WO2017178078A1

WO2017178078A1 - Centralized management for multiple door locking devices

Info

Publication number: WO2017178078A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/058468
Authority: WO
Inventors: Esteban CHAPARRO
Original assignee: Chaparro Esteban
Priority date: 2016-04-15
Filing date: 2016-04-15
Publication date: 2017-10-19

Abstract

The disclosed invention considers an apparatus, system and methods that may operate to enable centralized control over a plurality of locking devices interconnected to a central control unit thus providing additional security on each storage compartment door in a vehicle designated to provide transport. The invention prevents the door from being opened during standard or emergency procedures in any given trip. It enables at least one of direct or remote control over the storage compartment doors which may be used for storing luggage, such as the overhead stowage bins of an aircraft.

Description

Title of Invention : CENTRALIZED MANAGEMENT FOR

MULTIPLE DOOR LOCKING DEVICES

Technical Field

[0001 ] This invention relates generally to the field of locking mechanisms; in

particular a door locking apparatus to be used as centrally managed locking devices to enhance the security of new or existing storage containers in a vehicle that provides transport.

Background Art

[0002] Every year, tens of thousands of commercial aircrafts transport millions of passengers around the world. Every flight poses different challenges for the inflight crew as they must maintain the right balance between quality of service, comfort and security for all the passengers and fellow crew members at all times.

[0003] To date, a number of systems and apparatus have been designed and

applied to provide either individual or multiple electromechanical locking capabilities on doors and storage compartments for commercial and private land, air and sea operated vehicles or to protect individual or multiple access to a plurality of storage compartments in private buildings, commercial facilities and public spaces.

[0004] When it comes to commercial air transport, novel attempts have been

presented to provide passengers with anti-hijacking and individual access capabilities to specific areas or zones of lockable compartments within a vehicle (for example, an airplane) and providing access control capabilities via codes transmitted by mobile phones or other wireless applications.

[0005] However, none of the prior art considers additional centralized security

capabilities over multiple storage compartment door inside the passenger cabin currently or newly installed in tens of thousands of vehicles (for example existing overhead luggage stowage bin doors in commercial and private airplanes). [0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide the person or persons in charge of the operation and security of a vehicle with constant or temporary control over the storage bin doors to prevent the doors from being manually opened during determined periods or stages of any trip.

Summary of Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for a

supporting security system comprising a plurality of door locking and unlocking devices in a vehicle designated to provide transport. Each of the said devices are interconnected to and operated from a central control unit which provides authorized user or users with continuous or temporary access control over all the storage compartment doors or luggage stowage bins by activating or deactivating the said locking devices.

[0008] The said central control unit may be programmed to operate the devices

individually, partially or simultaneously depending on the type and size of vehicle and also accordingly to the needs, technical specifications and operational procedures of the said vehicle. The said central control unit can also be accessed directly or remotely by the persons legally designated to control and operate the said vehicle.

[0009] When activated, the apparatus prevents any person from manually opening the said storage compartment doors at predetermined stages of the trip or during emergency procedures. Access to the said compartments is regained when the locking devices in the apparatus are deactivated.

[0010] The said locking devices may be powered centrally and have a secondary

source according to the technical requirements of the vehicle, size of the apparatus and for power back up purposes.

[001 1 ] The said storage compartments and doors may be already installed or to be newly installed in a vehicle operated for commercial or private use and the said locking devices may be installed in different positions within the compartments according to their type, size and storage capabilities.

[0012] The said vehicle may be an airplane, a bus, a train, a boat, a container ship or a cruise liner. More specifically, the said vehicle includes all those that provide air, land or sea transportation of persons, animals, finished goods, raw materials, components, tools, equipment or any combination of the previously mentioned in here.

Technical Problem

[0013] A particular challenge is to ensure the security of every person on board

during the most critical stages of the flight (including taxing, take-off, periods of turbulence, landing and emergency procedures).

[0014] In such circumstances, the overhead luggage stowage bin doors need to remain shut even if the mechanical door latch was released.

Solution to Problem

[0015] A solution to this problem would not only decrease the probability of an injury to the person intending to open the said existing or new bin doors but also to other passengers by falling luggage. Moreover, it can also prevent life- threatening delays during emergency procedures (e.g. evacuation of the aircraft after an emergency landing).

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0016] By temporarily locking the doors and thus preventing manual access to the overhead storage bins, the cabin crew, pilot and co-pilot may have increased control of the security in the cabin thus improving the efficiency of any standard or emergency procedures before during and after the trip.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0017] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the method (100) by which the central control unit is accessed to activate or de-activate the locking devices. The detail description includes references to FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram with an overview of the apparatus detailing the

components of the central control unit and how all the elements are

interconnected;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the details of the power switching unit to illustrate how it works; [0021 ] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment according to the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the preferred embodiment of the locking device;

[0023] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the preferred embodiment on how multiple locking devices are connected to the central control unit within the apparatus;

[0024] FIG. 8 is an illustration of how the locking devices are positioned inside the storage compartment and fixed to the door. It also illustrates the four (4) locking modes the preferred embodiment works with.

Description of Embodiments

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of locking devices based on electromagnetic solenoids paired with metallic locking plates and consider at least one of the said locking devices for each storage compartment door of the said vehicle.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the said locking devices may be interconnected in parallel by wire to a central control unit also located in the said vehicle, where they may be controlled simultaneously, partially (in groups) or individually. The said central control unit may only be accessed and controlled directly by the cabin crew or remotely by the persons designated to control and operate the said vehicle, for example the pilot or co-pilot of an aircraft.

[0027] In various embodiments, the apparatus and system disclosed in this invention may be interconnected by cables, wireless or a combination of cables and wireless according to the interconnection needs of the storage compartments and technical specifications of the said vehicle.

[0028] In various embodiments, the said locking devices may be installed in different positions of the storage containers and doors according to the size, modularity and type, the open-close mechanism of the door and the position and type of the mechanical, electromechanical or electromagnetic latches.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the said central control unit is connected to a power switch, also installed in the said vehicle, which is at the same time connected to two or more electric sources to comply with technical requirements and to provide redundant power supply in case one of the main electric sources failed.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment there is at least one locking device that may be installed to every new or existing stowage bin door contained in the vehicle with the purpose of providing control over the said doors with secondary locking capabilities.

[0031 ] In various embodiments activity data may be transmitted in real time to a local data storage unit, a remote server may be connected to a network or to both a local data storage unit and a remote server.

[0032] Other variations of embodiments, the use of the said locking devices as the primary locking mechanism may be considered if, for example, no mechanical latches were used.

[0033] Other variations of embodiments may need to interconnect the locking

devices in serial to allow for special technical requirements and according to the said vehicle specifications.

[0034] Other variations of embodiments can be adapted to applications where

animals, goods, materials, equipment or other vehicles are transported and need to be secured throughout the trip.

[0035] In various embodiments, a system comprises a server connected to a network to receive activity data from the storage unit in the apparatus. The

communication is made via the vehicle's controls and communication systems which are wirelessly connected to the said network (Fig.2).

Detailed Description

[0036] This Detailed Description is illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other

embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing this disclosure. The scope of embodiments should therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0037] This invention relates to an apparatus, system and methods that may operate to activate and de-activate a plurality of security door locking devices connected to and operated from a central control unit. The said locking devices may provide primary or secondary locking capabilities to new or existing storage compartment doors on any vehicle that provides commercial or private

transportation by air, land or sea. The main objective of this invention is to enhance the person or persons in charge of the operation and security of the vehicle with constant or temporary control of the storage bin doors to prevent the doors from being manually opened during determined periods or stages of any given trip. Activity data may be transmitted in real time to a local data storage unit, a remote server may be connected to a network or to both a local data storage unit and a remote server.

[0038] The invention disclosed herein presents some drawings to also represent how the preferred embodiment is built and how its components or element operate one with another. In some cases, references from different drawings may be used to facilitate the interpretation of the description. For example, the

description of FIG.1 includes references from FIG.3 to specify the elements, devices or machines involved on specific steps of the methods. The drawings may describe the preferred embodiment of this invention, however, the methods may be executed in different order according to the connectivity specifications of the apparatus, operational and safety procedures of the vehicle and the internal or external communication and data transfer requirements of the said vehicle.

[0039] FIG. 1 : In various embodiments, a method (100) of accessing the central

control unit (310) to operate the locking devices may begin at block (1 10) where the apparatus may be brought from sleeping mode by pressing any button or passing the RFID card or token (305) in close proximity to the RFID reader (318). The central control unit (310) may provide an option to either enter an existing code (1 15) or if the user wants to designate a new code or master command (125). If the user confirms having an existing code, the central control unit (310) may request the control code (for standard users) or master command (for super- users) (1 15) on the display. Once the code or master command are entered (120), the central control unit (310) may validate the receiving (135) triggering an alarm signal (140) and prompting the user to enter the code or command once again (120). Every time the alarm signal is triggered (140), data of the event may be sent (150) to the data storage unit (355). When the correct code or master commands are entered, the central control unit may prompt the user to initiate the programming function or not (141 ). If the user selects the programming function, the central control unit may take the user to the programing menu (142) to the contrary, the user will be prompted to activate or deactivate the locking devices (145), Every time a correct code or master command are entered, data may also be sent (150) to the data storage unit (355). If the user opts to designate a new code or master command, the system may prompt for the new code or command to be entered (125), this step may need to be repeated to confirm the code and to be stored (130) in the memory (322). An RFID card or token (305) may also be used to programme or store the new code or command (130). If the codes do not match on first and second attempt, the system may display (320) an error message and an alarm signal (325) before returning to requesting the user to enter a new code or command (125).

[0040] The methods described in FIG. 1 can be implemented in various apparatus according to the technical and physical characteristics of the said vehicle therefore; various embodiments may be realized. Hence, the methods described herein do not necessarily need to follow the order described in FIG.1 , or in any particular order or frequency.

[0041 ] In various embodiments, a method (100) may, for example, begin at block (120) if the central control unit is located inside the cockpit of an airplane.

[0042] In various embodiments, the central control unit (310) may also be accessed by entering the master command (120) remotely through the vehicle's control and communications systems (360). Once the command is validated, the super-user may be able to override any previous settings and pre-program the stages of the trip when the locking devices may be automatically activated or deactivated.

[0043] In various embodiments, the super-user or master command may also have the ability to override a standard user's code, central code or any pre-programed functions, settings or procedures.

[0044] In various embodiments, the central control unit may include a standard preprogram as a factory setting. This pre-program may be manually or automatically linked with other existing programs or standard procedures in the said vehicle (for example, linked with a seat belt-on signal which is displayed on the control panels below the overhead stowage bins in most commercial passenger airplanes).

[0045] Fig. 2: is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus

according to the disclosed invention, which can be used in a vehicle (200) with new or existing storage compartments and doors. Therefore, the apparatus can be retrofitted to existing vehicles. The apparatus consists in a plurality of locking devices (230) interconnected in parallel to a central control unit (205) which is connected to a power switching unit (210). The said power switching unit (210) may connect the main electric source (215) and the secondary electric source (220) to the central control unit (205) to supply power to each of the locking devices. The said secondary electric source (220) may operate as a backup for the main electric source (215). The central code or master command may be entered directly (235) onto the central control unit (205), by using a keyboard (315), by using an RFID card or token (237) or remotely through the vehicle's control and communication systems (240). An event may be generated every time the control code or master command (235) is entered onto the central control unit (205). After each event, the activity data may be sent by the central control unit (205) to the storage unit (225) and transmitted by the vehicle's controls and communications systems (240) to the remote server (250) by connecting to the network (245) at determined periods of time.

[0046] Other embodiments may have larger quantities of locking devices, two or more control units, multiple power switching units and multiple electric sources (including locking devices powered individually) for larger vehicles as represented in Fig 5.

[0047] In other embodiments, the said secondary electric source (220) may operate to complement the power supply demands (for example in case of distributed sections or groups of locking devices (230) in the apparatus) across the vehicle.

[0048] FIG. 3: is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus

according to the disclosed invention, which can be used in a vehicle (300) detailing the different elements of the said central control unit (310) and their co- relation to the rest of the system and methods.

[0049] The said central control unit (310) is the main interface to control and operate the locking devices (350). It may have a keyboard (315) to be used as the manual entry point of the central code or manual command (31 1 ) which is stored in a memory unit (322).

[0050] An RFID reader (318) may be included to provide RFID capabilities to access the central control unit (310) by using an RFID card or token (305) without the need to manually entering the central code (31 1 ) in the keyboard (315). A display (320) may be used to provide graphical information and an alarm signal (325) may be used to provide audio information to the user. The central code or master command may be entered remotely by the vehicle's control &

communication systems (360) by establishing a remote connection to an auxiliary or external connection module (330). Every event may be transmitted by the data communication module (335) to the storage unit (355) so it may be recorded and be eventually sent to the remote server (370) through the vehicle's control & communication systems (360) which are connected to the network (365). A manual override switch (340) may be used to connect (ON) or disconnect (OFF) the power switching unit (345). This enables total control over the power that the main (347) and secondary electric sources (349) provide to the locking devices (350).

[0051 ] In some embodiments, the central control unit (310) may not be a device with a physical form and may be directly embedded as a computer program or software in the vehicle's control and communication systems (360). Therefore, the other elements of the apparatus may be connected directly to the vehicle's control and communication systems (360).

[0052] In other embodiments, the central control unit (310) may be accessed by other techniques like biometric readers or devices enabled with near field communications.

[0053] FIG. 4: is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus

according to the disclosed invention, which can be used in a vehicle (400) and where the said power switching unit (407) may comprise a circuit board (410) and a relay (415). The main function of the said switching unit (407) is to control the power supply of the main (420) and secondary (425) electric sources. In various embodiments, the said switching unit (407) may operate as a power back up controlling device. During normal operation, the said power switching unit (407) may connect the main electrical source (420) with the central control unit (405) which connects and distributes the power to the locking devices (430). However, in the event of a failure in the main electrical source (420), the said switching unit (407) automatically switches to the secondary electric source (425).

[0054] In various embodiments, the said electric sources (420 & 425) may operate together to provide power supply to one or more apparatus distributed across different sections of the said vehicle (400).

[0055] In various embodiments, an apparatus may have a plurality of power

switching units and a plurality of electric sources.

[0056] In various embodiments, the electric source may be provided by the same power sources from the said vehicle.

[0057] In various embodiments, diodes may be used in the switching units (407) to help maintaining the stability of the power supply to the central control unit (405) and the locking devices (430). One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the different configurations a power switching unit (407) may have according to the relays (415) used and the required type and number of connections.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a large vehicle (500) with new or existing storage compartments and doors and similar to the preferred embodiment in FIG.2. The apparatus consists in a plurality of locking devices (530) interconnected in parallel to a central control unit (505) which is connected to two or more power switching units (510). From the said power switching units (510), each may connect their respective electric sources (515 & 520) to the central control unit (505) so the power supply may be distributed to all the locking devices by sub- control units (507) such units provide partitions or groups of locking devices according to their distribution, location or function in the vehicle (500). [0059] As in FIG.2, the central code or master command may be entered manually (535) onto the central control unit (505), by using the RFID card or token (537) or remotely through the vehicle's control and communication systems (540). Also, an event may be generated every time the control code or master command (535) is entered onto the central control unit (505). After each event, the activity data may be sent by the central control unit (505) to the storage unit (525) and transmitted by the vehicle's controls and communications systems (540) to the remote server (550) by connecting to the network (545) at determined periods of time.

[0060] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the locking device which is comprised by a lifting magnet (610) with an electromagnetic solenoid (615), a locking plate (620) and fitting bars (625 & 605). Each locking device is powered and controlled by the two cables (630 & 635) which are interconnected to the other devices and the central control unit. When the locking device is activated, the lifting magnet and solenoid (630) remain in contact with the locking plate (620) as long as the door is closed before or after the locking device has been activated.

[0061 ] Other embodiments may have locking devices presented in different shapes and sizes according to the technical and operational requirements of the storage containers according to their type, size, quantity, position, configuration, door mechanisms and latches.

[0062] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment with multiple locking

devices and how they may interconnect to the central control unit (725). At least two of the Lifting Magnets (710) with Electromagnetic Solenoids (720) may be interconnected in parallel by cable so they can be controlled simultaneously by the central control unit (725). The pairing locking plates (715) may be separately attached to the storage container doors.

[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment to show how the locking devices are

positioned inside the storage compartment and fixed to the door. It also illustrates the 2 operational modes for the apparatus to secure the said storage container doors. [0064] The locking devices (815) may be installed to the said stowage bins and aligned to make contact with the said locking plates (830) and the fitting bars (837) fixed to the internal side of the doors.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, there may be two (2) door locking modes for a plurality of storage containers (805), which can be described as follows:

[0066] Mode 1 a (unlocked) 800: The doors (810) are open and the locking plates (830) would not make contact with the locking devices (815), if the doors are closed (820), the locking plates (835) would make contact with the locking devices (825), however, since they are deactivated they may be reopened by just releasing the mechanical latch (845 & 840). In this mode, the passengers may open the said doors (820) to store or collect their items.

[0067] Mode 1 b (locked) 850: The doors (855) are open with the locking plates (875) not making contact with the locking devices (860), if the doors are closed (865), the locking plates (880) would make contact with the activated locking devices (870), however, they may remain closed even if the mechanical latch (890) was released. In this mode no one may be able to open the said doors (820) to store or collect items until any authorized people or pre-defined program releases the locking devices.

[0068] When the locking devices are deactivated, the apparatus goes back to Mode 1 a and the said doors (810) may be opened once again by releasing the mechanical latches (840).

Novelty and Industrial Applicability

[0069] The novelty on this invention relates to a security locking apparatus, methods and a system that provides the following:

[0070] Centralized security control over a plurality of stowage bin doors or storage container doors on any passenger cabin particularly during standard, critical or emergency security procedures of any vehicle before during and after every trip.

[0071 ] Simple, yet technically robust apparatus to adopt various embodiments and thus be adapted accordingly to different types, models, sizes and specifications of every existing or new vehicle. [0072] Methods that enable two or more user types with effective planning, control and operation of every device contained in the apparatus whether this relates to passenger vehicles or cargo.

[0073] Apparatus that are connected in such a way that can be operated either

manually or remotely over pre-determined, programed or unexpected periods of time throughout the trip.

[0074] A system that transmits and records data of every relevant event to a local storage device in the vehicle or transmission to a remote server for storage and analysis.

[0075] A retrofit solution that may be easily added to existing storage containers, doors and mechanical latches in vehicles that provide commercial transport services. This can also be interpreted as a solution that may be installed in a time efficient and a cost effective manner on thousands of existing vehicles.

[0076] A solution that may adapt to the current and future security needs of public or private transport and primarily to air travel.

Patent Literature

[0077] PTL1 : US2197802 Electromagnetic lock

[0078] PTL2: US2371370 Electrical coincidental locking system for automobiles [0079] PTL3: US2694920 Multiple door locking system and apparatus [0080] PTL4: US3893723 Electromagnetic door lock

[0081 ] PTL5: US5868017 Locking device for vehicles, particularly for vehicle doors

[0082] PTL6: US77061 18 Operative control circuit of multiple electromagnetic

actuating devices

[0083] PTL7: US0146629 Overhead storage bin lock

[0084] PTL8: US0252038 Air security and control system

[0085] PTL9: US0109419 Lockable compartment access management

[0086] PTL10: US0290221 Passenger aircraft overhead bin system and method

Claims

[Claim 1] A method (100) for controlling a security locking support apparatus

containing a plurality of door locking devices for new or existing luggage stowage bins within a vehicle used to transport at least one of people, luggage, animals or goods by air, land or sea comprising the steps of: initiating a session (1 10) and at least one of manually designating a central control code or remotely programming a master command (125), which can be stored immediately (130) and subsequently entered (120) to access a central control unit within the passenger cabin or main control area of the said vehicle.

[Claim 2] The method of claim 1 , further comprising: attempting access to the said central control unit by manually entering an existing central control code or remotely entering an existing master command (120). The said master command may be at least one of programmed or entered remotely to the central control unit through an external connection (330) by the person or persons in charge of the operation of the said vehicle.

[Claim 3] The method of claim 1 , further comprising: responsive to the receiving of the said control code or master command, the central control unit verifies the receiving (135), initiating an alarm signal (140), prompting the said control code to be entered again (120) and prohibiting the control of the said locking devices when the logical validation returns false, or

[Claim 4] The method of claim 1 , further comprising: prompting the user to confirm if a programing function in needed when the logical validation is true (141 ) and, responsive to the receiving of a positive choice by the user, the central control unit may allow to add a new or edit an existing program (142).

[Claim 5] The method of claim 1 , further comprising: responsive to the receiving of a negative choice, the method may allow the user to activate or de-activate the said locking devices (145). The said locking devices may be activated or de-activated simultaneously, by section or individually in accordance with the requirements of the said cabin crew members or persons designated to control and operate the said vehicle.

[Claim 6] The method of claim 1 , further comprising: entering the said control code

(120) manually through a keyboard or by using a token on a RFID reader; or overriding, the said control code by remotely entering the said master command (120) programing through the said vehicle's controls or communication systems; and activating or de-activating the plurality of locking devices in response to the receiving or overriding settings or instructions (145).

[Claim 7] The method of claim 1 , further comprising: sending activity data (150) in at least one of real time or delayed transmission to a local storage unit and a remote server connected to a network.

[Claim 8] The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving an invalid central control code on the said control unit, wherein the invalid code is not the said control code or a code corresponding to the said control unit; and at least one of prohibiting access to the central control unit or initiating an alarm signal (140).

[Claim 9] An apparatus comprising: a vehicle (200) having a plurality of

electromagnetic door locking devices (230) for each new or existing storage compartment bins, each locking device is interconnected to a programmable central control unit (205), and powered by one or more electric sources (215 & 220) which is controlled by a power switching unit (210). Each locking device (600) has a solenoid (610) a support and a locking plate (615) to be used as a locking point.

[Claim 10] The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a programmable central control unit (310) comprising; a keyboard (315) to allow manual input of a central control code or master command (31 1 ) used to activate or deactivate all the said locks (350) simultaneously, by sections or individually, a display (320) to be used as a graphic communication interface with the user.

[Claim 1 1 ] The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: an RFID reader (318) and RFID cards or tokens (305) to allow contactless entering of a central control code or master command (31 1 ) used to activate or deactivate all the said locks (350) simultaneously, by sections or individually, an auxiliary / external unit (330) to remotely access the control unit via an external connection and, a data communications module (335) to send the activity data to a storage unit (355). This module may be connected wired, wireless or a combination of wired and wireless to the said storage unit (355).

[Claim 12] The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a physical switch (340) to manually override at least one of the said control code or master command (120) to connect or disconnect the electric sources (305 & 355) which are connected through the power switching unit (345) resulting in the deactivation of the locking devices (350) so the mechanical latches on the doors can be released.

[Claim 13] The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: at least one of an audible or visual alarm signal (325) to be activated upon receiving an invalid code that is not the corresponding central control code or master command (120) and, a memory element (322) to store the said control code and master command (120).

[Claim 14] The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a main electric source (215) to provide the power supply demands from the apparatus and, a secondary electric source to either support the power supply demands or working as a backup (220)

[Claim 15] The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a relay based (415) power switching unit (410), said power switching unit (410) providing the locking devices (430) with constant electric power supply from either the main (420) or the secondary electric source (425) when used as a backup.

[Claim 16] The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a storage unit (225) to

consolidate, store and report the activity data to a remote server (250) through a network (245) via the vehicle's controls and communication systems (240).

[Claim 17] A system comprising: a remote server (250) to receive & consolidate the activity data of the apparatus of claim 9 over a specific period of time.

[Claim 18] The system of claim 17, further comprising: a radio or any other method of wireless connection to communicate the storage unit in the vehicle to the remote server through the vehicle's controls and communication systems network.

[Claim 19] The system of claim 17, further comprising: a modem connected by cable or wireless to enable a connection of the remote server to the network.