Abstract:
An automotive vehicle anti-theft, anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system utilizing a visual monitoring system for reducing the incidence of theft or vandalism of an automotive vehicle and an emergency notification system is disclosed. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of video cameras mounted interior and exterior to the vehicle and interfacing electronics within the vehicle adapted for detecting motion exterior to the vehicle and video recording in the direction of the detected motion. The system comprises interior RF video cameras positioned adjacent to the interior front and rear windshields and exterior video cameras placed within the left and right side mirrors. The system is capable of providing visual monitoring data to a mobile communications device via a wireless internet connection or to a wireless dedicated monitor via a Radio Frequency (RF) link.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates in general to certain new and useful improvements in automotive vehicle anti-theft systems and more particularly, to an automotive vehicle monitoring system utilizing video cameras located both interior and exterior to the vehicle for realtime alert and recording of potential theft, vandalism, and accidents that are motion detected within the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In recent years, the incidence of automotive vehicle theft has increased dramatically, particularly with the availability of very high-cost automotive vehicles. For example, in recent years, it is not uncommon to find numerous automotive vehicles where the sales cost easily exceeds $50,000.00 to $150,000.00. As a result, there has been an increasingly available black market for stolen automotive vehicles which may be either resold or otherwise stripped for parts. 
         [0003]    In addition to the increase in theft, there has also been a substantial increase in the amount of vandalism to automotive vehicles. While the precise cause of the vandalism are relatively uncertain, the fact remains that there has been a substantial increase in vandalism associated with many vehicles giving rise in increased number of insurance clams and higher insurance premium costs. 
         [0004]    In order to reduce the incidence of automobile vehicle theft and vandalism, there have been numerous proposed alarm systems. A majority of these alarm systems operate on the basis of a vibration sensor or similar sensor which will detect the presence of a person attempting to open the vehicle or otherwise gain unauthorized access to the vehicle. In many cases, these vehicle alarm systems are not effective because the owner or user of the vehicle is located at a remote location. 
         [0005]    As a simple example, if a vehicle is in a parking lot, it is virtually impossible for the owner or user of the vehicle to hear a generated alarm. While the alarm itself may attract passerby population, the average thief can still start the vehicle and drive away before anyone assumes the presence of mind to call the police or otherwise, take some positive action. 
         [0006]    Notwithstanding the foregoing, even if the owner or the user of an automotive vehicle was in close enough proximity to hear a vehicle alarm, this owner or user is frequently unaware if that alarm is one from his or her vehicle. Due to the fact that many automotive vehicles are equipped with alarm systems, it is virtually impossible to determine if the sound of that alarm emanates from the owner&#39;s or user&#39;s vehicle or another vehicle. 
         [0007]    There exists a need for an automobile alarm and notification system that is aesthetically pleasing and cost effective utilizing the current state of video surveillance technology. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a system that can utilize wireless internet technology, wireless video, and mobile communications devices to provide realtime video monitoring and alerting. This type of system would enable an operator to park his vehicle and activate a vehicle monitoring system utilizing video cameras located both interior and exterior to the vehicle. The monitoring system would alert the operator and provide video of potential theft, vandalism, and accidents that are motion detected within the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present Vehicle Camera Security System utilizes wireless internet technology, wireless video, and mobile communications devices to provide realtime video monitoring and alerting. The system enables an operator to park his vehicle and activate a vehicle monitoring system utilizing video cameras located both interior and exterior to the vehicle. The monitoring system would alert the operator and provide video of potential theft, vandalism, and accidents that are motion detected within the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. 
         [0009]    Specifically, the system utilizes low LUX wireless video cameras that are mounted within the side mirrors of a vehicle that are capable of recording video from the sides of the vehicle when the mirror is in either the stored or open position. Low LUX cameras are also provided at the front and rear of the vehicle for forward and rear video recording. The video cameras become enabled after the operator parks and exits the vehicle and are activated upon the detection of motion in the direction of a selected camera. 
         [0010]    Upon activation the cameras provide a high frequency low power analog output to system controller electronics located within the vehicle. The system controller converts the images to a digital stored format that is managed by system controller software and alerts the user by wireless link that motion has been detected. The video images are then available to be uploaded via a users dedicated monitor or through a wireless communications device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an embodiment of the present invention: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a motor vehicle utilizing the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of the motor vehicle of  FIG. 1  with a video camera placed within the interior of the front vehicle windshield. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of the motor vehicle of  FIG. 1  with a video camera placed within the vehicle front bumper. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a rear view of the motor vehicle of  FIG. 1  with a video camera placed within the interior of the rear vehicle windshield. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of the motor vehicle of  FIG. 1  with a video camera placed along the vehicle rear bumper. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a left and right vehicle side mirror incorporating video cameras placed therein and opened to illustrate the placement of the cameras and detail of the mirror design. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates the left and right mirrors of  FIG. 6  with the mirror in an operational position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates the left and right mirrors of  FIG. 6  with the mirror in the closed position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  illustrates a system block diagram illustrating the hardware components and system interfaces of subject invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart of the method of operation of subject invention that is embodied in software or firmware that is hosted within hardware components of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , a vehicle  10  is disclosed illustrating the location of vehicle security cameras  15 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , a camera  15  is located at the interior of the front windshield  10 B, behind the vehicle mirror  17 . Alternatively, this camera  15  could be placed in a position within the front bumper assembly  10 B 1  as in  FIG. 3 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , a camera  15  is located at the interior of rear windshield  10 A. 
         [0023]    Alternatively, this camera  15  could be place in a position along the rear bumper  10 A 1  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7  a first camera  15  and a second camera  15  are mounted internal to left and right vehicle mirrors  10 C and  10 D. Mirrors  10 C and  10 D have identical structure and are of the type that can be utilized as a blinker. Transparent material  10 C 3  integrated into outer casing  10 C 4  is illuminated by bulb  10 C 1  when the blinker function is activated in vehicle  10 . 
         [0024]    Outer casing  10 C 4  of mirrors  10 C and  10 D further include lenses  10 C 31  and  10 C 32  to coincide with the focal position of first and second cameras  15 . It is understood that lenses  10 C 31  and  10 C 32  may be convex or of other configuration necessary to compliment cameras  15  for acceptable range of detection and recording and is known in the optics art. First and second cameras  15  are positioned within the interior of mirror  10 C such that video recording of motion detected to the left and right sides of the vehicle  10  can be accomplished when the vehicle mirrors  10 C and  10 D are in an operational position as illustrated in  FIG. 7  or in the stored position as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0025]    It is understood that depending on the detection sweep of cameras  15  fewer or more cameras  15  may be necessary to cover a desired range of detection. It is further understood that cameras  15  utilizing rotating or panning camera lenses (described hereinafter) may be utilized and reduce the total number of cameras required. 
         [0026]    Cameras  15  are well known in the art and are low LUX (Measurement of low light needed to view and record properly) cameras, can at a minimum record black and white video, are capable of capturing video in a nighttime environment, and have a high wireless transmit/receive frequency. Transmit frequencies above two GHZ are known in the art to transmit video from such low Lux cameras. Cameras  15  utilize CMOS or CCD component circuitry such that the dimensions of the cameras are small enough to allow for placement within vehicle mirrors  10 C and  10 D. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , each camera  15  utilized in vehicle camera security system  90  includes an audio/video transmitter  15 A, motion sensor  15 B, power source  15 C, and a receiver  15 D. Transmitter  15 A has a low power output sufficient to transmit audio/video signals to signal processing hardware  80  located within vehicle  10 . The hardware  80  can be located in the vehicle trunk or other accessible hidden location and is hardwired to the vehicle  10  car battery power source. 
         [0028]    Camera  15  further includes a motion sensor  15 B utilized to activate transmitter  15  audio/video transmit function upon the detection of motion and a receiver  15 D utilized for receiving camera  15  enable commands from signal processing hardware  80 . Motion sensor  15 B shall be programmable for motion detection at user defined distances. Camera  15  may comprise features of cameras known in the art such as rotating or panning camera  15  lenses that are capable of changing the viewing angle based on the direction of motion that activates transmitter  15  audio/video transmit function. Due to the low power output of camera  15  power source  15 C can be battery power or power can be hardwired to each camera  15  from a source within vehicle  10 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , signal processing hardware  80  comprises a receiver  20  adapted to receive audio/video signals from transmitter  15 A. Receivers  20  are known in the art. One example of such a receiver  20  has an RF input in the range of 2411 to 2483 MHZ, sufficient frequency stability of ±250 KHZ, and is PLL frequency synthesized. Signal processing hardware  80  further comprises an analog to digital converter (A/D)  25  for conversion of analog video stream data to a digital format. 
         [0030]    A/D converters are known in the art. One example of such an A/D converter  25  is capable of 640×480 resolution motion capture capability. The motion capture capability of subject invention should be of sufficient resolution to allow for identification of the individual or vehicle that is detected. Other motion capture video formats and frame rates within the scope of the present invention include, at a minimum, 352×288 (25-30 fps), 320×240 (30 fps), 176×144 (30 fps), and 160×120 (30 fps). 
         [0031]    Signal processing hardware  80  further comprises an image processor  30  capable of compressing video/image data in accordance with standard compression algorithms known in the art, such as MPEG or equivalent formats known in the art to support realtime image output. Controller  45  includes system processor hardware and software applications capable of supporting realtime processing of audio/video data, and are known in the art, such as, 512 MB RAM, and a 266 MHZ Pentium processor. 
         [0032]    Storage device  35  comprises a 1 Gigabyte or more hard drive for video storage  35 B. Storage device  35  is also utilized to store system operational programs  35 A, described hereinafter, and video instant messaging applications such as AIM, Yahoo messenger, MSN messenger etc. It is understood that other commercially available applications programs designed for retrieving, displaying and archiving audio/video data via a mobile communications device  70  may be utilized in subject invention and implemented in signal processing hardware  80 . 
         [0033]    Signal processor hardware  80  further includes digital to analog (D/A) converter  55  for converting stored digital data back to analog output and is known in the art. Transmitter  60  outputs the data streams from D/A converter  55  at a transmit frequencies above two GHZ. Transmitter  60  can have a high output power for maximum range in accordance with maximum allowable power output in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. 
         [0034]    Transmitter  40  includes a video server configured to transmit over a wireless internet service (ISP) which is compatable with a current mobile communication device  170  operation. Mobile device  70  is known in the art and is an internet equipped access mobile phone, PDA, or blackberry for retrieving posted pictures from a user website, receiving real time audio/video, and receiving instant messaging alerts upon camera  15  activation. In this configuration, standard Internet Protocol (IP) addressing between transmitter  40  and device  70  would be utilized and the specific method of subject invention, herinafter described, would be supported by the service provider. 
         [0035]    Dedicated monitor  65  is an analog video receiver having an RF range of 2411-2483 MHZ, sufficient frequency stability ±250 KHZ, and is PLL Frequency Synthesized. Monitor  65  would be packaged for portable use (handheld), have a realtime video monitoring capability and include a notification feature which would alert the user (Beep or vibrate) upon receipt of analog signals from transmitter  60 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 10  a flow chart is illustrated depicting a method of providing realtime video for the vehicle security system  90  of the present invention.  FIG. 10  depicts the method of providing realtime analog video. It is understood that this method may be implemented through a combination of computer hardware and software associated with vehicle security system  90 , such as that depicted in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0037]    In the embodiment disclosed in the present invention, wireless video cameras and associated hardware would be configured in a vehicle  10  as previously described. The security system of the present invention is intended to operate when the vehicle is parked or stationary or alternatively, can be programmed to operate while the vehicle is in motion. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , in a typical scenario, upon entering vehicle  10  the system would be disabled. The system would only be enabled when a monitor function switch is activated  100 . The monitor function switch could be a simple timed relay configured to enable or disable power to cameras  15  and signal processing hardware  80  when the monitoring function switch is activated. The monitor function is delayed a period of time  105  to give the occupants of the vehicle time to get out of the vehicle and out of range of the video camera  15  motion detectors. 
         [0039]    Alternatively, a second monitor function switch could be activated to allow for recording of audio/video data while the vehicle is in motion. By enabling this second monitor function switch motion sensors  15 B would be set to detect motion at a close range (5 ft or less) and cameras  15  would record data as hereinafter described. This configuration of the vehicle security system would allow for recording of audio/video data of accidents while the vehicle is in motion. 
         [0040]    In the configuration for monitoring an unoccupied vehicle, the operator, upon exiting his vehicle could adjust his vehicle mirrors  10 C and  10 D to an open configuration ( FIG. 7 ) or a closed configuration ( FIG. 8 ). Subsequent to the monitor function  100  being set and after delay  105 , controller  45  transmits an enable command to cameras  15 . The enable command can be an analog or discrete pulsed signal. This enable transmit function is built into controller  45  and is known in the art. 
         [0041]    Similarly the receiver  15 D would be configured to receive the pulsed signal and is known in the art. The enable command  15  is received by receiver  15 D and enables all motion sensors  15 B of cameras  15  ( 110 ). In the disclosed embodiment, six motion sensors  15 B are enabled. At this point the vehicle security system is active, however no video is being transmitted until motion sensors  15 B detect motion across their respective sensor ranges ( 115 ). 
         [0042]    Upon detection of motion from any of the  6  video cameras, that respective camera  15  would be enabled by its corresponding motion sensor  15  ( 120 ) and begin transmitting video/audio via transmitter  1 SA to receiver  20 . Receiver  20  has the capability to receive audio/video data from all six cameras  15  simultaneously if required in the case of multiple motion alerts. Similarly, the analog to digital converter  25 , image processor  30 , and video segment storage  35  of signal processing hardware  80  are configured to convert, process, and store audio/video data from cameras  1 - 6  in storage  35  segmented data storage  35 B. The hardware  80  is capable of processing data from all cameras simultaneously or each individually when activated. 
         [0043]    Upon receipt of data at receiver  20  via cameras  1 - 6 , controller  45  identifies the respective enabled camera  15  ( 1 - 6 ) and allocates the audio/video data stream of Image processor  30  to distinct memory segments  35 B numbers  1 - 6  ( 125 ). This stored audio/video data would remain in memory and could be extracted or deleted from memory via controller  45  output for future viewing. 
         [0044]    For transmitting analog signals by wireless RF to a dedicated analog monitor  65  the controller would next direct the output of stored audio/video data from segments  35 B numbers  1 - 6  to the digital to analog converter (D/A)  55  ( 127 ). For transmitting data via an Internet Service Provider (ISP) controller  45  would notify the ISP server  40  that data is available for downloading ( 126 ). Controller  45  will be programmable to select either or both transmit options. 
         [0045]    For the ISP transmit function to be utilized a user would have an internet service activated. For analog signals via wireless RF, the analog output from converter  55  is next transmitted by transmitter  60  to a dedicated analog video/audio receiver  65  ( 140 ). Upon receipt of the first data segment (any segment  1 - 6 ) in video segment storage  35 B, controller  45  would enable an alarm bit ( 122 ) which would be included in the first segment data stream outputted to D/A converter  55  ( 127 ) then to transmitter  60  ( 140 ). The alarm bit (now an analog signature) would trigger an alarm circuit (beep, vibrate, etc) at monitor  65  to alert the user of activity around vehicle  10 . 
         [0046]    The alarm will continuously alert the user ( 122 ) until all motion sensors have turned off and no audio/video is being recorded ( 145 ). At that time controller  45  will reset the alarm bit ( 150 ). Monitor  65  would have the capability to mute the alarm circuit signal if desired. Similarly, a instant messaging applications such as AIM, Yahoo messenger, MSN messenger, as part of an ISP service, could be used to alert the user of activity around vehicle  10 . 
         [0047]    Such a messaging application could be invoked after data is received in video segment data storage  35 B to notify the user that audio/video data is available. Other ISP applications software may be utilized and provide the user the ability to manipulate data uploaded to the ISP server via a cell phone or PDA device. 
         [0048]    For both analog signals via wireless RF, and for data for transmission via a wireless ISP, controller  45  operates to sequentially parse through segments  1 - 6  allowing for timed output of each data segment to D/A converter  55  or ISP  40 . Furthermore, controller  45  would skip data segments where no audio/video data exists. This would be in the case of a specific camera not being motion activated. In the disclosed embodiment, data segments  1 - 4  represent the data from cameras embodied within vehicle camera mirrors  10 C and  10 D, and data segments  5  and  6  represent the data from vehicle  10  front and rear cameras. 
         [0049]    If data is only stored in segments  1 ,  2  and  6 , indicating audio/video activity from left side mirror  10 C cameras  15  and one front vehicle camera  15 , controller  45  would direct storage  35 B to output to the D/A converter  55  or ISP server  40  sequential video from segments  1 , 2 , and  6 . The controller would be programmable to allow timed output from each sequential video storage segment  1 , 2  and  6 . For example, if a timed output of five seconds is selected controller  45  would direct storage  35 B to output to the D/A converter or ISP server segment  1  for five seconds, then segment  2  for five seconds then segment  3  for five seconds, then back to segment  1  etc. 
         [0050]    The controller  45  saves the last position in each video storage segment such that upon retuning to that segment the timed output begins where it left off. In this respect video output from transmitter  60  to wireless RF receiver  65  or video output to ISP  40  cycles through all cameras  1 - 6  which have been activated. Upon any memory segment  1 - 6  being stored to capacity the controller would allocate the data stream from image processor  30  to write realtime data over previously recorded data starting from the beginning of the data segments  1 - 6 . 
         [0051]    It should be understood that the preceding is merely a detailed description of one embodiment of this invention and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiment can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.