Covert Vehicle Tracking and Immobilization System

Abstract

A vehicle immobilization system which includes electronic systems mounted in the vehicle rear-view housing. The vehicle becomes disabled, at predetermined conditions, when a signal from a remote source is transmitted to the vehicle.

Claims

1. A modified rear-view mirror assembly containing a processor, global positioning system and cellular radio or modem to send and receive data; the position of the vehicle the CPU having being determine via the global positioning system comprising inputs and outputs that transmitted read analog data from the vehicle wherein said CPU is externally to effect the operation of the vehicle where said

2. A rear-view assembly as in claim 1 triggered to disable the ignition of said vehicle.

3. A rear-view assembly as in claim 1 where said processor is externally triggered to disable the starter of said vehicle.

4. A rear-view assembly as in claim 1 wherein said is externally triggered to disable the fuel system of said vehicle.

5. A rear-view assembly as in claim 1 wherein said is externally triggered to disable the multiple control items of said vehicle.

6. A rear-view assembly as in claim 1 that controls multiple normally closed relays that can disable the system to which they are connected.

7. A rear-view assembly as in claim 1 that disables said vehicle based on time, day and date.

8. A modified rear-view mirror assembly containing a processor, global positioning system and cellular radio or modem that sends and receives data for monitoring the vehicle ignition state and speed based on the vehicle's location.

9. A modified rear-view mirror as in claim 8 that allows the vehicle to be disabled when the ignition is OFF and vehicle is stopped

10. A rear-view assembly as in claim 9 where the position of the vehicle is determined by the global positioning system.

11. A rear-view assembly as in claim 9 that has inputs and outputs that reads analog data from the vehicle.

12. A rear-view assembly as in claim 9 wherein said processor is externally triggered to disable the ignition of said vehicle.

13. A rear-view assembly as in claim 9 wherein said processor externally trigger to disable the fuel system of said vehicle.

14. Vehicle rear-view mirror assembly electronic device for sending or receiving data, the device immobilizing the vehicle when it is not operating.

15. The vehicle rear-view assembly as in claim 14 wherein said electronic device includes a GPS, the GPS generating a signal that represents the vehicle position.

16. The vehicle rear-view assembly of claim 14 wherein said electronic device includes a processor that is externally triggered to disable the ignition of said vehicle.

17. The vehicle rear-view assembly of claim 14 wherein said vehicle is disabled at a predetermined time and day.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and further feature thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing therein;

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates the mirror assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 separately shows the front cover of the assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates the reflective mirror element and back cover when separated;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates the monitor and internal plate when separated;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a view showing the printed circuit board and main board when separated;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the cellular radio with GPS; and

[0016] FIG. 7 is a block diagram the complete system of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention pertains to a cellular based global positioning system and vehicle control system within the vehicle mirror assembly for multiple applications. More specifically, the present invention consists of a vehicle mirror assembly having a built in cellular transceiver equipped with a GPS and logic control system for the purpose of knowing the location of a vehicle and controlling certain aspects including the ignition to disable the vehicle if needed. The mirror assembly which integrates a number of electronic devices to disable the vehicle when it is not in operation upon receiving a remotely generated signal.

[0018] This arraignment provides a covert mounting location that has access to the cellular and GPS signals required. This rear-view mirror assembly is mounted in the typical position within he said vehicle high and centered on the windshield. This will allow an unobstructed view of the sky allowing for the best possible GPS antenna reception to the geostationary satellites that emits the signals GPS is based upon. It also allows a suitable covert location for the cellular transceiver to have optimum cellular reception.

[0019] An interior assembly consisting of a variable reflectance element is provided and suitable mounting locations for the other imbedded electronic components and wiring.

[0020] Referring specifically to FIG. 1, a view of the components which comprise the reflective mirror assembly 10 of the present invention is illustrated.

[0021] Specifically component 12 is the frame element (front cover), having an opening or recess, 40 to adjust the manual dimming of the mirror 42, component 14 is a reflective mirror which, as shown in FIG. 3, extends essentially over the entire length of mirror assembly 10, component 16 is an internal frame (shown in FIG. 4) designed to hold internal components 18 in recess 20 formed in component 16, component 28 is a printed circuit board (PCB) which contains a cellular transceiver PCB 28 being mounted to the rear surface of structure 16, an opening, or recess 24, for supporting circuit hoards and antenna assembly (not shown) and back cover 30 (FIGS. 5 and 6) an opening 35 through which power and data cables 36 extend and then are connected to the appropriate system components.

[0022] Since the reflective element covers the entire rear surface of the mirror, it can be used in a traditional manner to see the rear of the vehicle.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates in mote detail front cover 12 with optional recess 39 for receiving button 42 hole (opening) 43 for the manual dimming of the mirror.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a view of reflective mirror and back cover 30.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates the cellular transceiver and GPS radio 18 ready to be secured in recess 20 formed in internal frame structure 16,

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates back cover 30 with window 32 for allowing the GPS antenna array 58 to receive radio signals and wires 36. Also shown is GPS receivers PCB 28, Cellular radio transceiver board 22 and connector 61, transparent connector 65 for cellular antenna 58, cable 57 for internal connections,

[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic of a typical cellular and GPS transceiver using a Siemens XT-75 transceiver module used for this embodiment of the current invention. Other radio transceiver that are currently available and can also be used. The multiple I/O (input, outputs) available with this arrangement can be used for the physical cutoff of the vehicles internal components as needed as well as the ability to have multiple outputs to control relays that will disable vital engine functions in order to not allow the vehicle to start or run. These outputs will be connected through wire harness 36 in FIG. 1. The GPS Receiver 67 gathers satellite information from the cellular antenna 68 to determine the speed acrd location of the vehicle. The radio frequency cellular antenna 69 delivers cellular reception to the cellular radio transceiver 69 that can then communicate data and information to and from the vehicle and the user of the system. The analog controller 72 processes the information with the digital processor 71 to relay incoming data and vehicle data to the system that can be stored within the FLASH and SRAM memory 74 to be used as a buffer. The 110 or input output will be relayed through the main wire connector 73 of the system.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a block diagrams of the internal system that is configured in such a way as to disable or enable multiple circuits within the vehicle for optimum control of the needed functions. These functions varies depending on the intended use of the system based on the customer's needs. The GPS and Cellular antennas 68 and 69 will be connected to the radios for the reception and transmission of signals to and from the vehicle. The cellular SIM card 75 will be used by the device to connect to the cellular systems provider that will identify the unit in use. The GPIO 76 opens and closes circuits to perform the disabling of the vehicles systems as needed.

[0029] While the invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential teachings.