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WO2012023903A1 - A vehicular unit - Google Patents

A vehicular unit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012023903A1
WO2012023903A1 PCT/SG2011/000280 SG2011000280W WO2012023903A1 WO 2012023903 A1 WO2012023903 A1 WO 2012023903A1 SG 2011000280 W SG2011000280 W SG 2011000280W WO 2012023903 A1 WO2012023903 A1 WO 2012023903A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
location
event trigger
vehicular unit
vehicle
server
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SG2011/000280
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pong Chai Goh
Original Assignee
Pong Chai Goh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pong Chai Goh filed Critical Pong Chai Goh
Publication of WO2012023903A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012023903A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07CTIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C5/00Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
    • G07C5/08Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle or waiting time
    • G07C5/0841Registering performance data
    • G07C5/085Registering performance data using electronic data carriers
    • G07C5/0866Registering performance data using electronic data carriers the electronic data carrier being a digital video recorder in combination with video camera
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07CTIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C5/00Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
    • G07C5/008Registering or indicating the working of vehicles communicating information to a remotely located station

Definitions

  • This invention relates to vehicular units and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a vehicular unit for tracking a vehicle and detecting traffic violation by the vehicle.
  • a vehicular unit is provided with a location tracker to track the vehicle wirelessly.
  • the vehicular unit is also provided with a motion detector, a violation detector for detecting invalidity in location tracking information, and a camera.
  • the vehicular unit is wirelessly connected to a server. If location tracking information is detected to be invalid or indicating a stationary vehicle while the vehicle is still detected to be moving, location images taken by the camera can be sent to the server for determining where the vehicle actually is. Any attempt to violate the vehicular unit can thus be detected and reported to the server. In this way, attempts to conceal or invalidate or otherwise tamper with the vehicle's tracked location for purposes such as to evade payment or to illegally enter a prohibited zone can be detected by the violation detector and verified using location images taken by the camera.
  • a vehicular unit for tracking a vehicle and detecting violation of the vehicular unit, the vehicular unit comprising a location tracker configured to provide location information of the vehicle, the location tracker comprising at least one of a wireless locator and a Global Positioning System receiver; a camera configured to record location images to identify a location of the vehicle; a processor configured to determine occurrence of an event trigger; and a wireless communicator configured to send data to a server, the wireless communicator being configured for sending at least one location image to the server in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger.
  • the vehicular unit may further comprise a violation detector, wherein the event trigger comprises detection of invalidity in the location information by the violation detector.
  • the vehicular unit may further comprise a motion detector for detecting motion of the vehicle, such that the event trigger further comprises detection of vehicle motion by the motion detector.
  • the event trigger may comprise detection of vehicle motion by the motion detector when location information provided by the location tracker indicates that the vehicle is stationary, or when there is possible jamming of location information.
  • the camera may be configured to record at least one location image in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger.
  • the camera may be configured to record the at least one location image after a predetermined time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger.
  • the camera may be configured for loop recording of location images.
  • the wireless communicator may be configured to send the at least one location image to the server after a preset time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger.
  • the wireless communicator may be further configured to notify the server of the event trigger.
  • the wireless communicator may be configured to notify the server after a predecided time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger.
  • the vehicular unit may further comprise a data storage module for storing location information and at least one location image.
  • the wireless locator may comprise a memory configured to store a number of sets of base transceiver station identifiers, each set associated with a location; a wireless receiver configured to receive base transceiver station identifiers from one or more base transceiver stations within range of the wireless locator; and a processor configured to determine a location of the wireless locator according to the base transceiver station identifiers received by the receiver and the sets in the memory.
  • the vehicular unit may further comprise a display for displaying a warning signal in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger.
  • the display may be configured for displaying the warning signal after a preresolved time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger.
  • the wireless communicator may be configured to send location information to the server on a basis selected from the group consisting of: continuous, request, and in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger.
  • the vehicular unit may further comprise a payment module for extracting payment upon entry of the vehicle into a payment zone as ascertained by location information provided the location tracker.
  • a method of providing vehicle information to a server comprising an event trigger occurring in a vehicular unit; and a wireless communicator in the vehicular unit sending at least one location image recorded by a camera in the vehicular unit to the server.
  • the event trigger may comprise a violation detector in the vehicular unit detecting invalidity in location information provided by a location tracker in the vehicular unit.
  • the event trigger may further comprise a motion detector in the vehicular unit detecting vehicle motion.
  • the event trigger may further comprise a motion detector in the vehicular unit detecting vehicle motion when location information provided by a location tracker in the vehicular unit indicates that the vehicle is stationary.
  • the motion detector may comprise a mobile device capable of cellular telecommunication and wherein detection'of vehicle motion comprises, from a central micro-processor of the mobile device detecting data of a polling of base transceiver stations within a range of the mobile device, from the data determining characteristics of a location, and from the characteristics
  • the method may further comprise the wireless communicator sending location information provided by the location tracker to the server On a basis selected from the group consisting of: continuous, request, and in consequence of the event trigger occurring.
  • the method may further comprise a data storage module storing location information provided by the location tracker and storing the at least one location image.
  • the method may further comprise the camera recording the at least one location image after the event trigger occurring and prior to sending the at least one location image to the server.
  • the at least one location image may be recorded after a predetermined time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring.
  • the method of claim may further comprise the camera loop recording location images prior to the event trigger occurring.
  • the at least one location image may be sent to the server after a preset time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring.
  • the method may further comprise the wireless communicator notifying the server of the event trigger occurring.
  • the server may be notified of the event trigger occurring after a predecided time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring.
  • the method may further comprise a display in the vehicular unit displaying a warning signal in consequence of the event trigger occurring.
  • the warning signal may be displayed after a preresolved time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary vehicular unit
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a preferred form of the method.
  • a vehicular unit 10 and method 100 for tracking a vehicle 11 and detecting violation of the vehicular unit 10 is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the vehicular unit 10 comprises a location tracker 20 configured for providing location information of the vehicle 11.
  • the location tracker 20 preferably comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 22. Using the GPS receiver 22, the vehicle can be tracked via GPS to determine its location.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the location tracker 20 may also comprise a wireless locator 24 or mobile device 24.
  • the wireless locator 24 comprises a memory configured to store a number of sets of base transceiver station identifiers, each set associated with a location.
  • the wireless locator 24 also comprises a wireless receiver configured to receive base transceiver station identifiers from one or more base transceiver stations within range of the wireless locator 24.
  • a processor of the wireless locator 24 determines a location of the wireless locator 24 according to the base transceiver station identifiers received by the wireless receiver and the sets in the memory. Detailed description of an exemplary wireless locator 24 or mobile device 24 may be found in PCT
  • a violation detector 30 is provided in the vehicular unit 10 for detecting validity of the location information provided by the location tracker 20, 102. When the violation detector 30 detects invalidity in the location information 102, an event trigger can be considered to have occurred. Invalidity in the location information may include loss of or error in the GPS signal (for example, the vehicle may have entered a tunnel), and loss of or error in location information provided by the wireless locator 24 when the vehicle is detected to be moving by sensors or any other detection algorithms.
  • the vehicular unit 10 also comprises a wireless communicator 40 for sending data to a server 99 via a high speed wireless communication channel such as GSM, WiFi or WiMax.
  • a wireless communicator 40 for sending data to a server 99 via a high speed wireless communication channel such as GSM, WiFi or WiMax.
  • data such as location information of the vehicle 11 may be sent to the server 99 on a continuous basis, or upon request by the server 99, for example, on a periodic basis at specified time intervals.
  • the wireless communicator 40 may only send data to the server 99 in consequence of an event trigger occurring.
  • the wireless communicator 40 may also notify the server 99 when an event trigger occurs 108.
  • the server 99 may be notified only after a predecided time and or data sent to the server 99 only after a preset time has elapsed from the event trigger 106. In this way, only true violations are reported to the server 99 while a time buffer is provided for automatic recovery from situations such as unintentional temporary loss in GPS signal or location tracking information.
  • the vehicular unit 10 also comprises a camera 50 for recording location images 110 to identify a location of the vehicle 11.
  • the location images typically comprise video or still images of the immediate environs of the vehicle 11 so that location of the vehicle 11 may be identified by known landmarks captured in the location images.
  • the location images preferably include a time stamp to note the time that the vehicle 11 was at a particular location captured in the location images.
  • the camera 50 is configured to record location images 110 in consequence of an event trigger, such as when the violation detector 30 has detected an invalidity in the location information 102 provided by the location tracker 20.
  • an event trigger such as when the violation detector 30 has detected an invalidity in the location information 102 provided by the location tracker 20.
  • the location images recorded by the camera 50 can serve as evidence of the vehicle 11 having been in the payment zone but attempting to avoid payment by tampering with the vehicular unit 10.
  • the camera 50 may be configured to record location images only after a predetermined time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring, to provide time for establishing that a true violation has occurred.
  • the camera 50 may be configured for loop recording of location images so that a trail of location images are obtained for tracing the path travelled by the vehicle 11.
  • a data storage module 60 is preferably provided in the vehicular unit 10 for storing location information from the location tracker 20 and location images taken by the camera 50.
  • the vehicular unit 10 preferably also comprises a motion detector 70 for detecting motion of the vehicle 11 , 104.
  • a motion detector 70 for detecting motion of the vehicle 11 , 104.
  • Detailed description of an exemplary method of motion detection used by the motion detector 70 may be found in PCT Publication No. WO 2008/0270 4 A1 , the contents of which are
  • Motion of the vehicle 11 can be used to verify if a true violation has occurred. For example, when-the violation detector 30 has detected an invalidity in location information 102, for example in the form of a loss of GPS signal, and yet motion of the vehicle 11 is detected to be continued over a predetermined period of time 104, this can mean that there has been an attempt to hide location information of the vehicle 11 in order to avoid payment of a fee for the vehicle 1 1 entering a payment zone.
  • the event trigger can therefore include detection of vehicle motion in addition to detection of invalidity in location information.
  • the server 99 should be provided with location images 114 taken by the camera 50 to verify if the vehicle 11 was indeed in the payment zone but attempting to evade payment, or whether a malfunction of the vehicular unit 10 has occurred.
  • the event trigger could also comprise detection of vehicle motion 104 in addition to location information provided by the location tracker 20 indicating that the vehicle is stationary 102. This would clearly be a conflict in the status of the vehicle 1 as determined by the output of location tracker 20 versus the output of the motion detector 70, and should therefore also be monitored for a period of time 106. If the event trigger state persists, that is, the motion detector 70 detects continued motion 104 while the location information indicates that the vehicle 11 is stationary 102, images recorded by the camera should be sent to the server 99, 114 to verify the situation, for example, whether the vehicle 1 has indeed entered a payment zone or if a malfunction has occurred.
  • the vehicular unit 10 is preferably provided with a payment module 75.
  • the payment module 75 may be configured for insertion of a prepaid card therein to deduct a payment upon the vehicle 11 entering a payment zone, as detected by the location detector 20.
  • the payment module 75 may be configured record charges incurred by the vehicle 1 for entering one or more payment zones, and to bill these charges to a payment account associated with the vehicular unit 10. It is envisaged that a payment zone may include a specified area, road, carpark, or any other location where payment is required.
  • the vehicular unit 10 may be provided with a display 80 for displaying a warning signal in consequence of the event trigger 112.
  • the display 80 may be configured for displaying the warning signal 112 after a preresolved time has elapsed from the event trigger 106.
  • a driver of the vehicle 11 is alerted to potential reporting of location images to the server 99 and if an attempt at violation to evade payment has indeed been made, the warning can act as a deterrent for the driver to reverse the attempted violation. If no attempt at violation was made, the driver is thus alerted to a malfunction in the vehicular unit 10 and can proceed to have the vehicular unit 10 repaired.
  • the vehicular unit 10 is provided with a processor 90 for assessing if an event trigger has occurred and to initiate appropriate action. Accordingly, the processor 90 receives location information from the location tracker 20 and is configured to note whether the location information indicates that the vehicle 1 is stationary. The processor 90 is also configured to receive information from the violation detector 30 and to note when an invalidity in location information has been detected. The processor 90 is further configured to receive output from the motion detector 70 and to note whether the vehicle 1 1 is indeed moving.
  • the processor 90 therefore continually monitors the output of the location tracker 20, the violation detector 30 and the motion detector 70 for determining if an event trigger as described above has occurred. If the output gives rise to an event trigger, and that output remains unchanged after the time buffer has elapsed, the processor 90 is configured to initiate appropriate action such as instructing the camera 50 to record location images, instructing the wireless communicator 40 to send data such as a violation notification, location information and location images to the server 99, and instructing the display 80 to display a warning.
  • the processor 90 is preferably also configured to initiate payment with the payment module 75 upon receiving output of the location tracker 20 that indicates entry of the vehicle 11 into a payment zone.
  • the violation detector could be comprised by the processor.

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  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicular unit for tracking a vehicle and detecting violation of the vehicular unit. The vehicular unit comprises a location tracker configured to provide location information of the vehicle, the location tracker comprising at least one of a wireless locator and a Global Positioning System receiver; a camera configured to record location images to identify a location of the vehicle; a processor configured to determine occurrence of an event trigger; and a wireless communicator configured to send data to a server, the wireless communicator being configured for sending at least one location image to the server in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger.

Description

A VEHICULAR UNIT
Technical Field
This invention relates to vehicular units and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a vehicular unit for tracking a vehicle and detecting traffic violation by the vehicle.
Background
In order to control traffic volume and ease congestion, authorities often implement payment schemes where certain areas may be designated as payment zones upon entry of the vehicle therein. For example, this may be achieved by establishing overhead gantries at specific locations, the gantry having fitted thereto many transceivers, and cameras. When the vehicle passes beneath the gantry there is an automatic deduction of a payment from a prepaid card inserted into an in-vehicle unit installed in the vehicle. If the vehicle doesn't have an in-vehicle unit, or there is no prepaid card inserted in the in-vehicle unit, the cameras take photographic images of the vehicle for subsequent processing
However, overhead gantries are expensive and difficult to install and maintain, and such a scheme is also susceptible to violation by vehicle users tampering with the in-vehicle unit to avoid deduction of payment from the prepaid card.
Summary
A vehicular unit is provided with a location tracker to track the vehicle wirelessly. The vehicular unit is also provided with a motion detector, a violation detector for detecting invalidity in location tracking information, and a camera. The vehicular unit is wirelessly connected to a server. If location tracking information is detected to be invalid or indicating a stationary vehicle while the vehicle is still detected to be moving, location images taken by the camera can be sent to the server for determining where the vehicle actually is. Any attempt to violate the vehicular unit can thus be detected and reported to the server. In this way, attempts to conceal or invalidate or otherwise tamper with the vehicle's tracked location for purposes such as to evade payment or to illegally enter a prohibited zone can be detected by the violation detector and verified using location images taken by the camera. Appropriate enforcement action can then be taken against errant drivers. According to a first exemplary aspect, there is provided a vehicular unit for tracking a vehicle and detecting violation of the vehicular unit, the vehicular unit comprising a location tracker configured to provide location information of the vehicle, the location tracker comprising at least one of a wireless locator and a Global Positioning System receiver; a camera configured to record location images to identify a location of the vehicle; a processor configured to determine occurrence of an event trigger; and a wireless communicator configured to send data to a server, the wireless communicator being configured for sending at least one location image to the server in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger.
The vehicular unit may further comprise a violation detector, wherein the event trigger comprises detection of invalidity in the location information by the violation detector. The vehicular unit may further comprise a motion detector for detecting motion of the vehicle, such that the event trigger further comprises detection of vehicle motion by the motion detector.
The event trigger may comprise detection of vehicle motion by the motion detector when location information provided by the location tracker indicates that the vehicle is stationary, or when there is possible jamming of location information.
The camera may be configured to record at least one location image in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger. The camera may be configured to record the at least one location image after a predetermined time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger.
Alternatively, the camera may be configured for loop recording of location images.
The wireless communicator may be configured to send the at least one location image to the server after a preset time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger.
The wireless communicator may be further configured to notify the server of the event trigger. The wireless communicator may be configured to notify the server after a predecided time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger. The vehicular unit may further comprise a data storage module for storing location information and at least one location image.
The wireless locator may comprise a memory configured to store a number of sets of base transceiver station identifiers, each set associated with a location; a wireless receiver configured to receive base transceiver station identifiers from one or more base transceiver stations within range of the wireless locator; and a processor configured to determine a location of the wireless locator according to the base transceiver station identifiers received by the receiver and the sets in the memory.
The vehicular unit may further comprise a display for displaying a warning signal in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger. The display may be configured for displaying the warning signal after a preresolved time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger. The wireless communicator may be configured to send location information to the server on a basis selected from the group consisting of: continuous, request, and in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger. The vehicular unit may further comprise a payment module for extracting payment upon entry of the vehicle into a payment zone as ascertained by location information provided the location tracker.
According to a second exemplary aspect, there is provided a method of providing vehicle information to a server, the method comprising an event trigger occurring in a vehicular unit; and a wireless communicator in the vehicular unit sending at least one location image recorded by a camera in the vehicular unit to the server. The event trigger may comprise a violation detector in the vehicular unit detecting invalidity in location information provided by a location tracker in the vehicular unit. The event trigger may further comprise a motion detector in the vehicular unit detecting vehicle motion. The event trigger may further comprise a motion detector in the vehicular unit detecting vehicle motion when location information provided by a location tracker in the vehicular unit indicates that the vehicle is stationary.
For both aspects, the motion detector may comprise a mobile device capable of cellular telecommunication and wherein detection'of vehicle motion comprises, from a central micro-processor of the mobile device detecting data of a polling of base transceiver stations within a range of the mobile device, from the data determining characteristics of a location, and from the characteristics
determining if the mobile device is moving.
The method may further comprise the wireless communicator sending location information provided by the location tracker to the server On a basis selected from the group consisting of: continuous, request, and in consequence of the event trigger occurring.
The method may further comprise a data storage module storing location information provided by the location tracker and storing the at least one location image.
The method may further comprise the camera recording the at least one location image after the event trigger occurring and prior to sending the at least one location image to the server. The at least one location image may be recorded after a predetermined time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring.
Alternatively, the method of claim may further comprise the camera loop recording location images prior to the event trigger occurring.
The at least one location image may be sent to the server after a preset time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring. The method may further comprise the wireless communicator notifying the server of the event trigger occurring. The server may be notified of the event trigger occurring after a predecided time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring. The method may further comprise a display in the vehicular unit displaying a warning signal in consequence of the event trigger occurring. The warning signal may be displayed after a preresolved time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring. Brief Description of the Drawings
In order that the invention may be fully understood and readily put into practical effect there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only preferred embodiments of the present invention, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary vehicular unit; and
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a preferred form of the method.
Detailed Description
A vehicular unit 10 and method 100 for tracking a vehicle 11 and detecting violation of the vehicular unit 10 is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicular unit 10 comprises a location tracker 20 configured for providing location information of the vehicle 11. The location tracker 20 preferably comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 22. Using the GPS receiver 22, the vehicle can be tracked via GPS to determine its location. The location tracker 20 may also comprise a wireless locator 24 or mobile device 24. The wireless locator 24 comprises a memory configured to store a number of sets of base transceiver station identifiers, each set associated with a location. The wireless locator 24 also comprises a wireless receiver configured to receive base transceiver station identifiers from one or more base transceiver stations within range of the wireless locator 24. A processor of the wireless locator 24 determines a location of the wireless locator 24 according to the base transceiver station identifiers received by the wireless receiver and the sets in the memory. Detailed description of an exemplary wireless locator 24 or mobile device 24 may be found in PCT
Publication No. WO 2008/111913 A1 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if disclosed herein in their entirety. A violation detector 30 is provided in the vehicular unit 10 for detecting validity of the location information provided by the location tracker 20, 102. When the violation detector 30 detects invalidity in the location information 102, an event trigger can be considered to have occurred. Invalidity in the location information may include loss of or error in the GPS signal (for example, the vehicle may have entered a tunnel), and loss of or error in location information provided by the wireless locator 24 when the vehicle is detected to be moving by sensors or any other detection algorithms.
The vehicular unit 10 also comprises a wireless communicator 40 for sending data to a server 99 via a high speed wireless communication channel such as GSM, WiFi or WiMax. For example, data such as location information of the vehicle 11 may be sent to the server 99 on a continuous basis, or upon request by the server 99, for example, on a periodic basis at specified time intervals. Alternatively, the wireless communicator 40 may only send data to the server 99 in consequence of an event trigger occurring. In addition to location information, the wireless communicator 40 may also notify the server 99 when an event trigger occurs 108. The server 99 may be notified only after a predecided time and or data sent to the server 99 only after a preset time has elapsed from the event trigger 106. In this way, only true violations are reported to the server 99 while a time buffer is provided for automatic recovery from situations such as unintentional temporary loss in GPS signal or location tracking information.
The vehicular unit 10 also comprises a camera 50 for recording location images 110 to identify a location of the vehicle 11. The location images typically comprise video or still images of the immediate environs of the vehicle 11 so that location of the vehicle 11 may be identified by known landmarks captured in the location images. The location images preferably include a time stamp to note the time that the vehicle 11 was at a particular location captured in the location images.
In one embodiment, the camera 50 is configured to record location images 110 in consequence of an event trigger, such as when the violation detector 30 has detected an invalidity in the location information 102 provided by the location tracker 20. For example, where the vehicular unit 10 is used to extract payment upon the vehicle 11 entering a payment zone, and the vehicular unit 10 has been tampered with so that location information provided by the location tracker 20 is invalid in order not to detect the vehicle 1 being in the payment zone, the location images recorded by the camera 50 can serve as evidence of the vehicle 11 having been in the payment zone but attempting to avoid payment by tampering with the vehicular unit 10.
The camera 50 may be configured to record location images only after a predetermined time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring, to provide time for establishing that a true violation has occurred. Alternatively, the camera 50 may configured for loop recording of location images so that a trail of location images are obtained for tracing the path travelled by the vehicle 11.
A data storage module 60 is preferably provided in the vehicular unit 10 for storing location information from the location tracker 20 and location images taken by the camera 50.
The vehicular unit 10 preferably also comprises a motion detector 70 for detecting motion of the vehicle 11 , 104. Detailed description of an exemplary method of motion detection used by the motion detector 70 may be found in PCT Publication No. WO 2008/0270 4 A1 , the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference as if disclosed herein in their entirety. Motion of the vehicle 11 can be used to verify if a true violation has occurred. For example, when-the violation detector 30 has detected an invalidity in location information 102, for example in the form of a loss of GPS signal, and yet motion of the vehicle 11 is detected to be continued over a predetermined period of time 104, this can mean that there has been an attempt to hide location information of the vehicle 11 in order to avoid payment of a fee for the vehicle 1 1 entering a payment zone. The event trigger can therefore include detection of vehicle motion in addition to detection of invalidity in location information. If the event trigger state persists after a period of time has elapsed 106, this would mean that the invalidity such as the loss of signal was not a temporary occurrence and therefore the server 99 should be provided with location images 114 taken by the camera 50 to verify if the vehicle 11 was indeed in the payment zone but attempting to evade payment, or whether a malfunction of the vehicular unit 10 has occurred.
The event trigger could also comprise detection of vehicle motion 104 in addition to location information provided by the location tracker 20 indicating that the vehicle is stationary 102. This would clearly be a conflict in the status of the vehicle 1 as determined by the output of location tracker 20 versus the output of the motion detector 70, and should therefore also be monitored for a period of time 106. If the event trigger state persists, that is, the motion detector 70 detects continued motion 104 while the location information indicates that the vehicle 11 is stationary 102, images recorded by the camera should be sent to the server 99, 114 to verify the situation, for example, whether the vehicle 1 has indeed entered a payment zone or if a malfunction has occurred.
Where the vehicular unit 10 is also used to extract payment upon the vehicle 11 entering a payment zone, the vehicular unit 10 is preferably provided with a payment module 75. For example, the payment module 75 may be configured for insertion of a prepaid card therein to deduct a payment upon the vehicle 11 entering a payment zone, as detected by the location detector 20. In an alternative example, the payment module 75 may be configured record charges incurred by the vehicle 1 for entering one or more payment zones, and to bill these charges to a payment account associated with the vehicular unit 10. It is envisaged that a payment zone may include a specified area, road, carpark, or any other location where payment is required.
The vehicular unit 10 may be provided with a display 80 for displaying a warning signal in consequence of the event trigger 112. The display 80 may be configured for displaying the warning signal 112 after a preresolved time has elapsed from the event trigger 106. In this way, a driver of the vehicle 11 is alerted to potential reporting of location images to the server 99 and if an attempt at violation to evade payment has indeed been made, the warning can act as a deterrent for the driver to reverse the attempted violation. If no attempt at violation was made, the driver is thus alerted to a malfunction in the vehicular unit 10 and can proceed to have the vehicular unit 10 repaired.
To achieve the above, the vehicular unit 10 is provided with a processor 90 for assessing if an event trigger has occurred and to initiate appropriate action. Accordingly, the processor 90 receives location information from the location tracker 20 and is configured to note whether the location information indicates that the vehicle 1 is stationary. The processor 90 is also configured to receive information from the violation detector 30 and to note when an invalidity in location information has been detected. The processor 90 is further configured to receive output from the motion detector 70 and to note whether the vehicle 1 1 is indeed moving.
The processor 90 therefore continually monitors the output of the location tracker 20, the violation detector 30 and the motion detector 70 for determining if an event trigger as described above has occurred. If the output gives rise to an event trigger, and that output remains unchanged after the time buffer has elapsed, the processor 90 is configured to initiate appropriate action such as instructing the camera 50 to record location images, instructing the wireless communicator 40 to send data such as a violation notification, location information and location images to the server 99, and instructing the display 80 to display a warning. The processor 90 is preferably also configured to initiate payment with the payment module 75 upon receiving output of the location tracker 20 that indicates entry of the vehicle 11 into a payment zone.
Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description preferred
embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations in details of design, construction and/or operation may be made without departing from the present invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the violation detector could be comprised by the processor.

Claims

The Claims
1 . A vehicular unit for tracking a vehicle and detecting violation of the vehicular unit, the vehicular unit comprising:
a location tracker configured to provide location information of the vehicle, the location tracker comprising at least one of a wireless locator and a
Global Positioning System receiver;
a camera configured to record location images to identify a location of the vehicle;
a processor configured to determine occurrence of an event trigger; and a wireless communicator configured to send data to a server, the wireless communicator being configured for sending at least one location image to the server in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger.
2. The vehicular unit of claim 1 , further comprising a violation detector, and
wherein the event trigger comprises detection of invalidity in the location information by the violation detector.
3. The vehicular unit of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a motion detector for detecting motion of the vehicle.
4. The vehicular unit of claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the event trigger further comprises detection of vehicle motion by the motion detector.
5. The vehicular unit of claim 3, wherein the event trigger comprises detection of vehicle motion by the motion detector when- location information provided by the location tracker indicates that the vehicle is stationary.
6. The vehicular unit of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the motion detector comprises a mobile device capable of cellular telecommunication and wherein detection of vehicle motion comprises, from a central microprocessor of the mobile device detecting data of a polling of base
transceiver stations within a range of the mobile device, from the data determining characteristics of a location, and from the characteristics determining if the mobile device is moving.
7. The vehicular unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera is configured to record at least one location image in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger.
8. The vehicular unit of claim 7, wherein the camera is configured to record the at least one location image after a predetermined time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger.
9. The vehicular unit of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the camera is
configured for loop recording of location images. 0. The vehicular unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communicator is configured to send the at least one location image to the server after a preset time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger.
1 . The vehicular unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communicator is further configured to notify the server of the event trigger.
12. The vehicular unit of claim 11 , wherein the wireless communicator is
configured to notify the server after a predecided time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger.
13. The vehicular unit of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a data storage module for storing location information and at least one location image.
14. The vehicular unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless locator comprises a memory configured to store a number of sets of base transceiver station identifiers, each set associated with a location; a wireless receiver configured to receive base transceiver station identifiers from one or more base transceiver stations within range of the wireless locator; and a processor configured to determine a location of the wireless locator according to the base transceiver station identifiers received by the receiver and the sets in the memory.
15. The vehicular unit of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display for displaying a warning signal in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger.
16. The vehicular unit of claim 15, wherein the display is configured for
displaying the warning signal after a preresolved time has elapsed from occurrence of the event trigger.
17. The vehicular unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communicator is configured to send location information to the server on a basis selected from the group consisting of: continuous, request, and in consequence of occurrence of the event trigger.
18. The vehicular unit of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a payment module for extracting payment upon entry of the vehicle into a payment zone as ascertained by location information provided the location tracker.
19. A method of providing vehicle information to a -server, the method
comprising:
an event trigger occurring in a vehicular unit; and
a wireless communicator in the vehicular unit sending at least one location image recorded by a camera in the vehicular unit to the server.
20. The method of claim 19, the event trigger comprising a violation detector in the vehicular unit detecting invalidity in location information provided by a location tracker in the vehicular unit.
21.The method of claim 20, wherein the event trigger further comprises a
motion detector in the vehicular unit detecting vehicle motion.
22. The method of claim 9, wherein the event trigger further comprises a
motion detector in the vehicular unit detecting vehicle motion when location information provided by a location tracker in the vehicular unit indicates that the vehicle is stationary.
23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the motion detector comprises a mobile device capable of cellular telecommunication and wherein detecting vehicle motion comprises, from a central micro-processor of the mobile device, detecting data of a polling of base transceiver stations within a range of the mobile device, from the data determining characteristics of a location, and from the characteristics determining if the mobile device is moving.
24. The method of any one of claims 20 to 23, further comprising the wireless communicator sending location information provided by the location tracker to the server on a basis selected from the group consisting of: continuous, request, and in consequence of the event trigger occurring.
25. The method of any one of claims 20 or 24, further comprising a data storage module storing location information provided by the location tracker and storing the at least one location image.
26. The method of any one of claims 19 to 25, further comprising the camera recording the at least one location image after the event trigger occurring and prior to sending the at least one location image to the server.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least one location image is recorded after a predetermined time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring.
28. The method of claim 19, further comprising the camera loop recording
location images prior to the event trigger occurring.
29. The method of any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein the at least one location image is sent to the server after a preset time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring.
30. The method of any one of claims 19 to 28 further comprising the wireless communicator notifying the server of the event trigger occurring.
31.The method of claim 30, wherein the server is notified of the event trigger occurring after a predecided time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring.
32. The method of any one of claims 19 to 31 , further comprising a display in the vehicular unit displaying a warning signal in consequence of the event trigger occurring.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the warning signal is displayed after a
preresolved time has elapsed from the event trigger occurring.
PCT/SG2011/000280 2010-08-20 2011-08-11 A vehicular unit WO2012023903A1 (en)

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SG201006139-8 2010-08-20

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030163233A1 (en) * 2000-05-04 2003-08-28 Jin-Ho Song Automatic vehicle management apparatus and method using wire and wireless communication network
US20050166072A1 (en) * 2002-12-31 2005-07-28 Converse Vikki K. Method and system for wireless morphing honeypot
US20100077437A1 (en) * 2008-09-25 2010-03-25 Panasonic Automotive Systems Company Of America, Division Of Panasonic Corporation Of North America Vehicle entertainment system with video surround

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030163233A1 (en) * 2000-05-04 2003-08-28 Jin-Ho Song Automatic vehicle management apparatus and method using wire and wireless communication network
US20050166072A1 (en) * 2002-12-31 2005-07-28 Converse Vikki K. Method and system for wireless morphing honeypot
US20100077437A1 (en) * 2008-09-25 2010-03-25 Panasonic Automotive Systems Company Of America, Division Of Panasonic Corporation Of North America Vehicle entertainment system with video surround

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