GB2535233A

GB2535233A - Integrated long range ISM sub-gigahertz network for control and monitoring of motor vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2535233A
Application number: GB1502520.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Pearson Stephen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-02-15
Filing date: 2015-02-15
Publication date: 2016-08-17
Also published as: GB201502520D0

Abstract

A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node 11-16 which includes a visual display unit, an audio interface, a GPS unit and a data analysis interface through which a data signal 10 is generated and sent via a sub-gigahertz transceiver to a remote station 20 and then to a recipient 31 or control room 30. The station may be part of a network including a repeater or a base station 20. A public address message may also be transmitted using the network to provide a user of the status and alerts. The long range sub-gigahertz transceiver provides the interface between the vehicle and external base stations and other transceiver systems. There is a means for interfacing with vehicle controls such as the ignition, fuel, lights and audio system and a means of converting data signals from the vehicles telematics and control systems to a Radio frequency signal capable of sending data using a radio frequency transceiver operating but not limited to the sub-gigahertz frequency range. There is also a means of sending GPS data and other in-car information such as temperature, alarm status, etc. to the base station over the same signal path.

Description

Title: Integrated long range ISM sub-gigahertz network for Control and Monitoring of Motor Vehicles

Description:

This invention relates to the use in motor vehicles of a long range ISM sub-gigahertz control unit operating on the sub-gigahertz frequency network to provide information, functionality and control within a motor vehicle. The control unit may interface with visual displays, audio systems and vehicle electronic control units and other systems within the motor vehicle as well as providing data from the vehicle to base stations as to location, telematics and any other data required to be sent from the vehicle to a base station or external system for monitoring the information required.

The unit may also receive information as required from a base station or other external system such as traffic reports, climate conditions, emergency notifications, details and bulletins, telematics information or any such information as may be required to be provided to the occupants or vehicle systems.

Providing information to and from vehicle is very limited in its current form and tends to be by an in car audio system or GSM connectivity in some case. This invention aims to overcome those problems and limitations and provide information and control using one or multiple portals using the subgigahertz frequency network.

According to the first aspect of the invention there is provided a long range sub-gigahertz transceiver which provides the interface between the vehicle and external base stations and other transceiver systems. There is a means for interfacing with vehicle controls such as the ignition, fuel, lights and audio system and a means of converting data signals from the vehicles telematics and control systems to a Radio frequency signal capable of sending data using a radio frequency transceiver operating but not limited to the sub-gigahertz frequency range, and a means of transmitting said signal to a corresponding radio frequency transceiver which is operating as a base station capable of creating a local area network of units operating in but not limited to the sub-gigahertz frequency range. There is also a means of sending GPS data and other in-car information such as temperature, alarm status, etc. to the base station over the same signal path. The base station transceiver may operatively be connected to a wireless mobile telephony (WMT) transceiver or WiFi network, or PSTN or ISDN telephone line or any other media capable of transmitting data locally, nationally or globally if required. The radio frequency transceiver is operatively connected to a means of sending and receiving bi-directional data simultaneously from multiple units connected to it as part of its point-to-point, local area or wide area network.

The invention may also operate on a one-to-one or one-to-many configuration as part of a closed network, local area network or wide area network, and is not restricted to any one, but could be a combination of the configurations mentioned. In essence, the network will operate in a similar way to a mobile phone network, with multiple base station repeater sites creating local and national data networks operating in the sub-gigahertz frequency range.

The invention aims to overcome one or more of the aforementioned problems by connecting to the vehicles electronic and mechanical systems in such a way as to enhance but not interfere with their performance, and utilising interface circuits between multiple devices. A data signal will be sent via the radio frequency transceiver in the vehicle node to the base station which in turn will be sent over the WMT or WiFi or PSTN network to a designated recipient to inform them of data, telemetry, or any other information as required..

Power for the system can be provided by a battery or other suitable power source capable of powering the radio frequency transceiver. A battery where provided may form part of an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) that is trickled from the mains, a vehicle power supply, such as 6V DC, 12V DC or 24V DC battery, or which is charged through a solar panel, or the like.

The invention is not limited to use in vehicle control and monitoring monitoring, but can be utilised for monitoring any other forms of transport where there is a requirement to control the vehicle and its systems or monitor the telemetry, and other data for information analysis.

Preferred embodiments of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the various component modules of a vehicle control and monitoring node according to the invention. It does not show the full extent of the circuitry required to perform the interfacing with vehicle controls and telemetry, but only an overview as to component modules of the system.

Figure 2 is a schematic system diagram showing a base station network communicating with vehicles within the transmission range and sending the information bi-directionally if required to a control room, or individual able to access the information.

Figure 3 is a schematic showing the typical component modules of a Sub-gigahertz transceiver, similar but not necessarily exact in all aspects to the type to be used in the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic showing the power supply and connection requirements of a sub-gigahertz transceiver, similar but not necessarily exact in all aspects to the type to be used in the invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic showing the various component stages of a typical sub-gigahertz transceiver, similar but not necessarily exact in all aspects to the type to be used in the invention.

In figure 2 a system comprises a number vehicles fitted with control and monitoring data transmission nodes 11-16, operating within a 10km radius of base station 20.

The nodes are in a quiescent/standby state until required to transmit data either as a result of requisite activity, or as a pre-determined data logging sequence, or as a result of theft or damage to the vehicle or proximity of emergency vehicles. Once initiated a sub-gigahertz radio frequency transmission from the node 10 is made to the base stations within its 10km radius of operation. The base station(s) upon receipt of the data transmission from the node then sends a corresponding data transmission via WMT 21, PSTN 22, ISDN 23 or WiFi 24 to a designated recipient 31 or control room 30. The notification to the control room or designated recipient can be made by either SMS, Voice annunciation or any other means deemed suitable to provide data deemed necessary to the recipients. The data if routinely sent may simply be logged into a database running on a host computer or other device capable of receiving data.

If a person or persons attempting to damage or steal the vehicle, a data burst is automatically sent to the base station which subsequently sends a signal to a control room 30 or individual 31 responsible for monitoring or controlling the seismic sensors. The operator can then if required send a sub-gigahertz signal 10 back to one or more of the nodes to initiate a voice annunciation or other output as required such as turning on a siren or lighting or immobilising the engine etc. The same process would apply if a fault developed on the power supply to the monitoring node.

Data can be sent routinely as required via sub-gigahertz transmissions 10 from the nodes 11 - 10,000 to the base station(s) 20 without the need for human intervention as part of an automated data-logging process. The system aims to provide complete control and monitoring of the vehicles electronic and mechanical systems and is not limited to the circuits or systems herein mentioned but all current and subsequent electronic systems which have the ability and need to transmit data.

The unit may also be capable of muting the audio system in the event of an emergency vehicle in it's vicinity, and/or making a recording announcement stating that an emergency vehicle is approaching.

The unit may also be capable of restricting the maximum speed of the vehicle within a given area to prevent dangerous driving or exceeding the speed limit for that area. This will be controlled remotely in combination with the GPS and Control Interface of the vehicle. Locations of vehicles could also be tracked and logged for use in congestion charging areas or for use in identifying and locating vehicles that are not insured or have failed to pay excise duty. Each unit will be uniquely logged to the VIN of the vehicle and will provide a unique reference for the vehicle.

The system also allows for use in commercial vehicles such as buses and can track each time they approach a bus stop and re-calculate the time they will arrive at the next bus stop and transmit that data to visually let passengers waiting at the bus stop the Estimated Time of Arrival of the bus. The same thing can be done for other commercial vehicles to notify control rooms of Estimated Times of Arrival.

The application of the invention is not limited to the current vehicle systems stated previously, but to any future systems which might be developed that can be interfaced to the sub-gigahertz control 10 unit where there might be a requirement for remote monitoring and data transfer.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node, comprising a Visual Display Unit and audio interface and GPS unit with a data analysis interface through which a data signal can be sent via a sub-gigahertz long range transceiver operatively connected to the vehicle node and an integral power supply. This in turn is received by a base station repeater configured to receive a data signal in the sub-gigahertz frequency range providing bidirectional data over the signal connection and wherein both the repeater base station and vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node comprise one or more data inputs or data output ports providing the bi-directional data. The sub-gigahertz base station may be individual, or part of a network of sub-gigahertz long range base station repeaters used to form a local area or wide area network. The base station repeater and vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node facilitate remote control functionality over the subgigahertz long range network in addition to providing monitoring of the vehicle data. In addition to the data capability there is also the ability to send digital audio over the network, which can be used to provide a public address function if required, or initiate pre-recorded audio messages, and provide a visual display of alerts messages and status if required.
2. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in claim 1, wherein the node comprises a Visual Display Unit and audio interface and GPS unit with a data analysis interface circuit and sub-gigahertz long range transceiver.
3. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a suitable enclosure.
4. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in any of the claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the transceiver for sending the data signal comprises a transceiver operating in the sub-gigahertz long range frequency range which is uniquely identifiable on the subgigahertz long range network.
5. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in claim 4 further comprising a switching circuit for initiating the data communication.
6. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of individually selectable inputs or outputs.
7. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in any preceding claim where the sub-gigahertz long range transceiver is remotely programmable and configurable.
8. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises a battery monitoring circuit adapted to monitor the status of the supply battery and/or power supply and automatically send a message indicating the power status.
9. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a monitoring circuit that is adapted to monitor the status of the unit and automatically re-boot in the event of a system failure or crash.
10. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a power management circuit for controlling the power to the unit.
11. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a data port is operatively connected to a sensor for transmitting data over the subgigahertz long range network.
12. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the functionality of any of the data input or output ports is remotely programmable/re-programmable by way of data commands sent to the unit by way of the sub-gigahertz long range network.
13. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as in any preceding claim further comprising a digital audio circuit.
14. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an uninterruptable power supply.
15. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in claim 14, wherein the uninterruptable power supply comprises a battery and a means for trickle charging the battery, the trickle charging comprising: a mains power supply; a vehicle power supply; a solar panel; a solar photovoltaic cell, or any other suitable means for charging a battery.
16. A vehicle control and monitoring data transmission node as claimed in any preceding claim that is addressable by the base station either individually or collectively.
17. A repeater base station as claimed in claim 1 which comprises a sub-gigahertz long range transceiver
18. A repeater base station as claimed in claim 1 or 17 further comprising a water and/or weatherproof enclosure.
19. A repeater base station node as claimed in any of the claims 1, 17 or 18, wherein the transceiver for sending the data signal comprises a transceiver operating in the subgigahertz frequency range which is uniquely identifiable on the sub-gigahertz long range network.
20. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of individually selectable inputs or outputs.
21. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim where the sub-gigahertz long range transceiver is remotely programmable and configurable.
22. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises a battery monitoring circuit adapted to monitor the status of the supply battery and/or power supply and automatically send a message indicating the power status.
23. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a monitoring circuit that is adapted to monitor the status of the unit and automatically re-boot in the event of a system failure or crash.
24. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a power management circuit for controlling the power to the unit.
25. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a data port is operatively connected to a sensor for transmitting data over the sub-gigahertz long range network.
26. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the functionality of any of the data input or output ports are remotely programmable/re-programmable by way of data commands sent to the unit by way of the sub-gigahertz long range network.
27. A repeater base station as in any preceding claim further comprising a digital audio circuit.
28. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an uninterruptable power supply.
29. A repeater base station as claimed in claim 28, wherein the uninterruptable power supply comprises a battery and a means for trickle charging the battery, the trickle charging comprising: a mains power supply; a vehicle power supply; a solar panel; a solar photovoltaic cell; a wind turbine, or any other suitable means for charging a battery.
30. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim that is capable as acting as a gateway for establishing one-to-many communications with vehicle control and monitoring data transmission nodes.
31. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim that is connected to a wireless mobile telephony network, a PSTN network, or a WiFi network facilitating transfer of data communications from the sub-gigahertz long range network to either a mobile telephony device, PC, tablet computer or any other device capable of receiving a data signal/message.
32. A repeater base station as claimed in any preceding claim which forms part of a network of other repeater base stations operating in the sub-gigahertz frequency range facilitating local and or wide area coverage of sub-gigahertz long range data communications.