WO2007042798A2

WO2007042798A2 - Improvements in or relating to vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2007042798A2
Application number: PCT/GB2006/003767
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rainer Kriisk; John Patrick Hickey
Original assignee: Autocompac Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-10-07
Filing date: 2006-10-09
Publication date: 2007-04-19
Also published as: GB0520443D0; WO2007042798A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to vehicles. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention addresses aspects of vehicle security including the provision of a deterrent against theft and, in the event of an accident or theft, providing a scheme for the automated recordal thereof, and the provision of a vehicular system for data recordal and automated wireless transmission. The present invention seeks to provide an economical to manufacture and affordable vehicle security and safety system. The present invention provides a vehicular security system comprising: a recording device; a number of sensory devices including image recording devices and vehicle status indicators; a communications system and an operating system; characterised in that the operating system is operated in accordance with a predefined duty cycle, which, in conjunction with a low power equipment, provides an effective duty cycle.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO VEHICLES

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to vehicles. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention addresses aspects of vehicle security and safety including the provision of a deterrent against theft and, in the event of an accident or theft, providing a scheme for the automated recordal thereof, and the provision of a vehicular system for data recordal and wireless transmission.

Background to the Invention

In most of the world's nations, vehicle ownership provides basic freedom of movement and, to a certain extent, can provide an indication of the status of the owner or keeper of the vehicle. Certain performance characteristics of the vehicle may make the owner more inclined to take risks whilst driving; other characteristics such as size may make the vehicle difficult to drive which, in turn, may make a driver less inclined to take risks. Equally the perceived value of a vehicle will make it easier to park - and leave unattended - in certain places rather than others.

From time to time accidents occur. Imperfect recollection by witnesses; vested interests of the parties to an accident may preclude the provision of unbiased data and or evidence, which may be required to prove liability. Police forces also have an interest in recording vehicular data by way of cameras, determination of speed etc. However, there has not been provided any system which is of low weight and of reduced power consumption which can be provided in a secure position within a vehicle, which can securely retain data - in a fashion analogous to a black-box flight recorder as used by aeroplanes yet be economically priced.

Security arrangements have always existed since the advent of the motor car. For example, the early times, the driver would often stay with a vehicle whilst the owner would go about his business; latterly, expensive security systems have been developed to enable only specified drivers to operate some or all of the functions of a vehicle. Fingerprint recognition devices have been developed, but even such systems can be thwarted; it is not unknown for a finger of a vehicle owner being chopped off in order to provide thieves with the means to steal a vehicle.

In order to provide a surveillance and incident detection and reporting system, the selection of a suitable computer platform has important ramifications upon cost, power consumption and activation period during periods when vehicle is unattended. Many standard computer platforms, such as those based upon the, for example, Pentium 1.7 GHz processor, with hard drive and etc. consume between 60 - 120W of power (idle to full power) so such platforms could only work for approximately 6-3 hours on a standard car battery if it is assumed that it is inappropriate to drain a car battery by more than 50 % of its capacity since the vehicle would need to be started - the operation of the starter motor providing the largest current drain on the vehicle. As a result, no commercially available system is available today which can provide a fully operational system for any significant idle period of a vehicle, which, in effect, makes any security system dependent upon such a computer processor worthless. Furthermore, modern computers have forced air cooling systems in operation which can provide an unwanted draught and/or vibrations and noise. Additionally, computers with lower power consumption such as laptops with, for example, Pentium M series processor or Celeron M are generally too expensive for use in any low cost systems.

JP 63255158 (Mazda Motors) provides a theft prevention device which detects the opening of doors etc. without a correct key. In such circumstances, a detection system disables power to the wheels by locking or disabling power transmission to the wheels. However, a system of checks and the provision of delays to make the system operate are some of the reasons why this system has not been adopted. US2003142849 provides a movable vehicle security system which comprises a facial recognition system including scanners such as a television or infrared cameras directed at the face of a person in a driver's seat, which system produces output controls that are applied to enable /disable operation of the vehicle, with or without a key or other supplemental security system. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a camera mounted on the "third tail light" assembly, which is conveniently mounted below the roof and inside the rear window, directed at the rear view mirror and coupled to a facial recognition computer, which in turn, is coupled to enabling elements for the vehicle such as a starter motor. In a further embodiment the system can be coupled to various elements of the motor system to create an order of starting car.

WO9005076 provides a vehicle security camera for a vehicle and comprises a number of fish-eye lenses to provide a number of overlapping fields, mounted in a dome shaped lens holder; a photographic film or video tape records event such as tampering of the vehicle, collision or the approach of an intruder or by an occupant of the vehicle anticipating trouble. This has a number of limitations such as range of views possible from a central location. US2004013192 teaches of a mobile live information system consisting of a digital camera mounted on a vehicle. The signal is fed to a computer - conveniently of a laptop style which transmits the data via a mobile radio network and purports to be able to transmit live video, but does not address bandwidth issues nor the cost of implementing such a system.

FR28112431 provides a system where security filming is provided to protect a vehicle and includes cameras monitoring all aspects of the vehicle for them. The system is linked to a CD recording system. It is suggested that a connection to the Internet is possible for up/downloads. The system may be used to monitor a vehicle whilst parked. It is suggested that different sensors may detect shock and the like to trigger a camera recording process. Certain other security systems have facial recognition systems whereby to prevent theft of a vehicle by driving, although normal forced entry mechanism to start a car without keys can also be deployed.

An object of the invention is to seek to provide an improved vehicle security and safety system.

The present invention also seeks to provide an economical to manufacture and affordable vehicle security system. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved system of monitoring traffic and road incidents in general.

The present invention also seeks to provide an economical to manufacture and affordable system for monitoring events outside of a vehicle and to provide recorded data for subsequent storage and examination.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicular security system comprising: a recording device; a number of sensory devices including image recording devices and vehicle status indicators; a communications system and an operating system; characterised in that the operating system is operated in accordance with a predefined duty cycle, which, in conjunction with low power equipment provides an effective duty cycle.

Applicants have determined that effective operating cycles of a security system can provide substantially increased duty cycles with video, without compromising the effectiveness of the overall security system; enabling the continued use of a vehicle from which electrical energy has been derived from a battery thereof, including the starting of the engine from cold, which can demand a high current drain on the battery.

Moreover, in preferred embodiments of the invention, the use of wireless transmission of data, subsequent to the approach of objects and personnel to the vehicle, in connection with a dedicated server in a satellite or cellular radio network, continuous and effective protection can be provided with the effective recordal of data.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicular imaging system, the system comprising: a recording device; a number of sensory devices including imaging devices and vehicle status indicators; a communications system and an operating system; characterised in that during operation of the vehicle, images are taken by a camera of an external view from the vehicle and the image data is transferred to the recording device, such that recoded images and other data are conveniently stored in a memory device, the memory device subsequently being able to provide data for download.

Conveniently the recording device comprises an electronic data storage device which is linked up to one or more of a flash memory, a hard drive, a DVD recording device or other memory means. Initially, data can be recorded directly to a flash drive and then be transferred to other storage means within the storage device, so that data received from cameras and sensors can be quickly recorded, with the data being transferred to other recording means dependent upon functional criteria.

The imaging device can comprise a camera forwardly directed of the vehicle such that it is able to record scenes in front of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the imaging device comprises a camera rearwardly directed of the vehicle such that it is able to record scenes to the rear of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the imaging device comprises a camera directed to one or both of the sides of the vehicle such scenes to the side the vehicle can be recorded.

Preferably, the system further comprises a visual display monitor within the cabin of the vehicle whereby an image from one or more cameras can be viewed. The monitor is also conveniently linked to other sensors whereby it can display information such as speed and location of the vehicle. If the imaging system is provided with vehicle registration recognition programmes, it would be possible to provide data from a central vehicle registration centre.

In a further embodiment, the vehicular recording system is further provided with a wireless communications system whereby, in the event of an incident, data relating to a period of time before the incident can be transmitted to a land-based wireless station. Trigger means for transmission of such data could be a manual trigger, such as by pressing a transmit button on a system device, or by means of a G- force sensor. Such a G-force sensor may comprise part of an air-bag activation system.

By the use of GPRS/UMTS data transmission, events and incidents can be transferred to a database/data collection centre. Calls may be made on service provider-independent emergency channels, for example in the case of a vehicle being involved in a road traffic incident. Thus the present invention can provide road traffic data which is of use to police forces and insurance companies alike. This data can provide accurate recordings of incidents and accidents, whereby to establish circumstance and fault and could be of benefit in the reduction of insurance premiums and assist the police in successful prosecution and or providing guidance to motorists who have committed a road traffic offence.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein :-

Figure 1 illustrates a first a prior-art system;

Figure 2 illustrates a second prior-art system;

Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 details a front view of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention; and,

Figure 5 shows a rear view of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific. With reference to Figures 1 & 2 there are shown some prior art security devices which have various features but suffer from either being expensive to make and/or use and difficult and/or potentially cumbersome to store ready for use, as described above. With regard to Figure 1, there is shown a vehicle security camera 10 for a vehicle in accordance with WO9005076 and comprises a number of fish-eye lenses 12 to provide a number of overlapping fields, mounted in a dome shaped lens holder 11. Reference numerals 13 -17 refer to locking means and switches associated with the recording device. It will be appreciated that the camera does not provide true 360O coverage, visibility effectively being limited to that which can be observed above a plane of mounting. Figure 2 shows the arcs of view as determined by a number of cameras 22 fitted to the inside cabin 24 of a vehicle 20 in accordance with the teaching of FR2812431.

Within the automotive industry, there has been developed a control bus system, the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, which has come to be a standard fitment in substantially all motor cars produced today. Originally conceived in the late eighties, the CAN bus is now the communications bus system and protocol that is being implemented across the industry. The CAN bus system operates with On-Board Diagnostic (OBD-I, -II) systems that are also implemented in most cars and light trucks on the road today. During the 1970 's and early 1980' s manufacturers started using electronic means to control engine functions and diagnose engine problems. This was primarily developed to achieve performance and emission standards. Through the years on-board diagnostic systems have become more sophisticated. OBD-II, a new standard introduced in the mid-1990 's provides almost complete engine control and also monitors parts of the chassis, body and accessory devices, as well as the diagnostic control network of the car and has been a requirement for all new cars in the united States since 1996.

For the physical layer of the CAN bus, a twisted pair multidrop cable is specified with a length ranging from 1,000m at 40Kbps to 40m at IMbps . The maximum payload of a CAN message is 8 bytes, and all messages carry a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) . Each message has an identifier, which can be interpreted differently depending on the application or higher-level protocols used. All nodes on a network receive each message and then decide whether that identifier value is of interest. Choosing a CAN controller defines the physical and data-link portions of a protocol stack. If interoperability with other vehicle components is required, though, the vehicle manufacturer will most likely mandate that you use one of the standard higher-level protocols. For engine management, the J1939 protocol is common, while CANOpen is preferred for body management, such as lights and locks. Both buses run on the same hardware, whilst different application-specific needs can be satisfied by the appropriate higher-level protocols.

Information is carried on the bus as a voltage difference between the two lines. If both lines are at the same voltage, the signal is a recessive bit. If a CAN_H line is higher than a CAN_L line by 0.9V, the signal line is a dominant bit. There is no independent ground reference point for these two lines. The bus is therefore immune to any ground noise, which in a vehicle can be considerable. The signals on the two CAN lines will both be subject to the same electromagnetic influences, and so the difference in voltages between the two lines will not vary. Because of this, the bus is also immune to electromagnetic interference. Notwithstanding the above, CAN is a relatively- slow medium and is not appropriate for some situations, for example, in-car entertainment which may require high-speed audio and video streaming. But the needs of such systems can be addressed by a Firewire based system, IDB-1394b and Media-Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) .

With reference to Figure 3, there is shown a first embodiment of the invention, where there is shown a vehicle

30, in perspective view, the vehicle having a main battery 32, a number of security cameras 34, a number of antennas 36, a wired communication link 38, such as a CAN bus, operable to link the data receivers and a recording medium

31. The data recorder preferably having a cable with a plug that can be inserted into a socket associated with the CAN bus. Preferably, the data recorder cable is ordinarily not in view and is conveniently inserted during manufacture of a vehicle. Conveniently, the cable from the data recorder is connected to the CAN bus socket in such a way that removal of the cable is effectively impossible and/or is provided with a connection such that, upon removal from the vehicle, the vehicle is immobilised and/or a tracker signal is transmitted on a regular basis. In conjunction with the recording medium there is also a processor. A display screen 35 can be used, in for example, fitment of a police patrol, where data can be reviewed, video clips of driving behaviour be shown etc.. It has been found that the use of a low duty cycle recording system, in conjunction with a low power processor, that these components can be installed within an enclosure of 40mm x 250mm x 250mm or smaller, for example, within an enclosure suitable for a car audio /video device. By the use of a system with a low duty usage, it has been found that no particular cooling requirements by way of heat sinking or forced air cooling etcetera are necessary - which is beneficial, especially since forced air cooling would consume further electrical energy. Nevertheless, the enclosure must be securely located not only with regard to its own integrity but also to remain correctly linked up with power cables, data input cables etc.

Figures 4 and 5, respectively, show front view 40, and rear view 50, of a vehicle in accordance with the invention. Outwardly, minimal additional devices need to be fitted to the vehicle at the front, where a camera 44, may be attached to a vehicle grille 42. With regard to the rear view the camera 56, may comprise part of a high level brake light assembly or the camera 52, can be mounted upon a bumper 54. The camera could also be enclosed within an assembly such that it can be mounted within a headlamp/front light enclosure and rear light cluster. As is presently the trend amongst motor vehicle manufacturers, headlamp glass is formed from clear polycarbonate plastics materials. Many headlamp assemblies, in operation, provide a beam spread due entirely to reflection within a parabolic reflector assembly rather than having the headlamp glass acting as a lens. This enables a headlamp arrangement to be simply converted to include a camera assembly, the camera assembly not affecting the beam-shape of the headlamp, in use, nor being affected by any lens effects due to the glass of the headlamp. Alternatively a side or indicator light assembly could be converted to accommodate a camera assembly. Similarly, a camera may be installed within a rear light assembly - preferably having a view through the reversing light lens of the rear light assembly or an otherwise clear, non-tinted part of the assembly. By being incorporated within a light assembly, it will be appreciated that the camera will not be considered as an aftermarket accessory or similar and will not spoil the lines or otherwise detract from the aesthetic properties of the vehicle.

One advantage of the present invention resides in the appropriate selection of a power supply: security systems are, ordinarily, designed to operate at alternating current, domestic voltages, since the security market is dominated by business and domestic security systems, which require a 240V or similar voltage supply. We have found, through the careful selection of components, that a 6, 12 or 24 Volt vehicular power supply can simply be used with minimum voltage scaling losses. In particular, we have determined that the use of such equipment can significantly extend the duration of a battery power source for a vehicle when not in use and therefore, when no charging current is applied to the battery, this is particularly advantageous. By the use of the vehicle's battery, preferably supplemented by an emergency power supply, such as a heat resistant Lithium Ion battery, the overall implementation cost is reduced. Not only does this provide back-up, but the back-up battery supplies a continuity of monitoring - which can be maintained even when heavy current drain occurs, for example, when the vehicular battery supply is employed for starting the vehicle's engine.

By the provision of a low voltage supply, then a direct/ minimal voltage conversion power supply can be provided for use with a computer processor, such as an EPIA 5000 motherboard, as produced by the VIA Corporation. Indeed, the EPIA 5000 has some surprising characteristics which make it resilient to inconsistent power and to power supply irregularities, such as which may occur when starting the vehicle and voltage drop. The VIA Eden processor, conveniently supplied with the VIA EPIA 5000 motherboard, consumes around 8-14 W power, which together with other necessary operating components means that effective power consumption will rise to 13-18 W. Associated with this is a reduced time for effective monitoring: a recording time of 20 to 27 hours is therefore realisable. This is about 4.5 to 6.5 times the duration of other devices using standard equipment .

As computing power of mobile phones and PDA' s are growing fast they are going to present opportunity to run whole system on one of these devices. As they consume significantly less power than any other ordinary computer system they would be able to run at least 10 times longer on same batteries.

A further element in reducing power consumption resides in the use of custom built small electronic circuit which uses signals from IR sensors and car alarm sensors to trigger recording processes. Its main purpose is to select a mode which determines the events that will be recorded. When a car is left unattended, then for a first 12 hour period, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, then all activity around the car which triggers IR sensor is recorded. In an alternative mode, then the time of day may determine the period of the system of being fully operational. In the alternative, manual intervention may provide for the system to operate in a particular mode: for example, if parked within an enclosed garage, then the alarm system may be desensitized; in contrast, if one knows that a vehicle is not in a particularly secure environment, then one may wish to extend a period of activity, or to tailor the sensitivity to the environment.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a means to provide a high resolution monitoring of the surroundings of a vehicle, on a duty cycle which is based upon the use of the vehicle, the provision of high resolution colour cameras and low power system control means. The duty cycle is adaptive to both surroundings and length of period from last use of vehicle. In use, the system can provide active monitoring of road conditions, which enable evidence to be provided in the event of a road traffic incident, whilst at rest can provide a record of the surroundings, taking pictures of persons with an unwelcome interest in a vehicle.

Obviously, when a computer security system operates in a standby mode, then the power consumption is significantly reduced - for example is less than lWatt - and records upon the initiation of a trigger signal, such as occurs when somebody intrudes into car and triggers car alarm. In this way time for selective recording can be extended up to at least to 2 weeks or more. Nevertheless, when the voltage level of the battery voltage level drops to critical level

(for example, 50 %) then the computer is programmed to act in a hibernation mode and uses no power at all; in the event of a further occurrence, then a physical switch, such as a mercury switch could be operated to act upon a significant movement of the suspension. The movement of suspension which is sufficient to activate the mercury switch could be learnt, dependent upon history of vehicle movement in a given parking position - it will be appreciated that a vehicle may be disturbed by movement from passing vehicles. Of course, the response time for the security system to "wake-up" upon activation due to a break-in or similar disturbance after a period of non-operation is finite, typically 2 - 10 seconds is a consideration to take into account.

There are several options to reduce power consumption even further with certain configuration from the operating system. This includes suspending hard drive on idle mode and reducing active background computing programs which are nonessential to a minimum; similar issues apply to the main processor which can be throttled down when it is idle. Operating system timing function can validly be associated with cameras and other sensors.

In a preferred embodiment, the image collection recordal and storage device (ICSR) can operate in four states, and will fluctuate between each depending upon circumstance; active/active; active/standby; active/hibernate, passive/hibernate. The ICSR unit operates in an active/active mode when the vehicle engine has been started and the vehicle is in motion. This state provides a full power, full functionality condition, where video collected from each of the cameras and other relevant data from appropriate sensors - for example engine status, gear of vehicle, speed of vehicle is recorded onto the internal hard drive, via any flash memory devices as appropriate. When the vehicle is no longer in motion the ICSR may have no necessity to write video to the hard drive and therefore, to reduce power consumption, the ICSR will drop into an active- standby mode. The unit is still fully functional and video recording may be discontinuous, for example video clips would be recorded only upon the satisfaction of a number of predetermined parameters. For example, when an ICSR equipped vehicle stops at a set of traffic lights, the system would not go into a standby mode merely since the vehicle was no longer moving: with reference to a GPS or similar location system, the ICSR unit may override any tendency to drop into a standby mode, with the result that video clips would still be taken. This state of activity would continue when the engine is turned off.

When the vehicle has been stationary for any length of time being of the order of a week or so, then the system will hibernate. This state is still a security-functional state and the unit will record video clips when triggered by predetermined parameters. These parameters may differ from those of active/standby and are likely to be more significant, for example, recording would begin upon a door being opened. In this condition the unit would take approximately six seconds to "Wake Up" and start recording. A still further mode of operation is adopted, for example when a battery of the vehicle has been disconnected, as is sometimes the case when professional car-thieves stalk a vehicle: they disable the power supply of a vehicle whereby to disable primary security devices which are dependent upon the vehicle's battery, enter the vehicle, disable any remaining security systems and then remove the vehicle. In this condition, passive/hibernate, the unit will use its own internal battery, although this will significantly reduce its operational time, the unit will still be able to record and forward video clips when triggered by a limited selection of predetermined parameters . Again in this condition the unit will take approximately six seconds to wake up and start recording.

An additional level of protection can be provided with the use of flash drives, such as a 128 Mb USB Flash drive, which can be employed as a first recording media and which are operable to store data from a data stream, the data being recorded in frames of predefined sizes, such as 4 Mb - 16 Mb clips. The clips are then transferred to a hard drive. Upon reaching a maximum storage capacity, a FIFO storage operation system can be applied. There will be a memory cycle specific to the mode of operation of the device: in a police car for example, it may be that all data recorded from the engine management system to the video recorders may be required to be stored. It may be that a disc drive recorder collects data during a patrol and such data is kept separately, perhaps downloaded to a main police server. Low power wireless systems such as BluetoothTM can be employed to transfer data as could a cable connection to a laptop data collector or similar.

To survive crash and post-crash environments all components should be enclosed in an enclosure which is capable of protecting the recording and control system. Sensors such as cameras need not be of a particularly high level of durability - sufficient to withstand an accident and to be able to withstand, for example, high G-forces arising from very sudden deceleration characteristics which may be sustained - which will have an effect on the durability of electrical connections with sensors etc.; high temperatures due to the presence of flammable fuels and plastics (although automobile plastics tend to have high levels of resistance to combustion) . Sensors such as video cameras and microphones need not be able to withstand the forces of impact in an accident of be capable of withstanding the effects of a fire, and be able to operate after an accident, but must be capable of sending accident information up to the moment of impact whereby the system can record such data and transmit such data or enable such data to be accessed from a flash memory, hard drive or otherwise after an accident has occurred whereby the vehicular status can be determined, which data can assist in any subsequent investigation. Whilst operational integrity after an event is not necessarily essential, it is important that data witnessed is securely recorded and that the particular recording medium employed can be used to maintain the integrity of the data irrespective of the outcome of an accident - taking into account significant pressures and temperature may be experienced: a recording device or more specifically the recording media is a most critical component which should survive an accident.

The image collection storage and retrieval device is conveniently located within a secure housing under a seat and will act as an application specific server, with a prime requirement for reliability rather than processing power, with a minimal requirement for electrical power and minimal cooling requirements. To assist in this, the unit will operate in a default sleep mode unless activated by an infrared movement sensor, alarm setting, ignition on & engine running conditions . The placement of a recording device under a driver's or front passenger's seat would provide a reasonable degree of protection from physical damage that could occur in a crash. First of all it is protected by the seat fixture and by the seat itself. Secondly it is typically one of the more central locations available in a car, which can provide all round protection, although transmission tunnel problems may arise in rear wheel driven vehicles - additionally the seat area is designed to offer the best protection for passengers and so will be typically best placed in the seat area. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that an in-dash fitment may be more appropriate for certain vehicles and for use in certain vehicles, such as police vehicles, the recording device is conveniently packaged within a standard ISDN radio/CD player recess. Such a position, whilst convenient for data download and the like does not offer as much protection in the event of an accident since there will typically be a number of crumple zones in the dashboard area which might compromise the integrity of data Within a recording device. Nevertheless, different vehicles will have different areas in which a recorder may be placed; in some circumstances, a boot placement may be the most practical.

The recorder is housed in a housing operable to survive rapid deceleration, as is experienced in some crashes, with the hard drive mounted to the box and retain connections with devices and to remain in operation. The components must be sufficiently stable to withstand the effects of harsh deceleration - for example, within 60 G (max 1 ms), from any direction, given that the vehicle may be stationary and be hit from the side or in a backwards direction. Connections to sensors of the vehicle, the vehicle battery etc. must be sufficiently robust to flex during use and be able to withstand high temperatures, which will limit the range of plastics employed in the manufacture of cables and connectors to high temperature plastics materials. It has been found that a casting of Magnesium alloy or similar materials could provide a suitable container that is lightweight yet of sufficient strength and provide fire resistance. A twin wall construction is preferred, with a heat resistant material such as Rockwool ™ placed between the walls to provide insulation with regards to increases of temperature with respect to the recording device.

As is known, jarring of electrical components can cause premature failure of electrical component, from damaged electrical connections and soldering integrity issues. Accordingly, it has been thought that vibration and like issues can only be addressed by the use of containment of components within housings by the use of resilient springs. Applicants have determined that correctly fastened electrical components including hard drives and other mechanical components, need not be enclosed in a resiliently supported housing. This has enabled the production of electrical housings which need only protect against physical damage and fire which may arise in an accident.

With regard to a vehicle fire, then an appropriate choice of container with insulation and high temperature rated products can overcome several difficulties and the housing can conveniently be insulated by the use of products such as Rockwool ™ which should give some protection for limited time. Nevertheless, with a budget priced security system, it is difficult to provide a case which could withstand fierce fire (>1000oC) for more than 10 minutes. Thus, to overcome this problem, in another embodiment of the invention, it is possible to interconnect the memory device with a wireless communications device. By the placement of a G-force sensor and a temperature sensor, then the data could be transmitted over a wireless network via antennas placed around the body of the vehicle: vehicle component wiring, for example for the indicators could be employed to transmit wireless messages such that the expected poor transmitting conditions which may be present after an accident may be ameliorated by having a number of antennas for transmitting data to an adjacent wireless communications base-station, on an emergency download number reserved to receive such data. The G-sensor may, in fact comprise part of the G-force sensory system associated with airbag deployment, whereby signals are transmitted, for example on a cyclical basis, once the G-force sensor has been activated, whereby maximal use of existing car components can be utilised. As suggested above, by connection with the CAN bus, G-force data can readily be accessed without the provision of a further G-force activation device.

As new GPS units based on microchips like SiRFstarlll® and RFMD® are more sensitive and accurate they can be used as sole providers of location, time and velocity data which in turn can be used as basic data to calculate mathematically acceleration / deceleration (G-forces) . This system provides most low cost solution for measuring G-force because GPS is inherently part of the current system.

The use of a G-force sensor can be incorporated with the transmission of recoded data that is sent upon occurrence of an event to a remote wireless server, the data being sent comprising information prior to the occurrence of the incident - and post event, if possible. The remote wireless server could comprise part of a 3G wireless network, being a dedicated server (if computer still operates) ; in this way information that may prove extremely useful relating to the incident can be saved, which information may be particularly useful to police and insurer alike.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the system operates in conjunction with a wireless telecommunications system, such as GPRS or UMTS, wherein data can be transmitted. It is likely, especially within certain car ownership groups that professional car thieves operate to take a particular vehicle. Using a mixture of alarm disarming and infrared movement sensors, cameras can be controlled to record all movement up to and including vehicle entry. For example, as soon as the engine is started, a video clip of this period is sent via a wireless medium to a vehicle support centre. Alternatively, the video clip could comprise a video of someone entering the vehicle. This procedure would be implemented irrespective of occasion whereby an alert made by a vehicle could be returned with a message that the system transmits further downloads of information once on the move. It will be possible through video compression techniques to despatch data, which, when in alarm mode could provide more specific data, on a more regular basis. Vehicle tracking could be provided by way of a cellular radio network, with triangulation techniques being employed to determine exact location. The system could, perhaps, also operate with known telematics systems already in operation for determining traffic flow etc.

Claims

1. A vehicular security system comprising:

a recording device;

a number of sensory devices including image recording devices and vehicle status indicators;

a communications system and an operating system;

characterised in that the operating system is operated in accordance with a predefined duty cycle, which, in conjunction with a low power equipment provides an effective duty cycle.

2. A vehicular security system according to claim 1 wherein the number of sensory devices further include a GPS system.

3. A vehicular security system according to any of the preceding claims wherein a radio signal is transmitted upon activation of the vehicle.

4. A vehicular security system according to claim 3 wherein the radio signal provides compressed video and/or location data.

5. A vehicular security system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the operating system operates with different predefined duty cycles of operation, whereby to provide appropriate security levels for parking.

6. A vehicular imaging system, the system comprising:

a recording device;

a communications system and an operating system;

characterised in that during operation of the vehicle, images are taken by a camera of an external view form the vehicle and the image data is transferred to the recording device, such that recoded images and other data are conveniently stored in a memory device, the memory device subsequently being able to provide data for download.

7. A vehicular recording system according to claim 6 wherein the recording device comprises an electronic data storage device which is linked up to one or more of a flash memory, a hard drive, a DVD recording device or other memory means .

8. A vehicular recording system according to claim 6 wherein the image recording device comprises a camera forwardly directed of the vehicle such that it is able to record scenes in front of the vehicle.

9. A vehicular recording system according to claim 6 wherein the image recording device comprises a camera rearwardly directed of the vehicle such that it is able to record scenes to the rear of the vehicle.

10. A vehicular recording system according to claim 6 wherein the image recording device comprises a camera directed to one or both of the sides of the vehicle such scenes to the side the vehicle can be recorded.

11. A vehicular recording system according to claim 6 wherein the image recording device comprises a camera forwardly directed of the vehicle such that it is able to record scenes in front of the vehicle

12. A vehicular recording system according to any one of claims 9 - 10 wherein the system further comprises a visual display monitor within the cabin of the vehicle whereby an image from one or more cameras can be viewed.

13. A vehicular recording system according to claim 12, wherein data relating to speed and location of the vehicle and time can be provided to an occupant of the vehicle.

14. A vehicular recording system according to claim 12, whereby details concerning a vehicle whose registration number has been recognised by one or more of the cameras is determined from data derived from a central vehicle registration centre.

15. A vehicular recording system according to any one of claims 6 - 14 wherein there is further provided a wireless communications systems whereby, in the event of an incident, data relating to a period of time before the incident can be transmitted to a wireless station.

16. A vehicular recording system according to any one of claim 15, wherein there is a trigger to transmit the data relating to a period of time before the incident is provided by means of a G-force critical threshold activation switch which is entirely software based.

17. A vehicular security system comprising:

a recording device;

at least one camera and a number of vehicle management sensors,

wherein the vehicle management sensors comprise part of a controller area network (CAN) system of the vehicle, the sensory devices including image recording devices and vehicle status indicators.

18. A vehicular security system according to claim 17 wherein the sensory devices further include a GPS system.

19. A vehicular security system according to claim 17 or 18 wherein a radio signal is transmitted upon activation of the vehicle.

20. A vehicular security system according to claim 19 wherein the radio signal provides a compressed video and/or location data.

21. A vehicular security system according to claim 19 wherein the data recorder records engine management data, wherein, upon investigation at a particular time or occurrence, the status of the vehicle's velocity can be ascertained.

22. A vehicular security system according to claim 17 wherein the data recorder records position information.