WO2011027145A2

WO2011027145A2 - Override device for vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2011027145A2
Application number: PCT/GB2010/051433
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Stevens
Original assignee: Dsmb Smartstop Limited
Priority date: 2009-09-01
Filing date: 2010-08-31
Publication date: 2011-03-10
Also published as: GB201014401D0; GB2473138A; WO2011027145A3; GB2473138B

Abstract

An override device for vehicles comprises an override device (10), such as a fuel shut-off, for causing a vehicle to stop and a management unit (11) connected to and adapted to control the override device (10). The management unit (11) includes a transceiver (13) for wireless communication with a remote controller (3) which is adapted to receive and action commands in the form of text messages, e.g. SMS messages. The override device enables a moving vehicle to be halted safely by the police, for example, by means of a text message sent via conventional wireless telecommunication systems.

Description

OVERRIDE DEVICE FOR VEHICLES

Γ0001Ί Field of the invention

[0002]The present invention relates to an override device for vehicles and to a method of overriding the operation of a vehicle remotely. The present invention is particularly concerned, but not exclusively, to an override device to be operated by or under the authority of the police or other law enforcement and / or government agencies in order to stop a vehicle.

Γ00031 Description of the related art

[0004]Although engine immobilisers are now fitted to the vast majority of cars to deter theft, cars continue to be stolen. Recent improvements in anti-theft devices for vehicles therefore now include devices that can be operated to disable a vehicle remotely so that when the theft of a vehicle is discovered, the owner of the vehicle can immobilise the vehicle remotely. Such an anti-theft device is described in WO 01/32479. The anti-theft device monitors the condition of a car and issues an alert to the owner when a predetermined condition is detected. The owner is then able to immobilise the car remotely, for example by shutting off the fuel supply to the engine.

[0005] In US 5,905,432 an alternative anti-theft device is described which is capable of detecting both theft and vandalism to a vehicle by means of a vehicle vibration / movement sensor and of communicating possible theft / vandalism to a portable receiver in the possession of the owner.

[0006] A further alternative anti-theft device is described in US 5,917,405 which additionally takes into account theft arising from car-jacking when a vehicle and its authorised keys are stolen from the owner. In US 5,917,405 a third control device, separate from the car and not intended to be carried by the owner, is described which enables the owner to disable remotely their car after a car-jacking incident and to locate the car.

[0007] In all of the above examples, the anti-theft device is activated by the owner when the theft of their vehicle is discovered or when they are notified remotely of the possible theft or vandalism of their car. None of the engine immobilisers or anti-theft devices currently available is of any use in circumstances where the police or another law enforcement agency wishes to stop a suspect vehicle which may be stolen or may be being driven erratically.

Γ00081 Summary of the invention

[0009]Thus the present invention seeks to address the limitations in conventional anti-theft devices. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an override device for vehicles which can be operated remotely.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide an override device which is capable of being actuated by or under the authority of the police or other law enforcement and / or government agencies.

[0011]The present invention therefore provides a vehicle immobilisation device for use on a powered vehicle, the immobilisation device comprising an override device adapted to cause the vehicle to stop and a management unit connected to the override device, the management unit including a transceiver for two-way wireless communication with a remote controller, characterised in that the transceiver of the management unit is adapted to receive at least text messages whereby the management unit is activated by receipt of a text message.

[0012] Preferably, the management unit includes identification means for identifying the immobilisation device to the remote controller. Ideally, the management unit is adapted to provide visual confirmation of correct identification by the remote controller. The management unit may be adapted to connect to one or more of a vehicle's lights and so may provide visual confirmation of correct identification by causing one or more of the vehicle's lights to flash in a predetermined pattern.

[0013]Also, the vehicle immobilisation device may further comprise a detector for receiving locally transmitted triggering signals. Ideally, the management unit is connected to the detector and is adapted to

communicate identifying information to the remote controller via the transceiver in response to a triggering signal being received by the detector.

[0014] In one embodiment the override device comprises a fuel shut-off valve.

[0015] Ideally, the management unit is adapted for two-way communication with only one or more predetermined callers and the callers may be authorised telephone numbers used solely by a law enforcement agency or an organisation authorised by a police or government agency.

[0016] Furthermore, the management unit may include a memory store which may be updated remotely. Activation of the management unit and updating the contents of the memory store may be performed using SMS messaging.

[0017] In a separate aspect the present invention provides a remote controller for use with a plurality of vehicle immobilisation devices of the type described above, the remote controller including a telecommunications interface for two-way communication with the plurality of vehicle

immobilisation devices, the remote controller further including a memory in which is stored override codes each code being specific to a vehicle immobilisation device.

[0018] The remote controller may further include a tracking device for remotely tracking the geographical location of a vehicle having a vehicle immobilisation device. The tracking device optionally accesses

geographical information using GPS, GSM positioning or cellular telecommunication towers.

[0019] In a yet further aspect the present invention provides a method of powered vehicle immobilisation, the method comprising causing the powered vehicle to stop by activating an immobilising device mounted on the powered vehicle using a text message transmitted by the remote controller.

[0020]With the present invention, prolonged vehicle chases by the police or other government or law enforcement agencies can be prevented when a suspect refuses to stop the vehicle they are in. The present invention additionally enables the police or other law enforcement agencies to decide when and where the vehicle is to be stopped thereby minimising the risk of injury or damage to the vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention ensures that the correct vehicle is stopped even in circumstances where the vehicle cannot be visually identified e.g. as a result of false number plates being used.

[0021] Reference made herein to conventional wireless communication is intended to encompass all forms of wireless communication including but not limited to cellular telecommunication systems generally. Examples of suitable wireless communication systems include GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) and 3G (3^rd Generation) networks such as but not limited to HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access).

[0022] Also, reference is made herein to the use of text messages for the purposes of remote communication. Reference to text messaging is intended to encompass all forms of remote communication of alphanumeric strings in the form of messages, commands or code and encompassing but not limited to terrestrial and satellite communication networks. Such text messages may be encrypted or open and may be transmitted by AT command set, SMS (Short message Service), MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) over TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), email-to- SMS or by means of any other suitable communication protocols.

[0023] Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an override system in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the fuel shut-off of the override system of FIG 1 ; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the central controller of the override system of FIG. 1 ; and.

Γ0025Ί Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0026]An override system for use with a vehicle 1 , such as but not limited to a car, van, truck, HGV, boat, is illustrated in Fig. 1 . In overview, the override system generally comprises an override device 2 mounted on the vehicle 1 ; a central controller 3; and a portable ID request transmitter 4.

[0027]The override device 2 which is mounted on the vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle disabling device 10 which is connected to an override command processing unit 1 1 including a memory store 12 and which, in turn, is connected to a transceiver 13 for communicating wirelessly with the central controller 3, a detector 14 for receiving wireless ID call signals and the normal lighting controls of the vehicle.

[0028] A vehicle disabling device 10 in the form of a fuel shut-off is shown in greater detail in Fig. 2. The fuel shut-off 10 comprises a shut-off valve 15 mounted in the fuel supply line between the fuel pump and the vehicle engine. The shut-off valve 15 is operated by a solenoid 16 which is controlled by the override command processing unit 1 1 . In normal use, the shut-off valve 15, which may be a butterfly valve, remains dormant in its open position. When activated by the override command processing unit 1 1 , the shut-off valve 15 is driven to its closed position by the solenoid 16 thereby closing the fuel supply line. This has the effect of isolating the fuel supply from the vehicle engine so that only the fuel already in the supply line between the valve 15 and the engine remains available to the engine.

[0029]The transceiver 12 is adapted to send and receive signals

wirelessly. Preferably, the transceiver 12 is adapted for connection to a conventional wireless telecommunications network. However, alternative wireless communication is also envisaged such as, but not limited to, communication at infra-red frequencies. The detector 13 is adapted to detect incident wireless signals and most preferably, the detector 13 is adapted to detect incident radio or infra-red frequency signals.

[0030]The override command processing unit 1 1 is connected to the solenoid 16 of the shut-off valve 15, the transceiver 13 and the detector 14 and has stored in the memory store 12 instructions for controlling operation of the shut-off valve 15, the transceiver 13 and the detector 14. Also stored in the memory store 12 is a vehicle ID unique to the vehicle 1 , a pre- assigned code which is the override code for disabling the vehicle and information on one or more permitted communication sources. Where the transceiver 13 is adapted for connection to a conventional mobile telecommunications network, the information on permitted communication sources consists of identification codes and / or alternative forms of caller IDs representative of the only sources of communication signals not barred from the command processing unit 1 1 .

[0031]The vehicle disabling device 10 is connected to the vehicle's permanent live power supply and earthed in the normal manner. The live power supply holds the shut-off valve 15 in its open position so that if the power supply to the vehicle disabling device 10 is cut, the shut-off valve 15 automatically closes isolating the fuel supply from the vehicle engine.

[0032]The central controller 3 is located remotely from the vehicle 1 and is preferably under the control of the police or another law enforcement agency. The central controller 3 preferably comprises one or more processors 20 which are operatively connected by means of a command / data bus 21 to a program memory 22, a data store 23 and a wireless communications interface 24. The processors 20 are additionally operatively connected via an input / output interface 25 to input and output peripherals such as, but not limited to, a keyboard 26, a navigation tool such as a mouse 27 and a display 28. The program memory 22 contains instructions for controlling the operation of the central controller 3 and its communication with the vehicle disabling device 10 which will be described in greater detail below. The data store 23 contains information on all vehicles registered in the United Kingdom along with their unique vehicle ID and an associated override code unique to that vehicle ID. In the United Kingdom the central controller 3 may be based at the DVLA in Swansea and / or the vehicle information collected by DVLA may be included in the data store 23.

[0033]The ID request transmitter 4, which is separate from the vehicle 1 and the central controller 3, is portable and may be carried by a police or other law enforcement officer or mounted on a vehicle belonging to the police or other law enforcement officer. The ID request transmitter 4 is adapted to transmit a directional beam, preferably at either radio or infrared frequencies, and includes either a handle or is mounted on an adjustable mount so that the directional beam may be aimed at a detector 14 mounted on a vehicle of interest. Optionally, the directional beam may carry instructions or information to be communicated to the detector 14.

[0034] Although reference is made to the vehicle disabling device 10 being connected to the power supply of the vehicle, alternatively or in addition the vehicle disabling device 10 may have a separate local power source. This would enable the location of the vehicle disabling device 10 to be tracked even after the vehicle has been abandoned. Furthermore, where the vehicle disabling device is connected to the vehicle power supply and additionally has a separate local power supply, in the event the vehicle disabling device is disconnected from the vehicle power supply, the vehicle disabling device may be adapted to issue a tamper alert to the central controller and may continue to operate using the local power source to enable its position to be monitored.

[0035] Whilst the primary purpose of the vehicle disabling device 10 is to enable the vehicle to be stopped remotely, the vehicle disabling device may be in communication with one or more anti-theft devices such as, but not limited to, one or more motion or tilt sensors, interior and / or perimeter sensors and / or alarms, and / or automated door lock activation. Such anti-theft devices may additionally include means for activating audible / visible components of the vehicle such as headlamps and indicators, to encourage unauthorised occupants of the vehicle to abandon the vehicle. The implementation of a communication device that provides means for two-way communication with any occupants of the vehicle is also desirable.

[0036]The override system enables a police or other law enforcement officer to disable a suspect vehicle in the following manner. When a police officer notices a suspect vehicle, the police officer identifies the suspect vehicle to an operator of the central controller 3 using the vehicle

registration number on its number plates and optionally the vehicle model and colour. The operator inputs the vehicle registration number, and optionally any other identification that is provided by the police officer, into the central controller 3 using the input / output peripherals 26, 27 and instructs the central controller to interrogate its data store 23 and identify the vehicle ID (which may be the VIN number for the vehicle) and the override code for the vehicle assigned the registration number the police officer has communicated to the operator. Once the central controller 3 has found the relevant data entry for the input vehicle registration number, the central controller 3 then issues a first message, preferably using a conventional telecommunications network, to the override device 2 of the vehicle assigned the car registration number. The first message instructs the override device 2 to identify itself by actuating one or more of the vehicle indicator lights e.g. the hazard lights.

[0037] When the override device 2 receives the message from the central controller 3 the caller ID is checked against the authorised communication sources stored in the memory store 12. The caller ID being recognised, the override device 2 then briefly activates the vehicle indicator lights in a predetermined pattern which is recognisable to the police officer who is following the suspect vehicle.

[0038] If the number plates of the suspect vehicle are the correct number plates for that vehicle, the police officer following the suspect vehicle will then see the vehicle indicator lights flashing in the predetermined pattern. The police officer communicates this fact to the operator at the central controller 3 thereby confirming that the vehicle data is correct for the suspect vehicle being followed.

[0039] Having received confirmation from the police officer that the vehicle data is correct, the operator then instructs the central controller 3 to issue a second message to the override device 2 of that vehicle. The second message, which may be a text message, includes or comprises a unique override code. On receiving the second message the override device 2 again checks the caller ID against the authorised communication sources. If the caller ID is an authorised ID, the override device 2 then compares the override code with the unique override code stored in its memory store 12. If the two override codes match, the override device 2 activates the solenoid 16 to close off the shut-off valve 15. This shuts off the fuel to the vehicle engine and the vehicle will stop shortly thereafter.

[0040] The override device 2 may cut off the fuel supply in a single action or may pulse the fuel supply, turning the fuel supply off and then on again repeatedly so as to slowly reduce the speed of the suspect vehicle.

[0041] It may be that when the indicator lights of the suspect vehicle flash, the suspect vehicle is not in a convenient position to be stopped

immediately. In such circumstances, the police officer has the option to ask the operator at the central controller 3 to delay transmitting the override code until the police officer authorises transmission when the suspect vehicle is in a more convenient location.

[0042] However, it is not uncommon for vehicle registration plates to be switched or falsified. Therefore, there is also the possibility that when the first message is transmitted by the central controller 3, the message is not received by the suspect vehicle currently being followed by the police but by another vehicle entirely in some other location. In these circumstances the indicator lights of the suspect vehicle would not flash and the police officer would be able to confirm to the operator at the central controller that the number plates are false. [0043] In these circumstances, in order to identify the suspect vehicle the police officer actuates the portable ID request transmitter 4 and aims the transmitter 4 at the suspect vehicle. A narrow beam is transmitted by the ID request transmitter 4 which is incident on the suspect vehicle and on the detector 14 of the override device 2. When the detector 14 detects an incident beam the override device 2 is programmed to transmit its vehicle identification to the central controller 3 by means of its transceiver 13.

[0044]The central controller 3 then receives a message containing the identification information for the suspect vehicle. With this information the central controller 3 is then able to locate from the data store 23 the necessary override code and transmits the override code back to the override device 2 on the suspect vehicle. Receipt of the override code by the override device 2 disables the suspect vehicle in the manner described earlier.

[0045] It will, of course, be apparent that it is not essential for the police officer to first identify the suspect vehicle by means of the vehicle

registration number. Instead the police officer may opt to activate the ID request transmitter 4 immediately, particularly where disablement of the vehicle is time critical.

[0046] Furthermore, in the case of heavy traffic the narrow beam

transmitted by the ID request transmitter 4 may still be incident on the detectors of more than one vehicle. If this happens, the central controller 3 will receive identification data transmitted from a plurality of different vehicles. To identify from the plurality of vehicles the identity of the suspect vehicle, the central controller 3 may poll each of the plurality of vehicles with the first message. This will result in each vehicle flashing its lights in turn. The police officer is then able to confirm to the operator at the central controller 3 when the lights of the suspect vehicle flash and in this way the correct vehicle to receive its override code is identified.

[0047] Optionally, correct identification of the suspect vehicle may be confirmed by the central controller 3 by combining vehicle identification with vehicle location information on both the suspect vehicle and the police officer's vehicle which may be obtained using triangulation on the telecommunications network or the global position system (GPS). With this optional feature, confirmation of correct identification occurs when the suspect vehicle is identified as being geographically close to the police officer's vehicle.

[0048]A vehicle tracking functionality is generally desirable and may be activated by means of a command transmitted remotely, preferably as a text message, by the central controller. This command may be different to or additional to the command used to activate the override device.

Information on the position of an activated override device can be used to direct a police officer or other government representative to the vehicle. Hence, when a vehicle has been stolen the override device may be activated to enable the vehicle to be found. Tracking of the location of the vehicle may be continuous or, where it is important to preserve power, intermittent or only on demand.

[0049]Thus, in an exemplary scenario a police traffic unit identifies a car, using the number plate recognition (NPR) system, which has no insurance and no MOT. The police officers flash the driver to pull over but the request is ignored. The police officers then activate their siren and blue lights but instead of stopping the driver of the suspect vehicle tries to speed away. The police officers then activate the vehicle override system first checking that the suspect car has been correctly identified by having the first message sent to the suspect vehicle which causes the vehicle lights to flash and then the second message to be sent with the override code when the suspect car is at a convenient location to be stopped safely.

[0050] Reference has been made herein to the operator of the central controller 3. However, it is to be understood that operation of the central controller 3 may be manual or may be automated through the use of voice commands issued by the police officer.

[0051]With the override device described above, a police officer is able to disable a vehicle he is monitoring or chasing in a location of his choosing. Where the vehicle disabling device is a fuel cut-off, on average there is a time lag of around 7 seconds from when the override code is transmitted to the vehicle of which 5 seconds is the approximate time for the override code to be received by the override device and 2 second is the

approximate time for the remaining fuel in the fuel line of the vehicle to be used up. Thus, the police officer is able to avoid prolonged vehicle chases when a suspect refuses to stop their vehicle when challenged. Also, as the police officer has the vehicle in his sight he is able to select a location area in which the suspect vehicle is to be stopped thereby minimising the risks of injury to the driver and other passengers in the suspect vehicle and to innocent members of the public and also minimising the risks of damage to the suspect vehicle. For example, the choice of where to stop the suspect vehicle may be based upon the known location of other police vehicles which the suspect vehicle is approaching.

[0052] It is, of course, envisaged, that the override device 2 may be remotely or locally reactivated or reset to enable the vehicle to be removed after the driver of the vehicle has been apprehended. Also, the authorised caller IDs and the override codes may be updated remotely using command communications issued by the central controller 3. The command communications may take the form of text messages.

[0053]Although the override device preferably activates a solenoid controlled fuel shut-off on the vehicle, the override system is not limited to this and alternative override devices including engine immobilisation and power supply cut-off may be implemented. However, it is preferred that in all cases, the suspect vehicle is left with full control and operation of the vehicle's brakes, steering and any other functions, other than drive, necessary for safe control of the vehicle. Also, although the exemplary embodiment involves a car, the override system is not limited to cars and is equally applicable to other powered vehicles including but not limited to cars, vans, trucks, HGVs, buses, coaches and boats. [0054] In general, the present invention is not limited to the particular details of the override system described herein. For example, reference is made herein to a unique override code. The override code may be predetermined or may be a code which is derived from a secure key or some other algorithmic calculation. Thus, changes may be made to the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1 . A vehicle immobilisation device for use on a powered vehicle, the immobilisation device comprising an override device adapted to cause the vehicle to stop and a management unit connected to the override device, the management unit including a transceiver for two-way wireless communication with a remote controller, characterised in that the transceiver of the management unit is adapted to receive at least text messages whereby the management unit is activated by receipt of a text message.

2. A vehicle immobilisation device according to claim 1 , wherein the transceiver of the management unit is adapted to receive SMS messages.

3. A vehicle immobilisation device as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the management unit further includes identification means for identifying the immobilisation device to the remote controller.

4. A vehicle immobilisation device according to claim 3, wherein the management unit is adapted to provide visual confirmation of correct identification by the remote controller.

5. A vehicle immobilisation device according to claim 4, wherein the management unit is adapted to connect to one or more of a vehicle's lights and provides visual confirmation of correct identification by causing one or more of the vehicle's lights to flash in a predetermined pattern.

6 A vehicle immobilisation device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a detector for receiving locally transmitted triggering signals.

7. A vehicle immobilisation device according to claim 6, wherein the management unit is connected to the detector and is adapted to

8. A vehicle immobilisation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the override device comprises a fuel shut-off valve.

9. A vehicle immobilisation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the management unit is adapted for radio communication.

10. A vehicle immobilisation device according to claim 9, wherein the management unit is adapted for two-way communication using a cellular telecommunications network.

1 1 . A vehicle immobilisation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the management unit is adapted for two-way communication with only one or more predetermined callers.

12. A vehicle immobilisation device according to claim 1 1 , wherein the management unit is adapted to for two-way communication with only one or more authorised telephone numbers used solely by an agency operated by or under the authority of the police or other government body.

13. A vehicle immobilisation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the management unit includes a memory store which may be updated remotely.

14. A vehicle immobilisation device according to claim 13, wherein the contents of the memory store may be updated using text messaging.

15. A remote controller for use with a plurality of vehicle immobilisation devices according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the remote controller including a telecommunications interface for two-way communication with the plurality of vehicle immobilisation devices, the remote controller further including a memory in which is stored override codes each code being specific to a vehicle immobilisation device.

16. A remote controller according to claim 15, wherein the remote controller further includes a tracking unit for remotely tracking the geographical location of a vehicle having a vehicle immobilisation device.

17. A remote controller according to claim 16, wherein the tracking device accesses geographical information using GPS or GSM positioning or cellular telecommunication towers.

18. A method of powered vehicle immobilisation, comprising causing a powered vehicle to stop by activating an immobilising device mounted on the powered vehicle using a text message transmitted by the remote controller.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18 further including identifying the immobilising device to a remote controller.