WO1994021483A1

WO1994021483A1 - Apparatus for monitoring a vehicle/driver

Info

Publication number: WO1994021483A1
Application number: PCT/FI1993/000102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pekka Niukkanen; Arto Niukkanen
Original assignee: Pekka Niukkanen; Arto Niukkanen
Priority date: 1993-03-19
Filing date: 1993-03-19
Publication date: 1994-09-29
Also published as: AU3753893A

Abstract

Monitoring apparatus for vehicles, e.g. motor vehicles, which is connected to the starting circuit of the vehicle and comprises a control circuit provided with a keypad (2) or equivalent and a card reader (4), said keypad or equivalent being used to enter the identification data relating to the driver, into which card reader the driver's driving license or equivalent required for driving the vehicle is inserted, the identification data entered being compared by said control circuit to the data obtained from the driving license or equivalent, a starting circuit provided with a measuring instrument (5) analyzing the alcohol content of the driver's breath, said starting circuit being activated on the basis of a comparison performed in the control circuit when the data compared are consistent, the alcohol content of the driver's breath being measured in said starting circuit, which, when the driver's alcohol content is below the permitted limit, turns the ignition circuit of the vehicle into a state that allows the vehicle to bestarted, and an alarm circuit provided with a radio transmitter/receiver used to issue an alarm e.g. when the vehicle is being started illicitly.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A VEHICLE/DRIVER

The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, and its driver according to the introductory part of claim 1. The invention is associated with ensuring the legitimacy and legality of a vehicle/driver and the observance of driving licenses/other licenses stipulated by the law and statutes, and of driving/resting times according to the law on working and resting times as well as the observance of lawful driving customs.

At present, to start a motor vehicle, a driver who has passed a driver's training course/driving test and possessing a driving license or equivalent starts the engine of the vehicle by closing the starting circuit by means of a key via the ignition switch.

If the engine and the associated auxiliary equipment of the vehicle are in order, the engine will start. However, a drawback is that the vehicle can be started by almost anyone who has access to its ignition key. Besides, the vehicle can be stolen even without the ignition key. Because of these draw¬ backs, the vehicle can be driven by a driver under the influence of alcohol, and it is too easy to steal. Therefore, it is possible for a person under the influence of alcohol or an underage person to drive a vehicle in heavy or public transport or in the transport of dangerous materials just as well as a light motor vehicle, violating the law on road traffic and other legal provisions.

The problem is that the conventional starting circuits of motor vehicles are not specifically designed with a view to eliminating drawbacks of this nature. Therefore, various burglar alarm devices, systems with driver's examinations and police raids against drunken-driving have been developed. Applying these methods, the authorities have not, however, been able to completely eliminate these serious problems.

The biggest danger is doubtless a person driving under the influence of alcohol who manages to start a vehicle, whether his own or not, and starts driving it. Often such a person drives recklessly, with tragic consequences. However, the harm and injuries caused by a drunken driver are seldom limited to the driver himself, but innumerable times the victims of this category of drivers have been completely innocent outsiders, and very often they have suffered irreparable losses. The system of the present invention allows a decisive improvement to be achieved regarding the drawbacks referred to. To implement this, the appara¬ tus of the invention is characterized by the features presented in the character¬ ization part of claim 1. Other embodiments of the invention are presented in the other claims.

Using the apparatus of the invention, drivers are prevented from starting and driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and from starting vehicles/types of vehicles not covered by their driving license or equivalent. The apparatus controls the monitoring of drivers entitled to transport danger¬ ous substances and notifies the police about a stolen vehicle being driven. Using satellite navigation and two-way wireless communication, the appropriate authorities are able to locate a lost/wanted driver/vehicle.

Moreover, the apparatus ensures that safety belts are used at normal traffic speeds (e.g. above 10 km/h). The apparatus of the invention also gives an effec¬ tive indication of the maintenance needs of the braking and steering equip¬ ment of the vehicle. Flaws relating to the basic safety of the vehicle (degree of wear etc.) are indicated to the driver by limiting the traffic speed of the vehicle to a range as safe as possible, e.g. 10 km/h. Similarly, the top speed of the vehicle can be limited so as to conform with the effective speed limits e.g. by using a radio detector transmitting its signals over telephone lines.

Significant advantages are provided by the apparatus of the invention in that it allows easy and reliable monitoring of the situations of a motor vehicle regarding its driver by virtue of the microprocessor, memory, clock and code system incorporated in the apparatus.

The apparatus of the invention renders the vehicle's own primitive, conven¬ tional, crime-promoting ignition lock superfluous, replacing it with a new starting and vehicle/driver monitoring system provided with a controlling capability.

The apparatus of the invention is designed for application in motor vehicles and machines used privately or professionally in light and heavy traffic (includ¬ ing public transport) on land, at sea or in the air, and generally in the motor vehicles and racing motor vehicles of vehicle renting companies. The invention is also applicable to mopeds, motor sledges and motor cycles having an elec¬ tric/electronic ignition system.

In the following, the invention is described in detail by the aid of an example by referring to the drawings attached, in which

Figure 1 presents a driver monitoring apparatus according to the invention, figure 2 a control circuit, figure 3 a card reader, figures 4a and 4b a drunkometer (breathalyser), figure 5 the connections between IC circuits and figure 6 a vehicle monitoring apparatus.

Figure 1 shows a driver monitoring apparatus which works through an external power source consisting of a battery 1 and possibly an internal power source (providing back-up power for the clock and a calendar if necessary). The driver of the vehicle activates the control circuit (fig. 2) of the apparatus by entering his own code, vehicle class and possible category of dangerous trans¬ port via a keypad 2 and inserting his driving license or equivalent into a card reader 4. A microprocessor 4.3 provided in the reader compares the code entered via the keypad to the information obtained from the driving license 3. The code data can also be entered e.g. by means of a fingerprint analyzer, a retina analyzer or some other type of analyzer capable of identifying a person and providing personal data comparable to the information obtained from the driving license.

The card reader 4 (fig. 1 and 3) is provided with a clock 4.1 and a memory 4.2 which stores the times and the code data obtained from the driving license, the data entered via the keypad and the log book information. The card reader 4 retains the driving license or equivalent 3, connecting and main¬ taining the control circuit information (driver and log book information) in the memory 4.2 if the code data are correct, and activates via a switch 4.4 a drunkometer (5 see also fig. 4a) connected to the starting circuit of the apparatus, expecting the driver to blow into the meter.

The card reader 4 also has an IC 4.3 which controls at least the control circuit 1.1 between the keypad 2 and the code-controlled ignition switch 4.4. Moreover, the card reader is provided with a data transfer socket 4.5 for a data reader to permit unloading of the memory. If the IC 4.3 of the card reader 4 does not recognize the code data entered, the apparatus still saves the data in its memory 4.2 and only then releases the driving license 3 or equivalent inserted. In this case the starting circuit of the apparatus is not connected further via switch 4.4 to the drunkometer 5. On the other hand, if the driver data compared are correct and switch 4.4 is conducting and the starting circuit active, then the driver has to give a breath test by blowing into the drunkometer 5 of the apparatus through the blowpipe 5.1 provided. The air exhaled into the blowpipe 5.1 flows further via a duct 5.1.1 into the alcohol detector unit 5.2.1 of the meter, whose display/ indicator 5.2.2 indicates the possible alcohol content of the breath sample as a permilleage reading.

Stored in the memory 4.2 are also a calendar and a bookkeeping program for bookkeeping and taxation.

If the alcohol content value indicated by the drunkometer is 0 or below the officially permitted level, the starting switch 5.3 in the starting circuit of the apparatus is connected via another IC 7.1. a, activating the vehicle's own ignition circuit. On the other hand, if the alcohol content of the air breathed into the drunkometer 5 exceeds the permitted limit, the display/indicator unit of the instrument still indicates the degree of drunkennes of the driver via its display 5.2.0 as a permilleage reading but keeps the starting switch 5.3 in the inhibit state, so that no starting current can flow to the controller 6 of the starting circuit.

In vehicles subject to obligatory use of a helmet, the alcohol content detector part 5 can be attached directly to the driver's helmet 5.K, from where the alcohol content data for the driver is passed via IC 7.1. a to the starting switch 5.3 for the starting of the vehicle together with its own ignition circuit 1.3, via the controller (6).

The breath test to be performed in the starting circuit 1.2 has to be carried out within a certain time from the entry of the code data and while switch 4.4 is conducting, otherwise IC 4.3 will remove the driving license 3 or equi¬ valent from the card reader 4 and the connection between switch 4.4 reverts to the inhibit state. The same function with the timer of the clock 4.1 is employed in the monitoring of idling and in automatic supervision of the observ¬ ance of the statute on idling. The length of time permitted after entry of the code data before the breath test must be set to a fixed value by the manufac¬ turer of the device according to common practice or official recommenda¬ tions/rules. In the system of the invention, a vehicle with the engine running cannot be handed over to another driver directly, but the new driver must first insert his driving license or equivalent into the card reader and perform the required control functions, which are saved in the memory 4.2 of the card reader 4. After the system has received acceptable code/control data, the new driver may take control of the vehicle.

In the apparatus of the invention, IC circuits 7.1. a and 7.1.b are electrically connected (fig. 5). IC 7.1.b monitors the running of the engine, preferably by means of electric impulses obtained according to the speed of rotation via an inductive sensor from a permanent magnet 7.2 attached e.g. to the flywheel. In other words, IC 7.1.b monitors the legitimacy of the running of the engine by comparing it to the code/test data obtained from IC 7.1. a and to the clock 4.1 in the card reader 4, timing the idling of the vehicle to the longest period officially permitted and turning off the ignition circuit after a warning time (warning given by a sound signal, flash or the like) if the vehicle is not moving.

IC 7.1.b monitors the running of the engine, its speed of rotation from the detector 7.2 and the distance travelled, the driving speed via the vehicle's own speed/mileage indicator 8 and with a constant-speed regulator 9. a and an acceleration slide control 9.b.

In addition to the navigation data transmitted by the radio transmitter/re¬ ceiver 7.3, IC 7.1.b monitors speed limit information communicated by radio, limiting the top speed of the vehicle to the level required by the current speed limit. This is effected by means of the constant-speed regulator 9. a, which is set with the acceleration slide control to a desired constant speed value, to which it is adjusted by means of a device 10 shifting the accelerator cable. The accelerator cable shifting device 10 is controlled by means of an amplifier 15 and IC 7.1.b by transmitting the deviation of the vehicle's own speedometer 8 from the value of the constant-speed regulator 9.a to the accel¬ erator cable shifting device 10, which corrects the speed to a value correspond¬ ing to that of the constant-speed regulator. The switch 11 controlling the accel¬ erator cable shifting device 10 activates the device 10 when the speed regula¬ tor 9. a is in use. However, if the safety belts are not fastened or if the braking/steering equipment 18, 19 is not in working order, then a throttle lever stopper 13 limits the speed of the vehicle to about 10 km/h. Thus, IC 7.1.b controls the operation of the throttle lever stopper 13 when necessary, even during normal driving with the constant-speed regulator 9. a inactive.

If the speed regulator 9. a has been activated, then pressing the pedals 20 - 22 of the vehicle control equipment releases the switch 10 of the accelerator cable shifting device, restoring normal operation of the vehicle. When the pedals 20 - 22 are released, the switch 10 of the accelerator cable shifting device is turned on again if the speed regulator 9.a is in operation and, by means of the accelerator cable shifting device 10, brings the speed of the vehicle to the set value of the constant-speed regulator 9. a.

The purpose of the operation of this IC 7.1.b is, in addition to the functions described above, to check via radio communication on the legitimacy of the driver of the vehicle and to transmit a radio message to the police in the event of a theft or other illegitimate use of the vehicle, e.g. when the starting current is illicitly applied to the vehicle's own starting circuit controller 6 and further to the starter of the engine.

In illicit cases of this nature, when the apparatus of the invention in the starting circuit is passed by and the vehicle is being driven without a driving license 3 or equivalent or when the driver is drunk, IC 7.1.b recognizes that the engine is running and that no electronic code connection to IC 7.1. a exists. As a result, IC 7.1.b goes into alarm state and activates the radio trans¬ mitter 7.3 incorporated in the system to send its own emergency message to the police, guarding firms/patrols etc. Via the vehicle's own radiotelephone, the apparatus can be connected to a public mobile telephone network, in which case the emergency message can be transmitted more quickly, to a larger number of receivers or to a more accurately specified group of receiv¬ ers, and, depending on the situation, to the police, road service organizations, regional alarm centres etc. In addition, when the starting circuit is illicitly passed by or when common traffic rules indicated by traffic signs are viol¬ ated, the radio transmitter/receiver 7.3 is activated by IC 7.1.b and starts sending an alarm message (e.g. transport of dangerous substances in cases of accident) either to the constant-speed regulator 9.a in a case of overspeed or to the police radio, and possibly via the vehicle's own radiotelephone to a larger audience. Via the data transfer socket 4.5 provided in the card reader 4, the alarm system 7 of the apparatus can also be connected to the public mobile telephone network.

In addition, the operation of the alarm circuit is such that IC 7.1.b observes the code data transmitted by IC 7.1. a, monitoring the running of the engine, the distance travelled by the vehicle and its speed as well as the revolutions of the engine as measured from a point that best suits the purpose, e.g. from the signals transmitted by an inductive sensor 7.2.1 responding to a permanent magnet 7.2 attached to the flywheel, or from the ratio of the constant-speed regulator setting and the speed/mileage indicator reading by comparing these data to each other. The alarm circuit can be provided with an alarm switch (16) designed to give an alarm from the balance stabilizer and collision control system of a vehicle transporting dangerous substances.

The bookkeeping function, which is designed for use by employers/employees, gives a more comprehensive picture of e.g. working efficiency. The apparatus can also be implemented without the bookkeeping function e.g. in applications designed for private or personal use.

It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that different embodiments of the invention are not restricted to the examples described above, but that they may instead be varied within the scope of the claims presented below. Thus, the apparatus of the invention is designed for application in vehicles used privately or professionally (including public transport) in light and heavy traffic, whether on land, at sea or in the air.

Claims

1. Monitoring apparatus for vehicles, e.g. motor vehicles, said apparatus being connected to the starting circuit (1.3) of the vehicle and comprising:

a control circuit (1.1) provided with a keypad (2) or equivalent and a card reader (4), said keypad or equivalent being used to enter the identification data relating to the driver, into which card reader the driver's driving license (3) or equivalent required for driving the vehicle is inserted, the identification data entered being compared by said control circuit to the data obtained from the driving license (3) or equivalent; and

a starting circuit (1.2) provided with a measuring instrument (5) analyzing the alcohol content of the air exhaled by the driver, said starting circuit (1.2) being activated on the basis of a comparison performed in the control circuit when the data compared are consistent, the alcohol content of the driver's breath being measured in said starting circuit, which starting circuit turns a switch controlled by the alcohol content value into active state when the driver's alcohol content is below the permitted limit, causing the ignition cir¬ cuit of the vehicle to enter into a state that allows the vehicle to be started,

characterized in that, using the keypad (2) or equivalent, the apparatus can be directed to use codes indicating that the driver is entitled to transport/is transporting dangerous substances and, in the event of an accident, automatic alarm signals to be transmitted via a radio transmitter/receiver (7.3) incorpor¬ ated in the apparatus to a regional alarm centre/rescue service according to the danger category of the substances in question and to activate an alarm siren, alarm lights or equivalent, e.g. using the vehicle's own sound signal/ emergency lights or equivalent, the starting of which can be acknowledged by the driver via the keypad (2) during a certain warning signal/time used to warn the driver.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control circuit (1.1) is provided with a memory (4.2) and a clock (4.1) which store the time of the day and the identification data as well as the information from the driv¬ ing license or equivalent, and that the apparatus has an alarm circuit (1.3) pro¬ vided with a radio transmitter/receiver (7.3) used to issue an alarm e.g. when the vehicle is being started illicitly. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the alcohol content test to be performed in the starting circuit (1.2) has to be carried out within an acceptable time from the entry of the code data and while switch (4.4) is conducting or otherwise a logic circuit (4.

3) will remove the driving license (3) or equivalent from the card reader (4) and the connection between switch (4.4) reverts to the inhibit state, or in the monitoring of idling and in automatic supervision of the observance of the statute on idling, implemented using the timer of the clock (4.1), and that when the vehicle is handed over to another driver directly while the engine is running, the apparatus requires that the new driver first insert his driving license (3) or equivalent into the card reader (4) and perform the required control functions, which are saved in the memory (4.2) of the card reader (4).

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control cricuit monitors the legitimacy of the running of the engine by comparing it to the code/test data and to the clock (4.1) in the card reader (4), timing the idling of the vehicle to the longest period officially permitted and turning off the ignition circuit after a warning time if the vehicle is not moving.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the starting circuit monitors speed limit communication and, by means of a constant-speed regula¬ tor (9.a), limits the top speed of the vehicle to the level required by the current speed limit.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a logic circuit (7.1.b) observes the code data transmitted by another logic circuit (7.1. a), monitoring the running of the engine, the distance travelled by the vehicle and its speed as well as the revolutions of the engine as measured from a point that best suits the purpose, e.g. from the signals transmitted by an inductive sensor (7.2) responding to a permanent magnet (7.2) attached to the flywheel, or from the relationship of the constant-speed regulator (9. a) and the speed/ mileage indicator (8) by comparing these data to each other, and that an alarm switch (16) gives an alarm from the balance stabilizer and collision control of a vehicle intended for the transport of dangerous substances, and

that in situations where the vehicle is stolen and started by bypassing the starting circuit (1.2) or when common traffic regulations indicated by traffic signs or equivalent are violated, the radio transmitter/receiver (7.3) of the alarm system is activated by logic circuit (7.1.b) and starts sending an "inbuilt" alarm message, e.g. in the event of an accident in the transport of dangerous substances, either to the constant-speed regulator 9.a in cases of overspeed or to the police radio, and possibly via the vehicle's own radio¬ telephone to the public at large, and in which a lost/wanted driver/vehicle can be located by the appropriate authorities by using two-way radio communi¬ cation via satellite navigation, and

that the alarm system (7) of the apparatus can also be connected to a public mobile telephone network or equivalent via a data transfer socket (4.5) provided in the card reader (4).