Vehicle surveillance and control system

• US 7,548,803 B2
• Filed: 11/01/2004
• Issued: 06/16/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: InvenTel Products, LLC
• Original Assignee: James MacCarthy
• Inventors: MacCarthy, James
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Cuong H
• Application Number:
  US10/979,938
• Publication Number:
  US 20060170770A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,688 Days
• Field of Search: 348/151, 348/118, 348/937, 348/153, 348/159, 701/1, 701/36, 382/104, 382/118, 382/115, 340/541, 340/397, 340/426.18, 340/426.22, 340/426.24, 340/426.28, 340/5.83, 340/426, 307/10.5
• US Class Current: 701/36
• 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. The vehicle surveillance system comprising:

a vehicular mirror assembly having a reflective surface;

at least one camera concealed behind the reflective surface;

said camera having a wide range lens and operable to provide coverage of the entire cockpit and rear of the vehicle;

at least one camera concealed within the vehicular mirror assembly;

said camera comprising a wide range lens and operable to provide coverage of the front of the vehicle;

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.

2. The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 1, wherein said system is coupled to an ignition system.

3. The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 2, further including a microphone for providing audio data.

4. The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 1, further including

a first receiver for receiving data;

and

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

5. The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 1, 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 1, further including a sensor for activating the surveillance and control system.

7. The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 1 further including a microphone for producing audio data.

8. The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 1 wherein the transmitter is wireless.

9. The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 1, wherein the at least one camera is located in the interior rear view mirror.

10. The vehicle surveillance system as in claim 1, wherein said system controller is coupled to a fuel system.

11. 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 con disable a selectable vehicle responsive to the human activity and the license plate identifier.