WO2003095276A1

WO2003095276A1 - Vehicle identification system

Info

Publication number: WO2003095276A1
Application number: PCT/IB2003/001852
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darryl Edward Albert Cotty
Original assignee: Darryl Edward Albert Cotty
Priority date: 2002-05-13
Filing date: 2003-05-13
Publication date: 2003-11-20
Also published as: ZA200501990B; AU2003230075A1

Abstract

The invention discloses a vehicle identification system including a first vehicle identification device (5) that is securable to a vehicle and comprising a first data repository for vehicle specific information, a first transmitter configured to transmit a first data output signal (10) upon reception of an activation signal, the first data output signal including vehicle specific information from the first data repository, and a first receiver configured to receive a data update signal to update the first data repository; a vehicle identification device reader (8) comprising a reader transmitter configured to transmit an activation signal, and a reader receiver configured to receive the first data output signal (10) from the first vehicle identification device (15); and a database (14) of vehicle specific information to which the reader (8) is connectable for comparison of the vehicle specific information with the first data output signal.

Description

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a vehicle identification system and apparatus for use with such system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Vehicles are identified by various means including registration number plates, license tokens, manufacturer's engine number, chassis number and vehicle identification number (VIN), and so forth.

All of these rely on visual inspection of a number or code secured to a vehicle. Problems with this include that the numbers or codes may be obscured with mud and grime; they may have been physically damaged or removed; and the numbers or codes are, at least in some instances such as with vehicle registration number plates, easily alterable.

Electronic identification means are also available, which include a system that makes use of a transponder attached to a vehicle to identify the vehicle. With such a system the transponder is pre-programmed with a specified code that is used to identify the vehicle. The code is transmitted upon activation of the transponder and received by a dedicated receiver, which is programmed to interpret the code. This allows the receiver to display the information stored on the transponder. Such a system is used to establish the identity of a vehicle and allows the detection of stolen vehicles by comparison of the data received from the transponder on a vehicle to data stored on a computer database.

A problem with this type of system is that the status of the vehicle has to be determined by comparison of the vehicle particulars with the information in the database. This is in effect just an automated version of the traditional manner of status checking which involved dialling vehicle particulars to a dispatcher who would check the vehicle status on a computer linked to the database.

The existing systems also do not allow for information other than vehicle identification information to be stored on the transponder.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a vehicle identification device to alleviate at least some of the abovementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a vehicle identification system including a first vehicle identification device being securable to a vehicle and comprising a first data repository for vehicle specific information, a first transmitter configured to transmit a first data output signal upon reception of an activation signal, the first data output signal including vehicle specific information from the first data repository, and a first receiver configured to receive a data update signal to update the first data repository; a vehicle identification device reader comprising a reader transmitter configured to transmit an activation signal, and a reader receiver configured to receive the first data output signal from the first vehicle identification device; and a database of vehicle specific information to which the reader is connectable for comparison of the vehicle specific information with the first data output signal.

There is further provided for the system to include a second vehicle identification device being securable to the vehicle and comprising a second data repository for vehicle specific information, and a second transmitter configured to transmit a second data output signal upon reception of the activation signal, the second data output signal including vehicle specific information from the second data repository; and for the reader to be configured to receive the second data output signal for comparison with the vehicle specific information in the database.

There is also provided for the first and second vehicle identification devices to include secure unique identification numbers, for the unique identification number of the first vehicle identification device to be included in the data repository of the second vehicle identification device, and for the unique identification number of the second vehicle identification device to be included in the data repository of the first vehicle identification device.

There is further provided for the reader to receive the data update signal including updated information from the database, and to transmit the data update signal to the first vehicle identification device.

There is also provided for the reader to be connectable to the database by wireless connection preferably a radio wave connection including GPRS and GSM connections.

There is also provided for the reader to include display means configured to display the information from the first and second data output signals in a predetermined format.

There is still further provided for the reader to be a handheld reader, alternatively for the reader to be incorporated into a roadside structure or in a road surface.

There is further provided for the vehicle specific information to include vehicle identification, vehicle license status, traffic fine information, vehicle roadworthy status, insurance status, and vehicle theft status.

There is still further provided for the first data repository to include also vehicle owner information, vehicle driver information, and commercial information.

There is also provided for the vehicle owner and vehicle driver information to include obligatory legal information including issued warrants of arrest information, vehicle owner and vehicle driver identification, drivers licence demerit point status, vehicle owner and vehicle driver medical information including blood type, allergies, and known special medical conditions, and emergency contact details including contact telephone numbers.

There is further provided for the commercial information to include security access information, commercial transactions, and club membership passes.

There is further provided for the vehicle owner information, vehicle driver information, and commercial information to be included in the first data output signal only upon reception of an authorization signal.

There is further provided for the information in the first data repository to be classified, for the information from each class to be transmitted only upon reception of the authorization signal, for the authorization signal to allow transmission of more than one class of information, and for the reader to transmit the authorization signal.

There is further provided for the reader to include input means for an access code, for the access code to be biometric data including fingerprints or retina scans, and for the access code to determine the authorization signal that the reader transmits.

There is further provided for the activation signal to comprise a magnetic field and for the vehicle identification devices to be powered by the magnetic field, alternatively for the devices to be connected to a power source, preferably integrated with the devices alternatively located remote from the device and connectable to the devices by means of a hard wire connection.

There is still further provided for the power source to include a solar energy converter configured to power the vehicle identification devices, alternatively configured to charge the power source.

There is also provided for the first and second vehicle identification devices to be transponders. There is still further provided for the vehicle identification devices to be embeddable in a vehicle windscreen; alternatively to be integratable with a vehicle identification token, preferably a licence disc.

A further feature of the invention provides for the system to include a third vehicle identification device comprising a third data repository, and a third transmitter configured to transmit a third data output signal which includes vehicle specific information from the third data repository.

There is still further provided for the database to be connected to an audit database and to a vehicle registration database, for the vehicle specific information of the database to update the data on the vehicle registration database, and for the audit database to be used to audit transactions between the database and the vehicle registration database.

There is further provided for a vehicle registration authority to operate the vehicle registration database and for an independent auditor to operate the audit database.

A still further feature of the invention provides for a method of operating a vehicle identification system including the steps of registering a vehicle in the database by a first authorised agent, issuing at least first and second vehicle identification devices, securing the first vehicle identification device to a first portion of the vehicle by the first agent, securing the second vehicle identification device to a second portion of the vehicle by the first agent, activating at least the first vehicle identification device to transmit a first data output signal, and receiving the first data output signal by a reader as defined above.

There is also provided for the method to include comparison of the vehicle specific information from the first data output signal with the vehicle specific information on the database, for changes to be transmitted to the reader, and for a data update signal to be transmitted from the reader to the first vehicle identification device.

There is further provided for the method to include the steps of displaying the information from the first data output signal on display means of the reader. There is further provided for the step of registering the vehicle to include recordal of the vehicle identification information and vehicle owner identification information by the first agent, and transmission of this identification information to the database for updating thereof.

There is further provided for the vehicle owner identification information to at least include a photograph of the driver, a driver's licence number and the identification number of the driver.

There is further provide for the agent to confirm the accuracy of vehicle identification information and the vehicle owner identification information by him by recording biometric signature of himself, specifically a fingerprint or a retina scan.

There is further provided for the method to include the step of issuing a second and third vehicle identification device to the vehicle owner by the first agent, securing the second vehicle identification device to the vehicle by the first agent, issuing the first vehicle identification device to the vehicle owner by a second authorised agent upon presentation of the third vehicle identification device, and securing the first vehicle identification device to the vehicle.

There is further provided for the first and second agents to operate from different locations, for the first agent to be an authorised retailer, and for the second agent to be a vehicle registration authority employee.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will be described below by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a first vehicle identification device according to the invention, secured to a licence disc holder; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a vehicle identification system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A first vehicle identification device is shown in Figure 1 , and a vehicle identification system is shown in Figure 2.

The first vehicle identification device is first transponder (1) that includes a first data repository (2), receiver (3) and a first transmitter (4). The first data repository (2) includes vehicle specific information. The first transmitter (4) is configured to transmit a first data output signal (10) that includes the vehicle specific information upon reception of an activation signal, and the receiver (3) is configured to receive a data update signal (11 ) to update the first data repository (2).

The first transponder (1) is secured to a licence disc holder (5), which is in turn secured to a vehicle windscreen (6). The system also includes a second vehicle identification device, which is a second transponder (17) secured to the rear window (not shown) of the vehicle. The second transponder (17) includes a second data repository (not shown) for vehicle specific information, and a second transmitter (not shown) configured to transmit a second data output signal including vehicle specific information from the second data repository upon reception of the activation signal.

The transponders (1 , 17) are energized by an external magnetic field (7), which is generated by a magnetic field source, which in this embodiment is a vehicle identification device reader (8). The reader (8) includes a transmitter (not shown), and a receiver (9) that is configured to receive the first data output signal (10). In this embodiment the external magnetic field is also the activation signal. However, it is possible to transmit a specific activation signal to the transponders (1 , 17), which will cause the transponders (1 ,17) to transmit the data output signals.

The magnetic field (7) energizes the transponders (1 ,17) to transmit the first data output signal (10) and second data output signal (not shown), which is received by the reader (8). The reader (8) transmits a data signal (12) via a radio wave network (13), which is typically a GSM or GPRS signal, to a computer database (14), which includes updated vehicle specific information. Upon reception of the data signal (12) from the reader (8) the database (14) transmits an updated data signal (15) that includes updated vehicle specific information, also via the radio wave network (13), to the reader (8). The data signal (15) is received by the receiver (9) and processed by the reader (8).

The updated vehicle specific information is then transmitted to the first transponder (1) only and the data in the first repository is updated. The data update signal (11) includes a secure authorization signal that allows the first repository (2) to be updated. Without this authorization signal the data in the first repository (2) cannot be altered.

When the reader receives the data output signal (10) from the transponder (1) it also displays the information in a predetermined format on a display (not shown) on the reader (8) for information of the authorized person (16) operating the reader (8). This person is typically a law enforcement officer at roadblock, but it could also be a law enforcement officer doing random checks on vehicles parked in a road, and so forth. Information fields that relate to the validity of an aspect of the vehicle, such as the roadworthiness of the vehicle which is valid for a fixed time period, do not have to be transmitted to the database for confirmation of the status. The specific field in the transponder will show when the last test was conducted and the reader's software will automatically calculate the date on which such test will expire.

To deter tampering with the first and second transponders (1 , 17) also have unique identification numbers, which cannot be altered. Upon issuing the unique identification number of the first transponder is recorded in the second transponder and vice versa. This allows the transponders to verify each other upon activation. This information is also received by the reader (8) and confirmation of the verified transponders is displayed on the reader (8). If there is a problem with these numbers the reader (8) will alert the operator thereof by one or more of a flashing light, an audible alarm, or an special display on the display screen of the reader (8).

It is therefore possible to obtain secure vehicle specific information from the first and second transponders (1 , 17) when the reader queries the transponders (1,17). Depending on the frequency of updating the information will also be very accurate. Information such as the vehicle registration number, VIN, engine number, chassis number and so on will not in the normal course of events change and will therefore always be up to date. Only when ownership of the vehicle changes may information such as the vehicle registration number change, but this will be updated in new set of transponders (1 , 17) that will be issued to the new owner and will then remain valid until the vehicle ownership or vehicle details change.

Vehicle specific information that may change includes vehicle license status, vehicle roadworthy status, insurance status, traffic fine information and vehicle theft status. This information will obviously have to be updated as frequently as possible to keep the data in the transponder repository accurate.

The information in the first repository (2) also includes non-vehicle specific information, such as vehicle owner information, vehicle driver information, and commercial information.

The vehicle owner and vehicle driver information include issued warrants of arrest information; vehicle owner and vehicle driver identification; drivers licence demerit point status, vehicle owner and vehicle driver medical information including blood type, allergies, known special medical conditions, and emergency contact details including contact telephone numbers.

The commercial information includes security access information, commercial transactions, club membership passes, and so forth.

This allows non-law enforcement officers to also query the first transponder (1) for a response. The information in the first repository (2) is classified and depending on the authorization signal transmitted by the reader (8), certain classes of information will be transmitted by the first transponder (1 ).

For example, medical personnel at the scene of an accident may be allowed to access medical information of the vehicle owner or driver. This information will not be available to, for example, a security guard at a controlled access point. Only commercial information relevant to the controlled access of that area will be available to the guard.

The reader (8) includes a facility to enter an access code, which allows different classes of information to be transmitted to the reader. It is also possible to provide readers that will by default only allow specific classes of information to be read.

It is therefore possible for a law enforcement officer to query the vehicle at any time or location and obtain accurate information from the transponder about the vehicle identity, and also the status of for example traffic fines, warrants of arrest and so forth. The officer need not be in connection with the database, which is not always possible due to technical, financial, logistical, or geographical constraints.

The procedure to register a vehicle in the system includes the capturing of data from the vehicle owner by an authorised agent. The data includes the identity number and drivers licence number of the owner, as well as recording a digital picture of the owner.

The vehicle information is also recorded at this time, which includes the vehicle registration number, VIN, engine and chassis numbers. This is transmitted to the database (14) where it is compared with data on the network and if verified confirmation of this is transmitted to the agent. At this point the owner is also allowed to specify commercial and additional owner and diver information, which he may wish to register on the first transponder.

The computer system operated by the agent is now allowed to produce a second and third transponder, as described above. The second transponder, which only includes vehicle specific information, is secured to the rear window of the vehicle. The third transponder is used to identify the vehicle owner when he proceeds to a local authority licence office, where he has to obtain the first transponder.

The owner proceeds to the local authority licence office where he presents himself and the third transponder, which is read by a reader as described above. This identifies the owner to the licence office by displaying the picture of the owner, which was captured by the authorised agent, to the licence office employee. It also displays the drivers licence number. This is verified by comparison with the owner's driver's licence, which he has to produce at this time.

With the verified driver's licence and picture the computer system allows the first transponder, which is secured to a licence token in the form of disc and it is secured to the front windscreen of the vehicle.

Both the first and second transponders are now secured to the vehicle on different windscreens. The transponders are secured to the windows in a manner to prevent removal without destroying the transponders. This is done to prevent fraud.

If the owner wishes to update any information on the first transponder he has to visit an agent who will inspect the vehicle to confirm the identity thereof. As before the accuracy of the data is confirmed by the agent by recording his own biometric signature on the system. Once the information has been updated on the database the system produces new second and third transponders. The new second transponder is secured to the rear window and the old second transponder is removed. As before the owner takes the new third transponder to the local authority licence office for issuing of a new first transponder.

The information on the database (14) is updated to a vehicle registration database, such as the South African NATIS database. This allows for controlled flow of information between the databases. The system also includes a third audit database, which is controlled by an independent auditor, which in this embodiment is a reputable international auditing firm. The audit database checks all transactions between the database (14) and the vehicle registration database for anomalies and fraud. If any exceptions occur such a transaction may be traced completely and if there has been fraud the appropriate action may be taken. This will include updating the system to reflect the fraudulent status of the transponders issued to the specific vehicle owner.

When the specific vehicle next passes through a checkpoint or an updating point the first transponder will be updated with this information, which will allow the vehicle to be impounded and the owner apprehended. It is envisaged that updating points will be located at convenient locations throughout an area such as a city, for example at busy intersections, tollgates, parking area entrances and the like. Such an updating point will have a reader which will read the transponders when the vehicle passes over it. When a vehicle, for example, waits for a traffic light to change the reader can activate the transponder and update the information on the transponder at that time. Such updating can occur a number of times daily when vehicles, especially in a city, spends time waiting at intersections.

It is also possible when a vehicle has for example been stolen to not only update the status of the vehicle to that of stolen on the transponder, but also to notify the law enforcement authorities of the location of that vehicle. With an adequate number of readers in an area it will be possible to track the location of the vehicle to enable recovery of the vehicle and apprehension of the thieves.

It will be understood that this is only one embodiment of the invention. It is possible to alter some aspects of the embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.

It is for instance possible to provide a transponder with a dedicated power source such as an integral battery, or a hard wire connection to a power source in the vehicle. It is also possible to incorporate a solar energy converter in the licence disc, which may be used to power the transponder or charge a battery that powers the transponder.

It is also possible for the reader to incorporate a barcode reader, which cooperates with a barcode traffic fine book. This will enable a traffic official to quickly capture details of a traffic offender by reading the first transponder, scan the barcode traffic fine book for the specific offence and to electronically capture the relevant details thereof. This will also enable traffic fines to be sent to drivers electronically, which reduces turnaround time on the recovery of fines.

Claims

1. A vehicle identification system including a first vehicle identification device being securable to a vehicle and comprising a first data repository for vehicle specific information, a first transmitter configured to transmit a first data output signal upon reception of an activation signal, the first data output signal including vehicle specific information from the first data repository, and a first receiver configured to receive a data update signal to update the first data repository; a vehicle identification device reader comprising a reader transmitter configured to transmit an activation signal, and a reader receiver configured to receive the first data output signal from the first vehicle identification device; and a database of vehicle specific information to which the reader is connectable for comparison of the vehicle specific information with the first data output signal.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 which includes a second vehicle identification device being securable to the vehicle and comprising a second data repository for vehicle specific information, and a second transmitter configured to transmit a second data output signal upon reception of the activation signal, the second data output signal including vehicle specific information from the second data repository; and the reader being configured to receive the second data output signal for comparison with the vehicle specific information in the database.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2 in which the first and second vehicle identification devices include secure unique identification numbers, the unique identification number of the first vehicle identification device is included in the data repository of the second vehicle identification device, and the unique identification number of the second vehicle identification device is included in the data repository of the first vehicle identification device.

4. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the reader receives the data update signal including updated information from the database, and transmits the data update signal to the first vehicle identification device.

5. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the reader is connectable to the database by wireless connection.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5 in which the wireless connection includes a radio wave connection.

7. A system as claimed in claim 6 in which the radio wave connection is one of a GPRS and a GSM connection.

8. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 in which the reader includes display means configured to display the information from the first and second data output signals in a predetermined format.

9. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the reader is a handheld reader.

10. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the reader is incorporated into a roadside structure or in a road surface.

11. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the vehicle specific information includes vehicle identification, vehicle license status, traffic fine information, vehicle roadworthy status, insurance status, and vehicle theft status.

12. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the first data repository also includes vehicle owner information, vehicle driver information, and commercial information.

13. A system as claimed in claim 12 in which the vehicle owner information and vehicle driver information include obligatory legal information including issued warrants of arrest information, vehicle owner and vehicle driver identification, drivers licence demerit point status, vehicle owner and vehicle driver medical information including blood type, allergies, and known special medical conditions; and emergency contact details including contact telephone numbers.

14. A system as claimed in claim 12 or 13 in which the commercial information includes security access information, commercial transactions, and club membership passes.

15. A system as claimed in claim 12 to 14 in which the vehicle owner information, vehicle driver information, and commercial information is included in the first data output signal only upon reception of an authorization signal.

16. A system as claimed in claim 12 to 15 in which the information in the first data repository is classified, the information from each class is transmitted only upon reception of the authorization signal.

17. A system as claimed in claim 16 in which the authorization signal allows transmission of more than one class of information.

18. A system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 in which the reader includes input means for an access code.

19. A system as claimed in claim 18 in which the access code comprises biometric data including fingerprints or retina scans.

20. A system as claimed in any one of claims 18 or 19 in which the access code determines the authorization signal that the reader transmits.

21. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the activation signal comprises a magnetic field and each vehicle identification devices is powered by the magnetic field.

22. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each vehicle identification device is connected to a power source.

23. A system as claimed in claim 22 in which the power source is integrated with the device.

24. A system as claimed in claim 22 in which power source is located remote from the vehicle identification devices and are connectable to the devices by means of a hard wire connection.

25. A system as claimed in claim 22 in which the power source includes a solar energy converter configured to power the vehicle identification devices or to charge the power source.

26. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25 in which the first vehicle identification device is a transponder.

27. A system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 25 in which the second vehicle identification device is a transponder.

28. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the vehicle identification devices are embeddable in a vehicle windscreen.

29. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27 in which the vehicle identification devices are integratable with a vehicle identification token.

30. A system as claimed in claim 29 in which the vehicle identification token is a licence disc.

31. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes a third vehicle identification device comprising a third data repository, and a third transmitter configured to transmit a third data output signal which includes vehicle specific information from the third data repository.

32. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the database is connected to an audit database and to a vehicle registration database, the vehicle specific information of the database updates the data on the vehicle registration database, and the audit database is used to audit transactions between the database and the vehicle registration database.

33. A system as claimed in claim 32 in which a vehicle registration authority operates the vehicle registration database and an independent auditor operates the audit database.

34. A method of operating a vehicle identification system including the steps of registering a vehicle in the database by a first authorised agent, issuing a first identification device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33 and second vehicle identification devices as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 33, securing the first vehicle identification device to a first portion of a vehicle by the first agent, securing the second vehicle identification device to a second portion of the vehicle by the first agent, activating at least the first vehicle identification device to transmit a first data output signal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33, and receiving the first data output signal by a reader as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33.

35. A method as claimed in claim 34 which includes comparing the vehicle specific information from the first data output signal with the vehicle specific information on the database as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33, transmitting changes to the reader, and transmitting a data update signal as claimed in any one claims 4 to 33 from the reader to the first vehicle identification device.

36. A method as claimed in claims 34 or 35, which include the steps of displaying the information from the first data output signal on display means of the reader.

37. A method as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 36, which includes the step of recording vehicle identification information and vehicle owner identification information by the first agent, and transmission of the identification information to the database for updating thereof.

38. A method as claimed in claim 37 in which the vehicle owner identification information at least includes a photograph of the driver, a driver's licence number and the identification number of the driver.

39. A method as claimed in claim 37 or 38, which includes the step of confirming the accuracy of vehicle identification information and the vehicle owner identification information by recording a biometric signature of the agent by the agent.

40. A method as claimed in claim 39 in which the biometric signature comprises a fingerprint or a retina scan.

41. A method as claimed in claim 34 which includes the step of issuing a second and third vehicle identification device to the vehicle owner by the first agent, securing the second vehicle identification device to the vehicle by the first agent, issuing the first vehicle identification device to the vehicle owner by a second authorised agent upon presentation of the third vehicle identification device, and securing the first vehicle identification device to the vehicle.

42. A method as claimed in claim 41 in which the first and second agents operate from different locations, the first agent is an authorised retailer, and the second agent is a vehicle registration authority employee.

43. A vehicle identification system substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.