Self-monitoring vehicle alert and tracking device system and associated methods
First Claim
1. A self-monitoring vehicle alert system comprising:
- a memory for storing a preselected reference status for a monitored vehicle, the memory being integral to the monitored vehicle, the preselected reference status including data related to a condition of the monitored vehicle within which condition the monitored vehicle is to be maintained;
a microprocessor integral to the monitored vehicle, the microprocessor being in communication with the memory;
a data entry device adapted to input an actual status of vehicle activity to the microprocessor such that the microprocessor automatically compares the actual status to the preselected reference status to determine an occurrence of difference;
a transceiver capable of communicating a signal via a communication system, the transceiver integrating with the microprocessor such that information is passed between the transceiver and the microprocessor, the transceiver being activated by the microprocessor to send the actual status of vehicle activity upon determination by the microprocessor of the occurrence of difference;
a power source for providing power to the self-monitoring vehicle alert system; and
a home base unit located remotely from the monitored vehicle for receiving the signal sent by the transceiver indicating actual status of the vehicle such that further action can be taken to control the vehicle such that the vehicle is returned to operation within the preselected reference status.
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Abstract
A security and tracking system and associated methods for monitoring the location and status of vehicle activities. The system and methods enable users to determine the geographic location of a vehicle and the time period in which the vehicle is being operated. If the vehicle is being operated out of a specified geographic range or a specified time period, then the system alerts users to this information. The system and methods enable occupants within the vehicle to send an alarm to a user if assistance is needed. If the system has been tampered with or its power source is low, then a signal can be sent to a home base unit, which is used to monitor or track the vehicle, indicating the appropriate condition.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A self-monitoring vehicle alert system comprising:
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a memory for storing a preselected reference status for a monitored vehicle, the memory being integral to the monitored vehicle, the preselected reference status including data related to a condition of the monitored vehicle within which condition the monitored vehicle is to be maintained;
a microprocessor integral to the monitored vehicle, the microprocessor being in communication with the memory;
a data entry device adapted to input an actual status of vehicle activity to the microprocessor such that the microprocessor automatically compares the actual status to the preselected reference status to determine an occurrence of difference;
a transceiver capable of communicating a signal via a communication system, the transceiver integrating with the microprocessor such that information is passed between the transceiver and the microprocessor, the transceiver being activated by the microprocessor to send the actual status of vehicle activity upon determination by the microprocessor of the occurrence of difference;
a power source for providing power to the self-monitoring vehicle alert system; and
a home base unit located remotely from the monitored vehicle for receiving the signal sent by the transceiver indicating actual status of the vehicle such that further action can be taken to control the vehicle such that the vehicle is returned to operation within the preselected reference status. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
an engine hour meter that determines a beginning time and an ending time of operation of the monitored vehicle'"'"'s engine, and calculates a difference between the ending and beginning times to determine a time in which the engine was operating; and
an engine start indicator that indicates that the engine has been started at an unauthorized time period.
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18. A method of monitoring a vehicle comprising the steps of:
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providing a preselected reference status to a memory integral to a monitored vehicle, the preselected reference status including data related to a condition of the monitored vehicle within which condition the monitored vehicle is to be maintained;
establishing an actual status of vehicle activity;
comparing the actual status of vehicle activity with the preselected reference status using a microprocessor, the microprocessor integral to the monitored vehicle;
transmitting a signal to a home base unit located remotely from the monitored vehicle when a difference between the actual status and the preselected reference status exists, said signal indicating the actual status of the vehicle activity; and
outputting the actual status of the vehicle activity such that further action can be taken to control the vehicle such that the vehicle is returned to operation within the preselected reference status. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
indicating an engine start; and
determining a period of time in which the monitored vehicle'"'"'s engine has been operated by calculating a difference between an ending time and a beginning time of operation of the engine.
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29. A method of monitoring a vehicle comprising the steps of:
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providing a preselected reference status to a memory integral to a monitored vehicle, the preselected reference status including data related to a condition of the monitored vehicle within which condition the monitored vehicle is to be maintained;
establishing an actual status of vehicle activity;
comparing the actual status of vehicle activity with the preselected reference status using a microprocessor, the microprocessor integral to the monitored vehicle;
transmitting a signal to a home base unit located remotely from the monitored vehicle when a difference between the actual status and the preselected reference status exists, said signal indicating the actual status of the vehicle activity;
outputting the actual status of the vehicle activity such that further action can be taken to control the vehicle such that the vehicle is returned to operation within the preselected reference status; and
storing the actual status of the vehicle on a second memory card to develop a drive history for the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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Specification