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United States Patent
5917405
Joao
June 29, 1999
Title
Control apparatus and methods for vehicles
Abstract
A control apparatus for a vehicle, which comprises a first control device. The first control device one of generates and transmits a first signal for one of activating, deactivating, enabling, and disabling, one of a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle system, and a vehicle subsystem. The first control device is located at the vehicle. The first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device. The second control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle. The second control device is responsive to a third signal, wherein the third signal is one of generated by and transmitted from a third control device. The third control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle and remote from the second control device.
Inventors:
Joao; Raymond Anthony
(Yonkers,
NY
)
Appl. No.:
683828
Filed:
July 18, 1996
Current U.S. Class:
340/426.17
340/426.18
340/5.61
340/5.72
342/457
701/36
307/10.2
340/425.5
Field of Search:
342/457 340/426,825.34,825.32,825.36,825.37,825.49,425.5 370/352,389 307/10.2 455/404 180/287 701/33,36
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Johnson et al.
5563453
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Nyfelt
5682133
October 1997
Johnson et al.
Primary Examiner:
Horabik; Michael
Assistant Examiner:
Edwards, Jr.; Timothy
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Joao; Raymond A.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/587,628, filed Jan. 17, 1996, abandoned, which in turn is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/489,238, filed Jun. 12, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,244, which in turn is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/073,755, filed Jun. 8, 1993, abandoned. This application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/622,749, filed Mar. 27, 1996, now pending.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A control apparatus for a vehicle, which comprises:
a first control device, wherein said first control device one of generates and transmits a first signal for one of activating, deactivating, enabling, and disabling, one of a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle system, and a vehicle subsystem, wherein said first control device is located at the vehicle;
wherein said first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle, and further wherein the second control device is responsive to a third signal, wherein the third signal is one of generated by and transmitted from a third control device, therein the third control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle and remote from the second control device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, which further comprises:
a monitoring device for monitoring at least one of the vehicle, vehicle operational status, vehicle operation, said one of a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle system, and a vehicle subsystem, a vehicle one of fuel supply, water supply, and coolant supply, one of electrical generator and alternator operation, battery charge level, engine temperature level, one of an electrical circuit and an electrical device, activity inside the vehicle, and activity outside the vehicle.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, which further comprises:
a positioning device for determining location of the vehicle, wherein said positioning device is located at the vehicle.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, which further comprises:
one of a camera and a video recording device for obtaining video information at the vehicle.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first control device detects at least one of a vehicle use, an unauthorized use of the vehicle, and a theft of the vehicle.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third control device is one of a stationary device, a hand-held device, a mobile device, a telephone, a digital telephone, a cordless telephone, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a computer, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal communications device, a personal communications services device, a display telephone, a video telephone, a watch, a beeper, and pager.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said one of a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle system, and a vehicle subsystem, is at least one of a vehicle ignition system, a vehicle fuel system, a vehicle exhaust system, a vehicle one of electrical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical, one of system and component, a vehicle light system, a vehicle alarm system, a vehicle anti-theft system, a vehicle recovery system, a vehicle door lock system, a vehicle hood lock system, a horn, a vehicle surveillance system, a video device, a video recording device, an audio device, and an audio recording device.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operation of one of said apparatus and said first control device is at least one of programmed, automatically activated, and self-activating.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is one of a motor vehicle, an automobile, a truck, a tractor trailer, a marine vehicle, a marine vessel, a boat, an aircraft, a jet, a plane, construction equipment, farm equipment, a commercial vehicle, a recreational vehicle, a motorcycle, a snowmobile, a motor home, a mobile home, a water submersible vehicle, and an unmanned one of vehicle and equipment.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, which further comprises:
a device for one of arming and activating apparatus operation, wherein said one of arming and activating device is located at the vehicle.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, which further comprises:
a voice synthesizing device for generating a voice message indicative of one of operation of the apparatus, statue of the apparatus, operation of said first control device, and operation of the vehicle.
12. A control apparatus for a vehicle, which comprises:
a first control device, wherein said first control device one of generates and transmits a first signal for one of activating, deactivating, enabling, and disabling, one of a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle system, and a vehicle subsystem, therein said first control device is located at a location remote from the vehicle;
wherein said first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second control device is located at a location which is remote from said first control device and remote from the vehicle,
wherein said first signal controls a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at the vehicle, and further wherein the third control device one of generates and transmits a third signal for one of activating, deactivating, enabling, and disabling, said one of a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle system, and a vehicle subsystem, in response to said first signal.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said first control device is a server computer.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said one of a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle system, and a vehicle subsystem, is at least one of a vehicle ignition system, a vehicle fuel system, a vehicle exhaust system, a vehicle one of electrical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical, one of system and component, a vehicle light system, a vehicle alarm system, a vehicle anti-theft system, a vehicle recovery system, a vehicle door lock system, a vehicle hood lock system, a horn, a vehicle surveillance system, a video device, a video recording device, an audio device, and an audio recording device.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said apparatus operates over at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
16. A method for control for a vehicle, which comprises:
transmitting a first signal from a first control device to a second control device, wherein the first control device is located at a location remote from the vehicle and remote from the second control device;
transmitting a second signal from the second control device to a third control device, wherein the third control device is located at the vehicle, and further wherein the second control device is located at a location remote from the vehicle;
generating a third signal at the third control device in response to said second signal,
one of activating, deactivating, enabling, and disabling, one of a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle system, and a vehicle a subsystem, in response to said third signal.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:
determining an operational status of at least one of the vehicle component, vehicle device, vehicle system, and vehicle subsystem.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:
obtaining a video image at the vehicle.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein said one of a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle system, a and vehicle subsystem, is at least one of a vehicle ignition system, a vehicle fuel system, a vehicle exhaust system, a vehicle one of electrical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical, one of system and component, a vehicle light system, a vehicle alarm system, a vehicle anti-theft system, a vehicle recovery system, a vehicle door lock system, a vehicle hood lock system, a horn, a vehicle surveillance system, a video device, a video recording device, an audio device, and an audio recording device.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the first control device is one of a stationary device, a hand-held device, a mobile device, a telephone, a digital telephone, a cordless telephone, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a computer, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal communications device, a personal communications services device, a display telephone, a video telephone, a watch, a beeper, and a pager.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises and, in particular, to a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for exercising and/or providing remote-controlled immediate, as well as deferred, control, monitoring, security, anti-theft and/or theft deterrent functions for vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Anti-theft devices for vehicles and premises are known in the prior art for preventing and/or thwarting the theft of a vehicle and/or of a premises. Vehicle recovery devices or systems are also known for recovering a motor vehicle. These known anti-theft and/or vehicle recovery devices may be of the active or passive variety and are typically available in many forms (i.e. steering wheel locks, hood locks, ignition system cut-off devices, alarms, vehicle homing devices with associated receiving devices, etc.). In some cases, these devices may be of a very simple design, while in other cases, they may be of a more sophisticated design. However, as is well known, these known anti-theft and/or vehicle recovery devices or systems may be easily defeated by thieves, and especially, by professional thieves and/or have other disadvantages associated with their use. Experience has shown that even the most sophisticated of anti-theft devices may be defeated by an experienced, and determined, thief, and that vehicle recovery systems also have drawbacks associated with their use.
In the case of some vehicle recovery devices, their use may be limited by the availability, or lack thereof, of the corresponding tracker or receiver device(s) in the particular locality, or the lack of same by the law enforcement department in a particular area.
In recent times, an even more disturbing criminal practice, involving the theft of motor vehicles, has rendered most anti-theft devices virtually useless. This criminal practice, known as car-jacking, has gained widespread attention. Car-jacking usually occurs when a thief or thieves confront a motorist or motor vehicle operator, when the motor vehicle engine is running, or when the car thief obtains easy access to the motor vehicle ignition keys and to the motor vehicle, either by force or by the threat of force, thereby bypassing, and rendering useless, any of the widely known anti-theft and/or theft-deterrent devices, thereby gaining control and/or possession of the motor vehicle. In these instances, the motorist or motor vehicle operator is well advised to surrender the motor vehicle. However, once surrendered, the motor vehicle is virtually lost to the car thief.
Anti-theft and/or theft-deterrent devices which attempt to defeat the ultimate vehicle theft, such as caused by car-jacking, by disabling the motor vehicle during the "getaway", such as by shutting off power to the motor vehicle engine, have major disadvantages and drawbacks in that they could shut-off the vehicle engine at an inopportune instant in time, thereby causing a dangerous condition to exist which could lead to an accident and resulting injuries to individuals as well as damage to property. These accidents may arise when the motor vehicle power is suddenly shut-off while the vehicle is in motion, which condition could cause the vehicle to suddenly, or even gradually, lose power on a roadway or highway, while traveling at a moderate or at a high rate of speed and/or when a power steering and/or a power braking system, which derives its power from the vehicle engine, suddenly loses power upon the loss of the engine power. As noted above, accidents such as these may result in injuries to people, both inside and outside the vehicle, as well as property damage caused by, and to, the vehicle.
The above described disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art devices may also pose accident liability concerns to those manufacturers and/or sellers of these devices, as well as to the owner or operator of the motor vehicle, as these entities and/or individuals may be held liable for the injuries and/or the damages sustained as a result of the above described accidents.
Vehicle recovery systems are known which include a vehicle homing device, which is activated and which emits homing signals which are used to home in on, or to locate, the vehicle. These vehicle recovery systems usually require that the law enforcement agency have corresponding homing signal receivers and/or equipment and that they be kept in operating condition, in order to effectively home in on, or locate, the vehicle. Unless the local police or law enforcement authorities have such equipment, the homing signal recovery device serves little purpose in recovering the vehicle in that locale. Other vehicle recovery systems require that a police report be made prior to an activation of the homing and/or recovery equipment, which practice could result in the loss of valuable time in the vehicle recovery process. The above problems concerning vehicle security are equally applicable to and present an equal or even greater problem in providing security for marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft and/or recreational vehicles.
Providing security for residential premises and/or commercial premises is also of great concern, especially when such premises are left vacant for hours and/or days at a time. These concerns may arise while residential premises are left unoccupied during the working day, when second homes and/or vacation homes are left unoccupied for days, weeks and months at a time, and in commercial premises which may also be left unoccupied for long periods of time such as after working hours or during weekends or other prolonged periods of time when these premises may be closed and/or unoccupied. While anti-theft and/or security systems exist for residential and/or commercial premises, such systems fail to enable the owner or occupant and/or other authorized individual to conveniently and effectively exercise and/or perform control, monitoring and/or security functions with regards to these premises. The ability to conveniently and effectively enable one to exercise and/or to perform control, monitoring and/or security functions would prove to be invaluable in allowing owners, occupants and/or other authorized individuals to exercise and/or to provide control, monitoring and/or security functions over these premises, from a remote location and at any time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for overcoming the disadvantages and drawbacks which are associated with the known prior art anti-theft and/or theft deterrent systems and, in particular, anti-theft and/or theft-deterrent systems for vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft and recreational vehicles as well as for residential premises and/or for commercial premises.
The apparatus of the present invention comprises a transmitter system for transmitting an electrical, an electronic, an electromagnetic or other suitable signal, transmittable over a communication system and/or medium, upon an activation by the owner or authorized user or operator of the vehicle, motor vehicle, marine vessel, aircraft, recreational vehicle, and/or the owner, occupant and/or authorized individual of and for the residential premises and/or the commercial premises. The transmitter should also consist of a user interface device and a transmitting device. The transmitter should also have a receiver associated therewith for receiving signals. In this regard, the transmitter/receiver combination may be replaced and/or implemented with and/or by a transceiver. The transmitter transmits a signal, in response to an authorized user or operator accessing and/or activating the apparatus.
The transmitter system is a remote system, which may or may not be physically connected to the remainder of the apparatus. Further, the transmitter system is not located in the vehicle, motor vehicle, marine vessel or vehicle, aircraft, recreational vehicle, residential premises and/or commercial premises, but rather, is located external from, and/or separate and apart from, the vehicle.
The apparatus also comprises a receiver for receiving the signals which are transmitted by the transmitter or transceiver system. The receiver receives the signal(s) which is transmitted by the transmitter or transceiver and provides an indication, in the form of a signal transmission, back to the transmitter or transceiver and, in particular, the transmitter receiver, which signifies that a signal has been received by the apparatus. The receiver also generates data which is indicative of the signal, or a portion thereof, which has been received. The receiver should also be provided with its own transmitter. In this regard, this receiver/transmitter combination may also be replaced and/or implemented with and/or by a transceiver.
The transmitter/receiver combination should provide for the transmission and for the reception of a multitude of remote electrical, electronic, electromagnetic, and/or other suitable signals, over long distances and/or in a mobile and/or a wireless communications environment. Telephone signals and telephone communication devices can be utilized in the present invention as well as personal computers which can be utilized with telecommunications and/or other suitable communication systems and/or mediums.
Upon receiving the signal, the receiver generates a distinct signal which is indicative of the signal transmitted from the transmitter. At least a portion of the transmitted signal may include a valid access code, which accesses the receiver and the apparatus. The access code serves to provide for security measures which may be taken in conjunction with the use of the apparatus.
The apparatus also comprises a controller or a central processing unit (CPU), which is electrically connected with the receiver and which receives, or reads, whichever the case may be, the signal or signals, or portions thereof, which are generated by the receiver. The CPU also has associated therewith a read only memory device(s) and random access memory device(s). The data which is received by the receiver is processed by the apparatus.
The CPU may also have a transmitter associated therewith for transmitting signals to the transmitter receiver or transceiver. In this manner, the CPU of the apparatus may respond to a user data transmission, command, or inquiry with a transmitted signal.
In the case of vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft and recreational vehicles (hereinafter referred to collectively as "vehicles"), the CPU is electrically connected and/or linked to the vehicle ignition system, which is located externally from the apparatus. The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the vehicle ignition system through an ignition system interface. The CPU may transmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, the vehicle ignition system. In this manner, the CPU and the vehicle ignition system may exchange information between each other.
The CPU, upon receiving an appropriate signal from the receiver, and upon the completion of a data processing routine, may issue a suitable signal, to the vehicle ignition system. This signal may be one which will disable, re-enable and/or reset the vehicle ignition system. The CPU may also interrogate the ignition system and/or receive data from the ignition system which is indicative of ignition system status.
The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the vehicle fuel system which is also located externally from the apparatus. The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the vehicle fuel system through a fuel system interface. The CPU is capable of issuing a signal, to disable, re-enable and/or reset the vehicle fuel system. The CPU may also interrogate and/or receive data from the fuel system which is indicative of fuel system status. The CPU may also provide control over the vehicle exhaust system in a similar fashion or in an analogous manner.
The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to at least one or more of a variety of vehicle equipment systems. The vehicle equipment system or systems are located externally from the apparatus and may or may not be connected and/or linked to the CPU via a respective and/or associated vehicle equipment system or systems interface. The vehicle equipment system or systems, which varies for each type of vehicle (i.e., vehicle, motor vehicle, marine vessel or vehicle, aircraft and/or recreation vehicle) may include, but is not limited to, an exterior and/or an interior siren or alarm, a horn, a vehicle exterior light system(s), a power door lock or other locking system or device, a hood locking system, a video recording device and/or a camera, and/or an audio recording device, for providing surveillance of the vehicle interior and/or exterior, an intercom system, for providing communications between vehicle users and/or occupants and the owner, operator and/or authorized individual, cellular or mobile phones and/or any one or more of the widely known vehicle anti-theft systems, alarm systems and/or stolen vehicle and/or other type of vehicle recovery systems and/or devices.
Each of the vehicle equipment systems, if utilized in conjunction with the apparatus, may be activated, de-activated, reset or in some other way controlled and/or monitored by the apparatus of the present invention. The use of any one or more of the vehicle equipment system or systems is optional.
The vehicle equipment system or systems receives signals from the CPU, which signals serve to activate, de-activate, or vice versa, whichever the case may be, the respective vehicle equipment system(s).
The apparatus may also comprise a vehicle position and locating device which can be utilized in order to determine the position and/or the location of the vehicle. The vehicle position and locating device can be utilized so as to determine the position of the vehicle anywhere in the world and provide for the transmission of vehicle position and/or location data, via an associated transmitter, to an appropriate system receiver so that vehicle position would be available to the owner, user and/or authorized individual and/or so that the vehicle may be located and/or tracked and recovered.
The apparatus may also comprise a vehicle position and locating system receiver, which is employed for receiving and/or processing the data which is transmitted from the vehicle position and locating device.
The vehicle position and locating device may comprise a positioning system computer and a global positioning device with associated global positioning system receiver. The vehicle position and locating device may also comprise a position data transmitter for transmitting the vehicle position and/or location data to the vehicle position system receiver. The vehicle position and locating device may also comprise a data base which contains digital and/or digitized map data, which can be utilized in order to determine the geographical position of the vehicle from the calculated "raw" position data obtained from the global positioning device. In this manner, vehicle position and/or location on a map may be obtained.
Vehicle position and/or location data can be transmitted to the vehicle position system receiver which may be located at, or accessible to, the authorized user or operator and/or authorized individual at any location and/or at the location of an authorized office or agency, such as at a central security office or agency or local or regional law enforcement office or agency, which is duly authorized to receive the vehicle position and/or location data for the vehicle.
The vehicle position and locating device may also perform updated global positioning calculations so as to provide for a tracking of a vehicle movement. The apparatus may also ascertain vehicle movement by monitoring and/or tracking vehicle position data as it is updated.
The vehicle position system receiver may be equipped with an appropriate computer system and a receiver for receiving the data transmitted by the transmitter of the vehicle position and locating device.
The vehicle position system receiver may comprise a CPU for controlling the operation of the system receiver which CPU is connected and/or linked to the receiver for receiving and/or for reading the vehicle position and/or location data. The system receiver may also comprise a user interface device, a display device, an output device and a database containing digital map data for use in determining geographical position of a vehicle. The system receiver may also comprise a transmitter for sending data and/or signals to the vehicle position and locating device and/or for transmitting signals to the CPU and/or to the transmitter receiver.
The system receiver may also be utilized in conjunction with a home and/or a personal computer and/or other personal communications device and/or apparatus which may be utilized with an associated receiver or equivalent peripheral device(s).
A home and/or personal computer, and/or other personal communications device and/or apparatus may also be utilized for performing the functions of the transmitter and the vehicle position and locating system receiver. The apparatus may also be utilized in conjunction with a computer network such as an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, by employing an appropriate server computer and/or an associated Web Site and/or Web Site technology in conjunction with an appropriate communication medium.
Upon the occurrence, or the discovery thereof, of the theft of a vehicle, or simply in order to monitor vehicle status or location, the authorized user or operator may activate the apparatus by entering an access code into the transmitter or transceiver interface. Entry of a valid access code will activate a signal transmission from the transmitter or transceiver to access the apparatus.
The authorized user or operator can then transmit a command code from the transmitter or transceiver to the receiver of the apparatus. In a case when the vehicle has been stolen, the command code may be a vehicle disable command code. It should also be noted that a vehicle re-enable or reset command code, or any other suitable command code, monitoring code, etc., which would represent a function or operation to be performed by the apparatus, may also be entered. The command code is then transmitted to, and received by, the receiver.
The command code data is then transmitted to, or read by, the CPU for command code identification and for further processing, if necessary. In this manner, an authorized user or operator, upon learning of the theft of the vehicle, or simply attempting to ascertain the status and/or location of the vehicle, may easily access and/or activate the apparatus by simply "calling up" or transmitting a signal to the apparatus.
In the case where the motor vehicle has been stolen, and the authorized user or operator wants to prevent and/or thwart the theft of the vehicle and recover the vehicle, the command code which may be entered may be a vehicle disable command code (disable code) which will disable the vehicle and activate the vehicle position and/or locating device. If the authorized user or operator desires to re-enable the vehicle, such as when the motor vehicle has been found or recovered, so as to render the vehicle re-enabled or operational, the command code to be entered may be a vehicle re-enable or reset command code.
If a valid disable code is transmitted to the apparatus, the vehicle position and locating device is activated and various vehicle systems, including the vehicle ignition system, fuel or fuel pump system and/or exhaust system, and/or at least one or more of a variety of utilized vehicle equipment system(s), may either be activated, de-activated, or reset depending upon the circumstances.
The operation of the vehicle position and locating device may proceed and continue simultaneously and/or concurrently with the operation of the apparatus and the CPU. Any one or more of a vehicle equipment systems, including a vehicle alarm and/or homing device may also be activated.
Upon the vehicle being found or recovered, such as in a manner resulting from utilizing the vehicle position and locating device, the authorized user or operator may once again access the apparatus by entering a valid access code and by then entering a valid re-enable or reset command code.
The CPU may then issue a control signal to re-enable or reset the vehicle ignition system, vehicle fuel or fuel pump system and/or exhaust system and/or de-activate or re-activate, any one or more of the various vehicle equipment systems which are utilized. The vehicle position and/or locating device may also be de-activated.
Safeguards may be employed in order to prevent a wrong or a mis-dialed number or unauthorized transmission(s) from accidently accessing and activating the apparatus, and further, may serve to prevent an unauthorized or an unwanted disabling or re-enabling or setting or resetting of the vehicle ignition system, the vehicle fuel or fuel pump system and/or the vehicle exhaust system and/or the activation, de-activation, or resetting of any one or more of the various vehicle equipment systems which may be utilized.
As noted above, a disable command code may cause the apparatus to activate a vehicle position and locating device which may operate simultaneously and/or concurrently with, and independently of, the operation of the apparatus and the CPU. Once activated, the vehicle position and locating device may activate the global positioning device which calculates vehicle position data by using well known global positioning calculation methods and/or techniques.
Once the vehicle position data has been calculated, the position data can then be transmitted to the vehicle position system receiver which is located at the location of the authorized user or operator, or at the authorized office, agency or other entity. Geographic position and/or location data (i.e. street location, location on a map, etc.) for the vehicle may also be obtained by processing the position and/or location data in conjunction with digital map and/or other suitable data. The transmission of position data may be repeated for a predetermined time interval, after which the global positioning device may calculate updated position data. The vehicle position data which is received by the vehicle position system receiver may then be employed to find and/or to recover the vehicle. Vehicle position data may be updated, continuously and/or in some other suitable manner, by repeating the global positioning calculations.
Vehicle position data, along with updated vehicle position data, may also be utilized in order to track and/or to monitor vehicle movement. Vehicle position data may also be displayed and/or output for use in finding and/or recovering the vehicle.
The authorized user or operator may discontinue operation of and/or de-activate the global positioning device and/or the vehicle position system receiver, such as when the vehicle has been found or recovered and/or at any other time.
The global positioning device may be utilized to locate and/or to track vehicle movement anywhere in the world. In this manner, the apparatus of the present invention may be utilized to disable or de-activate vital vehicle systems and/or to find and/or recover a stolen vehicle and/or to monitor vehicle operation and/or vehicle location and/or movement.
Further, the present invention provides for an apparatus and a method for disabling and/or re-enabling various systems of the vehicle, when the vehicle is not in use, simply by "calling up" the apparatus so as to disable the vehicle and, thereby, provide added security against vehicle theft and/or to prevent damage to the vehicle and/or to any components thereof. In this manner, an authorized user or operator may disable the vehicle ignition system, fuel or fuel pump system, exhaust system and/or any one or more of a variety of the vehicle equipment systems, of a vehicle which may be parked and/or in use, from any location and/or at any time.
An authorized user or operator may also access the apparatus at any time and, with the use of an appropriate command code, may determine the operating status of the vehicle, the apparatus, and/or any one or more of the various vehicle systems so as to determine if, for example, the ignition system or fuel or fuel pump system is activated or on, thereby alerting the authorized user or operator that someone is operating the vehicle. An authorized user or operator may also access the apparatus so as to determine vehicle position and/or location data or information and/or the geographic location of the vehicle. In this manner, the authorized user or operator can determine the status and/or the location of his or her vehicle at any time and for any reason. In this regard, a safe and an effective anti-theft and/or vehicle recovery apparatus and method is provided by the present invention.
The apparatus of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with a multitude and/or a variety of valid command codes, wherein each different command code may selectively disable or re-enable or reset any one or any combination of the vehicle systems, such as the vehicle ignition system, the vehicle fuel or fuel pump system, the vehicle exhaust system and/or any one or more of the various vehicle equipment systems which may be utilized. In this manner, the authorized user or operator may utilize the present invention to selectively disable, re-enable, de-activate or re-activate any one or more of the vehicle systems, or a combination thereof, at his or her discretion, at any time, and from any location.
As noted above, an authorized user or operator may also utilize command codes for determining status of the apparatus or of the vehicle, or of any one or more of the vehicle systems. A command code may also be employed to simply determine vehicle position.
The apparatus may also be programmable by the user or operator via the transmitter or transceiver, or at the vehicle, so that certain parameters, such as the timing, and/or the degree of disabling or re-enabling, of the various vehicle systems may be programmed.
By utilizing a multitude of command codes, including disable codes and/or re-enable or reset codes, which codes affect different vehicle systems, or combinations thereof, it is also possible to selectively control the vehicle systems from a remote location. The apparatus may also be programmed for automatic activation and/or self-activation and/or automatic and/or programmed operation via a command code(s), so that the apparatus may become activated upon a certain occurrence, or lack thereof, and thereafter, provide for the disabling and/or the re-enabling of any one or more of the vehicle systems along with activating the vehicle position and/or locating device. The apparatus may also provide information pertaining to vehicle theft, status and/or position. The apparatus may also be designed and/or programmed to detect its unauthorized use and/or its use by an unauthorized individual. In this regard, the vehicle is capable of reporting itself as being stolen.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, an arming device and an activation device may be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus in place of the transmitter/receiver combination so as to provide for an automatic monitoring and/or activation of the apparatus. In such an embodiment, the command code(s) may be a default code and/or be user selected and/or programmable. Automatic activation may also be programmed by the user or operator via a command code(s) with apparatus operation activated upon the occurrence, or lack thereof, of a specified event.
In this manner, the arming device/activation device combination may be utilized so as to activate the apparatus and/or any one or more of the vehicle systems, including the ignition system, the fuel or fuel pump system, the exhaust system and/or any one or more of the various vehicle equipment systems which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus. The vehicle position and locating device may also be activated via the automatic activation of the apparatus.
In yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle position and locating device may comprise a plurality of global positioning devices which may be strategically located at various points and/or locations in or on the vehicle. Each of the global positioning devices may be placed at different points and/or locations in, or on, the vehicle, with the distances between each of the respective devices being recorded and stored. Upon the activation of the global positioning devices and the calculation of each position or location of each device, any change in distance between any two or more of the respective devices could be utilized in order to determine if the vehicle, or any portion thereof, has been dismantled or structurally altered, at least in part, or possibly to a greater extent.
The apparatus and the method of the present invention may also be utilized in conjunction with a central security office or agency, such as a private security service and/or by a local or regional law enforcement office or agency, in order to provide a prompt means by which to report a vehicle theft, provide for a manner in which to disable and/or re-enable a vehicle or vehicle system, and to determine vehicle position and/or location so as to facilitate the locating and the recovery of the vehicle. In this regard, the present invention may be utilized so as to allow control, monitoring and/or security functions to be exercised and/or performed by an authorized third party. The present invention may also be utilized so as to provide for a prompt law enforcement theft reporting, law enforcement response to the theft report and recovery of the vehicle.
An authorized user or operator may register their vehicle and apparatus with a central security office or agency such as by registering vehicle identification information along with vehicle access and command code data and any other pertinent information. Upon the occurrence of a vehicle theft, or the discovery thereof, the authorized user or operator can access the apparatus so as to exercise and/or to perform control, monitoring and/or security functions over same while, at the same time, allowing for a control, monitoring and/or a security function to be exercised and/or performed by the central security office or other entity. The apparatus, which is utilized at the central security office and/or other entity, may have the same control capabilities over the vehicle as that of the apparatus utilized in the vehicle. In this regard, status of the apparatus, the vehicle, any one or more of the various vehicle systems, and/or the vehicle position and/or location data may be obtained by the apparatus located at the central security office and/or other entity.
The apparatus which is utilized at the central security office may also be utilized in connection with an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web so as to provide for a means by which the authorized user or operator may utilize the apparatus in conjunction with a home and/or a personal computer and/or a commercial or industrial computer system (i.e., an internet server computer) and/or any other appropriate device.
In another embodiment, an access code may be only transmitted to, and received by, the central security office apparatus and the vehicle may be accessed and controlled via an access and command code(s) which are transmitted by and from the central security office apparatus. Transmitter devices may also be located in the vehicle so as or to allow a vehicle occupant(s) to transmit signals directly to the central security office and/or agency and/or central equipment, (i.e., satellite, cellular communications site etc.) such as in instances where help may be required and/or in emergency situations.
In yet another embodiment, the access code may only be transmitted to, and received at, the vehicle. In this embodiment, the apparatus which is located in the vehicle may then transmit data to the apparatus located at the central security office thereby alerting the central security office or agency of the vehicle theft or status inquiry. The apparatus at the central security office may thereafter exercise and/or provide control over and/or monitor the functions of, the vehicle apparatus for a plurality of vehicles. Further, the central security office apparatus may also provide the means by which to allow a central security office or local or regional law enforcement office or agency to provide security monitoring over the vehicle(s) which are registered therewith.
In the case were the apparatus may be automatically activated, the vehicle apparatus may transmit a signal, indicative of vehicle theft and/or an unauthorized use or operation of the vehicle, to the central security office apparatus thereby reporting the unauthorized use or operation, or theft, of the vehicle before the authorized user or operator is able to discover same.
The central security office apparatus may also be utilized so as to verify and/or monitor apparatus accessing and/or activation by the authorized user or operator. The authorized user or operator may also "call" the central security office from any location, via any communication means and/or device in order to determine the status and/or the whereabouts or location of his or her vehicle. Both the vehicle apparatus and the central security office apparatus can exercise and/or perform the same control, monitoring and/or security functions over the vehicle.
In still another embodiment, the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with a residential premises, residential building and/or a home and/or a household control, monitoring and/or security system.
In the case where the present invention is utilized in conjunction with a residential premises, residential building and/or a home and/or a household control, monitoring and security system, the CPU may be electrically connected and/or linked to the home and/or household electrical system, which is located externally from the apparatus. The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the home electrical system through an electrical system interface. The CPU may transmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, the home electrical system. In this manner, the CPU and the home electrical system, may exchange information between each other.
The CPU, upon receiving an appropriate signal from the receiver, and upon the completion of the requisite data processing routine may issue an electrical, an electronic, and/or any other suitable signal, including a digital command signal, to the home electrical system. This electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal or digital command signal may be one which will disable, re-enable or reset the home electrical system. The CPU may also interrogate the electrical system and/or receive data from the electrical system which is indicative of electrical system status (i.e., whether the electrical system is on or off and/or to what extent certain portions thereof may be on or off).
The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the home heating system which is also located externally from the apparatus. The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the home heating system through a heating system interface. The CPU is capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enable the home heating system. The CPU may also interrogate and/or receive data from the home heating system which is indicative of home heating system status (i.e., whether the heating system is on or off and/or to what extent certain portions thereof may be on or off).
The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the home air conditioning system which is also located externally from the apparatus. The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the home air conditioning system through an air conditioning system interface. The CPU is capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enable the home air conditioning system. The CPU may also interrogate and/or receive data from the home air conditioning system which is indicative of home air conditioning system status (i.e., whether the air conditioning system is on or off and/or to what extent certain portions thereof may be on or off).
The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the home water system which is also located externally from the apparatus. The CPU may or may not be connected and/or linked to the home water system through a home water system interface (i.e., electrical shut-off valve) . The CPU is capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enable the home water system. The CPU may also interrogate and/or receive data from the home water system which is indicative of the water system status (i.e., whether the home water system or any portion thereof is on or off).
The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the home thermostat or environmental control system so as to control and monitor interior temperature. In this manner, the home thermostat system may then be adjusted and/or controlled by the user or operator via the apparatus. The home thermostat system may be connected to the home heating system and/or to the home air conditioning system so as to activate, set and/or control the operation of these systems so as to achieve the desired temperature and/or environmental conditions in the home.
The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked, via interfaces if needed, to any one or more of a variety of home equipment systems which may include a home anti-theft and/or burglary alarm system, an interior and/or exterior siren or alarm, interior and/or exterior lighting systems, electrical and/or electronically controlled locking devices for doors and/or windows, including electrical and/or electronic dead bolt locks and/or other types of locking devices, electrical systems and devices for controlling electrical circuits or systems room-by-room, device-by-device, and/or appliance-by-appliance.
The home equipment system may also include devices for controlling any one or more of the electrical circuitry, such as circuits controlled by fuses, circuit breakers or equivalent devices, devices for controlling and/or monitoring hot water heater(s), garage door opener(s), lawn sprinkler system(s), electric fences and/or fencing, in-ground or above-ground pool equipment, filters and/or heaters, home water valves, individual room water valves, home fire detector equipment and home fire extinguishment equipment, jacuzzis, hot tubs, pet feeders and/or any other electrical and/or electronic devices and/or appliances and/or those devices and/or appliances which may be electrically and/or electronically controllable. Home equipment systems may door and window closing, opening and locking devices.
The home equipment systems may also include any and all home appliances such as televisions, telephones, telephone answering machines, VCRs, stoves, ovens, microwave ovens, door bells, individual lights or lamps, blenders, toasters, irons, computers, word processors, stereos, radios, and any other home appliance and/or devices which may be electrically and/or electronically activated and/or controllable.
The home equipment systems may also include video recording equipment, which may include video recording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactive televisions, surveillance systems, display telephones and/or other communication devices, including personal communication devices.
The video recording device(s) and/or camera(s) may be digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable video recording and/or photography equipment. The video recording device(s) and/or camera(s) may be located at any location on and in the interior and/or at the exterior of the home or premises and may have associated therewith transmitting devices for transmitting the recorded video or photograph(s) to the owner or occupant and/or other authorized individual so as to provide surveillance and/or monitoring capabilities for the home and/or premises.
The home equipment system may also include audio recording equipment, which may include microphones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactive televisions, display telephones and/or other communication devices, including personal communication devices.
The audio recording device(s) may have a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system associated therewith for transmitting audio information to the owner or occupant and/or authorized individual so as to provide for the monitoring and/or the surveillance of the interior and/or the exterior of the home.
The home equipment systems may also include an intercom system or device or telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise, for providing a means by which to allow the user or operator, or other authorized individual, to communicate with the persons present in, or occupants of, the home or the premises. The home equipment systems may also include monitoring device(s) for reading and/or monitoring the home fuel supply, gas meter and/or gas usage, water supply, water meter and/or water usage, electrical generator and/or alternator operation, electricity meter and/or electricity usage, heat and/or air conditioning usage, gas and/or oil or other fuel supply and/or usage, telephone usage, appliance usage, etc., a home control system and/or any other home operation and/or system function. The monitoring device(s) may have associated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/or information recorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over the monitoring device(s). The monitoring devices and the corresponding devices which they monitor may be linked via wireless devices and/or over a wireless medium.
When used in conjunction with a residential premises, residential building and/or home or household system, the apparatus and method of the present invention may be utilized and/or operates in the same or in a similar and/or analogous manner as it is utilized and/or operates in conjunction with vehicles so as to provide control, monitoring and/or security functions for and over a home and/or residential premises. In this manner, a homeowner or occupant may access a home system at any time, and from any location, and thereby exercise and/or provide control, monitoring and/or security functions over any home system, equipment, device and/or appliance. The owner or occupant may also monitor the status, state, or operation of any home system, equipment, device and/or appliance. Lastly, the owner or occupant may exercise and/or perform security related functions or operations on, and over, the home system, equipment, device and/or appliance.
In still another embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with a commercial building, commercial office and/or commercial premises control, monitoring and/or security system. In the case where the present invention is utilized in conjunction with a commercial building, commercial office and/or commercial premises control, monitoring and/or security system, the CPU may be electrically connected and/or linked to the commercial office and/or premises electrical system, heating system, air-conditioning system, water system, thermostat system, and/or to at least any one or more of a variety of commercial office and/or premises equipment systems, which may include an anti-theft and/or burglary alarm system, an interior and/or exterior siren or alarm, interior and/or exterior lighting and/or lighting system(s), electrical and/or electronically controlled locking devices for doors and/or windows, including electrical and/or electronic dead-bolt locks and/or locking devices.
The CPU may also be connected and/or linked to commercial office and/or premises equipment systems which include electrical systems for controlling electrical circuits or systems room-by-room, device-by-device, and/or appliance-by-appliance, devices for controlling any one or more of the electrical circuitry, such as circuits controlled by fuses, circuit breakers or equivalent devices, devices for controlling and/or monitoring hot water heaters, garage door openers, lawn sprinkler systems, electric fences and/or fencing, in-ground or above-ground pool and/or fountain equipment, filters and/or heaters, fire detector equipment, fire extinguishment equipment, and office equipment, power door and/or window closing, opening and locking equipment and any other electrical and/or electronic device or item or any device and/or item which is electrically or electronically controllable.
The commercial office and/or premises equipment systems may also include any and all commercial office and/or premises appliances such as televisions, telephones, telephone answering machines, alarm systems, VCRs, stoves, ovens, microwave ovens, door bells, individual lights or lamps, office equipment and appliances, computer and associated peripherals, word processors, stereos, radios, manufacturing equipment and any other commercial office and/or premises equipment.
The commercial office and/or premises equipment system may also include a video recording equipment, which may include video recording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactive televisions, display telephones and/or other communication devices, including personal communication devices, and/or a still picture camera(s) . The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices or cameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras for providing video recording and/or surveillance.
The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system associated therewith for transmitting video images and/or photographs, recorded by the video recording device(s) or camera(s), to the owner or occupant and/or authorized individual so as to provide for the monitoring and/or the surveillance of the interior and/or the exterior of the commercial office and/or premises.
The commercial office and/or premises equipment system may also include audio recording equipment, which may include microphones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactive televisions, display telephones and/or other communication devices, including personal communication devices.
The audio recording device(s) may have a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system associated therewith for transmitting audio information to the owner or occupant and/or authorized individual so as to provide for the monitoring and/or the surveillance of the interior and/or the exterior of the commercial office and/or premises.
The commercial office and/or premises equipment system may also include an intercom system or device or telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise, for providing a means by which to allow the owner or occupant, or other authorized individual, to communicate with the persons present in, or occupants of, the commercial office and/or premises. The commercial office and/or premises equipment system may also include monitoring device(s) for reading and/or monitoring the commercial office and/or premises fuel supply, fuel usage, water supply, water usage, electricity meter, electricity usage, electrical generator and/or alternator operation, heat and/or air conditioning usage, gas and/or oil or other fuel usage, telephone usage, commercial office and/or premises equipment and/or appliance usage, etc., and/or commercial office and/or premises control system and/or any other commercial office and/or premises operation and/or system function.
The monitoring device(s) may have associated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/or information recorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over the monitoring device(s). The monitoring devices and the corresponding equipment and/or devices to be monitored may be linked via wireless devices and/or over wireless communication systems.
The commercial office and/or premises equipment system or systems receives signals from the CPU, which signals serve to activate or de-activate, or vice versa, whichever the case may be, the respective commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus.
When utilized in conjunction with a commercial office and/or premises, the apparatus and method of the present invention is utilized and/or operates in the same, or in a similar and/or analogous, manner as it is utilized and/or operates in conjunction with vehicles and/or with residential premises, etc., so as to allow control, monitoring and/or security functions to be exercised and/or performed on, and over, a commercial office and/or premises.
In this manner, an owner, occupant and/or authorized individual may access a commercial office and/or premises system at any time and from any location and thereby exercise and/or perform control, monitoring and/or security functions over any commercial office and/or premises system, equipment, device and/or appliance. The owner, occupant or authorized individual may also monitor the status, state or operation of any commercial office and/or premises system, equipment, device and/or appliance.
In any of the above described embodiments, the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with any suitable communication device(s) and/or communication system(s). In this manner, the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with a telephone, a touch tone telephone, a cordless telephone and/or a cellular or mobile telephone, a home and/or a personal computer having associated telecommunication devices or other suitable peripheral device(s) such as a modem and/or a fax/modem, personal communication devices which can operate over an appropriate telecommunications system, and/or other suitable communications systems and/or mediums, including radio signal, optical, satellite and/or other communications systems and/or mediums. Any suitable communication system and/or medium may be utilized.
Personal communication service (PCS) systems and devices, including stationary, portable and/or hand-held devices, may also be utilized. Digital signal communications devices and systems may also be utilized. Interactive and/or digital televisions, personal communication devices, personal communication services (PCS) devices, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, display telephones, display cellular telephones and electronically equipped watches and/or other devices and/or effects may also be utilized for performing user interactive control, monitoring and/or security functions in conjunction with the present invention.
The interface devices utilized in any of the various embodiment of the present invention may be wireless devices or modules which need not be directly connected to the CPU or to its respective equipment system in a hard-wired manner. In this regard, hard-wired electrical connections may be unnecessary. In the case of wireless interface devices or modules, corresponding wireless technology and/or systems should be utilized in order to provide for the wireless control and/or operation of the respective equipment(s).
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for exercising and/or for performing remote controlled control, monitoring and/or security functions for vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which provides for the selective control, activation and/or de-activation and/or for the programmed control of any one or more of an ignition system, a fuel system, an exhaust system and/or any one or more of various equipment systems of, and for, vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft and/or recreational vehicles.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which provides for the selective control, activation and/or deactivation and/or for the programmed control of any one or more of an electrical system, heating system, water system, air conditioning system, thermostat system and/or any one or more of the various systems, equipment systems, devices and/or appliances, etc., of, and for, residential premises and/or commercial premises.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which is utilized in conjunction with a global positioning system or other positioning system and which provides for a determination of the position and/or location of, and for, vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which provides programming, information gathering, and monitoring capabilities for, and regarding, the status of and/or the operating state(s) of various systems of, and for, vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which is utilized in conjunction with a home and/or a personal computer, a telephone, a display telephone, a cellular telephone, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal digital assistant and/or a personal communications services device and/or other personal communications devices.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which may be utilized, operated and/or controlled via, over, or with, an on-line service, and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which provides for an automatic activation, self-activation and/or programmed activation of the apparatus.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which is utilized in conjunction with wireless devices and/or systems and/or with wireless communication technology.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which is utilized in conjunction with a central security office and/or agency.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which is utilized in conjunction with a central security office and/or agency and/or with, or over, an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and/or other information structure, infra-structure, system and/or communication system or medium.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which is programmable and which may be programmed for self-activation and/or programmed operation.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those individuals skilled in the art upon a review of the Description Of The Preferred Embodiment taken in conjunction with the Drawings which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the Drawings:
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the apparatus which is the subject of the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates the vehicle position and locating device of FIG. 1 illustrating the main components thereof in block diagram form;
FIG. 3 illustrates the vehicle position and locating system receiver of FIG. 1 illustrating the components thereof in block diagram form;
FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system which is utilized in an alternate embodiment of FIG. 1 for performing the functions of, and for, the transmitter and the vehicle position and locating system receiver of the apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 5A illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein the computer of FIG. 4 is utilized in an alternate embodiment in order to replace and to perform the functions of the transmitter and the vehicle position and locating system receiver of the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web;
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating the preferred embodiment operational steps and/or sequences of operation of the apparatus and the method of the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred embodiment operation, in flow diagram form, of the vehicle position and locating device which is utilized in the apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates the preferred embodiment operation, in flow diagram form, of the vehicle position system receiver which is utilized in the apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein an arming device and an activation device are utilized in conjunction with, and for, an automatic activation of the apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the vehicle position and locating device which comprises a plurality of global positioning devices and corresponding global positioning receivers;
FIG. 11A illustrates another alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a central security office or agency;
FIG. 11B illustrates yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus of FIG. 11A is utilized in conjunction with an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.
FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with a boat;
FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with an airplane.
FIG. 14 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a snowmobile;
FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with a home or residential premises control system; and
FIG. 16 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with a commercial office and/or premises control system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the apparatus which is the subject of the present invention and which is denoted generally by the reference numeral 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a transmitter system 2, for transmitting an electrical, an electronic, an electromagnetic or other suitable signal, upon an activation by a motor vehicle owner or authorized user or operator, hereinafter referred to collectively as the "authorized user or operator".
While the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment is directed to a motor vehicle and, in particular, to an automobile, the term "motor vehicle" includes, but is not limited to, automobiles, trucks, buses, tractor trailers, construction equipment, farm equipment, commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, motor and/or mobile homes, etc. Any of the above noted vehicles may be manned and/or unmanned and may also include law enforcement and/or military vehicles and/or equipment. The present invention may also be utilized in marine vehicles and/or vessels, boats, ships, aircraft, airplanes, jets, submersible and/or underwater vehicles and/or vessels, space vehicles and/or vessels and satellites, all of which may be manned and/or unmanned. The present invention may also be employed in conjunction with gasoline, diesel, alternate fuel and/or electrically powered and/or propelled vehicles.
In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter system 2 consists of a user interface device 2A and a transmitting device or transmitter 2B. The transmitter 2 also has a receiver 2C for receiving signals as will be described below. In this regard, the transmitter/receiver combination may also be implemented by utilizing a transceiver. The user interface device 2A provides the means by which the authorized user or operator may access or activate the apparatus 1, as well as the means by which the authorized user or operator may enter access and/or command codes into the transmitter system 2. The transmitter 2B transmits a signal, in response to the authorized user or operator accessing or activating the apparatus 1. The user interface device 2A also comprises a device (not shown) for providing an audio and/or a video indication of system operation and/or status as well as providing information indicative of data received by the receiver 2C.
The transmitter system 2 is a remote system, which is not physically connected to the remainder of the apparatus 1. Further, the transmitter system 2, in the preferred embodiment, is not located in the motor vehicle, but rather, is located external from, and separate and apart from, the motor vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter system 2 or transceiver, is designed to be capable of transmitting signals over long distances, i.e. tens, hundreds, and/or thousands of miles or farther. The transmitter system 2 or transceiver, in the preferred embodiment, is also capable of transmitting a multitude of signals. As will be described below, this capability to transmit a multitude of signals allows for the transmission of a variety of command codes, and of multiple command codes, to the apparatus 1, which in turn, provides for an apparatus which may provide for a multitude of responses in the control and operation thereof.
In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter system 2 or transceiver is a touch tone telephone which may be a line-connected telephone, a cordless telephone and/or a cellular or mobile telephone. As described hereinafter, the transmitter system
2 may also be a home and/or a personal computer, having associated telecommunication devices or other suitable peripheral device(s) such as a modem and/or a fax/modem, or other personal communication device, which can operate over an appropriate telecommunications system, and/or other suitable communications systems, including radio signal, optical, satellite and/or other communications systems. The communications system utilized may operate anywhere in the electromagnetic and/or radio spectrum. In this regard, personal communication service (PCS) systems and devices, including stationary, portable and/or hand-held devices, may also be utilized. Digital signal communications devices and systems may also be utilized. Interactive and/or digital televisions, personal communication devices, personal communication services (PCS) devices, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, display telephones, video telephones, display cellular telephones and electronically equipped watches and/or other devices and/or effects or accessories may also be utilized for user interactive and/or display or output applications and/or functions.
Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,667 which teaches a system for integrating a cellular telephone with a vehicle security system. Applicant also hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,728 which teaches a remotely activated automobile disabling system. Applicant further hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,427 which teaches a radio signal responsive vehicle device control system, and further, use of a personal paging unit in a paging system for receiving a radio signal. Applicant also hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,746, which teaches a cordless telephone system. Applicant further hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,649 which teaches a portable telephone handset with remote control. Applicant further hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,126 which teaches an emergency alert and security apparatus and method.
Referring once again to FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 also comprises a receiver 3, for receiving the signals which are transmitted by the transmitter system 2. The receiver 3 may be any receiver which is capable of receiving the remote electrical, electronic, electromagnetic, and/or other signals, which may be transmitted by the transmitter system 2. In the preferred embodiment, the receiver 3 is also capable of receiving any of a wide variety of signals, and/or multitude of signals, which may be transmitted by the transmitter system 2.
The transmitter system 2/receiver 3 combination, of the apparatus 1 is implemented, in the preferred embodiment, by a telephone/telephone beeper or pager system which systems and related techniques are well known in the telecommunications art. In such a telephone/telephone beeper or pager system, the transmitter 2 can be any touch-tone telephone which provides a user interface, in the form of the touch-tone keypad or buttons, or the like, for entering a data code or sequence, and which may provide a means by which to transmit a signal, in response to the entered data, to an appropriate receiver device which is typically a telephone beeper or pager which may be serviced by an appropriate communications system or service.
The receiver 3 or beeper or pager, or the communication system which services same, in turn, provides an indication, in the form of a signal transmission, back to the transmitter 2 and, in particular, to the transmitter receiver 2C, which signifies that a signal has been received by the apparatus 1. The receiver 3 also generates data which is indicative of the signal, or a portion thereof, which has been received. In this regard, in the preferred embodiment, the receiver 3 is provided with its own transmitter 3A, or the communication system or service which services the receiver 3 may provide a transmitter (not shown) as may be the case with certain pager systems, such as and including two-way pager systems, for transmitting signals back to the transmitter system 2. It is important to note that the receiver 3/transmitter 3A combination, in appropriate cases, may be replaced with and/or implemented by a transceiver. The receiver 3 and/or receiver 3/transmitter 3A combination or transceiver may also be a cellular and/or mobile telephone which can receive and transmit signals at and from a mobile location.
It should be noted that the telephone/telephone beeper or pager system, including two-way pager systems, may be replaced with any other type of transmitter/receiver combination, electronic or otherwise, which provides for the transmission and reception of a multitude of remote electrical, electronic, electromagnetic, and/or other suitable signals, over long distances and/or in a mobile and/or a wireless communications environment. As noted above, a personal computer system which may be adapted to such operation, or a personal communication device(s) or personal communication services (PCS) device(s) may also be utilized for, or in, any of the transmitter/receiver system combinations described hereinabove and hereinbelow. Two way pagers may also be utilized for any, or in any, of the transmitter/receiver system combinations described hereinabove or hereinbelow.
In the preferred embodiment, upon receiving the signal, the receiver 3, generates a distinct signal which may be a digital, an electrical, an electronic and/or an electromagnetic or other suitable signal, which signal is indicative of the signal transmitted from the transmitter 2B of the transmitter system 2 and received by the receiver 3.
At least a portion of the signal transmitted from the transmitter system 2 to the receiver 3 may include a valid access code, which accesses the receiver 3, and the apparatus 1, which access code serves to provide for security measures which may be taken in conjunction with the use of the apparatus 1.
The apparatus 1 also comprises a controller or a central processing unit CPU 4, which is electrically connected with the receiver 3 and transmitter 3A and which receives, or reads, whichever the case may be, the digital signal or signals, or portions thereof, which are received by the receiver 3 and/or generated by the receiver 3 in response to the received signal. The CPU 4 may be any type of digital processing device. In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is implemented by a microprocessor. The CPU 4 also has associated therewith a read only memory device (ROM) 5 and a random access memory device (RAM) 6 for storing data which is utilized by the apparatus 1. The data which is received by the receiver 3 is processed by the apparatus 1 in the manner described below.
The use of a microprocessor as the CPU 4 provides for versatility in apparatus programmability, as well as facilitates an apparatus which can be made as small in size as possible. It is important to note that the CPU 4 may also be implemented by a micro-computer, a mini-computer, or any other digital computer device or system, along with the requisite associated memory devices and other necessary and/or selected peripheral devices. The functions of the CPU 4 may also be performed by appropriately integrating the apparatus 1 with the electronic command computer of the vehicle.
It should be noted that the provision of an apparatus 1, which is as small in size as possible, allows for an apparatus which may be more easily installed and concealed in the vehicle, so as to prevent its being located and defeated by a car thief. It is also envisioned that the apparatus 1 may be installed in the motor vehicle during the vehicle's manufacture and/or assembly process so as to insure that it will not be easily detectable or accessible by a car thief. The more concealable the apparatus, the less likelihood that it could be located and defeated. It is envisioned that the apparatus 1 and any associated circuitry and/or wiring, may be designed into the motor vehicle so as to be inaccessible to a thief.
The CPU 4 also has a transmitter 4A associated therewith for transmitting signals to the transmitter system 2 or transceiver. In this manner, the CPU 4 of the apparatus 1 may respond to a user data transmission, command, or inquiry with a transmitted signal which may include digital as well as other data and may also include electronically synthesized voice data which is generated by a voice synthesizer 4B which is connected to the CPU 4 and the transmitter 4A as shown in FIG. 1. The transmitter 4A and optional voice synthesizer 4B may be utilized so as to provide information to an authorized user or operator which may include, but not be limited to, apparatus status, vehicle operation status, and the status of each vehicle system, equipment and/or device which is utilized in conjunction with the apparatus as well as vehicle position data.
The CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linked to the motor vehicle ignition system 7, which is located externally from the apparatus 1. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked with the vehicle ignition system 7 through an ignition system interface 8 which is also shown in FIG. 1. The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, the vehicle ignition system 7. In this manner, the CPU 4 and the vehicle ignition system 7, may exchange information between each other. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving an appropriate signal from the receiver 3, and upon the completion of the requisite data processing routine, which will be described below, may issue an electrical, an electronic, and/or any other suitable signal, including a digital command signal, to the vehicle ignition system 7. This electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal or digital command signal may be one which will disable the vehicle ignition system 7 or one which will re-enable or reset the vehicle ignition system 7. The CPU 4 may also interrogate the ignition system 7 and/or receive data from the ignition system 7 which is indicative of ignition system status (i.e., whether the ignition system 7 is on or off).
In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electrically connected and/or linked to the motor vehicle fuel pump system 9 which is also located externally from the apparatus 1. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected with the vehicle fuel pump system 9 through a fuel pump system interface 10 which is also shown in FIG. 1. In the case of an electrical or an electronic fuel pump system, the CPU 4 may provide an electrical, an electronic, and/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, which will disable, re-enable, or reset the vehicle fuel pump system 9.
In the case of a mechanical fuel pump system, the CPU 4 may provide an electrical, electronic, and/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, which will disable or re-enable an electrical valve system, which may be used to control the operation of the mechanical fuel pump system. Whichever the case may be, the CPU 4 will be capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable, to re-enable, or to reset the vehicle fuel pump system 9. The CPU 4 may also interrogate and/or receive data from the fuel pump system 9 which is indicative of fuel pump system status (i.e., whether the fuel pump system 9 is on or off). The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked to an appropriate device (not shown) for controlling the operation of a vehicle exhaust system device. The vehicle exhaust system device may be a device for blocking the flow of exhaust gases through the exhaust system.
The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electrically connected and/or linked to at least one or more of a vehicle equipment system or systems 11. The vehicle equipment system or systems 11 are located externally from the apparatus 1 and may or may not be connected and/or linked to the CPU 4, via a vehicle equipment system or systems interface 12 which may or may not be required for each one of the variety or multitude of the vehicle equipment systems which may be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus.
The vehicle equipment system or systems 11 may include a loud siren or alarm, which may be located in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and, which may produce a loud piercing sound so as to make it unbearable for an intruder to remain inside the motor vehicle passenger compartment. The vehicle equipment system 11 may also include an external siren or alarm, which may produce a loud piercing sound, which may be utilized to draw attention to the motor vehicle. The vehicle equipment system 11 may also include a horn, which may blare continuously or intermittently, so as to also draw attention to the motor vehicle. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include the vehicle external light systems(s), which may include the vehicle head lights, tail lights or flashers, which may be constantly illuminated or which may blink on and off repeatedly so as to draw attention to the motor vehicle.
The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include a power door lock system, for securing the vehicle passenger compartment so as to prevent an entry thereunto or an exit therefrom. In addition, the vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may include a hood locking system, such as a mechanical hood locking system, for locking the vehicle hood so as to prevent an unauthorized access into the vehicle engine compartment so as to prevent any tampering with the apparatus 1 or with other systems and/or components of the motor vehicle.
The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include any one or more of the widely known vehicle anti-theft systems and may also include a vehicle recovery system or device, including a homing and/or a tracking device or system, each of which system(s) may be activated and/or controlled by the apparatus 1 of the present invention.
The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include video recording and/or photographing equipment, which may include video recording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactive televisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/or other communication devices, including personal communication devices, or a still picture camera(s) . The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices or cameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The video recording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) or camera(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).
The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at any location on the interior of the vehicle such as, for example, in the dashboard of the vehicle so that the user or operator, or any other authorized individual, may observe and/or photograph the driver of the vehicle, or the occupants and/or cargo of the vehicle. The video recording(s) or camera(s) may also be located on the vehicle exterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wide angles for maximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/or movable. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/or transmit the recorded video and/or the picture(s) in real time and/or live. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equipped with a storage medium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s), and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored video and/or picture(s) to the user or operator at a later time. In this manner, real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s) transmissions may be provided.
The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include audio recording equipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such as microphones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactive televisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, video telephones, and/or other communication devices, including personal communication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digital audio recording devices or other suitable audio devices including typical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in a preferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over the audio recording device(s).
The audio recording device (s) may be located at any location on the interior and/or exterior of the vehicle so that the user or operator, or any other authorized individual, may hear what is transpiring, and/or what has transpired, inside and/or outside the vehicle. The audio recording device(s) may also be pivotable and/or movable. The audio recording device(s) may record and/or transmit the recorded audio in real time and/or live. The audio recording device(s) may also be equipped with a storage medium, for storing the recorded audio, and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored audio at a later time. In this manner, real-time as well as deferred audio transmissions may be provided.
The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include an intercom system or device or telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise, for providing a means by which to allow the user or operator, or other authorized operator, to communicate with the operator and/or occupants of the vehicle over a designated communication line.
The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include monitoring device(s) for reading and/or monitoring the vehicle fuel supply, water and/or coolant supply, electrical generator and/or alternator operation, battery charge level, and/or engine temperature level and/or any other vehicle operation and/or system function. The monitoring device(s), in a preferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/or information recorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over the monitoring device(s).
The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include communication devices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, navigational devices and/or equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, radar devices and equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, and any electrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/or equipment which may be utilized in a vehicle. Appliances may include household appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include electrical and/or electronically controlled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors, windows, hood, trunk and/or in conjunction with any other opening components and/or components for gaining access to various locations on and/or in the vehicle.
The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include a wheel and/or brake locking device or mechanism. The vehicle equipment systems may also include hydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/or other equipment, including winches, etc, which may be remotely activated as described herein. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include vehicle communication devices including, but not limited to radios, televisions and entertainment devices, two-way radios, cellular telephones and equipment, etc. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include systems for detecting failures in any of the above, or any other, equipment systems and report such failure(s) to the user or operator whether he or she is operating the vehicle or is not in the vehicle and/or for reporting such failures to a central office.
In the case of commercial and/or farm and/or construction equipment, the vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include loading and/or unloading mechanisms, cutting mechanisms, bailing mechanisms, winches and any and all of the various systems and devices utilized in conjunction with these vehicles and/or equipment.
As noted above, the use of any one or more of the vehicle equipment system or systems 11, and their associated interface devices 12, may be optional and may further include any other systems and/or devices which may, or are, utilized in and/or in conjunction with any of the above noted or envisioned vehicles. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11, especially when the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with law enforcement and/or military vehicles, may also include guns and/or weapon systems and/or self defense systems and electronic warfare systems.
The vehicle equipment system or systems 11 receives signals from the CPU 4, which signals serve to activate or de-activate, or vice versa, whichever the case may be, the respective vehicle equipment system(s) 11 which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include any other suitable vehicle system or equipment, device or feature which may be utilized to draw attention to the motor vehicle and/or in some other way impede the vehicle theft. It should be noted that any of the interface devices 8, 10 and 12 may include any of the requisite interfacing circuitry which may be necessary to facilitate CPU 4 control over the respective systems which may be utilized.
The apparatus 1 also comprises a vehicle position and locating device 13 which may be utilized in order to determine the position and/or the location of the vehicle. The vehicle position and locating device 13 can be utilized so as to determine the position of the vehicle anywhere in the world and provide for the transmission of vehicle position and/or location data to any appropriate system receiver so that the vehicle may be located and/or tracked and recovered. In the preferred embodiment, the vehicle position and locating device 13 comprises and utilizes a global positioning device and an associated transmitter for transmitting position and/or location data to the authorized user or operator and/or to an authorized office or agency authorized to receive and/or to monitor such data transmissions.
The apparatus 1 also comprises a vehicle position and locating system receiver 14, which may be employed by the authorized user or operator and/or by the authorized office or agency, for receiving and/or processing the data which is transmitted from the vehicle position and locating device 13 as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. The apparatus 1 may also comprise a corresponding user interface device (not shown) for use in conjunction with the vehicle position locating system.
While the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, describes certain connections between various components and/or devices of the apparatus as being made by a direct and/or a wired electrical connection, it is noted that any direct and/or wired electrical connection(s) between any of the components and/or devices described herein, may be replaced with wireless devices, wireless communication devices, equipment, links and/or linkups, along with their respective and associated technologies and/or devices, which wireless devices and technologies are known and the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein.
FIG. 2 illustrates the vehicle position and locating device 13 of FIG. 1 illustrating the main components thereof in block diagram form. The vehicle position and locating device 13, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a positioning system computer 21 and a global positioning device 22 with associated global positioning system receiver 23. The positioning system computer 21 comprises a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown) and associated read only memory (ROM) device (not shown) and random access memory (RAM) device (not shown).
The vehicle position and locating device 13 also comprises a position data transmitter 24, for transmitting the vehicle position and/or location data to the vehicle position system receiver 14. The vehicle position and locating device 13 also comprises a data base 25 which contains digital and/or digitized map data, which can be utilized to determine the geographical position of the vehicle from the calculated "raw" position data obtained from the global positioning device 22. In this regard, vehicle location on a map and/or street location may be obtained.
As will be described in more detail below, the positioning system computer 21 controls the operation of the vehicle position and locating device 13, including the operation of the global positioning device 22. The global positioning system receiver 23 receives the necessary signals from the global positioning satellites and/or satellite system(s) which are located in orbit above and around the earth. The signals which are received by the receiver 23 are processed by the global positioning device 22, in a manner which is well-known to those skilled in the global positioning art. Once the vehicle position data or "raw" data is calculated, the data is transmitted to, or read by, the positioning system computer 21.
Vehicle position and/or location data can then be transmitted to the vehicle position system receiver 14 which may be located at, or accessible to, the authorized user or operator and/or at the location of an authorized office or agency, such as at a central security office or agency or local or regional law enforcement office or agency, which is duly authorized to receive the vehicle position and/or location data for the vehicle.
Vehicle position and/or location data is transmitted by the transmitter 24 which, in the preferred embodiment, is a radio signal transmitter or a broadcast transmitter. The transmitter 24 may also be a cellular or mobile telephone or wireless or other communication device which is programmed to call and transmit the data to the vehicle position system receiver 14. The transmitter 24 may also be a digital signal transmitter or any other suitable transmitter. The global positioning data could also be obtained by the user or operator by directly "calling" the system receiver 14 and/or the CPU 4 of the apparatus 1.
In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter 24 comprises a radio signal transmitter for transmitting vehicle position and/or location data to the vehicle position system receiver 14, which may be at a location of the authorized user or operator and/or at a central security office or agency or at a local or regional law enforcement office or agency as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. In this regard, the vehicle position system receiver 14 comprises a radio signal receiver which is tuned to receive the signals which are transmitted by the transmitter 24. If the transmitter 24 is a cellular or mobile telephone or other personal communication device, the system receiver 14 could be equipped with an associated cellular or mobile telephone or personal communication device or other suitable device, which can be used in conjunction with the cellular or mobile telephone transmitter. Digital communication transmitter/receiver combinations and/or transceivers may also be utilized.
The vehicle position and locating device 13 may also have its operation programmed so as to perform updated global positioning calculations, continuously, intermittently, at regular intervals and/or in any other suitable manner, so as to provide for a tracking of a vehicle movement. The vehicle positioning system computer 21, in the preferred embodiment, contains digital and/or digitized map data stored in database 25 for ascertaining the geographical position of the vehicle from the calculated global positioning data ("raw" data) which is calculated by the global positioning device 22. In this manner, the calculated global positioning data, and/or processed geographical position data, can be provided for ascertaining vehicle position and/or location and, if appropriate, for ascertaining vehicle movement such as by monitoring and/or tracking vehicle position as it is updated.
The vehicle position system receiver 14 may be equipped with an appropriate computer system which also comprises a digital and/or digitized map database for determining geographical location (i.e. map location, street location, or any other data which may be correlated and/or processed with the positioning data, etc.), from the received global positioning data, at the location of the receiver 14. The system receiver 14 may also be equipped with an alphanumeric pager device which can simply receive the position data and/or the geographical position data from an appropriately designed transmitter 24.
FIG. 3 illustrates the vehicle position and locating system receiver 14 of FIG. 1 illustrating the components thereof in block diagram form. In FIG. 3, the system receiver 14 comprises a receiver 30 for receiving the data transmitted by the transmitter 24 of the vehicle position and locating device 13. In the preferred embodiment, the receiver 30 may be a radio signal receiver, a telephone, telecommunication and/or other system receiver, depending upon the type of transmitter which utilized for the transmitter 24. It is also important to note that the receiver 30 may be a personal communication system or personal communication services (PCS) receiver or device. The receiver 30 may also be a satellite dish receiver or a digital signal receiver.
The vehicle position and locating system receiver 14 also comprises a computer 31 for controlling the operation of the system receiver 14. The positioning system receiver computer 31 comprises a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown) and associated read only memory (ROM) device(s) (not shown) and random access memory (RAM) device(s) (not shown). The computer 31 is connected to the receiver 30 for receiving and/or for reading the vehicle position and/or location data which is transmitted by the transmitter 24 and received by the receiver 30. The system receiver 14 also comprises a user interface device 32, which may include a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse, a display device 33 such as a display monitor, an output device
34 such as a printer and a database 35 such as a data base containing digital and/or digitized map data for use in determining geographical position of a vehicle from the "raw" position data. The system receiver 14 may also comprise a transmitter 36 for sending data and/or signals to the vehicle position and locating device 13 and/or for transmitting signals to the CPU 4 and/or to the transmitter receiver 2C.
It is important to note, at this point, that the system receiver 14 may also be implemented by utilizing a home and/or a personal computer which may be utilized with an associated receiver 30 or equivalent peripheral device(s) . In the case of a home and/or a personal computer, the data received from the vehicle position and locating device 13 may be input into the computer, from the receiver 30, by any one of the well known methods and techniques for inputting data into a home and/or a personal computer from such an appropriate peripheral device(s). In cases wherein a telephone signal and/or a personal communication device or personal communication services (PCS) devices are utilized, a fax/modem or other suitable device may be utilized to send, and/or to receive, data to, and from, the vehicle position and locating device 13. A television, appropriately equipped to receive and/or to transmit signals may also be utilized. It is also envisioned that digital televisions, interactive televisions, personal communications devices, personal communications services (PCS) devices, personal digital assistants, display telephones, electronically equipped watches, cellular telephones and/or display cellular telephones may also be utilized.
It is also important to note that the transmitter system 2 or transceiver and the vehicle position and locating system receiver 14 may be implemented by utilizing, and therefore replaced by, a home and/or a personal computer having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system which provides all of the functions of, and/or for, the transmitter 2 or transceiver and the vehicle position and locating system receiver 14. In FIG. 4, the home and/or personal computer, which is denoted by the reference numeral 150 comprises a CPU 151 with associated read only memory (ROM) device 161 and random access memory (RAM) device 162, a user interactive or interface device 152 which includes a keyboard and/or a pointing device, a display device 153 which may be a display monitor, an output device 154 which may be a printer, and a database 155 which may contain access code and command code data as well as digital and/or digitized map data.
The computer 150 also comprises a transmitter 156 for transmitting data to the receiver 3 and/or the CPU 4 and a receiver 157 for receiving data from the receiver transmitter 3A and/or the CPU 4. The computer 150 also comprises a receiver 158
for receiving data from the vehicle position and locating device 13 and a transmitter 159 for transmitting data to the vehicle position and locating device 13. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, data may be transmitted to and received from the computer 150 by using any of the conventionally known communication systems such as by utilizing radio signal communication devices, telecommunication devices, optical communication devices, satellite communication devices, and/or personal communication devices and/or personal communication services (PCS) devices, or any other suitable communications devices, including any of the types of devices described above. In the case of telecommunication devices, a fax/modem for sending and receiving data may be utilized in the computer 150. Digital communication devices may also be utilized.
FIG. 5A illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein the computer 150 of FIG. 4 is utilized as a substitute device for, and for performing the functions of, the transmitter 2 or transceiver and the vehicle position and locating system receiver 14.
It is also envisioned that the apparatus 1 may be utilized in conjunction with a computer so that the authorized user or operator can utilize the apparatus over an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and/or other suitable communication network or medium.
FIG. 5B illustrates an alternate embodiment wherein the apparatus 1 is utilized in conjunction with an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and/or other suitable communication network or medium. In FIG. 5B, the various transmitters of the apparatus 1, including the receiver transmitter 3A, the CPU transmitter 4A and the vehicle position and locating device transmitter 24, transmit their respective data transmissions to a receiver 500 associated with an on-line service or internet computer system or computer server 510 (hereinafter "server") which is specifically dedicated to the task of providing control over and/or monitoring the vehicle, the apparatus 1 and/or any one or more of the vehicle systems which are controlled and/or monitored by the apparatus 1. The server 510 can also perform vehicle monitoring, tracking and/or recovery functions. The server 510 also has associated therewith, and connected and/or linked thereto, a receiver 511 and a transmitter 512, for receiving and transmitting, respectively, all of the respective signals utilized for the complete and effective operation of the apparatus 1. The server 510 may be utilized in conjunction with an associated Web Site 520.
In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the authorized user or operator may transmit data directly to the apparatus 1 via the home and/or personal computer 150. The authorized user or operator may also transmit data directly to the server 510 over an appropriate communication network or medium.
By using the computer 150 in conjunction with an appropriate comm