GB2482675A

GB2482675A - Ignition control apparatus with remote determination

Info

Publication number: GB2482675A
Application number: GB1013308.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Herbert Martin Harnett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-09
Filing date: 2010-08-09
Publication date: 2012-02-15
Also published as: GB201013308D0

Abstract

An ignition control apparatus for a vehicle, wherein the apparatus includes a unique identification code; a transmitter adapted to transmit the unique identification code to a receiving station; a receiver adapted to receive a response signal from the receiving station; a controller operatively connected to the receiver and an ignition switch operatively connected to the controller, wherein the ignition switch has a first condition in which power is prevented from being supplied to the ignition system and a second condition in which power is supplied to the ignition system and wherein the controller controls the condition of the ignition switch in response to the signal received by the receiver. The identification code is unique to the vehicle so that the receiving station can check such details as insurance, MOT and vehicle excise duty status before allowing the vehicle to be operated. The transmitter may also send odometer and load weight details from the vehicle, and may operate over a GSM mobile network.

Description

Ignition Control Apparatus The present invention relates to an ignition control apparatus, a vehicle control system including the apparatus and to a method of controlling one or more vehicles via the vehicle control system.

According to recent statistics, there are about 500,000 untaxed vehicles on the roads in the UK. In addition, there are about 2,000,000 uninsured motorists driving in the UK and numerous vehicles on the roads of the UK without valid MOT certificates.

The police force tries to reduce the number of offending motorists (i.e. those who are driving untaxed vehicles, uninsured vehicles or vehicles without a valid MOT certificate, or those who are driving while disqualified or unlicensed). To assist them in this task, police forces often employ Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) equipment to identify offenders. However, such measures are labour intensive and costly to operate.

A database is now maintained by the DVLA in the UK which contain the details of vehicles for which the vehicle excise duty has been duly paid. Similarly, databases are maintained which record details of insurance certificates issued for road vehicles and which record details of MOT certificates issued to road vehicles.

Furthermore, companies which operate large fleets of vehicles need to keep track of which vehicles are in operation and who is driving them.

The present invention seeks to address and br ameliorate the problem of unlawful vehicles on the public roads.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ignition control apparatus for a vehicle, wherein the apparatus includes a unique identification code; a transmitter adapted to transmit the unique identification code to a receiving station; a receiver adapted to receive a response signal from the receiving station; a controller operatively connected to the receiver; and an ignition switch operatively connected to the controller, wherein the ignition switch has a first condition in which power is prevented from being supplied to the ignition system and a second condition in which power is supplied to the ignition system and wherein the controller controls the condition of the ignition switch in response to the signal received by the receiver.

In this aspect of the invention, the identification number is unique to the vehicle to which the apparatus is fitted. When a user tries to start the vehicle, the identification code is sent to a receiving station, where details about the vehicle can be checked against one or more databases, for example, details of vehicle excise duty payments, insurance and MOT certificate status may be checked. If it is determined that the vehicle is lawfully permitted to be on the road, then a positive response signal is transmitted that the vehicle is permitted to be driven. The receiver receives the signal and transmits this to the controller. The controller in turn selects the second condition for the switch and the engine can be started.

However, if it is determined from one or more of the databases that the vehicle is not lawfully permitted to be driven on a public road, then a corresponding negative response signal is transmitted back to the vehicle. The negative signal is received by the receiver and transmitted to the controller.

In response to the negative response signal, the controller selects or maintains the first condition for the switch which prevents the vehicle being started.

If the apparatus is used to enforce payment of the vehicle excise duty, then it is estimated that vehicle excise duty could be increased by up to £24.75m per year (based on 1.5% of the estimated 33m cars on the roads at an average duty of £50 per car). Similarly, if the apparatus is used to eliminate or at least significantly reduce the number of uninsured drivers, then the additional burden of the £500m cost of uninsured drivers which is passed on to insured drivers could be significantly reduced. Finally, if the apparatus is used to prevent unqualified or disqualified drivers and/or cars without a valid MOT certificate, then the roads should be made safer for lawful users.

Of course, the apparatus may be used by companies, rather than law enforcement bodies to determine if a vehicle is permitted to be moved by an employee. In this embodiment, the checks may include the determination of the maintenance schedule or that the correct goods have been loaded onto the vehicle, for example.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further includes a data entry unit operatively connected to the controller and the controller controls the condition of the ignition switch in response to data entered via the data entry unit and/or the signal received by the receiver.

This embodiment allows the user to enter data about themselves or the vehicle which is transmitted to the controller to determine if the vehicle may be started. For example, the data input may be the user's driving licence number or a code associated with this, or it may be a password, or it may be a code generated by a time monitoring system to confirm that a driver is properly rested before the journey. In connection with the latter example, commercial goods vehicle drivers are required by law to take mandatory breaks during a long journey. In such cases, the control apparatus may be connected to a time clock such that a code is generated after a pre-determined break has been taken by the driver. The authorisation code is then input into the control apparatus to permit the journey to continue.

The controller may include a memory adapted to store data. Thus, it may not be necessary to check the vehicle and/or driver details each time the vehicle is stopped on a journey, for example to refuel or for a break. Thus, the memory may permit a specific positive response signal to be stored for a given period, e.g. up to midnight on that day.

In an embodiment of the invention, the controller includes an override function which is operable when the transmitter and/or receiver is unable to send a signal to the receiving station or receive a signal from the receiving station.

According to this embodiment, if the vehicle is unable to transmit and/or receive a signal, then the controller may be programmed automatically to select the second condition for the switch.

Additionally or alternatively, in the event of no signal is capable of being transmitted and/or received, or there is a malfunction, the user may be able to select the second position for the switch manually.

The apparatus may include a tracking apparatus. This may be useful in situations where the vehicle belongs to a fleet and it is desired to track its progress or in situations where the apparatus has been tampered with.

The transmission and receipt of the electronic signals may utilise any currently available wireless communications network, for example, a GSM mobile communications network, a microwave communications network, a satellite communications network, etc. Thus, for example, the apparatus may include a GSM mobile communications network transmitter and receiver.

The apparatus may be connected to an odometer, for example, the vehicle's own odometer or a separate odometer. In such an embodiment, as well as the unique code for the vehicle, the transmitter of the apparatus also transmits a reading from the odometer. In this way, a central vehicle licensing authority, such as the DVLA in the UK, or an operations centre for a vehicle fleet is able to receive data regarding the distance travelled by the vehicle.

Such an embodiment would help to prevent "clocking" of vehicles fitted with the apparatus according to the invention and/or it would help fleet managers to monitor their fleet and to determine, for example, more efficient routes.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a load weight determination system which functions to determine the weight of the load being carried by the vehicle and the weight is capable of being transmitted by the transmitter in addition to the unique identification code. In this embodiment, the receiving station is able to determine if the vehicle is authorised to carry the load or if the load is the correct load for the vehicle.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle control system including an ignition control apparatus as defined anywhere hereinabove, a receiving station including a receiver and a transmitter, and a database connected to the receiving station.

According to this aspect of the invention, the ignition control apparatus transmits the unique code associated with the vehicle to the receiving station where information relating to the vehicle is obtained from the database connected thereto, The receiving station generates a response signal based on the information held in the database and the response signal is transmitted to the apparatus. The controller of the apparatus than sets the condition of the ignition switch based on the response signal.

In an embodiment of the invention, more than one database is connected to the receiving station. In this way, data stored on more than one database may be used to generate the response signal. For example, in embodiments where the system is used to ensure that a vehicle is road-legal before allowing it to be started, the receiving station may check that the vehicle excise duty (road tax) has been paid, the vehicle has a valid certificate of insurance associated with it and that the vehicle holds a valid MOT (roadworthiness) certificate, where required. This may require two, three or more separate databases to be checked.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling one or more vehicles via the system as defined hereinabove, wherein the method includes the steps of: a. Transmitting the vehicle unique identification code from the ignition control apparatus to the receiving station, b. Interrogating the or each database to determine if the vehicle is permitted to proceed, c. Generating a response signal based on data held in the or each database, d. Transmitting the response signal to the ignition control apparatus, and e. Setting the condition of the ignition switch in response to the response signal.

In an embodiment of the invention, the ignition control apparatus includes a data entry unit and the method includes the steps of: a. Inputting data into the data entry unit, b. Transmitting the vehicle unique identification code from the ignition control apparatus, and optionally the inputted data, to the receiving station, c. Verifying that the inputted data meets a pre-determined criteria, d. Interrogating the or each database to determine if the vehicle is permitted to proceed, e. Generating a response signal based on the data held in the or each database, f. Transmitting the response signal to the ignition control apparatus, and g. Setting the condition of the switch in response to the response signal and the inputted data.

Thus, for example, the driver may have to enter an authorisation code unique to him or her, whereby the apparatus and/or system is able to check that they are authorised to drive the vehicle, or they may have to enter a code to confirm that they have rested for the mandatory period and are permitted to continue with the journey.

In the latter case, the aparatus may include a timeclock which determines when a vehicle is parked and issues a code when a pre-determined time has elapsed during which the vehicle has remained stationary. This code may then be entered by the driver to establish that a mandatory break has been taken and that the vehicle is able to be re-started.

The skilled person will appreciate that the features described and defined in connection with the aspects of the invention and the embodiments thereof may be combined in any combination, regardless of whether the specific combination is expressly mentioned herein. Thus, all such combinations are considered to be made available to the skilled person.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the components of an embodiment of an ignition control apparatus according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing the steps undertaken by the apparatus shown in Figure 1 and an associated receiving station.

Figure shows an ignition control apparatus for a vehicle. At the heart of the apparatus is a microprocessor 2 which includes a memory storage capability. The microprocessor 2 is powered by a power supply 4 taken from the vehicle's electrical system. The microprocessor includes inputs from a primary ignition switch 6 of the vehicle, which is typically a conventional ignition system, and from a GSM communications receiver which is linked to a GSM communications network 8.

The memory of the microprocessor stores an identification code which is unique to the vehicle.

The microprocessor has outputs to a transmitter connected to the GSM communications network 8, to a status indicator 10 which indicates the status of the unit to a user via a red LED, a green LED and a yellow LED, and to a secondary ignition switch 12. The secondary ignition switch 12 is in turn connected to an electrical circuit of an engine 14. The secondary ignition switch has two separate conditions: a first or "off" condition in which electrical power is prevented from being connected to the engine electrical circuit (this may be the starter motor circuit or the ignition circuit of the engine); and a second or "start" condition in which electrical power is connected to the engine, whereupon the engine is capable of starting.

The microprocessor 2 is capable of setting the condition of the secondary ignition switch in response to a response signal received over the GSM communications network 8 via the receiver.

The components and how to programme them for the system shown in Figure 1 are well known to those skilled in the art. As such, a detailed description of the individual components and their programming is not given herein.

Figure 2 shows the steps followed by the apparatus and an associated receiving station (for example based the the DVLA) in use by way of a flow chart.

The first step 20 of the process occurs when the primary ignition switch for the vehicle is activated.

This connects the power supply 4 to the microprocessor 2 and causes the microprocessor 2 to transmit the unique identification code for the vehicle to a receiving station over the GSM communications network 8 (step 22).

At the receiving station, a first database 24 is interrogated to determine if the vehicle excise duty for the vehicle has been paid. If the excise duty has been paid, the receiving station next interrogates a second database 26. However, if it is determined that the vehicle excise duty has not been paid, then a negative response signal is transmitted to the apparatus via the GSM communications network 8, which causes the microprocessor 2 to set the condition of the secondary ignition switch 12 to the "off" condition and to illuminate the red LED of the status indicator 10 to indicate to the driver that the vehicle is not capable of being started.

The second database 26 is interrogated to determine if the vehicle has a valid certificate of insurance associated with it. As with the database 24 described above, if the determination is that the vehicle is validly insured, then the receiving station will interrogate a third database 28. However, if it is determined that the vehicle is not insured, then a negative response signal is transmitted to the apparatus via the GSM communications network 8, which causes the microprocessor 2 to set the condition of the secondary ignition switch 12 to the "off" condition and to illuminate the red LED of the status indicator 10 to indicate to the driver that the vehicle is not capable of being started.

The third database is interrogated to determine if the vehicle is the subject of a valid MOT certificate.

If the result of determination is that the vehicle is the subject of a valid MOT or that an MOT is not required for the vehicle, then the receiving station will then generate a positive response signal in accordance with step 30 and transmit this back to the apparatus over the GSM communications network 8. However, as with the above database interrogations, if it is determined that the vehicle is not the subject of a valid MOT certificate, then a negative response signal is transmitted to the apparatus via the GSM communications network 8, which causes the microprocessor 2 to set the condition of the secondary ignition switch 12 to the "off" condition and to illuminate the red LED of the status indicator 10 to indicate to the driver that the vehicle is not capable of being started.

Upon receipt of a positive response signal being received by the receiver and transmitted to the microprocessor 2, the green LED of the status indicator 10 is illuminated (step 32) and the condition of the secondary ignition switch 12 is set to the "start" condition (step 34), whereupon electrical energy is connected to the relevant electrical circuit of the engine 14 and the engine 14 is allowed to start.

In the event that the GSM communications network is unable to connect to the receiving station, the microprocessor 2 activates an over-ride function and illuminates the yellow LED of the status indicator 10. In this situation, the controller will set the condition of the secondary ignition switch to the "start" condition such that the engine is capable of being started.

In addition to the memory function of the microprocessor 2, the microprocessor 2 further includes a GPS location chip, which is able to identify the location of the vehicle via the GPS satellite system.

In a further embodiment (not shown in the drawings), the apparatus includes an alphanumeric data input keypad connected to the microprocessor 2. In this embodiment, the microprocessor 2 transmits both the unique identification code for the vehicle and the data input by the driver, which is this case is unique to the driver. As well as the three databases 24, 26, 28 described above, the receiving station also interrogates a fourth database which determines if the driver is entitled to drive the vehicle. As with the steps described above in connection with Figure 2, if the receiving station determines that the driver is entitled to drive the vehicle, then a positive response signal is transmitted back to the microprocessor 2 via the GSM communications network 8 and if the driver is not entitled to drive the vehicle, then a negative signal is transmitted back to the microprocessor 2, which sets the condition of the secondary ignition switch 12 accordingly.

Claims

Claims 1. An ignition control apparatus for a vehicle, wherein the apparatus includes a unique identification code; a transmitter adapted to transmit the unique identification code to a receiving station; a receiver adapted to receive a response signal from the receiving station; a controller operatively connected to the receiver and an ignition switch operatively connected to the controller, wherein the ignition switch has a first condition in which power is prevented from being supplied to the ignition system and a second condition in which power is supplied to the ignition system and wherein the controller controls the condition of the ignition switch in response to the signal received by the receiver.
2. An ignition control apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the control apparatus further includes a data entry unit operatively connected to the controller and the controller controls the condition of the ignition switch in response to data entered via the data entry unit and/or the signal received by the receiver.
3. An ignition control apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the controller includes a memory adapted to store data.
4. An ignition control apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller includes an override function which is operable when the transmitter and/or receiver is unable to send a signal to the receiving station or receive a signal from the receiving station.
5. An ignition control apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the control apparatus further includes a tracking apparatus.
6. An ignition control apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmitter and/or receiver operate over a GSM mobile communications network.
7. An ignition control apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is connected to an odometer and the transmitter is further adapted to transmit data from the odometer.
8. An ignition control apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus includes a load weight determination system capable of determining the weight of the load being carried by the vehicle and the transmitter is further adapted to transmit data from the load weight determination system.
9. A vehicle control system including an ignition control apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 8, a receiving station including a receiver and a transmitter, and a database connected to the receiving station.
10. A vehicle control system according to Claim 9 wherein two or more databases are connected to the receiving station.
11. A method of controlling one or more vehicles via the system of Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the method includes the steps of: a. Transmitting the vehicle unique identification code from the ignition control apparatus to the receiving station, b. Interrogating the or each database to determine if the vehicle is permitted to proceed, c. Generating a response signal based on data held in the or each database, d. Transmitting the response signal to the ignition control apparatus, and e. Setting the condition of the switch in response to the response signal.
12. A method according to Claim 11, wherein the ignition control apparatus includes a data entry unit and the method includes the steps of verifying that the data entered via the data entry unit meets a pre-determined criteria and setting the condition of the switch in response to the response signal and the data entered.
13. An ignition control apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
14. A method of controlling a vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.