Patent ID: 6525653
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A vehicle security and monitoring system comprising:an alarm assembly coupled to a battery of a vehicle, said alarm assembly being positioned substantially within said vehicle, said alarm assembly providing an audible signal when an unauthorized entry is sensed; a video camera operationally coupled to said alarm assembly such that when said alarm assembly is triggered said video camera captures visual images of an interior of the vehicle; an aperture being formed in said instrument panel; a camera being positioned adjacent to said aperture and being directed toward an operator of the vehicle for viewing the operator of the vehicle; said camera being positioned behind said instrument panel to hide said camera from view of the operator of the vehicle; a transmitter assembly operationally coupled to said alarm assembly such that when said alarm assembly is triggered said transmitter assembly transmits an activation radio signal; a receiver assembly adapted for being carried by a person, said receiver assembly being for remotely receiving said radio signal from said transmitter assembly whereby a user is alerted to said alarm assembly being triggered when the user is out of audible range but within range of the transmitter assembly; a video signal transmitter being operationally coupled to said video camera such that said captured visual images are transmitted in addition to said activation radio signal; a video signal receiver for remotely receiving said transmitted captured visual images; wherein said video signal receiver is positioned within said receiver assembly such that said video signal receiver is portable; a remote activation receiver being operationally coupled to said transmitter assembly and said video camera said remote activation receiver being for receiving a signal commanding transmission of a captured video image without activation of said alarm assembly whereby a user may remotely monitor an interior of the vehicle; a remote activation transmitter positioned within said receiver assembly, said remote activation transmitter being for transmitting a signal to said transmitter assembly and said video camera via said remote activation receiver commanding both said transmitter assembly and said video camera to an active or inactive state; an audible tone generator for providing an aural indication of activation of said alarm assembly; a vibrator for providing a tactile indication of activation of said alarm assembly; a reset switch for deactivating said alarm assembly and said video camera, said reset switch being positioned within the interior of the vehicle; an activation switch for discretely activating said video camera without activating said alarm assembly, said activation switch being positioned within the interior of the vehicle; an emergency activation switch for activating both said video camera and said alarm assembly, said emergency activation switch being positioned within the interior of the vehicle; and said alarm assembly being operationally coupled to a lock of the vehicle such that activating the lock on the vehicle arms said alarm assembly for use and deactivating the lock on the vehicle disarms said alarm assembly.