. The system would only be enabled when the passenger door is closed. Pressing the bell push for the first time may latch the relay connection 108 and turn on the second light emitting diode in the switch 34. Further presses of the bell push would be ignored. When the passenger door opens, the relay connection 108 and the second light emitting diode on the switch 34 may both turn off. The bell push would have no effect until the door closes once more, whereupon the system is reset.

Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of wiring system for the motor vehicle management system. In this embodiment, relays 150-167 are connected to a multiplex cable 210. Each relay has a unique identifying code which is generated by a computer 211 when controlling one or more of the functions associated with the relays 150-167.

Each relay only responds to its own unique code. The multiplex cable 210 is shielded to prevent interference from external sources.

Any of the features referred to in one of the above mentioned specific embodiments may be included in any other of the specific embodiments.

The motor vehicle management system referred to in the various specific embodiments above addresses the problem of increasing complexity in motor vehicles, particularly emergency and recovery vehicles. By including multi-function switches and controlling the function of some features of the motor vehicle by assessing whether that function should really be activated or by introducing certain criteria which must be met before an operation can be carried out, the operation of such a complex motor vehicle, and also the security thereof is considerably enhanced.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspect ion with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (60)

1. A motor vehicle management system comprises at least control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of the motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle should be activated depending on the status of one or more features of the motor vehicle.

2. A motor vehicle management system as claimed in claim 1, in which the system further comprises a function selection means for selecting a desired system function.

3. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the control means comprises computing means.

4. A motor vehicle management system as claimed in claim 3, in which the computing means includes a program, which program includes criteria which must be met by one or more features of the motor vehicle before the control means will activate one or more functions of the motor vehicle.

5. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which a plurality of functions of the vehicle may be activated, subject to the criteria of each of said functions stored by the control means, by a single activation of the function selection means.

6. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which one or more functions may be automatically activated by the control means if, the status of one or more of said features matches a predetermined status pattern.

7. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, in which the or each function selection means indicates the status of at least one feature of the vehicle.

8. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, in which the or each function selection means comprises a panel of switches.

9. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 8, in which the switches are latching switches.

10. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 2 to 9 in which the control means is arranged to receive signals from the function selection means and from the feature status determining means.

11. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 2 to 10, in which relays are connected between different features of the motor vehicle and the control means.

12. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 11, in which the relays include micro switches.

13. A motor vehicle management system according to either claim 11 or claim 12, in which where a relay is connected to a feature of the motor vehicle which uses electrical power, the relay is operable to supply power or to cease a supply of power to the feature.

14. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 2 to 14, in which the function selection means is arranged to indicate to a user if the criteria of the control means are not met when a function is selected with the function selection means.

15. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 2 to 14, in which the function selection means is arranged to be fitted into an existing electrical supply point in a motor vehicle.

16. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 2 to 15, in which the function selection means includes at least one switch which is a multi function switch, which is arranged to activate a plurality of functions of the motor vehicle simultaneously.

17. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 16, in which each of the functions which are arranged to be activated by the multifunction switch are operable individually by another switch.

18. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 16 or claim 17, in which each of the functions controlled by the or each multifunction switch is arranged to be activated only if the criteria for its functioning are met.

19. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, in which each of said functions are arranged to deactivate if the criteria for said function fail to be met.

20. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 16 to 19, in which a multifunction switch is operable to select a pursuit/fast respond mode, which includes the activation of a number of features of the motor vehicle, which features include flashing beacons, forward facing flashing lights, flashing headlights, grille lamps, and a siren.

21. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 20, in which the siren, grille lamps and headlight flasher are enabled through a handbrake of the motor vehicle, such that when the vehicle comes to rest and the handbrake is applied those features will automatically cancel.

22. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 16 to 21, in which an ignition security mode is actuable by a multifunction selection switch.

23. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 22, in which in the ignition security mode all of the functions of the vehicle are caused to remain in the state they were in when the ignition security mode was activated.

24. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 22 or 23, in which the ignition security mode includes the ignition of the vehicle deactivating if a person attempts to drive the vehicle away.

25. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 22 to 24, in which the ignition security mode includes the activation of a fuel restriction valve if a person attempts to drive the vehicle away.

26. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 22 to 25, in which the ignition security mode includes the activation of air brakes of the vehicle if a person attempts to drive the vehicle away.

27. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of the preceding claims, which includes a secure compartment in the motor vehicle, which secure compartment may only be opened when the control means receives signals to the effect that certain criteria have been met.

28. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 27 in which the secure compartment is a drugs box, which may only be opened when micro switches in the rear doors of an ambulance indicate to the control means that said doors are closed.

29. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 28, in which the drug box is openable when the vehicle is in motion regardless of which functions are selected by said function selection means.

30. A motor vehicle management system according to either claim 28 or claim 29, in which similar combinations of features such as a handbrake being applied or passenger doors being opened or closed are used as criteria for whether a secure box should be opened or not.

31. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 27, in which the secure compartment is a container in an armed response vehicle.

32. A motor vehicle management system comprises at least one function selection means, control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of a motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle chosen by activation of the function selection means should be activated depending on the status of one or more features of the motor vehicle, in which the function selection means includes at least one multifunction selection switch operable to select a mode which includes the activation of a number of features of a motor vehicle, which features include flashing beacons, forward facing flashing lights, flashing headlights, grille lamps, and a siren.

33. A motor vehicle management system comprises at least one function selection means, control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of the motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle chosen by activation of the function selection means should be activated depending on the status of one more features of the motor vehicle, the function selection means including at least one multifunction selection switch operable to select an ignition security mode, which mode allows the operator of the vehicle to turn off an ignition of the vehicle and remove a key for an ignition from the vehicle.

34. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 33, in which in said mode all other functions of the vehicle are caused to remain in the state they were in when the ignition security mode was selected.

35. A motor vehicle management system comprises control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of the motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle should be activated depending on the status of one more features of the motor vehicle, said motor vehicle including a secure compartment which may only be opened when the control means receives signals to the effect that certain criteria have been met.

36. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 35, in which said secure compartment is a drugs box.

37. A motor vehicle management system according to one of claims 35 and 36, in which the drug box is only openable when micro switches in the rear doors of the vehicle indicate to the control means that said doors are closed.

38. A motor vehicle management system comprises control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of the motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle should be activated depending on the status of one or more features of the motor vehicle, in which the motor vehicle is an armed response vehicle having a container for fire arms, said control means being arranged to retain information about the time at which the container has been opened and/or closed, the control means being arranged to ensure that the information could not be erased from the control means until said information had been retrieved from the control means.

39. A motor vehicle management system comprises control means and feature status determining means for determining the status of at least one feature of the motor vehicle, which control means determines whether a function of the vehicle should be activated depending on the status of one more features of the motor vehicle, in which the motor vehicle includes a radio transmitter/receiver and a sound converter, which sound converter utilises the speakers of the radio to allow functions of the vehicle to be controlled remotely.

40. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 39, in which the functions which may be controlled include locks on the vehicle doors.

41. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 39 or claim 40, in which the vehicle ignition is remotely controllable.

42. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 39 to 41, in which the motor vehicle management system also includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) mounted on a substantially upwardly facing surface of the vehicle.

43. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 42, in which the or each LED is an infra red LED.

44. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 42 or 43, in which the or each LED is remotely operable.

45. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 42 to 44, in which the or each LED is arranged to flash in a distinctive pattern.

46. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 45, in which the distinctive pattern is chosen to identify the type of vehicle with which the or each LED is associated.

47. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 42 to 46, in which a plurality of LEDs is mounted on the surface, which LEDs flash in a distinctive pattern, which pattern is chosen to distinguish the type of vehicle with which the LEDs are associated.

48. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 42 to 47, in which the or each LED is mounted on weather strips of the vehicle.

49. A motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 42 to 48, in which the or each LED is mounted on a patch.

50. A motor vehicle management system according to claim 49, in which the patch is removable from the vehicle.

51. A vehicle tracking device comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) mounted on a substantially upwardly facing surface of a vehicle.

52. A vehicle tracking device according to claim 51, in which the or each LED is an infra red LED.

53. A vehicle tracking device according to either claim 51 or claim 52, in which the or each LED is remotely operable.

54. A vehicle tracking device according to any one of claims 51 to 53, in which the or each LED is arranged to flash in a distinctive pattern.

55. A vehicle tracking device according to claim 54, in which the distinctive pattern is chosen to identify the type of vehicle with which the or each LED is associated.

56. A vehicle tracking device according to any one of claims 51 to 55, in which a plurality of LEDs is mounted on the surface, which LEDs flash in a distinctive pattern, which pattern is chosen to distinguish the type of vehicle with which the LEDs are associated.

57. A vehicle tracking device according to any one of claims 51 to 56, in which the or each LED is mounted on a patch.

58. An emergency vehicle incorporating a motor vehicle management system according to any one of claims 1 to 50.

59. A motor vehicle management system substantially as described herein, with reference to figures 1 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.

60. A motor vehicle management system substantially as described herein, with reference to figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.