WO2003091063A1

WO2003091063A1 - Improvements in or relating to an indicator arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2003091063A1
Application number: PCT/GB2003/001781
Authority: WO
Inventors: Muteli Jae Carifa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-04-23
Filing date: 2003-04-23
Publication date: 2003-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2004-10-23
Also published as: AU2003224309A1; GB0209250D0; GB2388207A

Abstract

An indicator arrangement provided on a motor vehicle, the indicator arrangement including a unit (1) and a means (3, 4) releaseably to mount the unit in the vehicle in effective electrical contact with circuitry (24) in the vehicle, the circuitry in the vehicle including at least one indicator (34) visible from the exterior of the vehicle, the combination of the unit (1) and the circuitry incorporating a time responsive device (30) adapted to provide an output to control the indicator (34), the output being changed on a predetermined date, at least that part of the time responsive device (30) that determines the predetermined date forming part of said unit (1).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

"IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO AN INDICATOR ARRANGEMENT"

THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to an indicator arrangement and more particularly relates to an indicator arrangement mounted on a motor vehicle. A preferred embodiment of the indicator arrangement of the present invention may be utilised to provide a ready indication as to whether the Government tax that should be paid in connection with the vehicle has, or has not, been paid.

In many countries it is necessary to pay a tax in respect of a vehicle to enable the vehicle to be driven on a public road. At present, in many countries, it is possible to pay the tax for six months or twelve months in advance. When paying the tax the motorist is provided with a certificate, such as a paper certificate which must be displayed within or on the motor vehicle so that officials, such as policemen and traffic wardens, can readily determine whether the tax has, or has not, -been paid in connection with any particular vehicle.

The checking of the details on each tax certificate requires a close inspection, and thus it is not easy to determine, when a vehicle is actually in movement, whether a vehicle is, or is not, correctly taxed. The present invention seeks to provide an improved indicator arrangement.

According to this invention there is provided an indicator arrangement provided on a motor vehicle, the indicator arrangement including a unit and a means releaseably to mount the unit in the vehicle in effective electrical contact with circuitry in the vehicle, the circuitry in the vehicle including at least one indicator visible from the exterior of the vehicle, the combination of the unit and the circuitry incorporating a time responsive device adapted to provide an output to control the indicator, the output being changed on a predetermined date, at least that part of the time responsive device that determines the predetermined date forming part of said unit.

Preferably the unit is provided with a protruding tab, carrying conductive tracks and the vehicle is provided with a socket adapted to receive the tab, the socket forming part of the circuitry within the vehicle.

Conveniently the unit incorporates an integrated circuit, the integrated circuit incorporating at least a memory device which stores the predetermined date.

Advantageously the memory device is a re-programmable memory device.

Preferably the unit is in the form of a casing, the casing receiving an internal sliding insert, part of the exterior of the casing being transparent and part of the insert defining a recess adapted to receive a paper tax certificate, the recess being aligned with the transparent region when the insert is in position within the casing.

Conveniently the casing is provided with a tamper-proof seal to prevent the insert from being withdrawn from the casing.

Advantageously the indicator comprises a light.

Preferably the light is present in a light cluster provided on the vehicle.

Conveniently the light is present in a rear light cluster on the vehicle.

Advantageously an audible alarm is provided, the audible alarm being actuated by the time responsive device.

Preferably the time responsive device includes a processor, the processor being connected to a memory, which memory stores a specific date, and a clock, which clock provides an indication of the current date, the processor controlling the visible indicator and, if provided, an audible alarm, the processor being adapted to control the visible indicator and alarm in dependence upon the relationship between the present date as indicated by the clock and a predetermined date as stored within the memory, at least the said memory being provided on the said unit.

Conveniently the unit incorporates a first memory containing data, and the circuitry includes a second memory containing data, the arrangement including means which over-ride the said output to control the indicator unless a predetermined relationship exists between the data in the first memory and the data in the second memory. The predetermined relationship may be an identity between the two sets of data.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, an indicator arrangement in accordance with the present invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a unit, forming part of an embodiment of the invention showing the unit in a partially open position,

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of part of the unit of Figure 1 when the unit is in a closed condition,

FIGURE 3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the unit of Figures 1 and 2 mounted in position within a motor vehicle,

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a rear light cluster and associated circuitry as mounted on a motor vehicle,

FIGURE 5 is a rear view of the rear light cluster, and

FIGURE 6 is a block diagram provided for purposes of explanation.

An indicator arrangement in accordance with the present invention may be used to provide a ready indication that the tax relating to a motor vehicle has been paid. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a unit is provided which effectively replaces the simple paper tax certificate. The unit may include a holder for a conventional paper tax certificate, if this is deemed appropriate, but in the context of the present invention the unit includes within it part of a time responsive device, and in particular the part of a time responsive device which determines a predetermined date, that date being the date upon which the tax "expires".

It is envisaged that the unit may be a "re-programmable" unit, so when the tax is about to expire the unit may be taken to an appropriate office and, in some way, "recharged" or "up-dated" so that the date stored within the unit is then the date of expiry of the next tax period.

When the unit is mounted within a motor vehicle, the unit co-operates with circuitry witiiin the motor vehicle, which circuitry includes a visible indicator, such as a light source, and the light source is controlled so that the light source is actuated in response to the relationship between the actual date and the predetermined date (or date of tax expiry) as stored within the unit. Thus, in one example, a light may be illuminated during the period when the tax has been paid, with that light being extinguished when the tax expires or, alternatively, a light may be illuminated when the tax expires, or when no unit is present within the vehicle. Thus officials such as policemen and traffic wardens can readily see, from the exterior of the vehicle, whether the vehicle is or is not "taxed".

Alternatively lights of different colours may be illuminated, one colour, such as green, when the tax has not expired, and another colour, for example red, when the tax has expired. Referring now to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a unit 1 of a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The unit 1 comprises an outer case 2, the case is of flat, generally square form, and has spaced apart front and rear walls. The outer case 2 is provided at one side edge with a projecting tab 3 having electrically conductive tracks 4 formed thereon, the tab 3 thus providing part of an electrical connector. The case 2 is also in the described embodiment, provided with an integrated circuit 5. The integrated circuit includes, as will be described hereinafter, at least a memory section adapted to store a specific date. The memory may be a re-programmable memory so that the date stored within the memory present within the integrated circuit 5 may be altered by supplying appropriate signals to the electrically conductive tracks 4 although, alternatively, the date may be predetermined and fixed.

One corner of the casing 2 adjacent an opening between the front and rear walls is provided with a pair of spaced apart aligned apertured lugs 6.

At least the central part 7 of the front wall of the casing 2 is, in the described embodiment, formed to be transparent.

Slidably received within the casing 2 between the front and rear walls is a slideable insert 8. The slideable insert 8 is of generally planer form and defines, in one face thereof, a recess 9. The recess 9 may be dimensioned to receive a conventional paper tax certificate and the recess 9 is located so that when the insert 8 is within position within the casing 2 a paper tax certificate witiiin the recess 9 is co-aligned with the transparent central part 7 of the front wall of the casing 2, so that the tax certificate is visible. The insert 8 is provided with a unique identifying number 10. A similar identifying number may be provided on the interior of the casing. The identifying number 10 is located in such a position that ordinarily the number 10 is concealed when the slider is fully inserted into the casing 2. The identifying number may be stored on a central data-base together with an identifying number (such as the VTN number that identifies the vehicle). Thus if a unit 1 is used with a vehicle which is not the appropriate vehicle, the numbers I the data-base will not match.

The insert 8 is provided, at one corner thereof, with an apertured lug 11. When the insert is fully in position within the casing 2, the apertured lug 11 is received between the apertured lugs 6 with the apertures of the lugs 6 and the lug 11 being co-aligned. A tamper proof seal, such as a lead seal 12 may pass through the co-aligned apertures, so that once the insert is fully in position within the casing it cannot readily be removed from the casing.

Figure 3 illustrates a unit 1, as described above, when mounted in a motor vehicle 20. Figure 3 illustrates the lower part of the front windscreen 21 of the vehicle. A socket 22 is provided adjacent the base of the windscreen adapted to receive the tab 3 of the casing 1. Thus the casing 1 may be mounted in position. In the described embodiment, the casing is mounted in position in such a way that the transparent region 7 of the front face of the casing 2 is visible through the windscreen 21. Thus the paper tax certificate in the recess 9 of the insert 8 can be inspected from the exterior of the vehicle.

The socket 22 is connected to electrical circuitry within the motor vehicle, and the circuitry may include a rear light cluster 23, the rear light cluster being provided with a connecting cable 24 which extends to an appropriate connector 25. As can be seen more clearly in Figure 5, the light cluster 23 may include, in addition to the normal stop/tail lights, a specific "tax" light 26. The tax light may be a light emitting diode or may be any other appropriate form of light.

An audible alarm, such as a buzzer, may be provided within the motor vehicle.

When the unit 2 is mounted within the motor vehicle a time responsive electronic device 30 is operative, and a typical device may have a form as shown diagrammatically in Figure 6.

The time response device 30 may include a central processor 31. The processor 31 is adapted to receive a signal from a memory 32. The memory 32 will be the memory mentioned above which forms part of the integrated circuit 5 present on the casing 2. The memory 32 effectively stores the date upon which the current tax will expire. The processor also receives a signal from a clock 33. The clock 33 provides the processor with an indication of the current date.

The processor 31 is adapted to control a visible indicator 34 (which in the present example of the invention is constituted by the "tax" light 26) and also an audible alarm 35, which may be the buzzer, provided within the motor vehicle.

The processor controls the visible indicator and the audible alarm in dependence upon the relationship between the present date, as indicated by the clock 33 and the predetermined or tax expiry date as stored in the memory 32. When the actual date is before the tax expiry date the visible indicator 34 will be actuated, and thus the light 26 will be illuminated. When the actual date is later than the predetermined or tax expiry date, the visible indicator will not be actuated and thus the "tax" light 26 will be extinguished, and the audible alarm 35 will be enabled so that, whenever the driver of the vehicle turns on the ignition, the audible alarm will sound for a brief period of time.

Consequently, whenever the vehicle is properly taxed the tax light 26 will be illuminated, and officials such as policemen and traffic wardens will be able to see that the vehicle is taxed without stopping the vehicle to inspect the paper tax certificate. However, when the tax has expired the audible alarm will sound whenever the driver starts a journey, thus warning the driver that the tax has expired, and also the tax light will not be illuminated, meaning that the appropriate officials will be readily aware of the fact that the vehicle is not properly taxed.

Towards the expiry of the tax period the motorist will be able to take the unit from the vehicle to an appropriate place, such as a Post Office, and either replace the unit with a fresh unit or, alternatively, have a new tax document inserted into the interior of the casing and have the integrated circuit 5 electronically re-programmed so that the memory 32 contains the new tax expiry date.

It is to be appreciated that while at least the relevant part of the memory 32 should form part of the integrated circuit 5, the clock and the processor may form part of the integrated circuit 5 or, alternatively, may be mounted on the motor vehicle.

Whilst an arrangement has been disclosed in which the time responsive device incorporates a memory which stores a predetermined date and a clock which indicates the actual date, alternative forms of time responsive device could be utilised. For example, the integrated circuit 5 could include a simple clock which is set to "run" for a predetermined period of time. In such an arrangement the integrated circuit 5 may incorporate its own power source, such as a battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery so that when the unit is taken to a place such as a Post Office on expiry of the tax, the battery may be recharged.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, part of the memory 32, which is contained within the integrated circuit 5 in the unit 1, contains a specific item of data which may, for example, be the VIN number of the vehicle in connection with which the unit is to be used. A second memory which forms part of the circuitry on the vehicle also contains data which represents the VTN number of the vehicle. A comparator is provided to compare the data in the first memory in the unit with the second memory in the vehicle, and, an arrangement is provided which is operable to over-ride the described control of the indicator unless the two numbers, as stored in the two memories, are identical. In this way the unit 1 may only be used with the appropriate or "correct" vehicle.

In the present Specification "comprises" means "includes or consists of and "comprising" means "including or consisting of.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following Claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An indicator arrangement provided on a motor vehicle, the indicator arrangement including a unit and a means releaseably to mount the unit in the vehicle in effective electrical contact with circuitry in the vehicle, the circuitry in the vehicle including at least one indicator visible from the exterior of the vehicle, the combination of the unit and the circuitry incorporating a time responsive device adapted to provide an output to control the indicator, the output being changed on a predetermined date, at least that part of the time responsive device that determines the predetermined date forming part of said unit.

2. An arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the unit is provided with a protruding tab, carrying conductive tracks and the vehicle is provided with a socket adapted to receive the tab, the socket forming part of the circuitry within the vehicle.

3. An arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the unit incorporates an integrated circuit, the integrated circuit incorporating at least a memory device which stores the predetermined date.

4. An arrangement according to Claim 3 wherein the memory device is a re-programmable memory device.

5. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the unit is in the form of a casing, the casing receiving an internal sliding insert, part of the exterior of the casing being transparent and part of the insert defining a recess adapted to receive a paper tax certificate, the recess being aligned with the transparent region when the insert is in position within the casing.

6. An arrangement according to Claim 5 wherein the casing is provided with a tamper-proof seal to prevent the insert from being withdrawn from the casing.

7. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the indicator comprises a light.

8. An arrangement according to Claim 7 wherein the light is present in a light cluster provided on the vehicle.

9. An arrangement according to Claim 8 wherein the light is present in a rear light cluster on the vehicle.

10. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein an audible alarm is provided, the audible alarm being actuated by the time responsive device.

11. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the time responsive device includes a processor, the processor being connected to a memory, which memory stores a specific date, and a clock, which clock provides an indication of the current date, the processor controlling the visible indicator and, if provided, an audible alarm, the processor being adapted to control the visible indicator and alarm in dependence upon the relationship between the present date as indicated by the clock and a predetermined date as stored within the memory, at least the said memory being provided on the said unit.

12. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the unit incorporates a first memory containing data, and the circuitry includes a second memory containing data, the arrangement including means which override the said output to control the indicator unless a predetermined relationship exists between the data in the first memory and the data in the second memory.

13. An indicator arrangement substantively described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

14. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.