Automobile anti-theft system

• US 4,383,242 A
• Filed: 06/04/1979
• Issued: 05/10/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Clifford Electronics, Inc. (VOXX International Corporation)
• Original Assignee: TMX Systems Limited
• Inventors: Rennie, William A., Sassover, Nathan
• Primary Examiner(s): Caldwell, Sr., John W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nowicki, Joseph E.
• Application Number:
  US06/045,119
• Time in Patent Office: 1,436 Days
• Field of Search: 340/64, 340/147 MD, 340/542, 340/543, 340/63, 340/539, 340/825.31, 340/825.32, 307/10 AT, 361/171, 361/172, 180/287, 325/37, 325/55, 455/28, 455/31, 455/70
• US Class Current: 307/10.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2025/1013 Alarm systems characterised by the type of warning signal, e.g. visual, audible
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2225/00 Means indicating the functioning state of the alarm system, e.g. indicating arming, using leds
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1001 Alarm systems associated with another car fitting or mechanism, e.g. door lock or knob, pedals features related to the general power supply B60R25/1018
• 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

Abstract

An anti-theft system which is armed only when a hand-held coded transmitter is operated; the system is disarmed upon a subsequent operation of the transmitter. Whenever the transmitter is operated, the horn beeps, and the lights flash; this provides both verification that the system is armed, and serves as a car-locating aid in a parking field. Tampering with the automobile results in intermittent beeping of the horn and flashing of the lights. The horn beeping may be disabled during the verification and car locating sequences, while still operating if unauthorized access to the automobile is attempted. Other features include disabling of the horn beeping by momentarily turning on the ignition; beeping of the horn after the system is disarmed and a door is opened by the operator if, during his absence, unauthorized access was attempted; locking and unlocking of the doors with transmitter operation; and detection of unauthorized access attempts by sensing vibrations in the vehicle radio loudspeakers.

Claims

1. A vehicle security system for a vehicle having an electrical system and an ignition system which includes an ignition switch comprising a receiver/logic unit mounted in the vehicle and connected to the electrical system thereof;

and an associated transmitter unit adapted to be carried by an authorized operator and, when operated, to transmit a uniquely coded signal which is received and recognized by said receiver/logic unit;

said receiver/logic unit including means for inhibiting the operation of the vehicle, means for enabling the operation of said inhibiting means responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal and for disabling the operation of said inhibiting means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and means responsive to operation of said ignition switch for preventing the enabling of the operation of said inhibiting means while the ignition system of the vehicle is on.

2. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for verifying the enablement of said inhibiting means by controlling momentary flashing of at least one of the vehicle lights responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

3. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said verifying means further includes means for controlling momentary beeping of the vehicle horn.

4. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for controlling alarm beeping of said horn.

5. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said detecting means includes means coupled to speaker means in the vehicle for sensing vibrations therein.

6. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said speaker means includes a pair of speakers, and said detecting means includes means for mixing the outputs thereof to sense the average vibrations therein.

7. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for holding said detecting means disabled from operating for a predetermined time interval after a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal and until after said verifying means has stopped controlling the momentary beeping of said horn.

8. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for selectively disabling said momentary beeping of the automobile horn without disabling the alarm beeping of said horn in response to an unauthorized access attempt.

9. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 8 wherein said selectively disabling means includes means operative in response to the ignition system of the vehicle being turned on and then turned off within a short predetermined time interval.

10. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 8 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling the alarm beeping of said horn responsive to an access attempt for only a predetermined time period, another access attempt then resulting in another alarm beeping of said horn for a similar predetermined time period.

11. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling locking of the vehicle door locks responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

12. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal while said inhibiting means is enabled for controlling the flashing of at least one of the vehicle lights.

13. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 12 wherein said receiver/logic unit includes means for stopping the flashing of said at least one of the vehicle lights when the vehicle ignition system is turned on.

14. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for stopping the flashing of said at least one of the vehicle lights after it has flashed for a predetermined time interval.

15. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 12 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for stopping the flashing of said at least one of the vehicle lights after it has flashed for a predetermined time interval.

16. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 12 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling unlocking of the vehicle door locks responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

17. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 16 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling the momentary beeping of the vehicle horn responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

18. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 17 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for controlling alarm beeping of said horn.

19. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 18 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for selectively disabling said momentray beeping of the vehicle horn without disabling the alarm beeping of said horn in response to an access attempt.

20. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 19 wherein said selectively disabling means includes means operative in response to the ignition system of the vehicle being turned on and then turned off within a short predetermined time interval.

21. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 19 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling a momentary warning beep of the vehicle horn responsive to the opening of a vehicle door following a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal if between the first and second receipts and recognitions of said coded signal an attempt was made to gain access to the vehicle.

22. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for verifying the enablement of said inhibiting means by providing a visual signal responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

23. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for verifying the enablement of said inhibiting means by providing an aural signal responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

24. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 23 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for generating an alarm signal.

25. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 24 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for selectively disabling the provision of said aural verifying signal without disabling the generation of said alarm signal in response to an access attempt.

26. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for generating an alarm signal.

27. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 26 wherein said detecting means includes means coupled to speaker means in the vehicle for sensing vibrations therein.

28. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 27 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for providing an aural verifying signal responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and means for holding said detecting means disabled from operating for a predetermined time interval after the first receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

29. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 26 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling the generation of an alarm signal responsive to an access attempt for only a predetermined time period, another access attempt then resulting in another generation of an alarm signal for a similar predetermined time period.

30. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means operable in two distinct modes and means operative in response to the ignition system of the vehicle being turned on and then turned off within a short predetermined time interval for changing the mode of operation of said two-mode operable means.

31. A vehicle security system in accordance claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling locking of the vehicle door locks responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

32. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal while said inhibiting means is enabled for controlling the turning on of at least one light.

33. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 32 wherein said receiver/logic unit includes means for turning off said at least one light when the vehicle ignition system is turned on.

34. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 33 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for turning off said at least one light after a predetermined time interval.

35. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 32 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for turning off said at least one light after a predetermined time interval.

36. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling unlocking of the vehicle door locks responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

37. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for providing an aural verifying signal responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

38. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 37 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for generating an alarm signal.

39. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 38 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for selectively disabling the provision of said aural verifying signal without disabling the generation of said alarm signal in response to an unauthorized access attempt.

40. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 38 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for providing an aural warning signal responsive to the opening of a vehicle door following a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal if between the first and second receipts and recognitions of said coded signal an attempt was made to gain access to the vehicle.

41. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for generating an alarm signal, and means responsive to the opening of a vehicle door following a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal for providing a warning signal if between the first and second receipts and recognitions of said coded signal an attempt was made to gain access to the vehicle.

42. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means responsive to the opening of a vehicle door following a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal for providing a warning indication if between the first and second receipts and recognitions of said coded signal an attempt was made to gain access to the vehicle.

43. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and means for providing a warning signal to a returning operator if said detecting means has operated during his absence.

44. A vehicle security system for a vehicle having an electrical system and an ignition system which includes an ignition switch comprising a receiver/logic unit mounted in the vehicle and connected to the electrical system thereof;

and an associated transmitter unit adapted to be carried by an authorized operator and, when operated, to transmit a uniquely coded signal which is received and recognized by said receiver/logic unit;

said receiver/logic unit including anti-theft means, means for enabling the operation of said anti-theft means responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal and for disabling the operation of said anti-theft means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and means responsive to operation of said ignition switch for preventing the enabling of the operation of said anti-theft means while the ignition system of the vehicle is on.

45. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 44 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for verifying the enablement of said anti-theft means by providing a visual signal responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

46. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 44 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes detecting means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for controlling the generation of an alarm signal.

47. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 46 wherein said detecting means includes means coupled to speaker means in the vehicle for sensing vibrations therein.

48. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 47 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for holding said detecting means disabled from operating for a predetermined time interval after a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

49. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 46 wherein said detecting means generates an alarm signal responsive to an access attempt for only a predetermined time period, another access attempt then resulting in another generation of an alarm signal for a similar predetermined time period.

50. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 44 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling locking of the vehicle door locks responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

51. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 44, wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal while said anti-theft means is enabled for controlling the turning on of at least one light.

52. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 51 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for turning off said at least one light after a predetermined time interval.

53. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 44 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling unlocking of the vehicle door locks responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

54. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 44 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for providing an aural verify signal responsive to a receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

55. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 54 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes detecting means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for generating an alarm signal.

56. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 55 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for selectively disabling the provision of said aural signal without disabling the generation of said alarm signal in response to an access attempt.

57. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 56 wherein said selectively disabling means includes means operative in response to the ignition system of the vehicle being turned on and then turned off within a predetermined time interval.

58. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 56 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for providing an aural warning signal responsive to the opening of a vehicle door following a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal if between the first and second receipts and recognitions of said coded signal an attempt was made to gain access to the vehicle.

59. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 49 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for providing a warning signal responsive to the opening of a vehicle door following a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal if between the first and second receipts and recognitions of said coded signal an attempt was made to gain access to the vehicle.

60. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 44 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for verifying the enablement of said anti-theft means by providing an aural verifying signal responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal.

61. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 60 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes detecting means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain unauthorized access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for generating an alarm signal.

62. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 61 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for selectively disabling the provision of said aural verifying signal without disabling the generation of said alarm signal in response to an access attempt.

63. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 62 wherein said selectively disabling means includes means operative in response to the ignition system of the vehicle being turned on and then turned off within a predetermined time interval.

64. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 44 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes detecting means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and means for providing a warning signal to a returning operator if said detecting means has operated during his absence.

65. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 44 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for controlling warning beeping of the automobile horn responsive to the opening of an automobile door following a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal if between the first and second receipts and recognitions of said coded signal an attempt was made to gain access to the vehicle.

66. A vehicle security system comprising a receiver/logic unit mounted in the vehicle and connected to the electrical system thereof;

and an associated transmitter unit adapted to be carried by an authorized operator and, when operated, to transmit a uniquely coded signal which is received and recognized by said receiver/logic unit;

said receiver/logic unit including means for inhibiting the operation of the vehicle, means for enabling the operation of said inhibiting means responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal and for disabling the operation of said inhibiting means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for generating an alarm signal;

said detecting means including means coupled to a pair of speakers in the vehicle, and means for mixing the outputs thereof to sense the average vibrations therein.

67. A vehicle security system comprising a receiver/logic unit mounted in the vehicle and connected to the electrical system thereof;

and an associated transmitter unit adapted to be carried by an authorized operator and, when operated, to transmit a uniquely coded signal which is received and recognized by said receiver/logic unit;

said receiver/logic unit including anti-theft means, means for enabling the operation of said anti-theft means responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal and for disabling the operation of said anti-theft means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal while said anti-theft means is enabled for controlling the turning on of at least one light, and means for turning off said at least one light when the vehicle ignition system is turned on.

68. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 67 wherein said receiver/logic unit further includes means for turning off said at least one light after a predetermined time interval.

69. A vehicle security system comprising a receiver/logic unit mounted in the vehicle connected to the electrical system thereof;

and an associated transmitter unit adapted to be carried by an authorized operator and, when operated, to transmit a uniquely coded signal which is received and recognized by said receiver/logic unit;

said receiver/logic unit including anti-theft means, means for enabling the operation of said anti-theft means responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal and for disabling the operation of said anti-theft means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, means operable in two distinct modes, and means operative in response to the ignition system of the vehicle being turned on and then turned off within a predetermined time interval for changing the mode of operation of said two-mode operable means.

70. A vehicle security system comprising a receiver/logic unit mounted in the vehicle and connected to the electrical system thereof;

and an associated transmitter unit adapted to be carried by an authorized operator and, when operated, to transmit a uniquely coded signal which is received and recognized by said receiver/logic unit;

said receiver/logic unit including means for inhibiting the operation of the vehicle, means for enabling the operation of said inhibiting means responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal and for disabling the operation of said inhibiting means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, means for providing an aural verifying signal responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for generating an alarm signal, and means for selectively disabling the provision of said aural verifying signal without disabling the generation of said alarm signal in response to an unauthorized access attempt.

71. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 70 wherein said selectively disabling means includes means operative in response to the ignition system of the vehicle being turned on and then turned off within a short predetermined time interval.

72. A vehicle security system comprising a receiver/logic unit mounted in the vehicle and connected to the electrical system thereof;

and an associated transmitter unit adapted to be carried by an authorized operator and, when operated, to transmit a uniquely coded signal which is received and recognized by said receiver/logic unit;

said receiver/logic unit including means for inhibiting the operation of the vehicle, means for enabling the operation of said inhibiting means responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal and for disabling the operation of said inhibiting means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, means for verifying the enablement of said inhibiting means by providing an aural signal responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal, means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for generating an alarm signal, and means for selectively disabling the provision of said aural verifying signal without disabling the generation of said alarm signal in response to an access attempt.

73. A vehicle security system in accordance with claim 72 wherein said selectively disabling means includes means operative in response to the ignition system of the vehicle being turned on and then turned off within a short predetermined time interval.

74. A vehicle security system comprising a receiver/logic unit mounted in the vehicle and connected to the electrical system thereof;

and an associated transmitter unit adapted to be carried by an authorized operator and, when operated, to transmit a uniquely coded signal which is received and recognized by said receiver/logic unit;

said receiver/logic unit including anti-theft means, means for enabling the operation of said anti-theft means responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal and for disabling the operation of said anti-theft means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and means for controlling warning beeping of the automobile horn responsive to the opening of an automobile door following a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal if between the first and second receipts and recognitions of said coded signal an attempt was made to gain access to the vehicle.

75. A vehicle security system comprising a receiver/logic unit mounted in the vehicle and connected to the electrical system thereof;

and an associated transmitter unit adapted to be carried by an authorized operator and, when operated, to transmit a uniquely coded signal which is received and recognized by said receiver/logic unit;

said receiver/logic unit including anti-theft means, means for enabling the operation of said anti-theft means responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal and for disabling the operation of said anti-theft means responsive to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and detecting means enabled responsive to a first receipt and recognition of said coded signal for detecting an attempt to gain access to the vehicle prior to a second receipt and recognition of said coded signal, and in response thereto for controlling the generation of an alarm signal;

said detecting means including means coupled to multiple speakers in the vehicle for mixing the outputs thereof to sense the average vibrations therein.