WO2009011566A9

WO2009011566A9 - Warning apparatus for speed traps

Info

Publication number: WO2009011566A9
Application number: PCT/NL2008/000067
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oosterum Joseph Van; Os Johan Van
Original assignee: Eldap Bv; Oosterum Joseph Van; Os Johan Van
Priority date: 2007-07-13
Filing date: 2008-02-29
Publication date: 2009-03-05
Also published as: NL1034129C2; WO2009011566A1

Abstract

A warning apparatus (1) for speed traps is described, comprising: - a control member (10) with a user input (11), a user output (19) and a system of detection signal inputs (12); - an input member (20) connected to the user input (11), to be operated by a user; - a signalling member (30) connected to the user output, for generating a warning signal perceptible to a user; - a system of at least two functional units (40), each adapted for detecting circumstances indicating the possibility of a speed trap, the different functional units having mutually different principles of operation; wherein each functional unit is connected to a corresponding detection signal input (12) of the control member (10); wherein the control member is adapted, on receiving a detection signal at at least one of the detection signal inputs (12), to generate a control signal for the signalling member at its output (19); wherein at least one of the functional units can be switched off individually and selectively.

Description

Title: Warning apparatus for speed traps

The present invention relates in general to warning apparatus for use in vehicles, capable of warning that one is approaching a speed trap. In the following, a car and car driver will always be mentioned for sake of convenience, but this is only by way of example and not for limitation since the present invention can also be used in the context of motor bicycles, trucks and the like.

One of the risk factors for traffic accidents is speeding. In an attempt to increase the safety of traffic, the authorities therefore use speed detection systems, which measure the speed of passing vehicles. When finding a speed violation, a fine follows, or worse.

Conversely, warning apparatus have also been developed, for mounting into a car or for separate use, which warn for an approaching speed trap. This allows unsuspecting car drivers, who do not notice that they are speeding, to adapt their speed in time in stead of being confronted with the financial consequences of their mistake. Such warning apparatus can however also be used by people who deliberately wish to speed. Also for this reason, the use of such warning systems may be forbidden by the authorities. The question whether or not the use of such warning system is forbidden is a question that must be answered individually per country: in some countries it is allowed, in other countries it is forbidden. Depending on national law, it is even possible that the presence of such warning apparatus, even if not switched on, is forbidden and may lead to confiscation and high penalty.

Speed detection systems can be subdivided by their principle of operation. For instance, there are detection systems which operate using radar, and there are detection systems which operate using lasers. On the other hand, it is possible to make a distinction between stationary and mobile detection systems: there are systems fixedly installed at a certain position by a road, and there are mobile systems that can be installed at changing locations or that can be used on board of a police car. Such distinction can also be made in the case of warning systems : there are warning systems which detect the use of the detection laser, and there are warning systems which detect the use of the detection radar. Such warning systems will be triggered both on approaching a fixed detection station and on approaching a mobile detection station. There are however also warning systems which are only used for warning when approaching a fixed detection station, irrespective of this detection station being in operation or not. Such warning systems have available a data base in which the known positions of fixed detection stations are incorporated and are coupled to a positioning system such as

GPS. Such warning systems are often integrated in a navigation system. When the positioning system finds that one is approaching the known location of a fixed detection station, a warning is given. A problem here is that it is possible that national laws and regulations may allow the use of a warning system according to one operational principle while they may forbid the use of a warning system according to the other principle. All in all, for a car driver visiting several countries, it is not easy to know whether he may have a certain warning system in his car or not. Particularly for the holyday ■ traveller it is not inconceivable that he has installed in his car a warning apparatus that is legal in his home country but that is illegal when passing through a certain country and may lead to high fines. The holiday traveller might solve this by turning off the warning apparatus manually, but, as mentioned before, already the presence of such warning apparatus is punishable in some countries, even if not switched on.

The present invention aims to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems.

According to an important aspect of the present invention, a warning apparatus for speed traps comprises multiple detection systems, each adapted for detecting speed detectors operating according to a certain technique, and individual detection systems of the warning apparatus can be switched of selectively.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be further clarified by the following description with reference to the drawing, in which the single figure shows a block diagram of a warning apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

Centrally in the block diagram, a control member 10 is shown, having a user input 11 and a user output 19. The control member 1 may for instance be implemented as a microprocessor, a controller, etc. Since microprocessors are known per se, a more detailed explanation can be omitted here.

An input member 20 to be controlled by a user, with which the user can input commands into the warning apparatus 1, is connected to the user input 11. The input member 20 may be an external apparatus, for instance a PC or a keyboard. The input member 20 may also comprise a simple press button or the like, integrated in or mounted on a housing (not shown for the sake of simplicity) of the warning apparatus 1; then, the input apparatus 20 will typically comprise multiple press, buttons or the like. Since various types of suitable input members are known per se, a more detailed explanation can be omitted here.

A signalling member 30 is connected to the user output 19, capable of outputting a signal that is perceptible for the user, as a warning that one is approaching a location where a speed check is or may be executed. A suitable signalling member may for instance comprise a speaker or the like, for generating an audible perceptible sound signal and/or for instance a system of one or multiple LED's or a display for generating a visually perceptible light signal or image signal. Since several types of suitable signalling members are known per se, a more detailed explanation can be omitted here.

The warning apparatus 1 further comprises a set of functional units 40. In the context of the present invention, with a functional unit a unit is meant which is capable for detecting circumstances indicating the possibility of a speed trap. A functional unit may for instance be adapted for detecting radar waves, which may indicate a speed trap on the basis of radar. A functional unit may for instance be adapted for detecting laser radiation, which may indicate a speed trap on the basis of laser. A functional unit may for instance be adapted for detecting infrared light, which may indicate a speed trap on the basis of infrared. A functional unit may for instance be adapted for detecting ultraviolet light which may indicate a speed trap on the basis of ultraviolet. Al these types of functional units are known per se, so that a more detailed explanation of the design and operation of these units is not needed here. It is further noted that the present invention may also be equipped with functional units according to future, nowadays not yet known principles of operation, since the principle of operation of a functional unit is not relevant for a good understanding of the present invention and for applying the present invention.

A functional unit may be adapted for taking measures that disturb the principle of operation of the speed trap; such functional unit is also indicated as "jammer".

The warning apparatus 1 according to the present invention comprises at least two functional units,- if in the following the individual functional units are to be distinguished with respect to each other, use will be made of an index a, b, c, etc.; the same applies to the parts associated with the individual functional units. In the embodiment shown, the warning apparatus 1 has precisely two functional units 40a and 40b. By way of example, the first functional unit 40a is a radar detection unit and the second functional unit 40b is a laser detection unit. It should however be clear that the invention is not limited to this combination. The control member 10 has a corresponding detection signal input 12 for each functional unit 40, coupled to a detection signal output of the functional unit 40 concerned. On receiving a detection signal at at least one of the detection signal inputs 12, the control member 10 is adapted to generate a control signal at its output 19 in order for the signalling member 30 to generate a warning signal for the driver. In some countries it is forbidden to detect the radar or laser used for checking speed, but it is allowed to warn if one approaches a known fixed checking station. Therefore, the preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figure further comprises a detection unit 50 based on position determination, indicated as position detection unit 50. The position detection unit 50 comprises a positioning member 51, for instance a GPS-receiver . Since GPS-receivers are well known per se, a more detailed explanation of the design and operation thereof is not needed here. The position detection unit 50 further comprises a memory 52 with positional information of known fixed checking stations stored therein. The control member 10 has a position input 14 for receiving position information from the positioning member 51, and a databank input 15 for receiving information from the memory 52. The control member 10 is adapted to compare the position information from the positioning member 51 with the databank information in that memory 52 and, if it appears that a known location of a fixed checking station is approached, to generate a control signal at its output 19 in order for the signalling member 30 to generate a warning signal for the driver .

Alternatively, comparing the position information of the positioning member 51 with the databank information in the memory 52 could be executed by a comparator (not shown for the sake of simplicity) , which, on approaching a known location of a fixed checking station, gives a signal to the control member 10, so that the position detection unit 50 behaves like a functional unit.

According to an important aspect of the present invention, at least one of the functional units 40 can be individually and selectively switched off on the basis of a command to be inputted by the user via the input member 20. This preferably applies to all functional units 40. Switching off takes place in such a manner, that the warning apparatus 1 entirely misses the functionality concerned. Several possibilities are available for this, as will be explained in the following by way of example for the case of radar detection unit 40a.

It is possible that the switching off function is implemented in the control member 10. Then, it is possible that the input 12a concerned is blocked, for instance by opening a switch (hardware) incorporated in this input 12a. It is also possible that the programming (software) of the control member 10 is changed, such that the control member 10 does not respond anymore to the input signal at its input _^12a, or at least does not output any signal at its output 19 anymore as response to the input signal at its input 12a. In this case, blocking by software can be applied, but it is also possible that the software relating to the processing of the input signal at input 12a is erased entirely. It is possible that the switching off function is implemented in the signalling member 30. The control member 10 for this purpose has a command output 18 coupled to an input of the signalling member 30. If the control member 10 outputs a suitable command signal at its command output 18, the signalling member 30 switches itself off entirely or partially, such that the signalling member 30 can not give any warnings anymore on receiving a signal of the output 19 on the basis of the radar detection unit 40a.

It is possible that the switching off function is implemented in the radar detection unit 40a. For this purpose, the control member 10 has a command output 13 coupled to an input of the radar detection unit 40a. If the control member 10 outputs a suitable command signal at its command output 13, the radar detection unit 40 switches itself off entirely or partially, such that the radar detection unit 40a can not output any detection signals anymore in the presence of radar signals. Then, it is possible that the output concerned of the radar detection unit 40a is blocked, for instance by opening a switch (hardware) incorporated in this output. It is also possible that the programming (software) of the radar detection unit 40a is changed. In this case, blocking by software can be applied, but it is also possible that the software relating to the processing of radar signals is erased entirely. It is also possible that the power supply of the radar detection unit 40a is switched off.

Combinations of the implementations of the switching off functions are of course also possible. The position detection unit 50 can also be switched off in a comparable manner. In general, however, this will not be necessary. If the use of a warning apparatus on the basis of position information is forbidden in a certain country, it is usually sufficient if the memory 52 does not contain position information of checking stations ("flash boxes") in that country .

For selectively switching off individual functional units, the input member 20 may comprise corresponding individual buttons, for instance an individual button for switching off the radar detection unit 40a. If the user depresses this button, the radar detection unit 40a is switched off in one of the manner described above, or in any other manner. Since the warning apparatus 1 then is no longer capable to giving a warning for a radar check, the warning apparatus 1 can no longer be considered to be a radar warning apparatus, and it is thus no longer illegal in countries where radar warning apparatus are forbidden. It is noted that in some countries an apparatus is still illegal if it is switched off. This relates for instance to an apparatus where a main switch is switched off, where the batteries have been removed, where a plug is not in a contact, etc. After all, in all of these cases the apparatus is still capable of detecting a check and giving a warning. In the case of the solution according to the present invention, the apparatus is not at all capable any more of performing this function.

After switching off one or more of the functional units, it is no longer possible to switch this functional units on again in a simple manner. This, among other things, is for preventing that this functional units are switched on accidentally, for instance by unknowing fellow passengers. For switching on again, it may be necessary to input a code or password via the user input 20. Individually switching off by individual actions of a user has, among other things, as disadvantage that the user must be familiar with the national legislation in the country which he is going to visit. Alternatively, therefore, it is possible that the warning apparatus 1 is provided with a memory 60 connected to an input 16 of the control member 10, having therein a databank of national regulations, i.e. a databank having therein, for a large numbers of countries, information as to whether a radar detection unit is allowed or not, whether a laser detection unit is allowed or not, etc. Then, the input member 20 is adapted to input a choice of country, for instance by depressing a button per country or alphabetic buttons for inputting a country code. If the user approaches a border with a certain country, he inputs this country via the input member 20. In response, the control member 10 will consult the regulation data base in memory 60 and will bring the warning apparatus 1 in a configuration allowed for use in this country by switching off all the functional units forbidden in this country and leaving all or switching on all the functional units allowed in this country.

In a further preferred embodiment, the warning apparatus 1 always entirely automatically assumes a configuration allowed for use in a certain country without any action of the user being necessary. For this purpose, the warning apparatus 1 is then provided with a memory 70 connected to an input 17 of the control member 10, having therein information on country borders. In a suitable embodiment, this may be combined with a navigation system. The control member 10 is programmed to compare continuously, or at least regularly, the GPS information at input 14 (or coming from another GPS- receiver or the like) with the country border information in memory 70. In the case that the control member 10 finds that a country border is crossed, the control member 10 automatically adapts the configuration to the new country. In that case, the user is always assured of a legal configuration. Further, it is hereby physically impossible to bring the' warning apparatus in an illegal configuration, knowingly or unknowingly. The control member 10 may include a certain margin by- switching over already at some distance before the border. It is also possible that, in a stretch of land on opposite sides of a border, the control member 10 takes account of both countries and chooses a configuration that is legal in both countries. In this way, the possible influence of small tolerances in the positioning can be avoided.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments discussed in the above, but that several variations and modifications are possible within the protective scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims. For instance, it is possible that the warning apparatus 1 is provided with means for displaying the momentary figuration, so that the user can see whether for instance radar detection is switched on.

In the above, it has been described that the control member 10 has respective inputs 12a, 12b for the respective functional units 40a, 40b. To this end, the control member 10 may indeed have multiple separate inputs, but it is also possible that the control member 10 has a common input for multiple functional units.

A similar remark can be made with respect of the command outputs 13a, 13b.

Further, the inputs 12 and the command outputs 13 are illustrated as separate connections; it is however also possible that use is made here of a single connection that can function both as input and as output. Features that have only been described for a certain embodiment can also be applied in other described embodiments.

In the above, the present invention has been explained with -reference to block diagrams, which illustrate functional blocks of the device according to the present invention. It should be clear that one or more of these functional blocks may be implemented in hardware, wherein the function of such functional blocks is implemented by individual hardware components, but it is also possible that one or more of these functional blocks are implemented in software, so that the function of such functional block is performed by one or more program lines of a computer program or by a programmable device such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital- signalprocessor, etc.

Claims

1. Warning apparatus (1) for speed traps, comprising:

- a control member (10) with a user input (11), a user output (19) and a system of detection signal inputs (12);

- an input member (20) connected to the user input (11), to be operated by a user;

- a signalling member (30) connected to the user output (19), for generating a warning signal perceptible to a user;

- a system of at least two functional units (40), each adapted for detecting circumstances indicating the possibility of a speed trap, the different functional units having mutually different principles of operation; wherein each functional unit is connected to a corresponding detection signal input (12) of the control member (10); wherein the control member (10) is adapted, on receiving a detection signal at at least one of the detection signal inputs (12), to generate a control signal for the signalling member (30) at its output (19); wherein at least one of the functional units (40) can be switched off individually and selectively.

2. Warning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all functional units (40) can be switched off individually and selectively.

3. Warning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching off functionality is implemented in the control member (10) .

4. Warning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control member (10) is adapted to block the input (12a) associated with a functional unit to be switched off.

5. Warning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control member (10) is adapted to amend or erase the software associated with a functional unit to be switched off.

6. Warning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching off functionality is implemented in the signalling member (30) .

7. Warning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control member (10) is provided with a command output (18) coupled to an input of the signalling member (30) , and wherein the signalling member (30) is adapted, on receiving a suitable command signal from the control member (10) , to switch itself off entirely or partially in order to prevent outputting warning signals.

8. Warning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching off functionality is implemented in a functional unit (40) .

9. Warning apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control member (10) is provided with a command output (13) coupled to an input of the functional unit (40) to be switched off; and wherein the functional unit 40 is adapted, on receiving a suitable command signal from the control member (10) , to switch itself off entirely or partially in order to prevent generating detection signals.

10. Warning apparatus according to claim 9, wherein switching off of the functional unit (40) is performed by blocking the output concerned of this functional unit (40) , or by amending or erasing the programming of this functional unit (40) , or by switching off the power supply for this functional unit (40) .

11. Warning apparatus according to any of the previous claims, adapted to switch off a functional unit (40) in response to an input of a user command via the input member (20) .

12. Warning apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the input member (20) comprises individual buttons for selectively switching off individual functional units (40) .

13. Warning apparatus according to claim 11, provided with a memory (60) connected to an input (16) of control member (20) , having stored therein a databank of national regulations; wherein the control member (10) is adapted to switch off multiple functional units (40) on the basis of the information in memory (60) .

14. Warning apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the input member (20) is suitable for inputting a country choice, and wherein the control member (10) is adapted, in response to a country choice received at its user input, to selectively switch in or switch off functional units (40) in order to. bring the warning apparatus (1) in a configuration allowed for use in the country concerned.

15. Warning apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein a functional unit that is switched off can be switched on again exclusively after inputting a code via the user member (20) .

16. Warning apparatus according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a position detection unit (50) comprising:

- a positioning member (5I)₇ adapted to generate a signal representing the global position of the warning apparatus; - a memory (52) having stored therein information representing the global position of known fixed checking stations; wherein the warning apparatus is adapted to compare position information from the positioning member (51) with the information in the memory (52) and, if it is found that a known location of a fixed checking station is approached, to control the signalling member (30) for generating a warning signal .

17. Warning apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the memory (52) does not contain position information of known fixed checking stations of a country where the use of such information is forbidden.

18. Warning apparatus according to any of the previous claims, further comprising:

- a positioning member (51) connected to an input (14) of control member (10) , adapted for generating a signal representing the global position of the warning apparatus; -a memory (70) connected to an input (17) of control member (10) , having therein information on the global position of country borders; wherein the control member (10) is adapted to compare the position information received at its input (14) with the country boarder information in memory (70) , and, on crossing or approaching a country border to automatically and selectively switch in or switch off functional units (40) in order to bring the warning apparatus (1) in a configuration allowed for use in the new or approaching country.

19. Warning apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the control member (10) is adapted, at a distance to a border smaller than a predetermined threshold value, to automatically and selectively switch on or switch off functional units (40) in order to bring the warning apparatus (1) in a configuration that is legal both at this side of the border as at the opposite side of the border.