Vehicle registration verification system and method

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle registration verification system (10) comprising a plurality of surveillance sensors (12) arranged to monitor various vehicle paths, a plurality of unique primary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.1 each arrangeable on a vehicle (14) and comprising a Quick Response (QR) tag realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink, and configured, in such a non-visible electromagnetic spectrum, to provide predetermined data unique to said vehicle when interrogated by a surveillance sensor (12), as well as a plurality of unique secondary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.2 each uniquely associated with one primary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.1 and arrangeable on the same vehicle (14). Each secondary indicium 18.2 is configured as GNSS-enabled and configured to provide a geographic position of said secondary vehicle AIDC indicium. Also included is a processing system (20) arranged in signal communication with the plurality of surveillance sensors (12) and a government vehicle authority registry system (25), with the processing system configured to interrogate, via a surveillance sensor (12), the primary AIDC indicia 18.1 on respective vehicles travelling along a vehicle path, and for an interrogated primary AIDC indicium 18.1, transmit said predetermined data unique to the particular vehicle to the government vehicle authority registry system (24). The processing system (20) then receives, from the government vehicle authority registry system (24), licence data for said interrogated vehicle and compares the received licence data to the predetermined data and, if there is any discrepancy between such licence and predetermined data, provide an alert notification. The processing system (20) is further configured, when requested, to provide a GUI via a network (22) which allows a user to edit the predetermined data and / or view a geographic position of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.2.

Description

VEHICLE REGISTRATION VERIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHODTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to vehicle registration verification, and more specifically to a vehicle registration verification system and an associated method for vehicle registration verification.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Vehicle registration is well-known in the art. Such registration of vehicles generally comprises a government body tasked with registering a vehicle in order to provide some manner of government oversight on the use thereof. Typically, such registration involves some manner of unique identifying number assigned to the vehicle, e.g. a number plate, or the like.

[0004] A number plate (British, Indian and Australian English) or license plate (American English) or licence plate (Canadian English) , is generally a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. However, depending on the vehicle, such a registration number may also comprise various other markings, such as a permanent marking required for ships as part of the International Maritime Organisation's ships' identification number permanently marked in a visible place either on a ship's hull or superstructure, an aircraft registration number issued by a relevant civil aviation authority, or the like.

[0005] All countries generally require vehicle registration, such as number plates for road vehicles including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Whether they are required for other vehicles, such as bicycles, boats, or tractors, may vary by jurisdiction. The registration identifier is typically a numeric or alphanumeric identification that uniquely identifies the vehicle or vehicle owner within the issuing region's vehicle register. In some countries, the identifier is unique within the entire country, while in others it is unique within a state or province. Whether the identifier is associated with a vehicle or a person also varies by issuing agency.

[0006] In general, national vehicle registration databases relate this number to other information describing the vehicle, such as the make, model, colour, year of manufacture, engine size, type of fuel used, mileage recorded (and other similar data in jurisdictions where vehicles are regularly inspected for roadworthiness every year or two) , vehicle identification number (chassis number) , and the name and address of the vehicle's registered owner or keeper.

[0007] In the vast majority of jurisdictions, the government holds a monopoly on the manufacturing of vehicle registration plates for that jurisdiction. Either a government agency or a private company with express contractual authorisation from the government makes number plates as needed, which are then mailed to, delivered to, or picked up by the vehicle owners. Thus, it is normally illegal for private citizens to make and affix their own plates, because such unauthorised private manufacturing is equivalent to forging an official document. Alternatively, the government will merely assign plate numbers, and it is the vehicle owner's responsibility to find an approved private supplier to make a plate with that number.

[0008] Number plates and similar vehicle registrations are essential to ensure accurate identi fication of vehicles and assist in tracing stolen vehicles or vehicles involved in crime and traf fic incidents . For example , criminals may use stolen number plates in fuel drive-of fs , toll evasion and property of fences . Similarly, falsi fying watercraft registrations and aircraft registrations may be used for criminal and nefarious purposes .

[0009] To address shortcomings in the field of law enforcement for licensing and registration, some conventional methods have been developed . One example of such conventional law enforcement systems includes the system as disclosed in US 8 , 754 , 751 to Picolli , describing a system that provides for the wireless receiving, storing and analysis of digital data as part of an RFID enabled motor vehicle license plate in wireless communication with a mobile interrogator for obtaining data such as license plate number and optionally, a VIN . Similarly, US 2002 / 0044069 to Jenkinson describes an improved annual license plate tab af fixed to a license plate designed to inform law enforcement personnel i f the annual motor vehicle registration period has expired .

[0010] Such conventional methods only assist law enforcement agencies using specialised equipment in validating license and registration details of vehicles when scanned, and speci fically rely on licence plates and licence holders to do so . As a result , removal of the license plate and / or licence plate holder nulli fies the usefulness of such conventional systems .

[0011] In light of such shortcomings with conventional techniques , Applicant has identi fied a need in the art for improved vehicle registration veri fication that is not easily nulli fied through removal of existing registration and licence plates and holders , as well as providing additional user functionality, and the current invention was conceived with these goals in mind .SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to a 'vehicle ' comprises broad and non-exclusive reference to any terrestrial vehicle or similar conveyance able to travel on public roads and pathways , maritime vessels such as boats and ships , and / or aircraft able to travel airspace and airways , such a vehicle generally requiring registration with a government authority or registry, such as a motor vehicle authority, a maritime authority, an aviation or airway authority, a transport authority, etc .

[0013] Similarly, reference herein to a 'path' comprises broad and non-exclusive reference to an appropriate course or path that a vehicle moves along . Accordingly, a path for a motor vehicle may comprise a suitable public road, parking area, vehicle service point ; a path for an aircraft may comprise an airway, a flightpath, general airspace or a runway; a path for a marine vessel may comprise a waterway, a river, a marina, a dock, etc .

[0014] The skilled addressee will further appreciate that reference herein to the phrase ' automatic identi fication and data capture ' or 'AIDC' generally refers to any suitable technique or methodology for automatically and without user data entry, identi fying an obj ect and entering relevant data directly into a computer system ( i . e . generally autonomous and without direct human involvement ) . Examples of AIDC technologies include bar codes , Quick Response ( QR) tags , Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) , Near-Field Communication (NFC ) , data tags , magnetic stripes , optical pattern recognition, etc .

[0015] It is further to be understood that reference herein to a 'GUI ' refer to a Graphical User Interface , being a user interface that allows a user to interact with an electronic device , such as a terminal , processing or computing system through manipulation ofgraphical icons , visual indicators , text-based typed command labels and / or text navigation, including primary and / or secondary notations , as is known in the art of computer science .

[0016] In addition, reference herein to 'GNSS ' generally refers to any suitable Global Navigation Satellite System able to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning, including the GPS , GLONASS , Galileo , Beidou and other regional satellite systems .

[0017] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle registration veri fication system comprising : a plurality of surveillance sensors arranged to monitor various vehicle paths ; a plurality of unique primary vehicle AIDC indicium, each primary indicium arrangeable on a vehicle and comprising a Quick Response ( QR) tag realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink, and configured, in such a non-visible electromagnetic spectrum, to provide predetermined data unique to said vehicle when interrogated by a surveillance sensor ; a plurality of unique secondary vehicle AIDC indicium, each secondary indicium uniquely associated with one primary vehicle AIDC indicium and arrangeable on the same vehicle , said secondary indicium configured as GNSS-enabled and configured to provide a geographic position of said secondary vehicle AIDC indicium; and a processing system arranged in signal communication with the plurality of surveillance sensors and a government vehicle authority registry system, said processing system configured to : i . interrogate , via a surveillance sensor, the primary AIDC indicia on respective vehicles travelling along a vehicle path; ii . for an interrogated primary AIDC indicium, transmit said predetermined data unique to the particular vehicle to the government vehicle authority registry system;iii . receive , from the government vehicle authority registry system, licence data for said interrogated vehicle ; iv . compare the received licence data to the predetermined data ; and v . when requested, provide a GUI via a network, such as the internet , which allows a user to edit the predetermined data and / or view a geographic position of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium; wherein the processing system is configured to provide an alert noti fication i f there is any discrepancy between such licence and predetermined data, and allows a user to update the predetermined data and view a geographic position of the vehicle on an ad hoc basis .

[0018] In an embodiment , the vehicle path is selectable from a group consisting of a road, a parking area, a filling station and an electric vehicle charging point .

[0019] In an embodiment , each surveillance sensor is installed at a fixed geographic position and configured to interrogate the primary vehicle AIDC indicium when an associated vehicle is proximate said fixed geographic position .

[0020] In an embodiment , the surveillance sensor comprises a non-visible spectrum camera, e . g . infrared, ultraviolet , etc .

[0021] In an embodiment , the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium comprises a GNSS module with radio transmitter for providing the geographic position to the processing system .

[0022] In an embodiment , the GNSS module with radio transmitter of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium includes a photovoltaic cell and electrochemical storage means configured to energise said GNSS module with radio transmitter .

[0023] In an embodiment , the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium comprises a tamper detector configured to detect and indicate tampering with said secondary vehicle AIDC indicium

[0024] In an embodiment , the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium comprises a number plate or license plate holder for mounting a number or license plate to a vehicle .

[0025] In an embodiment , the predetermined data unique to a vehicle is selectable from a group consisting of ownership information, vehicle information, registration information, licence information and payment information .

[0026] In an embodiment , the licence data receivable from the government vehicle authority registry system is selectable from a group consisting of ownership information, vehicle information, registration information and licence information .

[0027] In an embodiment , the processing system is configured to function as a payment provider to a third-party having a surveillance sensor installed at a premises thereof , with the predetermined data unique to a vehicle comprising payment information, such as credit card details , which is provided to said third-party when said installed surveillance sensor interrogates the primary AIDC indicium .

[0028] In an embodiment , the alert noti fication providable by the processing system is selectable from a mobile phone message , an electronic mail message , a push message to a software application and an automated telephone call .

[0029] In an embodiment , the processing system is configured to receive and veri fy update information to the predetermined data from a registered owner of a vehicle .

[0030] In an embodiment , the processing system is configured to receive and veri fy update information to the predetermined data from the government vehicle authority registry system .

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for vehicle registration veri fication, said method comprising the steps of : arranging a plurality of surveillance sensors to monitor various vehicle paths ; arranging a plurality of unique primary vehicle AIDC indicium on respective vehicles , each primary AIDC indicium comprising a Quick Response ( QR) tag realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink, and configured, in such a non-visible electromagnetic spectrum, to provide predetermined data unique to said vehicle when interrogated by a surveillance sensor ; arranging a plurality of unique secondary vehicle AIDC indicium each uniquely associated with one primary vehicle AIDC indicium on respective vehicles , said secondary indicium configured as GNSS-enabled and configured to provide a geographic position of said secondary vehicle AIDC indicium; interrogating, via a surveillance sensor, primary AIDC indicia on respective vehicles travelling said vehicle paths ; for each interrogated AIDC indicium, transmitting, by means of a processing system arranged in signal communication with the at least one surveillance sensor and a government vehicle authority registry system, said predetermined data unique to the particular vehicle to the government vehicle authority registry system; receiving, by the processing system from the government vehicle authority registry system, licence data for each interrogated vehicle ; comparing, by the processing system, the received licence data to the predetermined data ;if there is any discrepancy between such licence and predetermined data, providing an alert notification via the processing system; and if requested, provide a GUI via a network, such as the internet, said GUI configured to allow a user to edit the predetermined data and / or view a geographic position of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium.

[0032] In an embodiment, the vehicle path is selectable from a group consisting of a road, a parking area, a filling station and an electric vehicle charging point.

[0033] In an embodiment, the step of arranging surveillance sensors comprises installing such sensors at fixed geographic positions so that a sensor interrogates the primary vehicle AIDC indicium when an associated vehicle is proximate said fixed geographic position.

[0034] In an embodiment, the surveillance sensor comprises a non-visible spectrum camera, e.g. infrared, ultraviolet, etc.

[0035] In an embodiment, the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium comprises a GNSS module with radio transmitter for providing the geographic position to the processing system.

[0036] In an embodiment, the GNSS module with radio transmitter of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium includes a photovoltaic cell and electrochemical storage means configured to energise said GNSS module with radio transmitter.

[0037] In an embodiment, the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium comprises a tamper detector configured to detect and indicate tampering with said secondary vehicle AIDC indicium

[0038] In an embodiment, the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium comprises a number plate or license plate holder for mounting a number or license plate to a vehicle .

[0039] In an embodiment, the predetermined data unique to a vehicle is selectable from a group consisting of ownership information, vehicle information, registration information, licence information and payment information.

[0040] In an embodiment, the licence data receivable from the government vehicle authority registry system is selectable from a group consisting of ownership information, vehicle information, registration information and licence information.

[0041] In an embodiment, the processing system is configured to function as a payment provider to a third-party having a surveillance sensor installed at a premises thereof, with the predetermined data unique to a vehicle comprising payment information, such as credit card details, which is provided to said third-party when said installed surveillance sensor interrogates the primary AIDC indicium.

[0042] In an embodiment, the alert notification providable by the processing system is selectable from a mobile phone message, an electronic mail message, a push message to a software application and an automated telephone call.

[0043] In an embodiment, the method includes a step of, via the processing system, receiving and verifying update information to the predetermined data from a registered owner of a vehicle.

[0044] In an embodiment, the method includes a step of, via the processing system, receiving and verifying update information to the predetermined data from the government vehicle authority registry system.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle registration veri fication system and an associated method for vehicle registration veri fication, substantially as herein described and / or illustrated .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic overview representation of one embodiment of a vehicle registration veri fication system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic overview representation of an example processing system of the vehicle registration veri fication system of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic overview representation of an example of the processing system interacting with various mobile devices ; andFigure 4 shows a diagrammatic overview representation of an urban map with a plurality of surveillance sensors installed at fixed geographic positions and arranged to monitor various vehicle paths , including third-party premises .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on thebroad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0047] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout. Additionally, features, mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail, as such features, mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0048] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings, but provide a functional overview of the invention only. As a result, features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure, but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0049] Broadly, the present invention comprises a vehicle registration verification system 10 and an associated method. Such a vehicle registration verification system 10 generally comprises surveillance sensors 12, a plurality of vehicles 14 each having a unique primary AIDC indicium 18.1 and secondary associated AIDC indicium 18.2 arranged thereon, and a processing system 20. The processing system 20 is generally arranged in signal communication with the surveillance sensors 12 and a government vehicle authority registry system 24, typically by means of a suitable communications network 22, such as the Internet, or the like.

[0050] The vehicle registration verification system 10 generally comprises a plurality of surveillance sensors 12 that are arranged to monitor various vehicle paths. Typically, the system 10 comprises a network of surveillance sensors 12 that are distributed over a geographic area to monitor a plurality of vehicle paths, such as roads, runways, marinas, etc. As described,the vehicle 14 may take various forms, such as a car, a truck, a trailer, a boat or ship, and aircraft, or the like.'

[0051] Fo r example, as shown in Figure 4, one embodiment of the system 10 typically comprises each surveillance sensor 12 being installed at a fixed geographic position and configured to interrogate the primary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.1 when an associated vehicle 14 is proximate said fixed geographic position where a sensor 12 is installed. Such broadly-defined vehicle paths typically comprise roads, parking areas, filling stations and electric vehicle charging points.

[0052] The vehicle registration verification system 10 further comprises a plurality of unique primary AIDC indicium 18.1 each arrangeable on a vehicle 14 and configured, in a non-visible electromagnetic spectrum, to provide predetermined data unique to said vehicle to the surveillance sensor 12 when interrogated thereby. In one embodiment, each unique primary AIDC indicium 18.1 comprises a Quick Response (QR) tag realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink, but variations hereon are possible and expected. In one embodiment, the surveillance sensor 12 may comprise a non-visible spectrum camera, e.g. an infrared or ultraviolet camera, or the like, for interrogating the primary AIDC indicium 18.1.

[0053] Importantly, as the primary AIDC indicium 18.1 comprises a QR tag realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink, such primary indicium 18.1 is not readily-visible and can thus be 'hidden' on the vehicle 14. As a result, a user of the vehicle will only know of a presence of such primary AIDC indicium 18.1 if they actively look for it using a non-visible spectrum camera, or the like. Accordingly, the non-visible and not-readily-apparent primary AIDC indicium 18.1 may be arranged at various different areas on a vehicle 14, and the like, thus making removal or obfuscation thereof very difficult. Such primary indicium 18.1 mayalso be included as part of a manufacturing process of the vehicle, e.g. applied under a clearcoat of the vehicle paint, applied inside a door frame, etc. Variations hereon are possible and anticipated. In this manner, the vehicle 14 remains identifiable even without a licence plate or RFID-enabled licence plate holder, and the like.

[0054] The vehicle registration verification system 10 further comprises a plurality of unique secondary vehicle AIDC indicium18.2 each uniquely associated with one primary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.1 and arrangeable on the same vehicle 14. For example, the primary and secondary indicium 18.1 and 18.2 may be registered as associated on processing system 20 and / or government vehicle authority registry system 24, described in more detail below, or the like. Importantly, the secondary indicium 18.2 is configured as GNSS-enabled and is configured to provide a geographic position of said secondary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.2, i.e. the vehicle 14 when affixed thereto.

[0055] In one embodiment, the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium18.2 comprises a GNSS module with radio transmitter for providing the geographic position to the processing system 20. In one embodiment, the GNSS module with radio transmitter of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.2 may include a photovoltaic cell and electrochemical storage means configured to energise said GNSS module with radio transmitter. Additionally, or alternatively, the GNSS module may also be energised by an electrical system of the vehicle 14, i.e. hard-wired to the vehicle's electrical system, etc. Again, variations on the specific configuration of the secondary AIDC indicium 18.2 are possible and will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0056] In one embodiment, each secondary vehicle AIDC indicium18.2 comprises a tamper detector configured to detect and indicate tampering with the secondary AIDC indicium 18.2. For example, in one embodiment, the secondary AIDC indicium 18.2 may comprise anRFID or similar radio transceiver embedded within a number plate holder, or the like. The number plate holder may include a tamper detector, such as a sensor, which is configured to detect if someone removes a fastener, such as a screw, in order to access the number plate within the holder. Should such tamper detection occur, the tamper detector of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.2 may send a signal to the processing system 20 of the system 10, as described in more detail below.

[0057] In one embodiment, the predetermined data unique to a vehicle may comprise ownership information, i.e. name, address, etc., vehicle information, i.e. make, model, VIN number, etc., registration and licence information, i.e. registration details, etc. Such predetermined data generally serves to uniquely identify an owner and / or the vehicle, as registered with the government vehicle authority registry system 24, but variations hereon are possible .

[0058] The vehicle registration verification system 10 also includes a processing system 20 which is arranged in signal communication with the at least one surveillance sensor 12 and the government vehicle authority registry system 24, as described. The processing system 20 is configured to interrogate, via the surveillance sensors 12, the primary AIDC indicium 18.1 on respective vehicles travelling along or via a monitored vehicle path. In general, for each interrogated primary AIDC indicium 18.1, the processing system 20 transmits the predetermined data which is unique to the particular vehicle and uniquely associated with the interrogated indicium 18 to the government vehicle authority registry system 24.

[0059] For example, the processing system 20 typically includes a data storage unit 36 which is preconfigured with such predetermined data and uniquely linked to each individual primary AIDC indicium 18.1, e.g. a data lookout table or relationaldatabase, as is generally known in the art. The processing system 20 is also configured to receive, from the government vehicle authority registry system 24, licence data for each interrogated vehicle, and to compare the received licence data to the predetermined data. In this manner, the processing system 20 is able to provide an alert notification if there is any discrepancy between such licence and predetermined data.

[0060] In one embodiment, the licence data receivable from the government vehicle authority registry system 24 may comprise vehicle ownership information, vehicle information, registration information and licence information. In one embodiment, the primary and secondary indicium 18.1 and 18.2 are registered as associated on processing system 20 and government vehicle authority registry system 24. In one embodiment, the processing system 22 is further configured to receive and verify update information to the predetermined data from a registered owner of a vehicle and / or the government vehicle authority registry system. For example, if a vehicle is sold or ownership is transferred, such details may be updated on the processing system 20. As broadly indicated in Figure 2, such updating of the predetermined data is typically done via providing a GUI 42 via a network 22, such as the internet, to a user (represented by mobile device 26) which allows a user to edit the predetermined data and / or view a geographic position of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.2, as described.

[0061] In one embodiment, the alert notification provided by the processing system 20 may comprise a mobile phone message, an electronic mail message, a push message to a software application, an automated telephone call, or the like. In this manner, if the vehicle registration verification system 10 interrogates an indicium 18 with predetermined data on the processing system 20 not matching the registered licence data from the government vehicle authority registry system 24, an alert notification may besent to an interested party, such as the vehicle owner, the police, etc .

[0062] In one embodiment, the processing system 22 may further be configured to enable a registered owner of the vehicle to confirm the veracity of the predetermined data unique to a primary AIDC indicium applicable to a vehicle. For example, the processing system 22 may be configured to provide a suitable graphical user interface (GUI) 42, via network 22, typically enabled by means of a suitable software application, whereby an owner of the vehicle may interrogate the secondary indicium 18.2 directly, typically via a mobile device 26, with the processing system 22 configured to provide the current geographic position or even the currently- registered predetermined data to the owner, i.e. the secondary indicium 18.2 may also store the predetermined data, or the like.

[0063] In one embodiment, the secondary indicium 18.2 may comprise a user-scannable AIDC tag, such as an RFID tag, an NFC tag, or the like, which is scannable by a user, typically via a suitable software application, such as a mobile phone app, in order to verify or edit the predetermined data. For example, a user may scan the secondary indicium 18.2 and verify as the registered owner of a vehicle, and update or edit the predetermined data. As the primary indicium 18.1 is not readily-visible and can be 'hidden' on the vehicle 14, scanning of the secondary indicium 18.2 provides a means for updating or editing the predetermined data registered on processing system 20 and / or government vehicle authority registry system 24 with associated security measures, such as two- factor authentication, and the like, without requiring direct access to said primary indicium 18.1.

[0064] Additionally, in one embodiment, the processing system 22 is configured to provide an alert notification to a registered owner of the vehicle if there is any discrepancy between the licence and predetermined data, as well as should any tampering bedetected by the tamper detector, as described above. For example, the processing system 22 may be configured to alert a registered owner if tampering is detected and request whether or not the processing system 22 should also alert another authority, such as the police, or the like. Such an arrangement finds particular application in preventing 'false positive' notifications being sent to, for example, the police, or the like.

[0065] With reference to Figure 2, the processing system 20 generally includes at least one processor 30, or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory 34, at least one input device 38 and at least one output device 38, coupled together via a bus or group of buses 32. Typically, the processor 32 comprises any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input, perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set, and provide output, as well as transitory and / or non-transitory electronic storage, such as memory 34 and storage device or data storage unit 36, or the like.

[0066] In different embodiments, input and output devices 38 could be the same device, e.g. a touchscreen. An interface is also generally provided for coupling the processing system 20 to one or more peripheral devices, such as surveillance sensor (s) 12 and network 22. The memory 34 can be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The processor 30 could include more than one distinct processing device, for example to handle different functions within the processing system 20.

[0067] Input device 38 typically receives input data and can include, for example, a keyboard, a pointer device such as a penlike device or a mouse, audio receiving device for voice-controlled activation such as a microphone, data receiver or antenna such as a modem or wireless data adaptor, data acquisition card, a touchscreen for receiving tactile input, etc. Input data couldcome from different sources, for example keyboard instructions in conjunction with data received via a network, a suitable GNSS system 40, or the like. Output device 38 produces or generates output data and can include, for example, a display device or monitor in which case output data is visual, a printer in which case output data is printed, a port for example a USB port, a peripheral component adaptor, a data transmitter or antenna such as a modem or wireless network adaptor, etc. Output data could be distinct and derived from different output devices, for example a visual display on a monitor in conjunction with data transmitted to a network. In this manner, a user could view data output, or an interpretation of the data output, on, for example, a touchscreen, a monitor or using a printer. The storage device 36 can be any form of data or information storage means, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc.

[0068] Importantly, in a typical embodiment, the predetermined data unique to a vehicle 14 comprises payment information. In this manner, in one embodiment, the processing system 20 may be configured to function as a payment provider to a third-party having a surveillance sensor 12 installed at a premises thereof, with the predetermined data unique to a vehicle comprising payment information, such as credit card details, which is provided to said third-party when said installed surveillance sensor 12 interrogates the primary AIDC indicium 18.1.

[0069] For example, a parking garage may be a third-party with payment for parking enabled via a suitable surveillance sensor 12 installed as part of an entrance or exit boom gate. Similarly, a further third-party may comprise a fuel filling station, where a fuel bowser is authorised or released once a validity of the primary AIDC indicium 18.1 is confirmed via processing system 20 interrogating the primary AIDC indicium 18.1 with an installed surveillance sensor 12 and verifying the predetermined dataincludes valid payment information, or the like. Similarly, electric vehicle charging stations may take payment for electrical charging supply, etc.

[0070] In addition, the skilled addressee is to appreciate that by having the secondary AIDC indicium 18.2 GNSS-enabled, and with the surveillance sensors 12 typically installed at fixed geographic positions, allows further verification of such payment information. For example, payment to a third-party may be contingent on having valid payment information registered as part of the predetermined data provided via the primary AIDC indicium18.1, and if the geographic position of the secondary AIDC indicium 18.2 corresponds to that of the geographic position of the surveillance sensor 12 interrogating the primary AIDC indicium18.1. In this manner, the associated primary and secondary indicia 18.1 and 18.2 may function as multi-factor authentication for third-party payments.

[0071] As briefly mentioned above, the processing system 20 typically provides a GUI 42 to users whereby a user if able to monitor and update the predetermined data associated with the primary AIDC indicium 18.1 and monitor a geographic position of the secondary AIDC indicium 18.2. Typically, the processing system 20 enables a user to create and manage a profile with such information, as generally known in the art. Such a profile enables further functionality, such as managing a plurality of primary and secondary indicia 18.1 and 18.2 uniquely associated with a plurality of vehicles, as well as registering specific drivers to a vehicle, or the like. For example,

[0072] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the present invention includes an associated method for vehicle registration verification. Such a method generally comprises the steps of arranging at least one surveillance sensor 12 to monitor a vehicle path, arranging a plurality of unique primary vehicle AIDC indicium18.1 on respective vehicles 14, said primary AIDC indicium configured 18.1, in a non-visible electromagnetic spectrum, to provide predetermined data unique to said vehicle to a surveillance sensor 12 when interrogated, and interrogating, via the at least one surveillance sensor 12, primary AIDC indicia 18.1 on respective vehicles 14 travelling said vehicle path.

[0073] The method also typically comprises the step of arranging a plurality of unique secondary vehicle AIDC indicium18.2 each uniquely associated with one primary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.1 on respective vehicles, said secondary indicium configured as GNSS-enabled and configured to provide a geographic position of said secondary vehicle AIDC indicium 18.2. The method further comprises the steps of interrogating such primary AIDC indicium 18.1, transmitting, by means of the processing system 20 arranged in signal communication with the at least one surveillance sensor 12 and the government vehicle authority registry system 24, the predetermined data unique to the particular vehicle to the government vehicle authority registry system 24, and receiving, by the processing system 20 from the government vehicle authority registry system 24, licence data for each interrogated vehicle. The method lastly generally comprises steps of comparing, by the processing system 20, the received licence data to the predetermined data, and if there is any discrepancy between such licence and predetermined data, providing an alert notification via the processing system 20.

[0074] In one embodiment, the alert notification providable by the processing system 20 may comprises a mobile phone message, an electronic mail message, a push message to a software application, an automated telephone call, or the like. Such alert notification may be sent to any suitable mobile device 26, or a further processing system, including the government vehicle authority registry system 24, a police authority, a registered owner of the vehicle, or the like.

[0075] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for the vehicle registration verification system 10 and associated method for vehicle registration verification, as described, whereby verification of registered vehicles is facilitated. Importantly, such verification occurs via an invisible primary indicium 18.1, which is not readily apparent to, or removable by, criminals. In contrast, registered vehicle details, such as a number plate 16 of a vehicle 14 is required to be easily-visible to facilitate ready visual identification of a vehicle 14. The invention further provides secondary AIDC indicium whereby a geographic position of a vehicle is trackable, and the overall system 10 is able to provide multifactor authentication for third-party payments.

[0076] In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well- known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee. Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0077] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense.Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified ina different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0078] Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0079] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising, " "having, " "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0080] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A vehicle registration veri fication system comprising : a plurality of surveillance sensors arranged to monitor various vehicle paths ; a plurality of unique primary vehicle AIDC indicium, each primary indicium arrangeable on a vehicle and comprising a Quick Response ( QR) tag realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink, and configured, in such a non- visible electromagnetic spectrum, to provide predetermined data unique to said vehicle when interrogated by a surveillance sensor ; a plurality of unique secondary vehicle AIDC indicium, each secondary indicium uniquely associated with one primary vehicle AIDC indicium and arrangeable on the same vehicle , said secondary indicium configured as GNSS-enabled and configured to provide a geographic position of said secondary vehicle AIDC indicium; and a processing system arranged in signal communication with the plurality of surveillance sensors and a government vehicle authority registry system, said processing system configured to : i . interrogate , via a surveillance sensor, the primary AIDC indicia on respective vehicles travelling along a vehicle path; ii . for an interrogated primary AIDC indicium, transmit said predetermined data unique to the particular vehicle to the government vehicle authority registry system; iii . receive , from the government vehicle authority registry system, licence data for said interrogated vehicle ;iv . compare the received licence data to the predetermined data ; and v . when requested, provide a GUI via a network, such as the internet , which allows a user to edit the predetermined data and / or view a geographic position of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium; wherein the processing system is configured to provide an alert noti fication i f there is any discrepancy between such licence and predetermined data, and allows a user to update the predetermined data and view a geographic position of the vehicle on an ad hoc basis .2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle path is selectable from a group consisting of a road, a parking area, a filling station and an electric vehicle charging point .3 . The system of either of claims 1 or 2 , wherein each surveillance sensor is installed at a fixed geographic position and configured to interrogate the primary vehicle AIDC indicium when an associated vehicle is proximate said fixed geographic position .4 . The system of any of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the surveillance sensor comprises a non-visible spectrum camera, e . g . infrared, ultraviolet , etc .5 . The system of any of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium comprises a GNSS module with radio transmitter for providing the geographic position to the processing system .6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the GNSS module with radio transmitter of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium includes aphotovoltaic cell and electrochemical storage means configured to energise said GNSS module with radio transmitter .7 . The system of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium comprises a tamper detector configured to detect and indicate tampering with said secondary vehicle AIDC indicium8 . The system of any of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium comprises a number plate or license plate holder for mounting a number or license plate to a vehicle .9 . The system of any of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the predetermined data unique to a vehicle is selectable from a group consisting of ownership information, vehicle information, registration information, licence information and payment information .10 . The system of any of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the licence data receivable from the government vehicle authority registry system is selectable from a group consisting of ownership information, vehicle information, registration information and licence information .11 . The system of any of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the processing system is configured to function as a payment provider to a third-party having a surveillance sensor installed at a premises thereof , with the predetermined data unique to a vehicle comprising payment information, such as credit card details , which is provided to said third-party when said installed surveillance sensor interrogates the primary AIDC indicium .12 . The system of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the alert noti fication providable by the processing system is selectable from a mobile phone message , an electronic mail message , a push message to a software application and an automated telephone call .13 . The system of any of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the processing system is configured to receive and veri fy update information to the predetermined data from a registered owner of a vehicle .14 . The system of any of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the processing system is configured to receive and veri fy update information to the predetermined data from the government vehicle authority registry system .15 . A method for vehicle registration veri fication, said method comprising the steps of : arranging a plurality of surveillance sensors to monitor various vehicle paths ; arranging a plurality of unique primary vehicle AIDC indicium on respective vehicles , each primary AIDC indicium comprising a Quick Response ( QR) tag realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink, and configured, in such a non- visible electromagnetic spectrum, to provide predetermined data unique to said vehicle when interrogated by a surveillance sensor ; arranging a plurality of unique secondary vehicle AIDC indicium each uniquely associated with one primary vehicle AIDC indicium on respective vehicles , said secondary indicium configured as GNSS-enabled and configured to provide a geographic position of said secondary vehicle AIDC indicium; interrogating, via a surveillance sensor, primary AIDC indicia on respective vehicles travelling said vehicle paths ;for each interrogated AIDC indicium, transmitting, by means of a proces sing system arranged in signal communication with the at least one surveillance sensor and a government vehicle authority registry system, said predetermined data unique to the particular vehicle to the government vehicle authority registry system; receiving, by the processing system from the government vehicle authority registry system, licence data for each interrogated vehicle ; comparing, by the processing system, the received licence data to the predetermined data ; i f there is any discrepancy between such licence and predetermined data, providing an alert noti fication via the processing system; and i f requested, provide a GUI via a network, such as the internet , said GUI configured to allow a user to edit the predetermined data and / or view a geographic position of the secondary vehicle AIDC indicium .

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