GB2533904A

GB2533904A - Authenticated tracking method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2533904A
Application number: GB1417534.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Morris Owen; Rohain Hashmat; Jenkins Samuel; Zabari Jonathan; Lester Benjamin; Allen Alex; Coulson Vanessa; Munkler Markus; Calvin Chalk Matthew; Curley Tony; Jasuja Megha
Original assignee: Vodafone IP Licensing Ltd; Aviva Insurance Ltd
Current assignee: Vodafone IP Licensing Ltd; Aviva Insurance Ltd
Priority date: 2014-10-03
Filing date: 2014-10-03
Publication date: 2016-07-13
Also published as: GB201417534D0

Abstract

A method of enabling a mobile device in a communication network to act as an authenticated tracking device for a server is provided. A method, performed at the mobile device,comprises receiving driver identity information and vehicle identity information 202 and transmitting the information to a server for verification 204. Mobile device identity information associated with the mobile device, such as a phone number, is also received and transmitted to the server for authentication. Upon verification and authentication, activation data from the server is received to enable the mobile device to activate an insurance policy 206 computed at the server based on the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information. An indication as to when a journey has started can be received 208, and location data of the mobile device during the journey is recorded 210. An indication of an end of the journey can be received 212, and location data is transmitted to the server for determination of a distance travelled 214. Summary data is received from the server 216, said summary data indicating an insurance premium for the journey based on the insurance policy and the distance travelled. Authentication of the mobile device may comprise two-channel authentication.

Description

AUTHENTICATED TRACKING METHOD AND APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[1] This invention relates to a method of enabling a mobile device in a communication network to act as an authenticated tracking device for a server. The invention is particularly suited for providing authenticated tracking of a vehicle during the course of a journey and enabling a range of products and services to be provided based on the authenticated tracking. For example, the invention finds application in providing a driver with an insurance policy for a journey.

BACKGROUND

[2] It is possible to retrofit a bespoke monitoring device to a vehicle for monitoring the driving behaviour of the driver. This enables a picture of average driving behaviour to be built up from data collected by the device. However, typically, such devices do not differentiate between the driving behaviour of the main driver and any additional drivers and it takes some considerable time to establish a reliable picture of the average driving behaviour of the one or more drivers of the vehicle.

[3] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an improved technique for providing a tracking device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[4] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of enabling at a mobile device in a communication network to act as an authenticated tracking device for a server, server the method, performed at the mobile device, comprising: receiving as inputs driver identity information and vehicle identity information; transmitting the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information to a server for verification; receiving as user input mobile device identity information associated with the mobile device; transmitting the mobile device identity information to the server for authentication; upon verification and authentication, receiving activation data from the server, said activation data enabling the mobile device to activate an insurance policy computed at the server based on the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information; receiving as a user input an indication indicating a journey has started; recording location data of the mobile device during the journey; receiving as a user input a stop indication indicating an end of the journey; transmitting the location data to the server for enabling determination of a distance travelled; and receiving summary data from the server, said summary data indicating an insurance premium for the journey based on the insurance policy and the distance travelled.

[5] The location data for enabling determination of a distance travelled may comprise a full location history recorded by the mobile device during the journey, or alternatively a summary of the location history sufficient for enabling determination of a distance travelled during the journey.

[6] Preferably, authentication of the mobile device comprises performing two-channel authentication of the mobile device.

[7] Preferably, the mobile device identity information comprises a phone number of the mobile device, transmitting the mobile device identity information to the server comprises transmitting an authentication request to the server in a first channel, and performing two-channel authentication of the mobile device comprises: receiving in a second channel an authentication response comprising an authentication code from the server; receiving as a user input the authentication code; transmitting in the first channel the authentication code to the server; and receiving an authentication complete message from the server.

[8] Preferably, the second channel is a radio channel of a cellular telecommunications network and the authentication response comprises a short message service message.

[9] Preferably, the driver identity information comprises a driving licence identifier and verifying the driver identity information comprises receiving from the server a driver verification message based on the server having verified the driving licence identifier by communicating with a driving licence authority server of a driving licence authority.

[10] Preferably, the vehicle identity information comprises a vehicle registration identifier and verifying the vehicle identity information comprises receiving from the server a vehicle verification message based on the server having verified the vehicle registration identifier by communicating with a vehicle registration authority server of a vehicle registration authority.

[11] Preferably, the activation data comprises an insurance quote.

[12] Preferably, the method comprises receiving as a user input a scheduled destination of the journey, and wherein the activation data is based on a current location of the mobile device and the scheduled destination.

[13] Preferably, the insurance quote comprises a price per unit distance.

[14] Preferably, the activation data and/or the insurance premium are based on at least one driver detail obtained by the server using the driver identity information.

[15] Preferably, the at least one driver detail comprises an age of the driver.

[16] Preferably, the at least one driver detail comprises a driving restriction of the driver.

[17] Preferably, the activation data and/or the insurance premium are based on at least one vehicle detail obtained by the server using the vehicle identity information.

[18] Preferably, the at least one vehicle detail comprises an age of the vehicle.

[19] Preferably, the at least one vehicle detail comprises a vehicle model and/or a vehicle manufacturer.

[20] Preferably, the activation data and/or the insurance premium are based on at least one subscriber detail of the driver obtained by the server from a mobile service provider to which the mobile device is subscribed using the mobile device identity information.

[21] Preferably, the subscriber detail comprises a payment record of payments by the driver to the mobile service provider.

[22] Preferably, the activation data is based on weather forecast information obtained by the server.

[23] Preferably, the insurance premium is based on a travelled route and the travelled route is based on the location data.

[24] Preferably, the insurance premium is based on a driver safety score for the journey and the driver safety score is based on the location data.

[25] Preferably, the insurance premium is based on a previous driver safety score of the driver based on previous location data.

[26] Preferably, the insurance premium is based on recorded weather information of the journey obtained by the server.

[27] Preferably, recording the location data comprises recording location data relating to a location of the mobile device when the indication indicating the journey has started is received and recording location data relating to a location of the mobile device when the stop indication is received.

[28] Preferably, recording the location data comprises recording location data throughout the duration of the journey.

[29] Preferably, the method comprises recording the location data at least once per second.

[30] Preferably, the location data comprises global positioning system data [31] Preferably, the location data comprises WiFi positioning system data.

[32] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided computer program code which when run on a mobile device causes the mobile device to perform a method according to the first aspect.

[33] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product comprising computer readable code according to the second aspect.

[34] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile device comprising: a machine-readable storage medium; and executable program instructions embodied in the machine readable storage medium that when executed by the mobile device causes the mobile device to perform a method according to the first aspect.

[35] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of enabling a mobile device in a communication network to act as an authenticated tracking device for a server, the method, performed at the server, comprising: receiving driver identity information and vehicle identity information from the mobile device; verifying the driver identity information and vehicle identity information; receiving mobile device identity information associated with the mobile device from the mobile device; authenticating the mobile device using the mobile device identity information; upon verification and authentication, providing activation data to the mobile device, said activation data enabling the mobile device to activate an insurance policy computed at the server based on the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information; receiving, from the mobile device, location data of the mobile device for determining a distance travelled, the location data relating at least to a plurality of locations of the mobile device during a user-defined journey; determining summary data, said summary data indicating an insurance premium for the journey based on the insurance policy and the distance travelled; and transmitting the summary data to the mobile device.

[36] Preferably, authentication of the mobile device comprises performing a two-channel authentication of the mobile device.

[37] Preferably, the mobile device identity information comprises a phone number of the mobile device, receiving the mobile device identity information comprises receiving an authentication request in a first channel, and performing two-channel authentication of the mobile device comprises: generating an authentication response comprising an authentication code; transmitting in a second channel the authentication response to the mobile device; receiving in the first channel the authentication code from the mobile device; and transmitting an authentication complete message to the mobile device.

[38] Preferably, the second channel is a radio channel of a cellular telecommunications network and the authentication response comprises a short message service message.

[39] Preferably, the driver identity information comprises a driving licence identifier and verifying the driver identity information comprises: communicating with a driving licence authority server of a driving licence authority to obtain confirmation that the driving licence identifier is associated with a valid driving licence; and transmitting a driver verification message based on the confirmation to the mobile device.

[40] Preferably, the vehicle identity information comprises a vehicle registration identifier and verifying the vehicle identity information comprises: communicating with a vehicle registration authority server of a vehicle registration authority to obtain confirmation that the vehicle registration identifier is associated with a valid vehicle registration; and transmitting a vehicle verification message based on the confirmation to the mobile device.

[41] Preferably, the activation data comprises an insurance quote.

[42] Preferably, the method comprises receiving a current location of the mobile device and a user-defined scheduled destination of the journey from the mobile device; and basing the activation data on the current location and the scheduled destination.

[43] Preferably, the insurance quote comprises a price per unit distance.

[44] Preferably, the method comprises obtaining at least one driver detail using the driver identity information; and basing the activation data and/or the insurance premium on the at least one driver detail.

[45] Preferably, the at least one further driver detail comprises an age of the driver.

[46] Preferably, the at least one driver detail comprises a driving restriction of the driver.

[47] Preferably, the method comprises obtaining at least one vehicle detail using the vehicle identity information; and basing the activation data and/or the insurance premium on the at least one vehicle detail.

[48] Preferably, the at least one vehicle detail comprises an age of the vehicle.

[49] Preferably, the at least one vehicle detail comprises a vehicle model and/or a vehicle manufacturer.

[50] Preferably, the method comprises obtaining at least one subscriber detail of the driver from a mobile service provider to which the mobile device is subscribed using the mobile device identity information; and basing the activation data and/or the insurance premium on the at least one subscriber detail.

[51] Preferably, the subscriber detail comprises a payment record of payments by the driver to the mobile service provider.

[52] Preferably, the method comprises obtaining weather forecast information; and basing the activation data on the weather forecast information.

[53] Preferably, the method comprises determining a travelled route based on the location data; and basing the insurance premium on the travelled route.

[54] Preferably, the method comprises determining a driver safety score for the journey on the location data; and basing the insurance premium on the driver safety score.

[55] Preferably, the method comprises basing the insurance premium on a previous driver safety score of the driver based on previous location data.

[56] Preferably, the method comprises obtaining recorded weather information of the journey; and basing the insurance premium on the recorded weather information.

[57] Preferably, the location data indicates the location of the mobile device at a start of the journey and at an end of the journey.

[58] Preferably, the location data indicates the location of the mobile device throughout the duration of the journey.

[59] Preferably, the location data indicates the location of the mobile device at least once per second.

[60] Preferably, the location data comprises global positioning system data.

[61] Preferably, the location data comprises WiFi positioning system data.

[62] In a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided computer program code which when run on a computer causes the computer to perform a method according to the fifth aspect.

[63] In a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product comprising computer readable code according to the sixth aspect.

[64] In an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a carrier medium carrying computer readable code which when run on a computer causes the computer to perform a method according to the fifth aspect.

[65] In a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a server comprising: a machine-readable storage medium; and executable program instructions embodied in the machine readable storage medium that when executed by the server causes the server to perform a method according to the fifth aspect.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[66] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following drawings of which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication network comprising a server and a mobile device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method performed at the mobile device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method performed at the server according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method performed at the mobile device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 5 to 13 are schematic diagrams illustrating screenshots of the mobile device at various stages of performing the method referred to in relation to Figure 4; Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method performed at the server according to the second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating components of the server according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[67] Throughout the drawings, like reference symbols refer to like features or steps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[68] The inventors have found that it is possible to enable a mobile device in a communication network to act as an authenticated tracking device for a server and to thereby enable a range of products and services to be provided based on the authenticated tracking. For example, the invention may be used for providing authenticated tracking of a vehicle during the course of a journey and for providing an insurance policy specifically for that journey.

[69] For example, the inventors have found that it is possible to provide an accurate insurance premium for a single journey by measuring aspects of the journey and calculating a premium based on the measured variables. By creating and accessing accurate data relating to a single journey, insurance products can be offered straight away without the need to measure average driver behaviour over an extended period of time to create an accurate premium tailored to the driver. This approach also reduces the cost of insuring a single journey for drivers because insurance can be purchased covering only the journey actually made, rather than having to pay a full day rate which is the minimum unit of driving insurance generally available in the prior ad.

[70] The invention is suited to providing a way of arranging insurance for an additional driver of a vehicle. Generally to obtain insurance for an additional driver the vehicle is already insured with a main driver and optionally a limited number of other named drivers, for example second and third named drivers on the existing insurance policy. Using the invention, an additional driver may pay a micropremium for an insurance policy for a single journey in the vehicle. Thus, the invention will find particular use, for example, in the insurance of journeys made by young drivers borrowing the vehicle of a family member, or in the insurance of journeys made by friends borrowing each other's cars.

[71] According to the invention, the driver's mobile phone or other mobile device is taken on the journey and used to track the location of the vehicle during the journey. The location data can be used to provide a range of information about the journey, such as distance travelled, road types used, driver acceleration and braking behaviour, which is used to calculate an accurate insurance premium for the driver.

[72] Referring to Figure 1, the mobile device 2 of the driver transmits the location data to a server 4 via a communications network 6 such as a cellular telecommunications network. The location data is processed by the server where an algorithm is run for calculating the insurance premium. By using this arrangement, minimal information is required to be inputted by the driver at the mobile device 2 because inputted information can be used by the server 4 as a basis to obtaining further information, for example further information relating to the driver or the vehicle, from other sources via the communications network 6. For example, the server 4 may by arrangement with a phone service provider of the mobile device 2 obtain details relating to the driver from a server of the phone service provider via the communications network 6. This approach enables the driver conveniently to input a limited amount of basic information to the mobile device 2 and the server 4 to access further information from other servers for calculating an accurate insurance premium for the driver's journey.

[73] A method performed at the mobile device 2 of arranging an insurance policy for a journey according to the first embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 2. The mobile device 2 receives driver identity information and vehicle identity information at step 202 as user inputs from the driver. For example, the user may input the driver identity information and vehicle identity information by using a keyboard displayed on a touch-sensitive screen of the mobile device 2 or by using voice recognition functionality of the mobile device 2. The driver identity information may, for example, comprise a driving licence number of the driver and the vehicle identity information may, for example, comprise a vehicle registration number of the vehicle the driver will use for the journey. At step 204 the mobile device verifies the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information. This verification step may involve communicating with the server 4 which may perform additional steps for achieving the verification and receiving a message from the server 4 confirming that the driver identity information and vehicle identity information have been verified. In this context, verification may be based on a confirmation that a driving licence number is a valid driving licence number or that a vehicle registration number is a valid vehicle registration number. Without the driver holding a valid driving licence or without the driver providing a valid registration number for the vehicle, an insurance policy is not arranged.

[74] If the driver identity information and vehicle identity information have been successfully verified, the mobile device 2 obtains an insurance quote at step 206 by communicating with the server 4. The insurance quote is calculated at the server 4 and may be based on a range of factors as will be described below. The received insurance quote may be displayed to the driver on a display of the mobile device 2 so that the driver can check he or she is happy with the quote. The quote displayed to the user may be presented as an estimated price per mile or other unit of distance for the proposed journey. Thus, it is not necessary for the journey distance or destination to be input by the driver in order for the mobile device 2 to obtain an insurance quote.

[75] If the driver is happy with the quoted premium, the journey and the insurance policy can be started. For this, the driver sits in the vehicle with the mobile device 2. When the driver is ready to start the journey, the mobile device 2 receives a start indication as a user input from the driver at step 208 which causes the insurance policy to enter into force. The driver may then start driving with the journey being insured. In order to monitor the journey and collect data for measuring various aspects of the journey and driving behaviour of the driver, the mobile device records location data of the mobile device 2 at step 210.

[76] At the end of the journey the mobile device 2 receives a stop indication as a user input at step 212 indicating that the journey has ended. This causes the insurance policy to terminate and defines an end of the journey for the purposes of the insurance policy. Once the journey has ended, the mobile device 2 transmits the recorded location data at step 214 to the server 4 for using as a basis for calculating the total price of the insurance premium. Alternatively, instead of transmitting all the location data after the stop indication has been received, the mobile device 2 may transmit batches of location data to the server 4 throughout the course of the journey and may send a final batch of location data for the journey after receiving the stop indication from the driver. In either case, once the insurance premium has been calculated the mobile device receives the insurance premium from the server 4 at step 216 and may display the final price to the driver or otherwise confirm the total price to the driver, for example by emailing an invoice to the driver if the driver identity information includes an email address.

[77] Referring to Figure 3, a corresponding method performed at the server 4 according to the first embodiment of the invention will now be described. The server receives driver information and vehicle identity information at step 302 in one or more messages transmitted by the mobile device 2. As indicated above, the driver identity information may comprise a driving licence number of the driver and the vehicle identity information may comprise a vehicle registration number of the vehicle the driver proposes to drive. The server 4 verifies the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information at step 304. For example, if the driver identity information comprises a driving licence number of the driver, the server 4 may contact a server of a driver licencing authority via the communication network 6 to request confirmation that the driving licence number provided by the driver is a valid driving licence number. Similarly, if the vehicle identity information comprises a vehicle registration number, the server 4 may contact a server of a vehicle registration authority to request confirmation that the vehicle registration number provided by the driver is a valid vehicle registration number.

[78] Having successfully verified the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information, the server 4 provides an insurance quote at step 306 to the mobile device 2. The server 4 provides the insurance quote by running an algorithm that takes into account a range of input factors including the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information. The server 4 may additionally retrieve other information via the communication network 6 for calculating the insurance quote, for example predicted weather conditions for the local area of a current location of the mobile device retrievable from another server such as a weather forecast server.

[79] If the insurance quote is acceptable to the driver, the mobile device receives a start indication, records location data and receives a stop indication as described above, and transmits the location data to the server 4. The server 4 receives the location data at step 308 and determines the insurance premium at step 310. In order to determine the insurance premium a range of factors may be taken into account. One approach involves adjusting the quote provided previously by taking into account data collected during or after the journey, such as weather recorded during the course of the journey, and converting the per mile price into a total price of the insurance policy based on a distance travelled determined from the location data. If the location data includes a start location and an end location of the journey, the distance travelled could be determined based on an estimated route. If the location data includes location data at regular time intervals throughout the course of the journey, the distance travelled could be determined based on a measured route. When the server 4 has calculated the insurance premium it transmits it to the mobile device 2 at step 312.

[80] A method performed at the mobile device 2 of arranging an insurance policy for a journey according to the second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to 13.

[81] Referring to Figure 4, the mobile device 2 receives a driver name, email address and driving licence number as user inputs from the driver at step 402. For example, the mobile device 2 may display a driver details input screen 502 as shown in Figure 5 comprising input fields 504 for enabling the user (i.e. the driver) to input their first name, last name, email address and driving licence number using a touchscreen of the mobile device 2 operable by a pop-up touchscreen keyboard displayable on the device.

[82] Once the name, email address and driving licence number have been received, the mobile device 2 receives driver payment details as user inputs and transmits them to the sewer 4 at step 404. In order to receive the driver payment details, the mobile device may present a payment details screen 602 as shown in Figure 6 comprising input fields 604 for enabling the user to input their debit or credit card details for arranging a transaction.

[83] At step 406, the mobile device 2 receives a phone number as a user input and transmits the phone number to the sewer 4. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the mobile device may present a mobile number screen 702 comprising an input field 704 for enabling the user to input their mobile number and a confirmation button 706 for confirming the entered mobile number.

[84] A two-channel authentication process in which the mobile device 2 is authenticated to the server 4 is carried out at step 408. The server 4 generates an authentication code such as a randomly generated four-digit personal identification number (PIN) and transmits it to the mobile device 2 by using the received mobile number to specify the destination of the authentication code. Different communication channels are used for providing the phone number to the server 4 and sending the authentication code to the mobile device 2. For example, if the mobile device 2 transmits the phone number to the server 4 in a cellular data channel, the server 4 could transmit the authentication code to the mobile device 2 as a short message service (SMS) message. To complete the authentication process, the mobile device 2 receives the authentication code as a user input and transmits it to the server in the communication channel that was previously used to provide the mobile number to the server 4. For example, the mobile device 2 may display an authentication code input screen 802 as shown in Figure 8 comprising an authentication input field 804 for enabling the user to input a four-digit PIN received by SMS.

[85] If the authentication code transmitted to the server 4 matches the authentication code transmitted by the server 4 to the destination specified by the mobile number, the authentication is successfully completed and the mobile device 2 requests acceptance of a set of terms and conditions at step 410. For example, the mobile device 2 may present a terms and conditions screen 902 as shown in Figure 9 comprising a terms and conditions link 904 for enabling the user to view the terms and conditions, and an accept button 906 for enabling the user to confirm that they have accepted the terms and conditions.

[86] At step 412, the mobile device 2 receives a vehicle registration number as a user input and transmits it to the server 4. The mobile device 2 may display a quoting screen 1002 as shown in Figure 10 comprising a vehicle registration number input field 1004 for enabling the user to input the vehicle registration number. After transmitting the vehicle registration number to the server 4 the mobile device receives an insurance quote, for example 'about 14p a mile', from the server 4 and displays it at step 414 on the quoting screen 1002 as indicated by arrow 1006 in Figure 10. The mobile device 2 may also display a name of the vehicle manufacturer and model received from the server 4 on the basis of the vehicle registration number as indicated by arrow 1008 as a visual verification to the user that the correct vehicle type has been identified based on the inputted vehicle registration number. Together with the displayed quote 1006, the mobile device 2 may display a GO button 1010 for receiving a user input indicating the start of the journey. If the user is happy with the received quote, the mobile device 2 receives a start indication as a user input from the user, such as by the user operating the GO button 1010, and transmits the start indication to the server 4 at step 416. This initiates the insurance policy and from this point the journey is insured.

[87] After receiving the start indication the mobile device 2 may display a cover started indication 1102 on a cover started screen 1104 as shown in Figure 11. At step 418 the mobile device 2 receives a journey reference, for example in the form of an alphanumeric code, from the server 4 and displays it, for example as a tag 1106 in the cover started screen 1104 as shown in Figure 11. At this point the driver may start the journey with the insurance policy for the journey in place.

[88] During the course of the journey the mobile device 2 records location data (step 420) of the mobile device 2 for tracking the journey, for example using GPS or WiFi, preferably at least once per second throughout the journey. If the mobile device 2 is out of coverage for part of the journey, it may record data during the parts of the journey during which there is coverage. In a different approach, the mobile device 2 may record location data only at the start and end of the journey.

[89] When the journey has finished the driver terminates the insurance policy. For this, the mobile device 2 receives a stop indication at step 422, for example by the user operating a STOP button 1108, and transmits the location data to the server. The location data may be transmitted at the end of the journey, or alternatively in batches throughout the journey. After receiving the stop indication from the user, the mobile device displays a 'cover finished' indication at step 424, for example as indicated by arrow 1202 in Figure 12 in a cover finished screen 1204. The mobile device may display a view journey button 1206 operable by a user for receiving a user input requesting journey cost and statistics to be displayed. At step 426, the mobile device 2 receives the insurance premium for the journey and journey statistics from the server 4 and displays them, for example on a view journey screen 1302 as shown in Figure 13. In the example shown in Figure 13, the total cost is indicated at arrow 1304 as being £2.76. A map 1306 of the route from Newbury to London is displayed, together with journey statistics 1308 comprising a journey distance of 63.3 miles and a journey duration of 1 hour 13 minutes. The journey statistics 1308 may also comprise a driver score indicating how well or safely the driver drove during the journey based on the location data recorded by the mobile device 2.

[90] A method performed at the server 4 of arranging an insurance policy for a journey according to the second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 14.

[91] At step 1402 the server 4 receives the driver name, email address and driving licence number of the driver from the mobile device 2 and validates them. The validation may comprise checking that the email address is a valid email address and communicating with a server of a driving licence authority to confirm that the driving licence number is a valid driving licence number, and preferably to confirm that there are no driving restrictions listed against the driving licence number. At step 1404 the server 4 receives driver payment details such as credit or debit card information from the server 4 and manages them. The management may comprise transmitting the payment details to a third party and receiving from the third party a payment details reference for use if the same driver requires insurance for a future journey. In this case it is the third party that arranges transfer of funds for the driver to pay for the insurance policy.

[92] At step 1406 the server 4 receives a phone number from the mobile device 2 and authenticates it using a two-channel authentication process. For the authentication, the server 4 generates an authentication code such as a unique or randomly generated alphanumeric, for example a four digit PIN, and transmits it as an SMS to the phone number provided. The server 4 then receives the authentication code from the mobile device in a different channel, for example a cellular data channel used for receiving the driver details and phone number in steps 1402, 1404 and 1406, and if the received authentication code is the same as the transmitted authentication code completes the authentication process.

[93] The server 4 receives an acceptance message at step 1408 from the mobile device 2 indicating that the user has accepted the terms and conditions of the proposed insurance policy.

[94] At step 1410, the server 4 receives a vehicle registration number from the mobile device 2 and validates it. For the validation, the server 4 may communicate with a server of a vehicle registration authority to confirm that the received vehicle registration number is a valid vehicle registration number.

[95] At this stage the server 4 generates an insurance quote and transmits it to the mobile device 2 (step 1412). The insurance quote may be provided as a price per unit distance, such as a price per mile, and is based on a range of information. For example, the quote may be based on a driver age obtained from the driving licence authority server on the basis of the driving licence number. The quote may also be based on vehicle details such as the vehicle age, manufacturer and model obtained on the basis of the vehicle registration number from the vehicle registration authority server or a server of another vehicle information database. The quote may also be based on other information such as a payment record of the driver obtained from a server of a mobile services provider associated with the mobile device 2. Weather forecasts, local accident blackspots and local road types may also be taken obtained from other servers and into account for calculating the insurance quote. The driver may also input an intended destination of the journey to the mobile device and the server may take this into account for calculating the quote, for example by estimating a route and basing a quote on the estimated route.

[96] If the driver is happy with the quote, the server receives a start indication from the mobile device 2 at step 1414 which triggers the start of the insurance policy. From this point the driver may start the journey in the vehicle and it will be insured. The server generates a journey reference number such as an alphanumeric and transmits it to the mobile device at step 1416.

[97] At step 1418 the server receives location data and a stop indication from the mobile device 2. The location data may for example be received in batches throughout the journey or all at the end of the journey. The location data may comprise GPS location data or WiFi location data and preferably indicates the location of the mobile device 2 at least once per second. If the mobile device 2 runs out of battery or otherwise fails to transmit sufficient location data or a stop indication, the server 4 may set the insurance premium to a full day rate or may otherwise estimate the insurance premium based on the available data. In the absence of data, the server 4 may make other estimations for calculating the insurance premium, for example based on a driver-specified intended destination.

[98] At step 1420 the server generates an insurance premium and journey statistics and transmits them to the mobile device 2. The insurance premium may be generated on the basis of the same or similar information as indicated above for the calculating the quote. In addition, the insurance premium may be generated based on other factors such as a travelled distance based on the location data, a route and road types based on the location data, and recorded weather for the duration of the journey.

[99] The server 4 may trigger the generation of an invoice for delivery to the email address provided by the driver.

[100] For making an insurance claim on an insured journey, the server 4 may receive start and end times and a route from the mobile device or another device of the user and may verify the received information by checking against fimestamps of the start and end of the journey and location data received from the mobile device 2.

[101] Referring to Figure 15, the server 4 may be provided by a computing system 1502 comprising an input/output element 1504, a database 1506, a communications portal 1508, a controller 1510, read only memory (ROM) 1512 and random access memory (RAM) 1514. The controller 1510 comprises an information validate module 1516 for communicating with other servers to validate information received from the mobile device such as a driving licence number and a vehicle registration number; a payment module 1518 for receiving and managing driver payment details; a quote module 1520 for generating an insurance quote; a journey management module 1522 for generating a journey reference and managing receipt and storage of location data; an insurance premium module 1524 for generating an insurance quote; and a journey statistics module 1526 for generating journey statistics on the basis of input data such as location data.

[102] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that optional features of the first embodiment may be incorporated into the second embodiment and that optional features of the second embodiment may be incorporated into the first embodiment.

[103] Functions relating to arranging an insurance policy for a driver of a vehicle may be implemented on computers connected for data communication via the components of a packet data network. Although special purpose devices may be used, such devices also may be implemented using one or more hardware platforms intended to represent a general class of data processing device commonly used so as to implement the event identification functions discussed above, albeit with an appropriate network connection for data communication.

[104] As known in the data processing and communications arts, a general-purpose computer typically comprises a central processor or other processing device, an internal communication bus, various types of memory or storage media (RAM, ROM, EEPROM, cache memory, disk drives etc.) for code and data storage, and one or more network interface cards or ports for communication purposes. The software funcfionalifies involve programming, including executable code as well as associated stored data, e.g. energy usage measurements for a time period already elapsed. The software code is executable by the general-purpose computer that functions as the server or terminal device used for arranging an insurance policy for a driver of a vehicle. In operation, the code is stored within the general-purpose computer platform. At other times, however, the software may be stored at other locations and/or transported for loading into the appropriate general-purpose computer system. Execution of such code by a processor of the computer platform or by a number of computer platforms enables the platform(s) to implement the methodology for arranging an insurance policy for a driver of a vehicle, in essentially the manner performed in the implementations discussed and illustrated herein.

[105] Those skilled in the art will be familiar with the structure of general purpose computer hardware platforms. As will be appreciated, such a platform may be arranged to provide a computer with user interface elements, as may be used to implement a personal computer or other type of work station or terminal device. A general purpose computer hardware platform may also be arranged to provide a network or host computer platform, as may typically be used to implement a server.

[106] For example, a server includes a data communication interface for packet data communication. The server also includes a central processing unit (CPU), in the form of one or more processors, for executing program instructions. The server platform typically includes an internal communication bus, program storage and data storage for various data files to be processed and/or communicated by the server, although the server often receives programming and data via network communications.

[107] A user terminal computer will include user interface elements for input and output, in addition to elements generally similar to those of the server computer, although the precise type, size, capacity, etc. of the respective elements will often different between server and client terminal computers. The hardware elements, operating systems and programming languages of such servers are conventional in nature, and it is presumed that those skilled in the art are adequately familiar therewith. Of course, the server functions may be implemented in a distributed fashion on a number of similar platforms, to distribute the processing load.

[108] Hence, aspects of the methods of arranging an insurance policy for a driver of a vehicle outlined above may be embodied in programming. Program aspects of the technology may be thought of as "products" or "articles of manufacture" typically in the form of executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium and/or in a plurality of such media. "Storage" type media include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer of the organisation providing arranging an insurance policy for a driver of a vehicle services into the arranging an insurance policy for a driver of a vehicle computer platform. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible "storage" media, terms such as computer or machine "readable medium" refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[109] Hence, a machine readable medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the arranging an insurance policy for a driver of a vehicle, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fibre optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media can take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read programming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[110] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[111] Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that various modifications, alterations and/or combinations of features disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of enabling at a mobile device in a communication network to act as an authenticated tracking device for a server, server the method, performed at the mobile device, comprising: receiving as inputs driver identity information and vehicle identity information; transmitting the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information to a server for verification; receiving as user input mobile device identity information associated with the mobile device; transmitting the mobile device identity information to the server for authentication; upon verification and authentication, receiving activation data from the server, said activation data enabling the mobile device to activate an insurance policy computed at the server based on the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information; receiving as a user input an indication indicating a journey has started; recording location data of the mobile device during the journey; receiving as a user input a stop indication indicating an end of the journey; transmitting the location data to the server for enabling determination of a distance travelled; and receiving summary data from the server, said summary data indicating an insurance premium for the journey based on the insurance policy and the distance travelled.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein authentication of the mobile device comprises performing two-channel authentication of the mobile device.
3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the mobile device identity information comprises a phone number of the mobile device, transmitting the mobile device identity information to the server comprises transmitting an authentication request to the server in a first channel, and performing two-channel authentication of the mobile device comprises: receiving in a second channel an authentication response comprising an authentication code from the server; receiving as a user input the authentication code; transmitting in the first channel the authentication code to the server; and receiving an authentication complete message from the server.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the second channel is a radio channel of a cellular telecommunications network and the authentication response comprises a short message service message.
5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the driver identity information comprises a driving licence identifier and verifying the driver identity information comprises receiving from the server a driver verification message based on the server having verified the driving licence identifier by communicating with a driving licence authority server of a driving licence authority.
6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle identity information comprises a vehicle registration identifier and verifying the vehicle identity information comprises receiving from the server a vehicle verification message based on the server having verified the vehicle registration identifier by communicating with a vehicle registration authority server of a vehicle registration authority.
7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the activation data comprises an insurance quote.
8. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising receiving as a user input a scheduled destination of the journey, and wherein the activation data is based on a current location of the mobile device and the scheduled destination.
9. A method according to claim 7, wherein the insurance quote comprises a price per unit distance.
10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the activation data and/or the insurance premium are based on at least one driver detail obtained by the server using the driver identity information.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one driver detail comprises an age of the driver.
12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one driver detail comprises a driving restriction of the driver.
13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the activation data and/or the insurance premium are based on at least one vehicle detail obtained by the server using the vehicle identity information.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the at least one vehicle detail comprises an age of the vehicle.
15. A method according to claim 1301 14, wherein the at least one vehicle detail comprises a vehicle model and/or a vehicle manufacturer.
16. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the activation data and/or the insurance premium are based on at least one subscriber detail of the driver obtained by the server from a mobile service provider to which the mobile device is subscribed using the mobile device identity information.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the subscriber detail comprises a payment record of payments by the driver to the mobile service provider.
18. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the activation data is based on weather forecast information obtained by the server.
19. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the insurance premium is based on a travelled route and the travelled route is based on the location data.
20. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the insurance premium is based on a driver safety score for the journey and the driver safety score is based on the location data.
21. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the insurance premium is based on a previous driver safety score of the driver based on previous location data.
22. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the insurance premium is based on recorded weather information of the journey obtained by the server.
23. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein recording the location data comprises recording location data relating to a location of the mobile device when the indication indicating the journey has started is received and recording location data relating to a location of the mobile device when the stop indication is received.
24. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein recording the location data comprises recording location data throughout the duration of the journey.
25. A method according to claim 24, comprising recording the location data at least once per second.
26. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the location data comprises global positioning system data.
27. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the location data comprises WiFi positioning system data.
28. Computer program code which when run on a mobile device causes the mobile device to perform a method according to any of claims 1 to 27.
29. A computer program product comprising computer readable code according to claim 28.
A mobile device comprising: a machine-readable storage medium; and executable program instructions embodied in the machine readable storage medium that when executed by the mobile device causes the mobile device to perform a method according to any of claims 1 to 27.
31. A method of enabling a mobile device in a communication network to act as an authenticated tracking device for a server, the method, performed at the server, comprising: receiving driver identity information and vehicle identity information from the mobile device; verifying the driver identity information and vehicle identity information; receiving mobile device identity information associated with the mobile device from the mobile device; authenticating the mobile device using the mobile device identity information; upon verification and authentication, providing activation data to the mobile device, said activation data enabling the mobile device to activate an insurance policy computed at the server based on the driver identity information and the vehicle identity information; receiving, from the mobile device, location data of the mobile device for determining a distance travelled, the location data relating at least to a plurality of locations of the mobile device during a user-defined journey; determining summary data, said summary data indicating an insurance premium for the journey based on the insurance policy and the distance travelled; and transmitting the summary data to the mobile device.
32. A method according to claim 31, wherein authentication of the mobile device comprises performing a two-channel authentication of the mobile device.
33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the mobile device identity information comprises a phone number of the mobile device, receiving the mobile device identity information comprises receiving an authentication request in a first channel, and performing two-channel authentication of the mobile device comprises: generating an authentication response comprising an authentication code; transmitting in a second channel the authentication response to the mobile device; receiving in the first channel the authentication code from the mobile device; and transmitting an authentication complete message to the mobile device.
34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the second channel is a radio channel of a cellular telecommunications network and the authentication response comprises a short message service message.
35. A method according to any of claims 31 to 34, wherein the driver identity information comprises a driving licence identifier and verifying the driver identity information comprises: communicating with a driving licence authority server of a driving licence authority to obtain confirmation that the driving licence identifier is associated with a valid driving licence; and transmitting a driver verification message based on the confirmation to the mobile device.
36. A method according to any of claims 31 to 35, wherein the vehicle identity information comprises a vehicle registration identifier and verifying the vehicle identity information comprises: communicating with a vehicle registration authority server of a vehicle registration authority to obtain confirmation that the vehicle registration identifier is associated with a valid vehicle registration; and transmitting a vehicle verification message based on the confirmation to the mobile device
37. A method according to any of claims 31 to 36, wherein the activation data comprises an insurance quote.
38. A method according to any of claims 31 to 37, comprising: receiving a current location of the mobile device and a user-defined scheduled destination of the journey from the mobile device; and basing the activation data on the current location and the scheduled destination.
39. A method according to claim 37, wherein the insurance quote comprises a price per unit distance.
40. A method according to any of claims 31 to 39, comprising: obtaining at least one driver detail using the driver identity information; and basing the activation data and/or the insurance premium on the at least one driver detail
41. A method according to claim 40, wherein the at least one further driver detail comprises an age of the driver.
42. A method according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the at least one driver detail comprises a driving restriction of the driver.
43. A method according to any of claims 31 to 42, comprising: obtaining at least one vehicle detail using the vehicle identity information; and basing the activation data and/or the insurance premium on the at least one vehicle detail
44. A method according to claim 43, wherein the at least one vehicle detail comprises an age of the vehicle.
45. A method according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the at least one vehicle detail comprises a vehicle model and/or a vehicle manufacturer.
46. A method according to any of claims 31 to 45, comprising: obtaining at least one subscriber detail of the driver from a mobile service provider to which the mobile device is subscribed using the mobile device identity information; and basing the activation data and/or the insurance premium on the at least one subscriber detail.
47. A method according to claim 46, wherein the subscriber detail comprises a payment record of payments by the driver to the mobile service provider.
48. A method according to any of claims 31 to 47, comprising: obtaining weather forecast information; and basing the activation data on the weather forecast information.
49. A method according to any of claims 31 to 48, comprising: determining a travelled route based on the location data; and basing the insurance premium on the travelled route.
50. A method according to any of claims 31 to 49, comprising: determining a driver safety score for the journey on the location data; and basing the insurance premium on the driver safety score.
51. A method according to any of claims 31 to 50, comprising basing the insurance premium on a previous driver safety score of the driver based on previous location data.
52. A method according to any of claims 31 to 51, comprising: obtaining recorded weather information of the journey; and basing the insurance premium on the recorded weather information.
53. A method according to any of claims 31 to 52, wherein the location data indicates the location of the mobile device at a start of the journey and at an end of the journey.
54. A method according to any of claims 31 to 53, wherein the location data indicates the location of the mobile device throughout the duration of the journey.
55. A method according to any of claims 31 to 54, wherein the location data indicates the location of the mobile device at least once per second.
56. A method according to any of claims 31 to 55, wherein the location data comprises global positioning system data.
57. A method according to any of claims 31 to 56, wherein the location data comprises WiFi positioning system data.
58. Computer program code which when run on a computer causes the computer to perform a method according to any of claims 31 to 57.
59. A computer program product comprising computer readable code according to claim 58
60. A carrier medium carrying computer readable code which when run on a computer causes the computer to perform a method according to any of claims 31 to 57.
61. A server comprising: a machine-readable storage medium; and executable program instructions embodied in the machine readable storage medium that when executed by the server causes the server to perform a method according to any of claims 31 to 57.