GB2432948A

GB2432948A - Article/vehicle tracking/charging using tags

Info

Publication number: GB2432948A
Application number: GB0623945A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edmund Cowley
Original assignee: RFID CT Ltd
Current assignee: RFID CT Ltd
Priority date: 2005-11-30
Filing date: 2006-11-30
Publication date: 2007-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-30
Also published as: GB2432948B; GB0623945D0; GB0524342D0

Abstract

An apparatus includes at least one tag device to be mounted on an article such as eg a vehicle. The tag device may include data relating to at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a detection device which is operable externally to eg the vehicle within a range of the vehicle which is sufficiently large so as to allow a data signal emitted from the tag device to be detected externally of the vehicle by the detection device. Two way communication is possible via an optical (infra red) communication system and the apparatus can for example be used as a parking permit analysis system (or motorway tolls) in which the tag device can be used to show that the vehicle matches the tag and/or that the vehicle is authorized to be parked at a particular location. The communication range of the tag may vary according to whether the vehicle is stationary or moving. The tag may use radio communication. The detection device may include a PDA or mobile phone. The tag may be solar powered.

Description

Detection Apparatus The invention to which this application relates is

detection apparatus which can be used to detect a particular condition, location and/or chatacterisation of a vehicle, said vehicle in the form of any of a motorcycle, moped, bus, car, lorry, train carriage or the like.

Although the invention is now described with reference to use of the apparatus on a vehicle, primarily in the form of a car, this is provided for illustrative purposes only and should be interpreted in a non-limiting manner.

Conventionally, paper based systems have been used for certain services relating to vehicles, such as paper parking tickets or permits. This type of system can be inconvenient to the vehicle owner and requires the replacement of the permit, at least on an annual basis, such that the correct data is visually displayed.

However it is now known that apparatus is available which allows the detection of a particular location of a vehicle which can render the use of paper systems unnecessary. These systems are based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. For example, it is known, in order to check whether a vehicle is parkcd in an authoriscd space, to provide a vehicle with a device which can be fitted to the vehicle windscreen and which emits a low frequency signal to be picked up by a detection device which is held externally of the vehicle such as by a traffic warden. In operation, it is intended that the signal is picked up by the detection device and the signal carries a digital data code which is unique to that particular vehicle thereby allowing the traffic warden to receive information for that vehicle from a centralised database and assess whether the vehicle is correctly parked in, for example, a residents parking zone. However, it is known that in practise, the use of these c low frequency signals, is not satisfactory, as the signal is so weak that it can barely pass through the windscreen itself which, in turn, means that the person, such as a traffic warden, holding a detection device needs to place the same in contact or almost in contact with the windscreen at the location of the device in order to detect the signal. This can mean that the person has to stand to one particular side of the vehicle and if the said side of the vehicle is on the street rather than the pavement side, then, especially in narrow streets or fast moving traffic, the person is at considerable risk of injury from passing vehicles. Another problem is that the existing systems do not hold any other vehicle specific permit data.

It is also known to provide apparatus which allows a toll to be collected as a vehicle passes a particular location such as, for example, a gantry over the road. In this case, the vehicle carries a device which emits a microwave signal of 5 GHz in an ISM band which is picked up by one of a plurality of detection devices or beacons which are mounted on the gantry. Once again the detected signal is unique to the vchicle and therefore allows the collecting of tolls from vehicle owners without the need to stop the vehicle. However, a problem is that there are a considerable number of different systems which means that there is no one country or continent-wide system currently in use. [fforts are being made to standardise the process and one aim of the present invention is to provide a system which is capable of being adapted to standards or indeed become the * standard apparatus to be used. * * * * *

Patents have been filed for this type of apparatus and the applicant is aware of the following which are briefly discussed.

Us 6418326 describes a wireless nctwotk covering a large local geographic area which is used to link a large number of payment terminals provided in the same area and each terminal is located near a plurality of parking spaces. Parking data is gathered from motorists at the payment terminals, the parking data including vehicle identification data or parking space identification data. The parking data is sent from the payment terminals to the wireless network in response to payment made at the payment terminals. A plurality of portable terminals are provided for use by parking wardens inspecting the parking spaces of the local geographic area. US5339000 discloses another form of parking system.

Patent US6418326 discloses a method for using a mobile station.

A first passive mode of operation is provided as well as a second mode of operation where the application controls a master control unit of a mobile station. A system for making payments is provided which includes at least one mobile Station which provides local data transfer. The system also comprises at least one cash register or the like, which has a second transceiver for providing data transfer.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a detection device and tag device which allows a parameter and/or * location and/or movement of a vehicle to be detected externally of the vehicle and with minimum disturbance to the driver of I..

the vehicle and preferably without the driver of the vehicle *:*. being reciuired to be present.

S.....

* In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided detection apparatus for use with a vehicle, said apparatus comprising a tag device for location on the vehicle, a detection device selectively positionabic externally of the vehicle and said tag and detection device, when active, communicate via at least one signal emission to allow detection within a range of the vehicle, wherein said range extends beyond at least part of the plan area of the vehicle, to which the tag device is fitted, and the at least one signal is transmitted using a light media.

in one embodiment the range of the tag device when fitted on the vehicle extends beyond at least part of both elongate sides of the vehicle.

In one embodiment the range extends beyond the front of the vehicle when the tag device is fitted to the windscreen.

Alternatively the range extends beyond the rear of the vehicle when the tag device is fitted to the rear window of the vehicle.

Tn one embodiment, the signal is transmitted as an infrared signal.

Typically, the signal carries data from a memory within the tag device which rclates to at least one characteristic of the vehicle and/or vehicle owner which allows the identity of the vehicle and/or the vehicle owner details and or further information to be identified by reference to one or more information databases accessed via the detection device. Typically the detection device is provided with a further communication means to allow communication with said information databases. In one ::. embodiment the said further communication means allow S... . communication over a significantly greater communication * * range. * S. * *5

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*.*.** * In one embodiment information received from the further information database can be transmitted to the tag device to * allow the operation or information held therein to be updated.

*..* S. * a In a further embodiment, the data relates to more than one characteristic of the vehicle such as, for example, a parking permit authority and related data, data relating to whether the vehicic is permitted to be in a particular area, data relating to the owner of the vehicle and/or data relating to payment details.

In one embodiment the detection device is provided for the specific purpose or may be a suitably enabled mobile phone, PDi\ or the like.

In one embodiment, the vehicle owner can interact with the tag device via their own electronic apparatus such as by an infrared link via a mobile phone, PDA or the like. It is envisaged that the interaction between the vehicle owner and the tag device, could allow, for example, the updating of a memory within the tag device for a parking permit for a period of time or the like.

In one embodiment the apparatus is for use when the vehicle is stationary and the detection device is designed to be hand held so as to allow the same to be moved into the signal range of specific vehicles.

Tn one embodiment the range within which the emitted signal can be detected is within 2 metres and possibly up to 5 metres from the tag device. Typically the tag and/or detection device and/or signal are provided such as to ensure singularity of :.:::. communication and thereby only allow the detection device to S...

communicate with one tag device, and hence one vehicle at a ** * time. * * S.

S.....

* in one embodiment the signal which is emitted includes data *:*:* relating to at least one characteristic of the vehicle (such as a visual characteristic) which allows a visual check to be made at the location to ensure that the correct vehicle from perhaps 2 or 3 vehicles in the signal range is being referred to and the tag device matches with the vehicle to which it is attached.

in one embodiment the condition of the tag device, at least in terms of the type of signal which is emitted, changes depending on the detected operating condition of the vehicle and/or detecting device coming within range at that time.

Furthermore, the type of signal which is emitted may change in response to the change in condition of the vehicle.

In one embodiment the device can be used for enforcement purposes, such as verifying the validity of a vehicle registration number or vehicle related permit.

Preferably a two way communication system between the detecting device and the tag device allows two way information transfer such as tariff collection or connectivity to tariff systems.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for use in communication with a vehicle to detect the location and/or condition of said vehicle, said apparatus comprising a detection device for use externally of the vehicle and a tag device for location on the vehicle, wherein said tag device includes a memory and a means for emitting a signal to be detected by the detection device within a predetermined range, said signal including data relating to the tag device and/or . : vehicle on which the tag device is located and wherein the tag * device includes data relating to at least one aspect of usage of ****** * the vehicle. * * * S * S.

In one embodiment the data relates to a financial aspect of S.....

usage of the device.

In one embodiment, the device can be used to provide a signal relating to services such as any or any combination of, parking permit details, metered parking details, elcctronic number plates, MOT certification permits, road tax details, car insurance details, road toll details, owner details, disability permits.

It vill therefore be appreciated that the particular details can be provided to suit particular uses of the vehicle by that vehicle owner and/or service provider and/or government or local authority organisations.

In one embodiment, the particular details of the device can be selectively changed and/or updated over time by the user themselves, typically by interaction using their own electronic transmission device such as a PDA or mobile phone with the device and/or by an operator of the detection device which may, in one embodiment, be capable of transmitting, as well as receiving, signals to and from the tag device.

un a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle tag device said device including a memory for data relating to the vehicle and/or vehicle owner, a signal emission means to generate a signal from the tag device externally of the vehicle said signal carrying at least a portion of said data, a power source, and wherein said device is located on said vehicle and :.:::. the signal generated is an infra red signal. *S.. * * **.

*. : Typically, the device is provided to be located on a window of * said vehicle so as to improve the signal transmission from the * * vehicle to externally thereof. * * * * *

* * In OflC embodiment, the device is used in conjunction with a *SIS* * solar source which, when exposed to a suitable light source, allows the power source to be at least partially charged, thereby ensuring that the device can be rendered active at all times as there is sufficient power supplied to the same.

In one embodiment the solar source acts as a battery top-up system that employs a microprocessor intelligent charge circuit that derives energy from any or any combination of external / internal light / heat sources creating chemical / physical reaction to deliver an electrical charge to the battery system and hereinafter referred to in a non limiting manner as a solar source.

In one embodiment the power source is provided as part of the tag device or may be another source such as, perhaps, the vehicle battery.

In one embodiment the tag device includes visual and/or audible means to indicate a particular feature or function to a person within the vehicle. In one embodiment a display screen such as an LCD screen can be provided such that when the device is mounted on the vehicle the display screen faccs inwardly to be viewable by the person within the vehicle. In addition or alternatively a series of light sources can be provided which change condition to be selectively illuminated. In addition or alternatively a speaker and voice synthesizer can be provided to allow an audible message to be generated within the vehicle. * .* * . S S...

In a yet further aspect of the invention the apparatus includes a S...

wireless tracking/communication tag device that is located on an * article, said device employing a data transmission system ****.. . * . selected from any or any combination of Rl frequency active or passive or light media such as infrared or other spectrums of * light, to deliver two way communication with a detection device *5S*55 to provide information for charging systems related to the article with which the tag device is located.

Typically the article is a vehicle and the applications are any or any combination of tariff collection for parking, motorway tolls, bridge and bypass access.

In one embodiment the tag device can be used on a vehicle that has a requirement to enter a secure facility. The wireless communication device is used to provide a two way confirmation and log to an access control system and a beacon mode of operation sends a wireless code to unlock / lift allow access to the site.

Typically the device includes a non volatile data retention / data base therein.

In a preferred embodiment the range of the transmitted signals from the tag device can be tailored as a result of reference to dispersion through windscreen and reflection from bodywork fixtures of the vehicle and operating condition of the vehicle.

In one embodiment the tag device includes a beam focusing device to allow beam ranges and/or types to be adjusted for specific uses.

:.. in one embodiment the tag device has a memory which can be ". loaded with data such as for example to provide a pre charge S...

feature for tolling / parking In one embodiment the tag device can be utilised to transmit a signal which allows a function to be performed such as the opening of a gate / garage door or for use in a high security *** S * access system.

Typically the tag device includes an embedded real time clock In one embodiment, the tag device condition changes between a first condition of operation when the vehicle is parked and stationary for a period of time, and a second operating condition when the vehicle is moving.

Tn one embodiment, the device includes or is connected to a means for indicating movement or otherwise of the vehicle so as to allow the appropriate condition of operation of the device to be provided.

In one embodiment, the change in operating condition results in a change in the range of the signal which is emitted. For example, when the vehicle is stationary, it is probable that the singularity of the signal is important to ensure that a detected signal can be allocated to a particular vehicle rather than any one of a number of vehicles in that area, and so the range of the signal which is emitted from the tag device will be relatively short and typically no greater in any direction than a car length from the device.

In one embodiment, if the vehicle is moving, it is more likely that the detection of a signal will be required to be made by detection apparatus mounted at fixed locations at a greater : .. distance of 4 -30 metres from the vehicle such as, for example, above the road or to the side of the road. It will therefore be appreciated that in this condition there is a need for the signals which are emitted from the tag device to be carried over a much wider range so as to be detected by this apparatus.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-Figure 1 shows an embodiment of use of the apparatus; ii Figure 2 illustrates the use of infrared signal transmission for the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates in schematic manner the operation of the system of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 illustrates an alternative vehicle parking arrangement in accordance with the invention; Figure 5 illustrates a communication system used in accordance with the apparatus of Figures 1-4; Figure 6 illustrates a range of features which can selectively be provided on the tag device; and Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of a transceiver which can be used in one embodiment of the invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention in which thc apparatus is used when a vehicle 2 is stationary and the vehicle is parked in a street 3 adjacent pavement 11 in an allocated parking zone alongside other vehicles 4,5, 6. An annual fee or permit for parking is required for that zone. In accordance with the *S.

invention the vehicles are fitted with a tag device 8, each of which has been allocated a unique ID that can be referred to a . : remote information database that holds data relating to the vehicle with that ID such as the type of vehicle and length of time of the parking permit remaining. This unique ID can be accessed by wardens using a handheld or portable detecting O device (not shown) in accordance with the invention via a two way wireless communication link. The warden can set a number of indicators manually or an electronic real time clock on the tag device can indicate to the warden via an emitted signal the unique ill) details relating to the permit for that vehicle.

Thc signal 10 which is emitted can be constant but alternatively is only emitted when the tag device 8 is rendered active such as when a detecting device is present. The signal has a range 21 which is such so as to be sufficient to allow the signal to be read externally of the vehicle and as the signal range shown extends beyond parts of both sides of the vehicle, and to the front of the vehicle so the signal can be read safely by a warden with the detection device who may stand on the pavement 11. The signal range is also limited or is provided with an anti-interference characteristic such that it does not cause inrerfcrencc or confusion as to which of the vehicles, 2,4, 5,6 the received signal relates to.

Figure 3 illustrates the tag device 8 in communication with the dei.ection device 13 which would be held by the warden externally of the vehicle within the signal range 21 and also illustrates how in this case the detection device is provided with further communication means so that it can communicate such as by GPRS or 3G wireless communication 17 with a centralised database with further information 19 to allow data obtained :

from the tag device 8 to be ratified with control records and * S.... DTD: *, other information relating to the tag and hence the vehicle to be accessed. S. * * .. * S.

Preferably the communication link signal 10 is carried using * * infrared transmission and Figure 2 illustrates an infrared system with the vehicle 2, tag device 8 and signal range 21 of 5 metres S....

* is illustrated. The use of infrared provides several advantages, and these include that infrared provides an optimum read distance range of between 2 and 5 metres which is generally required by most applications.

Infrared is extremely useful in obtaining singularity of read, cnsuring that a parking attendant's detecting device can communicate specifically with a pre-identified vehicle permit and is not inundated by multiple signals from different devices.

The unique design and construction of the tag device provides the freedom of interrogating the tag device within a total visible read field of approximately 195 degrees as shown in Figure 2.

This means that the tag device can be interrogated from any position in front 23 of the vehicle 2, the side window 27 adjacent the tag device position as well as through the opposite side window 25 as indicated. This therefore means that, regardless of the orientation of the vehicle, the warden can use the detection device safely on the pavement 11 as shown in broken lines.

Figure 4 illustrates a further example of the invention in use in which the circumstance which can arise of motorists parking their vehicles 2,4 on the side of the road 3 and facing opposite directions and irrespective of the direction of traffic flow, is taken into account. In these cases, if a permit device was attached at the Passenger Side of the windscreen of the vehicle 2,4 as shown, it would be extremely difficult for traffic wardens : .. to scan the permit 8 without having to step into the road 3 and .. therefore risk injury. S...

However as shown in Figure 4, the use of the tags 8 in accordance with the invention with their wide signal range 21 * negates this problem by enabling the parking attendant to * 55 remain on the pavement 11 and to detect the tag device signal 5*5S** * 10 within range 21 via their detection device and therefore collect the permit data through the window 23 as depicted for vehicle 4.

Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown a practical implementation of the apparatus of the invention. As already stated the invention consists of two separate devices -the tag 8 which is effectively a permit in this implementation allowing a vehicle to which the tag is fitted to be assessed for parked, and the detection device 1 3. The tag 8 resides on the inside of the vehicle windscreen and contains vehicle specific information, such as a vehicle number plate or a resident parking permit number.

The detection device 1 3 is independently powered and uses a protocol of Infrared communication 21 to communicate with the vehicle tag 8. In usc the device 13 is aimed at the vehicle tag 8 and a button is suppressed to interrogate the tag by transmitting an infra red signal. The tag 8 receives the interrogation signal and in turn transmits its unicue identification information to the detection device, via the same protocol of Infrared.

The detection device then passes the received tag information to what can be an integral or independent mobile computing device 13', such as a PDA or other type of handheld terminal.

This link 25 can either be a wired RS-232 or USB link, or a wireless link such as Bluctooth or WiFi. The handheld terminal : .. can be used to display the permit information on a displa

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.. screen 27 or to pass on the permit information to another back *". : end application 19 of the type shown in Figure 3, by a further * communication means.

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**sSSS * S The apparatus preferably uses a proprietary protocol of Infrared * communication, different to the normal IrDA standard used for *..SSS * communication purposes in most commercial devices. The apparatus preferably uses infrared light-emitting diodes (LED's) to emit infrared radiation from both the detection device and the tag as rcquired. The signal beam is focused by a lens into a narrow beam which is modulated, to encode the carried data.

The receiver at each device uses a silicon photodiode to convert the infrared radiation to an electric current, it responds only to the rapidly pulsing signal created by the transmitter, and filters Out slowly changing infrared radiation from ambient light. It will also only respond to the signal if it uses the correct modulation.

The modulation technique used has a proprietary protocol and is further unique in the sense that it facilitates dual communication. Unlike, for example, television remote control systems, which also operate across an extended range, the apparatus of the invention is capable of sending information from the detection device to the tag and back to the detection device again. Both devices, the tag and the detection device are therefore capable of transmitting and receiving.

Referring now to Figure 6 there is shown a series of features which can be selectively provided on a tag device 8 to allow thc device to be configured for selected uses in various eml)odiments. These include a power source with a long l)attcry life > 10 Years, a solar source battery top up system, an infrared communications link 30 conforming to IrPHY, IrDA or a proprietary protocol of infrared specification, non-volatile : .. memory 32 for user data, remote read/write capacity, movement

S

Sensor 20, an infrared "Ping" signal facility for toll / movement S..

tracking 30, visible Validity Indicators 36 for indicating to the vehicle owner and/or parking wardens that any permit represented on the tag device 20 is still valid or not, an indicator * , for indicating the operating mode, a visible connectivity indicator 34, a remote firmware upgrade via a mobile phone / *.*S*S * PDA38, ActiveX drive for standard applications, JR beam guide system 40, interference filtering, real time clock for programmable events 42 and expiry dates, sleep mode for long battery life, accelerated processing mode for high speed digital signal processing, self test features and/or battery life monitoring for early failure warnings.

The use of infrared is a preferred embodiment for transmitting data signals to and from the tag device and detection device. It provides a simple and relatively low cost implementation, has a relatively low power requirement and allows directed point to point connectivity and efficient and reliable data transfer. An It Transceiver can be utilised and one example is shown in Figure 7 or preferably the system uses discrete components to achieve the same functionality, while increasing the read range. An infrared emitting LED can be used for the transmitter, while a photodiode will be used for the receiver. A proprietary modulation technique will be used to facilitate the infrared communication through these discrete components. In this case the device would not conform to any communication standards and the system would depend on a dedicated tag device and detection device pairing thereby adding to the security of the system to restricted device types and thereby avoiding information being accessed by unauthorised personnel easily.

in one cmbodimcnt, not shown, a visual indicator in the form of a screen on the tag device can be provided to display inwardly of : .. the vehicle when the tag device is fitted to the vehicle to attract *S* the users attention at a period programmed by the application or can be set manually by an operator with an infrared enabled terminal. A typical application is to provide an early indication that a permit is about to expire or a violation has taken place. * S

Further visual indicators can also be provided in the form of an55.

* LED to flash outward to attract the operator's attention at a period programmed by the application or can be set manually by an operator with an infrared enabled terminal. A typical application is to provide an indication that a pass has expired or an infringement has taken place.

An outward facing LED can be provided to flash when a charging device is operating..

A further indicator in the form of outward facing LED can be provided to flash when an Infrared connectivity is made and during data transmission at the end of each packet.

In one embodiment the tag device 8 can be provided with a solar power source provided by a ccli to produce 5.5 volts (open circuit) at l5mA (short circuit) in noon sunlight. The solar cell power calculation is approx 40 % capacity averaged out over daylight hours. A low dropout 3.3 V voltage regulator has been selected that can provide high current surges for the ER pulse transmissions. The power supply has been decoupled and has an RF choke to suppress RF interference from mobile phones fitted or used inside the cars interior.

As the environment that the tag is used in has a high noise contribution from the engine, alternator, mobile phones and other electrical / electronic devices fitted to the car and the IR detector circuits are sensitive, circuit layout and decoupling can : .. be important to good performance. * * * ****

Preferably the tag device is of a slim size and weight will be kept to a minimum with the battery weight being the main contributor. In one embodiment the tag device will typically * * utilize an epoxy coating to protect and insulate the electronics.

The epoxy coating will seal all components and therefore the *.**** * design will not be serviceable other than a battery change if rej uired.

in an alternative embodiment ( not shown) of use of the apparatus the condition of the tag device can be changed so as to emit a signal over a much larger range from the vehicle if the vehicle is moving. In this case a detecting device is mounted on a gantry which is positioned above the road along which the vehicle is travelling. In this case the signal is received and, for example a charge can be allocated to that vehicle for a toll or a congestion charge or another charge to be paid to allow the vehicle to travel along the road. In order to change condition between the operating conditions a movement sensor can be provided, typically as part of the tag device. The movement sensor detects the vehicle moving and can change the condition of the tag device with respect to the signal which is emitted. For example, when the car is detected as moving a signal is enabled which acts as a beacon within a larger range so that a unique identifying code is transmitted at a pre programmed interval determined by an embedded real time clock in the device. This beacon signal can then be tracked monitored on roads and other infrastructure.

It will be appreciated that there is provided a system and device which, when utilized on vehicles, provides the ability for the tag device to be interrogated from any convenient position regardless of the orientation of the vehicle when parked. * ** * . * *..* * * ** I * * I * I.

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*5SIS* * S * S * S S * S. * *.SSS' * S

Claims

Claims 1 Detection apparatus for use with a vehicle, said apparatus

Comprising a tag device for location on the vehicle, a detection device selectively positionable externally of the vehicle and said tag and detection device, when active, communicate via at least one signal cmission to allow detection within a range of the vehicle, wherein said range extends beyond at least part of the plan area of the vehicle, to which the tag device is fitted, and the at least one signal is transmitted using a light media.

2 Apparatus according to claim I wherein the range of the tag device when fitted on the vehicle extends beyond at least part of both eh)ngatc sides of the vehicle.

3 Apparatus according to claims I or 2 wherein the range extends beyond the front of the vehicle when the tag device is fitted to the windscreen.

4 Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the range extends beyond the rear of the vehicle when the tag device is fitted to the rear window of the vehicle.

5. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the signal is : .. transmitted as an infrared signal. S* * * * .SS

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the signal carries data which relates to at least one characteristic of the vehicle and/or vehicle owner. * * * . *

* ** . . . . 7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the information * allows the identity of the vehicle and/or the vehicle owner to be achieved by reference to one or more information databases accessed via said detection device.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the data relates to a plurality of characteristics of the vehicle and/or vehicle owner.

9. Apparatus according to claim I wherein two-way communication between the tag device and detection device is p0 S S1 b Ic.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the signal is an ISM band microwave signal.

ii Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the condition of the tag device at least in terms of the type of signal which is emitted, changes, depending Ofl the detected operating condition of the vehicle at that time.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the signal condition changes between a first condition of operation when the vehicle is parked and stationary for a period of time and a second operating condition when the vehicle is moving.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the range of the signal which is emitted from the tag device when the vehicle is moving is larger than that when the vehicle is stationary. * * S * *.S*

1 4. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the signal which is

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emitted includes a visually identifiable characteristic of the *. vehicle to allow a visual check to be made at the location of the vehicle. * S

1 5. Apparatus for use in communication with a vehicle to * detect the location and/or condition of said vehicle, said apparatus comprising a detection device for use externally of the vehicle and a tag device for location on the vehicle, wherein said tag device includes a memory and a means for emitting a signal to be detected by the detection device within a predetermined range, said signal including data relating to the tag device and/or vehicle Ofl which the tag device is located and wherein the tag device includes data relating to at least one aspect of usage of the vehicle.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the tag device includes data to provide information relating to parking charges for the vehicle which information can be detected via the detection device.

17. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the particular data held on the device can be selectively changed and/or updated over time by the vehicle owner and/or by an operator of the detection device.

18. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the detection device is capable of transmitting, as well as receiving, signals to and from the tag device.

19. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the tag device includes data which, when received by the detection device, allows the authorization of the vehicle to be parked in a : .. particular location to be verified. * * ***S

20. Apparatus according to claim 1 5 wherein the tag device includes data which when received by the detection device allows payment for a particular service to be made from an * * account to said vehicle. * * * * ** S*.*

* 21. A vehicle tag device said device including a memory for data relating to the vehicle and/or vehicle owner, a signal emission means to generate a signal from the tag device externally of the vehicle said signal carrying at least a portion of said data, a power source, and wherein said device is located on said vehicle and the signal generated is an infra red signal.

22. A device according to claim 21 wherein the device is located on a window of the vehicle.

23. A device according to claim 21 wherein the device is used in conjunction with a solar power source.

24. A device according to claim 21 wherein the device includes visual and/or audible means to indicate a particular feature or function of the device to a person within the vehicle.

25. Apparatus including a wireless tracking/communication tag device that is located on an article, said device employing a data transmission system selected from any or any combination of RF frequency active or passive, or light media such as infrared or other spectrums of light, to deliver 2-way communication with a detection device to provide information for charging systems related to the article with which the tag device is located.

26. Apparatus as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures. * S. * . S *.S.

27. A tag device as hereinbefore described with reference to *5*S the accompanying figures.

28 A detection device as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * S. a

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