WO1999031575A1

WO1999031575A1 - Wireless vehicle location and emergency notification system

Info

Publication number: WO1999031575A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/026717
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maurice A. Khawam
Original assignee: Khawam Maurice A
Priority date: 1997-12-16
Filing date: 1998-12-15
Publication date: 1999-06-24
Also published as: AU1918699A

Abstract

In the event of an accident or another traumatic event to a vehicle, a wireless vehicle location and emergency notification system is provided for determining the location and sensing the condition of a vehicle. The system utilizes a global positioning receiver (10) for determining the location of the vehicle and sensors (18) for monitoring vehicle conditions such as attitude, deceleration, shock, temperature and passenger compartment audio. The location and condition information is communicated to a data processor (20) which compares this data to established parameters and recently stored location and condition data. If the location and/or condition information fall outside the established parameters of the new data does not compare with the recently stored data, a transmission is sent to the base station. This information is also communicated to a user interface unit (46), usually within the passenger compartment, which has a display, keypad, and speaker/microphone. A wireless transceiver (14) acts as a data link to a wireless satellite network. The system operates continuously and without the need for user intervention.

Description

WIRELESS VEHICLE LOCATION AND EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/069,730, filed December 16, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to geographic location devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wireless location system which tracks the exact geographic location of a vehicle and communicates the vehicle's location by wireless transmission to an external fixed position in the event that a certain condition, such as an accident, occurs involving the vehicle.

It is not uncommon for vehicles, including automobiles and airplanes, to become lost, break down, or even be involved in an accident.

The problems associated with such occurrences are exacerbated when in a remote location as there are fewer bypassers and support systems to aid those involved in the emergency.

With the advent of satellites and microelectronics, global positioning systems have been developed which can pinpoint a vehicle's exact location on the earth. Such systems, usually in the form of a hand-held device, are able to obtain their exact location anywhere in the world from a satellite. Although this may help a traveler who is lost, these systems do little for the traveler who is stranded or involved in an accident. Although many travelers carry cellular telephones, oftentimes these telephones have limited ranges. In any event, with the occurrence of an accident, the traveler may be incapacitated to the point of being unable to use his or her phone, even if it is within its calling range.

Thus, what is needed is a system which can alert an emergency support network when a traveler is lost, broken down, or involved in an accident, identifying the traveler and giving the travelers exact location. What is further needed is a system which notifies a support network of such an occurrence even when the traveler is incapacitated due to the occurrence. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in a wireless vehicle location and emergency notification system and a related method of operation. The system is capable not only of determining its geographic location using a global position receiver, but also senses and monitors vehicle conditions such as vehicle attitude, shock, deceleration, temperature and audio levels (including speech recognition). When the sensed condition and/or determined location fall outside predetermined established parameters, an information signal is transmitted to a base station indicating that a traumatic event has occurred to the vehicle. The station then notifies emergency services of the exact location and condition of the vehicle without direct intervention on behalf of a user of the vehicle. The system is useful in circumstances such as a vehicle accident, break-down, theft or vandalism, and can detect rapid deceleration, roll-overs, vehicle malfunction and other traumatic events. Moreover, the system of the present invention may be used on all types of vehicles including, automobiles, aircraft, military vehicles and motorcycles. The wireless vehicle location and emergency notification system generally comprises a data processor control unit, a global positioning receiver, a transmitter, at least one sensor, and a user interface unit. These elements are electronically interconnected through the data processor and may be integrally formed within a housing or independently mounted to the vehicle. An electrical source for the components of the system is typically provided by a power source of the vehicle in the form of an electrical generator or battery, or an electric source associated with the vehicle and yet independent of any specific power source, such as a back-up system dedicated battery. Although the system operates continuously, upon starting the vehicle the system performs a self-check initialization procedure which tests for system integrity and determines whether the user is valid or there is a new user. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but typically includes the use of the user interface unit. The user interface unit has a keypad into which a password may be entered, and/or a speaker and microphone which can be used for voice recognition. In addition to internal user identification procedures, the system may be notified by an external signal that an invalid user is using the vehicle, whereupon the system is either shut down, the vehicle is shut down or the vehicle tracked.

Geographic location is continuously sensed by the global positioning receiver having an antennae which receives location information from orbiting satellites. The global positioning receiver electronically communicates this information to the data processing control unit. Simultaneously, at least one sensor senses vehicle conditions in a variety of forms including temperature, passenger compartment audio levels, shock, tilt, vehicle attitude and deceleration. This information is also electronically communicated to the data processor unit.

The location and vehicle condition information is compared to predetermined established parameters and previously stored location and vehicle condition information. The received location and sensed condition information is electronically stored. If the received location and/or sensed vehicle conditions are outside the calibrated parameters or significantly different than the previously stored information, a signal containing this information is transmitted to the fixed station. The information is also communicated to the user interface unit, typically mounted in the passenger compartment, which displays the information.

The transmitted signal is received by the base station, which samples the information and, if necessary, notifies local emergency services of the vehicle's exact location and condition. The base station typically receives this information from a satellite or telephone connection. The base station is also able to send information to the vehicle in order to shut down an invalid user, track the vehicle, or communicate with the occupant of the vehicle.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: FIGURE 1 is a block diagram for the vehicle components of wireless vehicle location and emergency notification system embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of the base station components of the wireless vehicle location and emergency notification o system of the present invention, which base station receives information from the vehicle components of FIG. 1 and coordinates emergency services;

FIGURE 3 is a flow chart illustrating initialization steps taken when a vehicle is turned on; and

FIGURE 4 is a flow chart illustrating the continuous steps taken 5 by a data processor and control unit of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention is concerned with a wireless vehicle location and emergency notification system for identifying and locating a vehicle in the event of an accident or other traumatic event. The system is comprised of two general o components: a vehicle mobile transceiver unit (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) and a fixed monitoring station (illustrated in FIG. 2). Both components rely on wireless satellite communication for determining geographic position and sending location and vehicle condition data, voice communication, and telemetry information. In the event of a traumatic event (such as vehicle break down, 5 an accident or theft) the on-board system senses the traumatic event and notifies the fixed monitoring station of this event, giving information including the condition and exact location of the vehicle. The fixed station can then notify local emergency services. The mobile transceiver unit, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , is typically mounted on a vehicle and includes, generally, a global position sensing receiver module 10 having an antennae 12, a wireless transceiver 14 for transmitting and receiving data having an antennae 16, at least one sensor 18 which determines physical vehicle conditions, a data processing and control unit (generally referred to by the numeral 20, and having subcomponents 22- 44), a user interface unit 46, and an electric power source 48-56. The system may be used on all types of vehicles including, automobiles, aircraft, military vehicles and motorcycles. Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 1, the global position sensing receiver module 10 is a receiver which receives its exact geographic location anywhere in the world from an orbiting satellite. The global position module will operate on DC power, typically from the vehicle, or a back-up battery within the mobile transceiver unit. The global position module 10 may be integrally mounted in the mobile unit with the other components, or separately from the other components. In any event, the global positioning receiver module 10 is mounted on an environmentally suitable location on the vehicle. The global position module's antennae 12 is mounted in a location unshielded by metal enclosure. If the antennae 12 is an active design requiring power, it operates from the same power source as the global positioning module 10. The global positioning module 10 will provide an interface for communication with the processor and control unit 20, communicating the position and other control instructions received by the processor and control unit 20. The wireless transceiver 14 acts as a data link to a wireless satellite network. The transceiver 14 will operate on DC power, typically from the vehicle or a back-up battery within the mobile transceiver unit. The transceiver 14 may be integrally mounted in the unit housing with the other components of the system, or separately from the other components. In any event, the transceiver 14 is mounted on an environmentally suitable location on the vehicle. The transceiver's antennae 16 is mounted in a location unshielded by metal enclosure. If the antennae 16 is an active design requiring power, it operates from the same power source as the other components of the system. Data signals and control signals communicated to and from the processing and control unit 20 and transceiver 14 may be in digital form specified by the requirements of an interface of the transceiver 14.

The sensors 18 which detect and sense vehicle condition in the form of attitude, shock, tilt, temperature, audio levels within the passenger compartment, and deceleration may be in the form of transducers. The sensors 18 will be mounted within the unit housing or separate from the other components, as in the case of the sensor 18 for passenger compartment audio levels. The sensors 18 will be able to sense tilt, rollover, rapid linear deceleration and other vehicle conditions which are indicative of an accident or other traumatic event.

The data processor and control unit 20 also requires a suitable mounting location in the vehicle and operates on DC power. However, the data processing unit 20 requires an additional connection to the vehicle electrical system indicating whether the vehicle ignition's system is turned on or off. Included in the processor and control unit 20 is circuitry to interface the global positioning receiver module 10, transceiver 14 and sensors 18. The data processor unit 20 may also include circuitry to provide and condition power to the global positioning module 10, sensors 18 and transceiver 14. The circuitry may include battery recharging circuitry. The data processor and control unit 20 will continuously input data from the global positioning module 10 and sensors 18 and filter unwanted signals and noise while comparing the processed location and vehicle attitude condition information to predetermined calibrated parameters to detect traumatic events. The data processor unit 20, upon detecting a traumatic event, will cause predetermined control actions to be performed, sending information via the transceiver 14 to the fixed station. The data processing unit 20 will also monitor any signals coming in from the transceiver 14 to execute a command to shut down the system or cease transmissions. Such signals would typically be sent from the fixed monitoring station. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the fixed monitoring station will include a wireless transceiver 58 capable of sending and receiving data and voice signals, a computer workstation 60 having access to a large capacity storage device and database 62 which includes local road and terrain maps as well as emergency service providers, and various phone connections 64 to notify the emergency service providers in the case of an accident or unusual event. The fixed station will have battery back up power 66 and redundant fail safe systems. There may be multiple stations to accommodate call volume or provide local language capabilities. Referring now to FIG. 3, an initialization task flowchart of the data processor and control unit 20 is given. In such flowchart, the unit is powered on to start 100 the initialization. This may occur when the unit is powered on for the first time, or the vehicle ignition is turned on. Data such as system identification, calibrated parameters, and previously stored data are delivered to the processor and control unit 20 from a flash storage device 200. With this information, the processor and control unit 20 begins an initializing and self test procedure 300. This involves testing the integrity of the system and opening communication with necessary components and operations.

The system next compares its own test data 302 in a self-test. If this test fails (the data does not compare with established parameters) a local error message is indicated 304 and the failure is transmitted 306. If the self- test passes, the system next obtains new sensor data 308. This new sensor data 308 is then compared to the last previously stored sensor data 310. If the data is not similar (typically indicating the car is in a different physical position such as being titled or experiencing mechanical failure since the last reading) an error message 312 is transmitted. If the data is similar, then the new sensor data 308 is stored 314.

The system next obtains geographic position data 316 from the global position receiver 10. This data is compared with the last previously stored position data 318. If the positions do not compare (as the vehicle may have been stolen, moved, or the system placed on another vehicle) the system tests for new service 320. If it is determined that there is not a new user, an error message is transmitted 312. If the user is found to be new, then the initialization task proceeds to the main program 322, as illustrated in FIG. 4. If the new position data compares with the last recorded position data, the system next checks the message data 324 and tests for the validity of the user 326. If the user is found to be invalid, due to theft or non-payment of service dues, the unit and system is shut down 328. If the user is valid, the system proceeds to the main program 322. Although the process of a self-check initialization procedure when the vehicle is powered has been described above, it is not necessary to turn on the vehicle in order for the system to work. The system has back-up power and continuously runs through the main program 322 which will be described below. Therefore, in the event of a hit and run or some other form of vandalism, the system would still detect the traumatic event and transmit this information to the base station.

The system also runs continuously, allowing the base station to track the vehicle as it is traveling. Although this may have many applications, a contemplated application is for aircraft which under current circumstances are not able to be tracked over certain "dead spots", such as certain areas of the North Atlantic Ocean. Using the present invention, the aircraft would be trackable at any spot on the earth as it utilizes the global positioning receiver 10 and orbiting satellites to pinpoint the vehicles location instead of conventional radar and other systems which have areas in which they are unable to track vehicles. Continuous tracking would also be possible even when the vehicle is not powered due to the back-up power 48 within the system.

Referring specifically now to FIG. 4, once the data processor and control system is initialized 300, the system begins the main program 322 by entering the main loop 400. The data processor unit 20 obtains global positioning data 410 and compares this data with the last recorded and stored position data 420. If the positions are significantly different, there is a failure and an error transmission 430 is sent. If the positions are similar, the unit next obtains the sensor data 440 and compares the new data with the last stored sensor data 450. If the sensor data comparison is different, there is a failure and an error transmission 460 is sent. However, if the sensor data are similar, the system obtains message data 470, in the form of system specific passwords and codes and tests them 480. If there are passwords and codes, a user message transmission 490 is sent. If not, this information is processed

500 and a message is sent 510 in order that the system be updated 520 to include the specifications and password. The system continuously performs steps 400 through 520 in order to determine whether there has been a traumatic event to the vehicle, which event would be reflected in the sensed attitude or physical condition of the vehicle or geographic position of the vehicle.

For example, if the vehicle were to crash into another object, sensors 18 would register shock and deceleration changes which would activate a transmission to the fixed monitoring station without the need for the occupant's participation. If the alarm were a false alarm, the occupant could cancel the alarm through the user interface unit 46. If the alarm were a true alarm, the fixed station could then open a voice communication link with the occupant, check for other sensed conditions such as temperature and notify the local emergency service of the condition and location of the vehicle.

The system may contain personal information on the occupant or vehicle such as the occupants home telephone number, or vehicle description. This information can be used to aid in the location and identification of the vehicle and its occupant. The system also aids the user of the system to track his or her vehicle when it has been stolen or vandalized. The sensors 18 may be capable of detecting a broken window, or a car started without a key. The system may use a password entered into the user interface 46 or the user interface be suited for voice recognition to identify a valid user. As the transceiver 14 is able to both transmit as well as receive, the fixed monitoring station could track the location of the vehicle if it detected as being stolen.

Although the description set forth above describes in detail the invention, for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for determining the location and sensing the condition of a vehicle, and further transmitting such information to a base station under defined conditions, the system comprising: a data processor; a global position receiver in electronic communication with the data processor, for determining vehicle location; a sensor in electronic communication with the data processor, for sensing a vehicular condition; and a transmitter for sending an electronic signal to the base station in the event the vehicle location and/or the sensed vehicular condition falls outside of established parameters.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor monitors vehicular physical conditions of the vehicle including vehicle attitude, shock, temperature, deceleration and/or passenger compartment audio.

3. The system of claim 1, including an electrical power source associated with the vehicle and yet independent of any vehicle specific power source.

4. The system of claim 1 , including a user interface unit in electronic communication with the data processor having a key pad and a visual display.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the user interface unit further includes a speaker and a microphone.

6. A system for determining the location and sensing the condition of a vehicle, and further transmitting such information to a base station under defined conditions, the system comprising: a data processor; a global position receiver in electronic communication with the data processor, for determining vehicle location; a sensor in electronic communication with the data processor, for sensing a vehicular condition, wherein the sensor monitors physical conditions of the vehicle including vehicle attitude, shock, temperature, deceleration o and/or passenger compartment audio; a user interface unit in electronic communication with the data processor, having a key pad and a visual display; and a transmitter for sending an electronic signal to the base station in the event the vehicle location and/or the sensed vehicular condition falls 5 outside of established parameters.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the user interface unit further includes a speaker and a microphone.

8. The system of claim 6, including an electrical source for providing power to the data processor, the global position receiver, the sensor, the user interface unit, and the transmitter.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the electrical source comprises an electric power source of the vehicle.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the electrical source comprises an electric power source associated with the vehicle and yet independent of any vehicle specific power source.

11. A method for determining the location and sensing the condition of a vehicle, and further transmitting such information to a base station under defined conditions, comprising the steps of: utilizing a global positioning receiver to determine the geographic location of the vehicle; utilizing a sensor to sense a vehicular condition; comparing the sensed vehicular condition with established parameters; and transmitting a signal to the base station in the event the sensed vehicular condition is outside the established parameters.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the transmitting step includes the step of sending information relating to the geographic location of the vehicle and the sensed vehicular condition.

13. The method of claim 11 , including the step of conducting an initialization procedure upon start-up of the vehicle to determine whether the user of the system is a valid or new user.

14. The method of claim 13, including the step of shutting down the vehicle if the user is invalid.

15. The method of claim 13, including the step of tracking the vehicle if the user is invalid.

16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the step of utilizing a sensor to sense a vehicular condition, includes the steps of monitoring vehicle attitude, shock, deceleration, temperature or compartment audio.

17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the comparing step includes the step of comparing the location of the vehicle with established parameters, and wherein the transmitting step includes the step of transmitting a signal to the base station in the event the determined location is outside the established parameters.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein during the comparing step a data processor receives and compares the sensed vehicle condition and determined location and determines whether the sensed condition and/or location fall within or without of the established parameters.

19. The method of claim 18, including the steps of placing information relating to the sensed vehicular condition and determined location into electronic storage, and transmitting vehicular condition and determined location information to the base station if the information does not compare 5 with recently stored condition and location information.

20. A method for determining the location and sensing the condition of a vehicle, and further transmitting such information to a base station under defined conditions, comprising the steps of: conducting an initialization procedure upon start-up of the vehicle 5 to test system integrity and determine whether the user of the system is a valid or new user; utilizing a global positioning receiver to continuously determine the geographic location of the vehicle; utilizing a sensor to sense a vehicular condition; l o comparing the sensed vehicular condition and the location of the vehicle with established parameters; and transmitting a signal to the base station in the event the sensed vehicular condition or the determined location is outside the established parameters.

21. The method of claim 20, including the step of shutting down the vehicle if the user is invalid.

22. The method of claim 20, including the step of tracking the vehicle if the user is invalid.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of utilizing a sensor to sense a vehicular condition, includes the steps of monitoring vehicle attitude, shock, deceleration, temperature or compartment audio.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein during the comparing step a data processor receives and compares the sensed vehicle condition and determined location and determines whether the sensed condition and/or location fall within or without of the established parameters, and placing information relating to the sensed vehicular condition and determined location into electronic storage, and transmitting vehicular condition and determined location information to the base station if the information does not compare with recently stored condition and location information.