ZA200709344B

ZA200709344B - A security system

Info

Publication number: ZA200709344B
Application number: ZA200709344A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Parnaby Michael Boyden
Original assignee: Pkf Electronics Proprietary Lt
Priority date: 2006-10-03
Filing date: 2007-10-30
Publication date: 2008-11-26

Description

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THIS INVENTION relates to a security system.

A known type of vehicle alarm system includes a control circuit including a processor, a memory, and a receiver, typically an RF receiver. lt includes also trigger event sensing means and alarm means, for example a ~ siren. The control circuit is armed and disarmed via signals from at least one compatible remote control device, for example a key fob, which includes a transmitter, which has an ID code stored therein that is included in signals transmitted by it, and which has been paired with the control circuit by storing its ID code in the memory of the control circuit. Typically, the control circuit has a “learn” mode in which, upon suitable operation of the remote control device within range of the control circuit, it will store the 1D code of the remote control device in its memory, thus pairing it with the remote control device.

The trigger event sensing means may, for example, include at least one of a motion sensor for detecting motion inside the driver/passenger compartment of the vehicle, a glass break sensor, a door open sensor, a shock sensor, a vehicle motion sensor, a vehicle tilt sensor, etc.

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Any reference herein to a vehicle alarm system is a reference to a system of the general type described above.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a security system which includes : a vehicle alarm system, operatively onboard a motor vehicle, including a master circuit, which includes a processor, a memory, and an RF receiver, and alarm means, controlled by the master circuit; and at least one passive infrared (PIR) device, which includes an electronic circuit which includes a PIR sensor and an RF transmitter, the circuit being configured to operatively transmit a trigger signal upon its sensor sensing motion, the master circuit having an armed mode, in which it will be triggered upon receiving a trigger signal from the PIR device, causing it to activate the alarm means, and the security system allowing mounting of the

PIR device in a fixed location to serve as a motion sensor for the vehicle © alarm system whenever the latter system is within range for receiving a trigger signal from the PIR device.

With the vehicle alarm system installed in a vehicle, the PIR device can serve as a motion sensing device for triggering the vehicle alarm system. The PIR device may be located away from the vehicle. Motion sensed by the PIR device will cause it to transmit a trigger signal and, should this occur whilst the vehicle alarm system is within range of the PIR device and the vehicle alarm system is armed, the vehicle alarm system will be triggered.

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The PIR device may, for example, be mounted in a strategic location around a house or garden where the vehicle is regularly parked. It may, for example, alternatively be installed in a caravan that is sometimes used with the vehicle.

In the case of the vehicle being a truck that has an enclosed load compartment, such a PIR device may be installed inside the load compartment. Many alternative applications of the PIR device are clearly possible.

The PIR device may include a weather resistant housing, making it suitable for outdoor use.

The PIR device may include a battery for powering it.

The vehicle alarm system may include at least one onboard trigger sensor operatively installed in the same vehicle as the master circuit.

The at least one onboard trigger sensor may include at least one of a motion sensor for detecting motion inside the driver/passenger compartment of a vehicle; a glass break sensor; a door open sensor; a shock sensor; a vehicle motion sensor; and a vehicle tilt sensor. The master circuit may define different input "zones" that can be selectively activated and deactivated and may provide for any one of the at least one onboard trigger sensor and the at least one PIR device to be associated with at least one selected "zone", thereby providing for a particular onboard trigger sensor or PIR device to trigger the master circuit only if the master circuit is armed and a "zone" with which the sensor or device, as the case may be, is associated is active.

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In a particular embodiment of the security system of the first aspect of the invention the system is armed and disarmed by signals from a compatible remote control device, which device includes an RF transmitter and has an ID code stored therein that it includes in signals transmitted by it; the master circuit has a “learn” mode in which, upon receipt of a signal from the remote control device, the circuit will store the ID code of the remote control device in its memory; : the electronic circuit of the PIR device has an ID code stored therein and is configured to operatively include the ID code in a trigger signal it transmits in response to its motion sensor sensing motion; and the master circuit of the vehicle alarm system operatively has the ID code of the PIR device stored therein and is programmed to, when armed, be triggered by a trigger signal from the PIR device.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a passive infrared (PIR) device for use in a security system, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the device being suitable for mounting in a fixed location and including an electronic circuit which includes a PIR sensor and an RF transmitter, compatible with the RF receiver of the vehicle alarm system of the security system, the circuit being configured to operatively transmit a trigger signal upon its sensor sensing motion.

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The device may include a weather resistant housing, making it suitable for outdoor use.

The device may include a battery for powering it. :

The electronic circuit of the device may have an ID code stored . therein and may be configured to operatively include the 1D code in a trigger signal it transmits in response to its motion sensor sensing motion.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle alarm system for use in a security system, in accordance with the first : aspect of the invention, including a master circuit, which includes a processor, a memory, and an RF receiver, and alarm means, controlled by the master circuit, the master circuit having an armed mode in which it will be triggered upon receiving a trigger signal from a PIR device, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, causing it to activate the alarm means.

The at least one onboard trigger sensor may include at least one of a motion sensor for detecting motion inside the driver/passenger compartment of a vehicle; a glass break sensor; a door open sensor; a shock sensor; a vehicle ‘motion sensor; and a vehicle tilt sensor. ) C:Word Complete Specs 158765 PFK PIR Detector DHW/cve 10/29/2007 10:16 AM ’

In a particular embodiment of the vehicle alarm system, the master circuit defines different input "zones" that can be selectively activated and deactivated and provides for any one of the at least one onboard trigger sensor and the at least one PIR device to be associated with at least one selected "zone", thereby providing for a particular onboard trigger sensor or

PIR device to trigger the master circuit only if the master circuit is armed and a "zone" with which the sensor or device, as the case may be, is associated is active.

Also in a particular embodiment of the vehicle alarm system the system is armed and disarmed by signals from a compatible remote control device, which device includes an RF transmitter and has an ID code stored therein that it includes in signals transmitted by it; the master circuit has a “learn” mode in which, upon receipt of a signal from the remote control device, the circuit will store the ID code of the remote control device in its memory; the electronic circuit of the PIR device has an ID code stored therein and is configured to operatively include the ID code in a trigger signal it transmits in response to its motion sensor sensing motion; and the master circuit of the vehicle alarm system operatively is associated with the PIR device by having the ID code of the PIR device stored therein and is programmed to, when armed, be triggered by a trigger signal from the

PIR device.

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According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a kit including a security system, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and directions for mounting the PIR device in a fixed location.

The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic of a security system, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of a PIR device, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, forming a part of the security system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of the device of Figure 2, as indicated by arrows [1-H of Figure 2; and

Figure 4 is a schematic of a box forming a part of a kit, in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention, including a security system such as that of Figure 1.

In Figure 1, a security system, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 10.

The system 10 includes a vehicle alarm system 12, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, and two PIR devices 14.1 and 14.2, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. } C:Word Complete Specs 158765 PFK PIR Detector DHW/cve 10/29/2007 10:16 AM

For the purpose of this example, the vehicle alarm system 12'is installed in a motor vehicle in the form of a passenger car, which is not shown.

The vehicle alarm system 12 includes: a master circuit 15; alarm means in the form of a siren 16; remote control devices in the form of key fobs 18.1 and 18.2; and trigger sensors 20 onboard the vehicle, including a PIR motion sensor 20.1 for detecting motion inside the driver/passenger compartment of the vehicle, a door open sensor 20.2, and a vehicle motion/ tilt sensor 20.3.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the PIR device 14.1. The PIR device 14.1 includes a weather proof housing 22 and an electronic circuit (not shown) housed therein. The circuit includes a PIR sensor and an RF transmitter, the circuit having an ID code stored therein and being configured to operatively transmit a trigger signal including its ID code upon its sensor sensing motion.

The PIR device 14.1 includes its own battery.

The housing 22 of the PIR device 14.1 is made of injection moulded plastic and includes mounting means 24 for mounting it on an object, e.g. a wall or a pole. The mounting means 24 includes a rectangular mounting plate 26, defining therethrough holes for fasteners, and adjustable swivel connection 28. Insofar as the mounting means 24 is essentially conventional, it is not described in detail herein. :

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The PIR device 14.2 is identical to the device 14.1, except, of course, that it has a different ID.

With reference again particularly to Figure 1, each key fob 18 is conventional and therefore not shown in detail. Each includes an electronic circuit which includes an arm and a disarm switch, each operated by a push button, and an RF transmitter, the circuit having an ID code stored therein and being configured to operatively transmit an arm/disarm signal, as the case may be, including its ID code in response to a button being pressed.

The master circuit 15 includes a processor, a memory, and an

RF receiver. The master circuit 15 is powered from the electrical system of the vehicle. The master circuit 15 can be switched into a “learn” mode, in which it can be associated with any compatible key fob, such as the key fobs 18, and any compatible PIR device, such as the PIR devices 14.1 and 14.2, by storing the ID code of the fob or PIR device in its memory.

Each key fob 18 and each PIR device 14 has been conventionally paired with the master circuit 15 in the learn mode of the master circuit. Via the buttons on each key fob 18, the master circuit 15 can be armed and disarmed.

The master circuit 15 has been programmed to, when armed, be triggered by a trigger signal received from either of the PIR devices 14.1 and 14.2, causing the circuit to activate the siren 16.

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The PIR devices 14 may be used along with the vehicle alarm system 12 in any one of various possible ways. It may, for instance, be mounted anywhere outside the vehicle and within range of the system 12 to serve as a motion sensor for sensing motion in that vicinity.

The vehicle alarm system 12 may define more than one “zone” that can be independently activated via the key fobs 18 and may provide for each of the PIR devices 14 and the sensors 20 to be associated with a selected "zone". As such, triggering of the security system 12 by any of the

PIR devices 14 and the sensors 20 may be selectively activated by selective activation of the "zones".

A security system similar to the system 10 may be installed in a pickup truck that has a canopy, wherein a PIR device such as the devices 14 is installed inside the canopy. Such a system may alternatively be installed with its PIR device in an enclosed load compartment of a heavy truck.

The exact configuration of the security system of the invention is highly variable and, as such, the invention extends to any security system including the essential features of a security system as envisaged herein.

In Figure 4, a security system (not shown) identical to the system 10 of Figure 1 has been packaged in a box 30. The box 30 has a label 32 applied to its outside. The label 32 indicates the contents of the box,

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As an alternative to providing the security system 10 in kit form, its vehicle alarm system may be factory fitted in a vehicle.

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Claims

CLAIMS DIN

1. A security system which includes a vehicle alarm system, operatively onboard a motor vehicle, including a master circuit, which includes a processor, a memory, and an RF receiver, and alarm means, controlled by the master circuit, and at least one passive infrared (PIR) device, which includes an electronic circuit which includes a PIR sensor and an RF transmitter, the circuit being configured to operatively transmit a trigger signal upon its sensor sensing motion, the master circuit having an armed mode in which it will be triggered upon receiving a trigger signal from the PIR device, causing it to activate the alarm means, and the security system allowing mounting of the PIR device in a fixed location to serve as a motion sensor for the vehicle alarm system whenever the latter system is within range for receiving a trigger signal from the PIR device.

2. A security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the PIR device includes a weather resistant housing, making it suitable for outdoor use.

3. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the PIR device includes a battery for powering it. C:Word Complete Specs 158765 PFK PIR Detector DHWi/cve 10/28/2007 10:16 AM

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4. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle alarm system includes at least one onboard trigger sensor operatively installed in the same vehicle as the master circuit.

5. A security system as claimed in claim 4, in which the at least one onboard trigger sensor includes at least one of a motion sensor for detecting motion inside the driver/passenger compartment of a vehicle; a glass break sensor; a door open sensor, a shock sensor; a vehicle motion sensor; and a vehicle tilt sensor.

6. A security system as claimed in claim 4 or in claim 5, in which the master circuit defines different input "zones" that can be selectively activated and deactivated and provides for any one of the at least one onboard trigger sensor and the at least one PIR device to be associated with at least one selected "zone", thereby providing for a particular onboard trigger sensor or PIR device to trigger the master circuit only if the master circuit is armed and a "zone" with which the sensor or device, as the case may be, is associated is active.

7. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the system is armed and disarmed by signals from a compatible remote control device, which device includes an RF transmitter and has an ID code stored therein that it includes in signals transmitted by it; C:Word Complete Specs 158765 PFK PIR Detector DHW/cve 10/29/2007 10:16 AM the master circuit has a “learn” mode in which, upon receipt of a signal from the remote control device, the circuit will store the ID code of the remote control device in its memory; the electronic circuit of the PIR device has an ID code stored therein and is configured to operatively include the ID code in a trigger signal it transmits in response to its motion sensor sensing motion; and the master circuit of the vehicle alarm system operatively has the ID code of the PIR device stored therein and is programmed to, when armed, be triggered by a trigger signal from the PIR device.

8. A passive infrared (PIR) device for use in a security system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the device being suitable for mounting in a fixed location and including an electronic circuit which includes a PIR sensor and an RF transmitter, compatible with the RF receiver of the vehicle alarm system of the security system, the circuit being configured to operatively transmit a trigger signal upon its sensor sensing motion.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8, which includes a weather resistant housing, making it suitable for outdoor use.

10. A device as claimed in any one of claims 8 and 9, which includes a battery for powering it.

11. A device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, in which the electronic circuit has an ID code stored therein and is configured to C:Word Complete Specs 158765 PFK PIR Detector DHW/cve 10/29/2007 10:16 AM ror BE 2007709344 operatively include the ID code in a trigger signal it transmits in response to its motion sensor sensing motion.

12. A vehicle alarm system for use in a security system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, including a master circuit, which includes a processor, a memory, and an RF receiver, and alarm means, controlled by the master circuit, the master circuit having an armed mode in which it will be triggered upon receiving a trigger signal from a PIR device, as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, causing it to activate the alarm means.

13. A vehicle alarm system as claimed in claim 12, which includes at least one onboard trigger sensor operatively installed in the same vehicle as the master circuit.

14. A vehicle alarm system as claimed in claim 13, in which the at least one onboard trigger sensor includes at least one of a motion sensor for detecting motion inside the driver/passenger compartment of a vehicle; a glass break sensor; a door open sensor; a shock sensor; a vehicle motion sensor; and a vehicle tilt sensor.

15. A vehicle alarm system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, in which the master circuit defines different input "zones" that can be selectively activated and deactivated and provides for any one of the at least one onboard trigger sensor and the at least one PIR device to be associated with at least one selected "zone", thereby providing for a particular onboard C:Word Complete Specs 158765 PFK PIR Detector DHW/cve 10/29/2007 10:16 AM

LL | : trigger sensor or PIR device to trigger thé master circuit only if the master circuit is armed and a "zone" with which the sensor or device, as the case may be, is associated is active.

16. A vehicle alarm system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, in which the system is armed and disarmed by signals from a compatible remote control device, which device includes an RF transmitter and has an ID code stored therein that it includes in signals transmitted by it; the master circuit has a “learn” mode in which, upon receipt of a signal from the remote control device, the circuit will store the ID code of the remote control device in its memory; the electronic circuit of the PIR device has an ID code stored therein and is configured to operatively include the ID code in a trigger signal it transmits in response to its motion sensor sensing motion; and the master circuit of the vehicle alarm system operatively is associated with the PIR device by having the ID code of the PIR device stored therein and is programmed to, when armed, be triggered by a trigger signal from the PIR device.

17. A Kit including a security system, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, and directions for mounting the PIR device in a fixed location.

18. A security system as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. C:Word Complete Specs 158765 PFK PIR Detector DHW/cve 10/29/2007 10:16 AM

20. A vehicle alarm system as claimed in claim 12, substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.

21. A kit as claimed in claim 17, substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. E DATED THIS 30" DAY OF OCTOBER 2007 — 4 & ADAMS APPLICANT'S PATENT ATTORNEYS C:Word Complete Specs 158765 PFK PIR Detector DHWi/cve 10/29/2007 10:16 AM