Vehicle theft detection device and method
First Claim
1. A vehicle theft detection device in a vehicle comprising:
- an engine in the vehicle;
a vehicle motion sensor;
an authorized user detection mechanism;
an unauthorized motion notification function; and
vehicle controller coupled to receive a first signal from the vehicle motion sensor and a second signal from the authorized user detection mechanism and configured to send a third signal to the unauthorized motion notification function in response to receiving both the first signal and the second signal;
wherein the vehicle motion sensor comprises a wheel speed sensor that detects wheel rotation independent of engine speed; and
wherein the vehicle controller does not send said third signal unless said engine is off.
12 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle-motion based vehicle theft detection device uses preexisting vehicle motion sensors in combination with an engine immobilizer system to detect and deter potential vehicle theft. Depending on whether or not a valid ignition key is in use, the engine immobilizer system sends signals to an electronic module to enter either a “disarmed” or “armed” state. When a vehicle sensor relays a signal to an electronic module, the electronic module determines, based on this signal, if the vehicle is in motion. If a valid key is in use, the electronic module is in a disarmed state and takes no further action, as the motor vehicle is authorized for motion. If, however, a valid key is not in use, the electronic module is in an armed state, and activates the vehicle alarm system which, in turn, may activate an audible or visual alarm, activate a remote notification device, generate a tracking signal, and/or store evidence of unauthorized vehicle motion in memory.
13 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A vehicle theft detection device in a vehicle comprising:
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an engine in the vehicle;
a vehicle motion sensor;
an authorized user detection mechanism;
an unauthorized motion notification function; and
vehicle controller coupled to receive a first signal from the vehicle motion sensor and a second signal from the authorized user detection mechanism and configured to send a third signal to the unauthorized motion notification function in response to receiving both the first signal and the second signal;
wherein the vehicle motion sensor comprises a wheel speed sensor that detects wheel rotation independent of engine speed; and
wherein the vehicle controller does not send said third signal unless said engine is off. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A vehicle theft detection device comprising:
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a vehicle motion sensor;
an authorized user detection mechanism;
an unauthorized motion notification function; and
a vehicle controller coupled to receive a first signal from the vehicle motion sensor and a second signal from the authorized user detection mechanism and configured to send a third signal to the unauthorized motion notification function when an engine in the vehicle is in an off condition in response to receiving both the first signal and the second signal;
wherein the vehicle motion sensor comprises a centrifugal roll switch.
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8. A method for theft detection of a vehicle comprising the steps of:
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receiving a first signal indicative of motion of the vehicle from a wheel speed sensor that detects wheel rotation independent of an engine of the vehicle;
receiving a second signal indicative that a valid ignition key for the vehicle is not in use; and
activating an unauthorized motion notification function in response to receiving both the first signal and the second signal when the engine in the vehicle is in an off condition. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for motor vehicle theft detection comprising the steps of:
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generating a first signal indicative of motion of a motor vehicle from a wheel speed sensor while an engine of the motor vehicle is off, said first signal Independent of engine speed;
generating a second signal indicative that a valid ignition key is in use;
generating a third signal indicative that a valid ignition key is not in use; and
generating a fourth signal activating an alarm if the first and third signals are detected, but not if the first and second signals are detected. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. A vehicle theft detection device in a vehicle comprising:
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an engine in the vehicle;
a vehicle motion sensor selected from the group consisting of a tire pressure monitoring device capable of detecting wheel movement, a wheel speed sensor, and a GPS based position detection system;
the vehicle motion sensor configured to transmit a first signal indicative of vehicle movement;
a vehicle immobilizer system coupled to an authorized user detection system and configured to send a second signal if a valid ignition key is inserted in the authorized user detection system and to send a third signal if a valid ignition key is not inserted in the authorized user detection system;
an alarm system configured for activation upon receipt of a fourth signal; and
a controller configured to receive the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal and to generate and send the fourth signal upon receipt of the first signal and the third signal when the engine is off, but to not generate the fourth signal upon receipt of the first signal and the second signal; and
wherein the controller comprises a portion of a motor vehicle central control unit. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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Specification