WO2015035431A1 - A surveillance device for a motor vehicle fuel tank - Google Patents
A surveillance device for a motor vehicle fuel tank Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2015035431A1 WO2015035431A1 PCT/ZA2014/000046 ZA2014000046W WO2015035431A1 WO 2015035431 A1 WO2015035431 A1 WO 2015035431A1 ZA 2014000046 W ZA2014000046 W ZA 2014000046W WO 2015035431 A1 WO2015035431 A1 WO 2015035431A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- fuel tank
- integrity
- motor vehicle
- management
- real
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
- G08B13/06—Mechanical actuation by tampering with fastening
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
- G08B13/14—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
- G08B13/149—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles with electric, magnetic, capacitive switch actuation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
- G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
- G08B13/194—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems
- G08B13/196—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
- G08B13/19697—Arrangements wherein non-video detectors generate an alarm themselves
Definitions
- This invention relates to a surveillance device for a: motor veh cie fuel tank.
- Telematics is to be understood as The science of Telecommunications and Informatics- applied in wireless technologies and computational systems. The collection, aggregation and storage of pertinent data that can be digested locally, or post-processed remotely.”
- a system for the real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicie fuel tank in a mobile telematics environment comprising at least one sensor unit connected to the inlet of a fuel tank and including an alarm component for generating a warning when the integrity of the fuel tank inlet is compromised, a monitoring unit, including a telematics devioetncorporatlng telematics software, for monitoring unauthorised activit at the fuel tank inlet when the integrity of the fuel tank inlet is compromised and a communication component for communicating the warning from the senso unit to the telematics device software, thereby activating the monitoring unit and publishing the warning to a remote user via the telematics device.
- the alarm component may comprise a silent activation of the monitoring unit via notification of the alarm within the telematics device software.
- the alarm component may generate an audible and or visual alarm in addition to activating the monitoring unit.
- the monitoring unit may, in addition to. the teiematics device, comprise a surveillance camera mounted oh the vehicle and foeusse towards the fuel tank inlet, actlvatabfe on receipt of the warning from the sensor to visually record the event.
- the surveillance camera may be associated with acorn uter software program that collects and stores the data recorded by. the surveillance camera.
- the communication unit may be connected to the monitoring unit by physical wiring, or by a wireless transceiver.
- the sensor unit is preferably located in the filler neck of a fuel tank and connected to the fuel cap of the fuel tank such that removal of the fuel cap from the fuel tank leads . to activation of the sensor unit.
- the sensor unitpreferabiy comprises a proximity switch, activaiable on removal of the fuel cap from the fuel tank,
- the proximity switch may include, but not be limited to a capacltive switch, an inductive or magnetic switch, a photoelectric switch or an acoust c switch.
- the switch is preferably a capacitive switch, which senses when the fuel cap is removed from the filler neck of the fuel tank.
- Each monitoring unit may additionally include a GPS receiver to enable a remote user to determine the geographical area where the integrity of the fuel tank has been compromised,
- Figure 1 is a flow diagram depicting the operation of the system of the invention.
- Figure 2 is a representation of a motor vehicl incorporating t e components of the system of the invention.
- Figure 3 is a photographic illustration of th sensor unit connected to the fuel tank.
- Figure 4 is a further photographic illustration of the sensor unit connected to the fuel tank, DETAILED ⁇ OF THE INVENTION.
- the system for the real-time monitoring and management of the Integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank comprises a sensor unit 10located ins the filler neck 26 of a fuel tank 22 of a vehicle 24 and connected to the fuel ca 20 of the fuel tank 22.
- the senso unit 10 includes a proximity switch 12, such as a capacifive switc which senses when the -fuel cap 20 is removed from th filler neck 28 of the fuel tank 22,
- the sensor unit 10 additionally includes an alarm, for generating a warning when the proximity switch 12 senses that th fuel cap 20 has been removed from the fuel tank 22.
- the alarm is linked to a monitoring unit via a wireless transceiver aodactivates the monitoring unit when the fuel cap 20. is removed.
- the alarm may also generate an audible alarm 14 in addition to activating the monitoring unit, for alerting the driver of the vehicle that an attempt has been made to access the fuel tank, or for warning off the would be thief.
- the audibl alarm can sound in the driver's cab 28, as well as outside the cab 28 of th vehicle, and may be deactivated by the driver once it has sounded.
- a visual alarm such as a flashing light (not shown) located near the fuel tank could be activated to warn the would-be tiiesel thief that he has been detected.
- the alarms may remain activated until the fuel cap 20 is securely fastened back over the filler neck 26 of the fuel tank 22 of the vehicle 24.
- the monitoring unit includes a telematics device incorporating telematics software, for remote monitoring of unauthorised activity at the fuel tank inlet when the integrity of the fuel tank inlet is compromised.
- Thi telematics device receives the warning, from the alarm activated by- the sensor unit 10 and publishes the dat -to a remote user, such as a security control centre, where the information may be acted on timeousiy.
- the monitoring unit additionally Includes a surveillance camera 30 mounted on the ca 28 of the vehicle 24 and focussed towards the fuel tank Met 26. Once activated fay the alarm, the surveillance camera 30 records whatever event is happening at the inlet 26 of the fuel tank. This information is also published to- the- remote user via the telematics device.
- the monitoring unit also includes a computer software program that collects- and stores the data recorded by the surveillance camera 30.
- the invention therefore provides a novel vehicle monitoring system.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
Abstract
A system for the real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in a mobile telematics environment, characterised in that the system comprises at least one sensor unit connected to the inlet of a fuel tank and including an alarm component for generating a warning when the integrity of the fuel tank inlet is com promised, a monitoring unit, including a telematics device incorporating telematics software, for monitoring unauthorised activity at the fuel tank inlet when the integrity of the fuel tank inlet is compromised and a communication component for communicating the warning from the sensor unit to the telematics device software, thereby activating the monitoring unit and publishing the warning to a remote user via the telematics device.
Description
A SURVEILLANCE DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL TANK
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a surveillance device for a: motor veh cie fuel tank. BACKGROUND ART
Trucking companies lose a substantial amount of fuel, particularly diesei, stolen by siphoning from their vehicle fuel tank s. This has become more ·. prevalent-. with the dramatic increase in the cost of fuel over the past decade.
The development of the combined use of telecommunications and informatics systems for sending, receiving and storing information via telecommunicatio devices i conjunction with affecting control on remot objects has led to improved monitoring of vehicles on the move, for the recovery of hijacked vehicles, as well as to monitor the driving habits of the driver. The term used to describe this use of telecommunications and informatics in vehicie monitoring is'Vehiole telematics".
It is aft object of this invention to provide a surveillance and notification system to assist m the prevention of the theft of fuel from a motor vehicle.
In the context of this patent specification, the term Telematics is to be understood as The science of Telecommunications and Informatics- applied in wireless technologies and computational systems. The collection, aggregation and storage of pertinent data that can be digested locally, or post-processed remotely."
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, there is provided a system for the real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicie fuel tank in a mobile telematics environment, comprising at least one sensor unit connected to the inlet of a fuel tank and including an
alarm component for generating a warning when the integrity of the fuel tank inlet is compromised, a monitoring unit, including a telematics devioetncorporatlng telematics software, for monitoring unauthorised activit at the fuel tank inlet when the integrity of the fuel tank inlet is compromised and a communication component for communicating the warning from the senso unit to the telematics device software, thereby activating the monitoring unit and publishing the warning to a remote user via the telematics device.
The alarm component may comprise a silent activation of the monitoring unit via notification of the alarm within the telematics device software.
Alternatively, the alarm component may generate an audible and or visual alarm in addition to activating the monitoring unit.
The monitoring unit may, in addition to. the teiematics device, comprise a surveillance camera mounted oh the vehicle and foeusse towards the fuel tank inlet, actlvatabfe on receipt of the warning from the sensor to visually record the event.
The surveillance cameramay be associated with acorn uter software program that collects and stores the data recorded by. the surveillance camera.
The communication unit may be connected to the monitoring unit by physical wiring, or by a wireless transceiver.
The sensor unit is preferably located in the filler neck of a fuel tank and connected to the fuel cap of the fuel tank such that removal of the fuel cap from the fuel tank leads. to activation of the sensor unit.
The sensor unitpreferabiy comprisesa proximity switch, activaiable on removal of the fuel cap from the fuel tank,
The proximity switch may include, but not be limited to a capacltive switch, an inductive or magnetic switch, a photoelectric switch or an acoust c switch.
The switch is preferably a capacitive switch, which senses when the fuel cap is removed from the filler neck of the fuel tank.
Each monitoring unit ma additionally include a GPS receiver to enable a remote user to determine the geographical area where the integrity of the fuel tank has been compromised,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE tMVEMTlON
A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example only and with reference to the following tables, in which;
Figure 1 is a flow diagram depicting the operation of the system of the invention.
Figure 2 is a representation of a motor vehicl incorporating t e components of the system of the invention.
Figure 3 is a photographic illustration of th sensor unit connected to the fuel tank. Figure 4 is a further photographic illustration of the sensor unit connected to the fuel tank, DETAILED ΡΕΒΟΗΙΡΠΘΝ OF THE INVENTION.
Referring to figures 1 to 4, the system for the real-time monitoring and management of the Integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank comprises a sensor unit 10located ins the filler neck 26 of a fuel tank 22 of a vehicle 24 and connected to the fuel ca 20 of the fuel tank 22.
The senso unit 10 includes a proximity switch 12, such as a capacifive switc which senses when the -fuel cap 20 is removed from th filler neck 28 of the fuel tank 22,
The sensor unit 10 additionally includes an alarm, for generating a warning when the proximity switch 12 senses that th fuel cap 20 has been removed from the fuel tank 22.
The alarm is linked to a monitoring unit via a wireless transceiver aodactivates the monitoring unit when the fuel cap 20. is removed. The alarm may also generate an audible alarm 14 in addition to activating the monitoring unit, for alerting the driver of the vehicle that an attempt has been made to access the fuel tank, or for warning off the would be thief. The audibl alarm can sound in the driver's cab 28, as well as outside the cab 28 of th vehicle, and may be deactivated by the driver once it has sounded. In addition, a visual alarm such as a
flashing light (not shown) located near the fuel tank could be activated to warn the would-be tiiesel thief that he has been detected.
The alarms (audible ~ 14; visual; monitoring unit) may remain activated until the fuel cap 20 is securely fastened back over the filler neck 26 of the fuel tank 22 of the vehicle 24.
The monitoring unit includes a telematics device incorporating telematics software, for remote monitoring of unauthorised activity at the fuel tank inlet when the integrity of the fuel tank inlet is compromised. Thi telematics device receives the warning, from the alarm activated by- the sensor unit 10 and publishes the dat -to a remote user, such as a security control centre, where the information may be acted on timeousiy.
The monitoring unit additionally Includes a surveillance camera 30 mounted on the ca 28 of the vehicle 24 and focussed towards the fuel tank Met 26. Once activated fay the alarm, the surveillance camera 30 records whatever event is happening at the inlet 26 of the fuel tank. This information is also published to- the- remote user via the telematics device.
The monitoring unit also includes a computer software program that collects- and stores the data recorded by the surveillance camera 30.
A GPS transceiver incorporated with the sensor unit. -will enable a remote user to determine the geographical area where the Integrit of the fuel tank has been compromised* and if necessary send the relevant security to the scene.
The invention therefore provides a novel vehicle monitoring system.
Claims
CLAWS
1. A system for the real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in a mobile teiematics environment, characterised in that the system comprises at least one sensor unit connected to the inlet of a fuel tank and including an alarm component for generating a warning when the integrity of the fuel tank inlet is compromised, a monitoring unit, including a telematics device incorporating teiematics software, for monitoring unauthorised activity at the fuel tank inlet when the integrit of the fuel tank Inlet is compromised and a communication: component for communicating the warning from the sensor unit to the telematics device software,- thereby activating the monitoring unit and publishing the warning fe a remote user via the telematics device.
2. The system for real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobile telematics environment as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that the. alarm component comprises a silent activation of the monitoring unit via notification of the alarm within the telematics device software,
3. The system for real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobile telematics environment as claimed In claim 1 , characterised in that the alarm component generates an audible alarm in addition to activating the monitoring unit
4. The system fo real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobile telematics environment as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in thai the alarm component generates a -visual alarm in addition to activating the monitoring unit,
5. The system for real-time monitoring and management -of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobile telematics environment as claimed in any one -of claims 1 to 4, characterised In thai the monitoring unit, in addition to the teiematics device, comprises a surveillance camera mounted on the vehicle and fecussed towards the fuel tank' inlet
δ
6- The system for real-time monitoring and management of the Integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank In the mobile telematics environment as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the surveillance camera is activated on receipt of the warning from the sensor to visuall record the event.
7. The system for real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank In the mobile telematics environment as claimed in either claims 5 or 6, characterised in that the surveillance camera is associated with a computer software program that collects and stores the data recorded by the surveillance camera.
8. The system for real-time monitoring and management of the integrity o a motor vehicle fuel tank In the mobile telematics environment, as- claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the communicatio unit is connected to th monitoring unit by physical wiring, o by a wireless transceiver,
9. The system for real-time monitoring and management of th integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobil telematics environment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized In that the sensor unit Is located in the filler neck of a fuel tank and connected to the fuel cap of the fuel tank.
10. The system for real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobile telematics environment as claimed In claim 9, wherein removal of the fuel cap from the fuel tank leads to activation of the sensor unit,
11. The system for real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobile telematics environment as claimed in either claim 9 or 10. characterized in that the sensor unit comprises a proximity switch which Is activated on removal of the fuel cap from the fuel tank.
12. The system for real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobile telematics environment as claimed in claim 11 , -characterized in that th proximity switch includes a capacltive switch which senses when th fuel c p is removed from the filler neck of the fuel tank.
13. The system for real-time monitoring and management of the Integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobile telematics environment as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the proximity switch includes an inductive or magnetic switch,
1 . The system for real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobile te ematics environment as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the proximity switch includes a photoelectric switch.
15. The system for real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in the mobile telematics environment .as claimed i claim 11, characterized in that the proximity switch ineiudesan acoustic switch,
18. The system for real-time monitoring and management of the integrity of a motor vehicle fuel tank in th mobile telematics environment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that eac monitoring unit includes a ©PS receiver to enable a remote user to determine the geographical area where the integrity of the fuel tank has been compromised.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA2013/06596 | 2013-09-03 | ||
| ZA201306596 | 2013-09-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2015035431A1 true WO2015035431A1 (en) | 2015-03-12 |
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ID=52629048
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/ZA2014/000046 WO2015035431A1 (en) | 2013-09-03 | 2014-09-03 | A surveillance device for a motor vehicle fuel tank |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2015035431A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102016213834A1 (en) | 2016-07-27 | 2018-02-01 | Continental Automotive Gmbh | Apparatus and method for detecting fuel theft |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2343283A (en) * | 1998-10-28 | 2000-05-03 | Robert William Wilkinson | A fuel tank alarm system |
| DE202009005218U1 (en) * | 2009-09-01 | 2011-01-20 | Schilling, Peter | Alarm system for tanks on vehicles |
| DE102011115623A1 (en) * | 2011-09-24 | 2013-03-28 | Albin Schießl | Device for securing tank farm against unauthorized removal of tank contents in vehicle, particularly lorries, has tank cover for closing tank, where tank cover is locked by lock, and sensor is provided for detecting proper operation of lock |
| DE102012016523B3 (en) * | 2012-08-20 | 2013-08-22 | metraTec GmbH | Device for detecting the opening of a gas cap |
-
2014
- 2014-09-03 WO PCT/ZA2014/000046 patent/WO2015035431A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2343283A (en) * | 1998-10-28 | 2000-05-03 | Robert William Wilkinson | A fuel tank alarm system |
| DE202009005218U1 (en) * | 2009-09-01 | 2011-01-20 | Schilling, Peter | Alarm system for tanks on vehicles |
| DE102011115623A1 (en) * | 2011-09-24 | 2013-03-28 | Albin Schießl | Device for securing tank farm against unauthorized removal of tank contents in vehicle, particularly lorries, has tank cover for closing tank, where tank cover is locked by lock, and sensor is provided for detecting proper operation of lock |
| DE102012016523B3 (en) * | 2012-08-20 | 2013-08-22 | metraTec GmbH | Device for detecting the opening of a gas cap |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102016213834A1 (en) | 2016-07-27 | 2018-02-01 | Continental Automotive Gmbh | Apparatus and method for detecting fuel theft |
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