EP0073216A1 - Security device, motor vehicle incorporating the device and method of indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter an enclosure - Google Patents

Security device, motor vehicle incorporating the device and method of indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter an enclosure

Info

Publication number
EP0073216A1
EP0073216A1 EP82900644A EP82900644A EP0073216A1 EP 0073216 A1 EP0073216 A1 EP 0073216A1 EP 82900644 A EP82900644 A EP 82900644A EP 82900644 A EP82900644 A EP 82900644A EP 0073216 A1 EP0073216 A1 EP 0073216A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
input element
vehicle
signal
condition
signals
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP82900644A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Bruce Stanley Gunton
Adrian Philip Maynard Bull
Kenneth Edward Elphick
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EDA Sparkrite Ltd
Original Assignee
EDA Sparkrite Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by EDA Sparkrite Ltd filed Critical EDA Sparkrite Ltd
Publication of EP0073216A1 publication Critical patent/EP0073216A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
    • G08B13/08—Mechanical actuation by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a security device which can be set in a selected one of an active condition and an inactive condition by operation of an input element of the device.
  • Security devices of this kind are used as anti-theft or anti-tamper devices.
  • a common example is a motor vehicle "anti-theft device which, when in its active condition, responds to opening of a vehicle door or to rocking of the vehicle by energising lights or a horn of the vehicle.
  • the invention also relates to a method of indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter a vehicle or other enclosure having a door or other closure member.
  • Certain known vehicle anti-theft devices have an operating element in the form of a finger-operated switch which is intended to be mounted in a passenger compartment of the vehicle so that the driver can operate the input element just prior to leaving the vehicle. It is necessary for these devices to incorporate delay means so that the driver can leave the vehicle, close and lock the door before the security device becomes active and can enter the vehicle and operate the input element to set the security device in an inactive condition before the horn or lights of the vehicle are energised. Use of this kind of security device is sometimes inconvenient and gives rise to the risk that an unauthorised person entering the vehicle may be able to operate the input element to set the security device in an inactive condition before the horn or lights of the vehicle are energised.
  • the input element is in .the form of a key-operated electrical switch which is intended to be mounted in an aperture in the vehicle bodywork so that the key can be inserted from outside the vehicle to set the security device in a selected one of the active and inactive conditions.
  • Mounting of the input element in an aperture in the vehicle bodywork gives rise to problems, in particular to corrosion of steel bodywork around the aperture.
  • a security device comprising a sensor for sensing an action against which security is required and an input element, the device being operative to provide a predetermined output when said action is sensed whilst the device is. in its active condition but the device failing to provide said output if the action occurs whilst the device is in its inactive condition and wherein the input element is adapted to respond by setting the device in its inactive condition to a setting signal which is a change in radiant energy incident on the input element or is adapted to respond by setting the device in its inactive condition to a setting signal which is a change in a field to which the input element Is subjected.
  • a user can operate on the input element of a security device according to the invention to set the device in the inactive condition without establishing contact with the input element.
  • the input element can be protected by a member which is substantially transparent to the radiant energy or field to which the input element responds. If the input element is adapted to respond to a change in radiant energy which is transmitted by glass or to a change in a field to which glass is substantially transparent, the input element can be mounted at the inside of a glass window.
  • the change to which the input element responds may be a change in the intensity of a field to which the input element is subjected or in the intensity of radiant energy incident on the input element.
  • the change to which the input element responds may be the commencement or termination of subjection of the input element to a field of significant intensity or to radiant energy of significant intensity.
  • a security device comprising an input element which responds to a setting signal of predetermined character to set the device in an active condition and responds to a further signal of said predetermined character to set the device in an inactive condition, said character being a change in radiant energy incident on the input, element or a change in a field to which the input element is subjected.
  • a motor vehicle which includes a security device according to the first aspect, the input element of the security device being mounted at the inside of a window of the vehicle, the device being connected with electric switches which respond to opening of doors of the vehicle, the device also being connected with a horn and/or lights of the vehicle and the device being adapted, when in its active condition, to respond to opening of a door of the vehicle by energising the vehicle horn and/or lights.
  • a method of indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter a vehicle or other enclosure having a door or other closure member wherein there is provided on or in the enclosure electrically energisable indicating means, sensing means associated with the closure member, control means and an input element, said input element being situated in a position where it can be subjected to radiant energy or to a change in a field emanating from a source outside the enclosure, the method including the steps of setting the control means in an active condition by applying to the input element from outside the enclosure a setting signal which is a change in radiant energy incident on the input element or is a change in a field to which the input element is subjected, the sensing means signals to the control means opening of the closure member and the control means energises the indicating means.
  • FIGURE 1 shows the vehicle diagrammatically; and FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of the security device.
  • the motor vehicle illustrated in Figure 1 has a body 10 defining a passenger compartment to which access can be gained by opening a door 11.
  • the motor vehicle also includes an engine compartment to which access can be gained by opening a closure member 12 and a luggage compartment to which access can be gained by opening a further closure member 13.
  • the vehicle further includes a security device which comprises an input element 17 and a control unit 18.
  • the control unit is mounted in the engine compartment of the vehicle, together with a vehicle batter-y 19 and a horn 20.
  • a plurality of lights At the front of the vehicle are mounted a plurality of lights, one of which is indicated at 21.
  • the switches 14, 15 and 16, the input element 17, the battery 19, the horn 20 and the lights 21 are connected with the control unit 18 by respective electrical conductors or by optical fibres which are omitted from Figure 1 for clarity of illustration.
  • the input element 17 is adapted to respond to a setting signal which is a change in a magnetic field to which the input element is subjected. Since glass is substantially transparent to a magnetic field, the input element is attached to the internal face of a fixed window of the vehicle. Alternatively, the input element could be adapted to respond to a change in radiant energy, for example infra red' or visible light, incident on the input element.
  • the input element 17 comprises a plurality of transducers, each of which is responsive to a change in a magnetic field to which the input element is subjected.
  • the input element comprises a pair of reed switches 23 and 24 which are spaced somewhat apart from each other so that the intensity of the magnetic field to which one of the reed switches is subjected can be increased to a value at which the reed switch is operated without necessarily operating the other reed switch also.
  • the preferred type of reed switch is the normally-open type having electrical contacts which are closed when the intensity of a magnetic field to which the reed switch is subjected rises above a predetermined threshold value.
  • the input element 17 also includes an indicating element 25, preferably adapted to give a visual indication.
  • the indicating element may be a light emitting diode or an incandescent filament bulb.
  • the control unit 18 is connected by a lead 26 with an ignition switch of the vehicle or with some other circuit which must be energised in order for an engine of the vehicle to be started or to run.
  • the control unit includes a code entry gate 27 to which are fed a signal indicative of the condition of the ignition switch or corresponding circuit and signals from the reed switches 23 and 24.
  • the path along which signals from the reed switches are fed is represented by a single line. However, it will be understood that separate channels would be provided for the reed switches 23 and 24 or other provision made for maintaining signals from these reed switches distinct from each other.
  • the gate 27 passes to an input code reader 28 and to an entry indicator drive 29 signals which are received from the reed switches 23 and 24 when the ignition switch of the vehicle is open but fails to pass signals when the ignition switch is closed.
  • the security device If the security device is in its active condition and the ignition switch or the like is energised, the horn and lights of the vehicle are energised by the alarm control 36 and the ignition circuit or the corresponding circuit is de-energised.
  • the entry indicator drive 29 is adapted to supply a pulse of energy to the indicating element 25 whenever a signal is passed from one of the reed switches 23 and 24 to the code entry gate 27 whilst the ignition switch of the vehicle is open.
  • the element 25 provides a visual indication on each occasion when one of the reed switches 23 and 24 is operated.
  • the input code reader 28 has an electronic memory into which there are entered the four most recent signals fed from the reed switches 23 and 24 to the code entry gate.
  • the entries in the memory of reader 28 are distinguished according to which of the reed switches provided the corresponding signal and the order in which the signals were received at the gate 27 is remembered.
  • the control device 18 also comprises a programmable disarm code store 51 adapted to store a series of four signals from the reed switches 23 and 24. Like the memory of the input code reader 28, the disarm code store 51 remembers only the last four signals received, the order in which these are received and the identity of the reed switch from which they are received being remembered.
  • a code comparator 30 is provided for comparing the series of four signals in the memory of the reader 28 with the series of four signals in the store 51. When there is identity between these two series of signals, the security device is set to an inactive condition. If the two series of signals are not identical, the security device is set to an active condition.
  • the comparator 30 provides output signals to an ignition disable element 31, a signal control 32 and an alarm time reducer 37.
  • the ignition disable element 31 is connected in the ignition circuit of the vehicle and operates to maintain that circuit open whenever the ignition switch of the vehicle is closed whilst the security device is in an active conditon. When the security device is in an inactive condition, the ignition disable element 31 does not prevent energisation of the vehicle ignition circuit.
  • a signal from one of the switches 14, 15 and 16, or from the ignition switch a signal is passed via the latch 33 to an alarm control 36 which immediately energises the horn and lights of the vehicle.
  • the alarm control may be arranged to energise the horn and lights alternately, for example at a frequency of approximately 2 Hertz.
  • the lights and horn could be energised together intermitently.
  • the lights and horn will be energised for an overall period of fifty seconds, the duration of this period being determined by the timer 34.
  • the duration of the period for which the lights and horn are energised is the duration of the period for which a charge on a capacitor (not shown) comprised by the timer 34 exceeds a threshold value.
  • the capacitor is normally permitted to discharge at a rate such that the threshold value will be reached after 50 seconds.
  • the time reducer 37 responds to application to the reed switches 23 and 24 of a series of signals corresponding to the signals stored in the store 51 by increasing the rate of discharge of the capacitor. Typically, if the correct series of signals is applied to the reed switches 23 and 24 immediately the horn is energised, the horn will be de-energised after a delay of approximately eight seconds.
  • the control unit 18 further comprises a manually operable switch having two sets of contacts, one of the sets being indicated by the reference numeral 38 and the other set by the reference numeral 39.
  • the contacts of the switch 38, 39 can be set in a selected one of three alternative positions, namely an 'off' position, a 'normal' position and a 'programme' position. Only when the contacts are in either the 'normal' position or the 'programme' position, is power supplied from the vehicle battery to . the control unit 18 to operate that unit in the normal way.
  • a by-pass device 40 supplies power from the vehicle battery to the unit 18 other than through the switch contacts 39 until the timer 34 has expired. If the switch contacts are moved to the 'off' position under any other circumstances, the supply of power to the control unit 18 is discontinued.
  • switch contacts 38, 39 are set to the "off" position, the device is de-energised and the memory of the reader 28 and the store 51 are cleared. If the switch contacts are then returned to the "normal" position, the same series of signals will be entered automatically into the memory of the reader 28 and into the store 51 so that the security device will assume an inactive condition.
  • the switch contacts 38 and 39 remain in the 'normal' position.
  • the security device is changed from its inactive condition to its active condition whenever one or both of the reed switches 23 and 24 is caused to supply to the code entry gate 27, whilst the vehicle ignition switch is open, a single signal or a series of signals different from the series stored in the store 51.
  • the authorised user of the vehicle can set the security device in an active condition by subjecting either of the reed switches 23 and 24 to a magnetic field of sufficient intensity to operate that reed switch momentarily.
  • a key tag 50 in which there Is embedded a permanent magnet, the magnet and the key tag being of sufficiently small dimensions, as compared with the spacing between the reed .switches 23 and 24, to ensure that when the key tag is placed against the outside of the vehicle window over a selected one of the reed switches, the other reed switch is not operated.
  • security device herein described is set in an inactive condition by a signal comprising four changes in a magnetic field to which the reed switches are subjected
  • the device may be modified to be set in its inactive condition by a smaller or larger number of changes.
  • the number of transducers in the input element may be larger than the number of transducers in the described input element.
  • reed switches each of which is operated by the proximity of a single magnetic pole
  • an arrangement comprising reed switches, each of which can be operated only by the proximity of a predetermined array of poles, for example a pole of one polarity disposed between two poles of other polarity.
  • the security device may include additional or alternative indicating means.
  • the security device may be arranged to energise the horn, light or other indicating means in such a manner that they provide a recognisable signal, for example S.O.S. in morse code.
  • the security device may comprise means for transforming into sounds signals supplied to the reed switches.
  • There may be provided in the same vehicle a plurality of input elements, connected in parallel with each other to the control unit 18. For example, there may be an input element adjacent to each side of the vehicle and a further input element adjacent to a rear door or boot of the vehicle.
  • the control device may optionally include tamper- detecting means indicated in Figure 2 by the reference numeral 42.
  • This means is adapted to respond to the provision within a relatively short period of a large number of signals by the input element 17 to bring about energisation of the vehicle horn or lights if the security device is in an active condition. This may be achieved by increasing the charge on a capacitor in response to each input signal and permitting the charge to leak away at a rate such that the charge on the capacitor does not achieve a threshold value if a selected number, for example four or six signals are applied. to the input element in rapid succession but if an attempt is made to tamper with the security device by subjecting the input element to a large number of changes, the charge on the capacitor will exceed a threshold value and an alarm will be given.
  • the security device may include means 44 having output terminals 45 which are earthed via respective accessories.
  • the output terminals 45 are no longer earthed and the means 44 responds to this condition by passing a signal to the latch 33 and to the timer 34 to energise the remaining lights and/or the horn of the vehicle.
  • a lead having one end earthed and an opposite end connected to the means 44 may be connected mechanically with, for example extend through the housings of, a number of accessories on the vehicle. With this arrangement, theft of one of the accessories from the vehicle would require severing of the earthed lead and this would cause the means 44 to pass a signal to the latch 33 and to the timer 34 to energise the lights and/or the horn.
  • the security device may further comprise a manually operable switch 46 which is accessible to a driver and/or passenger in the vehicle and which is adapted to pass a signal to the latch 33 and timer 34 so that the vehicle lights and horn will be energised in response to actuation of the switch 46.
  • a manually operable switch 46 which is accessible to a driver and/or passenger in the vehicle and which is adapted to pass a signal to the latch 33 and timer 34 so that the vehicle lights and horn will be energised in response to actuation of the switch 46.
  • the input element 17 will generally be accessible from the interior of the vehicle and a user can set the security device in its active condition by subjecting the input element to a change in a magnetic field or to other change in the environment to which the input element responds.
  • the security device includes the tamper detecting means 42, subjection of the input element to repeated changes by a driver or passenger in the vehicle will result in an alarm being given.
  • the control unit may include a condition indicator 48 connected via an interrogator 47 with the output of the comparator 30.
  • the indicator 48 may be in the form of a bulb or other device which emits light when energised.
  • the interrogator 47 may be a manually operable switch, a pair of contacts which can be bridged by an electrical conductor or a reed switch- which is not directly accessible but can be closed by a magnetic field.
  • the security device may further comprise means 43 connected with the ignition or corresponding circuit of the vehicle and responsive to energisation of the ignition coil or of a starter motor directly from the vehicle battery to pass to the. latch 33 and timer 34 a signal which causes an alarm to be given.
  • the element 31 is an ignition disable element which controls energisation of an ignition circuit or corresponding circuit of the vehicle.
  • the element 31 may be arranged to control energisation of the transmission control or throttle control.
  • An element 31 arranged to control either an ignition or corresponding circuit of a vehicle or to control operation of a throttle control circuit or transmission control circuit may additionally be arranged to control energisation of solenoid-operated door locks of the vehicle so that the doors will be unlocked when there is fed into the store 28 a series of signals identical with the series stored in the disarm store 51. Furthermore, the element 31 may be arranged to lock the vehicle doors whenever the series of signals stored in the store 28 is changed so that it differs from the series of signals stored in the disarm store 51. With this modification, the key tag 50 can be used for locking and unlocking the doors.
  • security devices in accordance with the invention may be used in connection with other enclosures having movable closure members or in connection with other movable objects for which security is required.
  • sensing means corresponding to the switches 14, 15 and 16 may be associated with doors and windows of a building or with respective works of art in a building.
  • the sensing means may be adapted to provide, in addition to the signals supplied to the control means 32, further signals which are indicative of the particular switch which has been operated, these further signals being fed to a decoder which influences energisation of the indicating means corresponding to the vehicle horn and lights so that the indicating means is energised in a manner indicative of the particular closure member or work of art which has been moved.
  • the input element may be so arranged that it can be operated upon to change the condition of the security device either from inside the enclosure or from the outside thereof.
  • a plurality of input elements may be provided, one or more being susceptible to a change in radiation or a field from inside the enclosure and one or more further input elements being susceptible to a change in radiation or a field from outside the enclosure. Whilst it is convenient to use the input element for setting the device in an inactive condition and also for setting the security device in the active condition, alternative means may be provided for setting the device in the active condition.
  • the input element comprises one or more reed switches for providing signals to the control unit
  • a further reed switch which is biased by an associated permanent magnet to an open condition.
  • an authorised user can avoid closing of the further switch by using a magnetic pole of appropriate polarity; whereas an unauthorised user may use a magnetic pole having a polarity such that the further reed switch is closed.
  • the control means would be arranged to give an alarm in the event of the further need switch being closed.
  • provision may be made for giving an alarm if radiation of a wavelength other than a predetermined wavelength is used in an attempt to set the security device in its inactive condition.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Steering Control In Accordance With Driving Conditions (AREA)
  • Separation, Recovery Or Treatment Of Waste Materials Containing Plastics (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Printed Wiring (AREA)
  • Window Of Vehicle (AREA)

Abstract

Un dispositif anti-vol pour un vehicule possede un element d'entree (17) monte a l'interieur de la glace d'un vehicule. L'element comprend des interrupteurs a lame souple pouvant etre actionnes depuis l'exterieur du vehicule au moyen d'une cle de contact magnetiqueAn anti-theft device for a vehicle has an input member (17) mounted inside the window of a vehicle. The element comprises flexible blade switches which can be actuated from outside the vehicle by means of a magnetic ignition key

Description

Title: "Security device, motor vehicle incorporating the device and method of indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter an enclosure"
TECHNICAL FIELD
From one aspect, the present invention relates to a security device which can be set in a selected one of an active condition and an inactive condition by operation of an input element of the device. Security devices of this kind are used as anti-theft or anti-tamper devices. A common example is a motor vehicle "anti-theft device which, when in its active condition, responds to opening of a vehicle door or to rocking of the vehicle by energising lights or a horn of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a method of indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter a vehicle or other enclosure having a door or other closure member.
Certain known vehicle anti-theft devices have an operating element in the form of a finger-operated switch which is intended to be mounted in a passenger compartment of the vehicle so that the driver can operate the input element just prior to leaving the vehicle. It is necessary for these devices to incorporate delay means so that the driver can leave the vehicle, close and lock the door before the security device becomes active and can enter the vehicle and operate the input element to set the security device in an inactive condition before the horn or lights of the vehicle are energised. Use of this kind of security device is sometimes inconvenient and gives rise to the risk that an unauthorised person entering the vehicle may be able to operate the input element to set the security device in an inactive condition before the horn or lights of the vehicle are energised.
In an alternative known vehicle anti-theft device, the input element is in .the form of a key-operated electrical switch which is intended to be mounted in an aperture in the vehicle bodywork so that the key can be inserted from outside the vehicle to set the security device in a selected one of the active and inactive conditions. Mounting of the input element in an aperture in the vehicle bodywork gives rise to problems, in particular to corrosion of steel bodywork around the aperture.
DISCLOSUBE OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security device comprising a sensor for sensing an action against which security is required and an input element, the device being operative to provide a predetermined output when said action is sensed whilst the device is. in its active condition but the device failing to provide said output if the action occurs whilst the device is in its inactive condition and wherein the input element is adapted to respond by setting the device in its inactive condition to a setting signal which is a change in radiant energy incident on the input element or is adapted to respond by setting the device in its inactive condition to a setting signal which is a change in a field to which the input element Is subjected.
A user can operate on the input element of a security device according to the invention to set the device in the inactive condition without establishing contact with the input element. Thus, the input element can be protected by a member which is substantially transparent to the radiant energy or field to which the input element responds. If the input element is adapted to respond to a change in radiant energy which is transmitted by glass or to a change in a field to which glass is substantially transparent, the input element can be mounted at the inside of a glass window.
The change to which the input element responds may be a change in the intensity of a field to which the input element is subjected or in the intensity of radiant energy incident on the input element. Alternatively, the change to which the input element responds may be the commencement or termination of subjection of the input element to a field of significant intensity or to radiant energy of significant intensity.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a security device comprising an input element which responds to a setting signal of predetermined character to set the device in an active condition and responds to a further signal of said predetermined character to set the device in an inactive condition, said character being a change in radiant energy incident on the input, element or a change in a field to which the input element is subjected.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a motor vehicle which includes a security device according to the first aspect, the input element of the security device being mounted at the inside of a window of the vehicle, the device being connected with electric switches which respond to opening of doors of the vehicle, the device also being connected with a horn and/or lights of the vehicle and the device being adapted, when in its active condition, to respond to opening of a door of the vehicle by energising the vehicle horn and/or lights.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter a vehicle or other enclosure having a door or other closure member, wherein there is provided on or in the enclosure electrically energisable indicating means, sensing means associated with the closure member, control means and an input element, said input element being situated in a position where it can be subjected to radiant energy or to a change in a field emanating from a source outside the enclosure, the method including the steps of setting the control means in an active condition by applying to the input element from outside the enclosure a setting signal which is a change in radiant energy incident on the input element or is a change in a field to which the input element is subjected, the sensing means signals to the control means opening of the closure member and the control means energises the indicating means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An example of a motor vehicle in accordance with the second aspect of the invention and comprising a security device according to the first and second aspects which device is used in a method according to the fourth aspect of the invention, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-
FIGURE 1 shows the vehicle diagrammatically; and FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of the security device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The motor vehicle illustrated in Figure 1 has a body 10 defining a passenger compartment to which access can be gained by opening a door 11. The motor vehicle also includes an engine compartment to which access can be gained by opening a closure member 12 and a luggage compartment to which access can be gained by opening a further closure member 13. There is mounted on the vehicle body 10 a plurality of switches, 14, 15 and 16, which respond to opening and closing of the door 11, member 12 and member 13 respectively to provide electrical signals.
The vehicle further includes a security device which comprises an input element 17 and a control unit 18. The control unit is mounted in the engine compartment of the vehicle, together with a vehicle batter-y 19 and a horn 20. At the front of the vehicle are mounted a plurality of lights, one of which is indicated at 21. The switches 14, 15 and 16, the input element 17, the battery 19, the horn 20 and the lights 21 are connected with the control unit 18 by respective electrical conductors or by optical fibres which are omitted from Figure 1 for clarity of illustration.
The input element 17 is adapted to respond to a setting signal which is a change in a magnetic field to which the input element is subjected. Since glass is substantially transparent to a magnetic field, the input element is attached to the internal face of a fixed window of the vehicle. Alternatively, the input element could be adapted to respond to a change in radiant energy, for example infra red' or visible light, incident on the input element.
The input element 17 comprises a plurality of transducers, each of which is responsive to a change in a magnetic field to which the input element is subjected. In the particular example illustrated, the input element comprises a pair of reed switches 23 and 24 which are spaced somewhat apart from each other so that the intensity of the magnetic field to which one of the reed switches is subjected can be increased to a value at which the reed switch is operated without necessarily operating the other reed switch also. The preferred type of reed switch is the normally-open type having electrical contacts which are closed when the intensity of a magnetic field to which the reed switch is subjected rises above a predetermined threshold value. The input element 17 also includes an indicating element 25, preferably adapted to give a visual indication. The indicating element may be a light emitting diode or an incandescent filament bulb.
The control unit 18 is connected by a lead 26 with an ignition switch of the vehicle or with some other circuit which must be energised in order for an engine of the vehicle to be started or to run. The control unit includes a code entry gate 27 to which are fed a signal indicative of the condition of the ignition switch or corresponding circuit and signals from the reed switches 23 and 24. For convenience of illustration, the path along which signals from the reed switches are fed is represented by a single line. However, it will be understood that separate channels would be provided for the reed switches 23 and 24 or other provision made for maintaining signals from these reed switches distinct from each other. The gate 27 passes to an input code reader 28 and to an entry indicator drive 29 signals which are received from the reed switches 23 and 24 when the ignition switch of the vehicle is open but fails to pass signals when the ignition switch is closed.
If the security device is in its active condition and the ignition switch or the like is energised, the horn and lights of the vehicle are energised by the alarm control 36 and the ignition circuit or the corresponding circuit is de-energised.
The entry indicator drive 29 is adapted to supply a pulse of energy to the indicating element 25 whenever a signal is passed from one of the reed switches 23 and 24 to the code entry gate 27 whilst the ignition switch of the vehicle is open. Thus, the element 25 provides a visual indication on each occasion when one of the reed switches 23 and 24 is operated.
The input code reader 28 has an electronic memory into which there are entered the four most recent signals fed from the reed switches 23 and 24 to the code entry gate. The entries in the memory of reader 28 are distinguished according to which of the reed switches provided the corresponding signal and the order in which the signals were received at the gate 27 is remembered.
The control device 18 also comprises a programmable disarm code store 51 adapted to store a series of four signals from the reed switches 23 and 24. Like the memory of the input code reader 28, the disarm code store 51 remembers only the last four signals received, the order in which these are received and the identity of the reed switch from which they are received being remembered. A code comparator 30 is provided for comparing the series of four signals in the memory of the reader 28 with the series of four signals in the store 51. When there is identity between these two series of signals, the security device is set to an inactive condition. If the two series of signals are not identical, the security device is set to an active condition. The comparator 30 provides output signals to an ignition disable element 31, a signal control 32 and an alarm time reducer 37.
The ignition disable element 31 is connected in the ignition circuit of the vehicle and operates to maintain that circuit open whenever the ignition switch of the vehicle is closed whilst the security device is in an active conditon. When the security device is in an inactive condition, the ignition disable element 31 does not prevent energisation of the vehicle ignition circuit.
Electrical signals from the switches 14, 15 and 16 when any one or more of these switches is operated by opening a closure member of the vehicle body are fed along a lead 41 to the signal control 32. If the security device is in an active condition, the signal control is in an armed condition and it passes these signals to an alarm signal latch 33 and to an alarm timer 3.4. Otherwise, the signal control 32 prevents signals from the switches on the vehicle body passing to the latch 33 and timer 34. Signals are passed from the code comparator 30 to the signal control 32 via a delay device 35 which prevents the signal control assuming an armed condition within a selected period, for example 20 seconds, following the establishment in the memory of the input code reader 28 of a series of four signals which differs from the series stored in the store 51. When a period of twenty seconds has elapsed from establishment in the memory of the reader 28 of a series of four signals which differs from the series stored in the store 51, the signal control 32 assumes its armed condition.
When the signal control 32 passes to the timer 34 a signal from one of the switches 14, 15 and 16, or from the ignition switch a signal is passed via the latch 33 to an alarm control 36 which immediately energises the horn and lights of the vehicle. The alarm control may be arranged to energise the horn and lights alternately, for example at a frequency of approximately 2 Hertz. Alternatively, the lights and horn could be energised together intermitently. Generally, the lights and horn will be energised for an overall period of fifty seconds, the duration of this period being determined by the timer 34. If the supply of a signal from the switches 14, 15 and 16 or from the ignition switch is discontinued during this period, the horn and lights will continue to be energised throughout the period unless the correct series of signals is applied to the reed switches 23 and 24. If, when the period determined by the timer 34 expires, a signal continues to be fed to the signal control 32 from one of the switches 14, 15 and 16, indicating that a closure member of the vehicle body is still open, a signal will be fed directly from the signal control 32 to the latch 33 to continue energisation of the vehicle lights and horn.
Should one of the closure members of the vehicle body be opened whilst the security device is in the active condition, the duration of the period for which the lights and horn are energised can be reduced. The duration of the period for which the lights and horn are energised is the duration of the period for which a charge on a capacitor (not shown) comprised by the timer 34 exceeds a threshold value. The capacitor is normally permitted to discharge at a rate such that the threshold value will be reached after 50 seconds. The time reducer 37 responds to application to the reed switches 23 and 24 of a series of signals corresponding to the signals stored in the store 51 by increasing the rate of discharge of the capacitor. Typically, if the correct series of signals is applied to the reed switches 23 and 24 immediately the horn is energised, the horn will be de-energised after a delay of approximately eight seconds.
The control unit 18 further comprises a manually operable switch having two sets of contacts, one of the sets being indicated by the reference numeral 38 and the other set by the reference numeral 39. The contacts of the switch 38, 39 can be set in a selected one of three alternative positions, namely an 'off' position, a 'normal' position and a 'programme' position. Only when the contacts are in either the 'normal' position or the 'programme' position, is power supplied from the vehicle battery to . the control unit 18 to operate that unit in the normal way. If the contacts are moved to the 'off position whilst the vehicle lights or horn are energised under the control of timer 34, a by-pass device 40 supplies power from the vehicle battery to the unit 18 other than through the switch contacts 39 until the timer 34 has expired. If the switch contacts are moved to the 'off' position under any other circumstances, the supply of power to the control unit 18 is discontinued.
When the switch contacts 38, 39 are in the 'programme' position, signals are fed from the reed switches 23 and 24 to the disarm code store 51 to enable the user to change the series of signals stored in this store. Only the last four signals fed to this store are remembered. Signals fed from the reed switches 23 and 24 to the store 51 are additionally fed to the memory of the reader 28 so that when the switch contacts 38, 39 are returned to the "normal" position, the same series of four signals is present in the memory of the reader 28 and in the store 51 and the security device remains in an inactive condition. When the switch contacts 38, 39 are in the 'normal' position, the contents of the disarm code store 51 cannot be changed.
If the switch contacts 38, 39 are set to the "off" position, the device is de-energised and the memory of the reader 28 and the store 51 are cleared. If the switch contacts are then returned to the "normal" position, the same series of signals will be entered automatically into the memory of the reader 28 and into the store 51 so that the security device will assume an inactive condition.
For normal use of the security device, the switch contacts 38 and 39 remain in the 'normal' position. The security device is changed from its inactive condition to its active condition whenever one or both of the reed switches 23 and 24 is caused to supply to the code entry gate 27, whilst the vehicle ignition switch is open, a single signal or a series of signals different from the series stored in the store 51. Thus, the authorised user of the vehicle can set the security device in an active condition by subjecting either of the reed switches 23 and 24 to a magnetic field of sufficient intensity to operate that reed switch momentarily.
If the vehicle is left with the security device in an Inactive condition, any attempt on the part of an unauthorised user to operate the reed switches in such a way that the device will be set in an inactive condition is likely to result in the device being set in its active condition.
For operating the reed switches 23 and 24, there may be provided for the user a key tag 50 in which there Is embedded a permanent magnet, the magnet and the key tag being of sufficiently small dimensions, as compared with the spacing between the reed .switches 23 and 24, to ensure that when the key tag is placed against the outside of the vehicle window over a selected one of the reed switches, the other reed switch is not operated. It will be appreciated that, whilst the particular example of security device herein described is set in an inactive condition by a signal comprising four changes in a magnetic field to which the reed switches are subjected, the device may be modified to be set in its inactive condition by a smaller or larger number of changes. Furthermore, the number of transducers in the input element may be larger than the number of transducers in the described input element.
In place of the reed switches, each of which is operated by the proximity of a single magnetic pole, there may be provided an arrangement comprising reed switches, each of which can be operated only by the proximity of a predetermined array of poles, for example a pole of one polarity disposed between two poles of other polarity. This modification of the input element 17 and key tag 50 reduces the risk of the security device being set in an active condition by mischievous persons in the absence of the authorised user, without increasing the risk that an unauthorised person will be able to change the condition of the device to the inactive condition when it has been set in the active condition by the authorised user.
Whilst the vehicle horn 20 and light 21 provide a convenient means for indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter the vehicle, the security device may include additional or alternative indicating means. The security device may be arranged to energise the horn, light or other indicating means in such a manner that they provide a recognisable signal, for example S.O.S. in morse code. In addition to or as an alternative to the indicating element 25, the security device may comprise means for transforming into sounds signals supplied to the reed switches. There may be provided in the same vehicle a plurality of input elements, connected in parallel with each other to the control unit 18. For example, there may be an input element adjacent to each side of the vehicle and a further input element adjacent to a rear door or boot of the vehicle.
The control device may optionally include tamper- detecting means indicated in Figure 2 by the reference numeral 42. This means is adapted to respond to the provision within a relatively short period of a large number of signals by the input element 17 to bring about energisation of the vehicle horn or lights if the security device is in an active condition. This may be achieved by increasing the charge on a capacitor in response to each input signal and permitting the charge to leak away at a rate such that the charge on the capacitor does not achieve a threshold value if a selected number, for example four or six signals are applied. to the input element in rapid succession but if an attempt is made to tamper with the security device by subjecting the input element to a large number of changes, the charge on the capacitor will exceed a threshold value and an alarm will be given.
To provide security for accessories on the vehicle, for example fog lights or a radio, the security device may include means 44 having output terminals 45 which are earthed via respective accessories. In the event of the accessories being removed from the vehicle, the output terminals 45 are no longer earthed and the means 44 responds to this condition by passing a signal to the latch 33 and to the timer 34 to energise the remaining lights and/or the horn of the vehicle. Alternatively, a lead having one end earthed and an opposite end connected to the means 44 may be connected mechanically with, for example extend through the housings of, a number of accessories on the vehicle. With this arrangement, theft of one of the accessories from the vehicle would require severing of the earthed lead and this would cause the means 44 to pass a signal to the latch 33 and to the timer 34 to energise the lights and/or the horn.
The security device may further comprise a manually operable switch 46 which is accessible to a driver and/or passenger in the vehicle and which is adapted to pass a signal to the latch 33 and timer 34 so that the vehicle lights and horn will be energised in response to actuation of the switch 46.
The input element 17 will generally be accessible from the interior of the vehicle and a user can set the security device in its active condition by subjecting the input element to a change in a magnetic field or to other change in the environment to which the input element responds. In a case where the security device includes the tamper detecting means 42, subjection of the input element to repeated changes by a driver or passenger in the vehicle will result in an alarm being given.
To enable a user to check that the intended series of signals has been entered in the memory of the reader 28 and to enable the user to check that the security device is set in its active condition by application of some other series of signals to the input element, the control unit may include a condition indicator 48 connected via an interrogator 47 with the output of the comparator 30. The indicator 48 may be in the form of a bulb or other device which emits light when energised. The interrogator 47 may be a manually operable switch, a pair of contacts which can be bridged by an electrical conductor or a reed switch- which is not directly accessible but can be closed by a magnetic field.
The security device may further comprise means 43 connected with the ignition or corresponding circuit of the vehicle and responsive to energisation of the ignition coil or of a starter motor directly from the vehicle battery to pass to the. latch 33 and timer 34 a signal which causes an alarm to be given.
In the particular example illustrated, the element 31 is an ignition disable element which controls energisation of an ignition circuit or corresponding circuit of the vehicle. Alternatively, in the case of a vehicle provided with an electrical or electronic control for either a transmission of the vehicle or a throttle of the vehicle, the element 31 may be arranged to control energisation of the transmission control or throttle control.
An element 31 arranged to control either an ignition or corresponding circuit of a vehicle or to control operation of a throttle control circuit or transmission control circuit may additionally be arranged to control energisation of solenoid-operated door locks of the vehicle so that the doors will be unlocked when there is fed into the store 28 a series of signals identical with the series stored in the disarm store 51. Furthermore, the element 31 may be arranged to lock the vehicle doors whenever the series of signals stored in the store 28 is changed so that it differs from the series of signals stored in the disarm store 51. With this modification, the key tag 50 can be used for locking and unlocking the doors.
Whilst the particular example of security device illustrated, in the accompanying drawings is fitted to a vehicle, security devices in accordance with the invention may be used in connection with other enclosures having movable closure members or in connection with other movable objects for which security is required. For example, sensing means corresponding to the switches 14, 15 and 16 may be associated with doors and windows of a building or with respective works of art in a building. In such cases, the sensing means may be adapted to provide, in addition to the signals supplied to the control means 32, further signals which are indicative of the particular switch which has been operated, these further signals being fed to a decoder which influences energisation of the indicating means corresponding to the vehicle horn and lights so that the indicating means is energised in a manner indicative of the particular closure member or work of art which has been moved.
In a case where the security device is used in a building or other enclosure, the input element may be so arranged that it can be operated upon to change the condition of the security device either from inside the enclosure or from the outside thereof. Alternatively, a plurality of input elements may be provided, one or more being susceptible to a change in radiation or a field from inside the enclosure and one or more further input elements being susceptible to a change in radiation or a field from outside the enclosure. Whilst it is convenient to use the input element for setting the device in an inactive condition and also for setting the security device in the active condition, alternative means may be provided for setting the device in the active condition.
In a case where the input element comprises one or more reed switches for providing signals to the control unit, there may be included in the input element a further reed switch which is biased by an associated permanent magnet to an open condition. With this arrangement, an authorised user can avoid closing of the further switch by using a magnetic pole of appropriate polarity; whereas an unauthorised user may use a magnetic pole having a polarity such that the further reed switch is closed. The control means would be arranged to give an alarm in the event of the further need switch being closed. In a case where the input element is intended to be influenced by a change in incident radiation, provision may be made for giving an alarm if radiation of a wavelength other than a predetermined wavelength is used in an attempt to set the security device in its inactive condition.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. A security device comprising a sensor for sensing an action against which security is required and an input element, the device being settable in an active condition and in an inactive condition, the device being operative to provide a predetermined output when said action is sensed whilst the device is in its active condition but the device failing to provide said output if the action occurs whilst the device is in its inactive condition and wherein the input element is adapted to respond by setting the device in its inactive condition to a setting signal which is a change in radiant energy incident on the input element or is adapted to respond by setting the device in its inactive condition to a setting signal which is a -change in a field to which the input element is subjected.
2. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the input element is adapted to respond to a further signal of the same character as said setting signal to set the device in the active condition.
3. A device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the input element is adapted to respond to a signal which is the commencement or termination of subjection of the input element to a magnetic field.
4. A device according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 as appendant thereto wherein the input element comprises a plurality of transducers, each transducer being responsive to respective components of the setting and/or further signals.
5. A device according to Claim 2 or either of Claims 3 and 4 as appendant thereto wherein the input element responds to any signal of said character other than the setting signal to set the device in an active condition.
6. A device according to any preceding claim including means for transforming the setting signal into sounds and/or visible signals representing the setting signal.
7. A motor vehicle which includes a security device according to any preceding claim, the input element being mounted at the inside of a window of the vehicle, the device being connected with electric switches or other sensing means which respond to opening of doors of the vehicle, the device also being connected with a horn and/or lights of the vehicle and the device being adapted, when in its active condition, to respond to opening of a door of the vehicle by energising the vehicle horn and/or lights.
8. A vehicle according to Claim 7 wherein the device is also connected with an ignition circuit or other circuit of the vehicle which must be energised in order for the vehicle engine to be started or to run, the device being adapted to prevent energisation of said circuit if an attempt is made to energise the circuit whilst the device is in its active condition.
9. A method of indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter an enclosure having a door or other closure member, wherein there is provided on or in the enclosure electrically energisable indicating means, sensing means associated with the closure member, control means and an input element, said input element being situated in a position where it can be subjected to radiant energy or to a change in a field emanating from a source outside the enclosure, the method including the step of setting the control means in an active condition by applying to the input element from outside the enclosure a signal which is a change in radiant energy incident on the input element or a change in a field to which the input element is subjected, the sensing means signals to the control means opening of the closure member and the control means energises the indicating means .
EP82900644A 1981-02-28 1982-02-26 Security device, motor vehicle incorporating the device and method of indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter an enclosure Withdrawn EP0073216A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8106419 1981-02-28
GB8106419 1981-02-28

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EP0073216A1 true EP0073216A1 (en) 1983-03-09

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EP82900644A Withdrawn EP0073216A1 (en) 1981-02-28 1982-02-26 Security device, motor vehicle incorporating the device and method of indicating an unauthorised attempt to enter an enclosure

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0073216A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2110860A (en)
NO (1) NO823598L (en)
WO (1) WO1982002861A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA821351B (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4683741A (en) * 1986-07-14 1987-08-04 Fields Roy A Light signal for door knob and lock assembly
FR2608984B1 (en) * 1987-04-14 1989-08-04 Granier Christian DEVICE FOR TRACKING STOLEN VEHICLES
FR2629775A2 (en) * 1987-04-14 1989-10-13 Granier Christian Device for identifying stolen vehicles
DE3724929A1 (en) * 1987-07-28 1989-02-09 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Break-in and anti-theft alarm
DE3821561A1 (en) * 1988-06-25 1989-12-28 Porsche Ag DEVICE FOR THE OPTICAL DISPLAY OF THE READY OF A VEHICLE ALARM SYSTEM
FR2636457B1 (en) * 1988-09-09 1994-12-02 Jarrot Laurent PARKING VEHICLE MONITORING DEVICE
US5774858A (en) * 1995-10-23 1998-06-30 Taubkin; Vladimir L. Speech analysis method of protecting a vehicle from unauthorized accessing and controlling

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FR2246915A1 (en) * 1973-10-05 1975-05-02 Peypelut Paul Anti-theft alarm system for vehicle, flat etc. - has main and auxiliary reed switches and cyclical switch
FR2250165B1 (en) * 1973-11-07 1978-02-10 Matra Electronique
US4206439A (en) * 1978-01-05 1980-06-03 Steinitz Donald J Alerting system and arming/disarming apparatus therefor
DE2848533A1 (en) * 1978-11-09 1980-05-29 Bosch Gmbh Robert Deactivation of road vehicle alarm system - using hand-held transmitter to send deactivating pulse sequence to alarm unit inside vehicle

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Title
See references of WO8202861A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1982002861A1 (en) 1982-09-02
ZA821351B (en) 1983-03-30
GB2110860A (en) 1983-06-22
NO823598L (en) 1982-10-28

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