Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20020169529?dq=60/310,746
Timestamp: 2014-07-12 10:03:43
Document Index: 162677831

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 212', 'art 214', 'art 216', 'art 218', 'art 222', 'art 224', 'art 226', 'art 228', 'art 230', 'art 232', 'art 212', 'art 212', 'art 242', 'art 212', 'art 244', 'art 244', 'art 214', 'art 244', 'art 214', 'art 216', 'art 244', 'art 218', 'art 244', 'art 214', 'art 216', 'art 218', 'art 244', 'art 222', 'art 224', 'art 226', 'art 226', 'art 228', 'art 242', 'art 228', 'art 246', 'art 230', 'art 244', 'art 244', 'art 244', 'art 244']

Patent US20020169529 - Vehicle management system and method using mobile communication terminal - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsDisclosed is a vehicle management system and method that uses a mobile communication terminal mounted in a vehicle capable of sensing and storing the driving and security information for the vehicle and sending the information stored therein to another party through the mobile communication terminal....http://www.google.com/patents/US20020169529?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20020169529 - Vehicle management system and method using mobile communication terminalAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20020169529 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 09/997,964Publication dateNov 14, 2002Filing dateNov 29, 2001Priority dateMay 11, 2001Also published asEP1256919A2, EP1256919A3Publication number09997964, 997964, US 2002/0169529 A1, US 2002/169529 A1, US 20020169529 A1, US 20020169529A1, US 2002169529 A1, US 2002169529A1, US-A1-20020169529, US-A1-2002169529, US2002/0169529A1, US2002/169529A1, US20020169529 A1, US20020169529A1, US2002169529 A1, US2002169529A1InventorsKwang-Duck KimOriginal AssigneeKwang-Duck KimExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (7), Classifications (18), Legal Events (1) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetVehicle management system and method using mobile communication terminalUS 20020169529 A1Abstract Disclosed is a vehicle management system and method that uses a mobile communication terminal mounted in a vehicle capable of sensing and storing the driving and security information for the vehicle and sending the information stored therein to another party through the mobile communication terminal. The vehicle management system includes: a driving information sensing unit for sensing the driving speed, the driving distance, the sudden takeoff upon starting and the number of times of driving of the vehicle; a security information sensing unit for sensing the impacts applied from the outside to the vehicle and sound and image signals based on the impacts; a storing and outputting unit for storing the information of the vehicle sensed from the driving information sensing unit, the security information sensing unit, the telephone number of the vehicle information requester and for generating an alarm according to the sensed information of the vehicle; and a controller for sending, periodically or upon request of the vehicle information requester, the information of the vehicle stored in the storing and outputting unit to the vehicle information requester through the mobile communication terminal, on the basis of the information of the vehicle sensed from the driving information sensing unit and the security information sensing unit. Images(5) Claims(13)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: [0021]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle management system using a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention; [0022]FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram for the system of FIG. 1; [0023]FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a vehicle management method using a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention; and [0024]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a vehicle management method using a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [0026]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle management system using a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention. [0027] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle management system 200, using a mobile communication terminal 100 mounted therein, which performs radio communication through the mobile communication terminal 100 with a vehicle information requester who desires to know information on the vehicle. The vehicle information requester is one or more of the following: a traffic regulation administrator, an insurance manager, the driver of the vehicle or a security company of the vehicle. [0028] The vehicle management system 200 according to the present invention senses the information of the vehicle including the driving and security information thereof, stores the sensed information of the vehicle, and executes radio communication between the mobile communication terminal 100 and the vehicle information requester to send the desired information to the vehicle information requester in the case where the sensed driving or security information exceeds a prescribed reference value or upon request of the vehicle information requester. [0029] Preferably, the mobile communication terminal 100 is embodied with older models of mobile communication terminals. The method for mounting the mobile communication terminal 100 in the vehicle is described below. Generally, the mobile communication terminal is provided with a microphone, a speaker, a keypad and an LCD as an unitary body therewith, but in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body thereof may be connected through a data line with its parts, wherein each of the parts is relocated for convenient use. [0030] First, the body of the mobile communication terminal 100 may be secured under the seat of the driver for the purpose of preventing damage from external forces, and the microphone may be separated from the body of the mobile communication terminal 100 so as to be disposed at a position where the voice of the driver is clearly inputted, for example, over the driver's head. The speaker may be separated from the body of the mobile communication terminal 100 so as to be disposed at a position where the emitted sound therefrom is clearly audible. Since all mobile communication terminals have a connecting terminal through which the speaker and mike are connected, the speaker and microphone are extended through the connecting terminal and separated from the body of the mobile communication terminal 100. [0031] The keypad may be separated from the body of the mobile communication terminal 100 so in order to be accessible, at a position within the range of the manipulation of the driver, for example, between the driver seat and the front passenger seat, on the panel with the car stereo mounted thereon or around the panel. Since the display is difficult to separate from the body of the mobile communication terminal 100, it may be attached to the keypad or mounted on an additional pad, if necessary. [0032] The parts of the body of the mobile communication terminal 100 are individually separated from each other, but they may be separated integrally by an additional multipoint device with the connecting terminal provided in the mobile communication terminal 100, so that they can be mounted at their convenient positions. [0033] On the other hand, the vehicle management system 200 is comprised of: an interface unit 260 for performing radio communication with the mobile communication terminal 100; a driving information sensing unit 210 for sensing the driving speed, the driving distance, the sudden takeoff upon starting and the number of times of driving of the vehicle monitored by a controller 250; a security information sensing unit 220 for sensing the impact applied from the outside to the vehicle and sound and image signals based on the impact monitored by the controller 250; and a storing and outputting unit 240 for storing the information of the vehicle sensed from the driving information sensing unit 210 and the security information sensing unit 220 and for transmitting the sensed information to requester and for generating an alarm on the basis of the sensed information of the vehicle monitored by the controller 250. [0034]FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram for the system of FIG. 1. [0035] As shown, the vehicle management system 200 is provided with the driving information sensing unit 210, the security information sensing unit 220, the storing and outputting unit 240, the controller 250 and the interface unit 260. The driving information sensing unit 210 includes a speed sensing part 212, a distance sensing part 214, a sudden takeoff sensing part 216 and a driving frequency sensing part 218, and the security information sensing unit 220 includes a starting sensing part 222, a door opening/closing sensing part 224, an intrusion sensing part 226, an impact sensing part 228, a sound sensing part 230 and an image sensing part 232. [0036] The driving information sensing unit 210 is configured in the manners that will be discussed below. The speed sensing part 212 is attached to each of the locations where the driving speed of the vehicle can be sensed, for example, on the side, front and lower surfaces of the vehicle. The speed sensing part 212 may be embodied as, for example, a tachometer. A reference value, which is used to determine a violation of the speed limit, is set by a reference value setting part 242, and if the state of the violation of the speed limit is sensed by means of the speed sensing part 212, the controller 250 stores the information of the violation comprised of the speed and time of the violation in a storing part 244. [0037] The information of the violation of the speed limit stored in the storing part 244 is sent to the vehicle information requester, at the time of the violation or periodically or upon the request of the vehicle information requester, through the mobile communication terminal 100. In that case, the vehicle information requester who desires to know the information of the violation of speed may be a traffic regulation administrator (system). The traffic regulation administrator continuously receives the information on the speed limit violations of each vehicle and assesses a reasonable fine for the driver. Thus, the driver tries to avoid speeding, which can help prevent traffic accidents. [0038] The distance sensing part 214 senses the driving distance by periods of the vehicle to store the sensed information in the storing part 244. The distance sensing part 214 may be embodied with one of devices for calculating the driving distance of the vehicle, for example, a tachometer. The sudden takeoff sensing part 216 senses whether the sudden takeoff exists upon starting the vehicle and stores the sensed information in the storing part 244. The driving frequency sensing part 218 senses the number of times the vehicle is driving, each starting stored as sensed information in the storing part 244. Each of the distance sensing part 214, the sudden takeoff sensing part 216 and the driving frequency sensing part 218 each may be embodied with a senor or a tachometer and are attached or mounted on each part of the interior of the vehicle. [0039] The information of the driving distance, the sudden takeoff upon starting and the number of times of driving stored in the storing part 244, with the information of speed limit violations, are sent to the vehicle information requester, at the time of the violation or periodically or upon request of the vehicle information requester, through the mobile communication terminal 100. In that case, the vehicle information requester who desires to know the information of the driving distance, the sudden takeoff upon starting and the number of times of driving may be an insurance manager (system). So, the insurance manager receives the driving information of each vehicle and calculates a reasonable insurance for each driver. [0040] Next, the security information sensing unit 220 is configured in the manners as will be discussed below. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle management system can execute radio communication with the radio terminal of the driver and/or the radio alarm device of the vehicle security company. [0041] The starting sensing part 222 is connected to the starter of the vehicle and starts the vehicle in the case where a starting command is transmitted from the radio terminal of the driver of the vehicle through the mobile communication terminal 100. The door opening/closing sensing part 224 is connected to the door opening/closing device of the vehicle and opens and closes the doors of the vehicle in the case where a door opening/closing command is transmitted from the radio terminal of the driver of the vehicle through the mobile communication terminal 100. [0042] In that case, so as to control the vehicle with the radio terminal of the driver of the vehicle, a communication channel is set between the radio terminal and the mobile communication terminal 100 and then, the process of setting the manipulation of the radio terminal is carried out. [0043] The intrusion sensing part 226 is adapted to sense whether the doors of the vehicle are opened by an undesirable force, and if an entry into the vehicle without permission is sensed, the intrusion sensing part 226 informs the controller 250 of the intrusion, such that a warning message is generated from the controller 250 without any delay. The impact sensing part 228 is adapted to sense the impact applied to the vehicle and compare the amount of impact applied to the vehicle with the amount of impact set in the reference value setting part 242, and if the impact applied is over a predetermined reference value, the impact sensing part 228 informs the controller 250 of the impact, such that a warning message is generated from the controller 250 without any delay. [0044] When an intrusion or an impact over the predetermined reference value is sensed, the controller 250 controls the mobile communication terminal 100 and calls a prescribed telephone number (of the driver of the vehicle and/or of the security company for the vehicle) to thereby generate an alarm. At the same time, the controller 250 controls a sound output part 246 that generates an alarm through the speaker connected to the mobile communication terminal. [0045] The sound sensing part 230 senses the voice of the intruder or the sound generated by the intrusion and stores the sensed information in the storing part 244. The image sensing part inputs the image of the intruder and stores the inputted image to the storing part 244. [0046] If the doors of the vehicle are opened and closed by force or if the impact over a predetermined limit is applied to the vehicle, the information of the intrusion is sent on real time to the driver of the vehicle and/or the security company of the vehicle, thereby preventing the theft of the vehicle. To send such information of the intrusion, the telephone numbers of the driver of the vehicle and/or the security company of the vehicle are stored in the storing part 244. And, the information of the voice and image of the intruder stored in the storing part 244 is sent to the vehicle information requester through the mobile communication terminal 100, upon request of the vehicle information requester. In that case, the vehicle information requester who desires to know the vehicle security information on the door opening/closing, the intrusion, the application of the impact and the voice and image of the intruder may be the driver (radio terminal) of the vehicle and/or the security company (system) of the vehicle. At that time, the driver (radio terminal) of the vehicle and/or the security company (system) of the vehicle continuously receive the security information of the vehicle to thereby prevent the vehicle from being stolen. [0047] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the security information sensing unit 220 further includes a driver calling sensing part (which is not shown in the drawing) that generates a calling signal to the radio terminal of the driver through a driver calling means attached on a predetermined portion of the vehicle, in the case where urgent radio communication with the driver of the vehicle is required at the time when problems related to parking and stopping are generated. [0048] The vehicle management system of the present invention is used for managing vehicles, but may be applied to a sensing device using the mobile communication terminal. In other words, the measuring value sensed by the sensing device is sent to a predetermined departure through the mobile communication terminal. In that case, the present invention is further provided with a sensor for sensing an amount of power consumption or a degree of water pollution to thereby provide the measured value through the mobile communication terminal. [0049] In that case, the amount of power consumed may be determined by the distance sensing part and the degree of water pollution may be determined by the speed sensing part. [0050]FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a vehicle management method by using the mobile communication terminal according to the present invention, wherein at the time when some value of the state of vehicle sensed exceeds the prescribed reference value the vehicle information is sent to the vehicle information requester. [0051] The mobile communication terminal is mounted in the vehicle to which the principles of the present invention is applied and also connected with the vehicle management system of the present invention that senses various states of the vehicle and stores the sensed information therein. Furthermore, the mobile communication terminal has radio communication with the vehicle information requester. Additionally, the reference value for determining whether or not the state of vehicle sensed in the vehicle management system is abnormal and the telephone number of the vehicle information requester to be called for sending the abnormal state of the vehicle are all set. [0052] First, the vehicle management system continuously senses vehicle information (at step S110) and stores the sensed vehicle information (at step S120). The vehicle information is comprised of vehicle driving information and vehicle security information. The vehicle driving information contains the driving speed of the vehicle, the driving distance in periods of the vehicle, the sudden takeoff of the vehicle upon starting and the number of times of driving of the vehicle, and the vehicle security information contains the door opening/closing by force of the vehicle, intrusions into the vehicle, impacts applied from the outside to the vehicle and the voice and image signals of the intruder. [0053] Then, it is checked whether or not the sensed vehicle information exceeds the prescribed reference value (at step S130), and if the sensed vehicle information exceeds the prescribed reference value, the abnormal state is sent in the form of an alarm or on the screen through the speaker or the display (at step S140). Further, calling the telephone number of the vehicle information requester is executed (at step S150), such that the vehicle information sensed as the abnormal state is sent to the vehicle information requester through the mobile communication terminal. [0054] For example, in case the driving speed of the vehicle exceeds the prescribed reference value, the speeding is made known to the traffic regulation administrator for the assessment of a fine thereof. In case the doors of the vehicle are opened and closed by force, in case an impact applied from the outside exceeds the prescribed reference value, or in case an intrusion to the vehicle occurs, the vehicle burglar warning contents are made known to the driver of the vehicle or the security company of the vehicle, thereby preventing the theft of the vehicle. [0055]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the vehicle management method by using the mobile communication terminal according to the present invention, wherein upon request of the vehicle information requester, the sensed vehicle information stored is sent to the vehicle information requester. [0056] The mobile communication terminal is mounted in the vehicle to which the principles of the present invention is applied and also connected with the vehicle management system of the present invention that senses various states of the vehicle and stores the sensed information therein. The vehicle information requester is one or more of the following: a traffic regulation administrator, an insurance manager, the driver of the vehicle or a security company of the vehicle. [0057] First, the vehicle management system continuously senses whether or not the vehicle information is requested by the vehicle information requester (at step S210) and if a vehicle information request is made, checks whether the vehicle information requested corresponds to the security information or the driving information (at step S220). [0058] If it is checked that the vehicle information requested corresponds to the security information, the vehicle management system senses the physical state of the vehicle (at step S230). The physical state of the vehicle includes the door opening/closing by force, intrusions into the vehicle, impacts applied from the outside and the voice and image signals of the intruder. After that, the sensed vehicle security information is sent to the vehicle information requester through the mobile communication terminal (at step S240). In this case, the vehicle information requester may be the driver of the vehicle and/or the security company of the vehicle. [0059] On the other hand, if it is checked that the vehicle information requested corresponds to the driving information, the vehicle management system senses the driving state of the vehicle (at step S250). The vehicle driving information includes the driving speed of the vehicle, the driving distance in periods of the vehicle, the sudden takeoff of the vehicle upon starting and the number of times of driving of the vehicle. After that, the sensed vehicle driving information is sent to the vehicle information requester through the mobile communication terminal (at step S260). In this case, the vehicle information requester may be the traffic regulation administrator or the insurance manager or both. [0060] As set forth in the foregoing, a vehicle management system using a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention is capable of continuously sensing and storing the driving information of the vehicle and in the case where the sensed driving information exceeds a prescribed reference value or upon request of a vehicle information requester, sending the stored information through the mobile communication terminal. In the case of a violation of traffic regulations, reasonable and real-time management and supervision thereof is carried out. As traffic accidents are prevented the life of the vehicle is prolonged, thereby improving safety and economic gains. Additionally, insurances are calculated differently every driver, based upon the vehicle driving information, such that it is advantageous for good drivers, which promotes safe driving. [0061] Moreover, the vehicle management system using the mobile communication terminal according to the present invention is capable of continuously sensing and storing the security information of the vehicle and in the case where the sensed security information exceeds a prescribed reference value, sending the stored information to the vehicle information requester, whereby the attempted burglary of the vehicle is instantly recognized and prevented. At that time, the voice and image of the intruder are stored, which can be helpful in tracking down the intruder of the vehicle. [0062] Furthermore, older models of mobile communication terminals are used as a means for sending the vehicle driving information and the vehicle security information, which ensures effective recycling of resources. [0063] The forgoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of devices. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6980093May 7, 2003Dec 27, 2005The Johns Hopkins UniversityCommercial vehicle electronic screening hardware/software system with primary and secondary sensor setsUS6995663 *Sep 15, 2003Feb 7, 2006General Motors CorporationDriving workload estimationUS6998972 *Oct 31, 2002Feb 14, 2006General Motors CorporationDriving workload estimationUS7317383 *Oct 24, 2005Jan 8, 2008Mitsubishi Fuso Truck And Bus CorporationAlert system installed in vehicleUS8653986 *Dec 22, 2011Feb 18, 2014Insurance Services Office, Inc.Traffic information systemUS20120089423 *Dec 22, 2011Apr 12, 2012Sensomatix Ltd.Traffic information systemEP2022022A2 *May 7, 2007Feb 11, 2009Drivecam, Inc.System and method for reducing driving risk with foresight* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification701/31.4, 340/439International ClassificationG06Q50/30, G06Q10/00, G06Q50/00, G08B25/08, G08G1/09, G08G1/13, G08B25/04, G08B25/10, G07C5/08, G08G1/123Cooperative ClassificationG07C5/085, G07C5/0891, G08G1/20European ClassificationG08G1/20, G07C5/08R4C, G07C5/08R2Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionFeb 8, 2002ASAssignmentOwner name: KS TELECOM CO., LTD., KOREA, REPUBLIC OFFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KIM, KWANG-DUCK;REEL/FRAME:012572/0997Effective date: 20020205RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google