Vehicle security system and method

A security system and method for monitoring the inside a vehicle includes a cabin module positioned inside the vehicle having a camera to record video and a microphone to record audio therein. A GPS is in data communication with the cabin processor and configured to generate real time global position data. A cabin transmitter is configured to transmit collected video, audio, and GPS data. A remote monitoring module is displaced from the cabin module and includes a remote receiver and display so that authorities can review the data transmitted from the cabin module. The remote monitoring module can transmit security action instructions back to the cabin module that can control aspects of the vehicle, sound alarms, and emit sound. A trunk module is configured to collect video, audio, and carbon dioxide data from the vehicle trunk so as to monitor if a person has been placed in the trunk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to vehicle security systems and, more particularly, to a real time vehicle security system for monitoring the security inside and proximate a vehicle and notifying public or private safety authorities of the real time status of the vehicle.

Incidents between police officers and drivers of vehicles involved in traffic stops sometimes result in conflicts that are difficult to piece together after the fact. In other words, if there is some question about whether either the police officer or the driver acted inappropriately, aggressively, or threateningly is often a matter of “he said, she said” and cannot be effectively determined. For example, an officer may later be accused of wrongfully demanding to search a vehicle or even to search the body of a driver without probable cause. In other tragic cases, a person may impersonate a law enforcement officer and wrongfully cause a driver to pull over and commit a criminal act. Still further, carjacking is when an assailant actually removes a driver from his car and then steals it. Unfortunately, there are incidents where criminal acts result in a person being placed in the trunk of a car and the car is driven away, resulting in harm or death to the victim in the trunk.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a vehicle security system for monitoring the security inside and proximate a vehicle and notifying public or private safety authorities of the real time status of the vehicle. Further, it would be desirable to have a vehicle security system having a cabin module that includes one or more cameras, microphones, a carbon monoxide sensor, and a GPS module for collecting useful data to be transmitted to a remote monitoring module for review and to respond with security action instructions. In addition, it would be desirable to have a vehicle security system having a trunk module having one or more cameras, microphones, and sensors inside the trunk area of a vehicle to determine if a person is in the trunk area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a global positioning security system. This system will allow its owner to make and save video and audio recordings simultaneously as they take place in real time, and document the date, time, and global position. The system may also offer monthly services as well as “as needed” services. Recordings can take place from multiple view and vantage points from within the owners' vehicle or from one viewpoint depending on system selection. A central monitor will be utilized as well with the system. The system will record and immediately transmit encounters for immediate storage for future reference. The system may announce “Be advised, encounter is currently linked to Global Justice.” Owners will be offered an option for immediate uplink for “on duty” legal counsel to witness encounters and, if lawful, advise the owner during encounters.

The system would have multiple cameras and microphones with the ability to activate the system either by voice (In the event law enforcement orders owners' hands to be placed on steering wheel, outside of vehicle, in the air, on the head, or anywhere else) or it can be activated manually if possible. The system may have voice commands with the ability to maneuver cameras by voice (if manually unable to maneuver cameras) for optimal video recordings, and ability to save frames of badge ID and face of law enforcement officer, or other person. The system may have a transmitter and a receiver in the event legal counsel is requested. Legal counsel will have access to audio and video as well as GPS location. Legal counsel will be available to provide affidavit for future use in legal proceedings.

Additionally, if lawful Global Justice will also keep record of officers' performance and rate officers regarding captured stops with Global Justice customers e.g. officer is professional and calm, aggressive, officer verbally abusive etc.. Encounters are primarily meant to maintain peace, and mutual respect, and protection between the owner of the system and law enforcement officials, as well as the owner of the system and other individuals, but not limited to, the aforementioned encounters. The system will document encounters or points of contacts and their respective date, time, and global positions.

Additionally, Global Justice will have a trunk activating system that will alert Global Justice for police assistance in the event of a high-jacking/kidnapping event. The trunk of the vehicle will have a video camera, light, speaker, and microphone. System will activate with sounds of distress (crying, moaning, cries for help etc.). Global justice will provide GPS location of vehicle of customer in distress for easier tracking for Police assistance. A distress light will turn on to alert other drivers as well.

Regarding marketing, a monthly service fee will be charged to maintain an active Global Justice service for the system. Owners will have options to purchase different service plans. Service plans will vary depending on service packages chosen. Owners will also have an option to pay for a video copy which will be immediately ready to send to attorney or representative of choice for future reference as well. Owner will have an option to pay for video to be saved for duration of statute of limitations according to US, state, or territory if they choose to opt out of immediately receiving video for a fee. Different packages may arise with change.

The system is intended to maintain a professional and neutral encounter by documenting as much detail as possible of each encounter. The system may be used as evidence in legal proceedings. The system can also be utilized as a tracking device as well, either on a vehicle or on a person as Global Justice expands products. An App option for cellular or other electronic device usage may be offered for an additional fee for Global Justice services and usage. This app is intended for a personal use that is away from the main vehicle Global Justice System or as a cheaper option versus the vehicle option. As technology advances, the system can be utilized on a person with other objects such as, but not limited to, watches, bracelets, rings, wardrobe and other personal wear, stationary etc. The system will allow for warning such as “Be advised Global Justice is activated. Please step away from the vehicle” when vehicle is unattended. Alerts may be sent to electronic devices of choice such as cellular phone, iPad, email, etc., or a combination.

Cameras will operate both, in all lighting situations and weather conditions. The system will have a tracking device for events when the owner is ordered out of the vehicle. The tracking system will follow owner for thorough documentation of stop and entire incident. The system will also send an automatic feed to a person of choice such as a loved one. This option is intended to inform loved ones or need to know persons that there is an incident taking place, documenting, time, date, global position etc. for follow up. The system may offer 911 options for medical and other emergencies as well. System will utilize Vehicular Identification Number (VIN). As future laws allow, system will have links to law enforcement agencies in order to confirm office and badge identification. Initially, identification may be confirmed utilizing Global Justice legal counsel.

Now with regard to the structure and function of the system, a real time vehicle security system for monitoring the security inside and proximate a vehicle having a vehicle computer, a trunk, and a trunk lid, includes a cabin monitoring assembly having a cabin memory and a cabin processor in data communication with the cabin memory. The cabin module is positioned inside the vehicle cabin and includes a cabin camera configured to selectively record video in the cabin of the vehicle and a cabin microphone configured to selectively record audio in the cabin of the vehicle. A GPS device is in data communication with the cabin processor and configured to generate real time global position data corresponding to the video and audio data. A cabin transmitter is configured to transmit collected real time video, audio, and GPS data so as to alert the authorities or other designated third parties.

A remote monitoring module is displaced from the cabin module and includes a remote receiver and display so that law and security authorities can review the real time data transmitted from the cabin module. The remote monitoring module can transmit security action data back to the cabin module that can control aspects of the vehicle (such as to kill the engine or unlock doors), sound alarms, and emit sound. Further, legal authorities can offer advice to the vehicle driver and to a law enforcement officer at the scene. A trunk monitoring module is configured to collect video, audio, and carbon dioxide data from the vehicle trunk so as to monitor if a person has been placed into the trunk. The security action data can even open the trunk lid and prevent it from being closed.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a real time vehicle security system for monitoring the security inside and proximate to a vehicle having a vehicle computer, a trunk, and a trunk lid.

Another object of this invention is to provide a real time vehicle security system, as aforesaid, having a cabin module that includes a camera, microphone, GPS device, and carbon monoxide sensor such that an accurate record can be obtained in real time regarding the security inside the vehicle.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a real time vehicle security system, as aforesaid, that transmits the collected data inside the vehicle to a remote monitoring module, such as a public or private security firm where the vehicle status is reviewed in real time.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a real time vehicle security system, as aforesaid, in which the remote monitoring module can send security action instructions back to the cabin module that can operate vehicle controls, activate alarms, or issue audible advice and warnings.

A further object of this invention is to provide a real time vehicle security system, as aforesaid, in which a trunk monitoring module is positioned inside the vehicle's trunk and includes a camera, light, carbon dioxide sensor, and microphone for collecting real time security status information for transmission to the remote monitoring module.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a real time vehicle security system, as aforesaid, which can prevent the trunk lid from being closed in case a person has been forced into the trunk, can de-energize the vehicle motor, can lower windows if carbon monoxide levels in the vehicle cabin are elevated, and operate other vehicle controls.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A real time vehicle security system and method for monitoring the security inside and proximate a vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 1ato11of the accompanying drawings. The real time vehicle security system10includes a cabin monitoring assembly having a cabin module20, a remote monitoring module60, a trunk module70, and a variety of cameras and sensors for monitoring a security status of an automobile in real time and to take actions to address undesirable or unsafe conditions.

The vehicle security system10is designed for use with automobiles of all types and, specifically, to vehicles having an interior area or “cabin” where a driver and passengers are seated and having a trunk area14accessible by operation of a trunk lid16. The cabin module20includes a cabin memory (not shown) configured to store data and programming instructions and includes a cabin processor26in data communication with the cabin memory. The cabin processor26is configured to execute programming instructions stored in memory, such as to direct various sensors to collect data and to transmit that data, as will be described later.

The cabin module20may include a base22that is attachable to a dashboard of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the cabin module20may include a plurality of individual units each having a base22mounted in spaced apart positions within the cabin of the vehicle. The cabin module20includes at least one cabin camera28mounted to the base22and that is operable to record video data, either for storage, later playback, or to be streamed in real time to a remote monitoring module60as will be described in more detail later. The base22may include a rotatable structure so as to be rotated by a user, either manually (by hand) or with electronic controls (in the nature of cruise control buttons), motors, and even via voice recognition software control. In other words, the cabin camera28may be directed to record video data at a desired location, such as at the window of the driver's door of the vehicle. The cabin module20may also include a cabin microphone32configured to collect audio input from inside the cabin area. The cabin microphone32may be positioned on the base22such that video and audio data may be collected simultaneously when activated. The cabin camera28and cabin microphone32are in data communication with the cabin processor26such that the cabin processor26, when executing respective programming instructions, selectively causes the collection of video and audio data from inside the vehicle cabin. In an embodiment, the cabin module20may include a display monitor (not shown) configured to display whatever the cabin camera28is recording so that the driver can confirm that it is accurately aimed or directed.

In addition, the cabin module20may include a global position system (GPS) module36situated in the base22and in data communication with the cabin processor26. Under programming control, the cabin processor26selectively energizes the collection of GPS data and may, in some embodiments, associates corresponding GPS data with real time video and audio data. The collected video, audio, and GPS data may at first be stored in the memory but may then be transmitted to predetermined security authorities.

In an embodiment, the cabin module20may include a cabin carbon monoxide sensor34positioned on or inside the base22or at a location displaced from the base22. In either case, the cabin carbon monoxide sensor34is configured to determine a level of carbon monoxide in the ambient area proximate the cabin carbon monoxide sensor34and is in data communication with the cabin processor26. Regular readings taken by the cabin carbon monoxide sensor34may be stored in the memory for later review or transmission to the remote monitoring module60.

In an embodiment, the cabin module20may also include a “motor-kill circuit”38or equivalent programming step. It is understood that the cabin module20and, specifically, the cabin processor26, is electrically connected to the vehicle computer (not shown) that operates much of the operation of the vehicle. Therefore, when actuated, the motor-kill circuit38is configured to instruct the vehicle computer to deactivate the vehicle's engine. In use, such actuation of the motor-kill circuit38may come by receiving a respective security action instruction from the remote monitoring module60as will be described later.

The cabin module20includes a cabin transmitter42and a cabin receiver44configured to transmit or receive data, respectively. The cabin transmitter42and cabin receiver44are in data communication with the cabin processor26. In an embodiment, data corresponding to the status of the security situation within the cabin of the vehicle and the area proximate the vehicle may be transmitted via electromagnetic signals although other signal transmission forms would also work. The transmitted signals may be encrypted for added security. For instance, when the cabin module20has been activated—meaning that video data from the at least one cabin camera28, audio data from the at least one cabin microphone32, GPS data from the GPS module36, and carbon monoxide data from the cabin carbon monoxide sensor34has been collected, the collected data may be transmitted via the cabin transmitter42. The transmission function would be controlled by the cabin processor26under programming control. It is understood that the cabin module20may include a plurality of cabin cameras, cabin microphones, and other sensors such that the video data is more complete or even panoramic.

In use, a driver of the vehicle may have control over when the system10is activated. For instance, the vehicle security system10may be inactive until proactively activated. To do so, the driver of the vehicle may press an on/off button46or initiation may be voice activated. The driver may choose to activate the system10when prompted by the light of a police car to pull over or is approached by an officer or unknown person while sitting (but not driving) in his vehicle.

In an embodiment, the cabin processor26may be in data communication with electronic devices outside of the cabin. For instance, a proximity sensor48may be positioned on the exterior surface or frame of the vehicle and be in data communication with the cabin processor26(FIG. 5). Similarly, an exterior speaker49may be positioned on an outer surface or frame of the vehicle and be in data communication with the cabin processor26. The proximity sensor48is configured to detect motion proximate to the vehicle and to communicate that activity to the cabin processor26. In response, the processor26may automatically actuate the exterior speaker49to state “Be advised, Global Justice is activated” or a similar warning. In this manner, the vehicle security system10seeks to maintain security by announcing that it is “watching.”

In an embodiment, the cabin camera28may be configured to “follow” the driver, such as if the driver steps out or is forced out of the vehicle cabin. For example, if a driver is asked by a police officer to step out of the car, the cabin camera28, also referred to as a “follow camera,” will automatically rotate in the base22to direct its lens in the direction of the driver. To accomplish this movement, the cabin module20may include a wrist-based pendant52having a pendant transmitter54(FIG. 7) that continuously emits a positional signal that can be received by the cabin receiver44in operative communication with the cabin processor26and cabin camera28. The pendant52may also be referred to as a “follow tag” in that it enables the cabin camera28(also referred to as a “follow camera”) to follow it. The pendant transmitter54may be energized by a battery51. Executing respective programming, the cabin processor26can determine the directional position of the pendant signals and actuate respective motors to adjust the position of the base22and cabin camera28. So long as the driver is wearing the pendant52, such as on a wristband50, the cabin camera28(or at least one of a plurality of cabin cameras) will record the activities proximate the vehicle. In addition, the wrist-based pendant52may include a wristband50and may include an auxiliary microphone and an auxiliary camera (not shown) to capture activity if the driver must step outside of the vehicle.

In another aspect, the remote monitoring module60is remote and displaced from the cabin monitoring assembly. For instance, the remote monitoring module60may be operated in a cloud based network arrangement in which one or preferably many security professionals are able to monitor the vehicle security of its subscribers. In other words, hundreds or even thousands of drivers may choose to subscribe to a system known as “Global Justice” in order to allow the security professionals to view in real time the security status of their vehicle during a traffic stop or other potentially dangerous event.

The remote monitoring module60includes a remote processor62, a remote receiver66, a remote transmitter64, and a remote display68. The remote receiver66, under control of the remote processor62, is configured to receive the collected data transmitted by the cabin transmitter42described above. The remote processor62is configured to cause the received data to be “published” or displayed by the remote display68. In other words, the streaming video data, audio data, corresponding GPS data indicating the location of the vehicle in question, and the carbon monoxide status may be shown on a video screen being viewed by the one or more security personnel. Viewing this information in real time enables the security personnel to take steps to prevent or stop any misdeeds being committed, to initiate rescue operations, or even to control operational components of the vehicle itself.

More particularly, the remote processor62is configured to transmit specific security action instructions via the remote transmitter64. Correspondingly, the cabin receiver44is configured to receive the transmitted security action instructions. Then, the cabin processor26, executing programming steps that interpret the instructions, is configured to execute the received instructions. The security action instructions may include, but are not limited to, instructions to emit an audio message through a cabin speaker30(in data communication with the cabin processor26and situated on the base22), instructions to actuate the engine-kill circuit38so as to disable the engine, instructions to the vehicle computer to lower the vehicle windows (such as to dissipate a dangerous level of carbon monoxide), signals to activate audio or visual alarms40(that are electrically connected to the cabin processor26), instructions to transmit an audible or text message to predetermined contacts69a, and instructions to the trunk module70as will be described further below. The action of sending these instructions is illustrated inFIG. 11. It is understood that audible messages to be emitted through the cabin speaker30may be words of admonition of an officer, words of advice regarding behavior of the driver, or in answer to questions asked by the driver having been collected by the cabin microphone32and transmitted to the remote monitoring module60as described above.

In another aspect, the vehicle security system10includes a trunk module70that may be situated in the trunk area of a vehicle and in data communication with the cabin processor26, either by wires or wirelessly. The trunk module70may include a trunk camera72configured to collect video data from the trunk area, a trunk microphone74configured to collect audio data from the trunk area, a light78configured to illuminate the trunk area14when energized, and a trunk carbon dioxide sensor76configured to determine a level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the ambient air of the trunk area. It is understood that detecting a rise in CO2levels is indicative that a live person has been placed in the trunk and, as a result, the monitoring module60needs to be notified and activated. Since the trunk module70is in data communication with the cabin module20, the data collected from the trunk module70components may be transmitted by the cabin transmitter42to the remote monitoring module60in the manner described previously. In this manner, the security personnel at the remote monitoring module60are made aware if a person has been placed in the trunk area. In an embodiment, the trunk module70may also include a carbon monoxide sensor (not shown). In addition, the trunk module70includes a trunk speaker80through which the security personnel can communicate audibly with the trunk module and a person in the trunk area. The components of the trunk module70may be energized by a battery71.

Further, the trunk module70may include a trunk lid locking assembly82that is configured to selectively allow or prevent the trunk lid16from closing or staying closed. With this assembly, the perpetrator of a carjacking would be unable to lock a driver in the trunk and drive away. Either the trunk lid locking assembly82would be activated by the driver or by the remote monitoring module60and would result in the trunk lid16being opened or, if already opened, from being closed. Specifically, the trunk lid locking assembly82includes a solenoid84mounted in a trunk wall of the vehicle adjacent the vehicle's trunk lid latch18. The solenoid84includes a pin86that is movable by a compression spring88between a retracted configuration (FIGS. 4a, 4c, and 4d) and a deployed configuration (FIGS. 4band 4e). The trunk lid16is permitted to engage the trunk latch18when the pin86is retracted but not when it is deployed.

A method for monitoring the security inside and proximate the interior cabin and trunk of a vehicle is disclosed herein with reference the structures and functions described above. In use, the real time vehicle security system10can be implemented for monitoring the security inside and proximate a vehicle. The cabin monitoring assembly and, more particularly, the cabin module20may be mounted inside the cabin of a vehicle. When the driver of the vehicle is being pulled over by a police officer or otherwise being approached by the police or a stranger, the cabin module20may be energized, such as with an on/off button46or using voice recognition technology. Activation causes the cabin camera28, cabin microphone32, cabin carbon monoxide sensor34, GPS module36, and other sensors to begin collecting data and transmitting the collected data using the cabin transmitter42. The trunk monitoring module60may also provide important data to be sent to the remote monitoring module60as described above.

The transmitted data is received by the remote monitoring module60and viewed on the display68. It is understood that the remote monitoring module60may be cloud based and accessible by appropriate personnel at different locations via the internet or other network. Viewing data from the cabin module20and trunk module70, the security personnel can decide the most effective means for becoming involved, if at all, in the situation and may prompt appropriate security actions to be sent back to the respective cabin module20—whether to control respective vehicle components, to actuate an audible message to the driver or even the officer effecting the traffic stop. Of course, the security personnel may contact local law enforcement69bor other third parties if needed.

Now with specific reference to a process100for monitoring the security inside and surrounding a vehicle will be described with reference toFIG. 10. At step102, the processor26determines if the cabin module20has been activated and, if so, the process100continues to step104. Otherwise, the process100loops back to step102. At step104, the processor26calls for the collection of audio and video data as described previously. Then, the process100continues to step106where additional data is collected under program control, such as GPS data and carbon monoxide data. The process100proceeds to step108where the collected data is transmitted to the remote monitoring apparatus60. The process100proceeds to step110.

At step110, the processor26determines if the pendant52is moving and, if so, the process110proceeds to step112; otherwise, the process proceeds to step114. At step112, the processor26causes the base22to rotate in relation to signals received from the pendant52. The process100then proceeds to step110to determine again if the pendant is still moving.

At step114, the processor26determines if an emergency condition exists, such as that the driver has initiated operation of the trunk module70. The process100then proceeds to steps116to120in which the trunk is opened (step116), the trunk camera72is energized (step118), and the trunk carbon dioxide sensor76is activated (step120). The process100may then return control to step104to continue recording video and audio data.