Patent Publication Number: US-2005128121-A1

Title: Indash car stereo combined with speed detection device

Description:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
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     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC.  
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     REFERENCE TO A MICHROFISHE APPENDIX  
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     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      (1) Field of Invention  
      The present invention relates to an Indash Car Stereo Combined With Speed Detection Device. More specifically, it combines a typical indash type car stereo, with a radar detector of the type that is used for detecting police radar of the sort used in radar speed traps on public roads. When the police radar is detected, the stereo volume is muted and an audible warning sound is emitted from the vehicle&#39;s speakers.  
      (2) Description of Related Art  
      Including information declared under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.  
      Typical radar detectors are effective and function properly if the manufacturers instructions are followed. However, there are many drawbacks associated with the use of typical radar detectors. This invention eliminates those associated problems in a convenient, practical, and relatively inexpensive manner.  
      The bulkiness of conventional radar detectors may be a hindrance to vision, or it may be otherwise undesirable from an esthetic point of view. Also, if a conventional radar detector is left in the vehicle unattended, its obviousness makes it vulnerable to theft. Furthermore, the theft of a radar detector usually results in vandalism to the vehicle.  
      Of course to reduce the chance of theft, the vehicle&#39;s operator can install the radar detector before each trip, then remove and store it after the trip is complete, but this is time consuming and cumbersome.  
      From a more scientific point of view, microwave frequencies of those used in police radars travel in a straight Line. These microwave frequencies will pass through many plastic materials and glass, but will not pass through metal objects or mirrors. Therefore, in order for a radar detector to function properly, the microwave radar transmission must have a favorable path from its transmitter to the receiver.  
      In the present invention, the radar detector portion of the device receives signals from the vehicle&#39;s antenna. This configuration vastly improves the signal reception ability compared to conventional horn or microstrip antennas associated with conventional radar detector units. The present invention also provides for an additional auxiliary antenna that is attached to the vehicle&#39;s grille, further enhancing its signal reception ability.  
      When a police radar signal is detected, the present invention can respond in a variety of ways, depending on how the operator has it configured. The most common response scenario when a police radar signal is detected is the stereo volume is immediately muted, a warning tone momentarily emanates from the vehicle&#39;s speakers and/or a small, built-in speaker located on the control panel, and a momentary visual alert is displayed on the control panel. After several seconds, the stereo resumes its normal operation. The ability of the stereo to immediately mute and emit a momentary warning tone from the vehicle&#39;s speakers and provide a visual alert from the control panel when police radar is detected, combined with the enhanced radar reception capability, are key elements of the present invention.  
      In short, integrating the radar detector into a car stereo system reduces the potential for theft and its associated vandalism, increases the radar detector&#39;s effectiveness, and eliminates the need for a nuisance power cord.  
      It is imperative to note that radar detectors are not intended to encourage the vehicle&#39;s operator to drive faster than the posted speed limit. Radar detectors, when used responsibly, actually make drivers more cognizant of their speed, warn drivers of roadwork construction sites, and produce a feeling of safety and confidence when driving in unfamiliar territory. The present invention is also not intended to encourage the driving of vehicles while playing the stereo in a very loud manner. The present invention is also not a police radar jamming system, as these are illegal in many states.  
      Many people own radar detectors. However, their frequency of usage has a tendency to fade with time. The reason is because most radar detectors require the operator to plug the power cord into the cigarette lighter socket, and then mount the unit on the visor, windshield, or dashboard. This is time consuming and frustrating, especially during cold weather conditions. Furthermore, mounting the unit on the dashboard with Velcro™ is usually permanent, as removing the Velcro™ pad may permanently scar the dashboard surface.  
      Another common complaint related to conventional radar detectors is that the power cord is unsightly, reduces visibility, and is a distraction.  
      Of course to reduce the threat of theft, a person can remove and store the radar detector out of view. However, removing the radar detector requires unplugging the power cord, returning the cigarette lighter to its housing, removing the radar detector from its mount, then storing it in a secure place such as the truck or glove compartment.  
      Conventional radar detectors have other disadvantages. Another drawback is the possibility the audio alert will not be heard over a very loud stereo. When this occurs, the entire use of the radar detector has been negated.  
      Another drawback is that it is sometimes difficult to mount the detector unit in a convenient place that also provides for good microwave radar reception. Because police radar guns work on the line-of-sight principle, it is necessary to provide for a clear, unimpeded path between the radar detector and the radar emitter. A radar detector that does not have the opportunity to detect the police radar is valueless. The present invention solves the above noted problems associated with conventional radar detector configurations.  
      Incorporating the radar detector into a conventional car stereo system and providing for integrated circuitry to interface with the stereo portion, and providing a means to utilize the vehicle&#39;s radio antenna, and providing for additional auxiliary antenna, has many advantages. This configuration reduces the possibility of theft by making the radar detector less obvious. It also makes the radar detector more effective by vastly improving its signal reception capabilities by utilizing the vehicle&#39;s radio antenna and providing for an auxiliary antenna that is mounted on the vehicle&#39;s grille. It also ensures that the driver is adequately alerted to the presence of police radar guns by momentarily muting the stereo sound, and producing a visual alert on the control panel. This configuration is also much more convenient and esthetically pleasing than conventional radar detectors because there is no need to mount the detector, which in turn eliminates the disadvantage of having a power cord dangling in the vehicle&#39;s cabin. Thusly, drivers are more inclined to utilize the radar detector because of its convenience and ease of use.  
      With respect to specific prior art, some radar detector models provide for a remote antenna to be located in the vehicle&#39;s engine compartment. These models provide for unobstructed exposure to the radar emitters, but again the detectors bulkiness and associated annoying power cord are a disadvantage.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,210 is a portable radar detector that is attachable and detachable to the rearview mirror. This invention provides for unobstructed exposure to front and rear microwave frequency radar transmissions.  
      Several other attempts have been made to improve radar detectors. U.S Pat. No. 4,631,542 to Grimsley eliminates annoying prolonged audible alerts.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,086 to Unser et al is portable device that combines a radar detector with a typical citizen band radio and scanning receiver. Under the control of a microprocessor, a detected traffic radar signal will temporarily override the signal being heard unless the operator elects otherwise.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,999 to Harrah et al is device that detects the proximity of certain aircraft. This invention useful in determining whether an aircraft may be engaged in speed detection operations.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,685 to Bradt et al is a device that mutes out unwanted messages being received by a radio communication receiver. The operator must select a push button to mute the wanted sound, but the voice or code conversion will automatically reset after a set amount of time.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,951 to Valentine et al is a police radar detector that is capable of detecting multiple radars and determining the direction from which the signal originated.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,491 to Atkinson discloses a safety device designed to alert a driver to an approaching train by detecting the brake status signal.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,279 to Oliva is a typical radar detector that provides a muting means, and more particularly, to a signal detector which initiates a muted alarm upon detection of a second, subsequent signal.  
      Several U.S. patents have been granted relating to improvements to car stereo lighting and control display features. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,122, which relates to a System For Controlling A Display On A Car Stereo, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,868, which relates to a Temperature Display For A Car Stereo.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Summarized briefly, the principle object of the present invention is to combine a modern means of detecting highway speed control radar emitters with a typical indash type car stereo system. This combination is known as the Indash Car Stereo Combined With Speed Detection Device.  
      The device is comprised of a housing adapted for mounting into the dashboard of a motor vehicle. The stereo portion consists of an amplifier provided within the housing for receiving, generating, and amplifying audio signals of an AM/FM tuner, and at least one of a cassette tape, MP3, or Compact Disk player. The AM/FM tuner is capable of receiving and processing the typical FM radio bandwidth of 87.40 MHz to 108.10 MHz, and the typical AM radio bandwidth of 510 KHz to 1710 KHz.  
      The radar detector portion is comprised of a typical police radar detecting means for detecting the presence of radar signals. The radar detector portion is electrically integrated into the stereo amplifier portion with electronic interface logic means. Both the interface logic means, radar detector means, and stereo amplifier, communicate with at least one of the vehicle&#39;s speakers and a small built in speaker located on the control panel, which is capable of producing audible alerts, and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) located on the control panel which are capable of providing a visual warning when police radar signals are detected.  
      A key feature of the present invention is that the stereo sound is immediately and automatically muted when police radar signals are detected. Another key element is that it provides for at least one jack input on the housing to receive the auxiliary antenna jack. The auxiliary antenna preferably mounts on the vehicle&#39;s grille with adhesive or other bonding means. A standard jack input is also provided on the housing, which receives the vehicle&#39;s antenna wire.  
      When police radar signals are detected, the stereo volume is automatically muted and an audible alarm is emitted, at a preset volume, from the vehicle&#39;s speakers. A small built-in speaker is provided on the control panel, which can also emit an audible warning if activated. The built-in speaker, and the vehicle&#39;s speakers, can be used in conjunction with each other, or independently, to produce the audible alert. LEDs or a LCD on the control panel also provide the driver with a visual alert when police radar is detected. The visual alert means can be used in conjunction with, or independently of the audible alert means.  
      The radar detector communicates with the vehicle&#39;s radio antenna and auxiliary antenna located on the vehicle&#39;s grille, greatly improving its reception capabilities. The auxiliary antenna is installed through an opening in the vehicle&#39;s firewall, and mounted on or near the vehicle&#39;s grille with adhesive or other bonding means.  
      The driver can operate the stereo in combination with, or independently of, the radar detector. Consequently, the driver can choose to only operate the stereo, while the radar detector portion is deactivated. The driver can also choose to only operate the radar detector portion without utilizing the stereo portion.  
      Accordingly, a radar detector integrated into a typical car stereo system provides the driver with both stereo and radar detection capability, without the many disadvantages of having an independent radar detector.  
      Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to eliminate the need to install/uninstall a radar detector prior to and after each trip.  
      Another object of the present invention is to make its radar detector portion much less obvious than a separate, conventional radar detector to reduce the potential for theft and vandalism, and eliminate the power cord, which is a visual distraction.  
      Another object is to utilize the vehicle&#39;s antenna to increase its radar detection capabilities.  
      Still another object is to provide for auxiliary antenna to increase its radar detection capabilities.  
      The system&#39;s ability to override and automatically mute the stereo amplifier system, and the ability to use the stereo portion or radar detector portion independently, enables each driver to regulate the system as desired. This flexibility is an object of the present invention.  
      Radar emitters are usually installed at road construction sites to warn drivers of roadwork. Therefore, another object of the present invention is to increase driver awareness and safety. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
      While the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portions herein, a preferred embodiment is set forth in the following detailed description which may be best understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic block diagram of the invention.  
       FIG. 2  shows a preferred embodiment of the front panel of the invention.  
       FIG. 3  shows a preferred embodiment of the auxiliary antenna.  
       FIG. 4  shows the invention mounted in the dashboard of a typical automobile.  
       FIG. 5  shows a rear isometric view of the invention.  
       FIG. 6  shows an isometric view of a typical vehicle with auxiliary antenna installed.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of the present invention. The present invention is comprised of a housing  1 , speaker wires  2 , constant power connection  3 , accessory power connection  6 , and ground connection  8 . The present invention is also comprised of a stereo amplifier  11 , connected to means for generating audio signals consisting of an AM/FM tuner, and at least a tape, Compact Disc, and MP3 player, and associated system control panel  10 . A radio antenna jack  15  that receives the vehicle&#39;s antenna wire is also provided. This configuration is similar to that of modern, conventional indash style car stereo system.  
      The system control panel of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2 . The control panel  10  is comprised of buttons, knobs, and selectors, which allows the operator to control the stereo amplifier, such as the power (on/off), volume  31 , AM/FM selector  19 , channel indicator  18 , radio present selector buttons  29 , balance and fade  21 , tuner  17 , tone (bass and treble)  20 , and the like. It provides for a tape, compact disc and/or MP3 player means  28  and associated controls, such as fast forward and reverse eject buttons  22 . This basic control panel configuration is also similar to that of many conventional car stereo systems.  
      However, the present invention concerns the addition of a feature to the typical indash car stereo system that is capable of alerting the vehicle&#39;s operator when police radar is detected. This is primarily accomplished by incorporating radar detector portion  12  in the housing  1 , and providing for interface and logic alert means  13 , which interfaces with the other circuits and at least one of the vehicle&#39;s speakers  47 .  
      Summarized briefly, police radar involves transmitting microwave signals at a target and receiving them back at the transmitter. The speed at which the signal returns relative to the speed at which is was transmitted determines the objects speed. This process is known as the Doppler effect. Police radar is generally transmitted on three frequency bands: X band is 10.50-10.55 GHz, K band is 24.05-24.25 GHz, and Ka Superwide band is 33.40-36.00 GHz. Some states also use lasers to determine a vehicle&#39;s highway speed. Transmissions at those frequencies will pass through certain kinds of materials that are substantially transparent to them, such as glass and most plastics, but not other kinds of materials, such as metal. In general, microwave frequencies at those frequencies travel in a straight line and must have an unrestricted exposure to the antenna in order for the radar detector to function properly.  
      It is these characteristics that are particularly taken advantage of by the present invention. In the present invention, police radar transmissions are received by the radio antenna  51 , which is provided on the typical vehicle  50 . This configuration is shown in  FIG. 6 . This configuration vastly improves police radar reception capability. Furthermore, an auxiliary antenna is also provided. The auxiliary antenna is shown in  FIG. 3 . The antenna  35  is mounted on the vehicle&#39;s grille  52  with adhesive or other suitable bonding means and is small enough to be virtually unnoticeable. An antenna wire  33  comprised of a prong  32  and protective sleeve  34  is installed through the vehicle&#39;s firewall, and is received by the antenna jack  14  located in the housing. Therefore, providing for a grille mounted auxiliary antenna in conjunction with utilizing the vehicle&#39;s radio antenna to receive microwave transmissions maximizes the probability that a police radar signal of interest will be received. The rear isometric view is shown in  FIG. 5 .  
      Another key element to the present invention is the manner in which it alerts the driver to the presence of police radar. When the vehicle&#39;s radio antenna or the auxiliary antenna receives a police radar transmission, the signal is transmitted to the radar detector portion. The radar detector portion has circuitry similar to that of modern police radar detectors. The circuitry has bandwidths set to the frequencies of interest. If a signal is within the acceptable target range and bandwidth of the true frequency and is encountered at acceptable amplitude, then the radar detector determines that a valid police microwave transmission has been encountered. The radar detector portion then immediately communicates with the interface logic means. The interface logic means then communicates with, and instructs the stereo amplifier to immediately alert the driver by implementing conditions that were pre-set by the driver.  
      The present invention can be operated in three primary modes. First, the radar detector portion can be activated while the stereo is deactivated, second, the stereo portion can be activated while the radar detector portion is deactivated, and third, the radar detector portion and stereo portion can be operated simultaneously.  
      As noted above, the driver may elect to operate the radar detector portion while the stereo portion is tuned off. In this mode, the operation of the radar detector is similar to that of a conventional radar detector, but with improved reception capabilities. The driver selects this mode by turning the stereo off with the associated power and volume control  31 . The driver must also activate the radar detector by selecting the associated radar power and volume control  30 .  
      The radar detector button adjusts the volume of the audible alert that emanates from the vehicle&#39;s speakers when police radar is detected. In the event the driver prefers not to utilize the vehicle&#39;s speakers, the Indash Car Stereo Combined With Speed Detection Device provides a built-in speaker  9 . Selecting the speaker control  16  on the control panel activates this speaker. Deselecting the radar audio control  24  prevents the vehicle&#39;s speakers from emitting an alert when police radar is encountered. The speaker button also adjusts the built-in speaker volume; continually holding the button in increases the alert sound. When the desired volume is reached, the button is released. This volume setting is retained until the driver makes an adjustment. The built-in speaker has a maximum volume; holding in the speaker button will escalate the volume to its maximum level, but the volume will then gradually decline. This high low cycle is repeatable.  
      Also in this mode, the driver may also activate the visual alert portion located on the control panel by selecting the visual on/off control  23 . These visual alerts are comprised of LEDs or LCDs and illuminate when police radar is encountered. These visual alerts display the band type that was transmitted on the band indicator  26 , and display its relative signal strength on the strength indicator  25 . The visual alert portion may be operated in conjunction with the audio alert, or independent of the audio alert.  
      Another operating mode consists of utilizing the stereo while the radar detector portion is deactivated. This can be accomplished by activating the stereo by selecting the appropriate stereo power and volume control  31 , while deactivating the radar power volume control  30 . The present invention operates as a conventional car stereo in this configuration.  
      The third mode, and most common mode of operation, is to operate the radar detector portion and stereo simultaneously. This mode provides the driver with both conventional car audio sound, and police radar detection capability.  
      In this mode, the driver selects the radar power and volume control  30  and stereo power and volume control  31 . When police radar is detected, the stereo volume momentarily mutes, and an audible warning is sent to the vehicle&#39;s speakers  47 . The driver may also elect to have the audible warning sent to the built-in speaker located on the control panel, or the driver may elect to have the audible warning sent to only the built-in speaker, depending on preference. In any case, the stereo resumes its normal play after the momentary audible alert is heard. In this mode, the driver may also activate the visual alert portion, or only have the visual alert portion activated, depending on preference.  
      As mentioned above, an auxiliary antenna shown in  FIG. 3  is also provided. The auxiliary antenna  35  is mounted on the vehicle&#39;s grille.  
      The auxiliary antenna wire  33  is inserted through the vehicle&#39;s firewall, and the prong  32  is inserted the auxiliary antenna jack  14 . A typical protective sleeve  34  made of high strength and heat resistant material is provided to eliminate potential damage to the antenna wire. Because the auxiliary antenna is mounted on the grille, where the police radar is aimed, it provides for exceptional radar detection capability.  
      Many security systems, garage door openers, etc. can produce false alerts. Consequently, a means to eliminate unwanted audio alerts is provided. When the false signal selector  27  is selected, pre-set signal amplitude must be reached before the alert activates. If the driver chooses not to utilize the radar detector portion, then it can be easily turned-off by making the appropriate selection on the power and volume button  30 . Likewise, the radar detector portion can be activated without listening to the stereo.  
      When the radar detector portion is activated, it can perform a self-test. This entails an internal operational check accompanied by a momentary illumination of the LEDs and a brief audio alert.  
      The present invention is ultimately mounted into the vehicle&#39;s dashboard  41 , which makes its use very convenient for the driver, as shown in  FIG. 5 . A steering wheel  40 , air vent  42 , and control panel  43 , brake pedal  44 , accelerator pedal  45  and dashboard indicator panel  46  are shown for reference.  
      Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in the foregoing Detailed Description of the Invention, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitution of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, each radar band detected can produce a separate audio alert, such as a chirp, ring, or shrill sound. The device could provide for police laser detection, or radar detection, detection, have XM stereo capabilities, or have anti theft protection. The switches and buttons may be placed in different positions, or eliminated without affecting the purpose of the assembly and the invention. An anti-theft detachable control face may also be provided. A remote control device may be provided. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to encompass such rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements as fall within the scope and spirit of the claims.