WO2005095167A1

WO2005095167A1 - Alarm system for a mobile vehicle and method for triggering an alarm

Info

Publication number: WO2005095167A1
Application number: PCT/SE2005/000469
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roland ÖHRVALL
Original assignee: Ro Rollytech Ab
Priority date: 2004-03-30
Filing date: 2005-03-30
Publication date: 2005-10-13
Also published as: EP1740423A1; SE0400858L; SE527550C2; SE0400858D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of triggering an alarm signal by means of an alarm system (10) intended for a mobile vehicle (12). The method comprises the steps of - activating the alarm unit (14) in a first state or in a second state; - determining a reference position with respect to the mobile vehicle (12); - determining an actual position of the vehicle (12) by means of the positioning device (18); - comparing the actual position of the vehicle with said reference position by means of the processor (20); - causing the alarm unit (14) to trigger an alarm signal when the actual position of the mobile vehicle (12) differs from the reference position; sending information concerning the alarm signal to the distributed computer network (24) in a wireless fashion by means of the communications device (22) and/or sending a message concerning the alarm signal to the predetermined mobile terminal (28) by means of the communications device (22) ;- reproducing the actual position of the vehicle (12) with the aid of the computer means (26); - causing the alarm unit (14) to receive signals from both the transmitter (16) and the positioning device (18) when said alarm unit is in its first active state and causing the alarm unit (14) to trigger the alarm system when no signals are received from the transmitter (16) over a predetermined time period; and wherein - when the alarm unit (14) is in its second active state said alarm unit receives only signals from the positioning device (18).

Description

Alarm system for a mobile vehicle and method for triggering an alarm

FIELD OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an alarm system for a mobile vehicle, which is intended to trigger an alarm signal when the location or position of the mobile vehicle deviates from a reference position.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of triggering an alarm signal by means of an alarm system intended for a mobile vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The document WO-00/50916 describes an alarm system for mobile objects. When a mobile vehicle is used within a certain working area or is expected to move along a certain route, the location of the route or the working area is stored in a memory connected to a navigation unit in the system as one of a plurality of predetermined positions or locations. The navigation unit determines the position of the vehicle at that moment in time and a processor compares this position of the vehicle with the predetermined positions stored in the memory. If the position of the vehicle differs from the prescribed route or the prescribed working area, an alarm is triggered and a preset telephone number is called, whereby the position of the vehicle is transmitted, possibly together with an alarm message and a message identifying the vehicle concerned.

The document GB-A-2,270,405 describes a device which when mounted on a car, for instance, can be set or reset with the aid of a remote transmitter. When the device is set, it registers its position by means of GPS. If the car is stolen and its position subsequently changes, the device responds by sending the position of the car to a preset telephone number.

The document WO-98/16412 relates to a device in a telecommunications system for generating alarm signals. An SMS transmitter sends a pre-programmed message to a central server for an SMS alarm when an alarm arrangement is activated, whereafter the central server sends an alarm message to the owner of the alarm device/SMS transmitter in the form of an SMS message, for instance.

One drawback common to these described alarm systems is that they fail to solve the problem that arises when a mobile vehicle is "parked" at places that have not been predetermined.

Another drawback that is common to these described alarm systems is that the owner of the mobile vehicle does not obtain comprehensive information concerning the status of the mobile vehicle instead of solely information concerning the status of the alarm, in a simple and flexible fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned problems are solved by an alarm system according to the accompanying Claim 1. The inventive alarm system for a mobile vehicle is intended to trigger an alarm signal when the actual position of the vehicle deviates from a reference position. The alarm system includes an activatable/deactivatable alarm unit, which is mounted in the vehicle and which is active in a first state or in a second state. The alarm system also includes a transmitter, which is disposed in a predetermined position in the vehicle and which functions to send signals to the alarm unit. The alarm system also includes in the alarm unit a positioning device, which is adapted to determine the position or location of the mobile vehicle. The alarm unit also includes a processor connected to the positioning means and adapted to compare the vehicle- position signals obtained from the positioning means with the reference positions. The alarm unit also includes a communications device connected to the processor and adapted to communicate in a wireless manner with a distributed computer network. The alarm system also includes computer means that can be connected to the distributed computer network and that is adapted to disclose the actual position of the vehicle, for instance. One advantage afforded by this alarm system is that a mobile vehicle that is "parked" in places that have not previously been determined constitutes no problem. Another advantage afforded by this alarm system is that the owner of the mobile vehicle obtains comprehensive information regarding the status of the mobile vehicle and not merely the status of the alarm, in a simple and flexible fashion. A further advantage afforded by this alarm system is that the vehicle- mounted equipment can be switched on and off via digital outputs.

A further advantage is afforded in this connection, when the transmitter is comprised of a radio beacon that periodically sends encrypted or coded signals to the alarm unit.

A further advantage is obtained in this connected, when the encrypted signals are encrypted by means of Keeloq technology.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection, when the positioning means is comprised of a combined GPS/GSM/GPRS module.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection, when the alarm unit is adapted to receive signals from both the transmitter and the positioning means when in its first active state, and is adapted to receive signals from solely the positioning means when in its second active state.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection, in that the alarm unit will trigger an alarm signal when no signals are received from the transmitter and when the alarm unit is in its first active state.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection, when the distributed computer network is comprised of the Internet.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection, when the alarm unit is connected to the Internet with the aid of GPRS through the medium of a public IP number. According to another embodiment, a further advantage is obtained in this connection when the alarm unit is connected to the Internet with the aid of GPRS through the medium of a private IP number.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection, when the alarm unit sends a message to a predetermined mobile terminal when triggering said alarm signal.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection, when the reference position is determined as the position from which the vehicle has not been moved during a predetermined time interval.

The aforesaid problems are also solved by a method of triggering an alarm signal in accordance with Claim 12. The method is carried out with the aid of a mobile vehicle alarm system according to the present invention and comprises the following method steps:

- activating the alarm unit in a first state or a second state;

- determining a reference position for the mobile vehicle;

- determining the actual position of the vehicle by means of the positioning means; - comparing the actual position of the vehicle with the reference position with the aid of the processor;

- causing the alarm unit to trigger an alarm signal when the actual position of the mobile vehicle differs from the reference position;

- sending information to the distributed computer network in a wireless fashion by means of the communications device and/or sending a message concerning the alarm signal to the predetermined mobile terminal with the aid of the communications device and

- by revealing the actual position of the vehicle with the aid of the computer means.

One advantage afforded by this method is that a mobile vehicle that is "parked" in places that have not been predetermined presents no problem. Another advantage afforded by this method is that the owner of the mobile vehicle obtains comprehensive information as to the status of the mobile vehicle in a simple and flexible fashion, and not solely information regarding the status of the alarm. Another advantage afforded by this method is that the vehicle-mounted equipment can be switched on and off via digital outputs.

A further advantage obtained in this connection is that the following step is also carried out when the alarm unit is in its first active state:

- the alarm unit receives a signal from both the transmitter and the positioning means.

A further advantage obtained in this connection is that the following step is also carried out when the alarm unit is in its second active state:

- the alarm unit solely receives signals from the positioning means.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection when the transmitter is comprised of a radio beacon, wherewith the method also includes the step wherein

- the radio beacon periodically sends encrypted or coded signals to the alarm unit.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection when the encrypted signals are encrypted by means of Keeloq technology.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection, when the alarm unit carries out the following step in its first active state: - that the alarm unit triggers the alarm signal when no signals are received from the transmitter over a predetermined time period.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection, when the distributed computer network is comprised of the Internet. A further advantage is obtained in this connection, when the method also includes the step of connecting the alarm unit to the Internet with the aid of GPRS by means of a public IP number.

According to another embodiment, a further advantage is obtained in this connection when the method also includes the step connecting the alarm unit to the Internet with the aid of GPRS by means of a private IP number.

A further advantage is obtained in this connection, when the method also includes the step of determining the reference position as the position in which the vehicle has remained stationary for a predetermined length of time.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof and also with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the alarm system 10 according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic picture illustrating an implementation of the alarm system 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 , in accordance with the present invention; and

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of triggering an alarm signal in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an alarm system 10 according to the present invention. The alarm system 10 for a mobile vehicle 12 is intended to trigger an alarm signal when the actual position or location of the mobile vehicle 12 differs from a reference position. The alarm system includes an activatable/deactivatable alarm unit 14 disposed in the vehicle 12. The alarm unit 14 is active in a first or in a second state. The alarm system 10 also includes a transmitter 16, which is adapted to send signals to the alarm unit 14. The transmitter 16 is arranged in a predetermined position with respect to the vehicle 12. This position may, for instance, be a rented parking place when the vehicle 12 is a car or a motorcycle, or a mooring place when the vehicle 12 is a boat. The alarm unit 14 in the alarm system 10 also includes a positioning device 18, which is adapted to determine the position of the mobile vehicle 12. The alarm system 10 also includes a processor 20, which is also included in the alarm unit 14 and which is connected to the positioning device 18. The processor 20 is adapted to compare vehicle-position signals obtained from the positioning device 18 with the reference position. The alarm system 10 also includes a communications device 22, which is connected to the processor 20 and which is also included in the alarm unit 14. The communications device 22 is adapted to communicate with a distributed computer network 24 in a wireless fashion. The alarm system 10 also includes a computer means 26, which can be connected to the distributed computer network 24. The computer means 26 is adapted to disclose the actual position of the vehicle 12, for instance. The alarm system 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 also includes a mobile terminal 28, which, in the illustrated case, can be connected to the distributed computer network 24. The mobile terminal 28 is also adapted to disclose/reveal the actual position of the vehicle 12.

According to one preferred embodiment of the inventive alarm system 10, the transmitter 16 is comprised of a radio beacon 16, which sends periodically encrypted signals to the alarm unit 14. The encrypted signals may, for instance, be encrypted by means of Keeloq technology.

According to one preferred embodiment of the alarm system 10 according to the present invention, the positioning device 18 is comprised of a combined GPS/GSM/GPRS module 18.

According to one preferred embodiment of the inventive alarm system 10, the alarm unit is adapted to receive signals from both the transmitter 16 and the positioning device 18 when in its first active state. The alarm system 14 is adapted to receive only signals from the positioning device 18 when in its second active state. According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive alarm system 10, the alarm unit 14 functions to trigger an alarm signal when the alarm unit 14 is in its first active state and receives no signals from the transmitter/the radio beacon 16.

The distributed computer network 24 may consist of the Internet 24.

According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive alarm system 10, the alarm unit 14 is connected to the Internet 24 with the aid of GPRS by means of a public IP number.

According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive alarm system 10, the alarm unit 14 is connected to the Internet 24 with the aid of GPRS by means of a private IP number.

According to one preferred embodiment of the inventive alarm system 10, the alarm unit 14 sends a message to a predetermined mobile 28 when triggering an alarm signal. This message may be an SMS message or an MMS message.

According to one preferred embodiment of the alarm system 10, the owner of the vehicle may choose the number to which the messages shall be sent, by programming his/her own SIM card accordingly.

According to one preferred embodiment of the inventive alarm system 10, the reference position is determined as the position from which the vehicle 12 has not been moved over a predetermined time interval. A preferred time interval is 20 seconds when all signals are accepted.

It will be noted that this only applies to the starting state of the alarm unit 14. The reference position is not changed when the vehicle is stationary over a set period of time when the alarm unit 14 is not activated or when the alarm unit 14 has been triggered. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic picture of the inventive alarm system 10 shown in Fig. 1. In the case of the illustrated implementation of the alarm system 10, the mobile vehicle 12 is a boat 12, which is moored between two Y beams, preferably in its home port. The boat 12 is equipped with an alarm unit 14 (see Fig. 1) so as to protect the boat against theft, among other things. The buoyant body of the Y beam supports a so-called radio beacon 16, which is/?/ a circuit that sends encrypted or coded signals to the alarm unit 14 disposed in the boat 12 at given intervals. The alarm unit 14 is activated/de-activated, in other words switched on or switched off with the aid of a remote control 34 (shown solely diagrammatically). The remote control 34 may also be used to activate the alarm unit 14 in a first state or in a second state.

According to another embodiment, this is done automatically when the alarm unit 14 detects the arrival of radio beacon signals when state 1 is set during the start- up, both radio beacon surveillance and GPS surveillance, and when no signals are detected from the radio beacon state 2 is set, in other words solely GPS signal surveillance.

When in its first active state, the alarm unit 14 functions to receive signals from both the radio beacon 16 and the positioning device 18 while when in its second state the alarm unit 14 functions to receive signals from solely the positioning device 18, i.e. via satellite 32 that send GPS data.

Because the position of the boat 12 is under surveillance of a radio beacon 16 with the aid of position data from the GPS receiver 18, the alarm will function even when the boat 12 is not moored in its home port where it has access to the radio beacon 16. For example, the alarm can be activated for double surveillance, i.e. both radio-beacon surveillance 16 and GPS surveillance 18, 32 when in its home port, or solely GPS surveillance 18, 32 when moored in some other port.

The position of the boat 12, its speed and its course and the time in question can be checked constantly with the aid of the GPS receiver 18. This also enables the various locations of the boat 12 to be logged in the event of the boat being stolen. The starting position of the boat 12 is checked when activating the alarm unit 14. After having obtained a stable value with regard to the position of the boat, there is saved a reference value that relates to the position of the port mooring. The alarm is triggered when the actual position of the boat 12 differs from the reference value.

If the alarm is triggered, the communication device 22 sends an SMS message to a predetermined mobile terminal 28 via the GSM network 30 and the Internet 24. A low boat battery or a low voltage level of the radio beacon 16 are also events that can cause the dispatch of an SMS message.

This monitoring process is achieved with the aid of different sensors. The main battery is monitored via an analogue input and the radio beacon voltage can be monitored via an interrupt that is triggered via a signal from the Keeloq circuit when the voltage in either the remote control or the radio beacon is low.

When activating the alarm, the alarm is connected to the Internet 24 with the aid of GPRS 30. This can be achieved in two ways. Normally, the connection is effected by using a private IP number obtained from the telephone operator. This IP number cannot be reached from outside the local network of the telephone operator, meaning that it is necessary to proceed via a server with a public IP number. This means that a server must constantly be active and manage several alarm units 14.

The second way indicated above is one which can be used in the inventive alarm system 10. Instead of a system that requires the use of a private IP number, there is obtained from the telephone operator a public IP number therewith obviating the need of a server that manages all alarms. It can be said that each boat 12 has its own server, which can be reached from any computer 26 or mobile telephone 28 whatsoever that has access to the Internet 24.

The user can check different variables, such as the speed of the boat, its position and course, the validity of the GPS signal, the status of the alarm and the boat temperature on the web site. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method for triggering an alarm signal in accordance with the present invention. The method is carried out by means of an inventive alarm system (see Fig. 1) for a mobile vehicle 12. The method starts at block 50 and then continues at block 52 with the step of activating the alarm unit 14 in a first state or in a second state. The method then continues at block 54 with the step of determining a reference position in respect of the mobile vehicle 12. The method then continues at block 56 with the step of determining an actual position or location of the vehicle 12 with the aid of a positioning device 18. The method then continues at block 58 by enquiring whether the actual position of the vehicle 12 coincides with the reference position. If the answer to this question is YES, the step according to block 56 is repeated. If, on the other hand, the answer is NO, the step according to block 60 is carried out, wherewith the alarm unit 14 triggers an alarm signal. The method then continues at block 62 with the step in which the communications device 22 sends information to the distributed computer network 24 in a wireless fashion. The method then continues at block 64 with the step in which the communications device 22 sends a message concerning the alarm signal to the predetermined mobile terminal 28. The method then continues at block 66 with the step in which the actual position of the vehicle 12 is disclosed by the computer means 26. The method is then terminated at block 68. It will be pointed out that the process is normally not ended when the data flow reaches block 68,. The processor 20 transfers the actual position of the vehicle to the communications device 22 at set intervals, therewith enabling the position of the vehicle 12 to be tracked.

The type of alarm concerned, for example a battery warning or battery alarm, is sent as an SMS message. No more information is sent after this. In order to access this information, it is necessary to contact the alarm via the web site.

According to one preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the alarm unit 14 will also receive signals from both the transmitter 16 and the positioning device 18 when in its first active state. According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the alarm unit 14 will receive solely signals from the positioning device 18 when in its second active state.

According to another preferred embodiment of the method, the transmitter 16 is comprised of a radio beacon 16 and the method will also include the step of causing the radio beacon 16 to periodically send encrypted or coded signals to the alarm unit 14. The signals are preferably encrypted by Keeloq technology.

According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the alarm unit 14 is caused to trigger an alarm signal when no signals are received from the transmitter 16 over a predetermined time period when said alarm unit is in its first active state.

According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the positioning device 18 is comprised of a combined GPS/GSM/GPRS module 18.

According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the distributed computer network 24 comprises the Internet 24.

According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the method also includes the step of connecting the alarm unit 14 to the Internet 24 with the aid of GPRS using a public IP number.

According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the method also includes the step of connecting the alarm unit 14 to the Internet 24 with the aid of GPRS using a private IP number.

According to another preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the method also includes the step of determining the reference position as the position from which the vehicle 12 has not been moved over a predetermined time interval.

Claims

1. An alarm system (10) for a mobile vehicle (12) intended to trigger an alarm signal when the actual position of the mobile vehicle (12) differs from a reference position, wherein the alarm system (10) includes a vehicle-related activatable/deactivatable alarm unit (14), which is active in a first state or in a second state, a transmitter (16) which is disposed in a predetermined position with respect to the vehicle (12) and which is adapted to send signals to the alarm unit (14), wherein the alarm unit (14) includes a positioning device (18) adapted to determine the position of the mobile vehicle (12), a processor (20) connected to the positioning device (18) and adapted to compare vehicle position signals obtained from the positioning device (18) with a reference position, a communications device (22) connected to the processor (20) and adapted for wireless communication with a distributed computer network (24), wherein the alarm system (10) also includes computer means (26) which can be connected to the distributed computer network (24) and which is adapted, for instance, to reproduce the actual position of the vehicle (12), wherein when in its first active state the alarm unit (14) functions to receive signals from both the transmitter (16) and the positioning device (18) and when in its second active state functions to receive signals solely from the positioning device (18), and wherein the alarm unit (14) functions to trigger an alarm signal when the alarm unit (14) does not receive signals from the transmitter (16) with the alarm unit (14) in its first active state.

2. An alarm system (10) according to Claim 1 , characterised in that the transmitter (16) is comprised of a radio beacon (16), which sends encrypted or coded signals periodically to the alarm unit (14).

3. An alarm system (10) according to Claim 2, characterised in that the encrypted signals are encrypted by means of Keeloq technology.

4. An alarm system (10) according to any one of Claims 1-3, characterised in that the positioning device (18) is comprised of a combined GPS/GSM/GPRS module (18).

5. An alarm system (10) according to any one of Claims 1-4, characterised in that the distributed computer network (24) is the Internet (24).

6. An alarm system (10) according to Claim 5, characterised in that the alarm unit (14) is connected to the Internet (24) with the aid of GPRS while using a public

IP number.

7. An alarm system (10) according to Claim 5, characterised in that the alarm unit (14) is connected to the Internet (24) with the aid of GPRS while using a private IP number.

8. An alarm system (10) according to any one of Claims 5-7, characterised in that the alarm unit (14) sends a message to a predetermined mobile terminal (28) when triggering an alarm signal.

9. An alarm system (10) according to any one of Claims 1-8, characterised in that the reference position is determined as the position at which the vehicle (12) has remained stationary for a predetermined length of time.

10. A method of triggering an alarm by means of an alarm system (10) for a mobile vehicle (12) according to any one of Claims 1-9, wherein the method comprises the steps of

- activating the alarm unit (14) in a first state or in a second state;

- determining a reference position with respect to the mobile vehicle (12); - determining an actual position of the vehicle (12) by means of the positioning device (18);

- comparing the actual position of the vehicle with said reference position by means of the processor (20);

- causing the alarm unit (14) to trigger an alarm signal when the actual position of the mobile vehicle (12) differs from the reference position;

- sending information concerning the alarm signal to the distributed computer network (24) in a wireless fashion by means of the communications device (22) and/or sending a message concerning the alarm signal to the predetermined mobile terminal (28) by means of the communications device (22) ; - reproducing the actual position of the vehicle (12) with the aid of the computer means (26);

- causing the alarm unit (14) to receive signals from both the transmitter (16) and the positioning device (18) when said alarm unit is in its first active state and causing the alarm unit (14) to trigger the alarm system when no signals are received from the transmitter (16) over a predetermined time period; and wherein

- when the alarm unit (14) is in its second active state said alarm unit receives only signals from the positioning device (18).

11. A method of triggering an alarm signal according to Claim 10, characterised by providing the transmitter (16) in the form of a radio beacon (16), wherein the method includes the further step of causing the radio beacon (16) to send periodically encrypted or coded signals to the alarm unit (14).

12. A method of triggering an alarm signal according to Claim 10, characterised by encrypting the signals by means of Keeloq technology.

13. A method of triggering an alarm signal according to any one of Claims 10-12, characterised by using a combined GPS/GSM/GPRS module (18) as the positioning device.

14. A method of triggering an alarm signal according to any one of Claims 10-13, characterised by using the Internet (24) as the distributed computer network (24).

15. A method of triggering an alarm signal according to Claim 14, characterised by the further step of connecting the alarm unit (14) to the Internet (24) with the aid of GPRS while using a public IP number.

16. A method of triggering an alarm signal according to Claim 14, characterised in that the method includes the further step of connecting the alarm unit (14) to the Internet (24) with the aid of GPRS while using a private IP number.

17. A method of triggering an alarm signal according to any one of Claims 10-16, characterised in that the method includes the further step of determining the reference position as the position from which the vehicle (12) has not moved over a predetermined time interval.