Abstract:
An apparatus for transferring data from a motor vehicle to a remote data processing system includes a first plug-in device for insertable into an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port of the vehicle and a second plug-in device insertable into a power socket of the vehicle. The first plug-in device receives power from and collects diagnostic data from the OBD port and transmits the data via a short-range communications link. The second plug-in device receives power from the power socket, receives the diagnostic data transmitted by the first plug-in device, and re-transmits the diagnostic data along with a geographic location of the vehicle to a remote data processing system. The apparatus provides a simple and cost-effective device that can be fitted to the current vehicle stock in order to enable the rapid introduction of intelligent vehicle monitoring systems.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. §119(a)-(d) to GB 1318281.1 filed Oct. 16, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to an apparatus for communicating information relating to the motor vehicle to a remote location, and more specifically to such an apparatus that includes a removable plug-in device that is inserted into electrical connection with an existing electric power outlet of the vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Increasingly there is a demand for a motor vehicle to be able to interact with other remote devices such as remote data processing systems for intelligent vehicle monitoring purposes such as, for example, intelligent transport systems, intelligent parking systems and vehicle usage systems. 
         [0004]    Such systems rely on the transfer of data regarding various attributes of the motor vehicle to a remote data processing system in order to provide the required functionality. Future vehicle will likely be fitted with integrated systems to provide the required data. 
         [0005]    For example, in the case of an intelligent traffic system it is necessary to know the location of the majority of motor vehicles within a defined area in order to efficiently control the flow of traffic in that area. It is a problem with the rapid implementation of such intelligent traffic systems that many existing vehicles (current vehicle stock) do not have the functionality required in order to implement such a system with any degree of efficiency. That is to say, if only a small percentage of the vehicles travelling in a defined area are visible to the intelligent traffic control system it cannot efficiently control the flow of traffic. 
         [0006]    In the case of an intelligent parking system it is necessary to know whether a predefined parking space is currently occupied in order to provide guidance to a suitably equipped vehicle of available parking spaces in close proximity to the motor vehicle. Once again, if only a small percentage of the vehicles parked in predefined parking spaces are visible to the intelligent parking system then it cannot efficiently control the flow of traffic to vacant parking spaces. 
         [0007]    Vehicle usage systems can be used for various purposes such as for example and without limitation, electronic toll systems such as road tolls and parking tolls, accident investigation, speed monitoring, vehicle fault warning systems and emission monitoring for carbon tax levying purposes. 
         [0008]    Therefore there is a requirement to provide a simple and cost effective device that can be fitted to the current vehicle stock in order to enable the rapid introduction of intelligent vehicle monitoring systems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus that can in a simple and cost effective manner be fitted to the current motor vehicle stock so as to enable the rapid introduction of intelligent vehicle monitoring. 
         [0010]    According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for transferring information from a motor vehicle to at least one remote data processing system, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one plug-in device having an integral electrical connector for connecting the device to an existing electric power outlet on the motor vehicle, a location module to provide data from which the current position of the motor vehicle to which the device is fitted can be determined, and a communication module to provide a communication link between the plug-in device and the at least one remote data processing system. 
         [0011]    There may be a single plug-in device and the single plug-in device may further comprise a memory module storing a unique identity mark for the plug-in device. 
         [0012]    There may be a single plug-in device and the single plug-in device may further comprise a power module having an electrical energy storage device for providing electrical power to at least one other module of the plug-in device if a supply of electrical power from the motor vehicle is not available. 
         [0013]    There may be a single plug-in device and the single plug-in device may further comprise an accelerometer module to provide information regarding the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle to which the plug-in module is fitted. 
         [0014]    There may be a single plug-in device and the communication module may be a long range communication module to provide the communication link between the plug-in device and the at least one remote data processing system. 
         [0015]    Alternatively there may be a single plug-in device and the communication module may be a short range communication module to provide a communication link between the plug-in device and a mobile communication device and the communication link between the plug-in device and the at least one remote data processing system may be provided via the mobile communication device. 
         [0016]    There may be a single plug-in device and the single plug-in device may further comprise an on-board diagnostic module to collect data regarding the operation of the motor vehicle to which the plug-in module is fitted. In which case the existing electric power outlet may be an on-board diagnostics port on the motor vehicle and the electrical connector may be a plug for co-operation with the on-board diagnostics port. 
         [0017]    Alternatively, the existing electric power outlet may be a power socket on the motor vehicle and the electrical connector may be a plug for co-operation with the power socket. 
         [0018]    The power socket may be a standard 12 volt power socket. 
         [0019]    The apparatus may comprise first and second plug-in devices, wherein the first plug-in device has an electrical plug for connecting the first plug-in device to an existing electric power outlet on the motor vehicle, a first communication module to provide the communication link between the first plug-in device and the remote data processing system and a second communication module to provide a communication link between the first plug-in device and the second plug-in device and the second plug-in device may have an electrical plug for connecting the second plug-in device to an existing electric power outlet on the motor vehicle in the form of an on-board diagnostics port, an on-board diagnostics module and a communication module for communicating with the second communication module of the first plug-in module. 
         [0020]    The first communication module may be a long range communication module to provide the communication link between the first plug-in device and the remote data processing system. 
         [0021]    The plug-in device may have a short range communication module to provide a communication link between the plug-in device and a mobile communication device and the communication link between the plug-in device and the remote data processing system is provided via the mobile communication device. 
         [0022]    At least one of the first and second plug-in devices may have a power module having an electrical storage device for providing electrical power to at least one other module of the plug-in device if a supply of electrical power from the motor vehicle is not available. 
         [0023]    One of the first and second plug-in devices may further comprise a memory module storing a unique identity mark for the respective plug-in device. 
         [0024]    One of the first and second plug-in devices may further comprise an accelerometer module to provide information regarding the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle to which the plug-in module is fitted. 
         [0025]    The first plug-in device may comprise the electrical plug for connecting the first plug-in device to a power socket, the first communication module to provide the communication link between the first plug-in device and the remote data processing system, the second communication module to provide a communication link between the first plug-in device and the second plug-in device and a memory module storing a unique identity mark for the first plug-in device and a battery for providing electrical power to at least one other module of the first plug-in device if a supply of electrical power from the motor vehicle is not available and the second plug-in device may comprise the electrical plug for connecting the second plug-in device to the on-board diagnostics port, the communication module for communicating with the second communication module of the first plug-in module, an on-board diagnostic module to collect data regarding the operation of the motor vehicle to which the plug-in module is fitted and a battery for providing electrical power to at least one other module of the second plug-in device if a supply of electrical power from the motor vehicle is not available. 
         [0026]    According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a motor vehicle having an electric power circuit and at least one plug-in device forming part of an apparatus constructed in accordance with said first aspect of the invention connected to the electric power circuit of the motor vehicle for communicating information regarding the motor vehicle to at least one remote data processing system. 
         [0027]    The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing of which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle having an apparatus for transferring information; 
           [0029]      FIG. 1B  is a schematic diagram of the plug-in device of  FIG. 1A   
           [0030]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle having a second embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram of the plug-in device of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle having a third embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic diagram of the plug-in device of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle having a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagram of the plug-in device of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle having a fifth embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagram of the plug-in device of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6A  is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle having a sixth embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 6B  is a schematic diagram of the plug-in device of  FIG. 6A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
         [0041]    With particular reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  there is shown a motor vehicle  5  having a number of electrical systems  10  supplied with power from a main electric power system  12  of the motor vehicle  5 . It will be appreciated that the motor vehicle  5  also includes various other systems and components such as, for example and without limitation, a propulsion system, a transmission system, a number of road wheels, a suspension system, a body structure and accommodation for one or more occupants. None of these additional systems and components is shown on  FIG. 1A  as they are not directly relevant to the current invention. 
         [0042]    As is well known in the art, the electric power system  12  includes a distribution system (wiring loom, wiring harness, or cable harness), a source of electric power such as a generator and at least one battery or electrical power storage device for use when the generator is not operating. The electric power system  12  also includes a number of 12 volt power sockets  13  which may be in the form of a cigar or cigarette lighter socket  13 . As is well known in the art such electrical power sockets are universally applied to motor vehicles and are of a standard design and configuration. 
         [0043]    A first embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information from the motor vehicle  5  to a remote data processing system  60  is provided in the form of a single plug-in device  20 . In the case of this first embodiment the plug-in device  20  communicates directly with the remote data processing system  60  via a wireless terrestrial link including one or more ground based antennas  50 . It will however be appreciated that the link could be via a satellite or in any other manner. 
         [0044]    It will be appreciated that there could be more than one remote data processing system and that the invention is not limited to communication with a single data processing system. It will also be appreciated that the term ‘data processing system’ as meant herein is any apparatus, software or facility by which information is processed and is not limited to a specific type of construction or operating system. 
         [0045]    The plug-in device  20  comprises a plug portion  21  for co-operation with the 12 volt power socket  13  and a body portion  22  that houses a number of modules  20 A,  20 C,  20 L,  20 M and  20 P (indicated schematically in  FIG. 1B ) of the plug-in device  20 . 
         [0046]    In its most basic form the plug-in device  20  includes only a location module  20 L, a communication module  20 C and the plug  21 . However, it is preferred if the plug-in device  20  further comprises a memory module  20 M and a power module  20 P that includes a rechargeable battery or other electrical power storage device. 
         [0047]    The plug-in device  20  in some other embodiments further includes an acceleration module  20 A. 
         [0048]    The power module  20 P transfers electrical power from the plug  21  to the other modules  20 L,  20 C,  20 M,  20 A present in the plug-in device  20  and also supplies electrical power to recharge the battery of the plug-in device  20 . The battery sometimes referred to as a ‘keep alive power source’ is used to supply electrical power to the other modules  20 L,  20 C,  20 M,  20 A of the plug-in device  20  when the electrical power supply from the 12 volt power socket  13  is off. 
         [0049]    It will be appreciated that on some motor vehicles the 12 volt power socket  13  is only live when the motor vehicle  5  is in a so called ‘Key-On’ state whereas in other arrangements the supply of electrical power to the 12 volt power socket  13  is permanently live. 
         [0050]    The location module  20 L can be of any known type such as, for example and without limitation, a GPS module, but in all cases is operable to provide a geographic location of the location module  20 L and hence of the motor vehicle  5  when the plug-in device  20  is plugged into the 12 volt power socket  13  of the motor vehicle  5 . 
         [0051]    The memory module  20 M includes one or more memory devices and stores a unique identity for the plug-in device  20 . Upon purchasing or leasing the plug-in module  20  an owner/user is able to register the plug-in device  20  so that it can be used for recognition purposes such as electronic toll charging. 
         [0052]    The acceleration module  20 A provides data related to the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle  5  and may provide the instantaneous acceleration of the motor vehicle  5  in up to three dimensions. Such a device is useful for assessing driver behavior or in the case of an accident for simulating or recreating an event. 
         [0053]    The communication module  20 C is a long range communication module to provide a communication link between the plug-in device  20  and the at least one remote data processing system  60 . The communication module  20 C can be of any known type such as, for example and without limitation, a GSM module, a Wi-Fi module or a WiMax module. 
         [0054]    The function of the communication module  20 C is to transfer information or data to the remote data processing system  60  for use in intelligent vehicle monitoring. Data from the memory module  20 M, location module  20 L and, if present, the accelerometer module  20 A can be transferred via the communication module  20 C to the remote data processing system  60 . The communication module  20 C may provide more than one communication pathway to more than one data processing system. 
         [0055]    In use the plug-in module  20  provides information regarding at least the current location of the motor vehicle  5  and also, if so enabled, the identity of the plug-in device  20  and the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle  5  to the remote data processing system  60 . The remote data system  60  can then use the received data to facilitate intelligent vehicle monitoring of the motor vehicle  5 . 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B  there is shown a motor vehicle  5  that is the same as that previously described with the exception that a second embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information from the motor vehicle  5  to the remote data processing system  60  is provided in the form of a single plug-in device  20 ′. 
         [0057]    The single plug-in device  20 ′ is in most respects identical in construction and functionality to the plug-in device  20  described with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and will not be described again in detail. 
         [0058]    The only significant difference between this second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the long range communication module  20 C of the first embodiment is replaced by a short range communication module  20 C″. 
         [0059]    The short range or near field communication module  20 C″ provides a communication link between the plug-in device  20 ′ and a mobile communication device  40  such as, for example, a mobile telephone. It will be appreciated that the communication device  40  could be any other device capable of serving as an intermediate communication node which relays or re-transmits information/data from the plug-in module  20 ′ to the remote processing system  60 . 
         [0060]    Therefore in this case the communication link between the plug-in device  20 ′ and the remote data processing system  60  is not a direct link but is provided via the mobile communication device  40  using the communication functionality of the mobile communication device  40 . 
         [0061]    In use the plug-in module  20 ′, as before, provides information regarding at least the current location of the motor vehicle  5  and also, if so enabled, the identity of the plug-in device  20 ′ and the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle  5  to the remote data processing system  60 . The remote data system  60  then uses the received data to facilitate intelligent vehicle monitoring of the motor vehicle  5 . 
         [0062]    With particular reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  there is shown a motor vehicle  105  having a number of electrical systems  10  supplied with power from a main electric power system  12  of the motor vehicle  105 . The motor vehicle  105  also includes an on-board diagnostic port (OBDP)  18  for supplying information regarding the operation of various components of the electrical systems  10 , such as for example sensor performance and/or data produced by the various electrical systems  10 . Such on-board diagnostic ports are well known in the art and are constructed in accordance with agreed standards. 
         [0063]    An OBD system gives the vehicle owner or repair technician access via the OBD port to the status of the various vehicle sub-systems. The diagnostic information available via an OBD port which is a standardized digital communications port includes real-time data in addition to a standardized series of diagnostic trouble codes which allow a user to rapidly identify and remedy malfunctions within the vehicle. 
         [0064]    Modern OBD ports often referred to as OBD-2 connectors generally have 16 connections (pins) and use the number 4 connection for earth and the number 16 connection for power thereby enabling a supply of power to be extracted from the OBDP  18  which acts as a standardized power outlet. It will be appreciated that more channels than those currently regulated for by OBD-2 standard could be monitored and transmitted as well as open XC. 
         [0065]    Various protocols are used by vehicle manufacturers, the most common of which are:— 
         [0066]    SAE J1850 PWM which is used by Ford Motor Company; 
         [0067]    SAE J1850 VPW which is used by General Motors; 
         [0068]    ISO 14230 KWP2000 which has been used by many European and Asian Manufacturers; and 
         [0069]    ISO 15765 CAN which is used in the latest vehicles produced in Europe. 
         [0070]    In all cases the number 16 connection is connected to the battery or main electrical circuit of the motor vehicle to which the OBDP is fitted and the number 4 connection is connected to earth. 
         [0071]    The nature of the data supplied to the other connections of the OBDP has to be provided by the manufacture in a non-encrypted form and is defined by the respective protocol used. 
         [0072]    It will be appreciated that the motor vehicle  105  also includes various other systems and components such as, for example and without limitation, a propulsion system, a transmission system, a number of road wheels, a suspension system, a body structure and accommodation for one or more occupants. None of these additional systems and components is shown on  FIG. 3A  as they are not directly relevant to the current invention. 
         [0073]    The electric power system  12  includes a distribution system, a source of electric power such as a generator and at least one battery or electrical power storage device for use when the generator is not operating. The electric power system  12  also includes a number of power outlets such as a 12 volt power socket  13  which may be in the form of a cigar or cigarette lighter socket. As is well known in the art such electrical sockets are universally applied to motor vehicles and are of a standard design and configuration. 
         [0074]    A third embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information from the motor vehicle  105  to a remote data processing system  60  is provided in the form of first and second plug-in devices  120 ,  30  respectively. 
         [0075]    In the case of this embodiment the first plug-in device  120  communicates directly with the remote data processing system  60  via a wireless terrestrial link including one or more ground based antennas  50 . It will however be appreciated that the link could be via a satellite or in any other manner. 
         [0076]    It will be appreciated that there could be more than one remote data processing system and that the invention is not limited to communication with a single data processing system. It will also be appreciated that the term ‘data processing system’ as meant herein is any apparatus, software or facility by which information is processed and is not limited to a specific type of construction or operating system. 
         [0077]    The first plug-in device  120  comprises a plug portion  121  for co-operation with the 12 volt power socket  13  and a body portion  122  housing a number of modules  120 A,  120 C,  120 C′,  120 L,  120 M and  120 P (indicated schematically in  FIG. 3B ) of the plug-in device  120 . 
         [0078]    In its most basic form the plug-in device  120  includes only a location module  120 L, a pair of communication modules  120 C,  120 C′ and the plug  121 . However, preferably the plug-in device  120  further comprises a memory module  120 M and a power module  120 P that includes a rechargeable battery or other electrical power storage device. The plug-in device  120  may also further include an acceleration module  120 A. 
         [0079]    The power module  120 P transfers electrical power from the plug  121  to other modules  120 L,  120 C,  120 C′,  120 M,  120 A present in the plug-in device  120  and also supplies electrical power to recharge the battery of the plug-in device  120 . The battery sometimes referred to as a ‘keep alive power source’ is used to supply electrical power to the other modules  120 L,  120 C,  120 C′,  120 M,  120 A of the plug-in device  120  when the electrical power supply from the 12 volt power socket  13  is off. 
         [0080]    The location module  120 L can be of any known type such as, for example and without limitation, a GPS module but in all cases is operable to provide a geographic location of the location module  120 L and hence of the motor vehicle  5  when the plug-in device  120  is located in the motor vehicle  105 . 
         [0081]    The memory module  120 M includes one or more memory devices and stores a unique identity for the plug-in device  120  is stored. As before, upon purchasing or leasing the plug-in module  120 , an owner/user is able to register the plug-in device  20  using the unique identity which may be in the form of a serial number or serial code both constituting identity marks so that it can be used for vehicle/owner recognition purposes. 
         [0082]    The acceleration module  120 A provides data related to the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle  105  and may provide the instantaneous acceleration of the motor vehicle  105  in three dimensions. Such a device is useful for assessing driver behavior or in the case of an accident for simulating or recreating an event. 
         [0083]    A first communication module  120 C is a long range communication module to provide a communication link between the plug-in device  120  and the at least one remote data processing system  60 . The communication module  120 C can be of any known type such as, for example and without limitation, a Wi-Fi or WiMax module. The function of the first communication module  120 C is to transfer information or data to the remote data processing system  60  for use in intelligent vehicle monitoring. Data from the memory module  120 M, location module  120 L, the second plug-in device  30  and, if present, the accelerometer module  120 A is transferred via the first communication module  120 C which may provide more than one communication pathway. 
         [0084]    The second communication module  120 C′ is a short range or near field communication module such as, for example, a Bluetooth enabled device and provides a communication link between the first and second plug-in devices  120  and  30  or to be more specific between the second communications module  120 C′ of the first plug-in module  120  and a communication module  30 C′ of the second plug-in module  30 . 
         [0085]    The second plug-in module  30  further comprises a plug  31  for co-operation with the OBDP  18  and a body  32  housing a power module  30 P, an on-board diagnostics data module  30   obd  and the communication module  30 C′ (indicated schematically in  FIG. 3B ). 
         [0086]    The plug  31  includes both data and power transfer connections and is used to supply power to all of the modules  30 P,  30   obd  and  30 C′ of the second plug-in device  30 . 
         [0087]    The power module  30 P includes a battery or other rechargeable electric power storage device and is charged from the power supplied via the plug  31 . The power module supplies power to other modules  30 A,  30 M,  30   obd  and  30 C′ of the second plug-in device  30   
         [0088]    The on-board diagnostics data module  30   obd  receives data from the OBDP  18  via the plug  31  and performs any necessary processing required for transmission of the collected data via the communications module  30 C′. 
         [0089]    The communications module  30 C′ is operable to transmit data or information received from the on-board diagnostics data module  30   obd  to the second communications module  120 C′ of the first plug-in device  120 . 
         [0090]    In use the plug-in module  120  provides information regarding at least the current location of the motor vehicle  105  and also, if so enabled, the identity of the plug-in device  20  and the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle  105  to the remote data processing system  60  along with any on-board diagnostic data or information received from the second plug-in device  30 . The remote data system  60  can then use the received data to facilitate intelligent monitoring of the motor vehicle  105 . 
         [0091]    With reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B  there is shown a motor vehicle  105  that is the same as that previously described with reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  with the exception that a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information from the motor vehicle  105  to the remote data processing system  60  is provided. 
         [0092]    The only significant difference between this fourth embodiment and the third embodiment is that the long range communication module  120 C in the first plug-in device  120  of the third embodiment is replaced by a short range communication module  120 C″ (indicated schematically in  FIG. 4B ) in the first plug-in device  120 ′ in this fourth embodiment. 
         [0093]    The short range or near field communication module  120 C″ provides a communication link between the first plug-in device  120 ′ and a mobile communication device  40  such as, for example, a mobile telephone. It will be appreciated that the communication device  40  could be any other device capable of serving as an intermediate communication node which relays or re-transmits information/data from the plug-in module  120 ′ to the remote processing system  60 . 
         [0094]    Therefore in this case the communication link between the plug-in device  120 ′ and the remote data processing system  60  is not a direct link but is provided via the mobile communication device  40  using the communication functionality of the mobile communication device  40 . 
         [0095]    In use the first plug-in module  120 ′ provides information regarding at least the current location of the motor vehicle  105  and also, if so enabled, the identity of the plug-in device  120 ′, the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle  105  along with any on-board diagnostic data or information it has received from the second plug-in device  30  to the remote data processing system  60 . The remote data system  60  can then use the received data to facilitate intelligent monitoring of the motor vehicle  105 . 
         [0096]    With particular reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B  there is shown a motor vehicle  205  having, as before, a number of electrical systems  10  supplied with power from a main electric power system  12  of the motor vehicle  205 . It will be appreciated that the motor vehicle  205  also includes various other systems and components such as, for example and without limitation, a propulsion system, a transmission system, a number of road wheels, a suspension system, a body structure and accommodation for one or more occupants. None of these additional systems and components is shown on  FIG. 1A  as they are not directly relevant to the current invention. 
         [0097]    The electric power system  12  includes a distribution system, a source of electric power such as a generator and at least one battery or electrical power storage device for use when the generator is not operating. The electric power system  12  also includes a number of power outlets one of which is formed as part of an on-board diagnostics port (OBDP)  18 . As is well known in the art most modern motor vehicle are fitted with an OBDP  18  and these are of a standard design and configuration as previously referred to. 
         [0098]    A fourth embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information from the motor vehicle  205  to a remote data processing system  60  is provided in the form of a single plug-in device  130 . 
         [0099]    The plug-in device  130  includes a plug  131  for co-operation with the OBDP  18  and a body  132  that houses a number of modules  130 A,  130   obd ,  130 C,  130 L,  130 M and  130 P (indicated schematically in  FIG. 5B ). 
         [0100]    In the case of this embodiment the plug-in device  130  communicates directly with the remote data processing system  60  via a wireless terrestrial link including one or more ground based antennas  50 . It will however be appreciated that the link could be via a satellite or in any other manner. It will also be appreciated that there could be more than one remote data processing system and that the invention is not limited to communication with a single data processing system. 
         [0101]    In its most basic form the plug-in device  130  includes only a location module  130 L, a communication module  130 C, an on-board diagnostic module  130   obd  and the plug  131 . However, it is preferred if the plug-in device  130  further comprises a memory module  130 M and a power module  130 P. 
         [0102]    The plug-in device  130  in some other embodiments may further include an acceleration module  130 A providing data relating to instantaneous acceleration of the motor vehicle  205  in up to three dimensions. 
         [0103]    The power module  130 P includes a rechargeable battery or other electrical power storage device that is charged by electrical power received from the OBDP  18  via the plug  131  and also acts to transfer electrical power from the plug  131  to any of the other modules  130 L,  130 C,  130 M,  130   obd ,  130 A present in the plug-in device  130 . The battery sometimes referred to as a ‘keep alive power source’ is used to supply electrical power to the other modules  130 L,  130 C,  130 M,  130   obd ,  130 A of the plug-in device  130  when the electrical power supply from the OBDP  18  is off. It will be appreciated that on some motor vehicles the OBDP  18  is only live when the motor vehicle is in a so called ‘Key-On’ state with the engine running whereas in other types of motor vehicle the supply of electrical power to the OBDP  18  is live whenever a ‘Key-On’ state exists. 
         [0104]    The location module  130 L can be of any known type such as, for example and without limitation, a GPS module but in all cases is operable to provide a geographic location of the location module  130 L and hence of the motor vehicle  205  when the plug-in device  130  is located in the motor vehicle  205 . 
         [0105]    The memory module  130 M includes one or more memory devices and stores a unique identity for the plug-in device  130  such as an identity mark. Upon purchasing or leasing the plug-in module  130  an owner/user is able to register the plug-in device  130  so that it can be used for recognition purposes such as electronic toll charging. 
         [0106]    The acceleration module  130 A provides data related to the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle  205  by sensing acceleration of the motor vehicle  205  in up to three dimensions. Such a device is useful for assessing driver behavior or in the case of an accident for simulating or recreating an event. 
         [0107]    The communication module  130 C is a long range communication module to provide a communication link between the plug-in device  130  and the at least one remote data processing system  60 . The communication module  130 C can be of any known type such as, for example and without limitation, a Wi-Fi or WiMax module. The function of the communication module  130 C is to transfer information or data to the remote data processing system  60  for use in intelligent vehicle monitoring. Data from the memory module  130 M, location module  130 L, on-board diagnostics module  130   obd  and, if present, the accelerometer module  130 A is transferred via the communication module  130 C which may provide more than one communication pathway. 
         [0108]    In use the plug-in module  130  continuously provides information regarding at least the current location of the motor vehicle  205  and diagnostic information relating to the operational status of the motor vehicle  205  and also, if so enabled, the identity of the plug-in device  130  and the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle  205  to the remote data processing system  60 . The remote data system  60  can then use the received data to facilitate intelligent monitoring of the motor vehicle  205 . 
         [0109]    With reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B  there is shown a motor vehicle  205  that is the same as that previously described with the exception that a sixth embodiment of an apparatus for transferring information from the motor vehicle  205  to the remote data processing system  60  is provided in the form of a single plug-in device  130 ′. 
         [0110]    The single plug-in device  130 ′ is in most respects identical in construction and functionality to the plug-in device  130  described with respect to  FIGS. 5A and 5B  and will not be described again in detail. 
         [0111]    The only significant difference between this sixth embodiment and the fifth embodiment is that the long range communication module  130 C of the fifth embodiment is replaced by a short range communication module  130 C″ (indicated schematically in  FIG. 6B ) in this sixth embodiment. 
         [0112]    The short range or near field communication module  130 C″ such as, for example and without limitation, a Bluetooth module provides a communication link between the plug-in device  130 ′ and a mobile communication device  40  such as, for example, a mobile telephone. It will be appreciated that the communication device  40  could be any other device capable of serving as an intermediate communication node which relays or re-transmits information/data from the plug-in module  130 ′ to the remote processing system  60 . 
         [0113]    Therefore in this case the communication link between the plug-in device  130 ′ and the remote data processing system  60  is not a direct link but is provided via the mobile communication device  40  using the communication functionality of the mobile communication device  40 . 
         [0114]    In use the plug-in module  130 ′ provides information regarding at least the current location of the motor vehicle  205  and diagnostic data relating to the operational status of the motor vehicle  205 . The plug-in module  130 ′ may also provide, if so enabled, the identity of the plug-in device  130 ′ and the dynamic behavior of the motor vehicle  205  to the remote data processing system  60 . The remote data system  60  can then use the received data to facilitate intelligent monitoring of the motor vehicle  205 . 
         [0115]    Therefore in summary the invention provides and apparatus comprising of one or two plug-in devices that can be fitted to existing motor vehicles to produce the type of information required by existing and proposed intelligent vehicle monitoring systems. 
         [0116]    By including an integral plug that can be plugged directly into a standard vehicle power outlet to obtain a source of electrical power from the motor vehicle no significant installation costs are incurred and the apparatus can be fitted by any user of a motor vehicle without the need for specialist knowledge or training. 
         [0117]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example with reference to one or more embodiments it is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and that alternative embodiments could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0118]    While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.