VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system (10) for use, in combination, on or adjacent to a track for vehicles (such as a roadway or railway), and in or on at least one vehicle travelling on the track, the system including one or more classifying indicia (such as predetermined colours or road markings of predetermined shape), the classifying indicia being associated with the track or stretch of the track having a predetermined character, monitoring means (12), such as a camera, the monitoring means (12) being located, in use, in or on the at least one vehicle for monitoring the or each classifying indicia and obtaining therefrom data indicative of the distance of travel of the at least one vehicle on the track having a predetermined character, and storage and processing device (14) for storing the data and for calculating charging information based on the stored data obtained from the monitoring means (12).

Description: VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM This invention relates to a tracking and/or monitoring system for use in tracking or monitoring factors such as speed or location on vehicles such as cars or trains. Traffic congestion on roads is becoming an increasing problem both on motorways and the like, and in town and city centres in particular. One of the main problems on motorways and other multi-lane roads is that many vehicle drivers remain in the overtaking lane, even when they are not overtaking another vehicle-, instead of moving in to the inside lane. This slows following traffic, often causing unnecessary delays and holdups which would not otherwise exist. Congestion in town and city centres is caused simply by the volume of traffic. There have been many initiatives attempting to reduce the volume of traffic, such as "Park and Ride" schemes, subsidised public transport, car sharing, and so on. However, many people still drive their own vehicles into town and city centres, and congestion is ever-increasing because the number of vehicles on the road generally is always increasing. I have now devised an arrangement which would substantially alleviate the problems outlined above. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle tracking system for use, in combination, on or adjacent to a track for vehicles (such as a roadway or railway) , and in or on at least one vehicle travelling on said track, the system including: (a) one or more classifying indicia (such as predetermined colours or road markings of predetermined shape) , the classifying indicia being associated with the track or stretch of the track having a predetermined character; (b) monitoring means located, in use, in or on said at least one vehicle for monitoring the or each said classifying indicia and obtaining therefrom data indicative of the distance of travel of said at least one vehicle on said track having a predetermined character; and (c) means for storing said data and for calculating charging information based on the stored data obtained from said monitoring means . Thus, for example, different classifying indicia could be provided for each lane of a motorway, so that the monitoring means can monitor the time and/or distance of travel of a vehicle in each lane, and the driver would be charged accordingly, with higher charges being levied for time spent and/or distance of travel in the outer lane or lanes, such as the overtaking lane. It is envisaged that such charges could be paid, for example, when the vehicle is refuelled: the stored charges would be added up and divided by the quantity of fuel put in the vehicle as a variable price per litre. This would discourage drivers from driving in the overtaking lanes of a motorway unless they are actually overtaking another vehicle. Similarly, different classifying indicia could be provided on other roads , with higher charges being levied for use of town or city centre roads, thereby encouraging people to car share or make use of the park and' ride schemes, subsidised public transport, etc. Tolls for bridges and the like could also be collected using this system, thereby eliminating the need to stop traffic on toll routes. Another problem on public roads and even railway tracks is ' vehicles exceeding the speed limit imposed for any particular road or track, or stretch of road or track. This not only endangers the driver and passengers of the speeding vehicle, but also endangers other road and railway users. There is at present nothing to positively encourage drivers to stick to the prescribed speed limit all of the time, and road calming measures, such as speed bumps can in themselves be dangerous . Thus, in accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle tracking system for use, in combination, on or adjacent to a track for vehicles (such as a roadway or railway) , and in or on at least one vehicle travelling on said track, the system including: (a) one or more classifying indicia (such as predetermined colours or road markings of predetermined shape) , the classifying indicia being associated with the track or stretch of track having a predetermined speed limit; (b) monitoring means for monitoring the velocity of said vehicle along said track and obtaining therefrom data corresponding to either an instantaneous velocity of said vehicle on said track or an average velocity of said vehicle on said track; and (c) ' means for storing said data and for calculating charging information based on the stored data obtained from said monitoring means . The system can detect when the vehicle is exceeding the predetermined speed limit indicated by the classifying indicia associated with a track or road, and stores this information; so that a fine can be collected from the vehicle driver, again possibly when the vehicle is refuelled. The system may include visible and/or audible warning means ' to warn the driver that the vehicle is exceeding the speed limited. There may even be a short delay between the warning and the fine information being recorded, giving the driver an opportunity to reduce the speed of the vehicle. Of course, the two principles of the first and second aspects of the invention can be combined to give a third aspect of the invention in accordance with which is provided a vehicle tracking system for use, in combination, on or adjacent to a track for vehicles (such as a roadway or railway) , and in or on at least one vehicle travelling on said track, the system including: (a) one or more classifying indicia (such as predetermined colours or road markings of predetermined shape) , the classifying indicia being associated, by being mounted or formed on or adjacent to the track, with the track or stretch of the track having a predetermined character; (b) first monitoring means located, in use, in or on said at least one vehicle for monitoring the or each said classifying indicia and obtaining therefrom data indicative of the elapsed time and/or distance of travel of said at least one vehicle on said track having a predetermined character; (c) second monitoring means for monitoring the velocity of said vehicle along said track and obtaining therefrom data corresponding to either an instantaneous velocity of said vehicle on said track or an average velocity of said vehicle on said track; and (d) means for storing said data and for calculating charging information based on the stored data obtained from said first and second monitoring means. It will be appreciated that there are a number of different ways in which the classifying indicia can be "associated" with the track. For example, the indicia may be differently coloured and/or shaped markings on (for example painted or mounted on) or mounted somewhere adjacent to the track in question. They may alternatively be coloured lights, reflectors or the like. In another embodiment, the indicia could be signals of different frequencies emitted from roadside or trackside beacons. The detector would then comprise an RF receiver. Another manner of providing classifying indicia for the track would be to form the track, or at least the surface of the track, with coloured concrete or the like. Further alternatives are envisaged and will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art. The system according to the third aspect of the invention can be used and adapted in all of the ways described with reference to the first and second aspects of the invention. In addition, it can also be used to levy parking charges, with high charges being allocated (as fines) for parking in restricted areas or roads where parking is prohibited. In the case where the charges are to be paid when the vehicle is refuelled, the data recording means carrying information relating to all charges incurred since the vehicle was last refuelled should be easily removable from the car. The fuel pump is preferably provided with means, such as a recess or slot, for receiving and retaining the data recording means until the fuel has been drawn and paid for, when it can be returned. Any fines, tolls or parking charges can be separated out by the fuel provider, and paid to the appropriate bodies, as necessary. In the simplest embodiment of the invention, the monitoring means may be connected to for obtaining data from, one or more of the following elements: the vehicle speedometer, the vehicle mileometer, a clock or other time measuring device, and a calendar device. The monitoring means will also, of course, include means for detecting the classifying indicia, which may comprise, for example, different coloured markings or lines painted on the surface of the road or track, or provided on roadside structures such as signposts, lamp posts, etc. Alternatively, the indicia may be different shaped markers. Many methods of providing classifying indicia for different types of road are envisaged. The data recording means preferably include personalised information, for example, in the form of a bar code, to identify the person or vehicle to which it relates. The personalised information could also include an identification as to the size and class of vehicle (personal/business) so charges can be levied accordingly. Beneficially, immobilising means are provided to prevent the vehicle from being driven unless the data recording device is in the vehicle and correctly connected. The system may be programmed to require input of a personal identification number or code to access the data recorded in the data recording means. Beneficially, this could only be possible in an area identified as non-chargeable, for example, the vehicle owner's driveway, or a correct parking space . The system of the present invention could be linked to a vehicle speed limiter to work in conjunction therewith. The present invention is suitable for use in a railway system, with the classifying indicia preferably consisting of different coloured lights mounted adjacent to or between the tracks. The system is preferably linked to the braking system of the train to stop or slow the train if necessary. Typically, all movements could be recorded, and downloaded so that any infringement of rules and regulations relating to signalling could be identified. The invention will now be described in a specific embodiment, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle tracking system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a general schematic block diagram showing the manner of implementation and operation of a vehicle tracking system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a general schematic block diagram showing the manner of implementation and operation of a vehicle tracking system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a vehicle tracking system (10) according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a detector (12) , such as a camera, for detecting classifying indicia, a processor (14) , a data recorder (16) for recording data received from the processor on, for example, a CD or Smart card, and a power supply (18) . The speedometer (20) and the mileometer (22) of the automotive vehicle in which the system is to operate are connected to the input of the processor (14) . Also provided as an input to the processor (14) is a time/date keeping device (24) , which may be an integral part of the processor (14) or the detector (12) . The time keeping device may be a separate component within, or externally of the system, or it may be part of the vehicle within which the system is used. The classifying indicia may take many different forms. In one embodiment the indicia may be different coloured and/or shaped road markings. For example, on a motorway, a green square may be associated with the inside lane, an orange triangle may be associated with the middle lane, and a red circle may be associated with the outside lane. The position of the detector (12) relative to the vehicle depends on the position of the classifying indicia on or adjacent to the road. If the classifying indicia are on the surface of the road, then the detector (12) would most conveniently be permanently fixed or removably mounted on or very near the underside of the vehicle. The detector (12) would need to be housed within a waterproof shell. If, however, the classifying indicia are provided on road signs or posts adjacent to the road, the detector (12) could be provided within the vehicle for detection through the windscreen or side windows of the vehicle. In either case, lighting may need to be provided to allow effective operation in the dark. All or some of the elements of the system (10) can be provided within a single enclosure or box, or they can all be provided separately. As the vehicle travels along the road, the detector (12) detects the classifying indicia on the road and transmits data to the processor relating to the indicia detected. Speed and distance information is transmitted from the speedometer (20) and the mileometer (22) to the processor. Time and date information is provided to the processor (14) by the time/date keeping device (24) . The processor (14) uses the input data to determine which types of road the user has driven along, at what speed and for what distance. The processor (14) is programmed with charging information. For example, a suitable charging regime may be 10 pence per mile on the inside lane, 20 pence per mile in the middle lane and 50 pence per mile in the outside (overtaking) lane of a motorway. The total charge for a journey is calculated and transmitted to the data recorder (16) where it is recorded on a portable memory device, such as a CD or Smart card. The classifying indicia may also indicate the speed limit on any particular road. Therefore, for example, a green square, orange triangle and red circle may all be associated with a speed limit of 70 miles per hour, which is the current speed limit on British motorways. The processor (14) typically includes comparison means to compare the speed information obtained from the speedometer with the speed limit on any particular stretch of road. If the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, -the processor calculates a fine on the basis of pre-programmed charging information, and records the fine on the CD or Smart card. A signal may also be produced and sent to a visual and/or audible alarm (26) to warn the driver of the vehicle. Alternatively, the system may be fitted with a speed limiter (3) to automatically reduce the speed of the vehicle if the speed limit is exceeded. Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, the structure of the tracking system for use in a train is very similar to that for automotive use. Although the classifying indicia can take any form, it is preferred to provide coloured light signals adjacent to the track. The signals indicate the speed limit associated with a stretch of track, as well as other signals, such as stop, slow down, obstruction ahead etc. If a signal is passed incorrectly, e.g. too fast, this information may be recorded. In addition, the system may be connected to appropriate circuits to automatically stop the train or reduce its speed etc.

Claims: Clai s : 1. A vehicle tracking system for use, in combination, on or adjacent to a track for vehicles (such as a roadway or railway) , and in or on at least one vehicle travelling. on said track, the system including: (a) one or more classifying indicia (such as predetermined colours or road markings of predetermined shape) , the classifying indicia being associated with the track or stretch of the track having a predetermined character; (b) monitoring means located, in use, in or on said at least one vehicle for monitoring the or each said classifying indicia and obtaining therefrom data indicative of the distance of travel of said at least one vehicle on said track having a predetermined character; and (c) means for storing said data and for calculating charging information based on the stored data obtained from said monitoring means. 2. A vehicle tracking system for use, in combination, on or adjacent to a track for vehicles (such as a roadway or railway) , and in or on at least one vehicle travelling on said track, the system includes: (a) one or more classifying indicia (such as predetermined colours or road markings of predetermined shape) , the classifying indicia being associated the track, with the track or stretch of track having a predetermined speed limit; (b) monitoring means for monitoring the velocity of said vehicle along said track and obtaining therefrom data corresponding to either an instantaneous velocity of said vehicle on said track or an average velocity of said vehicle on said track; and (c) means for storing said data and for calculating charging information based on the stored data obtained from said monitoring means . 3. A vehicle tracking system for use, in combination, on or adjacent to a track for vehicles (such as a roadway or railway) , and in or on at least one vehicle travelling on said track, the system including: (a) one or more classifying indicia (such as predetermined colours or road markings of predetermined shape) , the classifying indicia being associated with the track or stretch of track having a predetermined character; (b) first monitoring means located, in use, in or on said a least one vehicle for monitoring the or each said classifying indicia and obtaining therefrom data indicative of the elapsed time and/or distance of travel of said at least one vehicle on said track having a predetermined character; (c) second monitoring means for monitoring the velocity of said vehicle along said track and obtaining therefrom data corresponding to either an instantaneous velocity of said vehicle on said track or an average velocity- of said vehicle on said track; and (d) means for storing said data and for calculating charging information based on the stored data obtained from said first and second monitoring means . 4. A vehicle tracking system according to claim 2 or claim 3 including visible and/or audible warning means to warn the vehicle user that the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit associated with said track or stretch of track. 5. A vehicle tracking system according to any one of the preceding claims, including portable means for storing calculated charging information, said storage means being removable from the vehicle and readable using a data reader located externally of the vehicle. 6. A vehicle tracking system according to claim 5, wherein said data reader is provided in or on a fuel pump. 7. A vehicle tracking system according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the data reader includes means for retaining the data storage means until the calculated charges have been paid. 8. A vehicle tracking system according to any preceding claim, including means for preventing movement of the vehicle if any element of the system is not present or operating correctly. 9. A vehicle tracking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring means is connected to/for obtaining data from one or more of the following elements: the vehicle speedometer, the vehicle mileometer or odometer, a clock or other time measuring device, and a calendar device. 10. A vehicle tracking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data recording means includes personalised information to identify the person or vehicle to which said data relates. 11. A vehicle tracking system according to any one of the preceding claims, the system being connected to a vehicle speed limiter to work in conjunction therewith. 12. A vehicle tracking system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: DANIELS STEVEN, DANIELS, STEVEN
Applicants: DANIELS STEVEN, DANIELS, STEVEN
Application year: 2001
Main classification: G07B15
IPC codes: G08G1