Vehicle security device

• US 5,027,104 A
• Filed: 02/21/1990
• Issued: 06/25/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Reid, Donald J.
• Original Assignee: Reid, Donald J.
• Inventors: Reid, Donald J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Orsino, Joseph A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Swarthout, Brent A.
• Application Number:
  US07/483,543
• Time in Patent Office: 489 Days
• Field of Search: 340/945, 340/426, 340/429, 340/937, 340/541, 307/10.2, 358/108, 358/103
• US Class Current: 340/541
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/00 Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/018 Thief traps
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/305 using a camera
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19645 Multiple cameras, each having view on one of a plurality of scenes, e.g. multiple cameras for multi-room surveillance or for tracking an object by view hand-over
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19647 Systems specially adapted for intrusion detection in or around a vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1966 Wireless systems, other than telephone systems, used to communicate with a camera
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19695 Arrangements wherein non-video detectors start video recording or forwarding but do not generate an alarm themselves

Abstract

A vehicle security device is disclosed which includes a multiplicity of video cameras mounted in a vehicle in hidden fashion, and designed to be activated responsive to sensing of a condition such as, for example, unauthorized entry of a vehicle, striking of the vehicle and the like. A controller controls activation of the cameras as well as activation of a local and remote alarm system. A recording mechanism may be provided to record that which is observed by the cameras and a further transmitter may be employed to transmit video pictures to a remote location.

Claims

1. An improved security device, mounted in a vehicle having a passenger compartment and comprising:

(a) a plurality of cameras, at least one of said cameras being mounted in said vehicle but outside said passenger compartment;

(b) first sensor means of sensing an intrusion condition and second sensor means for sensing striking of the vehicle from outside;

(c) controller means for receiving signals from said first sensor means indicative of an intrusion and, responsive thereto, activating one of said cameras and further wherein when said controller means receives signals from said second sensor means indicative of a striking of said vehicle, responsive thereto, said controller means activates all of said plurality of cameras;

(d) said controller means receiving program signals from said cameras;

(e) first transmitter means for transmitting wireless alarm signals to a remote first receiver responsive to said controller means receiving said program signals;

(f) second transmitter means for concurrently transmitting further wireless program signals to a remote second receiver, said wireless program signals corresponding to said program signals and;

(g) recorder means for recording said program signals.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said intrusion condition comprises a sensed motion.

3. The invention of claim 1, wherein said at least one camera includes a microphone.

4. The invention of claim 1, wherein said first receiver includes means for signalling receipt of alarm signals comprising an alarm.

5. The invention of claim 4, wherein said alarm is an audio alarm.

6. The invention of claim 4, wherein said alarm is a visual alarm.