Vehicle alarm and lot monitoring system

• US 5,801,618 A
• Filed: 02/07/1997
• Issued: 09/01/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mark Jenkins
• Original Assignee: Mark Jenkins
• Inventors: Jenkins, Mark
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Huang, Sihong
• Application Number:
  US08/797,533
• Time in Patent Office: 571 Days
• Field of Search: 340/426, 340/429, 340/438, 340/932.2, 340/937, 340/539, 348/143, 348/148, 307/10.2
• US Class Current: 340/426.14
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1012 Zone surveillance means, e.g. parking lots, truck depots

Abstract

A programmable alarm and lot monitoring system monitors a plurality of individual vehicles congregated together in a given area. A central server transmits RF signals to individual RF transponder sensor units installed on respective individual vehicles and receives RF signals from the Rf transponder units. Each RF transponder unit senses a change in the status of the respective vehicle and, upon sensing a change, transmits an RF violation signal to the central server and also honks the horn, flashes the lights, and/or sounds an audible alarm. The central server may activate a remote video camera to record the scene of the violation, and if moved, follow the movement of the vehicle until out of camera range and transmit a violation message to a remote security station. In a global alarm mode, all of the individual RF transponder units honk the horn, flash the lights, and/or sound the alarm on all of the vehicles upon one of the units sensing a violation. Each RF transponder unit may be programmed to disconnect the battery of the vehicle upon sensing a violation, and to sense the vehicle battery voltage and notify the central server of the vehicle having a weak battery. In a vehicle locate mode selected RF transponder units flash the lights, honk the horn, or sound an alarm upon receiving a signal from the central server so that a particular vehicle may be easily located out of a group of vehicles. The RF transponder units may be polled by the central server at selective times to determine which vehicles are in inventory and which are not.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in a given area, comprising the steps of:

providing a central monitoring unit comprising;

a programmable microprocessor and CPU with memory storage means, data input means, and display means operatively connected through associated circuitry with RF transceiver means operable for transmitting and receiving RF signals through the atmosphere, the operation of said microprocessor and CPU controlled by software programs to carry out various tasks in response to instructions inputted by a user and in response to received RF signals;

installing an individual programmable RF transponder unit on each individual vehicle respectively, each individual RF transponder unit comprising;

sensor means operable to sense the condition of the respective individual vehicle and to produce a sensor signal upon sensing a chance in the condition of said respective individual vehicle, alarm means for producing a perceivable alarm responsive to said sensor signal, RF transceiver means operable for transmitting and receiving RF signals through the atmosphere, a programmable microprocessor with memory storage means interfaced through associated circuitry with said sensor means, said alarm means, and said RF transceiver means to cause said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF violation signal through the atmosphere in response to receiving said sensor signal;

configuring said RF transceiver means of each said individual RF transponder unit to receive an RF global alarm signal transmitted through the atmosphere from said central monitoring unit and to produce said perceivable alarm responsive to said received said RF global alarm signal;

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit RF transceiver means to transmit an RF arming signal to activate said individual RF transponder units to sense a change in the condition of said respective individual vehicle;

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit RF transceiver means to transmit an RF global alarm signal to all of said activated individual RF transponder units upon receiving a said RF violation signal from any one of said individual RF transponder units; and

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit to monitor all of said activated individual RF transponder units whereby said central monitoring unit assumes a standby status ready to receive said RF violation signal from any of said activated individual RF transponder units;

whereby

upon a said individual RF transponder unit sensor means sensing a change in the condition of said respective individual vehicle its said alarm means will produce a perceivable alarm and its said RF transceiver means will transmit said RF violation signal through the atmosphere to be received by said central monitoring unit; and

upon said central monitoring unit RF transceiver means receiving said transmitted RF violation signal it will transmit said RF global alarm signal to all of said individual RF transponder units such that all of the individual RF transponder units on the respective individual vehicles will produce a perceivable alarm simultaneously.

2. A method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit RF transceiver means to transmit an RF arming signal to activate, de-activate, and re-activate selected ones of said individual RF transponder units at a predetermined time.

3. A method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

connecting each said individual RF transponder unit with the battery of each said respective individual vehicle whereby said vehicle battery is used to provide a primary source of electrical power thereto and to the starting circuit of each said respective vehicle;

providing each said individual RF transponder unit with an auxiliary power supply, switching means, and associated circuitry connected with its said microprocessor, its said RF transceiver means, its said sensor means, and its said alarm means for disconnecting said vehicle battery from said starting circuit of the respective individual vehicle on which it is installed and supplying power from said auxiliary power supply to said individual RF transponder unit when said vehicle battery is disconnected;

configuring each said individual said RF transponder unit to receive an RF battery disconnect instruction signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate its said switching means upon receiving said alarm signal from its said sensor means;

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit RF transceiver means to transmit an RF battery disconnect instruction signal to each said activated RF transponder unit instructing it to disconnect said vehicle battery from said starting circuit of the respective individual vehicle upon receipt of its said alarm signal from its said sensor means;

whereby

upon a said activated RF transponder unit sensing a change in the condition of the respective individual vehicle on which it is installed, its said switching means will disconnect said vehicle battery from said starting circuit of the respective individual vehicle and will thereafter be powered by said auxiliary power supply to activate its said alarm means to produce a perceivable alarm and activate its said RF transceiver means to transmit a corresponding RF violation signal through the atmosphere.

4. A method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

providing each said individual RF transponder unit with intermittent timing means and associated circuitry connected with its said microprocessor, its said RF transceiver means, its said sensor means, and its said alarm means;

connecting each said individual RF transponder unit intermittent timing means with the battery and headlights of the respective individual vehicle in which it is installed for intermittently supplying electrical power to said headlights;

configuring said microprocessor of each individual said RF transponder unit to receive an RF flasher instruction signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate said intermittent timing means upon receiving said alarm signal from its said sensor means; and

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit to transmit an RF flasher instruction signal to each said activated RF transponder unit instructing it to activate its said intermittent timing means upon receipt of said alarm signal from its said sensor means;

whereby

upon a said activated RF transponder unit sensing a change in the condition of the respective individual vehicle it will intermittently flash said headlights of the respective individual vehicle and activate its said RF transceiver means to transmit a corresponding RF violation signal through the atmosphere.

5. A method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

providing each said individual RF transponder unit with intermittent timing means and associated circuitry connected with its said microprocessor, its said RF transceiver means, its said sensor means, and its said alarm means;

connecting each said individual RF transponder unit intermittent timing means with the battery and horn of the respective individual vehicle in which it is installed for intermittently supplying electrical power to said horn;

configuring said microprocessor of each individual said RF transponder unit to receive an RF horn instruction signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate said intermittent timing means upon receiving said alarm signal from its said sensor means; and

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit to transmit an RF horn instruction signal to each said activated RF transponder unit instructing it to activate its said intermittent timing means upon receipt of said alarm signal from its said sensor means;

whereby

upon a said activated RF transponder unit sensing a change in the condition of the respective individual vehicle it will intermittently honk the horn of the respective individual vehicle and activate its said RF transceiver means to transmit a corresponding RF violation signal through the atmosphere.

6. A method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

providing an audible perimeter alarm in the vacinity of the given area;

connecting said perimeter alarm with said central monitoring unit;

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit microprocessor to activate said audible perimeter alarm upon its said RF transceiver means receiving an RF violation signal from any of said activated individual RF transponder units;

whereby

said central monitoring unit will activate said audible perimeter alarm upon receiving an RF violation signal from any of said activated individual RF transponder units.

7. A method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

providing said central monitoring unit with a dialing program, a recorded message stored in said memory means and a modem connected with a telephone line; and

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit microprocessor to activate said modem, dial a telephone number, and play said recorded message upon receiving an RF violation signal from any of said activated individual RF transponder units.

8. A method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

programming the microprocessor of each said individual RF transponder unit to cause its said RF transceiver means to receive an RF vehicle locate polling signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit, and to activate its said alarm means upon receiving said RF vehicle locate polling signal;

assigning an identification number to each said individual RF transponder unit such that each identification number identifies a particular RF transponder unit;

storing the identification number of each said particular RF transponder unit and the corresponding identity of each said respective individual vehicle on which it is installed in said central monitoring unit memory storage means;

inputting data to cause said central monitoring unit RF transceiver means to transmit an RF vehicle locate polling signal to a said particular RF transponder unit to instruct said particular RF transponder unit to activate its said alarm means;

whereby

the activated said alarm means will allow the respective said individual vehicle on which said particular RF transponder unit is installed to be easily located out of said plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in said given area.

9. A method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

providing a video camera and recording means in the vacinity of said plurality of individual vehicles, said video camera and recording means having a universal swivel mount connected with a servo motor and including RF receiver means for receiving RF signals through the atmosphere and signal locking circuitry for operating said servo motor and said video camera and recording means to lock onto and follow the movement of a received RF signal;

programming the microprocessor of each said individual RF transponder unit to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF violation signal upon being activated by said sensor signal;

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit to transmit an RF camera locking signal to said video camera and recording means upon receiving an RF violation signal transmitted from an individual RF transponder unit;

whereby

said video camera and recording means will lock onto and follow the motion of the respective said individual RF transponder unit transmitting the RF violation signal until out of camera range.

10. A method for identifying and monitoring a plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in a given area and locating an individual vehicle in the plurality of vehicles, comprising the steps of;

providing a central monitoring unit having a programmable microprocessor and CPU with memory storage means, data input means, and display means operatively connected through associated circuitry with RF transceiver means operable for transmitting RF polling signals and RF vehicle locate signals and receiving RF response signals and RF low battery signals through the atmosphere, the operation of said microprocessor and CPU controlled by software programs to transmit and receive said signals in response to instructions inputted by a user and in response to received RF signals;

installing an individual programmable RF transponder unit on each individual vehicle respectively and connecting it with the battery of the respective vehicle to provide a primary source of electrical power thereto;

assigning an identification number to each said individual RF transponder unit such that each identification number identifies a particular RF transponder unit;

storing the identification number of each said particular RF transponder unit and the corresponding identity of each said respective individual vehicle on which it is installed in said central monitoring unit memory storage means;

each said individual RF transponder unit having a programmable microprocessor with memory storage means interfaced through associated circuitry With RF transceiver means for receiving RF inventory palling signals and RF vehicle locate signals and transmitting RF response signals and RF low batter signals through the atmosphere in response to RF signals received from said central monitoring unit;

each said individual RF transponder unit having an auxiliary power supply, battery voltage sensor means operable to sense the voltage of the battery of the respective individual vehicle in which it is installed and to produce a sensor signal upon sensing a predetermined low voltage condition of said battery, and associated circuitry connected with its said microprocessor, its said RF transceiver means, its said battery voltage sensor means, and its said auxiliary power supply for supplying power from said auxiliary power supply to its said RF transceiver means upon receiving said sensor signal;

each said individual RF transponder unit having alarm means and associated circuitry interfaced with its said microprocessor and its said RF transceiver means for producing a perceivable alarm responsive to receiving an RF vehicle locate signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit;

programming said microprocessor of each said individual RF transponder unit to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF response signal upon receiving an RF inventory polling signal;

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit RF transceiver means to sequentially transmit an RF inventory polling signal to a said individual RF transponder unit and to wait for a predetermined time interval to receive an RF response signal transmitted from the corresponding individual RF transponder unit and to record which of said individual RF transponder units has transmitted its said RF response signal;

recording the identity of the respective individual RF transponder units which have transmitted said RF response signal within said tie interval and the identity of the respective said individual vehicle on which it is installed and being in inventory, and recording the identity of the respective said individual RF transponder units which have not transmitted said RF response signal within said time interval and the identity of the respective said individual vehicle on which it is installed as being inactive or not in inventory;

programming said microprocessor of each said individual RF transponder unit to cause its said RP transceiver means to transmit an RF low battery signal through the atmosphere in response to receiving said sensor signal from its said battery voltage sensor means;

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit RF transceiver means to receive an RF low battery signal transmitted from an individual RF transponder unit; and

recording the identification number of the individual RF transponder units that have transmitted its said RF low battery signal and the identity of the respective said individual vehicle on which it is installed;

programming said microprocessor of each said individual RF transponder unit to cause its said RF transceiver means to receive an RF vehicle locate polling signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit, and to activate its said alarm means upon receiving said RF vehicle locate signal;

inputting data to cause said central monitoring unit RF transceiver means to transmit an RF vehicle locate polling signal to a said individual RF transponder unit to cause said individual RP transponder unit to activate its said alarm means;

whereby

the respective said individual vehicle with on which said individual RF transponder unit is alarm means is activated may be easily located out of said plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in said given area.

11. A method according to claim 10 comprising the further steps of:

providing each individual RF transponder unit with intermittent timing means and associated circuitry interfaced with its said microprocessor and its said RF transceiver means;

connecting each said individual RF transponder unit intermittent timing means with the battery and headlights of the respective individual vehicle on which it is installed for intermittently supplying electrical power to said headlights;

programming said microprocessor of each said individual RF transponder unit to receive an RF flasher instruction signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate its said intermittent timing means upon receiving said RF flasher instruction signal;

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit to transmit an RF flasher instruction signal to a said individual RF transponder unit to instruct said individual RF transponder to activate its said intermittent timing means to intermittently flash the headlights of said respective vehicle;

whereby

the respective said individual vehicle on which said individual RF transponder unit is installed may be easily located out of said plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in said given area.

12. A method according to claim 10 comprising the further steps of:

providing each individual RF transponder unit with intermittent timing means and associated circuitry interfaced with its said microprocessor and its said RF transceiver means;

connecting each said individual RF transponder unit intermittent timing means with the battery and horn of the respective individual vehicle on which it is installed for intermittently supplying electrical power to said horn;

programming said microprocessor of each said individual RF transponder unit to receive an RF horn instruction signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate its said intermittent timing means upon receiving said RF horn instruction signal;

inputting data to instruct said central monitoring unit to transmit an RF horn instruction signal to a said individual RF transponder unit to instruct said individual RF transponder to activate its said intermittent timing means to intermittently honk the horn of said respective vehicle;

whereby

the respective said individual vehicle on which said individual RF transponder unit is installed may be easily located out of said plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in said given area.

13. A system for monitoring a plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in a given area comprising:

a central monitoring unit including;

monitoring unit RF transceiver means operable for transmitting and receiving RF signals through the atmosphere;

a programmable microprocessor and CPU with memory storage means, data input means, and display means operatively connected through associated circuitry with said monitoring unit RF transceiver means and programmed to cause said monitoring unit RF transceiver means to transmit and receive RF signals through the atmosphere;

a plurality of individual programmable RF transponder units, each individual RF transponder unit comprising;

attachment means for attaching said RF transponder unit to a respective one of said individual vehicles;

sensor means operable to sense the condition of said respective individual vehicle and to produce a sensor signal upon sensing a change in the condition of said respective individual vehicle;

alarm means connected with said sensor means for producing a perceivable alarm responsive to said sensor signal;

transponder unit RF transceiver means operable for transmitting and receiving RF signals through the atmosphere; and

a programmable microprocessor with memory storage means and associated circuitry operatively connected with said sensor means, said alarm means, and said transponder unit RF transceiver means and programmed to cause said transponder unit RF transceiver means to transmit an RF violation signal through the atmosphere responsive to said sensor signal;

an arm/disarm software program stored in said monitoring unit memory storage means for controlling the operation of said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and said monitoring unit RF transceiver means in response to data input by a user to cause said monitoring unit RF transceiver means to transmit an RF arming signal to activate said individual RF transponder units to sense a change in the condition of the respective individual vehicles, and to assume a standby monitoring status ready to receive an RF violation signal from any of said activated individual RF transponder units;

a global alarm software program stored in said monitoring unit memory storage means for controlling the operation of said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and said monitoring unit RF transceiver means to cause said monitoring unit RF transceiver means to transmit an RF global alarm signal to all of said activated individual RF transponder units upon receiving a said RF violation signal from any one of said individual RF transponder units;

said RF transceiver means of each said individual RF transponder unit configured to receive an RF global alarm signal transmitted through the atmosphere from said central monitoring unit; and

said alarm means of each said individual RF transponder unit is configured to produce said perceivable alarm responsive to a received said RF global alarm signal;

whereby

upon said sensor means of any one of said activated individual RF transponder units sensing a change in the condition of the respective individual vehicle on which it is installed, its said alarm means will produce a perceivable alarm and its said transponder unit RF transceiver means will transmit said RF violation signal through the atmosphere to be received by said central monitoring unit; and

upon said central monitoring unit RF transceiver means receiving said transmitted RF violation signal it will transmit said RF global alarm signal to all of said activated individual RF transponder units such that all of the individual RF transponder units on the respective individual vehicles will produce a perceivable alarm simultaneously.

14. A system according to claim 13 wherein:

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and its said RF transceiver means is programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF arming signal to activate, de-activate, and re-activate selected ones of said individual RF transponder units at predetermined times in response to data input by a user.

15. A system according to claim 13 wherein:

each said individual RF transponder unit is operatively connected with the battery of each said respective individual vehicle such that said vehicle battery provides a primary source of electrical power thereto and to the starting circuit of each said respective vehicle;

each said individual RF transponder unit further comprises an auxiliary power supply, switching means, and associated circuitry connected with its said microprocessor, its said RF transceiver means, its said sensor means, and its said alarm means for disconnecting said vehicle battery from said starting circuit of the respective individual vehicle on which it is installed and supplying power from said auxiliary power supply to said individual RF transponder unit when said vehicle battery is disconnected;

each said individual said RF transponder unit is configured to receive an RF battery disconnect instruction signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate its said switching means upon receiving said alarm signal from its said sensor means;

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and its said RF transceiver means is programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF battery disconnect instruction signal to each said activated RF transponder unit instructing it to disconnect said vehicle battery from said starting circuit of the respective individual vehicle upon receipt of its said alarm signal from its said sensor means;

such that

upon a said activated RF transponder unit sensing a change in the condition of the respective individual vehicle on which it is installed, its said switching means will disconnect said vehicle battery from said starting circuit of the respective individual vehicle and will thereafter be powered by said auxiliary power supply to activate its said alarm means to produce a perceivable alarm and activate its said RF transceiver means to transmit a corresponding RF violation signal through the atmosphere.

16. A system according to claim 13 wherein:

each said individual RF transponder unit further comprises intermittent timing means and associated circuitry connected with its said microprocessor, its said RF transceiver means, its said sensor means, and its said alarm means;

said intermittent timing means is connected with the battery and headlights of the respective individual vehicle in which it is installed for intermittently supplying electrical power to said headlights;

said microprocessor of each said individual RF transponder unit is configured to receive an RF flasher instruction signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate its said intermittent timing means upon receiving said alarm signal from its said sensor means; and

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and its said RF transceiver means is programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF flasher instruction signal to each said activated RF transponder unit instructing it to activate its said intermittent timing means upon receipt of said alarm signal from its said sensor means;

such that

upon a said activated RF transponder unit sensing a change in the condition of the respective individual vehicle it will intermittently flash said headlights of the respective individual vehicle and activate its said RF transceiver means to transmit a corresponding RF violation signal through the atmosphere.

17. A system according to claim 13 wherein:

each said individual RF transponder unit further comprises intermittent timing means and associated circuitry connected with its said microprocessor, its said RF transceiver means, its said sensor means, and its said alarm means;

said intermittent timing means is connected with the battery and horn of the respective individual vehicle in which it is installed for intermittently supplying electrical power to said horn;

said microprocessor of each said individual RF transponder unit is configured to receive an RF horn instruction signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate said intermittent timing means upon receiving said alarm signal from its said sensor means; and

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and its said RF transceiver means is programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF horn instruction signal to each said activated RF transponder unit instructing it to activate its said intermittent timing means upon receipt of said alarm signal from its said sensor means;

such that

upon a said activated RF transponder unit sensing a change in the condition of the respective individual vehicle it will intermittently honk the horn of the respective individual vehicle and activate its said RF transceiver means to transmit a corresponding RF violation signal through the atmosphere.

18. A system according to claim 13 further comprising:

an audible perimeter alarm in the vacinity of the given area operatively connected with said central monitoring unit; and

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and its said RF transceiver means is programmed to activate said audible perimeter alarm upon its said RF transceiver means receiving an RF violation signal from any of said activated individual RF transponder units;

such that

said central monitoring unit will activate said audible perimeter alarm upon receiving an RF violation signal from any of said activated individual RF transponder units.

19. A system according to claim 13 further comprising:

a dialing program and recorded message stored in said central monitoring unit and CPU memory storage means; and

a modem operatively connected with said central monitoring unit and CPU and with a telephone line; and

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and its said RF transceiver means is programmed to activate said modem, dial a telephone number, and play said recorded message upon receiving an RF violation signal from any of said activated individual RF transponder units.

20. A system according to claim 13 wherein:

said microprocessor and RF transceiver means of each said individual RF transponder unit is programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to receive an RF vehicle locate polling signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit, and to activate its said alarm means upon receiving said RF vehicle locate polling signal;

each said individual RF transponder unit is assigned a respective identification number;

said identification number of each said individual RF transponder unit and the corresponding identity of each said respective individual vehicle on which it is installed is stored in said central monitoring unit memory storage means;

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and its said RF transceiver means is programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF vehicle locate polling signal to selected individual RF transponder units to instruct said selected individual RF transponder unit to activate its said alarm means;

such that

the activated said alarm means will allow the respective said individual vehicle on which said selected RF transponder unit is installed to be easily located out of said plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in said given area.

21. A system according to claim 13 further comprising:

a video camera and recording means in the vacinity of said plurality of individual vehicles, said video camera and recording means having a universal swivel mount connected with a servo motor and including RF receiver means for receiving RF signals through the atmosphere and signal locking circuitry for operating said servo motor and said video camera and recording means to lock onto and follow the movement of a received RF signal;

said microprocessor and said RF transceiver means of each said individual RF transponder unit is programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF violation signal upon being activated by said sensor signal; and

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and its said RF transceiver means is programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF camera locking signal to said video camera and recording means upon receiving an RF violation signal transmitted from an individual RF transponder unit;

such that

said video camera and recording means will lock onto and follow the motion of the respective said individual RF transponder unit transmitting the RF violation signal until out of camera range.

22. A system for identifying and monitoring a plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in a given area and locating an individual vehicle in the plurality of vehicles, the system comprising:

a central monitoring unit including RF transceiver means operable for transmitting and receiving RF signals through the atmosphere, a programmable microprocessor and CPU with memory storage means, data input means, and display means operatively connected through associated circuitry with said RF transceiver means and programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit RF inventory polling signals and RF vehicle locate signals and to receive RF response signals and RF low battery signals through the atmosphere;

software programs stored in said central monitoring unit memory storage means for controlling the operation of said central monitoring unit microprocessor and CPU and its said RF transceiver means in response to data input by a user to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit said RF inventory polling signals and said RF vehicle locate signals to activate said individual RF transponder units in response to instructions input by a user and in response to received RF response signals;

a plurality of individual programmable RF transponder units each installed on and connected with the battery of a respective said individual vehicle to provide a primary source of electrical power thereto, and each assigned a respective identification number, said identification number of each said individual RF transponder unit and the corresponding identity of each said respective individual vehicle on which it is installed being stored in said central monitoring unit memory storage means;

each said individual RF transponder units having RF transceiver means operable for transmitting and receiving RF signals through the atmosphere, a programmable microprocessor with memory storage means interfaced through associated circuitry with its said RF transceiver means and programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF response signal upon receiving an RF inventory polling signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit;

each said individual RF transponder unit having alarm means and associated circuitry interfaced with its said microprocessor and its said RF transceiver means for producing a perceivable alarm, and its said microprocessor and RF transceiver means programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to receive an RF vehicle locate signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate its said alarm means responsive thereto;

each said individual RF transponder unit having an auxiliary power supply and battery voltage sensor means operable to sense the voltage of the battery of the respective individual vehicle in which it is installed and to produce a sensor signal upon sensing a predetermined low voltage condition of said battery, and associated circuitry connected with its said microprocessor, its said RF transceiver means. its said battery voltage sensor means, and its said auxiliary power supply for supplying power from said auxiliary power supply to its said RF transceiver means upon receiving said sensor signal, and its said microprocessor and RF transceiver means programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF low battery signal through the atmosphere in response to receiving said sensor signal from its said battery voltage sensor means;

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and its said RF transceiver means programmed to receive said RF low battery signal transmitted from said individual RF transponder unit and to record the identification number of said individual RF transponder unit that transmitted said RF low battery signal and the identity of the respective said individual vehicle on which it is installed;

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and its said RF transceiver means programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to sequentially transmit an RF inventory polling signal to selected individual RF transponder units and to wait for a predetermined time interval to receive a said RF response signal from each said selected individual RF transponder unit, and to record which of said individual RF transponder units has transmitted its said RF response signal, whereby

the individual RF transponder units which have transmitted said RF response signal within said time interval and the identity of the respective said individual vehicle on which it is installed will be recorded as being in inventory, and the individual RF transponder units which have not transmitted said RF response signal within said time interval and the identity of the respective said individual vehicle on which it is installed will be recorded as being inactive or not in inventory; and

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and RF transceiver means is programmed to cause its said RF transceiver means to transmit an RF vehicle locate polling signal to a said individual RF transponder unit to cause said individual RF transponder unit to activate said alarm means;

whereby

the respective said individual vehicle with on which said individual RF transponder unit alarm means is activated may be easily located out of said plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in said given area.

23. A system according to claim 22 wherein:

each said individual RF transponder unit further comprises intermittent timing means and associated circuitry interfaced with its said microprocessor and its said RF transceiver means;

each said individual RF transponder unit intermittent timing means is connected with the battery and headlights of the respective individual vehicle on which it is installed for intermittently supplying electrical power to said headlights;

each said individual RF transponder unit microprocessor and RF transceiver means is programmed to receive an RF flasher instruction signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate its said intermittent timing means upon receiving said RF flasher instruction signal; and

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and RF transceiver means id programmed to cause its said RF transceiver to transmit an RF flasher instruction signal to a said individual RF transponder unit to instruct said individual RF transponder to activate its said intermittent timing means to intermittently flash the headlights of said respective vehicle;

such that

the respective said individual vehicle on which said individual RF transponder unit is installed may be easily located out of said plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in said given area.

24. A system according to claim 22 wherein:

each said individual RF transponder unit further comprises intermittent timing means and associated circuitry interfaced with its said microprocessor and its said RF transceiver means;

each said individual RF transponder unit intermittent timing means is connected with the battery and horn of the respective individual vehicle on which it is installed for intermittently supplying electrical power to said horn;

each said individual RF transponder unit microprocessor and RF transceiver means is programmed to receive an RF horn instruction signal transmitted from said central monitoring unit and to activate its said intermittent timing means upon receiving said RF horn instruction signal; and

said central monitoring unit microprocessor and RF transceiver means is programmed to cause its said RF transceiver to transmit an RF horn instruction signal to a said individual RF transponder unit to instruct said individual RF transponder to activate its said intermittent timing means to intermittently honk the horn of said respective vehicle;

such that

the respective said individual vehicle on which said individual RF transponder unit is installed may be easily located out of said plurality of individual vehicles which are congregated together in said given area.