Automotive vehicle anti-theft and anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system

• US 6,002,326 A
• Filed: 07/22/1997
• Issued: 12/14/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Valerie Turner
• Original Assignee: Valerie Turner
• Inventors: Turner, Valerie Jean
• Primary Examiner(s): SWARTHOUT, BRENT
• Application Number:
  US08/899,473
• Time in Patent Office: 875 Days
• Field of Search: 340/426, 340/429, 340/937, 348/113, 348/143, 348/148, 348/151, 348/152, 348/153, 348/154, 348/155, 180/287, 307/10.2
• US Class Current: 340/426.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/00 Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/304 Boats
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/305 using a camera
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/33 of global position, e.g. by providing GPS coordinates
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2556/50 of positioning data, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System] data
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19645 Multiple cameras, each having view on one of a plurality of scenes, e.g. multiple cameras for multi-room surveillance or for tracking an object by view hand-over
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19647 Systems specially adapted for intrusion detection in or around a vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19697 Arrangements wherein non-video detectors generate an alarm themselves

Abstract

An automotive vehicle anti-theft anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system utilizing both an audible alarm and visual monitor system for reducing the incidence of theft or vandalism of an automotive vehicle and an emergency alarm device in connection with an emergency alarm station for preventing carjacking or emergency type situation involving the vehicle or the individuals of the vehicle. The alarm and monitor system comprises one or more video cameras mounted within a vehicle and which are adapted for scanning movement by means of a simple oscillating scanning motor. The video camera is equipped with an emergency alarm device designed to signal the emergency alarm station of an emergency type situation. The emergency alarm station comprises video monitor operators responsible for monitoring and handling an emergency situation then informing a 911 emergency station and video monitor units which are capable of receiving signals from the emergency alarm device for tracking and video recording an emergency situation involving the individuals of the vehicle or the vehicle itself. Motion or vibration sensors are also mounted on the vehicle in selected locations to detect movement of the vehicle or activity in proximity to the vehicle beyond a certain threshold level. A remote unit containing a video screen is also provided for viewing the actual conditions or emergency surrounding the automotive vehicle, as detected by one or more of the video cameras. The remote unit is also equipped with an emergency alarm device for a quick response to any emergency situation. The system also includes a tracking mechanism upon emergency situation the tracking mechanism could cause the cameras to rotate a separate path to view second display signs scenery and or building for tracking purposes.

Claims

1. An automotive vehicle anti-theft anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system in connection with a 24 hour emergency alarm station including a remote monitor unit which receives audio and video inputs from the vehicle and communications from said remote monitor unit to reduce vehicle theft vandalism and carjacking in an emergency situation involving the vehicle and the individuals of the vehicle and which provides a tracking mechanism, said automotive vehicle anti-theft anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system in connection with a 24 hour emergency alarm station comprising:

a) a 24 hour emergency alarm station in connection with an automotive vehicle comprising video monitors and video monitor operators at a remote site in a designated building having responsibility for recording and viewing or tracking and monitoring an emergency situation involving the vehicle or individuals of the vehicle and then informing a 911 emergency station thereof;

b) video means operatively associated with a vehicle emergency alarm device in connection with said 24 hour emergency alarm station video monitors for generating a video image of the vehicle or individuals of the vehicle at said 24 hour emergency alarm station video monitors;

c) display means operatively associated with said 24 hour emergency alarm station video monitors and said remote monitor unit to display a portion of the vehicle or individuals of the vehicle involving an attempted carjacking or emergency situation;

d) means associated with the video means and emergency alarm device for transmitting a video image and audible alarm signal to said 24 hour emergency alarm station video monitors for alerting the video monitor operation of an attempted carjacking or emergency situation;

e) alarm means operatively associated with the vehicle for generating an audible alarm at the vehicle when at least one vehicle sensor is triggered by sensing an attempted vehicle theft condition;

f) said emergency alarm device including a transmitter located within the vehicle front panel or on a video camera of the vehicle and said remote monitor unit for transmitting an alarm signal and video images to said 24 hour emergency alarm station when a switch is actuated manually by an individual of the vehicle upon an attempted carjacking or emergency situation;

g) control means operatively associated with scanning video cameras of the vehicle to control timing and rotations of the scanning video cameras when at least one vehicle sensor is triggered by sensing an attempted vehicle theft condition;

h) track mechanism means associated with vehicle causing video cameras of the vehicle to rotate to provide a 360 degree view of conditions surrounding the cameras; and

i) video monitor means operatively associated with said emergency alarm device capable of receiving alarm signals and video images and tracking information from the vehicle at a remote site;

j) said remote monitor unit capable of being located in proximity to an individual having responsibility for monitoring a potential theft or vandalism condition of the vehicle.

2. The automotive vehicle anti-theft anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system of the claim 1 further characterized in that the emergency alarm device means comprises operating off the vehicle electrical circuitry.

3. The automotive vehicle anti-theft anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system of claim 1 further characterized in that the emergency alarm device will generate a display at one of the video monitors.

4. The automotive vehicle anti-theft anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system of claim 1 further characterized in that the video monitors operate off an electrical system of 24 hour emergency alarm station.

5. The automotive vehicle anti-theft-vandalism and anti-carjacking system of claim 1 further characterized in that track mechanism means form part of the system and which tracking is caused only by an individual of the vehicle manually actuating the emergency alarm device by switching means.

6. The automotive vehicle anti-theft anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system of claim 1 further characterized in that manually actuating is done by an individual of the vehicle with on hands operation of the emergency alarm device.

7. The automotive vehicle anti-theft anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system of claim 1 further characterized in that the video means and emergency alarm device and tracking mechanism are operable when a vehicle is in moving position.