Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
SECURE, VEHICLE MOUNTED, SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the invention
The present application is a continuation-in-Part of Application Serial Number
9/088,267 filed June 1, 1998, for Secure, Vehicle Mounted, Incident Recording
System.
The parent application, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety,
discloses an
on-board, vehicle incident surveillance system for producing a secure,
permanent
record of vehicular accidents for evidenfiiary purposes. The instant invention
is broadly
directed to an on-board, vehicle surveillance system and, particularly to a
system for
producing a secure, permanent record of criminal activity relating to the
vehicle for
evidentiary purposes which may be transferred directly to an information
center and/or
the authorities by means of a transmission link which is preferably a
satellite upllink-
downllink.
Related Art
As concern over security increases, mare locations, such as ATM's, have
incorporated photographic identification equipment in order to deter thefts
and other
unlawful acts in the vicinity of the secure location. Such systems allow
routine
surveillance images of persons as they present themselves at the location
which is to
be protected. This has a deterrent effect, since storing of images of persons
as they
appear at these locations represents an unbiased eye witness account of
activity. By
means of timers and other devices, activities can be cross-matched to
surrounding
-1-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
activities. In prior art systems, images are stored on video tape or other
means for
later processing.
While the above-referenced surveillance systems have become increasingly
common at fixed locations, the use of.such surveillance in a mobile
application is more
problematic. In recent years, authorities, taxi cabs, transit systems and the
like have
employed mobile video units to observe activity within the mobile unit and to
deter
crimes while these units are in transit. Increasingly, however, vehicle theft
has become
a problem. In the trucking industry, truck jacking and cargo theft has become
epidemic.
Thus, not only is there a requirement for surveillance in the interior of the
vehicle but
also surrounding the vehicle. Further, there is a requirement for night
surveillance. For
example, when rigs are docked overnight for unloading in the morning,
tampering and
removal of items from the cargo holds is common place. With high-ticket item
cargo,
the undetected unloading of even a single van is a multi-million dollar loss.
Vehicle insurance carriers are continually looking for ways to reduce losses
as
9 5 well as the cost associated with handling claims. In our prior application
we addressed
the losses associated with vehicular mishaps. Each year there are over 35
million on-
the-road accidents in the United States alone. There are many other vehicles
including
water craft, and off road vehicles which are involved in mishaps. These can
vary from
one vehicle to multi-vehicle incidents. These mishaps or accidents result in
property
and bodily injury in the multi-billion-dollar range. In most cases, one or
more of the
parties are at fault and it is the requirement of law enforcement officers,
insurance
-2-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
adjusters and the like to find credible witnesses to re-account the factual
evidence, so
culpability and liability may accurately be determined.
Likewise, each year.theft and vandalism accounts for losses that approach
those
from mishaps. These are likewise insured losses that must be dealt with by
insurance
carriers. In many cases however the loss is caused by carelessness, or is in
fact an
"inside job". The insurance industry, which is responsible for investigation
and
replacement or coverage of the loss, spends millions of dollars in
investigating such
activity as well as billions of dollars in replacing or compensating for lost
cargo. In
many instances, it is actually the driver or persons associated with the
driver who are
involved in removal of the cargo. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have
a
system that provides day and night surveillance of a mobile vehicle,
especially tractor-
trailer's exterior of the vehicle as well as within the cab and the cargo bay.
Since the thieves may be, in fact, in cahoots with persons closely associated
with
the rigs or the transportation system, there is a requirement that the
recording and
storage of such data be in a tamper-proof container. In this manner, even
persons
approaching a rig or a vehicle in order to purloin the contents could be
immediately
detected.
Further, monitors to detect and accurately measure certain physical
phenomenon would be very useful in determining the facts surrounding a theft.
The
key to such a system is a non-tamperable, restricted access, large storage
capacity,
"always on" device. !t would therefore be advantageous to have a system with
limited
access, stored video recording of the incident, identification of the source,
and
-3-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
accurate time synchronization, which could be reviewed after the incident by
the
authorities on the scene and later by investigators, prosecutors and/or judges
to
witness firsthand the incident as it actually happened. Thus, a secure, on
board
system capable of objective, non-tamperable, unbiased evidence, would be
highly
beneficial in determining the exact circumstances surrounding a theft.
Additionally, it would be advantageous to have a system that would
instantaneously broadcast live activity to authorities in order that a
response to the
crime could be dispatched to the scene in order to deter andlor prevent the
crime. Thus
a unit which communicates directly with an information center andlor
authorities by
means of, for example, a satellite upllink-downlink would be highly
advantageous.
One of the primary drawbacks of prior art surveillance systems is that they
are
capable of being tampered with or even destroyed and therefore cannot be
relied upon
as credible evidence, especially in a court of taw. One of the primary
requisites of a
secure system is an encoded access system, and preferably encoding of the
recorded
information itself. This is necessary if the information is stored onboard or
transmitted
to a secure downlink for retention. Another failure of prior art systems is
lack of external
synchronization so that the exact time is accurately embedded into the secure
coded
information such that information taken from more than one vehicle can be
compared
on a synchronized basis.
The use of a vehicle mounted, video camera to make video records of an
incident or scene external to the vehicle are known in the art. Grist, in U.S.
2,148,119,
discloses the use of a camera mounted inside a law enforcement vehicle, which
makes
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
a' record on photographic film. A speedometer mounted on the hood of the law
enforcement vehicle is simultaneously recorded on the photographic film along
with the
target vehicle.
Lucas et a(, in U.S. 5,111,289, discloses a system for law enforcement
surveillance work. U.S. Patent 1,733,783 discloses the concept of having a
camera
system inside a vehicle to record unauthorized use of a vehicle and to
photograph
scenes of an accident in which the vehicle is involved. U.S. Patent 5,455,625
discloses
placing a video camera inside a vehicle for recording and at the same time
protecting
access to the camera. U.S. ,Patent 5,406,324 discloses a surveillance system
for
transmitting images via a radio transmitter. The remote transmitter transmits
electrical
radio signals having converted visual images to a receiver for converting
visual images
into an electrical signal. U.S. Patent 3,752,048 discloses a surveillance
camera for a
vehicle that is in a tamper proof container for recording passengers. U.S.
Patent
5,282,182 issued to Kreuzer, et al., discloses a portable mini-cam or palm
recorder
which is adapted to fit into a receptacle within a passenger compartment of a
vehicle to
observe activity within the passenger compartment. The receptacle is designed
to
prevent theft of the mini-cam.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention broadly contemplates a novel system for gathering and storing
and/or transmitting information for the purpose of motor vehicle theft and
vandalism
investigations and deterrence. The system of this invention is capable of
monitoring the
interior and the exterior of a vehicle, for brief or extended periods of time,
to detect and
-5-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
record incidents of vandalism, theft of the vehicle and/or its contents. In
one
embodiment the evidence is stored in a secure, tamper-proof safe on-board box
that
will be accessible only by law enforcement andlor other authorized persons. In
a
preferred embodiment the infor-nation is transmitted directly to authorities
for real time
intervention. in a further embodiment the information is transmitted from the
storage
receptacle on command either received or preprogrammed. The system is also
able to
monitor both external and internal unauthorized incidents pertaining to a
vehicle. The
system of the instant invention is meant as a deterrent as well, in that
thieves who are
aware of its use will be dissuaded from criminal activity involving the
particular vehicle
equipped with the invention. The system of the instant invention is meant to
provide
intervention surveillance capability. fn one embodiment the information is
broadcast
real time. In another aspect the stored, encoded information is transmitted
for
evidentiary storage separate from the vehicle. This aspect is important in
incidents of
hijacking.
In accordance with the broad aspect of the invention, the system includes
means
for monitoring and recording both external and internal incidents. The system
provides
video, audio and other pertinent evidence of circumstances, leading up to and
including, actual vehicle thefts and/or vandalism as well as the events that
immediately
follow. This invention provides a new and more efficient method of
investigating
vehicular theft and vandalism incidents by law enforcement agencies and
insurance
companies. The device can be "ever-on" or "instant-on" when activated by a
triggering
event such as motion on or around the vehicle.
-6-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
An on board, secure vehicle mounted surveillance system, capable of being
activated whether the vehicle is running or is off, having at least one video
camera for
generating video signals of an incident internal andlor external to the
vehicle is
provided. In a preferred embodiment the system employs at least one video
camera for
generating video signals of an incident internal to the vehicle and one video
camera for
generating video signals of an incident external to the vehicle. Preferably,
video
capability includes infra-red for unlighted night surveillance. The system is
preferably
powered by a battery system when the vehicle is not powered, allowing the
system to
be operable at all times. When the vehicle is powered, the system may run
directly off
the vehicle's electrical system. The camera located external the vehicle, is
positioned
to view any incident occurring proximate the vehicle. The exterior viewing
camera of
the instant invention can also be mounted internal the vehicle and preferably
is an infra-
red wide angled lens that captures a wide angle in front of the vehicle. The
system may
be activated by a motion sensor/detector and may contain lights, external and
internal
the vehicle, capable of being activated by the motion sensor/detector. The on
board
vehicle mounted surveillance system will preferably be capable of receiving
audio data
in addition to the video data.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an analogue video and/or audio
signal is generated and stored on a large capacity, code accessible device. In
a
preferred embodiment, the signal is digitized into a synchronized data file,
carrying a
unique vehicle identification and a time indicator. The digitized data is
stored on a large
capacity hard disk and/or solid state storage which prevent data from being
overwritten
-7-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
for very extended periods of time. Access to the device is controlled by a
systems
controller. once written, the encrypted file cannot be altered or corrupted,
decrypted
without the encryption key or accessed without the access authorization code.
A
limited access interface accepts the "access authorization code" and allows
the
encrypted superimposed digitized stored data file to be externally down
loaded. The
decrypting key can then be used to decrypt the data thus, providing a secure
chain of
title for evidentiary purposes.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention employs a device and method
for sending, storing and retrieving surveillance-based information from even
remote
locations by use of a transceiver unit which communicates directly with an
information
center and/or the authorities by means of a wireless link such as a satellite
up/iink-
downlink. The invention employs an apparatus for receiving transmitted
signals, storing
them in memory and subsequently recalling them from memory, and transmitting
encrypted authenticated surveillance data, wherein both said reception and
transmission is preferably by means of a satellite upllink and downlink.
The invention employs distinct, components which cooperate to allow the
surveillance device unfettered mobility while transmitting surveillance
information and
data. In accordance with the invention, a transceiver means, capable of
transmitting
surveillance information and receiving system signals communicates with an
information system which organizes the information into a compact and secure
format,
while allowing real time access to dispatch interactive response. The
transceiver can
be linked to a wireless ground station to transfer encrypted surveillance
information and
_g_
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
encrypted commands between the information center and the on board transceiver
by
way of the communication system. In accordance with a preferred embodiment,
the
instant invention utilizes a satellite communication link. As used herein a
satellite link
means a system capable of communications upllink-downlink without "dead spots"
or
loss of signal over a wide area.
The instant invention provides an on board, secure vehicle external and/or
internal mounted surveillance system having means for real time, high speed
data
transfer between a video camera and/or an audio microphone, andlor one or more
information gathering means, a system controller and a data recorder via
intelligent
serial communications interfaces to provide a permanent, unalterable,
unedited,
encrypted video record. Provided in one aspect is a secure vehicle mounted
surveillance system in which the information recorded on the video sequence is
unalterable and includes the time, date, vehicle identification number and
audio track.
The preferred on board, secure vehicle mounted surveillance system also
includes an
audio recording means synchronized with the video recording. In accordance
with one
aspect, motion sensorldetector means are provided to activate the system which
is
preferably of an "instant on" type. In one embodiment, lights external and/or
internal to
the vehicle are activated when the system is activated. In another embodiment
the
external lights will only activate in dimly illuminated surroundings. In a
preferred
embodiment, means are provided for generating synchronized superimposed
signals on
the video frame conveying the time and date of the incident and the vehicle
identification number. The secure, vehicle, mounted surveillance system of the
instant
_g_
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
invention has a plurality of microprocessors operating in a real time multi-
task
"master/slave" configuration.
In one embodiment, the encrypted, superimposed, digitized data file is
decrypted
internally within the system using the decryption key, to allow police
officers, on-sight
viewing of the restored information. In another embodiment the encrypted,
superimposed digitized video data file can be optically transmitted, such as
by a LED,
from the system to a receiver. In another embodiment the encrypted,
superimposed
digitized video data file is transmitted real time andlor from stored files by
wireless
transmission to authorities or to an off vehicle storage site. Preferably the
transmission
link is a satellite up link down link system.
A system controller integrates the operation of the video recorder, the
transducers, the digitizing buffer, the encoder and the storage as well as the
secure
access to the data. The system controller has a real time clock generating at
least the
date and time. Display block generation means disposed between the video
camera
and the encrypted storage for generating a display block superimposed on the
video
signals, generated by the video camera is provided. Likewise means are
provided for
super imposing the audio track on the video frame. The system controller is
real time
accessed to update the real time clock and program additional data into the
display
block means, such as the vehicle ID. The display block displays digitized
transducer
readouts such as the date, the time and the vehicle ID. The system also has
means for
periodically interrogafiing the transducer readouts, to update the files as a
function of
elapsed time.
_10_
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
In a preferred embodiment of the on board, secure vehicle mounted surveillance
system, the video cameras and audio capturing device are mounted around the
exterior
of a vehicle. Some or all of these devices may be hidden in for example,
mirrors or
doors of the vehicle. All data gathered from the system will be stored into a
secure safe
box mounted somewhere on the vehicle where it is accessible only by the police
or
other authorized person.
In accordance with the invention, when the vehicle is not powered, the
apparatus
or device may be energized by a battery system and capable of reacting to a
motion
sensor/detector. When the vehicle is powered, the system can run off the
vehicle's own
electrical system. This allows for the system to operate at any time necessary
or
around the clock. Thus, in accordance with the invention, upon the happening
of a
vehicular theft, vandalism or incident, the evidence relating to that theft or
incident is
securely maintained until downloaded by authorized personnel and/or
transmitted in
response to a programed or off vehicle received transmitted command. There is
no
possibility of tampering with the evidence subsequent to the incident
occurring.
In another aspect, each individual vehicle receives a unique identification
code,
such as the VIN number or the license number, which uniquely identifies the
vehicle
from which the information was obtained. In a preferred embodiment the
identification
number is displayed along with the sensor date simultaneously with the display
of the
video image.
The method of the invention involves activating an on board, secure vehicle
mounted surveillance system having at feast one video camera for generating
video
-11._
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
signals of an incident external and proximate the vehicle; generating a video
signal of
an incident external and proximate the vehicle; storing said video signal of
an incident
external and proximate the vehicle on a large capacity, code accessible
device; and
accessing the stored video signal by means of the access code. In a preferred
method,
the system employs at least one additional video camera internal the vehicle
to record
incidents internal the vehicle. In a preferred method, the system employs at
least one
device to monitor and record audio signals internal and/or external the
vehicle. In
another preferred method, the signal is digitized into a synchronized data
file, carrying
a unique vehicle identification and a time indicator. In a preferred method, a
display
7 0 block superimposed on the video signals, generated by the video camera is
provided,
as well as imposing the audio track on the video frame. The display block
displays
digitized transducer readouts such as the date, the time, and the vehicle ID.
The
method includes providing means for periodically interrogating the transducer
readouts,
to update the files as a function of elapsed time. The digitized data is
stored on a solid
state storage means, preferably a large capacity hard drive, which prevents
data from
being overwritten for very extended periods of time. In accordance with a
preferred
method the digitized data is transmitted to an off vehicle, secure storage
means and/or
the authorities on a real time and/or delayed time basis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG 1 is a schematic of one embodiment of the instant invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the component location in accordance with one
embodiment of
the instant invention.
-12-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
FIG 3 is a cut away view of the top view of Figure 2 exposing internal
component
location.
FIG 4 is a conceptual diagram of the system of the instant invention using a
GPS
up/link down/iink system.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The on board, secure vehicle mounted surveillance system 10 is shown in FIG 1
which is a schematic only and does not bear relationship to the components
wifihin a
vehicle. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the secure vehicle mounted surveillance
system 10. The on board, secure vehicle mounted surveillance system 10 is
preferably
mounted internal the vehicle in a remote non-access able location (not shown).
A
video camera 12, such as Model No. TIC 9000 manufactured by JVC, is mounted
external to the vehicle and is pointed in a forward direction and/or is
mounted internally
and pointed in a forward or aft direction as seen in FIG. 2. The video camera
may be
hidden on for example, the vehicle's mirror or doors. The dimensions of this
video
camera are 2 inches x 2 inches x 2.4 inches. The video camera 12 is provided
with a
wide angle, infra-red lens, with a motorized iris to increase the operating
light range of
the video camera 12. Preferably, like video cameras are mounted internal and
external
the vehicle in strategic locations to provide internal and external
surveillance views in a
similar manner. The camera employed should have a minimum resolution of, for
example, 300 x 200 pixels. Each camera exterior and interior is black and
white or
preferably color, has infra-red capabilities and preferably runs up to 30
frames per
-13-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
second. The video camera 12 preferably employs CGD such that night vision by
infrared optics is improved.
The video signals generated by the video camera 12 are converted to digital
format and synchronized, as explained below, and stored on hard drive 34
mounted in
a sealed vault or repository somewhere on the vehicle (not shown). A video
monitor
can be connected to video camera 12 by means of a video online link 40, to
display the
scene or incident currently being photographed by the video camera 12 through
a
monitor and/or transmit the image to an off vehicle site through transceiver
39.
The hard disk storage is preferred for large capacity. Any configured hard
disk
device can be used for example, a Seagate UDMA 8.6 GB hard drive. Additionally
tape
drive storage can be used either as primary or backup. The storage medium can
be
analog or digital. For example, an endless tape loop or other storage medium
could be
used. Video storage can be VCR type with endless loop characteristics, re-
writeable
CD ROM, computer hard drive with computer compression of video. This allows
upgrading as new storage media types are produced.
The hard drive 34 which has the capacity to store the information for 48 hours
or
more, records the digitized, encrypted output of the video camera 12. The hard
drive
34 is controlled by the system controller 22 to activate the hard drive 34
play back
recorded information, find referenced events, decode the stored information
and the
like. This permits authorities remotely and/or at the scene of a vehicle theft
or
vandalism to be in full control of the hard drive 34 in the vehicle so that
they may view
information on sight or off site and monitor current or any previously
recorded incident.
-14-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
Preferably, the system controller 22 prohibits recording over a previously
recorded
portion of the data, prior to the drive space being released to the system. In
this
manner a permanent, non-corrupted record is retained. The system controller 22
remembers the point on the disk where the prior recording was terminated and
will
index to that point on the disk, prior to the resumption of recording, in
response to the
activating of the on board, secure vehicle mounted surveillance system 10.
The analogy output of video camera 12 is fed to input buffer 14 and video
online link 40 simultaneously. Video online link 40 is hooked to an online
monitor and
provides real time remote access by means of transceiver 39 and/or a standard
video
tape that is cooperative with the camera and preferably has no storage
capability. Such
a link can be used to connect on site security such as at a warehouse or relay
incidents
real time to authorities.
Input buffer 14, converts the video camera 12 analog~signal to digital and the
serial signal to parallel in order to provide storage and encoding of the
digitized signal.
The resulting data is a parallel signal, digitized for color and luminance.
Simultaneously, the video signal is conveyed via link 50 to the system
controller 22,
wherein a time sequencing signal from master clock 24 is added. A programmable
integrated circuit, programmed to count second time and also checks sync pulse
to
WVW acts as a master clock 24. Master clock 24 is connected, via radio link,
to WWV
interface 48 which sets the master clock to Greenwich mean time (GMT) signal
(WWV:
radio station with time sync signals to Greenwich mean time). Along with the
timing
sequence, and the vehicle identification number, system controller 22 also
integrates
-15-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
other monitoring signals such as audio recording device 42 (shown in FIG 2),
via
connection 49, .from MCM with the sequenced signal in communication with
buffer 16
by way of connection 52.
ControNer 22 is the interactive processing unit. When an impulse from motion
sensor/detector 46 (shown in FIG 2) is received via connection 45, controller
22
activates the system including, if required, the external and internal lights
47 (shown in
FIG 2) via connector 51.
In the preferred embodiment the on board, secure vehicle mounted surveillance
system 10 superimposes this information on the video signals generated by the
video
camera 12 and integrates the audio feed. This information is synchronized and
digitized along with the video signal as previously described. Specific
information can
be in the form of a display block, normally located near the bottom of the
recorded
image. The audio is digitized in a synchronous manner for playback. The
specific
information superimposed on video signals generated by the video camera 12 is
7 5 transmitted real time through transceiver 39 to an off vehicle location
site and/or
permanently recorded on the hard drive 34 along with the incident recorded by
the
video camera 12 and becomes a permanent part of the recorded information.
Interface
38 provides a digital read out of the information in buffer 16. The display
block
preferably contains the month, date and year in the conventional numerical
format as
the time in hours, minutes and seconds. The display block will also preferably
contain
an identification of the host vehicle, in which the on board, secure vehicle
mounted
surveillance system 10 is mounted, along with other pertinent data as
described above.
-16-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
Temporary storage 18 is a tri-state buffering system, providing temporary
storage of the encoded information. A dual system for multi-camera setup, i.e.
exterior
and interior cameras can be provided. Temporary storage 18 has approximately 1
megabyte RAM capacity. The 1 megabyte RAM is preferably divided into 4 blocks
of
256 K which facilitates the input and output for two cameras and is designed
to provide
for color information which requires three times the signal storage of a black
and white
system. System controller 22 via link 54 controls the operation of temporary
storage 18.
Buffer 20 communicates with temporary storage 18 and permanent hard drive
34, controller 22 via link 56, and output driver buffer 26 via data junction
58. Code
access link 32 communicates with system controller 22. Upon receipt of the
encoded
signal from code access link 32, system controller 22 triggers hard drive 34
to download
the encrypted signal through interface 36 to external download for use by the
authorities or for secure storage. Simultaneously, through signal from system
controller
22, hard drive 34 uploads stored data via data junction 58 back through buffer
20 to
temporary storage 18. The data is decrypted upon signal from systems
controller 22
and caused to be transmitted in a decrypted state through buffer 20 via data
junction 58
to output driver buffer 26 and then to buffer driver 28 which is a parallel
serial converter
with LED driver. Output driver buffer 26 communicates with buffer driver 28 by
means of
output parallel data stream 62 and input parallel data stream 60. As light is
being
emitted, the on board, secure vehicle mounted surveillance system 10 can cause
a
direct readout of decrypted system data through diode read/write head 30.
-17-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
Likewise upon receipt of the encoded signal through transceiver 39,
transceiver
39, through link 41, signals system controller 22 to trigger hard drive 34 to
download the
encrypted signal through interface 43 to external download for use by the
authorities or
for secure storage. The transceiver 39 is a vehicle mounted unit with
electronic
memory capable of storing received data. Data is transmitted and received by
the
transceiver 39 through standard RF modulation and demodulation techniques such
as
FM (frequency modulation), AM (amplitude modulation), SSB (single side-band),
FSK
(frequency shift keying), PSK (phase shift keying), PCM (pulse code
modulation), and
the like. The transceiver 39 is normally in a powered-down mode whereby the
transceiver 39 receives signals into memory to trigger events such a periodic
down load
to secure storage. Upon the reception of user specified data, the transceiver
39
generates a signal as previously described to start the down load procedure.
The
transceiver 39 preferably receives and transmits at a high frequency so that
the unit
may function in buildings, tunnels, under bridges and the like and the
required antenna
is omni-directional, and compact. The transceiver 39 is a simple and rugged
unit similar
in size and construction to the currently available GPS units. The circuitry
of the
transceiver 39 is designed to be compact and energy efficient. Thus, the
transceiver 39
is capable of being used for extended periods of time on the vehicle battery.
The
transceiver 39 can be switched between active and passive mode by reception of
the
appropriate code.
The satellite component (shown in FIG 4) is preferably a constellation of
satellites which provide complete communication coverage of the Earth's
surface so
-18-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
that a vehicle can receive and transmit information from any place on the
globe. A
preferred embodiment is the GPS navigational system currently in the Earth's
orbit
wherein the information would be transmitted on the Nudet Detection System
communications link L3.
In accordance with the invention, the controller 22 can be programmed to
download information through transceiver 39 on a schedule. Additionally, when
the
surveillance system 10 is activated as further described below, a real time
encoded
signal from the video camera 12 and the monitor transducers is caused to be
broadcast
to the authorities in a manner as better shown in Figure 4. !n this manner
real time,
informed response from the authorities can be dispatched to the scene.
Turning to FIG 2, there is shown the on board, secure vehicle surveillance
system 10 in accordance with the instant invention. FIG 2 shows the physical
layout of
the system monitoring components such as the locations of cameras 12 , motion
sensors/ detectors 46, microphones or audio recording device 42 and lighting
components 47. External video cameras 12 are mounted on the front and back
sides of
the vehicle 11 facing forward. An internal video camera 12 is mounted in the
front
interior of vehicle 11 to view events occurring inside the vehicle andlor
outside the
vehicle 11 through the cab windshield . Both external video camera 12 and
internal
video camera 12 communicate with systems controller 22 as shown in FIG. 1.
Microphone or audio devices 42, mounted on the sides of the cab and the
trailer of
vehicle 11, communicate with systems controller 22. Motion sensors 46 are
mounted
on the top of the cab and the trailer of vehicle 11. The lighting components
47 are
_19,
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
mounted along the front of the vehicle 11 facing rearward and at the exterior
aft of the
trailer of vehicle 11 facing forward in order to light up the vehicle and the
surrounding
area. Likewise, microphone or audio devices 42, mounted internal the trailer
of vehicle
11, communicate with systems controller 22. Internal lighting components 47
are
mounted along the front of the trailer of vehicle 11 facing rearward and at
the aft of the
trailer of vehicle 11 facing forward in order to light up the interior of the
trailer of the
vehicle 11. !t will be appreciated that the exact placement of these
components will vary
depending on the vehicle and the trailer load.
In operation, when the vehicle 11 is not activated, a battery (not shown)
energizes the system. When the vehicle 11 is running, the vehicle's 11 own
electrical
system energizes the system. The device may run at all times or may be
activated by a
motion sensor 46. The motion sensor 46 activates the lighting components 47
when
necessary such as when the vehicle 11 is parked in a dark area. The cameras 12
are
energized to transmit video data. Controller 22 receives information from the
audio
device 42. The video signal is digitized and the information synchronized with
information from the audio device 42. Added to the frame are the vehicle ID,
date and
time. As the vehicle 11 proceeds, the information is time synchronized and
digitally
stored. The information is accessed, when necessary, as set forth above.
Turning to FIG 3 there is shown a cut away of the vehicle 11 depicting the
inside
trailer portion of the vehicle 11. Depicted therein are internal video cameras
12, audio
device 42 , motion sensor 46 and lighting components 47, located at both the
front and
-20-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
rear of the inside trailer portion of vehicle 11. The information is recorded
and
accessed in the same manner as set forth above.
Referring to Figure 4, there is shown the relationship between the GPS
satellite
system, the transceiver 39 on the vehicle 11 and the transceiver 64 can be
seen. To
inject information into the system, transceiver 64 up/links by mimicking the
L3 link by
transmitting a signal 66 in the VHF/UHF band to the nearest safiellite 68 in
view. The
signal 66 is an anti-jam, frequency-hopped transmission. Upon reception the
satellite 68
dehops and demodulates the signal 66, reformats and remodulates the signal 66
and
then transmits the signal 70 on the L3 link at 1381.05 MHZ. The satellite also
re-
transmits the signal 72 on a cross-link to other GPS satellites in order to
effect global
coverage. Cross finked transmission signals 72 are down linked on L3 as well.
Although
the L3 link on the GPS navigation satellite system is contemplated as the best
mode for
communication between the transceiver 39 and the authorities, other satellite
systems
are also anticipated as functioning in place of the GPS satellites 68, with
the transceiver
64 suitably modified.
It will be realized that other information may be gathered, encoded and stored
in
the synchronized data system. For example, GPS tracking data or the like. In
this
manner hijacked vehicles can be tracked down and recovered.
Having described the on board secure vehicle mounted surveillance system and
how it operates, it is not intended that the on board, secure vehicle mounted
surveillance system be limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings and
described
in the specification. It is well known that those skilled in the art may
modify or make
-21-
CA 02412389 2002-12-06
WO 01/97524 PCT/US00/15962
changes to the disclosed on board secure vehicle mounted surveillance system
within
the spirit of the invention as described herein and set forth in the claims.
-22-
