GB2462254A

GB2462254A - Method and device for vehicle identification and immobilisation.

Info

Publication number: GB2462254A
Application number: GB0813756A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Dale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-28
Filing date: 2008-07-28
Publication date: 2010-02-03
Also published as: WO2010013043A1; GB0813756D0

Abstract

A method and associated devices and system for identifying and immobilising a motorised vehicle comprising: transmitting an activation signal from a remote device to an identification device mounted on or in the vehicle, the activation signal being configured to activate the identification device; automatically transmitting an identification signal comprising vehicle identification data from the identification device to the remote device upon activation of the identification device; querying a database linked to the remote device using the vehicle identification data; and based on the result of the query, either: transmitting a stop signal from the remote device to the identification device if the result of the query indicates that the vehicle should be immobilised, the stop signal being configured to activate means for immobilising the vehicle; or transmitting a deactivation signal from the remote device to the identification device if the result of the query does not indicate that the vehicle should be immobilised, the deactivation signal being configured to deactivate the identification device.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VEHICLE

IDENTIFICATION ND IMMOBILISATION

The present invention relates to a method and device for vehicle identification and immobilisation, and has particular application for identifying and immobilising suspect vehicles by law enforcement officers.

Police officers are often faced with the difficult task of identifying and detaining suspect motor vehicles.

There are many factors that make this common task difficult, not least of which is the difficulty of accurately identifying a vehicle whist it is in motion and then safely bringing the vehicle to a standstill if required without endangering the public or the police officers themselves.

There are a number of known methods of identifying vehicles from a distance, the most common of which is to use the information on the licence plate of the vehicle.

However, using licence plates to identify vehicles can be problematic, at least in part due to the relative ease by which they can be removed, covered, altered or physically changed.

It is more reliable to identify a vehicle using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which is stamped in various locations on each vehicle. However, the VIN is typically not readily readable from a distance and so it cannot be used to identify vehicles if they are moving.

US2008071882 describes a method for obtaining an electronic VIN from a vehicle. A remote entity sends a request to a telematics unit within a vehicle, which then retrieves the electronic VIN and transmits it to the remote entity.

Such known methods typically use relatively high frequency radio waves and require the incorporation of, or dependence on, relatively expensive technologies such mobile/cellular phones and GPS devices to collect, transmit and receive data to a central call centre located potentially anywhere in the world. If such devices are to be incorporated into many or all vehicles, then they should ideally operate using the minimum of additional hardware to keep the unit cost low.

Furthermore, the police regularly query a suspect vehicle's details with the Police National Computer (PNC) system, to check if any records are linked to the suspect vehicle. Typically this is done by manually entering the identification details into the PNC or a remote terminal thereof, or verbally communicating with a call centre with access to the PNC. This process can take considerable and valuable time, and is subject to human error.

If the results of the query indicate that the suspect vehicle warrants further investigation, for example if the vehicle has been reported stolen or potentially is involved in some other criminal offence, then it is often necessary to stop the vehicle. If the vehicle is involved in an illegal activity then the driver may resist police efforts to stop the vehicle, in which case it would be desirable be able to physically prevent the vehicle from moving.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and device for identifying a motor vehicle from a distance in a fast, accurate and reliable manner, whilst providing the facility to bring the vehicle to a stop in a controlled and safe way, and to overcome one or more of the problems associated with existing known methods and devices.

According to the present invention there is provided A method for identifying and immobilising a motorised vehicle comprising the steps of: transmitting an activation signal from a remote device to an identification device mounted on or in the vehicle, the activation signal being configured to activate the identification device; automatically transmitting an identification signal comprising vehicle identification data from the identification device to the remote device upon activation of the identification device; querying a database linked to the remote device using the vehicle identification data; and based on the result of the query, either: transmitting a stop signal from the remote device to the identification device if the result of the query indicates that the vehicle should be immobilised, the stop signal being configured to activate means for immobilising the vehicle; or transmitting a deactivation signal from the remote device to the identification device if the result of the query does not indicate that the vehicle should be immobilised, the deactivation signal being configured to deactivate the identification device.

Preferably the vehicle identification data comprises a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) The activation signal, the identification signal, the deactivation signal, and the stop signal are preferably transmitted using short range RF transmitters/receivers having a range of less than 91.5 meters.

The database is preferably located remote from the remote device, and would normally be the database of a Police National Computer (PNC) in which case the deactivation signal is transmitted when the PNC check is negative, and the stop signal is transmitted when the PNC check is positive.

Preferably the identification signal is continuously transmitted until the deactivation signal is receLved.

The results of the comparison can be displayed at the remote device so that the user of the remote device can inspect the results of the comparison.

The identification data is preferably retrieved from the vehicle's Engine Management System (EMS) so that the identification device does not need to be pre-programmed before installation.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle mounted device to enable the remote identification of the vehicle comprising; means for receiving wireless signals; memory for storing vehicle identification data; means for transmitting the vehicle identification data in response to a received activation signal; means for terminating the transmission of the vehicle identification data in response to a received deactivation signal; and means for generating a signal for immobilising the vehicle in response to a received stop signal.

The means for receiving wireless signals and the means for transmitting the vehicle identification data preferably comprises a short range RF transmitter/receiver having a range of less than 91.5 meters.

Preferably the device also includes means for retrieving the VIN from the vehicle's Engine Management System (EMS) The device preferably also comprises means to prevent the flow of fuel to the vehicle's engine, or means to automatically switch off the vehicle's engine which is activated by the signal for immobilising the vehicle.

Alternatively, the signal for immobilising the vehicle can be arranged to deactivate the vehicle's Engine Management System (EMS), or activate the vehicle's engine irnmobiliser.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a remote device for identifying a vehicle fitted with an identification device and an immobilisation device, the remote device comprising: means for wirelessly transmitting an activation signal to the identification device; means for wirelessly receiving vehicle identification data; means for querying the vehicle identification data with a database linked to the remote device; and based on the result of the query either: transmitting a stop signal if the result of the query indicates that the vehicle should be immobilised, the stop signal being configured to activate the immobilisation device; or transmitting a deactivation signal if the result of the query does not indicate that the vehicle should be immobilised, the deactivation signal being configured to deactivate the identification device.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for remotely identifying and immobilising a motorised vehicle comprising: an identification device mounted on or in the vehicle, the identification device being arranged to communicate with a remote device; an immobilisation device mounted on or in the vehicle, the identification device being arranged to transmit vehicle identification data to the remote device in response to an activation signal received from the remote device; the remote device being arranged to query received vehicle identification data with a database containing data on vehicles and return the result to the remote device; wherein the identification device is arranged to activate the immobilisation device in response to a stop signal received from the remote device, and the identification device is arranged to terminate the transmission of the vehicle identification data in response to a deactivation signal received from the remote device.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be put carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating apparatus suitable for implementing the present invention; Figure 2a is a flow diagram illustrating the method of the present invention when a motor vehicle passes a PNC check; and Figure 2b is a flow diagram illustrating the method of the present invention when a motor vehicle fails a PNC check.

Figure 1 a motor vehicle is represented schematically at 1 and is fitted with an identification device 2 and an immobilisation device 3. The identification device 2 comprises a transmitter/receiver (Tx/Rx) 4 which is arranged to communicate with a Tx/Rx 5 of a remote device 6 located, for example, in a police vehicle 7. The remote device 6 is connected to a database 8 which would typically be located remote from the remote device 6.

The method will now be described with reference to the apparatus of Figure 1 and the flow diagrams of Figures 2a and 2b.

The police vehicle 7 approaches the suspect vehicle 1 fitted with the identification device 2. When the remote device 6 is in communication range of the identification device 2, an occupant of the police vehicle 1 pushes a switch to activate the remote device 6 as indicated in step 9. The remote device 6 then transmits an activation signal as indicated by arrow 10 which is received by the identification device 2. The activation signal 10 brings the identification device 2 out of a standby mode in step 11, at which point the identification device 2 begins transmission of an identification signal as indicated in step 12. The identification signal comprises a unique number or alphanumeric string, typically the Vehicle Identification Number (yIN), which is received by the remote device 6.

At step 13 the remote device 6 transmits part or all of the VIN to the Police National Computer (PNC) system comprising database 8 containing data on vehicles recorded as lost or stolen, or for any other reason require further investigation. The VIN is checked 14 against the database 8 and the result of the check is transmitted 15 to the remote device 6.

Figure 2a shows the method steps when the PNC check reveals no recorded problem with the suspect vehicle 1.

The remote device 6 notifies the occupant(s) of the police vehicle 7 that the suspect vehicle 1 passed the checks as indicated by step 16. An occupant of the police vehicle can then push a second switch which causes the remote device 6 to transmit a deactivation signal to the identification device 2 in step 17. The deactivation signal deactivates the transmission of the identification signal 12 as indicated by step 18 and the identification device 2 goes back into the standby mode.

Figure 2b shows the method steps when the VNC check identifies a potential problem with the suspect vehicle 1. The remote device alerts the occupant(s) of the police vehicle 7 that the suspect vehicle 1 may warrant further investigation as indicated in step 19 and optionally displays the available data on the vehicle 1.

A third switch can then be pressed in the police vehicle 7 which causes the remote device 6 to transmit a stop signal to the identification device 2 in step 20. The stop signal causes the identification device 2 to send an instruction to the immobilisation device 3 as indicated in step 21, thereby activating the immobilisation device 3 to bring the suspect vehicle to a standstill in step 22.

The third switch may be used to immobilise the suspect vehicle even if the PNC check reveals no recorded problems with the suspect vehicle. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, the suspect vehicle is being driven dangerously or is failing to stop under the instruction of the occupant(s) of the police vehicle.

The remote device 6 and identification device 2 communicate using a short range, low frequency RF signal having a range normally not further than 91.5 meters (100 yards) . Any suitable communication protocol may be used including, but not limited to Bluetooth, Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), IEEE 802.11, and RFID.

The electronic VIN may be coded into the identification device 2 itself, or the identification device 2 could be programmed to obtain the VIN directly from the vehicle's Engine Management Unit (EMU) The remote device 6 could alternatively be installed in a hand held device or a static unit located on a roadside. Since the remote device 6 can operate autonomously when required, it can be installed in any location where a speed camera is used, and it is envisioned that the remote device 6 of the present invention and a speed camera can be installed as complementary traffic enforcement systems.

It may be desirable to automate the transmission of the stop signal in response to the results of the PNC or other database check, particularly when the remote device 6 is installed in an unmanned location. For example, a static roadside unit could be used to automatically immobilise a vehicle which is identified in a list of vehicles known to have been stolen.

The identification device 2 and the immobilisation device 3 should be installed in such a way that makes unauthorised removal or tampering very difficult or impossible. The identification device 2 and/or the immobilisation device 3 may be incorporated into the Engine Management Unit (EMU), and the immobilisation device 3 may include, in part or in whole, immobilisation software and/or hardware already installed in the vehicle as part of a security system including. Examples of methods and apparatus suitable for immobilising a vehicle include: preventing the flow of fuel to the vehicle's engine; automatically switching off the engine; deactivating the vehicle's Engine Management System (EMS); or activating the vehicle's engine immobiliser.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for identifying and immobilising a motorised vehicle comprising the steps of: transmitting an activation signal from a remote device to an identification device mounted on or in the vehicle, the activation signal being configured to activate the identification device; automatically transmitting an identification signal comprising vehicle identification data from the identification device to the remote device upon activation of the identification device; querying a database linked to the remote device using the vehicle identification data; and based on the result of the query either: transmitting a stop signal from the remote device to the identification device if the result of the query indicates that the vehicle should be immobilised, the stop signal being configured to activate means for immobilising the vehicle; or transmitting a deactivation signal from the remote device to the identification device if the result of the query does not indicate that the vehicle should be immobilised, the deactivation signal being configured to deactivate the identification device.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle identification data comprises a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the activation signal, the identification signal, the deactivation signal, and the stop signal are transmitted using short range RF transmitters/receivers having a range of less than 91.5 meters.
4. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the database is located remote from the remote device.
5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the database comprises a Police National Computer (PNC)
6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the deactivation signal is transmitted when the PNC check is negative, and the stop signal is transmitted when the PNC check is positive.
7. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the identification signal is continuously transmitted until the deactivation signal is received.
8. A method according to any preceding claim further comprising the step of displaying the results of the comparison at the remote device.
9. A method according to any preceding claim further comprising the step of retrieving the identification data from the vehicles Engine Management System (EMS)
10. A vehicle mounted device to enable the remote identification of the vehicle, the device comprisThg: means for receiving wireless signals; memory for storing vehicle identification data; means for transmitting the vehicle identification data in response to a received activation signal; means for terminating the transmission of the vehicle identification data in response to a received deactivation signal; and means for generating a signal for immobilising the vehicle in response to a received stop signal.
11. A vehicle mounted device according to claim 11 wherein the vehicle identification data comprises a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
12. A vehicle mounted device according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the means for receiving wireless signals and the means for transmitting the vehicle identification data comprises a short range RF transmitter/receiver having a range of less than 91.5 meters.
13. A vehicle mounted device according to any of claims to 12 further including means for retrieving the VIN from the vehicle's Engine Management System (EMS)
14. A vehicle mounted device according to any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the identification signal is continuously transmitted until the deactivation signal is received.
15. A vehicle mounted device according to any one of claims 10 to 14 further comprising means to prevent the flow of fuel to the vehicle's engine which is activated by the signal for immobilising the vehicle.
16. A vehicle mounted device according to any one of claims 10 to 14 further comprising means to automatically switch off the vehicle's engine which is activated by the signal for immobilising the vehicle
17. A vehicle mounted device according to any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the signal for immobilising the vehicle is arranged to deactivate the vehicle's Engine Management System (EMS)
18. A vehicle mounted device according to any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the signal for immobilising the vehicle is arranged activate the vehicle's engine immobiliser.
19. A remote device for identifying a vehicle fitted with an identification device and an immobilisation device, the remote device comprising: means for wirelessly transmitting an activation signal to the identification device; means for wirelessly receiving vehicle identification data; means for querying the vehicle identification data with a database linked to the remote device; means for transmitting a stop signal if the result of the query indicates that the vehicle should be immobilised, the stop signal being configured to activate the immobilisation device; and means for transmitting a deactivation signal if the result of the query does not indicate that the vehicle should be immobilised, the deactivation signal being configured to deactivate the identification device.
20. A remote device according to claim 19 further comprising means for manually transmitting a stop signal even if the result of the query does not indicate that the vehicle should be immobilised.
21. A remote device according to claim 19 or claim 20 wherein means for wirelessly transmitting an activation signal to the identification device and the means for wirelessly receiving vehicle identification data comprises a short range RF transmitter/receiver having a range of less than 91.5 meters.
22. A remote device according to claim 19, 20 or 21 wherein the database is located remote from the remote device.
23. A remote device according to claim 22 wherein the database comprises a Police National Computer (PNC)
24. A remote device according to claim 23 wherein the deactivation signal is transmitted when the PNC check is negative, and the stop signal is transmitted when the PNC check is positive.
25. A system for remotely identifying and immobilising a motorised vehicle comprising: an identification device mounted on or in the vehicle, the identification device being arranged to communicate with a remote device; an immobilisation device mounted on or in the vehicle, the identification device being arranged to transmit vehicle identification data to the remote device in response to an activation signal received from the remote device; the remote device being arranged to query received vehicle identification data with a database containing data on vehicles and return the result to the remote device; wherein the identification device is arranged to activate the immobilisation device in response to a stop signal received from the remote device, and the identification device is arranged to terminate the transmission of the vehicle identification data in response to a deactivation signal received from the remote device.
26. A method for identifying and immobilising a motorised vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2a and 2b of the accompanying drawings.
27. A vehicle mounted device to enable the remote identification of the vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2a and 2b of the accompanying drawings.
28. A remote device for identifying a vehicle fitted with an identification device and an immobilisation device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2a and 2b of the accompanying drawings.
29. A system for remotely identifying and immobilising a motorised vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2a and 2b of the accompanying drawings.