GPS Starter-Interrupt Device for Vehicle Payment Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current payment enforcement systems for vehicles are costly and cumbersome, leading to high default rates and increased repossession expenses, particularly for lenders, as they struggle to efficiently disable vehicles and track their locations in cases of non-payment or unauthorized use without infringing on customer privacy.
Innovation Solution
An onboard starter-interrupt device incorporating Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality that enables remote vehicle disablement and location tracking, allowing for geo-fencing, periodic location reporting, and alerting mechanisms to reduce default risks and repossession costs while respecting customer privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If payment enforcement systems disable vehicles and track locations in cases of non-payment, then the effectiveness of payment enforcement is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vehicle disablement functionality with GPS location tracking into a single integrated payment enforcement system. The starter interrupt device is merged with GPS receiver, transmitter, and control logic to create a unified system that performs both functions through coordinated operation of its components
Solution Approach 2:
The payment enforcement system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can disable the vehicle by interrupting the starter circuit, track the vehicle's location via GPS, transmit location data to lenders, and provide alert mechanisms. This multi-functional design allows a single system to address various enforcement needs without requiring separate devices
2Loss of information
If GPS location tracking is implemented continuously, then location information availability is improved, but customer privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS location tracking operates periodically rather than continuously. The system transmits location information to the lender only at specific intervals or under certain conditions (such as when a payment deadline approaches), rather than maintaining constant monitoring and transmission, thus balancing information availability with privacy protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preliminary location information to lenders before default actually occurs, such as when a payment deadline approaches or when the vehicle nears geographic boundaries. This allows lenders to take preventive action without requiring continuous tracking, reducing privacy intrusion while maintaining enforcement effectiveness
3Productivity
If remote vehicle disablement is implemented, then repossession cost is reduced, but the ease of operation for vehicle owners is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates alert mechanisms that provide feedback to vehicle owners before disablement occurs. Owners receive notifications when payments are overdue or when disablement is imminent, giving them opportunity to correct the situation. The system also provides feedback regarding location data collection to maintain transparency
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows vehicle owners to maintain operation of their vehicles through self-service payment actions. By making timely payments through designated channels, owners can keep their vehicles enabled without requiring manual intervention from lenders or complex authorization procedures, simplifying the operation for responsible owners
Data Source
AI summary
An onboard starter-interrupt device incorporates Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality in addition to payment schedule enforcement functions. In response to certain events, and/or on a periodic basis, the onboard device transmits vehicle location data to an operations center. In one aspect, a “geo-fence”, or virtual boundary, can be defined; if the vehicle is driven outside the geo-fence, the location information is transmitted to the operations center and/or other action is taken. In response to receiving vehicle location data, the operations center can send a message to cause the onboard device to disable the vehicle, or to present a warning to the vehicle owner, or to notify a third party of the event and/or vehicle location, or any combination thereof.