GB2385239A

GB2385239A - Security management system for a moving article which transmits alert signals to the owner within a number of different frequency bands

Info

Publication number: GB2385239A
Application number: GB0207446A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Patrick Ford
Original assignee: AVOID IT UK Ltd
Current assignee: AVOID IT UK Ltd
Priority date: 2002-03-28
Filing date: 2002-03-28
Publication date: 2003-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-28
Also published as: GB0207446D0; GB2385239B

Abstract

The device comprises a transmitter (14) capable of transmitting within a number of different frequency bands and a receiver (16). A memory (18) stores one or more alert messages. At least one input (22, 24, 26, 28) is connected to a sensor (32, 34, 36, 38) for sensing disturbance of the article (12). A controller (30) is programmed such that upon the receipt of a timing signal from a clock (20) the most favourable operating frequency for the transmitter (14) is identified. Upon the receipt of a disturbance signal at said input (22, 24, 26, 28), the transmitter (14) is caused to transmit an alert message stored in the memory (18) at the identified most favourable operating frequency to a remote location (40).

Description

SECURITY MANAGEMENT DEVICE Field of the invention The present invention relates to a security management device for managing the protection of an article, in particular for the protection of a vehicle.

Background of the invention International patent application WOOO/17021 (Van Bergen et al. ) describes a security management device for the managing the protection of an article, such as a vehicle. The device includes a transmitter and a receiver. Upon the receipt of a disturbance signal received from a sensor, the transmitter is caused to transmit an alert message stored in a memory to a remote location.

The arrangement described by Van Bergen et al. suffers from the disadvantage that alert signals from the device are transmitted at a single frequency only, such that the system will fail to alert the owner if either the article, or the remote location move away from area within which that frequency is used. Thus, for example, if the article is a vehicle normally kept in the United Kingdom, where 900 MHZ is used for GSM transmission, and the vehicle is stolen and transported to a country where 900 MHZ is not used, the system would fail to transmit the alert message. If the user is in a country where no GSM available but the system is in a country that has GSM, a message will be sent by

the unit and sit in the network until the user's phone is back in a GSM network where it can be received by the user's phone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to overcome these disadvantages by use of a multi-band transmitter capable of transmitting within a number of different frequency bands and by programming the controller such that upon the receipt of a timing signal from a clock the most favourable operating frequency for the transmitter is identified.

Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided a security management device for the managing the protection of an article, comprising (a) a transmitter capable of transmitting within a number of different frequency bands, (b) a receiver, (c) a memory for the storage of one or more alert messages, (d) a clock for periodically generating a timing signal, (e) at least one input for connection to a sensor for sensing disturbance of the article, and (g) a controller, wherein the controller is programmed such that: (i) upon the receipt of a timing signal from the clock the most favourable operating frequency for the transmitter is identified; and (ii) upon the receipt of a disturbance signal at said input, the transmitter is caused to transmit an alert message stored in the memory at the identified most

favourable operating frequency to a remote location.

The invention is particularly but not exclusively of benefit where the article is a vehicle, such as a motor car, motor cycle, pedal cycle, truck, boat, aircraft or the like. The invention is also of benefit for use with portable articles of value, such as furniture, works of art, etc. Still further, the invention can be adapted for use with non-portable articles, in particular as part of a security system for a building or other interior or exterior areas.

The transmitter may be capable of transmitting within at least three different frequency bands, such as 900, 1800 and 1900 MHZ. In a convenient embodiment, the transmitter and receiver form part of a replaceable modem unit.

Message transmission preferably makes use of the known Data Network SMS (Short Message Service), Smart SMS (forced over-riding of other phone usage) or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) services of a GSM cellular phone network. Message transmission via satellite is also contemplated. Thus the message may usefully be a text message, although the invention also extends to the transmission of pre-recorded or computer generated voice messages and data transmissions. The security management device may receive information from a local GSM network station indicative of the cell location and the controller may be programmed to include this information in the transmitted alert message when disturbance of the article is detected.

Tracking of a stolen article is thereby facilitated.

The controller is programmed to periodically identify the most favoured operating frequency. This operation may be repeated every 1 to 240 minutes.

The memory is preferably a programmable non-volatile memory. Preferably, a number of different messages will be stored in the memory, each assigned to a given disturbance condition, so that the message to be transmitted can be selected by the controller according to which of the sensors detects a disturbance.

A number of inputs (e. g. four or more) may be provided for connection to a number of different sensors. Where the article is a vehicle, the sensor may be selected from one or more of a door switch, boot switch, a motion detector for sensing disturbance of the vehicle, or an ultrasonic motion detector. Generally however, any sensor which will indicate disturbance of the article can be used.

Ideally, the security management device further comprises at least one output for connection to a protection device for the article, and the controller is additionally programmed such that upon the receipt of an action signal by the receiver from a remote location an operation signal is applied to the output to trigger the protection device.

A plurality of outputs may be provided for connection to a plurality of protection devices. Where the article is a vehicle, the protection device may be selected from an alarm and an immobiliser for the vehicle engine. The outputs are controlled by the

controller. The operation signal from the controller to the protection devices may be selected to cause latched, timed and/or automatic operation of the protection device. Latched operation is when the device receives a command to turn on and it remains in that condition until a command is received to turn off (this mode may be suitable for e. g. an engine immobiliser). Timed operation is where the device receives a command to turn on and the device remains in the on condition for a pre-set period of time (this mode may be suitable for e. g. audible vehicle alarms).

Automatic operation is where the protection device operates automatically upon the detection of a disturbance by a given sensor and the device remains in the on condition for a pre-set period of time or until a command is received to turn off (this mode may be suitable for e. g. a smoke generator). Other possible protection devices include a microphone for picking up and transmitting and/or recording voices from the vicinity of the article, a speaker for relaying voice pre-recorded messages or messages transmitted from the owner, a camera for transmitting and/or recording still or video pictures from the vicinity of the article, and a display screen for displaying text messages which have been stored in the memory or are transmitted from the owner.

Either remote location may include a remote telephone device, such as a mobile phone. Ideally, this is a telephone device to which the owner of the article has easy access. This is a still further advantage of the present invention over the Van Bergen et al. device of WOOO/17021. Thus it is preferred that the alert

message is transmitted via a GSM cellular network to a specified mobile phone. It may further be arranged that if receipt of that message is not confirmed, the same or an alternative message may be transmitted to one or more alternative locations, such as alternative mobile phones or a land-line phone.

Where a GSM cellular phone network is used for the transmission of messages, the frequency bands are selected and operated by the cellular network. Upon the receipt of a timing signal from the clock the most favourable operating frequency given by the network will connect to the device for the transmission and receipt of messages. The identification of the most favourable operating frequency will typically be made by the network itself, on the basis of current traffic and frequency availability. The most favourable operating frequency will be that frequency, selected by the network from those available locally, which has the most message carrying capacity free at a given moment.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, once the most favourable frequency is identified, the controller causes the device to be registered with the local network station at the head of the queue. The controller is preferably programmed to periodically deregister and re-register in the cellular network for best position in the calling queue. This is a further advantage of the present invention over the Van Bergan et al device of WOOO/17021.

By programming the controller to periodically deregister and re-register with the network, this

identification of the most favourable operating frequency becomes available to be stored in the memory of the device.

Where the controller subsequently re-checks the position and finds that the most favourable operating frequency has not changed, the controller causes the device to de-register and re-register with the local network station so as to ensure an advantageous position in the queue, thereby reducing the risk that an alert signal will not be transmitted immediately because the network has become busy. This is a further advantage of the present invention over the Van Bergen et al. device of WOOO/17021.

The remote location to which the alert message is transmitted is preferably the same remote location device as that from which the action signal is received.

Programming of the controller, and entering messages in the memory, may take place directly via an RS232 programming socket, or via the modem, for example from the mobile phone dedicated thereto. The latter embodiment is preferred since it enables re-programming of the security management device from a remote location. In either event, the controller needs to be able to identify the programmer, for example by the use of Personal Identification Numbers.

Power for the security management device can be supplied by way of an in-built battery, a remote battery or from a mains AC supply by way of suitable

convertor. A power supply between 9 volts and 48 volts DC is preferred.

The controller may also be programmed to periodically check the status of the sensors and the protection devices and to cause the transmitter to send a message from the memory to the remote location indicating a non-disturbance condition, and optionally also indicating other parameters such as signal strength and battery condition.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a coded override button is included, to enable the system to be deactivated. The user must enter the correct code set by the software. When the correct code is recognised, the system shuts down. This code can also be entered remotely, e. g. via SMS to put the system into"valet" mode but only from dedicated software or the legitimate user's registered phone using caller ID. Therefore when a vehicle is being serviced by a third party, the system can be shut down, avoiding the need to enter the correct code. When the owner collects the vehicle after servicing, activating the ignition wakes up the unit from its sleep mode and reinstatement of the system can be performed by SMS or the dedicated software.

The invention will now be further described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a security management device according to the invention; and

Figure 2 illustrates its working environment.

The Figures show a security management device 10 for the managing the protection of a vehicle 12. The device includes a modem module 11 and an intelligence unit 13, positioned within a common housing (not shown).

The modem module 11 includes a receiver 16 and a transmitter 14 which is capable of transmitting within three different frequency bands. A suitable modem unit is the Motorola D18 Tri-band GSM modem with GPRS world wide operation although any commercially available multi-band GSM modem module may be used.

The intelligence unit 13 is in the form of a programmable microprocessor PCB which includes a nonvolatile EEPROM memory 18, where a number of alert messages are stored, a clock 20 which periodically generates a timing signal and a micro-controller 30 connected to the modem module 11 via a GSM serial interface, using the international standard Hayes AT command protocol, at 9600 baud. The micro-controller 30 includes a programmable integrated circuit chip which is programmed to override the alert functions of the device when a recognised security code is entered by an authorised user.

The intelligence unit 13 has inputs 22,24, 26,28 which are connected respectively to a door switch 32, a boot switch 34, a motion detector 36 for sensing disturbance of the vehicle 12 and ultrasonic motion detector 38 for sensing movement within the vehicle 12.

For the sake of simplification, only four sensors are shown and described. However, other sensors may be used including for example an ignition circuit sensor, indicating attempted starting of the vehicle engine, a tamper sensor indicating disturbance of the security management device itself, or a panic button. The inputs are supplied via opt couplers to isolate them from the micro-processor board.

The intelligence unit 13 has two outputs 46,48 which are connected to protection devices, namely an audible alarm 42 and an engine immobiliser 44. More than two outputs connected to respective further protection devices, such as a visible alarm (flashing hazard lights) can be incorporated.

A user interface and display 50 enables an authorised user to enter a security code which triggers override of the device during authorised use. The device is activated when the vehicle's ignition is turned off, either instantly or after a pre-set delay.

The security management device 10 is powered from the vehicle's 12 volt negative earth battery regulated to 5 volts for the micro-controller 30 and also to 5 volts for the GSM modem module, the latter being connected via an electronic switch enabling the modem to be turned off independently.

The micro-controller 30 is programmed such that upon the unit being activated the most favourable operating frequency for the transmitter 14 is identified. Where transmission by use of a GSM cellular network is used,

the network identifies the most favourable operating frequency on the basis of current traffic and frequency availability. The micro-controller 30 is programmed to register with the locally available GSM network station 54, whereby this identification of the most favourable operating frequency becomes available to be stored in the memory 18. The system is then effectively in a "guard"condition.

After about 15 minutes, upon the receipt of each timing signal from the clock 20, the controller 30 re-checks the position, by periodically de-registering and reregistering with the local network station 54 so as to ensure an advantageous position in the queue. If it is found that the most favourable operating frequency has not changed, the controller causes the device to deregister and re-register If it is found that the most favourable operating frequency has changed, the controller causes the device to store the newly identified frequency in memory 18.

By de-and re-registering in this manner it is ensured that the system will be at the front of the queue when it matters most and the alert message call can be delivered without delay.

While the system is in its"guard"condition, it may be arranged to adopt a"sleep"mode to conserve battery power after a pre-set period of time until a disturbance is registered by one or the sensors.

During the sleep mode, the clock 20 is"off"or the timing signal therefrom to the intelligence unit 13 is blocked, so that de-registering and re-registering with

the local GSM network station 54 does not take place.

Only the intelligence unit 13 is powered during the "sleep"mode. If a disturbance signal is received by the intelligence unit 13 from one or more of the senors 32,34, 36,38, the intelligence unit immediately overrides the"sleep"mode, re-registers the system with the local network station 54 and causes the alert message to be sent. The system then returns to its "guard"mode.

For example, on small battery vehicles, such as motorcycles, it is important to control the current usage. This can be achieved by controlling a sleep switch. When, for example, a motorcycle is used only at weekends, and is parked up at other times, the sleep switch can be set to be triggered a set period of time after the vehicle's ignition system is switched off, according to the size and usage of the battery. In one such embodiment, current usage can be reduced from 69 mA to about 1 mA. With a typical 12 amp-hour battery, the battery would not be exhausted for 30 days or more from full charge. The sleep mode will be overridden whenever the vehicle's ignition is turned on again.

The micro-controller 30 is also programmed such that upon the receipt of a disturbance signal at one of the inputs 22,24, 26,28, an appropriate alert text message stored in the memory 18 is shuffled to the transmitter 14, which transmits the message at the identified most favourable operating frequency to a mobile phone 52 at a remote location 40. The transmitted message will identify which of the sensors registered a disturbance, and the GSM cell location of

the vehicle. The message may also include other information such as date and time. In a highly advantageous simplified embodiment, the alert message may consist simply of a caller ID (where the recipient does not even need to answer the call) or a code indicating disturbance, the user then being left to investigate the nature of the disturbance or to send an action message back to the device requesting more detailed information. This embodiment reduces the cost of use of the system, especially in the event of false alarms.

The micro-controller 30 is also programmed to periodically check the status of the sensors 32,34, 36 and 38 and the protection devices 42 and 44 and to cause the transmitter to send a status message from the memory 18 to the mobile phone 52 indicating a nondisturbance condition, and also indicating other parameters such as signal strength and battery condition.

When the user receives the alert message on the mobile phone 52, he has the option of sending an action signal in reply. The micro-controller 30 is programmed such that upon the receipt of the action signal by the receiver 16 from the mobile phone 52 an operation signal is applied to one or both the outputs 46,48 to cause operation of the alarm 42 and/or the immobiliser 44.

The micro-controller is also programmed to recognise a status enquiry signal received by the receiver 16 from the mobile phone 52 and in response thereto to send a

status message in reply.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A security management device for the managing the protection of an article, comprising (a) a transmitter capable of transmitting within a number of different frequency bands, (b) a receiver, (c) a memory for the storage of one or more alert messages, (d) a clock for periodically generating a timing signal, (e) at least one input for connection to a sensor for sensing disturbance of the article, and (g) a controller, wherein the controller is programmed such that: (i) upon the receipt of each timing signal from the clock the most favourable operating frequency for the transmitter is identified; and (ii) upon the receipt of a disturbance signal at said input, the transmitter is caused to transmit an alert message stored in the memory at the identified most favourable operating frequency to a remote location.
2. A security management device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is capable of transmitting within at least three different frequency bands.
3. A security management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the memory is a programmable nonvolatile memory.

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4. A security management device according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of inputs are provided for connection to a plurality of sensors.
5. A security management device according to any preceding claim, wherein the article is a vehicle and the sensor is selected from one or more of a door switch, boot switch, a motion detector for sensing movement of the vehicle and an ultrasonic motion detector for sensing movement within the vehicle.
6. A security management device according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one output for connection to a protection device for the article, and wherein the controller is additionally programmed such that upon the receipt of an action signal by the receiver from a remote location an operation signal is applied to the output to trigger the protection device.
7. A security management device according to claim 6, wherein the operation signal is selected to cause latched, timed and/or automatic operation of the protection device.
8. A security management device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a plurality of outputs are provided for connection to a plurality of protection devices.
9. A security management device according to claim 6,7 or 8, wherein the article is a vehicle and the protection device is selected from an alarm and an immobiliser.

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10. A security management device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the remote location to which the alert message is transmitted is the same remote location as that from which the action signal is received.
11. A security management device according to any preceding claim, wherein the remote location to which the alert message is transmitted includes a remote telephone device.
12. A security management device according to claim 11, wherein the remote telephone device to which the alert message is transmitted is a mobile phone.
13. A security management device according to any preceding claim, wherein the remote location from which the action signal is received includes a remote telephone device.
14. A security management device, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A security management device according to claim 13, wherein the remote telephone device from which the action signal is received is a mobile phone.

15. A security management device, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A security management device for the managing the protection of an article, comprising (a) a transmitter capable of transmitting within at least three different frequency bands, (b) a receiver, (c) a memory for the storage of one or more alert messages, (d) a clock for periodically generating a timing signal, (e) at least one input for connection to a sensor for sensing disturbance of the article, and (f) a controller, wherein the controller is programmed such that: (i) upon the receipt of each timing signal from the clock the most favourable operating frequency for the transmitter is identified; and (ii) upon the receipt of a disturbance signal at said input, the transmitter is caused to transmit an alert message stored in the memory at the identified most favourable operating frequency to a remote location.

2. A security management device according to claim 1, wherein the memory is a programmable non-volatile memory.

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3. A security management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of inputs are provided for connection to a plurality of sensors.

4. A security management device according to any preceding claim, wherein the article is a vehicle and the sensor is selected from one or more of a door switch, boot switch, a motion detector for sensing movement of the vehicle and an ultrasonic motion detector for sensing movement within the vehicle.

5. A security management device according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one output for connection to a protection device for the article, and wherein the controller is additionally programmed such that upon the receipt of an action signal by the receiver from a remote location an operation signal is applied to the output to trigger the protection device.

6. A security management device according to claim 5, wherein the operation signal is selected to cause latched, timed and/or automatic operation of the protection device.

7. A security management device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a plurality of outputs are provided for connection to a plurality of protection devices.

8. A security management device according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the article is a vehicle and the protection device is selected from an alarm and an immobiliser.

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9. A security management device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the remote location to

which the alert message is transmitted, is the same t remote location as that from which the action signal is received.

10. A security management device according to any preceding claim, wherein the remote location to which the alert message is transmitted includes a remote telephone device.

11. A security management device according to claim 10, wherein the remote telephone device to which the alert message is transmitted is a mobile phone.

12. A security management device according to any preceding claim, wherein the remote location from which the action signal is received includes a remote telephone device.

13. A security management device according to claim 13, wherein the remote telephone device from which the action signal is received is a mobile phone.