WO2008146307A2

WO2008146307A2 - Fuel theft alert in automobiles using telemetry

Info

Publication number: WO2008146307A2
Application number: PCT/IN2008/000336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ramalingam Krishnamurthi
Original assignee: Pricol Limited
Priority date: 2007-05-29
Filing date: 2008-05-28
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: WO2008146307A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method to detect fuel theft by potentiometer sensing using float switch in vehicle tracking and monitoring system by sending fuel level value from float switch to micro controller after suitable signal conditioning; checking the value by fuel switch for every predefined time delay; comparing the subsequent value with previous value to determine deviation in the values; and storing the deviation in memory using GPS module to identify exact location and time of fuel theft and/or filling, if deviation value is more than predefined limit and system thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant disclosure relates to field of fuel level indicator in vehicle tracking and monitoring system, preferably it relates to a method and system to detect the fuel theft and/or filling in automobile using Telemetry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART The theft of fuel is a rampant problem that costs the transport industry vast amounts of money. There are several methods in which fuel is stolen, including 1) fuel being siphoned from a vehicle's fuel tank, 2) the owner of a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles being overcharged for the actual quantity of fuel that has been dispensed to the vehicle(s), or 3) where a single fuel payment card is used to dispense fuel to a number of different vehicles.

Typically, the second and third ways described above of stealing fuel take place where the driver of the vehicle and/or the fleet manager are/is in collusion with the workers and/or owners of filling stations. The second method, namely overcharging, is particularly common as fuel gauges are generally not very accurate in terms of confirming a vehicle operator's claim that he or she filled the vehicle's fuel tank completely. Thus, the vehicle's owner will pay for a full tank of fuel, say, 60 litres, whereas in fact only 50 litres was pumped into the vehicle. The owner is none the wiser because generally fuel gauges are not sufficiently accurate to indicate that the fuel tank is only, for example, 90% full, and not 100% full as claimed. In addition, it is impractical for the owner to check each and every vehicle that has just been filled with fuel. There are several systems presently available that seek to address the problem of fuel theft. The most accurate of these systems involves measuring the actual amount of fuel that has been combusted by the vehicle's engine. Thus, for example, in a diesel powered vehicle this involves measuring the flow of fuel before it enters the injector pump and the flow of excess fuel back to the tank. Whilst this system is relatively accurate, it is generally prohibitively expensive, and, it is believed, can be manipulated if the flow of fuel is intercepted and redirected between the device and the injector pump.

A second system of preventing fuel theft takes the form of a sleeve that is simply inserted into the neck of the fuel tank, which serves to prevent the insertion of a siphon, thereby preventing the siphoning of fuel directly out of the fuel tank. The primary problem with such a system is that fuel can still be removed from the fuel tank via, for example, the drain plug of the fuel tank, by removing the fuel level meter cap, or from the fuel line directly.

Other systems that are aimed at preventing fuel theft involve fitting an electronic vehicle identification unit around the neck of the fuel tank. The nozzle of the fuel pump is in turn also fitted with an electronic device, with the two devices being programmed so that the fuel pump will only dispense fuel if the vehicle identification unit on the vehicle's fuel tank is actively identified. The resulting transaction is then recorded, and is thus relatively foolproof. There are however certain limitations with this system, with the primary one being that fuel can still be siphoned from the fuel tank. In addition, this system only works at filling stations where such technology exists.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a fuel theft detection system and method that addresses the abovementioned problems.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One or more of the problems of the conventional prior art may be overcome by various embodiments of the present invention. The present invention relates to a method and system to detect the fuel theft and/or filling in automobile using Telemetry, which will identify the theft of the fuel.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention is to provide a method and system to detect the fuel theft and/or filling in automobile using Telemetry that overcomes many of the disadvantages of the prior art devices.

Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a reliable product which will indicate the fuel theft and/or filling of the vehicle.

Yet another object of the present invention is to develop said product which can be used for any of the vehicles, irrespective of the fuel tank size and shape to detect the fuel theft and/or filling.

Still another object of the present invention is to present data of fuel level change using geo coded locational data and nature of change.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide icons in maps to indicate fuel level change and nature of change.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide continuous updation of value to discount drift, drip and leaks. STATEMENT OF INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides for a method for detecting fuel theft by potentiometer sensing using float switch in vehicle(s), said method comprising acts of sending fuel level value from float switch to micro controller after suitable signal conditioning; checking and continuously updating the fuel level value from fuel switch for every predefined time delay; comparing the subsequent value with previous value to determine deviation in the values; storing the determined deviation value in memory using GPS module to identify exact location and time of fuel theft and/or filling, if deviation value is more than predefined limit; and sending the theft alert to base station along with the GPS data through communication module, and also provides for a system for detecting fuel theft by potentiometer sensing using float switch in vehicle(s), said system comprises a float switch configured as potentiometer to sense level of fuel within a tank; micro controller connected with GPS module and communication modem to collect, processes, compare, and send the value to detect the fuel theft and/or filling; GPS receiver to determine exact location and time of fuel theft and/or filling; and battery connected to the microcontroller through switching circuit to provide ignition during vehicle in OFF condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The features described in this disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. These features and attendant advantages will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates flow chart of a logic/method used in identifying fuel theft and/or filling in automobiles. Figure 2 illustrates block diagram of system adopted in the instant invention to identify fuel theft and/or filling in the automobiles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The primary embodiment of the present invention is a method for detecting fuel theft by potentiometer sensing using float switch in vehicle(s), said method comprising acts of sending fuel level value from float switch to micro controller after suitable signal conditioning; checking and continuously updating the fuel level value from fuel switch for every predefined time delay; comparing the subsequent value with previous value to determine deviation in the values; storing the determined deviation value in memory using GPS module to identify exact location and time of fuel theft and/or filling, if deviation value is more than predefined limit; and sending the theft alert to base station along with the GPS data through communication module.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the method identifies fuel theft and/or filling during vehicle is in OFF condition.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the method provides continuous updation of the value to discount drift or drip or evaporation or any combinations thereof.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the predefined time delay is about 1 minute.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the predefined limit is depending upon tank size or shape or float mechanism or any combinations thereof. In still another embodiment of the present invention the predefined limit is preferably about 3%.

Another important embodiment of the present invention is a system for detecting fuel theft by potentiometer sensing using float switch in vehicle(s), said system comprises a float switch configured as potentiometer to sense level of fuel within a tank; micro controller connected with GPS module and communication modem to collect, processes, compare, and send the value to detect the fuel theft and/or filling; GPS receiver to determine exact location and time of fuel theft and/or filling; and battery connected to the microcontroller through switching circuit to provide ignition during vehicle in OFF condition. In still another embodiment of the present invention the system presents the fuel level change in a graph form for interpretation.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the system determines the Fuel theft or filling in both OFF and ON condition of the vehicle. The main objective of the present invention is to develop a reliable product which will indicate the fuel/filling of the vehicle. This product can be used for any of the vehicles, irrespective of the fuel tank size and shape to detect the fuel theft/filling provided the vehicle is having a resistive fuel gauge.

The primary embodiment of the present invention is a method to detect fuel theft by potentiometer sensing using float switch.

Under this method the output from the float switch is given to the micro controller after suitable signal conditioning. Now the value from the fuel switch is checked for every predefined time delay (say about 1 min). If there is any deviation from the present and the previous value by more than specified limit (say about 3%) this deviation is stored in the memory with the help of GPS module which will give the exact location and time of fuel theft/filling. Even is the vehicle is in OFF condition (Ignition OFF) the system will detect the fuel theft/filling. The above explanation is illustrated in figure 1.

The main constraint is the output of the float switch should be approximately linear. The accuracy of the proposed method mainly depends on float switch. Fuel theft is detected using float switch and micro controller.

In the present disclosure, the measurement of fuel level is performed by using existing transducers. The present system periodically switches the power into 'On' state to avoid fire hazard from fuel transducers. If proper care is not taken, this can cause into serious damages.

The system employed in the instant disclosure also takes care of drift, drip and leaks of fuel from fuel tank by continuously updating the fuel level value to discount.

Once the change in the fuel level value is calculated, the theft of the fuel is measured.

But it is necessary to identify nature of the change and volume of the change in fuel.

For this purposes, the theft data is integrated with GPS position data for location determination. If there is any deviation from the present and previous values exceeds a specific range (say about 3%), this deviation is stored in the memory with the help of GPS module. This helps the end-user in finding out the exact location and time of fuel theft / filling. Once the nature of change is predicted, the alert to the base station along with the GPS data is send to the base station or end-user through the communication module. The locational data along with the time, latitude, longitude, date and direction is given by the GPS module. This data is very much important in identifying when exactly the fuel is robbed and in which location this action is performed. Thus, for this purposes the system is equipped with GPS module which presents the data of fuel change using geo coded locational data and nature of change. Also, with the help of algorithm the nature of fuel level change is predicted using the deviation values respectively. Now referring to another important embodiment as shown in figure 2, where it relates to system used in identifying fuel theft. The system includes a float switch Fl is a device used to sense the level of fuel within a tank. Here the float switch Fl acts as a potentiometer in finding out the level of the fuel in the fuel tank T. As shown in figure 2, the voltage input (V) to the Fuel resistance is given through the following modes, firstly, During the Ignition ON condition the voltage (V) supplied from battery through ignition switch. Secondly, During the Ignition OFF condition the voltage (V) supplied through a transistor Tl. The micro controller senses the ignition off condition and enables the transistor through resistance Rl, R2 & Tl . This voltage does not affect the Fuel Gauge at any point thereby providing an interference free system. The float resistance varies according to the level of fuel in the tank. The reference voltage Vl is generated with respect to the resistance value, and given as an input to the micro controller via the resistors R3 and R4. The micro controller checks the reference voltage Vl at periodical intervals .and it find any deviation from the present and previous voltage values. If the deviation exceeds a specific limit (say about 3%) , an alert is given through the communication module The GPS module gives the exact location and time of fuel theft/filling.

The instant disclosure provides some other important features. They are • Presenting fuel level change in a graph form for interpretation.

The graphical form of interpretation helps in finding out the gradual or rapid change in the fuel level at specific time intervals. • Intelligent way of determining fuel level change possibilities with respect to engine power ON condition and GPS validity condition.

When the system is in ignition OFF mode the speed value from the GPS module will be zero. This can be taken as a reference to start the process of fuel theft / filling. In instant disclosure the power to the sensor is controlled by the Transistor which is directly connected to the battery. The cycling of power is done through the micro controller.

In the present system, the main function is only when the ignition switch is OFF, 5 since fuel theft normally takes place in a still and switched off vehicle. The Ignition switch is sending for off and then the Micro controller cycles the power to the sensor directly through the transistor.

References

1 I πU

T Fuel tank

Fl Float switch

Tl Transistor

Vl Reference voltage

15 Rl, R2, R3, R4 Resistors

GND Ground

Claims

We claim:

1. A method for detecting fuel theft by potentiometer sensing using float switch in vehicle(s), said method comprising acts of: i. sending fuel level value from float switch to micro controller after suitable signal conditioning; ii. checking and continuously updating the fuel level value from fuel switch for every predefined time delay; iii. comparing the subsequent value with previous value to determine deviation in the values; iv. storing the determined deviation value in memory using GPS module to identify exact location and time of fuel theft and/or filling, if deviation value is more than predefined limit; and v. sending the theft alert to base station along with the GPS data through communication module.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method identifies fuel theft and/or filling during vehicle is in OFF condition.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method provides continuous updation of the value to discount drift or drip or evaporation or any combinations thereof.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined time delay is about 1 minute.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined limit is depending upon tank size or shape or float mechanism or any combinations thereof.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined limit is preferably about 3%.

7. A system for detecting fuel theft by potentiometer sensing using float switch in vehicle(s), said system comprises i. a float switch configured as potentiometer to sense level of fuel within a tank; ii. micro controller connected with GPS module and communication modem to collect, processes, compare, and send the value to detect the fuel theft and/or filling; iii. GPS receiver to determine exact location and time of fuel theft and/or filling; and iv. battery connected to the microcontroller through switching circuit to provide ignition during vehicle in OFF condition.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the system presents the fuel level change in a graph form for interpretation.

9. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the system determines the Fuel theft or filling in both OFF and ON condition of the vehicle.

10. A method and system for detecting fuel theft by potentiometer sensing using float switch in vehicle(s) is substantially as herein above described with reference to accompanying drawings.