Cooperative vehicular identification system

• US 7,286,040 B2
• Filed: 03/13/2003
• Issued: 10/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Odyssey Wireless, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Odyssey Wireless, Inc.
• Inventors: Karabinis, Peter D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass; Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): AU, SCOTT D
• Application Number:
  US10/506,365
• Publication Number:
  US 20050128104A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,685 Days
• Field of Search: 340/10.1, 340/936, 340/905, 340/466, 340/468, 340/426.11, 340/901, 340/933, 701/93, 701/119, 701/117, 701/213, 342/44, 342/357.09, 370/206, 455/500
• US Class Current: 340/10.1
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 21/00 Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/01 Details
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/01 Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled G08G1/07 - G08G1/14 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/017 identifying vehicles G08G1/015, G08G1/054 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096716 where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096741 where the source of the transmitted information selects which information to transmit to each vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/09675 where a selection from the received information takes place in the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096775 where the origin of the information is a central station
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096783 where the origin of the information is a roadside individual element
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/205 Indicating the location of the monitored vehicles as destination, e.g. accidents, stolen, rental
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/00 Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements

Abstract

Cooperative Vehicular Identification Systems and Methods, capable of monitoring and recording vehicular law violations, with the assistance and cooperation of the vehicles in violation, are disclosed. Real-time information from vehicular sensors is communicated to a Central Processing Unit (CPU). Strategically located Interrogator devices, on roads/highways, at intersections, in and around school zones, integrated with traffic lights, etc., issue inquiries/interrogations to passing-by vehicles. Vehicles proximate to such Interrogators respond with unique identifying information and with parameter lists provided by their vehicular sensors. Each Interrogator inquiry can provide data, including the lawful parameter limits (i.e. speed limit) associated with its location. In response to having successfully decoded an inquiry, and in response to the state of its vehicular sensors, a vehicular Transponder may transmit information to the specific Interrogator that has issued an inquiry. The Interrogator then relays relevant identifying information to the CPU for further processing.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring a vehicular state, the method comprising;

receiving a first signal at a vehicle;

the first signal being received at the vehicle at a first frequency from a first device external to the vehicle prior to the vehicle having reached a location;

the first signal including an identity associated with the first device;

receiving a second signal at the vehicle;

the second signal being received at the vehicle at a second frequency from a second device external to the vehicle after the vehicle has traveled beyond the location;

the second signal including an identity associated with the second device;

wherein the second device is functionally different from the first device;

transmitting data from the vehicle at the second frequency responsive to the vehicle having received the first and second signals and having violated at least one aspect of law;

storing the data at the vehicle responsive to receiving at the vehicle a confirmation signal from the second device indicating that the data transmitted by the vehicle has been received by the second device; and

refraining from responding to at least one other signal that is received at the vehicle from the second device after receiving the confirmation signal;

wherein refraining is responsive to receiving the confirmation signal and to the at least one other signal including the identity associated with the second device;

wherein transmitting data from the vehicle is performed a plurality of times responsive to a respective plurality of signals received at the vehicle from the second device prior to receiving the confirmation signal at the vehicle and wherein transmitting data from the vehicle is suppressed following receiving the confirmation signal at the vehicle even though one or more signals including the identity associated with the second device are received at the vehicle from the second device after receiving the confirmation signal at the vehicle.

2. A vehicular monitoring method comprising:

receiving an interrogation signal at a vehicle from an interrogation device external to the vehicle;

the interrogation signal including an identity associated with the interrogation device and being received at the vehicle at a frequency transmitted by the interrogation device;

transmitting from the vehicle, a data packet including information relating to a law, safety, traffic management and/or traffic control process, in response to receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicles;

storing the data packet at the vehicle if the vehicle and/or a content thereof is/are in violation of at least one aspect of law responsive to receiving a confirmation signal at the vehicle from the interrogation device indicating that the data packet has been received by the interrogation device; and

refraining from responding to at least one other signal that is received at the vehicle from the interrogation device responsive to receiving the confirmation signal and the at least one other signal;

the at least one other signal including the identity associated with the interrogation device;

wherein transmitting from the vehicle is performed at the frequency transmitted by the interrogation device, transmitting from the vehicle is performed a plurality of times responsive to a respective plurality of signals received at the vehicle from the interrogation device before receiving the confirmation signal at the vehicle and wherein transmitting from the vehicle is suppressed following receiving the confirmation signal at the vehicle even though one or more signals, each including the identity associated with the interrogation device, are received at the vehicle from the interrogation device after receiving the confirmation signal at the vehicle.

3. A method according to claim 2:

wherein the interrogation signal further includes information to the vehicle and/or a request for information from the vehicle relating to a law, safety, traffic management and/or traffic control process; and

wherein transmitting comprises transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication of a value of at least one vehicular parameter, a vehicular state, a state of vehicular content(s), a state of vehicular occupant(s), an identity of a content of the vehicle, and/or an identity of an occupant of the vehicle that is related to a law, safety, traffic management and/or traffic control process, in response to receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicle.

4. A method according to claim 2:

wherein transmitting is preceded by receiving a notification signal at the vehicle from a notification device external to the vehicle;

the notification device being functionally different from the interrogation device;

the notification signal including information to the vehicle and/or a request for information from the vehicle relating to a law, safety, traffic management and/or traffic control process; and

wherein transmitting comprises transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication of a value of at least one vehicular parameter, a vehicular state, a state of vehicular content(s), a state of vehicular occupant(s), an identity of a content of the vehicle, and/or an identity of an occupant of the vehicle that is related to a law, safety, traffic management and/or traffic control process, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal at the vehicle.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein transmitting and receiving comprise a Time Division Duplex (TDD) protocol, the interrogator device is configured to transmit to the vehicle and receive from the vehicle, the notification device is configured to transmit to the vehicle and not receive from the vehicle and the interrogator device and notification device are distinct and spaced apart therebetween.

6. A method according to claim 2 wherein transmitting comprises:

transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is speeding, is subject to unauthorized use, has not passed inspection, is used by an impaired operator, has not engaged a seat-belt mechanism, has not stopped at a stop sign, has violated a traffic light command, is engaged in and/or may potentially become engaged in unlawful activity, is in distress and/or has executed a turn without using a turn signal indicator, in response to receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicle.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein transmitting is preceded by:

receiving at the vehicle, the interrogation signal; and

determining at the vehicle, whether the vehicle is speeding, is subject to unauthorized use, has passed inspection, is used by an impaired operator, has not engaged a seat-belt mechanism, has not stopped at a stop sign, has violated a traffic light command, is engaged in and/or may potentially become engaged in unlawful activity, is in distress and/or has executed a turn without using a turn signal indicator, based upon information provided by the interrogation signal and/or information provided by at least one sensor of the vehicle.

8. A method according to claim 2:

wherein transmitting is preceded by receiving at the vehicle, a notification signal from a notification device external to the vehicle;

the notification device being functionally different from the interrogation device;

wherein transmitting also is preceded by receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicle; and

wherein transmitting comprises transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is speeding, is subject to unauthorized use, has not passed inspection, is used by an impaired operator, has not engaged a seat-belt mechanism, has not stopped at a stop sign, has violated a traffic light command, is engaged in and/or may potentially become engaged in unlawful activity, is in distress and/or has executed a turn without using a turn signal indicator, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal at the vehicle.

9. A method according to claim 2:

wherein transmitting is preceded by receiving at the vehicle, a notification signal from a notification device external to the vehicle;

the notification device being functionally different from the interrogation device;

wherein transmitting also is preceded by receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicle;

wherein transmitting also is preceded by determining at the vehicle, whether the vehicle is speeding, is subject to unauthorized use, has passed inspection, is used by an impaired operator, has not engaged a seat-belt mechanism, has not stopped at a stop sign, has violated a traffic light command, is engaged in and/or may potentially become engaged in unlawful activity, is in distress and/or has executed a turn without using a turn signal indicator, based upon information provided by the interrogation signal, notification signal and/or information provided by at least one sensor of the vehicle; and

wherein transmitting comprises transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is speeding, is subject to unauthorized use, has not passed inspection, is used by an impaired operator, has not engaged a seat-belt mechanism, has not stopped at a stop sign, has violated a traffic light command, is engaged in and/or may potentially become engaged in unlawful activity, is in distress and/or has executed a turn without using a turn signal indicator, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal at the vehicle.

10. A method according to claim 2 wherein transmitting comprises:

selectively transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that a vehicular state is outside a limit that is related to a law and/or safety only if the vehicular state is outside the limit that is related to the law and/or safety, in response to receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicle.

11. A method according to claim 2 wherein transmitting from the vehicle information relating to a law, safety, traffic management and/or traffic control process comprises at least one of the following:

a speed of the vehicle;

an indication of vehicular position and/or time-of-day;

an acceleration of the vehicle;

a speed of the vehicle over a predetermined time interval;

an acceleration of the vehicle over a predetermined time interval;

stop sign data;

traffic light data;

left- or right-turn data;

vehicle distress status;

vehicle theft status;

sobriety status of an operator of the vehicle;

data relating to vehicular content(s) and/or occupant(s);

seat belt status; and

/or

vehicle inspection status.

12. A method according to claim 3 wherein receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicle comprises:

receiving an interrogation signal that includes an indication of a speed limit and an indication of a position and/or a time-of-day at which the speed limit is in effect.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein transmitting is followed by:

receiving the confirmation signal indicating that the data packet that was transmitted has been received.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the interrogation signal includes an identification of the interrogation device and wherein receiving the confirmation signal is followed by:

refraining from transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet, in response to receiving subsequent interrogation signals that include the identification of the interrogation device, within a predetermined time and/or distance traveled by the vehicle since receiving the confirmation signal.

15. A method according to claim 4 wherein receiving a notification signal at the vehicle is followed by:

transmitting at least one signal from the vehicle before the interrogation signal is received at the vehicle and wherein the interrogation device transmits the interrogation signal that is received at the vehicle responsive to the at least one signal that is transmitted from the vehicle.

16. A method according to claim 2 wherein the data packet further comprises at least one of the following:

a theft state of the vehicle;

a distress state of the vehicle; and

/or

a message from an occupant of the vehicle.

17. A method according to claim 2 wherein the interrogation signal further comprises at least one of the following:

road, traffic, safety and/or accident information;

weather information;

vehicular theft information;

broadcast information;

commercial information; and

/or

a personal message.

18. A method according to claim 4 wherein the notification signal further comprises at least one of the following:

road, traffic, safety and/or accident information;

weather information;

vehicular theft information;

broadcast information;

commercial information; and

/or

a personal message.

19. A method according to claim 2:

wherein transmitting is preceded by receiving a notification signal at the vehicle from a notification device external to the vehicle;

the notification signal including identifications of stolen vehicles;

the notification device being functionally different from the interrogation device; and

wherein transmitting comprises transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is included in the identifications of stolen vehicles, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal at the vehicle.

20. A method according to claim 19 wherein receiving a notification signal at the vehicle that includes identifications of stolen vehicles is performed while the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light.

21. A method according to claim 5 wherein the interrogation signal is received over a selected frequency and/or code in a set of frequencies and/or codes and wherein the data packet is transmitted over the selected frequency and/or code in the set of frequencies and/or codes.

22. A method according to claim 15 wherein transmitting at least one signal from the vehicle is performed at least twice over different frequencies and/or codes in a set of frequencies and/or codes before the interrogation signal is received at the vehicle.

23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the interrogation signal is received over a selected frequency and/or code in a set of frequencies and/or codes and wherein the data packet is transmitted over the selected frequency and/or code in the set of frequencies and/or codes.

24. A method according to claim 2:

wherein transmitting is preceded by receiving a notification signal at the vehicle from a notification device external to the vehicle;

the notification signal including an indication of a state of a traffic light;

the notification device being functionally different from the interrogation device; and

wherein transmitting comprises transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and the indication of a state of a traffic light that was included in the notification signal and received at the vehicle, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal at the vehicle and in response to the vehicle having violated a traffic light command.

25. A method according to claim 2:

wherein transmitting is preceded by receiving a notification signal at the vehicle from a notification device external to the vehicle, the notification signal including an indication that a stop sign is proximate to the vehicle;

the notification device being functionally different from the interrogation device;

wherein transmitting also is preceded by receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicle;

wherein transmitting also is preceded by determining, at the vehicle, whether the vehicle has stopped between a time of reception at the vehicle of the notification signal and a time of reception at the vehicle of the interrogation signal; and

wherein transmitting comprises transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and an indication that the vehicle has not stopped in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal at the vehicle.

26. A method according to claim 2 wherein transmitting is preceded by:

receiving a first notification signal at the vehicle, from a first notification device external to the vehicle, the first notification signal indicating that the vehicle is approaching a traffic light set;

receiving a second notification signal at the vehicle, from a second notification device external to the vehicle, the second notification signal indicating a state of a traffic light assembly;

the second notification device being distinct from the first notification device and at a distance from the first notification device; and

wherein transmitting comprises transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or at least one other parameter that indicates whether a traffic light state has been violated by the vehicle, in response to receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicle.

27. A method according to claim 26:

wherein the first notification signal further comprises an identification of the traffic light set and/or an identification of a frequency and/or code associated with the second notification signal;

wherein the second notification signal comprises an identification of the traffic light assembly as pertaining to a left turn, a right turn or straight, and a state of the traffic light assembly; and

wherein transmitting comprises transmitting from the vehicle, the data packet including an identification of the vehicle and at least one other parameter that indicates that the vehicle has violated a traffic light assembly state, in response to receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicle.

28. A method according to claim 2 wherein transmitting and receiving comprises a Time Division Duplex (TDD) protocol;

wherein receiving further comprises receiving at the vehicle an indication of a position associated with the interrogation device and a Time-of-Day (TOD) indication associated with the interrogation device; and

wherein transmitting further comprises transmitting from the vehicle the identity associated with the interrogation device, the indication of a position associated with the interrogation device and the Time-of-Day (TOD) indication associated with the interrogation device.

29. A method according to claim 2:

wherein transmitting is preceded by activating a transmitter on the vehicle manually and/or remotely; and

wherein transmitting is performed in response to receiving the interrogation signal at the vehicle using the transmitter that is activated.

30. A method according to claim 29 wherein activating is performed by an owner of the vehicle, an insurance agency associated with the vehicle and/or by a governmental agency.

31. A method according to claim 2 wherein transmitting is preceded by:

confirming that transmitting from the vehicle and receiving at the vehicle is not impaired by an equipment malfunction and/or interference.

32. A vehicular monitoring system comprising a vehicle transponder, the vehicle transponder configured to:

mount in a vehicle;

receive an interrogation signal from an interrogation device external to the vehicle;

transmit a data packet relating to a law, safety, traffic management and/or traffic control, in response to receiving the interrogation signal;

store the data packet, if the vehicle and/or a content thereof is/are in violation of at least one aspect of law, in response to a confirmation signal transmitted by the interrogation device and received by the vehicle transponder;

the confirmation signal indicating that the interrogation device has received the data packet; and

refrain from providing a response, to at least one other signal that is received by the vehicle transponder from the interrogation device, responsive to the confirmation signal that is received by the vehicle transponder and responsive to the at least one other signal containing an identity associated with the interrogation device;

wherein each one of the interrogation signal and the at least one other signal includes the identity associated with the interrogation device and is received by the vehicle transponder at a frequency transmitted by the interrogation device, the vehicle transponder transmits the data packet at the frequency transmitted by the interrogation device, the vehicle transponder transmits the data packet a plurality of times responsive to a respective plurality of signals received by the vehicle transponder from the interrogation device before the confirmation signal is received by the vehicle transponder and wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to not transmit in response to having received the confirmation signal even though one or more signals that include the identity associated with the interrogation device are received by the vehicle transponder after the confirmation signal is received by the vehicle transponder.

33. A system according to claim 32:

wherein the interrogation signal includes information to the vehicle and/or a request for information from the vehicle relating to a vehicular parameter, a vehicular state, a state of vehicular content(s), a state of vehicular occupant(s), an identity of the vehicle, an identity of a content of the vehicle and/or an identity of an occupant of the vehicle; and

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit by transmitting the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle, a vehicular parameter, a vehicular state, a state of vehicular content(s), a state of vehicular occupant(s), an identity of a content of the vehicle and/or an identity of an occupant of the vehicle in response to receiving the interrogation signal.

34. A system according to claim 32:

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to receive a notification signal from a notification device external to the vehicle that is functionally different from the interrogation device;

wherein the notification signal includes information to the vehicle and/or a request for information from the vehicle that is related to a law, safety and/or a traffic management and/or control; and

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit by transmitting the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or data relating to the request for information, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal.

35. A system according to claim 34 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to receive the interrogation signal and to transmit the data packet based upon a Time Division Duplex (TDD) protocol, wherein the interrogator device is configured to transmit to the vehicle transponder and to receive from the vehicle transponder, the notification device is configured to transmit to the vehicle transponder and not receive from the vehicle transponder and the interrogator device and notification device are distinct and spaced apart therebetween.

36. A system according to claim 32 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit by transmitting the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is speeding, in response to receiving the interrogation signal that includes an indication of a speed limit.

37. A system according to claim 36 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to:

receive the interrogation signal that includes an indication of a speed limit; and

calculate whether the vehicle is speeding based upon the indication of a speed limit and an indication of a speed of the vehicle.

38. A system according to claim 32 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to:

receive a notification signal from a notification device external to the vehicle that is functionally different from the interrogation device;

the notification signal including an indication of a speed limit; and

receive the interrogation signal;

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit by transmitting the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is speeding, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal.

39. A system according to claim 38 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to:

receive the notification signal that includes an indication of a speed limit and further includes an indication of a position and/or a time-of-day at which the speed limit is in effect;

receive the interrogation signal; and

calculate whether the vehicle is speeding, based on the indication of a speed limit and an indication of a speed of the vehicle; and

wherein the data packet further includes an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is speeding, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal.

40. A system according to claim 32 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit by selectively transmitting the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is in non-compliance with a parameter that is related to a law and/or safety, if the vehicle is in non-compliance with the parameter that is related to the law and/or safety and to not transmit if the vehicle is in compliance with the parameter that is related to the law and/or safety, in response to receiving the interrogation signal.

41. A system according to claim 32 wherein the data packet comprises at least one of the following:

a speed of the vehicle;

stop sign data;

turn signal indicator status;

a state of vehicular content(s);

traffic light data;

seat belt status; and

/or

vehicle inspection status.

42. A system according to claim 33 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to receive an interrogation signal by receiving an interrogation signal that includes an indication of a speed limit and an indication of a position and/or a time-of-day at which the speed limit is in effect.

43. A system according to claim 32, wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to receive confirmation that the data packet that was transmitted has been received.

44. A system according to claim 43 wherein the interrogation signal includes an interrogator identification and wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to refrain from transmitting the data packet in response to receiving subsequent interrogation signals that include the interrogator identification, within a predefined time interval and/or distance traveled by the vehicle relative to a time of receiving the confirmation by the vehicle transponder.

45. A system according to claim 34 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit a signal responsive to having received the notification signal until the interrogation signal is received by the vehicle transponder.

46. A system according to claim 32 wherein the data packet further comprises at least one of the following:

a theft status of the vehicle;

a velocity and/or an acceleration of the vehicle;

a sobriety state of an operator of the vehicle;

a state of the vehicle and/or a state of occupant(s) of the vehicle;

information related to occupant(s) and/or content(s) of the vehicle;

a request for information;

a distress status of the vehicle and/or an occupant of the vehicle; and

/or

a message from an occupant of the vehicle.

47. A system according to claim 32 wherein the interrogation signal further comprises at least one of the following:

road, traffic and/or accident information;

weather information;

safety information;

vehicular theft information;

a request for information related to a vehicular parameter and/or state;

a request for information related to content(s) of the vehicle;

a request for information related to occupant(s) of the vehicle;

a request for information related to a sobriety state of an operator of the vehicle;

commercial information; and

/or

one or more personal messages.

48. A system according to claim 34 wherein the notification signal further comprises at least one of the following:

road, weather, traffic, alternate route, safety, emergency, accident information, a signal for determining and/or adjusting a trajectory and/or position of the vehicle; and

/or

vehicular theft information.

49. A system according to claim 32:

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to receive a notification signal from a notification device external to the vehicle that is functionally different from the interrogation device, wherein the notification signal includes identifications of stolen vehicles; and

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit by transmitting the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is included in the identifications of stolen vehicles, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal.

50. A system according to claim 49 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to receive the notification signal that includes identifications of stolen vehicles while the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light.

51. A system according to claim 32 wherein the vehicle transponder is configured to receive the interrogation signal over a selected frequency and/or code in a set of frequencies and/or codes and wherein the vehicle transponder is configured to transmit the data packet over the selected frequency and/or code in the set of frequencies and/or codes.

52. A system according to claim 45 wherein the vehicle transponder is configured to transmit the signal at least twice over different frequencies and/or codes in a set of frequencies and/or codes until and/or after the interrogation signal is received at the vehicle.

53. A system according to claim 52 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to receive the interrogation signal over a selected one of the different frequencies and/or codes in a set of frequencies and/or codes and wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit the data packet over the selected frequency and/or code in the set of frequencies and/or codes.

54. A system according to claim 32:

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to receive a notification signal from a notification device external to the vehicle that is functionally different from the interrogation device;

wherein the notification signal includes an indication of a state of a traffic light assembly; and

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit by transmitting the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or the indication of a state of a traffic light assembly, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal.

55. A system according to claim 32 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to:

receive a notification signal from a notification device external to the vehicle that is functionally different from the interrogation device;

wherein the notification signal includes an indication that a stop sign is proximate to the vehicle;

receive the interrogation signal; and

determine a velocity measure of the vehicle over a predetermined time interval, whether the vehicle has stopped over the predetermined time interval and/or whether the vehicle has stopped over a predetermined distance traveled by the vehicle; and

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit by transmitting the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle, the velocity measure of the vehicle over the predetermined time interval, an indication that the vehicle has stopped or not stopped over the predetermined time interval and/or an indication that the vehicle has stopped or not stopped over the predetermined distance traveled by the vehicle, in response to receiving the notification signal and the interrogation signal.

56. A system according to claim 54 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to:

receive a first notification signal from a first notification device external to the vehicle that is functionally different from the interrogation device;

wherein the first notification signal includes information that indicates that the vehicle is approaching a traffic light configuration;

receive a second notification signal from a second notification device external to the vehicle that is functionally different from the interrogation device and from the first notification device;

wherein the second notification signal includes information that indicates a state of a traffic light assembly;

determine whether a traffic light command violation occurred based on the information that indicates a state of a traffic light assembly; and

receive the interrogation signal; and

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to transmit by transmitting the data packet including the identification of the vehicle and/or at least one other parameter that indicates whether a traffic light command has been violated, in response to receiving the interrogation signal.

57. A system according to claim 56:

wherein the first notification signal further comprises an identification of a traffic light set of the traffic light configuration and an identification of the second notification signal;

wherein the second notification signal comprises an identification of the traffic light assembly as relating to a left turn, a right turn or straight, and a state of the traffic light assembly;

wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to determine if a traffic light command violation occurred; and

wherein the vehicle transponder is configured to transmit by transmitting the data packet including the identification of the vehicle and/or at least one other parameter that indicates that a traffic light command violation occurred, in response to receiving the interrogation signal.

58. A system according to claim 32 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to:

receive a first notification signal from a first notification device external to the vehicle that is functionally different from the interrogation device;

wherein the first notification signal includes information that indicates that the vehicle is approaching a traffic light configuration;

receive a second notification signal from a second notification device external to the vehicle that is functionally different from the interrogation device and from the first notification device;

wherein the second notification signal includes information that indicates a state of a traffic light assembly; and

receive the interrogation signal; and

wherein the vehicle transponder is configured to transmit by transmitting the data packet further including an identification of the vehicle and/or at least one other parameter that indicates a state of a traffic light, in response to receiving the interrogation signal.

59. A system according to claim 32 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to allow activation and/or de-activation thereof manually and/or remotely by an owner of the vehicle, an officer of the law, an insurance company and/or by a governmental agency.

60. A system according to claim 32 wherein the vehicle transponder is further configured to confirm that transmitting and/or receiving is operative and/or is not being interfered with before transmitting.

61. A vehicular monitoring system comprising an interrogator that is configured to:

transmit an interrogation signal to a transponder;

wherein the interrogation signal includes an identity associated with the interrogator, a Time-of Day (TOD) indication and a position associated with the interrogator and wherein the transponder is installed in a vehicle and the interrogator is external to the vehicle and at a distance from the vehicle;

receive a data packet from the transponder relating to a law, safety, traffic management and/or traffic control in response to having transmitted the interrogation signal;

wherein the data packet includes the identity associated with the interrogator, the Time-of-Day (TOD) indication and the position associated with the interrogator; and

transmit a confirmation signal to the transponder in response to having received the data packet;

wherein the interrogation signal is transmitted by the interrogator at an interrogation frequency, the data packet is received by the interrogator at the interrogation frequency and the confirmation signal suppresses the transponder from providing at least one additional response to a respective at least one additional interrogation signal that is received by the transponder from the interrogator after the confirmation signal is received by the transponder.

62. A system according to claim 61 wherein the interrogator is further configured to receive by receiving from a vehicle, a data packet including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is speeding.

63. A system according to claim 62 wherein the interrogator is further configured to transmit by transmitting the interrogation signal that includes an indication of a speed limit.

64. A system according to claim 61 wherein the interrogation signal includes an indication of a speed limit and an indication of a position and/or a time-of-day at which the speed limit is in effect.

65. A system according to claim 61 wherein the interrogation signal further comprises at least one of the following:

road, traffic, emergency, safety, alternate route and/or accident information;

weather information;

vehicular theft information;

commercial information;

personal messages; and

/or

a request for information from a vehicle.

66. A system according to claim 61:

wherein the interrogation signal includes identifications of stolen vehicles; and

wherein the interrogator is further configured to receive by receiving from the vehicle, a data packet including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication that the vehicle is included in the identifications of stolen vehicles.

67. A system according to claim 66 wherein the interrogator is configured to transmit the interrogation signal that includes identifications of stolen vehicles while the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light.

68. A system according to claim 61 wherein the interrogation signal is transmitted over a selected frequency and/or code in a set of frequencies and/or codes and wherein the data packet is received over the selected frequency and/or code in the set of frequencies and/or codes.

69. A system according to claim 61:

wherein the interrogator is further configured to receive by receiving from the vehicle, a data packet including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication of a state of a traffic light.

70. A method according to claim 61:

wherein the interrogator is further configured to receive by receiving from the vehicle, a data packet including an identification of the vehicle and/or an indication of a vehicular velocity proximate to a stop sign and/or that the vehicle has not stopped proximate to the stop sign.

71. A method of monitoring a vehicular state, the method comprising:

transmitting data from a vehicle to a first device external to the vehicle in response to receiving data at the vehicle from a second device external to the vehicle;

receiving data at the vehicle from the first device external to the vehicle in response to the transmitting; and

refraining from transmitting from the vehicle following the receiving data at the vehicle from the first device external to the vehicle;

wherein receiving data at the vehicle from the first device comprises receiving data at a receiving frequency, transmitting data comprises transmitting data at the receiving frequency, the second device external to the vehicle is configured to transmit to the vehicle and not to receive from the vehicle and the first device external to the vehicle is configured to transmit to the vehicle and to receive from the vehicle.

72. A method according to claim 71 wherein the first device external to the vehicle is proximate to the vehicle and of the order of 100 meters or less from the vehicle and wherein the second device external to the vehicle is distant from the vehicle and of the order of 1000 meters or more from the vehicle.

73. A method according to claim 72 wherein the second device external to the vehicle comprises a satellite and/or a terrestrial base station.

74. A method according to claim 71 wherein the first device external to the vehicle is distant from the vehicle and wherein the second device external to the vehicle is proximate to the vehicle.

75. A method according to claim 74 wherein the proximate device is of the order of 100 meters or less from the vehicle and wherein the distant device is of the order of 1000 meters or more from the vehicle.

76. A method according to claim 75 wherein the distant device comprises a satellite and/or a base station.

77. A system for monitoring a vehicular state, the system comprising a transponder that is in a vehicle and is configured to:

bidirectionally exchange data with at least one device external to the vehicle;

receive a confirmation signal from the at least one device external to the vehicle indicating that data that has been transmitted by the transponder has been received by the at least one device;

store the data that has been transmitted, in response to having received the confirmation signal, if the vehicle and/or a content thereof has violated at least one aspect of law; and

refrain from transmitting data to the at least one device after having received the confirmation signal from the at least one device, even though a signal requesting data is transmitted by the at least one device and received by the transponder after the transponder has received the confirmation signal.

78. A system according to claim 77 wherein the at least one device external to the vehicle is proximate to the vehicle and of the order of 100 meters or less from the vehicle.

79. A system according to claim 77 wherein the at least one device external to the vehicle is distant from the vehicle and of the order of 1000 meters or more from the vehicle.

80. A system according to claim 79 wherein the at least one device external to the vehicle comprises a satellite and/or a base station.

81. A monitoring system comprising a transponder that is configured to:

bidirectionally exchange data with at least one other device;

receive a confirmation signal from the at least one other device indicating that data that has been transmitted by the transponder has been received;

determine if a law has been violated;

store at least a portion of the data that has been transmitted, in response to having received the confirmation signal and having violated the law; and

refrain from transmitting data to the at least one other device after having received the confirmation signal from the at least one other device, even though a signal requesting data is transmitted by the at least one other device and received by the transponder after the transponder has received the confirmation signal.

82. A monitoring method comprising:

exchanging data between a first and a second device;

receiving a confirmation signal at the first device indicating that data that has been transmitted by the first device has been received by the second device;

determining by the first device if a law has been violated;

storing at the first device at least a portion of the data that has been transmitted by the first device, in response to having received the confirmation signal and having violated the law; and

refraining by the first device from transmitting data to the second device after the first device has received the confirmation signal, even though a signal requesting data is transmitted by the second device and received by the first device after the first device has received the confirmation signal.