US20190061692A1 - Apparatus and method for pairing smartphone with vehicle tracking device - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for pairing smartphone with vehicle tracking device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20190061692A1
US20190061692A1 US15/690,393 US201715690393A US2019061692A1 US 20190061692 A1 US20190061692 A1 US 20190061692A1 US 201715690393 A US201715690393 A US 201715690393A US 2019061692 A1 US2019061692 A1 US 2019061692A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
vehicle
wireless data
mobile communication
communication device
vehicle monitoring
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.)
Granted
Application number
US15/690,393
Other versions
US10232823B1 (en
Inventor
Frieda Bobay
Ben Tran
Dru E. Barrios
Aticom Bussarakonsirivit
Naueen K. Kakumani
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.)
Spireon Inc
Original Assignee
Spireon Inc
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
Priority to US15/690,393 priority Critical patent/US10232823B1/en
Application filed by Spireon Inc filed Critical Spireon Inc
Assigned to SPIREON, INC. reassignment SPIREON, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BARRIOS, DRU, BOBAY, FRIEDA, BUSSARAKONSIRIVIR, ATICOM, KAKUMANI, NAUEEN KOMAR, TRAN, BEN
Assigned to ALLY BANK, AS AGENT reassignment ALLY BANK, AS AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: SPIREON, INC.
Publication of US20190061692A1 publication Critical patent/US20190061692A1/en
Publication of US10232823B1 publication Critical patent/US10232823B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Assigned to SPIREON, INC. reassignment SPIREON, INC. NOTICE OF RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Assignors: ALLY BANK, AS AGENT
Assigned to ALTER DOMUS (US) LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT reassignment ALTER DOMUS (US) LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SPIREON, INC.
Assigned to GOLDMAN SACHS LENDING PARTNERS, LLC AS COLLATERAL AGENT reassignment GOLDMAN SACHS LENDING PARTNERS, LLC AS COLLATERAL AGENT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SPIREON, INC.
Assigned to SPIREON, INC. reassignment SPIREON, INC. MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SPIREON MERGER SUB, INC., SPIREON, INC.
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/30Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems
    • B60R25/33Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems of global position, e.g. by providing GPS coordinates
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/10Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
    • B60R25/102Fittings 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
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2325/00Indexing scheme relating to vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/20Communication devices for vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/205Mobile phones
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/10Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the field of vehicle security and tracking. More particularly, this invention relates to a system for pairing a smartphone of a vehicle operator with a vehicle tracking device installed in the vehicle.
  • Vehicle tampering and theft of vehicles and/or property within vehicles is an ongoing problem for vehicle owners.
  • many technology solutions have been proposed for monitoring vehicles to detect tampering or theft, none of the prior solutions provide for automatically arming a vehicle monitoring system based on simply parking the vehicle and the vehicle owner walking away, with no need for further action.
  • no prior solution has compared the GPS coordinates of the vehicle to the GPS coordinates of the vehicle owner's smartphone to determine that the vehicle monitoring system is to be armed.
  • a vehicle monitoring system in which a vehicle tracking device is paired with the vehicle owner's smartphone, and in which the vehicle monitoring system is automatically armed to begin monitoring and providing tamper/theft alerts when the vehicle owner walks away from the vehicle with his or her smartphone.
  • Embodiments of the invention described herein prevent car and property theft and unauthorized tampering by alerting the vehicle's owner of unexpected events. Alerts regarding unauthorized activities are provided to the vehicle owner within seconds or minutes of the occurrence while the owner is away from the vehicle. Nonlimiting examples of such unauthorized activities include shaking of the vehicle, towing or movement of the vehicle, unlocking a door, breaking glass, starting the ignition, the vehicle exiting a geofence (location boundary), loading or unloading of cargo (for cargo trailers), and activation special equipment such as a hydraulic lift (for vehicles so equipped).
  • Embodiments of the invention provide several advantages over prior vehicle monitoring systems.
  • the vehicle monitoring and alerts can be set to automatically start each time the vehicle is parked and the vehicle owner moves away to a specific and configurable distance threshold. This allows the vehicle owner to set monitoring preferences once, after which the system automatically handles monitoring and alerting according to those preferences for every future trip and all vehicle activities.
  • the monitoring and alerting is automatically disarmed when the vehicle owner again comes within the predetermined proximity of the vehicle.
  • the monitoring and alerting can also be disarmed manually in scenarios in which the vehicle owner is lending the vehicle to someone else and does not need to track it. It also may be manually disarmed if the owner left his/her phone in a location far from the vehicle.
  • the system provides for early detection of vehicle tampering or theft, and sends alert messages to apprise the vehicle owner of exactly what type of event has occurred so the owner can judge the severity of the event and respond appropriately.
  • the sequence of alert messages indicate progressive levels of event severity, from shaking of the vehicle (such as from trying to pry the door), to actually having a door unlock/open event, to starting the car, to driving the car beyond a geofence perimeter.
  • Preferred embodiments allow the vehicle owner to set preferences for the type or severity of events that will trigger an alert.
  • the vehicle owner can receive alerts anywhere, as long as the vehicle owner's mobile phone and data access (either via cellular or wi-fi) are available.
  • the vehicle owner may receive alerts while in California regarding events occurring with a vehicle parked in Florida.
  • alerts may be generated and received within seconds or minutes of the occurrence of a triggering event, the timing of which depends on the speed of the cellular and/or data network.
  • Preferred embodiments of the system described herein include a vehicle monitoring device installed in the vehicle that tracks and reports vehicle activities to a central server. Each specific event is recorded at the central server in association with a specific event code indicating the type of event that has occurred.
  • the vehicle monitoring device may be an after-market device installed by the vehicle owner or a car dealer, or the device may be an OEM unit such as used in General Motor's OnStar′ system.
  • the system includes a software application that the vehicle owner installs on his/her smartphone or other mobile device. Using the smartphone application, the system detects the proximity of the vehicle owner's smartphone to the vehicle monitoring device and arms or disarms the automatic alert messaging function based on the detected proximity. In a preferred embodiment, proximity is detected based on comparing the GPS location of the vehicle monitoring device to the GPS location of the smartphone. Proximity may also be detected based on determining whether the smartphone is paired with the vehicle's Bluetooth system.
  • embodiments of the invention are directed to a vehicle monitoring system comprising a vehicle monitoring device, a mobile communication device, and a central vehicle monitoring server, all of which are in communication with a wireless data network.
  • the vehicle monitoring device is configured to be installed in a vehicle, which may be a passenger automobile, a fleet vehicle, a tractor of a tractor/trailer rig, or a cargo trailer.
  • the vehicle monitoring device includes vehicle event sensors, a first Global Positioning System receiver, a first data processor, and a first wireless data transceiver.
  • the vehicle event sensors are configured to generate vehicle event signals indicative of vehicle events.
  • the first Global Positioning System receiver is configured to generate vehicle location information.
  • the first data processor is configured to generate vehicle event information based on the vehicle event signals.
  • the first wireless data transceiver is configured to transmit the vehicle location information and the vehicle event information via the wireless data network.
  • the mobile communication device includes a second Global Positioning System receiver, a second wireless data transceiver, a second data processor, and a display device.
  • the second Global Positioning System receiver is configured to generate mobile communication device location information.
  • the second wireless data transceiver is configured to transmit the mobile communication device location information and receive alert information via the wireless data network.
  • the second data processor is configured to generate alert messages based on the alert information.
  • the display device is configured to display the alert messages.
  • the central vehicle monitoring server executes software instructions to:
  • the central vehicle monitoring server executes instructions to communicate an arm command message to the vehicle monitoring device via the wireless data network upon the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device exceeding the proximity distance threshold. Based on receipt of the arm command message, the first data processor begins generating the vehicle event information based on the vehicle event signals.
  • the central vehicle monitoring server executes instructions to communicate a disarm command message to the vehicle monitoring device via the wireless data network upon the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device becoming less than the proximity distance threshold.
  • the first data processor discontinues generating the vehicle event information based on the vehicle event signals.
  • the vehicle event sensors include one or more of a motion sensor that generates a vehicle motion signal, a vehicle ignition state sensor that generates a vehicle ignition state signal, a door lock sensor that generates a vehicle door lock signal, and a cargo status sensor that generates a cargo status signal.
  • the mobile communication device comprises a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer.
  • the vehicle monitoring device includes a first memory device for storing vehicle monitoring device identification information
  • the mobile communication device includes a second memory device for storing mobile communication device identification information
  • the central vehicle monitoring server includes a database that associates the vehicle monitoring device identification information with the mobile communication device identification information.
  • the first wireless data transceiver transmits the vehicle monitoring device identification information via the wireless data network
  • the second wireless data transceiver transmits the mobile communication device identification information via the wireless data network
  • the central vehicle monitoring server associates data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device with data transmitted from the mobile communication device based on the database association between the vehicle monitoring device identification information and the mobile communication device identification information.
  • the alert information communicated to the mobile communication device via the wireless data network comprises a push notification, a text message, or an email message.
  • the second data processor is operable to execute software instructions to receive input from a user of the mobile communication device to set the proximity distance threshold to a preferred value.
  • the following functions are performed by the second data processor of the mobile communication device rather than by a central server:
  • the arm and disarm commands are generated by the second data processor of the mobile communication device rather than by a central server.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a vehicle monitoring system according to a preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 3 depicts a vehicle owner's mobile device according to a preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 4 depicts a vehicle monitoring and tracking device according to a preferred embodiment
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 depict methods for monitoring a vehicle and proving alert messages to a vehicle owner's mobile device according to preferred embodiments.
  • a preferred embodiment of a vehicle monitoring system 10 includes a vehicle monitoring device 12 installed within a vehicle 14 , and a mobile communication device 16 , such as a smartphone, operated by the owner of the vehicle 14 .
  • the vehicle monitoring device 12 and the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 are operable to wirelessly communicate data through a wireless data communication system 18 , such as a cellular data network or a Wi-Fi network.
  • the wireless data communication system 18 is connected to a wide area data communication network 20 , such as the Internet.
  • a central server 22 is also connected to the wide area data communication network 20 .
  • the central server 22 includes one or more processors, memory devices, and mass data storage devices for handling data processing and storage tasks as described herein.
  • the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 26 , a wireless data modem 28 , memory 30 , a Wi-Fi transceiver 31 , a data processor 32 , and a display screen 35 .
  • the processor 32 executes instructions provided in a vehicle monitoring software application 33 .
  • the mobile device 16 is a smartphone.
  • the mobile device 16 is a tablet or a laptop computer.
  • the wireless data modem 28 may comprise a cellular data transceiver.
  • the mobile device 16 is preferably powered by an internal battery.
  • the vehicle monitoring device 12 includes a GPS receiver 34 , a wireless data modem 36 , memory 38 , a data processor 40 , an ignition state sensor 41 , a motion sensor 42 , such as an accelerometer, and a door lock sensor 43 .
  • the wireless data modem 28 may comprise a cellular data transceiver.
  • the vehicle monitoring device 12 is preferably powered by the vehicle's battery, but may also include an internal battery for backup purposes.
  • the vehicle monitoring device is an after-market device installed by the vehicle owner or a car dealer.
  • the device 12 is an OEM unit, such as used in General Motor's OnStarTM system.
  • the ignition state sensor 41 and the door lock sensor 43 are OEM components of the vehicle's electronics system.
  • the vehicle monitoring device 12 is connected to the vehicle's onboard diagnostics (OBD) port and receives signals from the ignition state sensor 41 and the door lock sensor 43 via the OBD port.
  • OBD onboard diagnostics
  • the vehicle 14 is a cargo trailer in which a monitoring device 12 is installed.
  • the mobile device 16 belongs to a person, such as a truck driver, who is responsible for the security of the cargo trailer.
  • FIG. 5 A preferred embodiment of a method 100 for monitoring a vehicle and proving alert messages to a vehicle owner's mobile device 16 is depicted in FIG. 5 .
  • Some portions of the method are performed by the vehicle monitoring device 12 installed in the vehicle to be monitored (step 102 ), some portions are performed by the vehicle monitoring software application 33 installed in the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 (step 104 ), and some portions are performed by the central server 22 .
  • identification information for the vehicle monitoring device 12 is registered in a database on the central server 22 in association with identification information for the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 (step 106 ).
  • step 106 may be performed by a setup routine during installation of the vehicle monitoring software application 33 in the mobile device 16 .
  • the vehicle monitoring device 12 is armed to constantly monitoring the vehicle to detect certain events (step 108 ). These events include, but are not limited to, shaking of the vehicle, towing or movement of the vehicle, unlocking a door, breaking glass, starting the ignition, the vehicle exiting a geofence boundary 25 (see FIG. 2 ), loading or unloading of cargo (for cargo trailers), and activation special equipment such as a hydraulic lift (for vehicles so equipped).
  • the central server 22 calculates the geofence boundary 25 centered on the location coordinates of the vehicle monitoring device 12 whenever the vehicle is parked.
  • the geofence boundary 25 may be generally circular in shape, having a predetermined radius that is user-selectable using the vehicle monitoring software application 33 .
  • step 110 location coordinates generated by the GPS receiver 34 indicating the location of the vehicle monitoring device 12 are transmitted from the data transceiver 36 of the vehicle monitoring device 12 via the wireless data communication system 18 and the wide area data communication network 20 to the central server 22 (step 112 ).
  • Location coordinates generated by the GPS receiver 26 indicating the location of the mobile communication device 16 are transmitted from the data transceiver 28 of the mobile communication device 16 via the wireless data communication system 18 and the wide area data communication network 20 to the central server 22 (step 116 ).
  • step 116 is performed in response to a location request sent from the central server 22 to the mobile communication device 16 .
  • step 116 is automatically performed at periodic intervals.
  • the central server 22 determines whether the distance separating the mobile device 16 and the vehicle monitoring device 12 is greater than a proximity threshold distance 24 , such as depicted in FIG. 1 (step 118 ).
  • the proximity threshold distance 24 is user-selectable using the vehicle monitoring software application 33 . In most cases, the proximity threshold distance 24 will be set to a relatively small distance, such as 20-30 feet. If the distance separating the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 and the vehicle monitoring device 12 is less than the proximity threshold distance 24 (as shown in FIG. 1 ), no alerts are issued and vehicle monitoring continues (step 108 ).
  • the central server 22 If the distance separating the mobile device 16 and the vehicle monitoring device 12 is greater than the proximity threshold distance 24 (as shown in FIG. 2 ), the central server 22 generates an alert message that is sent via the wide area data communication network 20 and the wireless data communication system 18 to the mobile device 16 (step 120 ).
  • the alert message which may be a text message or email message, preferably includes information indicating the nature of the detected event and the time at which the event occurred. After the alert message is sent, vehicle monitoring continues (step 108 ).
  • the determination whether the distance separating the mobile device 16 and the vehicle monitoring device 12 is greater or less than the proximity distance threshold is performed at the central server 22 .
  • that determination may be made by the vehicle monitoring software application 33 running on the processor 32 of the mobile device 16 .
  • the invention is not limited to any particular processor performing any particular step in the method.
  • the steps of monitoring the distance between the mobile device 16 and the vehicle monitoring device 12 and comparing that distance to the proximity distance threshold 24 are performed periodically, such as once every minute (step 160 ), for as long as the vehicle 14 is parked with the ignition off (step 148 ). If the proximity distance threshold 24 is not exceeded while the vehicle is parked (step 158 ), the monitoring system remains disarmed. If the proximity distance threshold 24 is exceeded while the vehicle is parked (step 158 ), the monitoring system is armed and begins monitoring the vehicle 14 for occurrences of events (step 162 ). When the mobile device 16 comes back within the proximity distance threshold 24 of the vehicle 14 (step 158 ), the monitoring system is disarmed again.
  • the system persists in the last state until communication is reestablished with the mobile device 16 . For example, if the vehicle monitoring device 12 was in the armed mode when communications with the mobile device 16 were lost, it stays in the armed mode (no change of state) until communications with the mobile device 16 are reestablished.
  • communication with the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 may be through Wi-Fi, such as when Wi-Fi is preferable due to cellular data costs or when a cellular data network is not available.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle monitoring system prevents vehicle theft and unauthorized tampering by alerting the vehicle's owner of unexpected events. Alerts are provided to the owner within seconds of the occurrence while the owner is away from the vehicle. The vehicle monitoring can be set to automatically start whenever the vehicle is parked and the owner moves away to a specific distance. This allows the owner to set monitoring preferences once, after which the system automatically handles monitoring according to those preferences for future vehicle activities. The monitoring and alerting may be automatically disarmed when the vehicle owner again comes within the predetermined proximity of the vehicle. The monitoring may also be disarmed manually, such as when the owner lends the vehicle to another and does not need to track it. It also may be manually disarmed if the owner left his/her phone in a location far from the vehicle.

Description

    FIELD
  • This invention relates to the field of vehicle security and tracking. More particularly, this invention relates to a system for pairing a smartphone of a vehicle operator with a vehicle tracking device installed in the vehicle.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Vehicle tampering and theft of vehicles and/or property within vehicles is an ongoing problem for vehicle owners. Although many technology solutions have been proposed for monitoring vehicles to detect tampering or theft, none of the prior solutions provide for automatically arming a vehicle monitoring system based on simply parking the vehicle and the vehicle owner walking away, with no need for further action. In particular, no prior solution has compared the GPS coordinates of the vehicle to the GPS coordinates of the vehicle owner's smartphone to determine that the vehicle monitoring system is to be armed.
  • What is needed, therefore, is a vehicle monitoring system in which a vehicle tracking device is paired with the vehicle owner's smartphone, and in which the vehicle monitoring system is automatically armed to begin monitoring and providing tamper/theft alerts when the vehicle owner walks away from the vehicle with his or her smartphone.
  • SUMMARY
  • Embodiments of the invention described herein prevent car and property theft and unauthorized tampering by alerting the vehicle's owner of unexpected events. Alerts regarding unauthorized activities are provided to the vehicle owner within seconds or minutes of the occurrence while the owner is away from the vehicle. Nonlimiting examples of such unauthorized activities include shaking of the vehicle, towing or movement of the vehicle, unlocking a door, breaking glass, starting the ignition, the vehicle exiting a geofence (location boundary), loading or unloading of cargo (for cargo trailers), and activation special equipment such as a hydraulic lift (for vehicles so equipped).
  • Embodiments of the invention provide several advantages over prior vehicle monitoring systems. The vehicle monitoring and alerts can be set to automatically start each time the vehicle is parked and the vehicle owner moves away to a specific and configurable distance threshold. This allows the vehicle owner to set monitoring preferences once, after which the system automatically handles monitoring and alerting according to those preferences for every future trip and all vehicle activities.
  • In some embodiments, the monitoring and alerting is automatically disarmed when the vehicle owner again comes within the predetermined proximity of the vehicle. The monitoring and alerting can also be disarmed manually in scenarios in which the vehicle owner is lending the vehicle to someone else and does not need to track it. It also may be manually disarmed if the owner left his/her phone in a location far from the vehicle.
  • In some embodiments, the system provides for early detection of vehicle tampering or theft, and sends alert messages to apprise the vehicle owner of exactly what type of event has occurred so the owner can judge the severity of the event and respond appropriately. The sequence of alert messages indicate progressive levels of event severity, from shaking of the vehicle (such as from trying to pry the door), to actually having a door unlock/open event, to starting the car, to driving the car beyond a geofence perimeter. Preferred embodiments allow the vehicle owner to set preferences for the type or severity of events that will trigger an alert. The vehicle owner can receive alerts anywhere, as long as the vehicle owner's mobile phone and data access (either via cellular or wi-fi) are available. For example, the vehicle owner may receive alerts while in California regarding events occurring with a vehicle parked in Florida. Generally, alerts may be generated and received within seconds or minutes of the occurrence of a triggering event, the timing of which depends on the speed of the cellular and/or data network.
  • Preferred embodiments of the system described herein include a vehicle monitoring device installed in the vehicle that tracks and reports vehicle activities to a central server. Each specific event is recorded at the central server in association with a specific event code indicating the type of event that has occurred. The vehicle monitoring device may be an after-market device installed by the vehicle owner or a car dealer, or the device may be an OEM unit such as used in General Motor's OnStar′ system. The system includes a software application that the vehicle owner installs on his/her smartphone or other mobile device. Using the smartphone application, the system detects the proximity of the vehicle owner's smartphone to the vehicle monitoring device and arms or disarms the automatic alert messaging function based on the detected proximity. In a preferred embodiment, proximity is detected based on comparing the GPS location of the vehicle monitoring device to the GPS location of the smartphone. Proximity may also be detected based on determining whether the smartphone is paired with the vehicle's Bluetooth system.
  • In one aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to a vehicle monitoring system comprising a vehicle monitoring device, a mobile communication device, and a central vehicle monitoring server, all of which are in communication with a wireless data network. The vehicle monitoring device is configured to be installed in a vehicle, which may be a passenger automobile, a fleet vehicle, a tractor of a tractor/trailer rig, or a cargo trailer.
  • The vehicle monitoring device includes vehicle event sensors, a first Global Positioning System receiver, a first data processor, and a first wireless data transceiver. The vehicle event sensors are configured to generate vehicle event signals indicative of vehicle events. The first Global Positioning System receiver is configured to generate vehicle location information. The first data processor is configured to generate vehicle event information based on the vehicle event signals. The first wireless data transceiver is configured to transmit the vehicle location information and the vehicle event information via the wireless data network.
  • The mobile communication device includes a second Global Positioning System receiver, a second wireless data transceiver, a second data processor, and a display device. The second Global Positioning System receiver is configured to generate mobile communication device location information. The second wireless data transceiver is configured to transmit the mobile communication device location information and receive alert information via the wireless data network. The second data processor is configured to generate alert messages based on the alert information. The display device is configured to display the alert messages.
  • The central vehicle monitoring server executes software instructions to:
      • determine based on the vehicle location information and the mobile communication device location information whether a distance separating the mobile communication device from the vehicle exceeds a proximity distance threshold;
      • determine based on the vehicle event information whether a vehicle event has occurred;
      • generate the alert information if a vehicle event has occurred and the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device exceeds the proximity distance threshold; and
      • communicate the alert information to the mobile communication device via the wireless data network.
  • In some embodiments, the central vehicle monitoring server executes instructions to communicate an arm command message to the vehicle monitoring device via the wireless data network upon the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device exceeding the proximity distance threshold. Based on receipt of the arm command message, the first data processor begins generating the vehicle event information based on the vehicle event signals.
  • In some embodiments, the central vehicle monitoring server executes instructions to communicate a disarm command message to the vehicle monitoring device via the wireless data network upon the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device becoming less than the proximity distance threshold. Upon receipt of the disarm command message, the first data processor discontinues generating the vehicle event information based on the vehicle event signals.
  • In some embodiments, the vehicle event sensors include one or more of a motion sensor that generates a vehicle motion signal, a vehicle ignition state sensor that generates a vehicle ignition state signal, a door lock sensor that generates a vehicle door lock signal, and a cargo status sensor that generates a cargo status signal.
  • In some embodiments, the mobile communication device comprises a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer.
  • In some embodiments, the vehicle monitoring device includes a first memory device for storing vehicle monitoring device identification information, and the mobile communication device includes a second memory device for storing mobile communication device identification information. The central vehicle monitoring server includes a database that associates the vehicle monitoring device identification information with the mobile communication device identification information.
  • In some embodiments, the first wireless data transceiver transmits the vehicle monitoring device identification information via the wireless data network, the second wireless data transceiver transmits the mobile communication device identification information via the wireless data network, and the central vehicle monitoring server associates data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device with data transmitted from the mobile communication device based on the database association between the vehicle monitoring device identification information and the mobile communication device identification information.
  • In some embodiments, the alert information communicated to the mobile communication device via the wireless data network comprises a push notification, a text message, or an email message.
  • In some embodiments, the second data processor is operable to execute software instructions to receive input from a user of the mobile communication device to set the proximity distance threshold to a preferred value.
  • In one alternative embodiment, the following functions are performed by the second data processor of the mobile communication device rather than by a central server:
      • determining based on the vehicle location information and the mobile communication device location information whether the distance separating the mobile communication device from the vehicle exceeds the proximity distance threshold;
      • determining based on the vehicle event information that a vehicle event has occurred; and
      • generating the alert information if a vehicle event has occurred and the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device exceeds the proximity distance threshold.
  • Also in this alternative embodiment, the arm and disarm commands are generated by the second data processor of the mobile communication device rather than by a central server.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Other embodiments of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a vehicle monitoring system according to a preferred embodiment;
  • FIG. 3 depicts a vehicle owner's mobile device according to a preferred embodiment;
  • FIG. 4 depicts a vehicle monitoring and tracking device according to a preferred embodiment; and
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 depict methods for monitoring a vehicle and proving alert messages to a vehicle owner's mobile device according to preferred embodiments.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of a vehicle monitoring system 10 includes a vehicle monitoring device 12 installed within a vehicle 14, and a mobile communication device 16, such as a smartphone, operated by the owner of the vehicle 14. The vehicle monitoring device 12 and the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 are operable to wirelessly communicate data through a wireless data communication system 18, such as a cellular data network or a Wi-Fi network. The wireless data communication system 18 is connected to a wide area data communication network 20, such as the Internet. A central server 22 is also connected to the wide area data communication network 20. The central server 22 includes one or more processors, memory devices, and mass data storage devices for handling data processing and storage tasks as described herein.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 26, a wireless data modem 28, memory 30, a Wi-Fi transceiver 31, a data processor 32, and a display screen 35. As discussed in more detail hereinafter, the processor 32 executes instructions provided in a vehicle monitoring software application 33. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile device 16 is a smartphone. In alternative embodiments, the mobile device 16 is a tablet or a laptop computer. The wireless data modem 28 may comprise a cellular data transceiver. The mobile device 16 is preferably powered by an internal battery.
  • As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle monitoring device 12 includes a GPS receiver 34, a wireless data modem 36, memory 38, a data processor 40, an ignition state sensor 41, a motion sensor 42, such as an accelerometer, and a door lock sensor 43. The wireless data modem 28 may comprise a cellular data transceiver. The vehicle monitoring device 12 is preferably powered by the vehicle's battery, but may also include an internal battery for backup purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle monitoring device is an after-market device installed by the vehicle owner or a car dealer. In an alternative embodiment, the device 12 is an OEM unit, such as used in General Motor's OnStar™ system.
  • In some embodiments, the ignition state sensor 41 and the door lock sensor 43 are OEM components of the vehicle's electronics system. In these embodiments, the vehicle monitoring device 12 is connected to the vehicle's onboard diagnostics (OBD) port and receives signals from the ignition state sensor 41 and the door lock sensor 43 via the OBD port.
  • In some embodiments, the vehicle 14 is a cargo trailer in which a monitoring device 12 is installed. In these embodiments, the mobile device 16 belongs to a person, such as a truck driver, who is responsible for the security of the cargo trailer.
  • A preferred embodiment of a method 100 for monitoring a vehicle and proving alert messages to a vehicle owner's mobile device 16 is depicted in FIG. 5. Some portions of the method are performed by the vehicle monitoring device 12 installed in the vehicle to be monitored (step 102), some portions are performed by the vehicle monitoring software application 33 installed in the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 (step 104), and some portions are performed by the central server 22. So that data from a particular vehicle monitoring device 12 is properly associated with data from a particular vehicle owner's mobile device 16, identification information for the vehicle monitoring device 12 is registered in a database on the central server 22 in association with identification information for the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 (step 106). For example, step 106 may be performed by a setup routine during installation of the vehicle monitoring software application 33 in the mobile device 16.
  • In preferred embodiments, whenever the vehicle 14 is parked and the ignition is off, the vehicle monitoring device 12 is armed to constantly monitoring the vehicle to detect certain events (step 108). These events include, but are not limited to, shaking of the vehicle, towing or movement of the vehicle, unlocking a door, breaking glass, starting the ignition, the vehicle exiting a geofence boundary 25 (see FIG. 2), loading or unloading of cargo (for cargo trailers), and activation special equipment such as a hydraulic lift (for vehicles so equipped). In a preferred embodiment, the central server 22 calculates the geofence boundary 25 centered on the location coordinates of the vehicle monitoring device 12 whenever the vehicle is parked. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the geofence boundary 25 may be generally circular in shape, having a predetermined radius that is user-selectable using the vehicle monitoring software application 33.
  • When a new event is detected (step 110), location coordinates generated by the GPS receiver 34 indicating the location of the vehicle monitoring device 12 are transmitted from the data transceiver 36 of the vehicle monitoring device 12 via the wireless data communication system 18 and the wide area data communication network 20 to the central server 22 (step 112). Location coordinates generated by the GPS receiver 26 indicating the location of the mobile communication device 16 are transmitted from the data transceiver 28 of the mobile communication device 16 via the wireless data communication system 18 and the wide area data communication network 20 to the central server 22 (step 116). In some embodiments, step 116 is performed in response to a location request sent from the central server 22 to the mobile communication device 16. In other embodiments, step 116 is automatically performed at periodic intervals.
  • Based on the location coordinates of the vehicle owner's mobile device 16, the central server 22 determines whether the distance separating the mobile device 16 and the vehicle monitoring device 12 is greater than a proximity threshold distance 24, such as depicted in FIG. 1 (step 118). In a preferred embodiment, the proximity threshold distance 24 is user-selectable using the vehicle monitoring software application 33. In most cases, the proximity threshold distance 24 will be set to a relatively small distance, such as 20-30 feet. If the distance separating the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 and the vehicle monitoring device 12 is less than the proximity threshold distance 24 (as shown in FIG. 1), no alerts are issued and vehicle monitoring continues (step 108). If the distance separating the mobile device 16 and the vehicle monitoring device 12 is greater than the proximity threshold distance 24 (as shown in FIG. 2), the central server 22 generates an alert message that is sent via the wide area data communication network 20 and the wireless data communication system 18 to the mobile device 16 (step 120). The alert message, which may be a text message or email message, preferably includes information indicating the nature of the detected event and the time at which the event occurred. After the alert message is sent, vehicle monitoring continues (step 108).
  • In a preferred embodiment, the determination whether the distance separating the mobile device 16 and the vehicle monitoring device 12 is greater or less than the proximity distance threshold (step 118) is performed at the central server 22. In alternative embodiments, that determination may be made by the vehicle monitoring software application 33 running on the processor 32 of the mobile device 16. Thus, the invention is not limited to any particular processor performing any particular step in the method.
  • In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the steps of monitoring the distance between the mobile device 16 and the vehicle monitoring device 12 and comparing that distance to the proximity distance threshold 24 ( steps 152, 156, and 158) are performed periodically, such as once every minute (step 160), for as long as the vehicle 14 is parked with the ignition off (step 148). If the proximity distance threshold 24 is not exceeded while the vehicle is parked (step 158), the monitoring system remains disarmed. If the proximity distance threshold 24 is exceeded while the vehicle is parked (step 158), the monitoring system is armed and begins monitoring the vehicle 14 for occurrences of events (step 162). When the mobile device 16 comes back within the proximity distance threshold 24 of the vehicle 14 (step 158), the monitoring system is disarmed again.
  • In some embodiments, if there is no communication with the mobile device 16 because it is in a location in which no data service is available or it is powered off, the system persists in the last state until communication is reestablished with the mobile device 16. For example, if the vehicle monitoring device 12 was in the armed mode when communications with the mobile device 16 were lost, it stays in the armed mode (no change of state) until communications with the mobile device 16 are reestablished.
  • In some embodiments, communication with the vehicle owner's mobile device 16 may be through Wi-Fi, such as when Wi-Fi is preferable due to cellular data costs or when a cellular data network is not available.
  • The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims (18)

1. A vehicle monitoring system comprising:
a vehicle monitoring device configured for installation in a vehicle, the vehicle monitoring device comprising:
one or more vehicle sensors for generating one or more vehicle event signals indicative of one or more vehicle events, wherein the one or more vehicle event signals include vehicle event information other than vehicle location information;
a first Global Positioning Sensor receiver for generating vehicle location information;
a first data processor for processing the vehicle event information; and
a first wireless data transceiver in communication with a wireless data network, the first wireless data transceiver for transmitting the vehicle location information and the vehicle event information via the wireless data network;
a mobile communication device comprising:
a second Global Positioning System receiver for generating mobile communication device location information;
a second wireless data transceiver in communication with the wireless data network, the second wireless data transceiver for transmitting the mobile communication device location information and receiving alert information via the wireless data network;
a second data processor for generating alert messages based on the alert information; and
a display device for displaying the alert messages; and
a central vehicle monitoring server in communication with the wireless data network, the central vehicle monitoring server for executing instructions to:
receive the vehicle location information, the vehicle event information, and the mobile communication device location information;
determine based on the vehicle location information and the mobile communication device location information whether a distance separating the mobile communication device from the vehicle exceeds a proximity distance threshold;
determine based on the vehicle event information whether a vehicle event has occurred;
generate the alert information if a vehicle event has occurred and the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device exceeds the proximity distance threshold; and
communicate the alert information to the mobile communication device via the wireless data network.
2. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 1 wherein:
the central vehicle monitoring server executes instructions to communicate an arm command message to the vehicle monitoring device via the wireless data network upon the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device exceeding the proximity distance threshold;
the first wireless data transceiver of the vehicle monitoring device is operable to receive the arm command message via the wireless data network; and
based on receipt of the arm command message, the first data processor begins generating the vehicle event information based on the one or more vehicle event signals.
3. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 2 wherein:
the central vehicle monitoring server executes instructions to communicate a disarm command message to the vehicle monitoring device via the wireless data network upon the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device becoming less than the proximity distance threshold;
the first wireless data transceiver of the vehicle monitoring device is operable to receive the disarm command message via the wireless data network; and
based on receipt of the disarm command message, the first data processor discontinues generating the vehicle event information based on the one or more vehicle event signals.
4. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the one or more vehicle event sensors of the vehicle monitoring device comprise one or more of a motion sensor in a vehicle, a vehicle ignition state sensor in a vehicle, a door lock sensor in a vehicle, and a cargo status sensor in a vehicle, and wherein the one or more vehicle event signals comprise one or more of a vehicle motion signal, a vehicle ignition state signal, a vehicle door lock signal, and a cargo status signal.
5. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the mobile communication device comprises a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer.
6. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 1 wherein:
the vehicle monitoring device includes a first memory device for storing vehicle monitoring device identification information;
the mobile communication device includes a second memory device for storing mobile communication device identification information; and
the central vehicle monitoring server includes a database that associates the vehicle monitoring device identification information with the mobile communication device identification information.
7. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 6 wherein:
the first wireless data transceiver transmits the vehicle monitoring device identification information via the wireless data network;
the second wireless data transceiver transmits the mobile communication device identification information via the wireless data network; and
the central vehicle monitoring server associates data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device with data transmitted from the mobile communication device based on a database association between the vehicle monitoring device identification information and the mobile communication device identification information.
8. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the alert information communicated to the mobile communication device via the wireless data network comprises a push notification, a text message, or an email message.
9. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the second data processor is operable to execute software instructions to receive input from a user of the mobile communication device to set the proximity distance threshold to a preferred value.
10. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle monitoring device is configured for installation in a vehicle comprising a passenger automobile, a fleet vehicle, a tractor of a tractor/trailer rig, or a cargo trailer.
11. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle monitoring device is configured for installation in a trailer of a tractor/trailer rig and the mobile communication device is configured for installation in a cab of the tractor/trailer rig.
12. A vehicle monitoring system comprising:
a vehicle monitoring device configured for installation in a vehicle, the vehicle monitoring device comprising:
one or more vehicle sensors for generating one or more vehicle event signals indicative of one or more vehicle events, wherein the one or more vehicle event signals include vehicle event information other than vehicle location information;
a first Global Positioning Sensor receiver for generating vehicle location information;
a first data processor for processing the vehicle event information; and
a first wireless data transceiver in communication with a wireless data network, the first wireless data transceiver for transmitting the vehicle location information and the vehicle event information via the wireless data network;
a mobile communication device comprising:
a second Global Positioning System receiver for generating mobile communication device location information;
a second wireless data transceiver in communication with the wireless data network, the second wireless data transceiver for transmitting the mobile communication device location information and receiving alert information via the wireless data network;
a second data processor for executing instructions to:
determine based on the vehicle location information and the mobile communication device location information whether a distance separating the mobile communication device from the vehicle exceeds a proximity distance threshold;
determine based on the vehicle event information whether a vehicle event has occurred;
generate the alert information if a vehicle event has occurred and the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device exceeds the proximity distance threshold; and
a display device for displaying the alert information.
13. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 12 wherein:
the second data processor executes instructions to communicate an arm command message to the vehicle monitoring device via the wireless data network upon the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device exceeding the proximity distance threshold;
the first wireless data transceiver of the vehicle monitoring device is operable to receive the arm command message via the wireless data network; and
based on receipt of the arm command message, the first data processor begins generating the vehicle event information based on the one or more vehicle event signals.
14. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 13 wherein:
the second data processor executes instructions to communicate a disarm command message to the vehicle monitoring device via the wireless data network upon the distance separating the vehicle and the mobile communication device becoming less than the proximity distance threshold;
the first wireless data transceiver of the vehicle monitoring device is operable to receive the disarm command message via the wireless data network; and
based on receipt of the disarm command message, the first data processor discontinues generating the vehicle event information based on the one or more vehicle event signals.
15. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 12 wherein the one or more vehicle event sensors of the vehicle monitoring device comprise one or more of a motion sensor in a vehicle, a vehicle ignition state sensor in a vehicle, a door lock sensor in a vehicle, and a cargo status sensor in a vehicle, and wherein the one or more vehicle event signals comprise one or more of a vehicle motion signal, a vehicle ignition state signal, a vehicle door lock signal, and a cargo status signal.
16. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 12 wherein the mobile communication device comprises a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer.
17. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 12 wherein the second data processor is operable to execute software instructions to receive input from a user of the mobile communication device to set the proximity distance threshold to a preferred value.
18. The vehicle monitoring system of claim 12 wherein the vehicle monitoring device is configured for installation in a vehicle comprising a passenger automobile, a fleet vehicle, a tractor of a tractor/trailer rig, or a cargo trailer.
US15/690,393 2017-08-30 2017-08-30 Apparatus and method for pairing smartphone with vehicle tracking device Active US10232823B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/690,393 US10232823B1 (en) 2017-08-30 2017-08-30 Apparatus and method for pairing smartphone with vehicle tracking device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/690,393 US10232823B1 (en) 2017-08-30 2017-08-30 Apparatus and method for pairing smartphone with vehicle tracking device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20190061692A1 true US20190061692A1 (en) 2019-02-28
US10232823B1 US10232823B1 (en) 2019-03-19

Family

ID=65437053

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/690,393 Active US10232823B1 (en) 2017-08-30 2017-08-30 Apparatus and method for pairing smartphone with vehicle tracking device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US10232823B1 (en)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10605847B1 (en) 2018-03-28 2020-03-31 Spireon, Inc. Verification of installation of vehicle starter disable and enable circuit
US10636280B2 (en) 2018-03-08 2020-04-28 Spireon, Inc. Apparatus and method for determining mounting state of a trailer tracking device
US10902380B2 (en) 2009-07-17 2021-01-26 Spireon, Inc. Methods and apparatus for monitoring and control of electronic devices
WO2021076080A1 (en) * 2019-10-14 2021-04-22 Turkcell Teknoloji Arastirma Ve Gelistirme Anonim Sirketi A vehicle owner recognition system
IT202000000223A1 (en) * 2020-01-09 2021-07-09 St Automotive Srl ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR TRACKING THE POSITION OF MOBILE OBJECTS
US11210627B1 (en) 2018-01-17 2021-12-28 Spireon, Inc. Monitoring vehicle activity and communicating insights from vehicles at an automobile dealership
FR3112321A1 (en) * 2020-07-08 2022-01-14 Psa Automobiles Sa Vehicle intrusion warning method and device
US11299219B2 (en) 2018-08-20 2022-04-12 Spireon, Inc. Distributed volumetric cargo sensor system
US11420593B2 (en) * 2019-08-07 2022-08-23 Keep Technologies, Inc. Authentication and control for vehicle intrusion devices
US11475680B2 (en) 2018-12-12 2022-10-18 Spireon, Inc. Cargo sensor system implemented using neural network
US20230069249A1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2023-03-02 Bauer Products, Inc. Lock and method for operating same

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190283708A1 (en) * 2018-03-19 2019-09-19 Aaron Arrogante Vehicle Safety System
US11007979B1 (en) 2020-02-18 2021-05-18 Spireon, Inc. Vehicle theft detection

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8018329B2 (en) 2008-12-12 2011-09-13 Gordon * Howard Associates, Inc. Automated geo-fence boundary configuration and activation
US8531294B2 (en) * 2009-05-18 2013-09-10 Alarm.Com Incorporated Moving asset location tracking
US8653956B2 (en) 2009-09-11 2014-02-18 Hti Ip, L.L.C. Method and system for implementing a geofence boundary for a tracked asset
US9423807B2 (en) 2013-03-06 2016-08-23 Qualcomm Incorporated Switching power converter

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Slavin US 2014/0009284 *

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10902380B2 (en) 2009-07-17 2021-01-26 Spireon, Inc. Methods and apparatus for monitoring and control of electronic devices
US11210627B1 (en) 2018-01-17 2021-12-28 Spireon, Inc. Monitoring vehicle activity and communicating insights from vehicles at an automobile dealership
US10636280B2 (en) 2018-03-08 2020-04-28 Spireon, Inc. Apparatus and method for determining mounting state of a trailer tracking device
US10605847B1 (en) 2018-03-28 2020-03-31 Spireon, Inc. Verification of installation of vehicle starter disable and enable circuit
US11299219B2 (en) 2018-08-20 2022-04-12 Spireon, Inc. Distributed volumetric cargo sensor system
US11475680B2 (en) 2018-12-12 2022-10-18 Spireon, Inc. Cargo sensor system implemented using neural network
US11420593B2 (en) * 2019-08-07 2022-08-23 Keep Technologies, Inc. Authentication and control for vehicle intrusion devices
US11420592B2 (en) * 2019-08-07 2022-08-23 Keep Technologies, Inc. Multimodal intrusion detection
WO2021076080A1 (en) * 2019-10-14 2021-04-22 Turkcell Teknoloji Arastirma Ve Gelistirme Anonim Sirketi A vehicle owner recognition system
WO2021140479A1 (en) * 2020-01-09 2021-07-15 St Automotive Srl Electronic device for tracking the position of mobile objects
IT202000000223A1 (en) * 2020-01-09 2021-07-09 St Automotive Srl ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR TRACKING THE POSITION OF MOBILE OBJECTS
FR3112321A1 (en) * 2020-07-08 2022-01-14 Psa Automobiles Sa Vehicle intrusion warning method and device
US20230069249A1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2023-03-02 Bauer Products, Inc. Lock and method for operating same
US11989987B2 (en) * 2021-08-31 2024-05-21 Bauer Products, Inc. Lock and method for operating same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US10232823B1 (en) 2019-03-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10232823B1 (en) Apparatus and method for pairing smartphone with vehicle tracking device
US8558678B2 (en) Method and systems for detecting an unauthorized use of a vehicle by an authorized driver
CN102036192B (en) Method of vehicle system monitoring
US9802481B2 (en) Vehicle driver monitoring system
US11557125B2 (en) Method for monitoring the environment of a vehicle
US10407022B2 (en) Car theft prevention using long range wide area network
US20200172050A1 (en) Onboard device vehicle monitoring method and system
CN112272631A (en) Vehicle remote control system, communication module, vehicle, server, vehicle remote control method, vehicle remote control program, and storage medium
JP2014141237A (en) Vehicle theft report system
US11864076B2 (en) Pairing based detection of a car theft
US20180290621A1 (en) Adjusting cargo transportation unit elements in response to theft events
CA2882465C (en) Vehicle control system including accelerometer based security warning and related methods
US12012066B2 (en) Proximate device detection, monitoring and reporting
RU141642U1 (en) TELEMATIC DEVICE FOR CAR
CN108860057A (en) The theft preventing method and system of motor vehicles with alarm trigger
JP6747081B2 (en) In-vehicle device and computer program
JP2002362318A (en) Vehicle theft detecting device
US8183990B2 (en) Method, tire sensor device, central control unit and system for anti-theft protection through tire removal recognition
JP4953164B2 (en) Vehicle radio wave alarm system
JP2006350565A (en) Vehicle management system
JP2007055337A (en) Anti-theft device for vehicle
US20040036582A1 (en) Vehicle security system and method
JP3829932B2 (en) Vehicle theft reporting device
US20210125426A1 (en) Vehicle electronic logging system
US11618414B2 (en) Method of vehicle theft detection

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

AS Assignment

Owner name: SPIREON, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BOBAY, FRIEDA;TRAN, BEN;BARRIOS, DRU;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:043733/0363

Effective date: 20170522

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: SMAL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

AS Assignment

Owner name: ALLY BANK, AS AGENT, NEW YORK

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:SPIREON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:047202/0839

Effective date: 20181005

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

CC Certificate of correction
AS Assignment

Owner name: SPIREON, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: NOTICE OF RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ALLY BANK, AS AGENT;REEL/FRAME:060002/0912

Effective date: 20220301

AS Assignment

Owner name: ALTER DOMUS (US) LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT, ILLINOIS

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SPIREON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:060516/0350

Effective date: 20220713

Owner name: GOLDMAN SACHS LENDING PARTNERS, LLC AS COLLATERAL AGENT, NEW YORK

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SPIREON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:060516/0276

Effective date: 20220713

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 4

AS Assignment

Owner name: SPIREON, INC., TEXAS

Free format text: MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNORS:SPIREON, INC.;SPIREON MERGER SUB, INC.;REEL/FRAME:064537/0813

Effective date: 20220628