STARTER-INTERRUPT DEVICE INCORPORATING GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY

摘要

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 on¬ board 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 on- board 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.