Vehicle surveillance and control system

• US 20060170770A1
• Filed: 11/01/2004
• Published: 08/03/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: InvenTel Products, LLC
• Original Assignee: James MacCarthy
• Inventors: MacCarthy, James
• Granted Patent: US 7,548,803 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/302 using recording means, e.g. black box
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/305 using a camera

Abstract

A vehicle surveillance and control system is provided which has a camera for creating video data and a transmitter coupled to the camera for transmitting the video data to a receiver. The surveillance system can also have a microphone for providing audio data for transmission. The receiver is then coupled to a recorder and possibly a monitor. If the operator of the vehicle is not authorized to operate the vehicle (a thief) or to perform an activity (operation of the vehicle recklessly or while intoxicated) then the activities of the operator can be recorded or monitored and the data can be utilized to convict, penalize, or fine an individual or to implement remote control of the vehicle. The camera can also monitor activity outside the vehicle such as a hit and run, a parking lot impact or theft of a tire. In one embodiment, the receiver can be coupled to a monitor and the video data can be viewed in real-time. The system can also include an Input/Output module and a vehicle system control module, wherein the Input/Output module can receive and display video and send a control signal having an identification code to the vehicle system control module wherein the vehicle system control module can control the operation of a vehicle system such as the ignition system or the fuel system thereby stopping dangerous operation of the vehicle and reducing potential economic losses and loss of life.

Claims

1. ). A vehicle surveillance system comprising:

a mirror assembly comprising;

a housing,

a one-way mirror coupled to the housing,

a camera concealed between the housing and the one-way mirror for providing surveillance data.

2. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 1, wherein the mirror assembly is an exterior mirror assembly.

3. ). A vehicle surveillance system comprising:

a vehicular mirror assembly having a reflective surface;

at least one camera concealed behind the reflective surface;

a transmitter coupled to the camera for transmitting video data;

a storage device for storing the video data, wherein activities proximate to the vehicle can be stored.

4. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 3, further including

a first receiver for receiving data;

and,

a monitor for displaying the received data such that activities proximate to the vehicle can be remotely monitored.

5. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 3, further including:

an input/output device for transmitting a control signal;

a second receiver for receiving said control signal; and

,

a vehicle system controller coupled to said second receiver and a system of said vehicle wherein a control signal from the input/output device can restrict performance of said vehicle.

6. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 3, further including a sensor for activating the surveillance and control system.

7. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 3, further including a microphone for producing audio data.

8. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 3, wherein the first transmitter is wireless.

9. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 3, wherein the at least one camera is located in the interior rear view mirror.

10. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 3, wherein the vehicle system controller is coupled to a fuel system.

11. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 3, wherein the vehicle system is coupled to an ignition system.

12. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 5, further including

an identification code assignable to the vehicle system controller;

and,

a relational database for relating a license plate identifier to a vehicle system controller such that the input/output device can disable a selectable vehicle responsive to the human activity and the license plate identifier.

20. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 11, further including a microphone for providing audio data.

13. ). A vehicle surveillance and control system comprising:

at least one camera for creating video data;

at least one transmitter coupled to said at least one camera for transmitting said video data;

at least one receiver for receiving said video data;

a second transmitter for transmitting a control signal; and

a vehicle system control module for receiving the control signal and responsive to the control signal controlling a system on said vehicle.

14. ). The vehicle surveillance and control system as in claim 13, wherein the vehicle system control module further includes an electronic identification code, wherein the electronic identification code can be utilized to determine if a control signal is intended to instruct the vehicle system control module to control a system of the vehicle.

15. ). The vehicle surveillance and control system as in claim 14 wherein the system of the vehicle is a fuel system.

16. ). The vehicle surveillance and control system as in claim 14, wherein the system of the vehicle is an electrical system.

17. ). The vehicle surveillance and control system as in claim 14 wherein the at least one camera is mounted such that it can monitor activities inside the vehicle.

18. ). The vehicle surveillance and control system as in claim 13, further including a second camera mounted for monitoring activities outside of the vehicle.

19. ). The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 13, further including a recording device for storing video data.