CA2224671C - Vehicle intrusion alarm system - Google Patents
Vehicle intrusion alarm system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2224671C CA2224671C CA 2224671 CA2224671A CA2224671C CA 2224671 C CA2224671 C CA 2224671C CA 2224671 CA2224671 CA 2224671 CA 2224671 A CA2224671 A CA 2224671A CA 2224671 C CA2224671 C CA 2224671C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- sensor
- radio frequency
- frequency transmitter
- alarm
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
- B60R25/10—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
- B60R25/102—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
- B60R25/10—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
- B60R25/1004—Alarm systems characterised by the type of sensor, e.g. current sensing means
Abstract
A vehicle intrusion alarm system which has a vehicle sensory unit located in one or more vehicles to be alarmed, which vehicle sensory units are linked to a remote receiver via an RF transmitter in each vehicle sensory unit. The vehicle sensory units include sensors to detect various intrusion conditions in the vehicle or vehicles being monitored. The vehicle sensor units of one or more alarmed vehicles can be linked to a central computer through a network of wireless repeaters and a wireless main transceiver. The final central computer would have the ability to monitor a multiplicity of alarm systems simultaneously. The system could also be interfaced with satellite tracking technology.
Description
F&K 961-02-00 VEHICLE INTRUSION ALARM SYSTEM
This invention is directed to a vehicle surveillance system, s and more particularly to an alarm system for single or multiple vehicle use, primarily to combat theft of, or from, a vehicle.
1o BACKGROUND
Vehicle security is a major problem and one that to date has not been completely solved. Highway transportation (i.e.
trucks) are continually being stolen, and automobiles and/or is their contents are stolen or vandalized.
Alarm systems for static structures have been developed extensively over the past half century, and numerous systems have been patented, directed to security systems for both 2o industrial and residential use. Such systems, for example, utilize: motion detectors and heat detectors to be applied in security areas to detect intrusion; electronic alarm systems utilized on doors and/or windows to detect unauthorized entry;
F&K 961-02-00 and photographic systems such as video surveillance for use in financial institutions, retail areas, parking areas, and commercial office complexes.
Proximity sensors; heat sensors; electronic alarms; ultrasonic sensors; optical devices; motion detectors and sound actuated alarms, have individually or in combination, been utilized in the aforementioned security systems. However with regard to vehicle intrusion detection, very little advance has been to made, other than the convention intruder activated audio alarm systems.
SZTMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle alarm system utilizing a combination of known components in a unique manner heretofor not contemplated in prior security systems.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an intrusion detection system that may be applied and operated within areas where multiple vehicles are stored, for example F&K 961-02-00 automobile dealerships, in addition to use independently in, for example heavy transportation vehicles or private automobiles.
s Accordingly, the invention in its basic form, provides an intrusion alarm system comprising a vehicle sensor unit, located within the vehicle, either integrally incorporated within the electrical system of the vehicle, or removably attached thereto. The vehicle sensor unit is adapted to io separately detect any motion of the vehicle generated by intrusion; any inclination of the vehicle; and electrical voltage fluctuation occurring within the vehicle's electrical system. The vehicle sensor unit also includes a radio frequency transmitter and a power source, either remote from is the vehicle or provided by a conventional vehicle battery.
Finally, a remote receiver is provided and adapted to receive a signal from the transmitter to activate an alarm indicative of vehicle intrusion.
2o In a further embodiment, for specific multiple vehicle use, where a number of vehicles are stored within a controlled and defined area, each vehicle is provided with a vehicle sensor unit. Wireless repeater receivers could be used, F&K 961-02-00 strategically located about the controlled area, these being adapted to receive the initial signals from one or more of the vehicle sensor units. Also included is a remote control computer that receives signals from the repeater receivers.
s Finally, the computer, upon receipt of such signals, activates photographic surveillance equipment, such as a video camera, to make permanent record of the event and provide indication of the location of the vehicle or vehicles being investigated by the system.
io It will also be appreciated that the system, according to the invention, may be further enhanced by combination with conventional satellite technology, whereby a vehicle once stolen can be traced.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The invention will now be described by way of example only, 2o reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a basic single vehicle system, in block diagram format;
F&K 961-02-00 Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a system utilized in a multi-vehicle application, again in block diagram format; and DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Looking specifically to the drawings, Figure 1 is a io representation of a single vehicle application which could be supplied for individual vehicle owner use. The vehicle is indicated at (10), the vehicle sensor unit(l0a) is located conveniently within the vehicle (10), either permanently incorporated in the vehicle's electrical system, or as a is separate unit removable therefrom.
The sensor unit(l0a) includes an ultrasonic motion sensor (11), which detects intrusion by using an ultrasonic transducer where any change in the reflection pattern can be 2o detected. With such a detector, the opening of a door, or breaking of a window can be detected while sounds and movement outside the vehicle are ignored.
F&K 961-02-00 An inclination detector is also provided. Its use, as will be appreciated, for example, in detecting any elevation of the vehicle as would occur in unauthorized removal of the tires) which would require elevation of the axle(s). The inclination sensor (12) could be self-adjusting to account for initial positioning and the sensor integrating with the microprocessor (14) to distinguish the difference between a strong wind rocking the vehicle and an axle being jacked a few inches to remove the wheel.
to A voltage monitor (13), is also included with the system which continually monitors the power supply (16), such that any change in voltage caused by the opening of the door or trunk lid transmits an appropriate signal.
As will be appreciated in connection with the power supply (16), continually monitoring systems (sensors) will require the alarm to be equipped with an external power supply.
Battery back-up may also be included to enable the circuit zo to report the absence of external power. This source of external power also provides for the use of the voltage monitor (13) as a third alarm sensor.
F&K 961-02-00 Finally, the sensor unit includes an RF transmitter (15) which transmits an alarm signal to a receiver (17) which may be located on the person owning the vehicle or in close proximity thereto.
The RF transmitter (15) transmits a "heart beat" to indicate that the unit is functional. Between heartbeats the RF
transmitter (15) and the micro controller (14) will be in a power saving "sleep" mode. The sensor (10a) will, however, io stay active during the sleep mode, but will have the ability to wake the microprocessor (14). Once an alarm condition exists, the unit will as previously indicated, transmit the alarm condition, repeating every few seconds. Both the alarm and "heart beat" transmissions induce an ESN
i5 (electronic serial number) to allow identification of the unit and the RSSI from the transceiver.
Looking now to Figure 2, there is a multi-vehicle application as would be contemplated for an automobile 2o dealership storage lot, the controlled area indicated at (18). Strategically located about lot (18) are a number of wireless repeater receivers (19).
F&K 961-02-00 Each vehicle (10) (only three shown) includes a vehicle sensor unit (10a) as previously outlined.
Should intrusion occur in any vehicle within the lot (18), a s signal is initially transmitted to the wireless repeater transceiver (19) closest to the location of the intruded vehicle. Each transceiver (19) continually listens for signals from the remote transmitters (15). A "heart beat"
or alarm condition received by the repeater transceiver (19) io is buffered prior to being relayed to a main transceiver (20) on a separate channel.
The main wireless transceiver (20) includes an RF receiver (21), a micro controller (22), a PC interface (23), and a is power supply (24). Finally, the PC interface is connected directly to a central computer (25) equipped with a database tracking system.
As an additional feature, the system can be inter-linked 2o with a conventional CCTV camera system (26), which will allow for photographic verification of an alarm event. A
software package can also be configured to allow for the future addition to a GPS vehicle locating system for "after F&K 961-02-00 event" tracking of a stolen vehicle. This final stage could also include conventional satellite tracking technology.
The invention, however, is not to be restricted in scope on s the basis of the foregoing description, but may be defined by the breadth of the following claims.
This invention is directed to a vehicle surveillance system, s and more particularly to an alarm system for single or multiple vehicle use, primarily to combat theft of, or from, a vehicle.
1o BACKGROUND
Vehicle security is a major problem and one that to date has not been completely solved. Highway transportation (i.e.
trucks) are continually being stolen, and automobiles and/or is their contents are stolen or vandalized.
Alarm systems for static structures have been developed extensively over the past half century, and numerous systems have been patented, directed to security systems for both 2o industrial and residential use. Such systems, for example, utilize: motion detectors and heat detectors to be applied in security areas to detect intrusion; electronic alarm systems utilized on doors and/or windows to detect unauthorized entry;
F&K 961-02-00 and photographic systems such as video surveillance for use in financial institutions, retail areas, parking areas, and commercial office complexes.
Proximity sensors; heat sensors; electronic alarms; ultrasonic sensors; optical devices; motion detectors and sound actuated alarms, have individually or in combination, been utilized in the aforementioned security systems. However with regard to vehicle intrusion detection, very little advance has been to made, other than the convention intruder activated audio alarm systems.
SZTMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle alarm system utilizing a combination of known components in a unique manner heretofor not contemplated in prior security systems.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an intrusion detection system that may be applied and operated within areas where multiple vehicles are stored, for example F&K 961-02-00 automobile dealerships, in addition to use independently in, for example heavy transportation vehicles or private automobiles.
s Accordingly, the invention in its basic form, provides an intrusion alarm system comprising a vehicle sensor unit, located within the vehicle, either integrally incorporated within the electrical system of the vehicle, or removably attached thereto. The vehicle sensor unit is adapted to io separately detect any motion of the vehicle generated by intrusion; any inclination of the vehicle; and electrical voltage fluctuation occurring within the vehicle's electrical system. The vehicle sensor unit also includes a radio frequency transmitter and a power source, either remote from is the vehicle or provided by a conventional vehicle battery.
Finally, a remote receiver is provided and adapted to receive a signal from the transmitter to activate an alarm indicative of vehicle intrusion.
2o In a further embodiment, for specific multiple vehicle use, where a number of vehicles are stored within a controlled and defined area, each vehicle is provided with a vehicle sensor unit. Wireless repeater receivers could be used, F&K 961-02-00 strategically located about the controlled area, these being adapted to receive the initial signals from one or more of the vehicle sensor units. Also included is a remote control computer that receives signals from the repeater receivers.
s Finally, the computer, upon receipt of such signals, activates photographic surveillance equipment, such as a video camera, to make permanent record of the event and provide indication of the location of the vehicle or vehicles being investigated by the system.
io It will also be appreciated that the system, according to the invention, may be further enhanced by combination with conventional satellite technology, whereby a vehicle once stolen can be traced.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The invention will now be described by way of example only, 2o reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a basic single vehicle system, in block diagram format;
F&K 961-02-00 Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a system utilized in a multi-vehicle application, again in block diagram format; and DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Looking specifically to the drawings, Figure 1 is a io representation of a single vehicle application which could be supplied for individual vehicle owner use. The vehicle is indicated at (10), the vehicle sensor unit(l0a) is located conveniently within the vehicle (10), either permanently incorporated in the vehicle's electrical system, or as a is separate unit removable therefrom.
The sensor unit(l0a) includes an ultrasonic motion sensor (11), which detects intrusion by using an ultrasonic transducer where any change in the reflection pattern can be 2o detected. With such a detector, the opening of a door, or breaking of a window can be detected while sounds and movement outside the vehicle are ignored.
F&K 961-02-00 An inclination detector is also provided. Its use, as will be appreciated, for example, in detecting any elevation of the vehicle as would occur in unauthorized removal of the tires) which would require elevation of the axle(s). The inclination sensor (12) could be self-adjusting to account for initial positioning and the sensor integrating with the microprocessor (14) to distinguish the difference between a strong wind rocking the vehicle and an axle being jacked a few inches to remove the wheel.
to A voltage monitor (13), is also included with the system which continually monitors the power supply (16), such that any change in voltage caused by the opening of the door or trunk lid transmits an appropriate signal.
As will be appreciated in connection with the power supply (16), continually monitoring systems (sensors) will require the alarm to be equipped with an external power supply.
Battery back-up may also be included to enable the circuit zo to report the absence of external power. This source of external power also provides for the use of the voltage monitor (13) as a third alarm sensor.
F&K 961-02-00 Finally, the sensor unit includes an RF transmitter (15) which transmits an alarm signal to a receiver (17) which may be located on the person owning the vehicle or in close proximity thereto.
The RF transmitter (15) transmits a "heart beat" to indicate that the unit is functional. Between heartbeats the RF
transmitter (15) and the micro controller (14) will be in a power saving "sleep" mode. The sensor (10a) will, however, io stay active during the sleep mode, but will have the ability to wake the microprocessor (14). Once an alarm condition exists, the unit will as previously indicated, transmit the alarm condition, repeating every few seconds. Both the alarm and "heart beat" transmissions induce an ESN
i5 (electronic serial number) to allow identification of the unit and the RSSI from the transceiver.
Looking now to Figure 2, there is a multi-vehicle application as would be contemplated for an automobile 2o dealership storage lot, the controlled area indicated at (18). Strategically located about lot (18) are a number of wireless repeater receivers (19).
F&K 961-02-00 Each vehicle (10) (only three shown) includes a vehicle sensor unit (10a) as previously outlined.
Should intrusion occur in any vehicle within the lot (18), a s signal is initially transmitted to the wireless repeater transceiver (19) closest to the location of the intruded vehicle. Each transceiver (19) continually listens for signals from the remote transmitters (15). A "heart beat"
or alarm condition received by the repeater transceiver (19) io is buffered prior to being relayed to a main transceiver (20) on a separate channel.
The main wireless transceiver (20) includes an RF receiver (21), a micro controller (22), a PC interface (23), and a is power supply (24). Finally, the PC interface is connected directly to a central computer (25) equipped with a database tracking system.
As an additional feature, the system can be inter-linked 2o with a conventional CCTV camera system (26), which will allow for photographic verification of an alarm event. A
software package can also be configured to allow for the future addition to a GPS vehicle locating system for "after F&K 961-02-00 event" tracking of a stolen vehicle. This final stage could also include conventional satellite tracking technology.
The invention, however, is not to be restricted in scope on s the basis of the foregoing description, but may be defined by the breadth of the following claims.
Claims (15)
1. A vehicle intrusive alarm system comprising:
(a) sensor means located within a vehicle and adapted to detect changes in vehicle status;
(b) radio frequency transmitter means integral with said sensor means, for transmission to a remote receiver of:
(i) sensor data; and (ii) "heartbeat" data indicating radio frequency transmitter functionality;
(c) means to power said system; and (d) remote receiver means adapted to receive signals from said radio frequency transmitter and to activate an alarm indicative of vehicle intrusion and to activate an alarm indicative of radio frequency transmitter failure.
(a) sensor means located within a vehicle and adapted to detect changes in vehicle status;
(b) radio frequency transmitter means integral with said sensor means, for transmission to a remote receiver of:
(i) sensor data; and (ii) "heartbeat" data indicating radio frequency transmitter functionality;
(c) means to power said system; and (d) remote receiver means adapted to receive signals from said radio frequency transmitter and to activate an alarm indicative of vehicle intrusion and to activate an alarm indicative of radio frequency transmitter failure.
2. The system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor means includes means to detect motion within a vehicle.
3. The system according to claim 2 wherein said sensor means includes ultrasonic motion-sensing circuitry.
4. The system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor means includes means to detect inclination of a vehicle.
5. The system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor means includes means to detect changes in a vehicle's electrical system.
6. The system according to claim 1 wherein said system is adapted for multiple vehicle use wherein multiple vehicles are located within a defined area, each such vehicle being provided with said sensor, radio frequency transmitter, and power means.
7. The system according to claim 6 further including a plurality of wireless repeater receivers strategically located and adapted to receive signals from each said radio frequency transmitter means.
8. The system according to claim 7 further including remote control computer means adapted to receive signals from said wireless repeater receivers, said remote control computer means including a main transceiver, power supply, micro controller, PC
interface, software, and database tracking system.
interface, software, and database tracking system.
9. The system according to claim 8 further including visual imaging means strategically located about said defined area and activated by said remote control computer means to provide visual imaging of vehicle intrusion.
10. The system according to claim 9 wherein said visual imaging means comprises at least one video camera directly interlinked with said remote control computer means.
11. The system according to claim 1 or claim 6 wherein said power means comprises a battery within a vehicle.
12. The system according to claim 1 or claim 6 wherein said power means comprises an external power source.
13. The system according to claim 1 or claim 6 wherein said sensor means form an integral component of a vehicle electrical system.
14. The system according to claim 1 or claim 6 wherein said sensor means are removably attached to said vehicle.
15. The system according to claim 1 or claim 6 where means are provided to effect interfacing of said system with satellite tracking technology.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224671 CA2224671C (en) | 1997-12-12 | 1997-12-12 | Vehicle intrusion alarm system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224671 CA2224671C (en) | 1997-12-12 | 1997-12-12 | Vehicle intrusion alarm system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2224671A1 CA2224671A1 (en) | 1999-06-12 |
| CA2224671C true CA2224671C (en) | 2002-08-06 |
Family
ID=4161894
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2224671 Expired - Fee Related CA2224671C (en) | 1997-12-12 | 1997-12-12 | Vehicle intrusion alarm system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2224671C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10059868A1 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2002-06-27 | Horst Ziegler | Process for the transmission of data |
| DE202005004422U1 (en) * | 2005-03-18 | 2005-12-22 | Huis, Wolfgang | Vehicle monitoring by a radio motion detector with integrated tilt switch and contact loop |
-
1997
- 1997-12-12 CA CA 2224671 patent/CA2224671C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2224671A1 (en) | 1999-06-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |