Automobile intruder alarm system

• US 5,079,538 A
• Filed: 06/01/1989
• Issued: 01/07/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Specific Cruise Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Specific Cruise Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Shields, Neal G., DeFino, John M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ng, Jin F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery H.
• Application Number:
  US07/360,128
• Time in Patent Office: 950 Days
• Field of Search: 340/426, 340/428, 340/429, 307/10.2, 455/345, 455/346
• US Class Current: 340/426.17
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2025/1013 Alarm systems characterised by the type of warning signal, e.g. visual, audible
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1003 Alarm systems characterised by arm or disarm features

Abstract

An improved vehicle intruder alarm system includes a method of automatically arming an alarm system. When arming the alarm system by remote control the vehicle windows can be raised and the vehicle headlights automatically turned on by remote control. When entering a vechicle door while the system is armed, a low warning tone is produced for an entry delay time. The warning tone increases with time. The processor for the alarm senses the magnitude and rate of impacts or motions of the vehicle. Short warnings are produced when the magnitude and rate are above a threshold.

Claims

1. The method of arming a vehicle alarm system by remote control, the alarm system being installed in a vehicle of the type having an ignition switch operated by an ignition key, and a starter, and wherein the vehicle is of the type also having electrically activated window closing mechanisms, the method comprising:

providing with the alarm system a handheld transmitter, and a receiver disposed within said vehicle, said receiver communicating with a processor with memory;

turning the ignition key in the vehicle ignition switch so that the ignition switch is in the off position;

then

transmitting a signal from outside the vehicle with the transmitter;

receiving the signal with the receiver;

comparing the signal with the processor to a preprogrammed code stored in the processor memory;

then

producing an error signal if any vehicle door, hood, or trunk is open when the signal is received;

arming the alarm system with the processor if all of the vehicle doors, hood, and trunk are closed;

then

disabling the vehicle starter;

transmitting a second signal, from the transmitter, that is identical to the first signal transmitted;

receiving the second signal with the receiver;

comparing the second signal to the code stored in the processor memory;

determining with the processor if the second signal is received within a preprogrammed allowable time interval that commenced with the sending of the first signal;

then

actuating the window closing mechanisms with the processor to close any open vehicle windows if the second signal was received within the allowable time interval, and if the second signal is identical to the code.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle is of the type also having headlights, the method further comprising:

turning the vehicle headlights on for a preprogrammed time interval with the processor if the second signal was received within said allowable time interval, and if the second signal is identical to the code.

3. A method of arming a vehicle alarm system by remote control, the alarm system being installed in a vehicle of the type having an ignition switch operated by an ignition key and electrically actuated window closing mechanisms, the method comprising in combination:

providing with the alarm system a handheld transmitter, and a receiver disposed within said vehicle, said receiver being coupled to a processor with memory for communicating with said processor with memory;

turning the ignition key in the vehicle ignition switch so that the ignition switch is in the off position;

then

transmitting a signal from outside the vehicle with the transmitter;

receiving the signal with the receiver;

comparing the signal with the processor to a preprogrammed code stored in the processor memory;

then

arming the alarm system with the processor;

transmitting a second signal from the transmitter that is identical to the first signal transmitted;

receiving the second signal with the receiver;

comparing the second signal to the code stored in the processor memory;

determining with the processor if the second signal is received within a preprogrammed allowable time interval that commenced with the sending of the first signal;

then

actuating the window closing mechanisms with the processor to close any open vehicle windows if the second signal was received within the allowable time interval, and if the second signal is identical to the code.