Communication Network

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application takes benefit of U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/560920 filed on September 20, 2017 and incorporates it, in its entirety, by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a method of using the V2X communication protocol to ensure and monitor the physical security of an unoccupied passenger vehicle or conveyance using the array of attached sensors and cameras installed on passenger vehicles and watercraft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Passenger vehicles have been equipped with security and antitheft systems for many decades. Indeed, today it is not uncommon for a passenger vehicle to be equipped with at least four or five cameras and several dozen sensors and switches used to detect events transpiring in, and on, the passenger vehicle. Not as frequently recreational and commercial watercraft are also equipped with such devices.

[0004] Most of these security and antitheft systems are based on GPS receivers,

accelerometers and break detectors. Carbon monoxide and thermal detectors are all part of the universe of sensors and switches used to detect events transpiring in, and on, the passenger vehicle or watercraft. [0005] V2X is a form of communication technology that allows vehicles to communicate with moving parts of the traffic system around them. V2X exists in three primary forms: 1) V2V, or vehicle to vehicle, allowing vehicles to communicate with other vehicles; 2) V2I, or vehicle to infrastructure, allowing vehicles to communicate with external systems such as streetlights, buildings, and even cyclists or pedestrians; and, 3) V2P, or vehicle to personal, allowing vehicles to communicate with individual personal handsets and tablet computers.

[0006] V2X systems are geared toward safety and they can be programmed to be aware of all surroundings to help prevent collision. In a traditional vehicle, V2X systems can convey important information to the driver or operator regarding inclement weather, nearby accidents and road conditions, and the dangerous activities of nearby vehicles/watercraft. Similarly, in autonomous vehicles, V2X provides extra information beyond the reach of the vehicle/watercraft. In addition to safety benefits, V2X technology also offers a range of everyday convenience benefits. For example, V2X systems integrate automatic payments for tolls, parking, and similar fees.

[0007] But unknown in V2X are the transmission and reception of security and safety messages directed at or towards unknown individuals, particularly those attempting to steal or damage the personal vehicle/watercraft or its contents. Also, unknown in V2X the transmission and reception of security and safety messages to a vehicle/watercraft that is in park or moored, with the key off, and no occupants inside the vehicle/watercraft. Also unknown are V2X messages directed towards the task of powering on the cameras and initiating the computational and data transmission components of an otherwise inactive vehicle/watercraft. [0008] Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention is directed towards transmitting discrete messaging via V2X directed to the unoccupied passenger

vehicle/watercraft from the owner's (V2I) or third party agent's (V2P) cell phone, laptop, or tablet computer to: 1) Initiate system operation; 2) Immobilize the engine of the vehicle/watercraft; 3) Flash the light(s) of the vehicle/watercraft; 4) Activate continuously, or rhythmically, the car or watercraft horn; and, 5) Activate continuously, or rhythmically, the windshield wipers.

[0009] A second embodiment of the present invention is directed towards transmitting discrete messaging via V2X from the unoccupied passenger vehicle/watercraft to the owner's (V2I) or third party agent's (V2P) cell phone, laptop, or tablet computer including image data collected by the: 1) Front view camera; 2) Left view camera; 3) Rear view camera; 4) Right view camera; 5) Front facing camera, and, 6) Driver gesture monitor camera.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention presents a method of detecting a car or watercraft thief or intruder by means well known in the art and then automatically immobilizing the engine of the vehicle. Simultaneously, the system powers on the cameras installed in the automobile/watercraft. Next, the system initiates collection of image data from the cameras installed in the automobile/watercraft. Next, the system processes the image data into a form that may be transmitted by V2P and V2I. Next, the system transmits alert messages to the owner via V2P and/or the authorities via V2I containing the images collected by the system. Next, the system receives a confirmation message from the owner of the automobile via V2P. Next, the system may receive a confirmation message from the police or other authorities via V2I.

[0011] A second embodiment of the present invention presents a method of detecting a car or watercraft thief or intruder by means well known in the art. Simultaneously, the system powers on the cameras installed in the automobile/watercraft. Next, the system initiates collection of image data from the cameras installed in the automobile/watercraft. Next, the system processes the image data into a form that may be transmitted by V2P and V2I. Next, the system transmits alert messages to the owner via V2P and/or the authorities via V2I containing the images collected by the system. Next, the system receives a confirmation message from the owner of the automobile via V2P. This message serves to immobilize the engine of the automobile/watercraft. Also, the system may receive a confirmation message from the police or other authorities via V2I.

[0012] A third embodiment of the present invention presents a method of surveying the automobile and the environment around it. First, the owner initiates the system via V2P. Next, the system powers on the cameras installed in the automobile/watercraft. Next, the system initiates collection of image data from the cameras installed in the

automobile/watercraft. Next, the system processes the image data into a form that may be transmitted by V2P. Next, the system transmits messages to the owner via V2P containing the images collected by the system. Next, the system receives a confirmation message from the owner of the automobile via V2P. This message may serve to immobilize the engine of the automobile/watercraft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the operation of the invention in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the operation of the invention of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the operation of the invention of a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Turning now to Fig. 1, one embodiment of the present invention presents a method of detecting a car or watercraft thief or intruder by means well known in the art (100). Such means include vibration detection, glass break detection, motion detection, etc. Next, the system automatically immobilizes the engine of the vehicle/watercraft (110). Ordinarily this is done by disabling the fuel delivery system and/or the ignition system of the

automobile/watercraft powered by an internal combustion engine. Electric vehicles are disabled by a command to the processing unit that governs the operation of the vehicle. Simultaneously, the system powers on the cameras installed in the automobile (120) and activates them. Next, the system initiates collection of image data from the cameras installed in the automobile (130). Next, the system processes the image data into a form that may be transmitted by V2P and V2I (140). Next, the system transmits alert messages to the owner via V2P and/or the authorities via V2I containing the images collected by the system (150). Collectively, this is referred to as transmitting the alert messages via V2X. Next, the system receives a confirmation message from the owner of the automobile via V2P (160). Also, the system may receive a confirmation message from the police or other authorities via V2I (170). [0017] Turning now to Fig. 2, a second embodiment of the present invention presents a method of detecting a car or watercraft thief or intruder by means well known in the art (200). Such means include vibration detection, glass break detection, motion detection, etc. Next, the system powers on the cameras installed in the automobile/watercraft (210) and activates them. Next, the system initiates collection of image data from the cameras installed in the automobile/watercraft (220). Next, the system processes the image data into a form that may be transmitted by V2P and V2I (230). Next, the system transmits alert messages to the owner via V2P and/or the authorities via V2I containing the images collected by the system (240). Collectively, this is referred to as transmitting the alert messages via V2X. Next, the system receives a confirmation message from the owner of the automobile via V2P (250). This message may immobilize the engine of the

automobile/watercraft (260). Ordinarily this is done by disabling the fuel delivery system and/or the ignition system of the automobile/watercraft powered by an internal combustion engine. Electric vehicles are disabled by a command to the processing unit that governs the operation of the vehicle. Also, the system may receive a confirmation message from the police or other authorities via V2I (270).

[0018] Turning now to Fig. 3, a third embodiment of the present invention presents a method of surveying the automobile/watercraft and its environment. Such a method might be used prior to the owner entering the vehicle/watercraft in the middle of the night, or to survey the area in and about the automobile/watercraft periodically during the day. First, the owner initiates the system via V2P (300). Next, the system powers on the cameras installed in the automobile/watercraft (310) and activates them. Next, the system initiates collection of image data from the cameras installed in the automobile/watercraft (320). Next, the system processes the image data into a form that may be transmitted by V2P (330). Next, the system transmits messages to the owner via V2P a message containing the images collected by the system (340). Next, the system receives a confirmation message from the owner of the automobile/watercraft via V2P (350). This message may serve to immobilize the engine of the automobile/watercraft (360). Ordinarily this is done by disabling the fuel delivery system and/or the ignition system of the automobile/watercraft powered by an internal combustion engine. Electric vehicles are disabled by a command to the processing unit that governs the operation of the vehicle/watercraft.

[0019] While the present invention has been described in what are thought to be the most useful and practical embodiments, it will be clear to those having skill in the art that other variations may be readily conceived and created. Accordingly, these and all such other readily conceived and created variations are implicitly included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] For example, the present application discloses that the system may be installed on motor vehicles and watercraft. Those having skill in the art will recognize that other types of vehicles may also be equipped with this kind of system. For example aircraft and spacecraft may also be equipped with such a device.