MX2007015986A - System and method for authorizing a person to drive a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for authorizing a user of a tractor-trailer to drive the tractor-trailer out of a plurality of tractors and trailers. The system comprises modules such as tractor modules and trailer modules. Each module comprises a user interface and a transceiver. A tractor module is located in each of the tractors and is uniquely associated with that tractor. The tractor module is also operatively associated with systems of that tractor. A trailer module is located in each of the trailers and is uniquely associated with that trailer. The trailer module is also operatively associated with systems of the trailer. In the system, a unique code is associated with each user and a central station sends this unique code to the modules, so that the modules enable the user to drive the tractor with the trailer.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO AUTHORIZE A PERSON TO DRIVE A VEHICLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of the cargo transportation industry and very particularly to land transportation by means of a tractor-trailer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As the trucking industry expands, transportation companies increasingly own more and more equipment, such as tractors, trailers. This equipment transports very heavy loads of merchandise. Supervising this equipment and merchandise has been increasingly complex. As a result, it is more difficult to avoid financial losses due to theft and trailer hitches. New national and international rules, in relation to terrorism and its follow-ups, have also created several needs in terms of security administration. In terms of administration, the systems available provide transporters with information such as the geographical position of their vehicles, the mileage covered, and the time left until the delivery of goods or how long a tractor has been parked. These systems are usually very expensive, because they use satellite waves or cell phones to send information. This information allows carriers to offer customers a better service while minimizing the loss of time. This information also allows carriers to keep customers warned of possible delays in their deliveries. However, this information does not provide a concrete result to the transporters and does not prevent hooking errors, theft and terrorism errors as well. The available systems anti-theft, for tractors, are similar those available for cars; but they comprise more mechanical components, such as gear locks, in the prevention of thefts, there are few systems as well as goods. Mainly consist of insurance bars in the rear doors, vehicles tracking systems that are hidden in the goods. These latter systems are restricted to cellular covered areas, and require specifically positioned antennas, which is difficult to obtain considering the diversity of merchandise. Finally, while the information is being sent, these systems are subject to communication obstruction. The prior art WO 2004/029774 (GOUNDER) describes a system for monitoring vehicles, but the system does not process authorization. Very generally, the prior art proposes several safety systems for individual vehicles, but there is still a demand for safety systems to operate a group of vehicles. Patents number EUA 6317668, WO 2004/015637, WO 2004/014706 and WO 2004/014705, all owned by QUALCOMM INCORPORATED, are also suitable for the present invention. For example, EUA 6108591 proposes a system for moving a vehicle of a group and WO 2004/014705 teaches a system where a vehicle is started and stopped if the user is not authorized. However, there is still a need for safety systems that involve a complemented system also placed on the tractors and not only on the trailers. With regard to the protection of trailers, the systems tend to be mechanical and consist of a piece of steel attached to the carriage connector (stowage plug) of the trailer to prevent the trailer from being moved. However, these systems are not efficient, because even thieves do not try to remove these pieces of steel. Without removing the trailer completely, they only move the trailer out of sight and therefore take their time to commit their theft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a security system that meets some of the aforementioned needs. Therefore, a system is provided to authorize a user of a tractor-trailer to drive said tractor-trailer out of a plurality of vehicles.; and the systems of said vehicles are only associated with said module, located in the vehicle, each of said modules are provided with a tranceptor, the modules are located in tractors whose tractor modules and modules are located in trailers before making modules of trailer; a unique code that is associated with each user of said system, and a central station, said central station is adapted to send to said modules the unique code of the user, who is authorized to drive said tractor-trailer, so that upon receiving said code , those modules allow said user to drive said tractor-trailer.

A method is also provided to allow a user to drive a tractor-trailer, comprising the steps: (a) providing the user with a unique code; (b) provide a tractor module; (c) provide a trailer module; (d) with a central station, sending the unique user code to the tractor module and the trailer module; (e) the user sends the unique code to the tractor module and the trailer module; (f) in the trailer module and the tractor module, compare the code received by the central station and by the user; (g) allow the user to drive the tractor associated with the trailer when those codes coincide. The present invention will be more readily understood upon reading the following description of the preferred embodiment made with reference to the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 illustrates the different components of the entire system, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figures 2 (A) and 2 (B) illustrate the different composite components in the tractor module, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figures 3 (A) and 3 (B) illustrate the electrical and pneumatic circuits of the tractor module, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figures 4 (A) and 4 (B) illustrate the components comprised in the trailer module, according to one embodiment of the invention. Figures 5 (A) and 5 (B) illustrate electrical and pneumatic circuits of the trailer module, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 illustrates the composite components at the central station according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 illustrates the components comprised in the keyring, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 illustrates the components for using the keyboard, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 illustrates the composite components on the keyboard, included therein, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 illustrates the components comprised in the cellular module, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY OF THE INVENTION The present section describes a detailed embodiment of a system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the following paragraphs, similar characteristics have similar reference numbers. Description of the main components of the system Referring to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of a system is provided for authorizing a user 60 of a tractor-trailer to drive the tractor-trailer out of a plurality of tractors 10 and trailers 20. system comprises a tractor module 30, a trailer module 40, a central station 50 and a unique code. Each of these modules 30 and 40 comprises its own controller 30 and 40 and at least one communication system. The unique code is associated with each user of the system. Preferably, the system further comprises a keyring 60, a wireless keyboard and a cellular module 90. Preferably, the modules 30 and 40 each are further provided with a G.P.S. Several components also comprise a controller, and it will be understood that the controller can be replaced by a microcontroller (MCU). The tractor module 30 The components referred to in this sub-section are those of the tractor module 30 according to the present embodiment of the present invention. The tractor module 30 is best shown in Figures 2 (A) and 2 (B). The tractor module 30 is located on the tractor 10. The tractor module 30 comprises an interface for the user 60. The interface comprises more cables than necessary for their interconnection, so the cables can be selected randomly when they are operatively associated with the module. from tractor 30 to tractor 10. Consequently, from one tractor to the other the interconnections between the tractor and the corresponding module may not be the same, which is an additional anti-theft tool in the system. The tractor module 30 is associated only with the corresponding tractor 10. The controller of the tractor module 30 is best shown in figure 2 (A). The controller 30a comprises a program that performs the required operations in accordance with the signals it receives. A peripheral connector 30m, for example a peripheral connector of 36 contacts, optionally contacts and connects a cellular module 90 to the module 30 corresponding to the controller. Another connector 30n, for example, a DIN connector, also connected to the controller 30a, allows to make a connection interface between the peripheral equipment, such as integrated scale weights, supplementary outputs, supplementary inputs, or a system that is already on the tractor 10. An external memory 30o, for example an EEPROM, allows to save additional data and also update the programs of the controller 30a through radio waves, without uninstalling the module 30. This memory 30o also allows to keep a complete history of the itineraries of the tractor 10 as well as other necessary information requested by users, customers and external goods clearance systems such as customs systems. The communication system of the present module 30 is best shown in Figures 2 (A) and 2 (B). A receiver 30c, for example an RF receiver, which receives waves of a frequency X, sends the received code from a keychain 70 to a decoder 30b comprised in the module 30. The decoder 30b verifies if the code is valid and if the code corresponds to the information encoded in a memory 30e comprised in the module 30. If the code is valid, the decoder 30b of the module 30 informs the controller 30a. A power circuit 30h allows generating an electromagnetic field of a frequency W. The electromagnetic field of a frequency W activates a resonant circuit 70e in the keychain 70. The tractor module 30 is provided with a tranceptor 30k, for example a tranceptor of expanded spectrum. The tracer 30k of a frequency Y communicates with the controller 30a and allows bidirectional communication. The receiver G.P.S. 301 is a receiver that provides a real-time position to the controller 30a. Referring to Figures 2 (A), 2 (B), 3 (A) and 3 (B), the tractor module 30 is operatively associated with the tractor 10 systems and provided with a 30k tranceptor. For example, the tractor module 30 is supplied by the 12-volt battery through a supply circuit 30p, preferably a voltage and current limiting circuit. The 12 volt battery is located on the tractor 10. The tractor module 30 is associated with systems such as ignition systems, a brake pedal and a brake system through detection circuits 30i and 30j, for example, circuits of voltage and current limiting circuits. The detection circuits 30i and 30j detect an ignition of the tractor 10 and a step in the brake pedal. A 30g driver, such as a MOSFETS relay driver, allows the activation of six relays 32, for example to open the electric circuits of the tractor 10 shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B), to prevent the tractor 10 moves. The tractor module 10 is in a closed state, by means of (i) of the closure of the tractor's brake system 10 and (ii) electronically disabling other tractor-trailer components until a valid code is received. Brake system insurance is activated by the driver 30g. The driver activates the electro valve 12 which closes the braking system of the tractor 10, emptying the air 16 as shown in figures 3 (A) and 3 (B). To inform the user of specific situations, the controller 30a of the tractor module can activate, for example, a small horn or a small bell 30f. The trailer module 40 The components referred to in this sub-section are those of the trailer module 40 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The trailer module 40 is best shown in Figures 4 (A) and 4 (B). The trailer module 40 is located in the trailer 20. The trailer module 40 comprises an interface for the user 60. The interface comprises more cables than are necessary for interconnection, so the cables can be selected randomly when they are operatively associated with the trailer module 40 to trailer 20. Consequently, from one trailer to the other, the interconnections between the trailer and the corresponding module may not be the same, which is an additional anti-theft tool in the system. The trailer module 40 is uniquely associated with its corresponding trailer 20. The driver of the trailer module 40 is best shown in Figure 4 (A). The controller 40a comprises a program that develops the operations that are required according to the signals it receives. A peripheral connector 40m, for example a peripheral connector of 36 contacts, optionally connects a cellular module 90 to the module 40 corresponding to the controller. Another 40n connector, for example, a DIN connector, also connected to the controller 40a, allows the peripheral interface equipment such as integrated weight scales, supplementary outputs, supplementary inputs or a system and integrated into the trailer 20.

An external memory 40o, for example an EEPROM, allows to save additional data and also update the program of the controller 40a through radio waves, without uninstalling the module 40. This memory 40o also allows to keep a complete history of the itineraries of the trailer 10. , as well as other necessary information requested by the users, clients or systems of the clearance of external merchandise, such as customs systems. The communication system of the present module 40 is best shown in Figures 4 (A) and 4 (B). A receiver 40c, for example an RF receiver, which receives waves of a frequency X, sends the received code from a keychain 70 to a decoder 40b comprised in the module 40. The decoder 40b verifies if the code is valid and if the code corresponds to the information encoded in a memory 40e, included in the module 40. If the code is valid, the decoder 40b of the module 40 informs the controller 40a. A 40h power circuit makes it possible to generate an electromagnetic field of a frequency W. The electromagnetic field of a frequency W activates a resonant circuit 70e in the keychain 70. The trailer module 40 is provided with a 40k tranceptor, for example a wide tranceptor. spectrum. The frequency 40k tranceptor communicates with the controller 40a and allows bidirectional communication. The receiver G. P.

S. 401 is a receiver that provides controller 40a with a real-time position. Referring now to Figures 4 (A), 4 (B), 5 (A) and 5 (B), the trailer module 40 is operatively associated with trailer systems 20. For example, the trailer module 40 is supplied by an independent battery of 12 volts 40t through a 40p supply circuit, preferably a voltage and current limiting circuit. This battery recharges on its own through a 40r battery charger that interacts with a trailer 20 lighting circuit. Preferably, the trailer 20 systems also comprise door sensors, temperature sensors, tilt sensors, or a combination thereof. For example, a motion detector, such as a tilt detector 40s connected to the controller 40a of the trailer module 40, allows to detect any unauthorized movement of the trailer 20. The trailer module 40 is also associated with systems such as brake systems through detection circuits 40i and 40j, for example voltage and current limiting circuits that can be used as detection circuits 40i and 40j. The trailer module 40 is in a secured state by securing the brakes of the trailer 20 until a valid code is received. The sensing circuits 40i and 40j detect pressurized air in the braking system of the trailer 20 by means of a switch with a pressurized air detector 41 shown in Figure 5 (A). The detection circuits 40i and 40j allow detecting the opening of the rear doors using a presence detector. A 40g driver, for example, a MOSFETS relay driver, allows activating up to 6 relays 42; for example, the driver allows to activate an electrovalve 22 that empties the air supply 26 in the trailer brakes 20 and stops the trailer. The central station 50 The block diagram of the central station 50 is best shown in figure 6. The central station 50 is adapted to send the tractor module 30 and the trailer module 40 the unique code of the user 60 authorized to drive the tractor 10 with the trailer 20, so that upon receiving the code, the tractor module 30 and the trailer module 40 allow the user 60 to drive the tractor 10 with the trailer 20. The central station 50 is preferably supplied either by an independent power supply connected through a 50d power connector or via a USB 50c connector. The entire system is controlled by a 50e power supply. The central station 50 is connected to a computer 50f, preferably through a DB9 connector 50b or through a USB 50c connector or through a RJ-45 50h connector with a UDP or TCP protocol. The tranceptor of the central station 50a, which is a tranceptor of a frequency Y, for example a wide-spectrum tranceptor of a frequency Y, and connected to different connectors 50b, 50c, 50h, allows bidirectional communication between the same types of radio . The information received by the central station 50 is sent to the computer 50f which comprises software with which a 50g operator can interact. For example, the system according to the present invention is also operatively interconnected with an external dispatch system. Preferably, the external dispatch system is a customs system. The information related to the goods, the user and the destination are sent to an external dispatch system, to reduce the time spent in the dispatch station. The key ring 70 The block diagram of the key ring 70 is shown in figure 7. Key ring 70 carries the unique code. The keyring 70 is adapted to transmit the unique code.

The keyring 70 is supplied by a battery 70b, for example, a 3 volt lithium battery. One of the main integrated circuits of the keychain is a code generator and an RF encoder 70a. A membrane keyboard is connected to the connector 70f, for example, a ZIF connector, included in the key ring 70. When a button on the membrane keypad is pressed, the generator generates an encrypted code and sends this code through radio waves by means of the loop antenna 70d. The frequency wave X is generated from a crystal 70c. The encrypted code comprises a manufacturer code programmed when it is manufactured, a counter that increases in each activation, a serial number, as well as information in the status of the keychain 70 (battery voltage, with the button depressed). The integrated circuit 70a develops logic operations with all its information and creates a unique, encrypted, laminated reusable code for approximately the next 32000 uses of the key ring 70. As mentioned above, the key ring 70 can also be activated through a resonant circuit 70e sensitive to the electromagnetic field of a frequency W generated in each module 30 or 40. For example, if this field is created by the tractor module 30 through the power circuit 30h and the keyring 70 is within a radius of approximately 30 centimeters , the resonant circuit 70e commands a button of the membrane keyboard 70f. Therefore, the RF encoder 70a sends the encrypted code through radio waves, via the loop antenna 70d. For example, the resonant circuit comprises support detection circuitry. A means could also be used for the biometric identification to be used to validate the user 60. The keyboard 80 The keyboard 80 shown in figures 8 and 9. The only code is sent using the keyboard 80. The keyboard 80 preferably it is a wireless RF keyboard. For example, the keyboard 80 is supplied by a rechargeable lithium-ion 80d battery 80d controlled by circuits such as the LDO voltage regulator circuit and the scalable DC / DC 80f. The battery 80d is rechargeable through a battery charger 80c, using a power connector 82 or an external connector 83. In addition, the interface connector 83 allows programming the information in a controller 80a or adding means for biometric identification. The information can also be displayed from the controller 80a, for example, using an LCD 81. The user 60 of the keyboard 80 uses keys 84, 85, 86 to perform different tasks. The keyboard comprises selection keys 85, menu keys 84, and number keys 86. The selection keys 85 allow to navigate in a list and choose items. The menu keys 84 allow navigation through the menus of the RF 80 keyboard. The numeric keys 86 allow entering data. The keyboard tranceptor 80b is preferably a wide-spectrum tranceptor of a frequency Y, is connected to the keyboard controller 80a, and allows bidirectional communication between radios of the same type. To inform the user of specific situations, the keyboard controller 80a can activate a small wing 80e. The optional central module 90 The optional central module 90 is shown in Figure 10. The tractor module 30 is provided with the cellular module 90, to allow cellular communication between the tractor module 30 and the central station 70. The cellular module 90 is optionally added to the tractor module 30 and the trailer module 40. The cellular module 90 is supplied by a peripheral connector 90c, for example, a 36-pin connector, connected to a vehicle connector that could be the peripheral connector 30m of the tractor module 30 of the peripheral connector 40m of the trailer module 40. A power supply 90b controls the cellular module supply system 90. Preferably, the cellular 90a is connected to the controller 30a of the tractor module 30 via the peripheral connectors 90c - 30m of the tractor module 30 and the cellular module 90. Preferably, the cell 90a is connected to the controller 40a of the trailer module 40 by the peripheral connectors 90c-40m of the trailer module 40 and the cellular module 90. System operation The present invention also provides the user 60 with a real-time method for driving the tractor-trailer. The method comprises the steps of providing the user with a unique code, providing the tractor module 30, providing the trailer module 40, providing the central station 50, sending the unique code of the user to the tractor module 30 and the trailer module 40. The method also includes the steps of sending the tractor module and trailer module to the unique code. Therefore, the method compares the codes received by the central station 50 and by the user 60. The method also allows the user to drive the tractor 10 associated with the trailer 20 when the codes coincide.

Instructions for installing the system In order to install the system in a vehicle, for example, a programmer should obtain an encrypted file located on a provider's website, for example under a section provided by programmers. There the programmer can enter and then fill out the appropriate form with the client's information. Once the form is complete, an encrypted file is generated and stored on the programmer's computer. The encrypted file includes information about the identity of the client and the vehicle. The file also comprises the configuration data on the system and the number of key ring 70, the tractor module 30 of the trailer module that can take this same 40. Each tractor module 30 and the trailer module can reach up to a maximum Keychain number 70, for example the number of seven. A keychain 70 according to the present embodiment of the invention can be associated with a plurality of tractor modules 30, and trailer modules 40. The installation software, for example available on the supplier's website, allows the programmer to download the file encrypted in the tractor module 30 or trailer module 40. Therefore, the programmer can program the authorized keychain70. Prevention of theft of a tractor Each time a valid keychain 70 is used, to start a tractor 10, a tractor module 30 sends information on starting the tractor 10 to the central station 50 by means of the tranceptor 30k at a frequency Y. The input circuit 30j detects the start of the tractor. Similarly, when the same tractor 10 is turned off, the module 30 informs the central station 50 about the arrival of the tractor. This allows the central station 50 to always be aware of the status of the equipment. For example, the central station has updates related to the equipment and if it is currently under the supervision of the central station. At regular intervals, the tractor module 30 communicates with the central station 50. If the communication between the central station and the tractor module breaks, the tractor module 30 is reported as stolen and an alarm is sent, for example , cutting the electric circuits by means of ignition, moving them and supplying fuel 15, as well as emptying the air 16 in the brake system, activating the electrovalvulated that avoids all kinds of movements. This is allowed by the driver 30g. When the communication is broken between these two modules, the central station 50 alerts the dispatcher that the tractor seems to be lost. This allows to eliminate a possible theft and also alerts to any attempt to block communication. If the tractor 10 is started without the keyring 70 to validate the authorization or a message regarding a movement coming from a keyboard 80, the tractor module 30 stops the tractor 10 by cutting off the ignition electrical circuits, moving them and stopping the supply of the ignition. fuel 15, also emptying the air 16 in the brake system, activating the electrovalve 12, avoiding all kinds of movement. This is allowed by the driver 30g, simultaneously, the tractor module 30 sends an alert to the central station 50 warning the dispatcher 50g that an illegal tractor start-up has been attempted. This message can also be received by the keypad 80 which warns the user 60. By using the input circuits 30i, the tractor module 30 can detect other signals such as the opening of the doors for example, any normal event is also received by the operator. central station 50 that sends them to the dispatcher 50g or by the keypad 80 that alerts the user 60. If the tractor 10 is started with a valid keychain 70, the tractor 10 works correctly. The tractor module 30 can activate the keyboard 80 instead of the keyring 70.

However, if the tractor 10 is not within a reception radius of 2 km to receive the frequency wave Y of the central station 50, but comprises an optional cellular module 90, when the warnings are sent to the central station 50 using a cellular link. Each warning or alert is sent with information on the geographical position of the tractor 10, provided by the GPS receiver 301 of the tractor module 30. Trailer theft prevention Each time a trailer module 40 located on a trailer 20 is detected, by means of the pressurized air detector 41, the hooking of a tractor, the trailer module 40 automatically empties the air 26 in the air brakes, which stops the trailer 20. This is enabled by a solenoid valve 22. These functions are best shown in the figures 5 (A) and 5 (B). As long as the trailer module 40 does not receive any confirmation by the tracer 40k at a frequency Y, to validate the hitch, or by the keyring 70 to allow movement, the trailer 20 remains motionless. If no confirmation is received after a predetermined delay, the trailer module 40 sends an alert to the central station 50 to warn the dispatcher 50g or the keypad 80 to send a warning to the user 60. The message authorizing the movement of the trailer 20 it is received by the module of the trailer 40, by the tranceptor 40k of the frequency Y, and the message preferably comes from the keyboard 80, from the tractor module 10 or from the central station 50. If the movement detector of the trailer module 40 , for example, the tilt sensor 40s, detects some movement of some non-fixed trailer 20 or any movement of a trailer hooked to a tractor-unauthorized 10, then sends a warning to the central station 50 or to the keyboard 80 by the tranceptor 40k of frequency Y. If the trailer module 40 receives an authorization message within a predetermined delay, the trailer module 40 authorizes the movement of the trailer 20. The trailer module 40 can detect, through the detection circuits 40i, other signals, for example the opening of the rear doors. Any unauthorized event is received either by the central station 50 warning the dispatcher 50g or by the keypad 80 warning the user 60.

However, if the trailer 20 is not within a reception radius of 2 km to receive the frequency wave Y of the central station 50, but comprises an optional cellular module 90, the optional cellular module 90 will terminate the warning warnings to the central station 50 through a cellular link. Each warning or alert is sent with information about the geographical position provided by the GPS receiver 401 of the trailer module 40. Reel time equipment management An important element of the present rail time equipment management system (Reel) is a dispatch software, installed in a computer of central station 50. The software allows sending the following information to the 50g dispatcher: the current status of tractors and trailers (moving or parked), the position of tractors and trailers, the status of the batteries, which tractor is hooked with which tractor, which user is driving which tractor, what is the available communication link, the detection of some anomaly in the use or link of equipment. The software allows the programming of equipment outputs and ensures the correct associations and correspondences between the user 60, the tractor 10 and the trailer 20. To develop these actions, using the software, the dispatcher 50g selects the user (s) 60, the tractor (s) 10 and trailer (s) 20 to be associated. All RF emissions sent by the tranceptors (30k, 40k, 50a and 80b) are encrypted.

Tractor Module Monitoring System 30 If a valid keychain 70 or keypad 80 starts the tractor 10, the tractor module 30, by means of the tracer 30k comprised within the tractor module 30, warns the central station 50. The central station identifies keychain 70 of keyboard 80 used to develop the start. As the dispatch software database links each keyring 70 or keypad 80 to a user 60, the dispatcher 50g knows who is driving the tractor 10. After the start of the tractor 10, the central station 50 informs the tractor module 30 the corresponding equipment that will carry. When the tractor 10 starts, there is a free communication path, and it is possible to request, through the tranceptor, 30k the information about the tractor module 30, for example, to find out its position or diagnostic problems. The user 50 can open a predetermined gate by pressing a button for preconfiguring the keyring 70; the keyring 70 sends to the central station 50, via a receiver 30c, a code initiating a transmission, by means of the tranceptor 30k of the tractor module 30, to request the opening of the gate. The dispatch software checks if the message is valid. If the message is valid, the dispatch software notifies the dispatcher 50g and opens the gate immediately, knowing that the corresponding equipment is valid. At regular intervals, the tractor module 30 verifies whether the tractor 10 is still in an area covered by the central station 50. If the tractor module 30 is out of range and equipped with an optional cellular module 90, the tractor module 30 it will continue to send the status of the tractor until the tractor 10 returns to the area covered by the central station 50.

Trailer module monitoring system 40 When the trailer 40 detects air pressure, by means of the pressurized air detector switch 41, the trailer 40 warns, through the 40k tranceptor, the central station 50. Therefore, the central station 50 warns the dispatcher 50g and informs the trailer module 40 about the equipment to be carried. Then the trailer module 40 checks with the tractor module 30 of the tractor 10 to pull the trailer 20 if the expected equipment according to the data of the tractor module 30 correspond to those expected according to the data of the trailer module 40. If the data matches, the tractor module 30 sends an authorization code to the trailer module 40. The trailer module 40 then authorizes the trailer 20 to move. The trailer module 40 informs the central station 50 that the trailer 20 is authorized to be hooked and towed by the tractor 10. When the trailer 20 operates, then there is a free way of communication, and it is possible to request information about the trailer, for example, request information about the position of the trailer or diagnose the system. At regular intervals, the trailer module 40 verifies whether the trailer 20 is still in an area covered by the central station 50. If the trailer module 40 is out of range and equipped with an optional cellular module 90, the trailer module 40 will continue to verify the status of the trailer until trailer 10 returns to the covered area of central station 50.

Keyboard monitoring system 80 To be able to use the keyboard 80, a user must enter a personal identification code. The keyboard 80 is programmable through a connector interface 83.

It is possible to program the use of the keyboard 80 for a certain period. When the period is finished, the keyboard 80 is reconfigured and becomes unusable. Consequently, in case of theft, its use is controlled. It is also possible to program a list of tractors 10 and trailers 20 whose access is guaranteed to the selected users 60. The keyboard 80 can also receive, via the tranceptor 80b, warnings and alerts from the trailer module 40 and the tractor module 30. Of course, the modalities described above are only illustrative examples of what could be achieved with the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that numerous modifications can be made to the embodiments as described in the present invention, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as is apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (24)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as a priority: CLAIMS

1. - A system to authorize a user of a tractor-trailer to drive said tractor-trailer out of a plurality of vehicles, said vehicles are tractors and trailers, said system comprises: modules located in each of said vehicles, and systems of said vehicle that are associated only with said module located in the vehicle, each of said modules is provided with a tranceptor, modules located in tractors that are tractors modules and modules that are located in trailers that are trailer modules; a unique code that is associated with each user of said system; and a central station, said central station being adapted to be sent to said modules the unique code of the user authorized to drive said tractor-trailer, so that at the moment of receiving said code, said modules allow said user to drive said tractor-trailer .

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said unique code is carried by said user in keychain, said keychain is adapted to transmit said unique code.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that each module comprises an electromagnetic field generator, said electromagnetic field generator produces an electromagnetic field, said electromagnetic field activates a resonant circuit comprised in the keyring.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said unique code is sent using a wireless keyboard.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each module comprises means for decoding the unique code.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each module comprises a controller, said controller comprises a program that performs operations according to received signals.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each module is provided with an interface operatively associating the module with the vehicle comprising the module; wherein said physical interface of the module comprises more cables than those necessary for interconnection; and wherein said cables can be randomly selected to interconnect said module to said vehicle when said module is operatively associated with said vehicle.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each module comprises a system to prevent the vehicle from moving.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each module is supplied by a source of energy of the vehicle.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each module is further provided with a cellular module for cellular communication between said module and said central station.

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each module is associated with systems of said vehicle, said systems of said vehicle comprise an ignition or a brake pedal or a brake system or a combination thereof.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that each module is associated with a detection system to detect the ignition of a tractor and to detect a movement in the brake pedal of said vehicle.

13. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that said tractor module is in a closed or secured state, closing the brakes of said tractor and electronically disabling the components included in the tractor until it receives a valid code.

14. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector allows the interface remotely peripheral equipment included in the tractor-trailer.

15. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tractor module and said trailer module each are further provided with a receiver G. P., said receiver module G. P. S. which indicates, in real time, the position of the vehicle to the controller.

16. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said system of said vehicle further comprise door sensors or temperature sensors or tilt sensors or alarms (timbres) of a combination thereof.

17. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said module is in a closed state when closing or locking the brakes of said vehicle until a valid code is received.

18. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said system is also operatively interconnected with an external dispatch system, where the information related to the goods, user and destination, are sent to said external dispatch system.

19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that said external dispatch system is a customs system.

20. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the authorization messages for the movements of each vehicle are received by the vehicle module through the module's tranceptor, said messages are received from the keyboard of another vehicle module, or from another central station.

21. A method for allowing a user to drive a tractor-trailer, comprising the steps of: (a) providing said user with a unique code; (b) provide a tractor module; (c) provide a trailer module; 3 (d) with a central station, sending said tractor module and said trailer module said unique code of said user; (e) said user sends said tractor module and said tractor module to said unique code; (f) in said tractor module and said tractor module, comparing said code received by said central station and said user; (g) allowing said user to drive said tractor associated with said trailer when said codes coincide.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that said user sends said code with a keychain that carries said code. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the user sends said code with a wireless keyboard. 24. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that said key ring is associated with the plurality of tractor modules and trailer modules.