GB2542024A

GB2542024A - System and method for monitoring a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2542024A
Application number: GB1614898.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Rees John
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-09-02
Filing date: 2016-09-02
Publication date: 2017-03-08
Also published as: GB201515552D0; GB201614898D0

Abstract

A system 100 for monitoring a vehicle 102 such as a lorry or commercial road vehicle (especially haulage trucks, vans, lorries etc.) comprising at least one access cover sensor coupled to an access cover 104 on a vehicle such as a cargo compartment 108, moveable panel 104, door, window or petrol cap, which is vulnerable to theft or illegal access, to detect movement of the access cover 104 from a first position to a second position (such as closed and open) and a control unit 110 to receive access cover data from the sensor and to issue a command signal to drive the access cover back from the second position to the first position. The control unit may be coupled to a range of elements such as a system status display (fig 2 114), location data (fig 2 116), temperature sensor (fig 2 118), ignition sensor (fig 2 128), alarm (fig 2 138), keypad (fig 2 144) and may transmit the access cover data to a remote server (fig 2 158) or issue the command signal in response to an access authorisation signal from a location data server which may track the GPS location of the vehicle.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A VEHICLE

FIELD

The invention relates to a system and a method for monitoring a vehicle. BACKGROUND

Commercial vehicles - especially road vehicles such as haulage trucks, vans, lorries, and the like generally have a cargo compartment and doors or other movable panels which provide access to the cargo compartment (or other storage zone) of the vehicle are often vulnerable to theft or illegal access. Additionally, such commercial are often used for carriage of goods that need to be protected against ambient environmental factors such as too high temperatures or excessive humidity. US20090066488A1 discloses a security system for a vehicle which detects intrusive activities and alerts the owner of the vehicle. Additionally, various systems exist which enable a vehicle to be tracked in order to locate that vehicle. I have now devised system and apparatus which help to provide greater security to such vehicles.

SUMMARY

Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided a system for monitoring a vehicle (such as a commercial road vehicle), the system comprising: at least one access cover sensor operatively coupled to an access cover on a vehicle, the sensor being arranged to detect movement of the access cover from a first position to a second position; and a control unit operative to receive access cover data from the at least one access cover sensor, the access cover data being indicative of movement of the access cover from the first position to the second position and to issue a command signal to drive means on the vehicle to move the access cover back from the second position to the first position.

Viewed from a second aspect, there is provided apparatus for monitoring a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a plurality of sensors each arranged to detect movement of a respective access cover from a first position to a second position; and a control unit operative to receive data from the at least one sensor indicative of the movement of the access cover from a first position to a second position and to issue a command signal to drive means on the vehicle to move the access cover back from the second position to the first position.

Viewed from a third aspect, there is provided a method for monitoring a vehicle, which comprises detecting movement of an access cover on a vehicle from a first position to a second position; transmitting data indicative of the movement of the access cover from the first position to a second position to a control unit; and issuing a command from the control unit to cause drive means on the vehicle to move the access cover back from the second position to the first position. A system, apparatus and method in accordance with the first, second and third aspects enable an access cover on a vehicle to be moved from a second position to a first position, by a drive means on the vehicle, in response to movement of the access cover detected by a sensor. The control unit may issue the command signal to the drive means without any input from a driver of the vehicle.

The access cover may be any cover at which the interior workings or storage space of the vehicle can be accessed, including, but not limited to, the cargo compartment of a road vehicle. Examples of such access covers include, but are not limited to, a door, a window or a petrol cap.

The control unit is preferably arranged to request data from other sensors, particularly in response to receiving the access cover data from the at least one sensor.

The control unit may be further operative to transmit the data indicative of movement of the access cover from the first position to the second position to a server; wherein the control unit is operative to issue the command signal in response to receipt of a signal from the server to move the access cover back from the second position to the first position.

The server may be operative to transmit the access cover data (indicative of movement of the access cover from the first position to the second position) to a user input device having a display to display the data. The access cover data can be displayed to a user before action is taken. The signal from the server may further be transmitted responsive to a user input at the user input device.

The user input device may, for example, be a mobile computing device or a desktop computing device.

The control unit and/or the server may each be configured to store the access cover data that is indicative of movement of the access cover from the first position to the second position.

The access cover data that is indicative of the movement of the access cover from the first position to the second position may be displayed on a system display coupled to the control unit. The system display is preferably only accessible in response to the input of a pre-defined set of user credentials to the user input device. Thus, the data can be protected from manipulation by the driver of the vehicle if such credentials are needed to access the access cover data.

The at least one access cover sensor may comprise a plurality of sensors, each being coupled to an access cover on a vehicle, wherein the control unit is operative to receive data from each of the plurality of access cover sensors indicative of movement of the respective access cover from the first position to the second position; the control unit being further operative to issue a command signal to drive means on the vehicle move the access cover back from the second position to the first position.

By this means, more data can be obtained related to the movement of a respective access cover from the first position to a second position, whereby an operative (either on the vehicle or at a remote location) or a driver of the vehicle, may be able to make a more informed decision regarding the movement of the access cover.

The control unit may be operative to transmit the data from each of the plurality of access cover sensors to a server. The server may be configured to transmit the data to a user input device configured to display the data on a display.

The user input device may be operative to display data related to each of a plurality of access covers and to receive input from a user input corresponding to a selection of an access cover to be moved by the drive means from the second position to the first position. This can enable a user to select an access cover that it is wished to move from the second position to the first position.

The control unit may be operative to assign location data to the data indicative of movement of the access cover from the first position to the second position. Such location data may be GPS data retrieved from a GPS data source.

The control unit may also be coupled to a temperature sensor configured to detect an interior temperature of the vehicle, the temperature sensor being further configured to, responsive to the temperature sensor detecting that the interior temperature has crossed a temperature threshold, transmit an alert signal to the control unit. The latter enables the interior temperature in at least part of the vehicle (such as in the cargo compartment) to be monitored.

In response to receipt of the alert signal indicating the crossing of the temperature threshold, the control unit may be arranged to transmit a signal to the server indicating the crossing of the threshold. The alert signal may additionally comprise data from the other sensors.

The server may, responsive to receiving the signal indicating the crossing of the temperature threshold, relay the signal to a user input device.

The server may, responsive to user input at the user input device, be operative to transmit an instruction to the control unit, while the control unit, responsive to receiving the instruction, may be operative to transmit a signal to the drive means to move the respective access cover from the second position to the first position. Thus the server may move the access cover from the second position to the first position if a threshold temperature inside the vehicle is exceeded.

The control unit may be operative to transmit a signal to the drive means (such as a motor) in order to move the respective access cover from the second position to the first position. Thus the signal to move the respective access cover from the second position to the first position can be without the need for a signal transmitted from a server, thereby removing the need for a connection to be established with a server.

The user input device may typically be remotely located relative to the server and the server may be remotely located relative to the control unit and to the vehicle.

The first position of the access cover may be a closed position, that is, where access to the relevant part of the vehicle through the respective access cover is denied. The second position may be an open position, that is, where access to the relevant part of the vehicle through the respective access cover is enabled.

Viewed from a fourth aspect, there is provided a system for enabling access to a vehicle, the system comprising: a sensor coupled to an access cover on a vehicle that is moveable between respective open and closed positions, the sensor being coupled to a control unit configured to move the access cover between the open and closed positions; a location data server operative to track the location of the vehicle, the location data server being further operative to store information relating to a plurality of predetermined location data points, and, responsive to location of the vehicle matching one of the predetermined location data points, to transmit an access authorisation signal to the control unit to permit the access cover to be moved from the closed position to the open position. This fourth aspect of the invention may have preferred features such as those described with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

Viewed from a fifth aspect, there is provided apparatus for enabling access to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a sensor coupled to a vehicle access cover moveable between open and closed positions, the sensor being coupled to a control unit configured to move the access cover between the open and closed positions, the control unit further being configured to receive an access authorisation signal from a server wherein, responsive to receiving the access authorisation signal from the server, the control unit can permit movement of the access cover from the closed position to the open position. This fifth aspect of the invention may have preferred features such as those described with reference to the second aspect of the invention. A system and apparatus in accordance with the fourth and fifth aspects can enable an access cover on a vehicle to be opened only when the vehicle is at a specified predetermined location.

DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following figures in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a system in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates the layout of a system in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 3 illustrates the door of a vehicle in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a system 100 in accordance with the first embodiment. System 100 is for a truck 102 having a cabin 106 and a trailer 108 forming a cargo compartment. The trailer has a sliding roof 104 (shown in exploded view in Figure 1). Within the cabin 106 is a control unit 110 that is operatively coupled to the sliding roof 104 and also to first and second doors (not shown) of the cabin and a door (not shown) of the trailer 108. This arrangement will be explained further with reference to Figure 3. (In an alternative, the control unit could be positioned within the trailer part of the cabin.)

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown an embodiment of the control unit 110 in more detail. The control unit 110 comprises a processor for local storage. The control unit 110 is operated using an operating system which manages an interface between peripheral elements (as will be described below) and the control unit 110, the buffering of the data received from the peripheral elements and the transmission and reception of data to and from a remote server 158.

Upon initialisation of the control unit 110, the operating system is loaded into memory; such an operating system generally comprises instructions which, when the operating system is loaded into memory on the control unit, instruct the processor where to direct information received from peripheral elements (described below) and to instruct the processor in the interpretation of user input.

Referring further to Figure 2, the control unit 110 is coupled to a range of several peripheral elements such as, in the illustrated embodiment, a system display 114, a location data server 116, a temperature sensor 118, an anti-entrapment device 120, a first power source 122, a second (backup) power source 124, a programming unit 126, an ignition sensor 128, a door locking device 130, a motor 132 for driving a door, sliding roof or other access cover on the trailer, first and second switches 134 and 136, an alarm 138, a light 140, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor 142 and a keypad 144 for a combination lock (not shown). The latter may, operative to the input of a security code on keypad 144, enable the access cover on the trailer to be moved between closed and open positions using respective “up” or “open” switch 146A and “down” or “close” switch 146B . Switch 146A actuates movement of the access cover from closed to open positions, while switch 146B actuates movement in the opposite sense

The control unit 110 also has a user interface comprising (a) a button, switch or other actuator 148A to enable the access cover to be moved from a closed to an open position (an “up” or “open” switch), (b) a further button, switch or other actuator 148B to enable the access cover to be moved from an open to a closed position (a “down” or “close” switch), (c) a display 150 operative to display data received from some of the peripheral elements, such as the location data circuit 116 (to display the location information relating to the location of the truck 102), the temperature sensor 118 to indicate the temperature inside the trailer 106, the anti-entrapment device 120. The latter anti-entrapment device can automatically stop and/or reverse direction of movement of the access cover when obstructed, for example, due to an individual attempting to access or exit the trailer, or because of an object being left in the closure path of the access cover.

The control unit 110 further has a first power source 122, a second power source 124, a programming unit 126 (typically related to updates to the software used to operate the control unit 110), an ignition sensor 128 to indicate whether the ignition is switched on or off, and a door locking indication device 130 to indicate whether or not the access cover of the trailer is locked or unlocked.

The control unit 110 further has a motor 132 to indicate whether the door is moving, first and second door switches 134 and 136 (see also Figure 3) to indicate whether the door of the trailer is open or closed; an alarm 138 to indicate an attempt at accessing the trailer 108, as well as a light 140, and a passive infra-red sensor 142 to indicate the presence of an individual in the trailer, as well as keypad 144 for combination lock to indicate an attempt to input a security code. That information which is less dependent on the need for a display, such as, for example, the ignition sensor which indicates whether the ignition is switched on or off, may be indicated on panel 154.

Information may be transmitted from peripheral elements such as those described above to the control unit 110, typically using suitable data transmission media such as, for example, copper wire or optical fibre. Each peripheral element may be coupled to the control unit 110 using an input/output port coupled to a respective transceiver which modulates and demodulates the signal respectively transmitted to and received from the respective peripheral element. The transceiver typically includes a filter (such as an optical filter when an optical fibre is used or an electrical filter when copper wire is used).

The display 150 may be a touch-sensitive display configured to respond to or interpret touch- or gesture-based input. Touch- and gesture-based input may be used to input selections from the user. The display 150 may be formed as part of the vehicle's entertainment and/or management system.

The location data circuit 116 may receive location data from a location data server such as one which receives data from, for example, a global positioning satellite (GPS) or a remote server 158 which receives location data from a location data server which may be coupled to a GPS. The location data circuit 116 receives from the GPS or the intermediate server data for the location of the truck 102. The location data is transmitted from the control unit 110 at a high frequency to enable the driver or other personnel to maintain an up-to-date view on the location of the truck 102.

The anti-entrapment device 120 is configured to prevent the doors or other access covers from movement if activated- to prevent the driver or other individuals being trapped inside either the cabin or the trailer. The anti-entrapment device 120 ensures that the access cover stops or reverses if an obstacle (such as a person) is detected. If the anti-entrapment device 120 is activated, the anti-entrapment device 120 generally transmits a warning signal to the control unit 110. The anti-entrapment device may also be engaged to stop movement of the access cover or to reverse its direction if a pre-set maximum current threshold is exceeded or other electronic parameters change in a way indicative of unexpected resistance to the motor.

The first power source 122 provides a driving voltage to the control unit and the peripheral elements to enable the control unit and the peripheral elements to work.

The second power source 124 provides a backup driving voltage to the control unit and the peripheral elements. The second power source 124 may be operative to receive an initialisation signal from the control unit 110 in response to a drop in driving voltage from the first power source 122 (for example, arising from damage to the first power source 122).

The programming unit 126 may enable an operative to configure the system 100. The programming unit 126 may execute programs written in second, third or fourth generation programming languages which instruct the system 100 to execute specified tasks such as, for example, the storage of perishable goods which will require the trailer 108 to maintain a temperature below a predetermined threshold. The temperature sensor 118 will set a threshold temperature, and the temperature sensor 118 will then issue a signal to the control unit 110 if the threshold temperature is crossed or exceeded. A warning alert is then displayed on the display 150 and a signal sent to close the access cover if it is open. The programming unit can also be used to update the software used to run the control unit 110.

The ignition sensor 128 may be coupled to the engine management system of the truck 102 and may receive signals to indicate the status of the ignition, that is, whether or not the engine is running. The ignition sensor 128 may transmit a signal to the control unit 110 responsive to a change in the ignition status of the truck 102.

The door lock indication device 130 may indicate whether or not a door or access cover on the trailer is locked. The door lock indication device 130 may transmit a signal to the control unit 110 responsive to a change in the status of the door locking device, that is, whether the door has changed from locked to unlocked or vice versa. The signal may also ensure that the access cover (such as a cabin door) is locked when the vehicle ignition is turned on and then able to be unlocked when the ignition is turned on.

The motor 132 may be operative to receive signals from the control unit 110 to open and close a door or other access cover of, for example, a trailer. Responsive to receiving a signal from the control unit 110, the motor 132 is generally initialised and serves to move the door or other access cover between open and closed positions.

The first 134 and second 136 door switches (see also Figure 3) may be configured to transmit a signal indicative of movement of the door or other access cover. If the door or access cover moves from a closed position to an open position, the switches 134 and 136 will be activated. Responsive to their activation, a signal may be transmitted to the control unit 110 to indicate that the door has been opened.

Alarm 138 is generally operative to detect an attempt at accessing the trailer or the cabin. Responsive to the detection of an attempt to access the trailer or the cabin, the alarm 138 may transmit an alert signal to the control unit 110. Responsive to receiving the alert signal, the control unit 110 is operative to generate an audible and/or a visible alert to inform the driver of the attempted access.

Light 140 is operative to illuminate the interior of the trailer 108. The light 140 can be switched on and off from the display 150.

The PIR 142 may be operative to detect the presence of unauthorised objects in the trailer. Responsive to the detection of an unauthorised object, an alert signal may be transmitted to the control unit 110, where an alert can be displayed on the display 150.

The control unit 110 may comprise a radio frequency interference device (RFID) interface 152 which is operative to receive data transmitted from an RFID which, may, for example, be formed as part of a key fob 156 which may be used by a driver to access the vehicle 100. Data transmitted from the RFID interface to the control unit 110 may comprise commands to the control unit 110. The key fob 156 may comprise buttons which enable the user to expediently input simple commands. For example, one button may unlock a front door of the cabin and another button may lock the front door of the cabin. The RFID interface can also be used to identify an authorised user or driver of the vehicle.

Server 158 may be positioned remotely relative to the control unit 110 and the transmission of data from the control unit 110 to the server 158 and vice versa may be completed using a wireless transmission protocol.

Reference will now be made to Figure 3, which illustrates a door 160 which is coupled to a drive carriage 162 which in turn is driven by a motor 164 that causes the drive carriage 162 to move along a track 166 which, in turn, will cause the door 160 to move between open and closed positions. In order to illustrate the operation of system 100 we consider the example of door 160 being moved from its closed position to its open position. In Figure 3 the door 160 is illustrated in its closed position.

If the door 160 is moved from its closed position to its open position, the door switches 134 and 136, which are situated at first and second positions along track 166, will be tripped by the movement of the door. This will generate a signal that will be transmitted from the door switches 134 and 136 to the control unit 110. The signal will indicate that the door has been opened. Responsive to receiving this signal, the control unit 110 will retrieve data corresponding to the present location of the truck 102 from the location data circuit 116. The control unit 110 will also retrieve data from the temperature sensor 118 related to the temperature in the trailer 108 at the time the door 160 was opened. The data from the temperature sensor 118 and the data from the location data circuit 118 are then transmitted to server 158 from the control unit 110 in addition to the data indicating that the door has been opened. The control unit 110 will store the data in local storage.

That is to say, door switches 134 and 136 act as sensors to detect the movement of the door 160. Movement of the door 160 may be due to unauthorised access or it may be due to the driver of the vehicle 102 pressing a button on the user interface of control system 110 requesting that the door be opened.

If the driver of the vehicle 102 presses a button 148 to move the door 160 from the closed to open position it will undo the lock 130 to enable the door 160 to move from a closed position to an open position and activate the motor 164 to cause the drive carriage 162 to move the door. The switches 134 and 136 are not disabled by the driver pressing button 148. The data corresponding to the opening of the door 160, the temperature inside the trailer 108 at the time the door was opened and the location data received from the location data circuit 116 will still be transmitted to the server 158. System 100 is independent of the driver and can be used to monitor driver activity.

Preferably also the door may include a mechanical release device (not shown) to enable a person trapped inside a trailer or the like to escape, or to permit opening of the relevant access cover from the outside (typically by means of a key) in case of failure of the control unit.

Referring to Figure 2, server 158 is coupled to a computer 172 which comprises a display 174 and a user input device 176. Responsive to receiving data from the control unit 110, the server 158 stores the received data and transmits the received data to the computer 172 which is operative to display the received data on the display 174.

Computer 172 may provide an audible signal to indicate that data has been received, such an audible signal being to alert an operative. The display 174 displays to the operative that the vehicle 102 has been accessed (via a door, for example) with an indication of location, the temperature (or range of temperatures) within the trailer, and the time at which the opening took place.

Displaying the information to the operative can provide a full picture of the situation relating to the truck 102. The operative can use the information to inform decisions that are to be made, or further action to be taken.

The illustrated system 100 allows the opening to be dismissed by the operative. This may be where the driver has arrived at a location where the door may be opened, such as a delivery location, for example. In order to dismiss the opening as say, a routine opening at a delivery location, the operative simply inputs “DISMISS” onto the user interface either through a button on a keypad or a touch-sensitive region on the display 150.

The illustrated system 100 also allows the operative to take action through the computer 172. The operative can input instructions to computer 172 to move the door 160 from the open position to a closed position. In order to make this input the operative simply inputs “CLOSE DOOR” to the user interface, either through a button on a keypad or a touch-sensitive region on the display 150. In responsive to such input, computer 172 transmits a corresponding input to the server 158 which then transmits an access denial signal to the control unit 110. The control unit 110, on receipt of the access denial signal from server 158, then transmits a signal to the motor 164. The motor 164 is then caused to move the door 160 back to the closed position and the switches 134 and 136 are reset. The access denial signal may additionally comprise further data which requests that the control unit 110 causes the door to lock in the closed position using door lock 130.

Optionally or additionally, the server 158 may, responsive to receiving the data relating to the opening of the door 160, transmit the access denial signal without the input of an operative.

Optionally or additionally, a threshold temperature may be set by a programmer 126. When the threshold temperature has been set by the programmer 126, that threshold temperature may be transmitted by the programmer 126 to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 then transmits the threshold temperature to the temperature sensor 118. This arrangement is particularly useful where the contents of the trailer 108 need to be maintained at a low temperature (chilled or frozen) or, in some cases, at an elevated temperature.

The temperature sensor 118 is arranged to detect changes in temperature inside the trailer 108. If the temperature changes in such a way that it exceeds or falls below the threshold (whichever is applicable), then the temperature sensor 118 is configured to transmit a signal to the control unit 110 to indicate that the temperature in the trailer 108 has crossed the threshold (and to indicate the detected temperature).

On receipt of the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 118, the control unit 110 retrieves location data from the location circuit 116 and door status data from the door switches 134 and 136 and the door locking device 130. The control unit 110 transmits the detected temperature, the location data and the door status information to the server 158 as part of an alert signal. .

On receipt of the alert signal from the control unit 110, the server 158 transmits the data such as the temperature of the inside of the trailer 108, the location data indicating the location of the trailer 108 and the door status data, to the computer 172 which displays the data on display 174. Computer 172 may provide an audible alert to indicate that data has arrived.

The computer 172 provides a plurality of selectable options including at least the option to dismiss the data and the option to take action. The operative may use the data to assess the situation related to the opening of the door prior to taking action.

For example, if the data indicate that the temperature is rising and the door is open, the operative may look at the location of the trailer and find that it is at a delivery location where it is expected that the door is open. In this instance, the operative may choose to simply warn the driver by providing input which results in a message being sent to the RFID device 156 from the server 158 to indicate that the temperature inside the trailer 108 is rising.

In another example, if the data indicate that the temperature is rising and the door is not open, then there is no simple explanation for the rise in temperature and the operative can provide an input to the computer 172 to cause the server 158 to transmit a warning signal to the control unit 110 to inform the driver using the display 150 that the temperature is rising. This then places the onus on the driver to investigate the problem.

In another example, if the data indicate that the temperature is rising and the door 160 is open, the operative may provide input to close the door 160. Responsive to receiving this input, the computer 172 transmits the data to the server 158 with a request for a door close signal to be transmitted to the control unit 110. The server 158, then transmits the door close signal to the control unit 110 which then transmits a door close signal to the motor 164. Responsive to receiving the door close signal, the motor 164 initialises the closure of the door 160. . This can be particularly effective if the operative suspects that a theft may take place such as when, for example, the contents of the trailer are expensive electrical goods or other high value items. A warning signal may be emitted by the control unit 110 prior to the door 160 being moved to a closed position.

Optionally or additionally, the server 158 may, responsive to receiving the alert signal, transmit a door close signal to the control unit 110 in order to close the door automatically. Responsive to receiving the door close signal from the server 158, the control unit 110 transmits a door close signal to the motor 132 which, responsive to receiving the door close signal, initialises the closing of the door 160.

Optionally or additionally, the control unit 110 may store the data relating to the door opening and closing, the temperature changes inside the trailer 108 and the locations at which the door openings take place, and may display such data on a system display 114. An operative may then initialise access to the system 100

Optionally or additionally, if an individual accesses the trailer 108, this may trigger an access signal to be transmitted from the PIR 142 to the control unit 110. On retrieval of the access signal from the PIR 142, the control unit 110 may then retrieve door status information from the door switches 134 and 136 to determine whether or not the door 160 is open, and entrapment information from the anti-entrapment device 120 to determine whether an individual is trapped. The control unit 110 then displays a warning on display 150 that an unauthorised access has taken place. The control unit 110 then transmits an unauthorised access signal to the server 158. The unauthorised access signal comprises the information obtained from the access signal, door status information and entrapment information. Location information may also be retrieved from the location circuit 116 and transmitted to the server 158 to indicate the location of the truck 102.

The server 158 may then transmit the information transmitted by the unauthorised access signal to the computer 172 where the operative may take further action such as, for example, calling the police.

In a second embodiment, system 100 has another application. Specifically, server 158 may store an array comprising location data related to the locations at which the truck 102 is due to stop. The server 158 may receive information from a location data server 180 which is coupled to a satellite, such as, for example a GPS, which tracks the location of the truck 102. This enables the server 158 to track the location of the truck 102.

The server 158 may execute a location matching algorithm on the array comprising location data using data retrieved from the location data server 180. If the location matching algorithm detects that the truck 102 is in one of the locations in the array then the server 158 may automatically transmit an access authorisation signal to the control unit 110 to request that the door 160 be unlocked.

Responsive to receiving the access authorisation signal from the server 158, the control unit may then transmit a signal to the door lock 130 to enable it to be unlocked to enable the door to be moved from a closed to an open position. By this means, the door can only be unlocked when the vehicle is in a location where the driver is authorised to access the contents of the trailer.

Features described in relation to any embodiment or aspect of the invention can, of course, be combined with features from any other embodiment or aspect.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring a vehicle, the system comprising: at least one access cover sensor operatively coupled to an access cover on a vehicle (102), the access cover sensor being operative to detect movement of the access cover (104) from a first position to a second position; and a control unit (110) operative to receive access cover data from the at least one access cover sensor, the access cover data being indicative of movement of the access cover from the first position to the second position, and to issue a command signal to drive means on the vehicle to move the access cover back from the second position to the first position.

2. A system for enabling access to a vehicle, the system comprising: at least one access cover sensor (110) coupled to a vehicle access cover (104) that is moveable between respective open and closed positions, the access cover sensor being coupled to a control unit configured to move the access cover between the open and closed positions; a location data server operative to track the location of the vehicle, the location data server being further operative to store an array comprising a plurality of predetermined location data points and, responsive to the location of the vehicle matching one of the predetermined location data points, to transmit an access authorisation signal to the control unit to permit the access cover to be moved from the closed position to the open position

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is in the vehicle and is arranged to transmit the access cover data to a remote server.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is operative to issue the command signal in response to a predetermined status signal from the server.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the server is operative to transmit the data to a user input device (114) configured to display the access cover data.

6. A system according to claim 4, wherein the status signal from the server arises from user input at the user input device.

7. A system according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein at least one of the control unit and the server is configured to store the access cover data.

8. A system according to any of claims 3 to 7, wherein at least one of the control unit and the server is configured to store the access cover data.

9. A system according to any of claims 3 to 8, wherein the control unit is operative to transmit the access cover data from the or each access cover sensor to the server.

10. A system according to claim 9, which further comprises two or more of the following further sensors: a door movement sensor, an ignition sensor to sense whether the vehicle ignition is switched on, a passive-infra-red sensor for detecting movement in the vehicle, a locking sensor for said access cover, an access sensor for detecting input of a security code to a locking device for said access cover; a location sensor for sensing the location of the vehicle; and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in a defined part of the vehicle.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the control unit is operative to transmit further sensor data from the further sensors to the server.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the server is configured to transmit the further sensor data to a user input device having a display and to display the transmitted further sensor data.

13. A system according to claim 10, which includes a plurality of said access cover sensors, wherein the user input device is operative to display access cover data related to each of the access covers and to receive input from a user input corresponding to a selection of a respective access cover to be moved from the second position thereof to the first position.

14. A system according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to detect an interior temperature of the vehicle, the temperature sensor being further configured to, responsive to the temperature sensor detecting that the interior temperature has crossed a temperature threshold, transmit an alert signal to the control unit.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the control unit is arranged to transmit data to the server indicating that the interior temperature has crossed or exceeded a threshold.

16. A system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the server is arranged to transmit data to a user input device indicating that the interior temperature has crossed or exceeded a threshold.

17. A system according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the server is, responsive to user input at the user input device, operative to transmit an instruction to the control unit and the control unit, responsive to receiving the instruction, is operative to transmit a signal to the drive means to move the respective access cover from the second position to the first position.

18. A system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the user input device is remotely located relative to the vehicle.

19. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is operative to assign location data to the access cover data.

20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the location data is Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data retrieved from a GPS data source.

21. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is operative to assign location data to the access cover data.

22. A system according to claim 21, wherein the location data comprise Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data retrieved from a GPS data source.

23. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is coupled to first and second power sources, and the control unit is configured to draw power from the second power source responsive to a drop in power from the first voltage source.

24. An apparatus for monitoring a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a plurality of access cover sensors each coupled to an access cover (104) on the vehicle, each access cover sensor operative to detect movement of a respective access cover from a first position to a second position; a control unit (110) operative to receive access cover data from the access cover sensors indicative of the movement of the respective access cover from a first position to a second position, the control unit configured to, responsive to receipt of the access cover data, issue a command signal to drive means on the vehicle to move the respective access cover back from the second position to the first position.

25. An apparatus for enabling access to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a sensor (110) coupled to a vehicle access cover (104) moveable between open and closed positions, the sensor being coupled to a control unit configured to move the access cover between the open and closed positions, the control unit further configured to receive an access authorisation signal from a server wherein, responsive to receiving the access authorisation signal from the server, the control unit permits movement of the access cover from the closed position to the open position.

26. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the control unit is further operative to transmit the access cover data to a remote server and to issue the command signal responsive to receipt of a predetermined status signal from the server.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the server and the control unit is operative to store the data indicative of the movement of the access cover from the first position to the second position.

28. A method for monitoring a vehicle, which comprises detecting movement of an access cover (104) on a vehicle from a first position to a second position; transmitting data indicative of the movement of the access cover from the first position to a second position to a control unit (110); and issuing a command from the control unit to cause drive means on the vehicle to move the access cover back from the second position to a first position.

29. A method according to claim 26, in which a system according to any of claims 1 to 23 is used, or apparatus according to any of claims 24 to 27.