GB2491909A

GB2491909A - An immobilisation device and system for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2491909A
Application number: GB1115518.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bryan Leslie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-06-15
Filing date: 2011-09-08
Publication date: 2012-12-19
Also published as: GB201115518D0; GB201110075D0

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided an immobilisation device and system for a vehicle, wherein said device communicates with said system to monitor the vehicle's permission status, and wherein said device is able to act upon the status. The device may wirelessly communicate with a database holding insurance or tax details so that it can be ascertained whether the vehicle can be legally driven. An LED badge (figure 1B) located in the vehicle may light up red or green so as to indicate whether the device has prevented or allowed the vehicle to be used. A console (figure 1A) which accepts a users key card and pass code may be provided, said console being either removable or permanently located in the vehicle. The console may contain the permission details of the vehicle. The LED badge may communicate with the remote database without the need for the console.

Description

AN IMMOBILISATION DEVICE AND SYSTEM

Reid of the Invention The present invention relates to an immobilisation device and system, more particularly for a vehicle.

Background

Most countries operate systems for insurance of vehicles, road tax or duty, and roadworthiness tests (such as the Ministry of Transport roadworthiness test the MOT in the United Kingdom).

The dangers of uninsured, un-taxed and un-roadworthy drivers and vehicles on our roads are well known and appreciated.

Depending on the existence of the above mentioned safeguards, many attempts to prevent these drivers have been posited through the past, from public awareness campaigns to police and governmental enforcement.

Increasing computerisation has aided the prosecution of parties of those having no road tax, and computerised databases are available for all of the above.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed and granted in the past in an effort to deal with this problem or similar, including the following: International patent application WO 2007 036 755 (PEREZ et al) discloses a system for measuring the exposure time of the coverages offered by an insurance company, characterized in that it comprises: Uploading and downloading means comprising a central computer, computers located at distributors and a device for transferring the information contained in the event recording means to the computer at the company headquarters. User means provided with a USB or mini USB port, a push button, an LCD display LED's, a non-volatile memory, a device for integrating a microcontroller with a wireless communication module, and a battery; Event recording means installed in the vehicle, and connected to the insured object only through its main power supply, being comprised of a power supply element having voltage regulation, a relay, acceleration sensors, non-volatile memory, a device for integrating activity control and signal processing with wireless communication, the modules and/or modems for said wireless communication and operation event indicator LED's.

Granted United States patent US 7 296 736 (YAMAGIWA) discloses a product management system comprising: a) a database for correlating key information relating to a product and owner information in relation to an owner of the product, and for storing the key information and the owner information therein; b) owner identification means for reading out key information from an IC tag fixed to the product and having already stored therein the key information relating to the product, and for reading out from the database owner information which has been correlated with the key information thus read out; c) card issuance means for issuing a card having a storage medium for storing the key information; and d) identifying means for identifying a valid owner of the product by checking and comparing key information read out from the storage medium of the card, key information read out from the IC tag, and key information read out from the database.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 388 228 (GOODE) discloses a system whereby weekly payments towards road tax MOT and insurance are made at post offices or petrol stations. A control centre then forwards credit information to a control chip in a car via a satellite. The control chip has means for displaying (visually and audibly) credit information. The control chip can immobilise the car.

Granted European patent EP 1 467 899 (GEBER et al) discloses a locking system, for operation-independent access authorization and/or driving authorization in the form of a keyless entry/go function and/or for the operation-dependent access authorization and/or driving authorization for a motor vehicle, having a first device which is embodied as a control device and has at least two states, such as a control device for unlocking and/or locking car doors, the ignition lock, the steering wheel locking means, for enabling and/or disabling the immobilizer, the engine control unit, and having an associated second device which is embodied in the manner of an electronic key, of an lD transmitter, a chip card, the two devices having, for their intended operation, means for transmitting and/or receiving signals, in particular at least one of the signals which are transmitted between the second device and the first device being a coded operating signal for authenticating the second device so that, after positive evaluation of the operating signal which is transmitted, a change in the state of the first device can be brought about when the second device is authorized, characterized in that, before the second device is firstly activated, it is in a sleep state in which no operation-independent function is permitted and which has reduced consumption of energy, and in that, during the first operator-dependent authentication, the second device is changed over, in the manner of a first authentication, from the sleep state into a standby state in which an operation-independent function is at least partially made possible, it being possible to carry out the initial authentication after the second device has been inserted into a receptacle of an electronic ignition lock is implemented in that after the second device has been plugged with its front part into the receptacle, the inductive transmission of energy from the ignition lock to the second device switches and the second device is reset to the standby state after authentication switching operations have been carried out as

required by specifications.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 322 910 (MIRZAI) discloses a form of immobilising system combined with a form of programmable interface to allow secure holding of road tax, MOT and insurance data and PIN' code for a particular vehicle.

Also included in the system is a permanent memory holding data relating to the individual features of the vehicle. Post offices andfor government agencies will have systems to program the device with the required data and some form of universal interface would be available to police, traders and other parties who require access to a number of vehicles. A central system connected to the vehicle ignition system may have a dashboard-mounted interface which handshakes with a face-off panel which gives a visual warning of impending expiry. The system will allow effective, secure, permanent storage of the identifying features of a car. This would prevent the possibility of ringing' a car by changing the engine or registration details. A car incorporating this system would be harder to steal, more difficult to change and sell and therefore less appealing to a potential thief.

In contrast the present invention immobilises cars that are stolen or have no valid road tax, insurance or (as is needed in the United Kingdom) Ministry of Transport roadworthiness certification (MOT).

The use of the present invention will ensure lower insurance premiums, more revenue to the government and safer roads, which benefits millions of tax payers.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an immobilisation device and system for a vehicle, wherein said device communicates with said system to monitor the vehicle's permission status, and wherein said device is able to act upon the status.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the device is installed into a vehicle, preferably near the vehicle's dashboard or user interface. In order to start the vehicle the user will typically therefore input data and/or insert a key.

The device is ideally able to communicate with a remote system whereby the device will interrogate the system in order to ensure that for example the user is allowed to drive the vehicle and/or the vehicle is able to be driven.

Some embodiments of the device and system may be incorporated in the device, and said devices may allow a party, such as a garage to input data.

in further embodiments the system and device may be incorporated at the vehicle in a plurality of elements.

For example, a garage may perform an MOT test and approve a vehicle roadworthy.

The garage may then be able to input the expiry date of said MOT into the device/system, whereby either the system is remote or included in the device, and the device/indicator displays the date or impending date as appropriate. In some embodiments the vehicle may be immobilised after said date.

In some embodiments the garage may be able to input the data with a tamper proof code or key.

The remote system will therefore ideally have access to databases that contain relevant details regarding the user and/or the vehicle. For example this database may be, or be in communication with, the national register of vehicle insurance details, or driving licence details or vehicle roadworthiness details, such as in the United Kingdom the Ministry of Transport (MOT) who provide MOT certificates to assure roadworthiness.

In preferred embodiments the device is provided with a key or key card and additionally with a data input facility. In this way the user to start or use the vehicle the user must pass through a two stage process for security and certainty.

As a key further embodiments may include remote or wireless connectivity, such as for example BLUETOOTH (Trade Mark).

As well as a facility to immobilise the vehicle and prevent its use, preferred embodiments of the device may be disposed to provide local visual or aural warnings or alerts. Additionally or in the alternative warnings or alerts may be transmitted remotely such as to the databases with which the device is in communication.

Local warnings or alerts may include flashing lights and sirens, in order to attract attention of passers by, or in the event of the alert being triggered by an appropriate circumstance, such as a diagnosis of a theft circumstance.

These local warnings may be provided using existing vehicle warning infrastructure such as indication lights or vehicle alarms; in addition or in the alternative they may be provided using dedicated parts, such as a wired in sign.

Some embodiments may include a variety of alerts or warnings in response to a variety of circumstances; for example upon diagnosis of impending expiration of road tax the device may trigger a flashing warning on the sign.

Such a visual indication is likely to increase the likelihood of the vehicle's driver remembering to renew their tax, as third parties will be alerted to the situation also.

In order to facilitate this, a display on the vehicle may be fixed to a part of the vehicle that is readily viewable and contemporaneously difficult to obscure. For example a fixed display on, in or to a window or front or rear windscreen or windshield would ensure visibility. In the preferred embodiment a display is to be affixed to the rear screen of a vehicle1 ideally fixed by glue in a tamper-proof fashion.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. -Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show isometric views of the device and system elements for installation in a vehicle; Figures 2 show reverse isometric views of the same elements; And Figure 3 shows a wiring diagram for the same elements.

Detailed Description of Fiqure

The preferred and pictured embodiment of the system includes the device (IA and 2A) for installation in the vehicle (not shown). This device has a touch screen and the user inserts their key card (not pictured) into a slot provided on the device. In preferred embodiments the user will also enter their passcode when prompted.

Typically this will only be after renewal of details or permissions, said renewals may occur remotely. For example the key card may be enabled to be charged at a post office or similar facility.

It is envisaged that the system may be installed in the vehicle from manufacture or retro4it. The benefits may be reduced tax or insurance premiums.

The console pictured in Figure IA and 2A can either be permanently attached to the dashboard with the fixing plate (Figure IC and 2C) or can be removable with a second suction pad option (Figure 1 D and 2D).

The device is ideally in use fixed into a holding plate as pictured in Figure IC and 2C which is ideally attached to a fixed place on the vehicle. This plate includes a socket joint, fixing plate, power cable, an aerial for transceiving or receiving capabilities, printed circuit board (PCB), battery, rear casing, strip light emitting diodes (LEDs), and transparent cover.

The LED badge pictured in Figure 16 and 26 lights up either green or red to indicate whether there is a problem with the car's details. The badge may be envisaged to act as a form of electronic tax disc.

If everything is, ok the car will start as normal and the badge will glow green.

With any discrepancies, the car will be immobilised and the badge on the front and back will flash red until it is rectified.

Once the card has been inserted, the initial screen prompts the user to input their passcode.

lithe passcode is incorrect then the user is alerted and prompted to retry.

With the correct passcode, the user is notified and the device continues to check the cars details.

At all times the status of the car or vehicle is displayed by the LED badge I B, 2B.

If invalid, the user is notified of the problem, the car may be immobilised and the badge glows red.

If correct the user is free to start their car as normal and the badge glows green.

Within the concept of this system the LED badge may also be provided as a standalone receiver Figure 3, 3B. Offering a solution that does not require a console IA and 2A or fixing plate 1C and 2C within the vehicle. This also not requiring suction pad 1 0 and 2D.

This being applied onto the interior of the windscreen as a tamper free unit or within the confines of the windscreen itself, to be disposed of when the windscreen is removed. This may derive an LED badge 3B that is powered by a solar unit 3E.

The solar unit feeds the badge 3B by drawing light from the outside of the vehicle. A signal 3G is received from the motor authority with information to the receiver 3F encased in the badge 3B. It may be possible to power the LED badge solely using the solar unit 3E it is also thought that this could be supported using a power supply from the battery 3H.

The badge 38 may provide positive or negative warnings using red or green LED lights as previously described, these may not relate to making the vehicle disabled as an option.

This version provides what is a receiver 3F of transmitted information 3G from a motoring authority such as the DVLA and more of a display to others of the status of those vehicles certifications, such as, road tax, insurance, MOT etc. If all certifications as up to date a green LED is display on the badge 3B and if any of them are not legal or verified as up to date a red display is shown to make others aware of this visually when they look at the front or rear of the vehicle.

The receiver of said transmission may be installed within the badge itself or with the vehicle 3F and transmitting from its position within the vehicle short range to the badge with a local signal SI.

A tracking or vehicle location device 3H may also be installed showing a red light display on the badge 3B when in violation, as with said certifications. It may be possible to incorporate this tracking device with a vehicle immobiliser to prevent it being stolen as previously mentioned. a

Claims

Claims 1. An immobilisation device and system for a vehicle, wherein said device communicates with said system to monitor the vehicle's permission status, and wherein said device is able to act upon the status.
2. An immobilisation device or system according to claim I having wireless connectivity.
3. An immobilisation device or system according to claims I or 2 in use cooperating'with an indicator for indicating data relating to the immobilisation.
4. A system according to claim 3 wherein the indicator displays when an MOT certificate is due for renewal.
5. A system and device according to a preceding claim wherein the device is operable with a key card.
6. A system and device according to a preceding claim wherein the device and system are incorporated in the device.
7. A system including a device according to a preceding claim.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. An electronic vehicle tax display and system, wherein an illuminating display replaces the known yçqlq paper!??i dc on the winsc-reen,! 2. An electronic vehicle tax display and system, as claimed in claim 1 wherein an illuminating display replaces the paper tax disc of a vehicle and alerts onlookers to the legality of said vehicle.3. An electronic vehicle tax display and system, as claimed in claim 2 wherein the display may transmit the legal status of a vehicle using available wireless communications of authorities.4. An electronic vehicle tax display and system, as claimed in claim 3 has wireless connectivity.
S. An electronic vehicle tax display and system, alerts authorities and onlookers because it illuminates in a colour that reflects the vehicle status.6. An electronic vehicle tax display and system, as claimed in claim S wherein, the display shows a coloured illumination to confirm if the vehicle to which it is attached is legal to operate on the road.7. An electronic vehicle tax display and system, as claimed in claim 6 wherein, the display shows a further coloured illumination to confirm if the vehicle to which it is attached is not legal or illegal for road operation or use.8. An electronic vehicle tax display and system, wherein the vehicle status display may be powered via various methods to suit the status of the vehicle, including solar, battery and ignition powered supply; a a.....*
9. An electronic vehicle tax display and system, as claimed in all previous claims is a display that replaces the known or existThg road tax disc of a car or vetilde1 erting authories or onlookers with coloured lights or illumination and a transmitted signal status, being attached to the windscreen externally or internally and is able to be powered in a myriad of ways. * ** * a a S... St SS S S * *5