Audio alarm system for vehicle use

• US 20040217848A1
• Filed: 05/01/2003
• Published: 11/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Wintecronics Limited
• Original Assignee: Wintecronics Limited
• Inventors: Cheng, Wen-Pin
• Application Number:
  US10/427,667
• Publication Number:
  US 20040217848A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1003 Alarm systems characterised by arm or disarm features
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1004 Alarm systems characterised by the type of sensor, e.g. current sensing means using door lock sensors B60R25/1001
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/104 characterised by the type of theft warning signal, e.g. visual or audible signals with special characteristics

Abstract

An audio alarm system is adapted to be installed in a vehicle, which has a set of sensors disposed thereon. Each of the sensors detects the presence of an associated event. The audio alarm system includes a control unit configured to generate a set of control signals, each of which is generated in response to detection of the presence of the associated event by a corresponding one of the sensors. An audio processing unit has a set of alarm sound data stored therein. The alarm sound data are distinguishable from each other and correspond respectively to the control signals. In response to the control signal received from the control unit, the audio processing unit selects the corresponding one of the alarm sound data. A loudspeaker generates an audible alarm output corresponding to the alarm sound data selected by the audio processing unit.

Claims

1. An audio alarm system adapted to be installed in a vehicle, the vehicle having a set of sensors disposed thereon, each of the sensors detecting presence of an associated event, said audio alarm system comprising:

a control unit adapted to be connected electrically to the sensors and configured to generate a set of control signals, each of the control signals being generated by said control unit in response to detection of the presence of the associated event by a corresponding one of the sensors;

an audio processing unit having a set of alarm sound data stored therein, the alarm sound data being distinguishable from each other and corresponding respectively to the control signals, said audio processing unit being connected electrically to said control unit and, in response to the control signal received from said control unit, selecting the corresponding one of the alarm sound data; and

a loudspeaker connected electrically to said audio processing unit and operable so as to generate an audible alarm output corresponding to the alarm sound data selected by said audio processing unit.

2. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said audio processing unit includes an audio processor connected electrically to said control unit, and a data storage unit connected electrically to said audio processor and having said alarm sound data stored therein.

3. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said audio processor is configured to convert the alarm sound data corresponding to the control signal received from said control unit into an analog signal that is to be supplied to said loudspeaker.

4. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said audio processing unit further includes an amplifier connected electrically to said audio processor and said loudspeaker, said amplifier amplifying the analog signal that is to be provided by said audio processor to said loudspeaker.

5. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said audio processing unit further includes a recording unit connected electrically to said audio processor for enabling said audio processor to record the alarm sound data in said data storage unit.

6. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alarm sound data are speech data.

7. An audio alarm system for a vehicle having a set of sensors disposed thereon, each of the sensors detecting presence of an associated event, said audio alarm system comprising:

a main terminal adapted to be installed in the vehicle, said main terminal generating an audible alarm output in response to detection of the presence of the event associated with any one of the sensors when said main terminal is armed, said main terminal including

a control unit adapted to be connected electrically to the sensors and configured to generate a set of control signals, each of the control signals being generated by said control unit in response to detection of the presence of the associated event by a corresponding one of the sensors,

an audio processing unit having a set of alarm sound data stored therein, the alarm sound data being distinguishable from each other and corresponding respectively to the control signals, said audio processing unit being connected electrically to said control unit and, in response to the control signal received from said control unit, selecting the corresponding one of the alarm sound data, and

a loudspeaker connected electrically to said audio processing unit and operable so as to generate the audible alarm output that corresponds to the alarm sound data selected by said audio processing unit; and

a remote controller operably associated with said main terminal to control arming and disarming of said main terminal.

8. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said control unit includes a control processor connected electrically to said audio processing unit and adapted to be connected electrically to the sensors, and a wireless transceiver connected electrically to said control processor and operable so as to establish a wireless communications link between said control processor and said remote controller so that arming and disarming of said main terminal can be controlled through said remote controller.

9. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said audio processing unit includes an audio processor connected electrically to said control unit, and a data storage unit connected electrically to said audio processor and having said alarm sound data stored therein.

10. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said audio processor is configured to convert the alarm sound data corresponding to the control signal received from said control unit into an analog signal that is to be supplied to said loudspeaker.

11. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said audio processing unit further includes an amplifier connected electrically to said audio processor and said loudspeaker, said amplifier amplifying the analog signal that is to be provided by said audio processor to said loudspeaker.

12. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said audio processing unit further includes a recording unit connected electrically to said audio processor for enabling said audio processor to record the alarm sound data in said data storage unit.

13. The audio alarm system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the alarm sound data are speech data.