WO2008073030A1

WO2008073030A1 - Locking system for vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2008073030A1
Application number: PCT/SE2007/050885
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pontus Svens; Mikael Lindberg; Ola Bergqvist; Jan Sterner
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab (Publ)
Priority date: 2006-12-14
Filing date: 2007-11-21
Publication date: 2008-06-19
Also published as: DE112007002978T5; SE0602700L; SE530677C2

Abstract

A vehicle locking system (100) for a motor vehicle (1) with such a vehicle locking system (100) is described. The vehicle locking system (100) comprises a locking device (5) which is settable in a first position in which the vehicle (1) cannot be started and a second position in which the vehicle (1) can be started, a control unit (6) and an alcohol detector (9) adapted to measuring a driver's alcohol content. The vehicle locking system (100) comprises an input unit (11) arranged for input of an identity number. The control unit (6) has a first list (24) comprising at least one identity number and is adapted, when a user tries to start the vehicle (1), to comparing the identity number entered with the first list (24) and, if the identity number entered is on the first list (24), to only placing the locking device (5) in the second position if the alcohol detector (9) measures an alcohol content which is below a predetermined level.

Description

LOCKING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES

Technical field

The present invention relates to a vehicle locking system for a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle with such a vehicle locking system. More specifically, the invention relates to vehicle locking systems intended to prevent drivers from driving motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol.

State of the art A problem to which society is paying increasing attention is the driving of motor vehicles by drivers under the influence of alcohol, who can represent a major danger to the general public. Various different measures can be adopted for preventing drivers under the influence of alcohol from driving motor vehicles. One possible measure is to equip motor vehicles with devices which prevent a driver under the influence of alcohol from starting the vehicle. Such devices are commonly known as "alcolocks". There is ongoing discussion in many countries about introducing legal requirements to the effect that for new motor vehicles to be saleable they must be equipped with alcolocks.

Alcolocks usually comprise an alcohol sensor, a circuit-breaker switchable between a first position in which the vehicle cannot be started and a second position in which the vehicle can be started, and a control unit connected to the alcohol sensor and the circuit-breaker. The control unit is adapted to switching the circuit-breaker between the first and second positions depending on whether the alcohol sensor detects alcohol or not. To be able to start a vehicle equipped with an alcolock, the driver has to do a breath test. If the driver's breath contains alcohol, this is detected by the alcohol sensor, which sends a signal to that effect to the control unit. The control unit then places the circuit-breaker in the first position so that the vehicle cannot be started. If the driver's breath does not contain alcohol, the alcohol sensor sends a signal to that effect to the control unit, which then places the circuit-breaker in the second position in which the vehicle can be started. The alcohol sensor is usually fitted permanently in the vehicle together with the control unit and the circuit-breaker, but some vehicles are equipped with wireless alcohol sensors which communicate wirelessly with a control unit which is permanently fitted in the vehicle. In the case of a wireless alcohol sensor, the sensor comprises a transmitter and the control unit in the vehicle is connected to or comprises a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter in the sensor.

A problem in using alcolocks for preventing intoxicated drivers from driving motor vehicles is the risk that the alcohol detection is performed on a person other than the driver.

Haulage, bus and taxi companies are examples of organisations in which a large number of drivers drive a large number of motor vehicles. It is of course desirable for such organisations to equip their vehicles with alcolocks. It would also be desirable to know which drivers use each vehicle. A problem in using alcolocks, however, is that bus drivers in particular may find it offensive to have to use an alcohol detector in front of passengers on the bus.

US patent 6,886,653 describes a breath alcohol detection system fitted to a motor vehicle and adapted to identifying a driver who breathes into the detection system. The vehicle cannot be started until the driver has done a breath alcohol test and has been positively identified. Identification is effected by an image of part of the driver's face being registered, leading to the identification of facial features by which the driver can be identified.

Summary of the invention An object of the present invention is to propose a motor vehicle locking system and a motor vehicle with such a system, which system identifies the driver in an alternative way to the state of the art.

A further object of the present invention is to propose a vehicle locking system which makes it possible to at least partly avoid drivers' feeling offended. At least one of the aforesaid objects is achieved with a vehicle locking system and a motor vehicle according to the independent claims.

Further advantages of the invention are afforded by features in the dependent claims.

A vehicle locking system according to the invention comprises a locking device which is settable in a first position in which the vehicle cannot be started and a second position in which the vehicle can be started, and a control unit which comprises a receiver for receiving a message and is adapted to controlling the locking device. The vehicle locking system further comprises an alcohol detector comprising an alcohol sensor adapted to measuring a driver's alcohol content, and a transmitter adapted to sending to the control unit a message containing information about the alcohol content, the vehicle locking system being adapted to determining whether the measured alcohol content is below a predetermined alcohol level. The vehicle locking system is characterised in that it comprises an input unit arranged for input of an identity number and adapted to sending the identity number to the control unit, and that the control unit has a first list comprising at least one identity number. The control unit is adapted, when a user tries to start the vehicle, to comparing the identity number entered with the first list and, if the identity number entered is on the first list, to only placing the locking device in the second position after the control unit has received a message with information about an alcohol content which is below the predetermined level.

A vehicle locking system according to the invention makes it possible to select a group of drivers who may only start the vehicle after they have performed an approved alcohol measurement. Drivers whose identity number is not found on the first list may for example be allowed to start the vehicle without performing any alcohol measurement.

The alcohol detector may comprise means for receiving the driver's breath, and the alcohol sensor may be adapted to measuring the alcohol content of the breath. Measurement of a driver's alcohol content by measurement on his/her breath is a relatively uncomplicated way of measuring the alcohol content, but there are other ways of measuring alcohol content which are well known to specialists in the field.

The alcohol detector may be adapted to determining whether the measured alcohol content of the breath is below the predetermined alcohol level and the information about the alcohol content in the message will comprise information about whether the measured alcohol content is below the predetermined level. In that case the predetermined value may be set on the alcohol detector, which may be an advantage in certain cases. Alternatively, the control unit may be adapted to determining whether the measured alcohol content of the breath is below the predetermined alcohol level and the information about the alcohol content in the message may comprise the measured alcohol content.

The control unit may have a memory in which the control unit is adapted to storing the identity number entered if the measured alcohol content is above the predetermined alcohol level. This makes it possible to register drivers who try to start the vehicle while intoxicated.

Alternatively, the control unit may be adapted to storing the identity number entered irrespective of the measured alcohol content, in which case every attempt to start the motor vehicle will be registered.

The transmitter may be adapted to sending the message wirelessly. This makes it possible for the alcohol detector to be portable and for each driver to have a personal alcohol detector and to take it with him/her when leaving the vehicle, thereby preventing alcohol detectors from being exposed to the extreme temperatures which may occur in the vehicle while it is parked.

In cases where the transmitter is wireless, its power and the sensitivity of the receiver can be matched so that the range of the transmitter is not more than 5 metres, thereby minimising the problem of a message from the transmitter being received by more than one vehicle at a time. The input unit may take the form of a card reader, in which case entering the identity number is effected by inserting a card in the reader. There are other ways of entering an identity, e.g. the input unit may comprise a keypad on which each driver can key in a personal code. An advantage of the input unit being a card reader, however, is that the input unit can then also form part of a digital tachograph. Digital tachographs are common in today's vehicles, which makes it relatively easy to implement the vehicle locking system.

The control unit may have a second list comprising at least one identity number, in which case the control unit is adapted, when a user tries to start the vehicle, to comparing the identity number entered with the first list and the second list. Storing more than one list in the control unit makes it possible to treat different drivers differently.

Where it has a second list, the control unit may be adapted to placing the locking device in the second position if the identity number is on the second list. Drivers who have previously had alcohol problems may then be placed on the first list, while those who have had no alcohol problems previously may be placed on the second list and therefore be allowed to start the vehicle without any alcohol measurement having been performed.

If the identity number is on the second list, the control unit may be adapted, in selected cases, to only placing the locking device in the second position after the control unit has received a message with information about an alcohol content which is below the predetermined level. Random spot checks are thus carried out on drivers who have not had alcohol problems previously. With advantage, the driver identity is registered if the driver discontinues an attempted start after being requested to perform a random spot check.

A second aspect of the present invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle locking system as above. A motor vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention has the same advantages as the vehicle locking system according to the features described above.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 depicts a motor vehicle with a vehicle locking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 depicts schematically a vehicle locking system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 depicts schematically the lists stored in the control unit's memory.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the function of a vehicle locking system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, the same reference notations are used for similar items in the various drawings.

Fig. 1 depicts a motor vehicle with a vehicle locking system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 depicts a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 1 comprises a first powered wheel 3 and a second powered wheel 4 which are adapted to being driven by an engine 2. The vehicle 1 also comprises a locking device 5 which is settable in a first position in which the vehicle cannot be started and a second position in which the vehicle can be started. More specifically, the engine 2 of the vehicle cannot be started when the locking device 5 is in the first position but can be started when the locking device 5 is in the second position. The vehicle 1 also comprises a control unit 6 which has a receiver 7 for receiving a message and which is adapted to controlling the locking device 5 on the basis of the message. The vehicle 1 also comprises a driving cab 8, the interior of which is provided with an alcohol detector 9 comprising an alcohol sensor (Fig. 2) which is adapted to measuring a driver's alcohol content and comprises a transmitter 10. The alcohol detector 9 is adapted to comparing the measured alcohol content with a predetermined alcohol level. The transmitter 10 is adapted to sending to the control unit 6 a message containing information about whether the measured alcohol content is below the predetermined level. The vehicle also comprises an input unit 11 arranged for input of an identity number. In the embodiment depicted, the input unit 11 is a card reader in which a driver can insert a personal card. The vehicle 1 has a memory 12 in which a first list 24 (Fig. 3) comprising at least one identity number is stored. The control unit 6 is adapted to comparing the identity number entered with said at least one identity number on the first list. The control unit 6 is adapted to only placing the locking device 5 in the second position if the identity number entered is found on the first list 24 (Fig. 3) and the measured alcohol content is below the predetermined alcohol level. The driving cab is also provided with signal means comprising a lamp and/or a loudspeaker (not depicted) for signalling that an alcohol measurement is required.

A driver about to start the vehicle depicted in Fig. 1 inserts his/her personal card in the input unit 11 , sits in the driving cab 8 and inserts a key in an ignition lock. The input unit 11 reads the identity number on the card inserted and the control unit 6 receives the identity number read from the input unit. The control unit 6 then compares the identity number received with the first list 24 (Fig. 3) of identity numbers which is stored in the memory 12. If the identity number is not found on the first list 24 (Fig. 3), the control unit will cause the locking device 5 to remain in the first position so that the vehicle 1 cannot be started. If the identity number is found on the first list 24 (Fig. 3), the control unit will cause the signal means to emit an acoustic and/or a light signal to the effect that an alcohol measurement is required. The driver then uses the alcohol detector 9 to perform an alcohol measurement, e.g. by blowing into the alcohol detector 9. The alcohol detector 9 determines, on the basis of the measurement and by means of the alcohol sensor, the alcohol content of the driver's blood. The alcohol detector 9 compares the alcohol content determined with a predetermined alcohol level stored in the alcohol detector 9. The transmitter 10 of the alcohol detector 9 sends to the control unit a message comprising information about whether the measured alcohol content is above or below the predetermined alcohol level in the alcohol detector 9. If the alcohol content is below the predetermined alcohol level, the message sent is, for example, a one, and if the alcohol content is above the predetermined alcohol level a zero is sent. The receiver 7 of the control unit 6 receives the message from the alcohol detector 9. If the identity number received from the input unit is found on the first list and the measured alcohol content is below the predetermined alcohol level, the control unit 6 acts upon the locking device 5 so that the locking device 5 is placed in the second position, making it possible for the vehicle to be started.

As an alternative to the mode of operation described, the alcohol detector 9 may be adapted to sending the measured alcohol content together with the identity number of the alcohol detector to the receiver 7 of the control unit 6. The control unit compares the measured alcohol content with a limit value and compares the identity number entered with a first list 24 (Fig. 3) of identity numbers which is stored in the memory 12. If the identity number entered is on the list and the measured alcohol content is below the limit value, the control unit 6 acts upon the locking device 5 so that the locking device 5 is placed in the second position, making it possible for the motor vehicle to be started. If the measured alcohol content is above the limit value, the control unit 6 stores the identity number entered in a failure list 26 (Fig. 3) in the memory 12 of attempts by intoxicated drivers to start the vehicle 1.

Fig. 2 depicts schematically a locking system according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle locking system 100 comprises a locking device 5 which is settable in a first position in which the vehicle cannot be started and a second position in which the vehicle can be started. The locking system 100 further comprises a control unit 6 with a receiver 7, an input unit 11 and a locking device 5. In the embodiment depicted, the receiver and the input unit 11 are connected to the control unit via a communication bus 21, but it is also possible for the receiver 7 and the input unit 11 to be connected to the control unit 6 in some other way or for the control unit 6 and the receiver 7 to be integrated in a single unit as depicted in Fig. 1. The transmitter 10 of the alcohol detector 9 in the embodiment depicted is connected to the receiver 7 of the control unit 6 by a cable 22. Alternatively, the transmitter may be wireless, as indicated by the broken-line symbol 23 in Fig. 2. The alcohol detector further comprises means for receiving the driver's breath in the form of a blowing tube 13 and an alcohol sensor 14 which is adapted to measuring the alcohol content of the air which passes through the blowing tube 13. The alcohol detector also comprises a temperature sensor 15 adapted to measuring the temperature of the air which passes through the blowing tube 13, and a display 19 which presents the result of the measurement. The alcohol detector may also have a memory 16 for storing the result of an alcohol measurement, a first push-button 17 for initiating an alcohol measurement and a second push-button 18 for transmitting the result of an alcohol measurement. The memory 12 in Fig. 2 is arranged in the control unit 6 but may alternatively be connected to the control unit via the communication bus 21.

In cases where the transmitter is wireless, the power of the transmitter and the sensitivity of the receiver can be matched so that the range of the transmitter is not more than 5 metres. The receiver may also be adapted to serving as a receiver for a remote-controlled central locking system of the motor vehicle.

A second list 25 of identity numbers may also be stored in the memory 12 as illustrated in Fig. 3. The second list 25 contains identity numbers for which no alcohol measurement is required, hi this case the vehicle 1 is with advantage so arranged that when a driver tries to start the vehicle the control unit 6 receives the identity number entered from the input unit and compares it with the first list 24 and then the second list 25. Cases where the identity number entered is found on the first list 24 are treated as above. In cases where the identity number entered is found on the second list 25 the control unit places the locking device in the second position so that the motor vehicle can be started without any alcohol measurement having been done. If the identity number entered is found neither on the first list 24 nor on the second list 25, the control unit 6 may be adapted to keeping the locking device 5 in the first position, to placing the locking device 5 in the second position without alcohol measurement or to initiating an alcohol measurement. After any alcohol measurement thus required, the control unit 6 may place the locking device 5 in the second position if the measured alcohol content is below the predetermined limit value, hi cases where the alcohol measurement shows an alcohol content exceeding the predetermined limit value, the corresponding identity number is stored in the failure list 26.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the function of a vehicle locking system according to the invention. At a first step 401, a driver tries to start the vehicle 1, whereupon the control unit 6 receives the identity number entered from the input unit 11. If the driver does not enter an identity number in the input unit 11, the process jumps on to a third step 403. This allows persons who do not normally drive the vehicle 1 to start the vehicle after an alcohol measurement has been performed. At a second step 402, the control unit compares the identity number received with the first list 24 and the second list 25. If the identity number received is found on the second list 25, the control unit 6 jumps on to an eighth step 408 and places the locking device in the second position so that the vehicle can be started. If the identity number received is found on the first list 24, signalling that an alcohol measurement is required is initiated. At the third step 403, the driver blows into the blowing tube 13 of the alcohol detector 9 and the alcohol content is measured. At a fourth step 404, the alcohol detector 9 compares the measured alcohol content with a limit value. At a fifth step 405 the alcohol detector 9 sends the result of the comparison in a message to the control unit 6. At a sixth step 406, the control unit 6 reads the information in the message and decides whether the result of the alcohol measurement is below the limit value in the form of a predetermined alcohol level. If the result is not below the limit value, the control unit goes to a seventh step 407 at which the identity number is stored in the memory 12 of the control unit 6 and the locking device 5 is kept in the first position. If the result is below the limit value, the control unit goes to the eighth step 408 at which the locking device 5 is placed in the second position in which the vehicle 1 can be started.

The embodiments described can be modified in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is only limited by the claims. If the identity number received is found neither on the first list 24 nor on the second list 25, the control unit jumps to the seventh step 407 and allows the locking device to remain in the first position. Thus the locking device can prevent an unauthorised driver from driving the vehicle.

The input unit 11 need not be a card reader but may alternatively be, for example, a keypad on which the driver can key in his/her personal code. In cases where the input unit is a card reader, it may also form part of a digital tachograph.

It is possible to adapt the vehicle in so that the identity number entered is stored in the memory 12 each time a driver tries to start the vehicle.

It is possible to use alcohol detectors which measure the alcohol content in some other way than by measurement on the breath.

Claims

1. A vehicle locking system (100) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a locking device (5) settable in a first position in which the vehicle (1) cannot be started and a second position in which the vehicle (1) can be started, a control unit (6) which has a receiver (7) for receiving a message and is adapted to controlling the locking device (5), and an alcohol detector (9) comprising an alcohol sensor (14) adapted to measuring a driver's alcohol content, and a transmitter (10) adapted to sending to the control unit (6) a message containing information about the alcohol content, the vehicle locking system (100) being adapted to determining whether the measured alcohol content is below a predetermined alcohol level, characterised in that the vehicle locking system (100) comprises an input unit (11) arranged for input of an identity number and adapted to sending the identity number to the control unit (6), and that the control unit (6) has a first list (24) comprising at least one identity number and is adapted, when a user tries to start the vehicle (1), to comparing the identity number entered with the first list (24) and, if the identity number entered is on the first list (24), to only placing the locking device (5) in the second position after the control unit (6) has received a message with information about an alcohol content which is below the predetermined level.

2. A vehicle locking system (100) according to claim 1, in which the alcohol detector (9) comprises means for receiving the driver's breath and in which the alcohol sensor (14) is adapted to measuring the alcohol content of the breath.

3. A vehicle locking system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the alcohol detector (9) is adapted to determining whether the measured alcohol content of the breath is below the predetermined alcohol level and in which the information about the alcohol content in the message comprises information about whether the measured alcohol content is below the predetermined level.

4. A vehicle locking system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the control unit (6) is adapted to determining whether the measured alcohol content of the breath is below the predetermined alcohol level and in which the information about the alcohol content in the message comprises the measured alcohol content.

5. A vehicle locking system (100) according to any one of the foregoing claims, in which the control unit (6) has a memory (12) in which the control unit (6) is adapted to storing the identity number entered if the measured alcohol content is above the predetermined alcohol level.

6. A vehicle locking system (100) according to claim 5, in which the control unit (6) is adapted to storing the identity number entered irrespective of the measured alcohol content.

7. A vehicle locking system (100) according to any one of the foregoing claims, in which the transmitter (10) is adapted to sending the message wirelessly.

8. A vehicle locking system (100) according to claim 7, in which the power of the transmitter (10) and the sensitivity of the receiver (7) are matched so that the range of the transmitter (10) is not more than 5 metres.

9. A vehicle locking system (100) according to any one of the foregoing claims, in which the input unit (11) takes the form of a card reader and in which entering the identity number is effected by inserting a card in the card reader.

10. A vehicle locking system (100) according to claim 9, in which the input unit (11) forms part of a digital tachograph.

11. A vehicle locking system (100) according to any one of the foregoing claims, in which the control unit (6) has a second list (25) comprising at least one identity number, and is adapted, when a user tries to start the vehicle (1), to comparing the identity number entered with the first list (24) and the second list (25).

12. A vehicle locking system (100) according to claim 11, in which the control unit (6) is adapted, if the identity number is on the second list (25), to placing the locking device (5) in the second position without any alcohol measurement having been performed.

13. A vehicle locking system (100) according to claim 11, in which the control unit (6) is adapted, if the identity number is on the second list (25), in selected cases, to only placing the locking device (5) in the second position after the control unit (6) has received a message with information about an alcohol content which is below the predetermined level.

14. A motor vehicle (1) with a vehicle locking system (100) according to any one of the foregoing claims.