GB2471727A

GB2471727A - Vehicle tracking, monitoring & information transfer device

Info

Publication number: GB2471727A
Application number: GB0912096A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adair Alistair Macfarlane; Simon Howard Allen
Original assignee: I MOB PLC
Current assignee: I MOB PLC
Priority date: 2009-07-11
Filing date: 2009-07-11
Publication date: 2011-01-12
Also published as: GB0912096D0

Abstract

The device, which preferably may be fitted to any vehicle at any time during its life, uses a combination of a Global Positioning System (CJPS) module, a cellular communications device, a microprocessor, an accelerometer, identification chip and solar panels. The system may be fitted to a mounting plate provided on the windscreen of the vehicle. The mounting plate may have an identification chip and the ID is transmitted to the device. An external power supply may be used in times of low battery life. The system will communicate with a remote data server to provide location, accelerometer, and distance information taken at predetermined intervals. The remote server will compile this information and make it available to the owner/appointed party. The appointed party may be an insurance company that may use the data to adjust an insurance premium based upon vehicle usage. The system may also provide automatic accident assistance by transmitting identification and position data in the event that the accelerometers detect an accident.

Description

Vehicle Tracking, Monitoring & Information Transfer System

Background

Data, information and/or communications in respects of vehicle movements, usage, style of usage, accidents or emergencies is desirable for many reasons, not least of which may be to improve the security and safety of the vehicle or reduce the cost of insurance for the use of that vehicle.

Whilst tracking and/or fleet management type products historically provided such data, there has always been a restriction to the market potential due firstly to the cost of the basic unit and more crucially the cost of the installation of that unit to the target vehicle.

Insurance companies are interested in the data that such systems may produce as it gives them the ability to generate a premium that reflects the risk they are taking with a specific vehicle. As a result insurers have often provided units to the customer and the information that it generates is sent directly to the insurer.

Customers have no reason to obtain such equipment other than to make possible insurance savings. For this reason the market is limited to vehicles where the owner is certain that a saving maybe generated owing to the restricted use and there type of driving. Outside of this customers/users will not use such systems if they fear the information it produces might either increase their premiums or result in the withdrawal of insurance cover.

This Vehicle Tracking, monitoring & Information System is designed to be purchased by the customer directly or may be given to them as part of an incentive or indeed as a present by another party. The purchase will not solely be led by the desire to achieve insurance savings as there are other benefits for the customer/owner is respects of safety and peace of mind.

Overview of system The system is a unit that is able to attain, consolidate and then transmit data relating to the use of the vehicle and emergencies generated from the vehicle.

Such information gathered and then transmitted includes, but is not limited to, GPS positions, G force in acceleration, cornering and braking, crash identification, mileage transfer and time of use The system is a unit that might be purchased in any retail outlet or may be provided to the customer via a partner organisation The system is to be purchased by the owner/customer or may be given to them, or subsidised, as part of an incentive programme or contract purchase.

The system is to be activated by the customer via the internet or by phoning the commissioning centre and providing the required information..

If using the internet the system is connected to a PC using a supplied USB connector. This allows the system to be programmed specifically to the customer/owner automatically.

If calling the commissioning centre then the activation will be done remotely and programming will be sent to the unit over the air' The system is to be self installed by the purchaser/customer or nominated person.

The system is mounted securely by attachment to the vehicle windscreen or other external facing option.

The package features a permanent fixing that attaches to the chosen location (such as windscreen) into which the main system is securely mounted.

The system is self powered. It uses an internal battery for its power source. This is normally charged by renewable energy sources such as solar but has the ability to be supplemented by a 12v power supply when necessary. The system will alert its owner to a low battery life to ensure charging takes place.

The system sends data to its central receiving server on a predetermined frequency. This data is complied and profiled to generate a visual profile of the type of driving the vehicle has been subjected to and the distances travelled.

Customers may access this data on line to determine whether their driving style and usage profile would be suitable to generate an insurance saving. If this is suitable they will have the option of releasing their driving data to chosen insurers to gain a premium that is reflective of their driving information The system will also allow the owner/customer to establish the location of their vehicle on demand through either the internet on line site, or by SMS (Short Message Service) The system features an assistance request button that allows the vehicle occupants to seek assistance in times of emergency or breakdown The system may also include a two way communications provision to allow an external party to talk to the occupants of the vehicle The system will also generate an emergency alert if the vehicle is involved in a serious impact. This alert is generated when a predetermined impact velocity is exceeded. The alert will be sent automatically to a central emergency monitoring facility who will then advise emergency services and attempt to communicate with the occupants of the vehicle via two way communications where fitted.

Essential Features The main system is a sealed unit containing, but not restricted to, the key components -Global Positioning System (GPS), GSM cellular communications module, unique identification chip, G' force sensor/accelerometer, microprocessor with variable memory capacity, internal battery, solar panels, microphone and speaker.

The mounting piece contains, but is not restricted to, a unique ID chip and optionally further solar panels The system will be powered by its internal battery pack which will be charged primarily by the solar panels or by the connection of a 12v external supply either from the vehicle (cigarette lighter socket and lead) or from the USB when connected to a PC.

The system will warn of low battery life to ensure charging takes place where necessary The system will be installed to the target vehicle by its owner, system purchaser or nominated individual. It will be fixed to the windscreen, or other chosen location, through the securing of the mounting piece by use of the adhesive pre-attached to the component. To install the owner, customer or nominated party shall merely remove the adhesive covering and press the mounting piece onto the chosen location. Once this mounting piece is attached it is not intended to be removable.

The main system itself is attached to the mounting piece subsequently and is intended to be removable from that mounting piece No special tools or expertise are required to successfully complete the installation The system features an assistance button that is pre-programmed to make immediate contact with a remote monitoring centre.