Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 1 of 27
`
`
`
`
`Exhibit A
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 2 of 27
`
`USOO7305293B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Flick
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`(73)
`
`(*)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`VEHICLE TRACKER INCLUDING
`INPUTAOUTPUT FEATURES AND RELATED
`METHODS
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick, Douglasville, GA
`(US)
`Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C., Douglasville,
`GA (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 33 days.
`Appl. No.: 11/076,331
`
`Notice:
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 9, 2005
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2005/O156718 A1
`Jul. 21, 2005
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation of application No. 10/383,496, filed on
`Mar. 7, 2003, now Pat. No. 7,149,623, which is a
`continuation of application No. 09/859.972, filed on
`May 17, 2001, now Pat. No. 6,606,561.
`Provisional application No. 60/264.811, filed on Jan.
`29, 2001, provisional application No. 60/258,005,
`filed on Dec. 22, 2000, provisional application No.
`60/251552, filed on Dec. 6, 2000, provisional appli
`cation No. 60/252,125, filed on Nov. 20, 2000, pro
`visional application No. 60/246,463, filed on Nov. 7,
`2000, provisional application No. 60/236,890, filed
`on Sep. 29, 2000, provisional application No. 60/222,
`777, filed on Aug. 3, 2000, provisional application
`No. 60/205,178, filed on May 17, 2000.
`Int. C.
`(2006.01)
`B60R 2L/00
`U.S. Cl. ......................... 701/45: 701/46; 307/10.1;
`342/357.09
`Field of Classification Search ................ 701/207,
`701/213, 208, 45-46; 307/10.5, 10.1; 342/357.09
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`8, 1991 Darnell et al. .............. 342.357
`5,043,736 A
`5,055,851 A 10, 1991 Sheffer ....................... 342/457
`5,177,490 A
`1/1993 Ando et al. ................. 342.357
`5,223,844 A
`6/1993 Mansell et al. ............. 342.357
`5,262,774 A 1 1/1993 Kuwahara et al.
`... 340.988
`5,334,986 A
`8/1994 Fernhout .................... 342.357
`
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CA
`
`2133673
`
`4f1996
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Unknown, Onstar Literature, from http://www.onstar.com, Onstar
`Corp., unknown date.*
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner Cuong Nguyen
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Allen, Dyer, Doppelt,
`Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A vehicle tracking unit preferably includes a vehicle position
`determining device, a wireless communications device, and
`a controller connected to the wireless communications
`device and the vehicle position determining device. The
`controller preferably cooperates with the wireless commu
`nications device to generate a sequence of alert message
`notifications for the user, and for canceling any remaining
`alert message notification of the sequence based upon a
`cancellation command response from the user having
`already received the alert message notification.
`
`15 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`SAT
`
`i?-
`;| is veins
`0.
`-- also
`52-
`| use
`p
`
`Ef
`;SW
`s!1
`INPOVP
`1 (EGDA
`E.
`COMPABLE
`:
`
`-
`it.
`
`LO-
`UAOR
`REE
`
`i
`
`8 -38 38
`1st 43
`---2
`2. 6 z A.
`NN
`si
`t
`DEG
`EG.GPS
`
`-451
`
`
`
`
`
`WESS
`RONS
`
`E 44
`AE
`
`i
`
`S.
`
`BAEP
`As
`RESS
`REER
`R
`L (AubistEWSJA)
`its
`
`f
`
`54
`
`56
`
`5
`
`2
`29, -7
`2
`R
`
`27 :
`r":
`
`YEHE
`SER
`
`? E.
`
`s
`
`5
`
`AARAD.
`SIRE/ORN
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 3 of 27
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,365,450 A 1 1/1994 Schuchman ................. 364/449
`5,515,043 A
`5, 1996 Berard et al. ..
`... 340.988
`5,570,087 A 10, 1996 Lemelson ...
`340,870.05
`5,673,305 A
`9/1997 Ross ........................... 379.58
`5,740,047 A * 4/1998 Pilley et al. ...
`701 120
`5,777,580 A
`7/1998 Janky et al. ...
`... 342/.457
`5,825,283 A 10/1998 Camhi ...........
`... 340,438
`5,969.433 A 10/1999 Maggiora et al. .......... 307/10.5
`6,018,657 A
`1/2000 Kennedy, III et al. ...... 455/426
`6,025,774 A
`2, 2000 Forbes ................ ... 340/426
`6,049,269 A
`4/2000 Byrd et al. .
`... 340/426
`6,055.426 A
`4/2000 Beasley ......
`... 455,432
`6,069,570 A
`5/2000 Herring ......
`340,825.49
`6,075458 A
`6/2000 Ladner et al. ......... 340,825.49
`6,076,028 A *
`6/2000 Donnelly et al. ............. TO1/45
`6,131,067 A 10/2000 Girerd et al. .....
`... 701 (213
`6,133,855. A 10/2000 Kim ...........
`340/932.2
`6,148.212 A 11/2000 Park et al. ..
`... 455,456
`6,151,551 A 1 1/2000 Geier et al. .
`... 701, 207
`6,154,648 A 1 1/2000 Comer .......
`455.426
`6,166,626. A 12/2000 Janky et al.
`6,169,497 B1
`1/2001 Robert ....................... 340.988
`
`2/2001 Yamada ......................... TO1/1
`6, 195,597 B1
`1 1/2001 Holland
`455,456
`6,321,091 B1
`1/2002 Novik ........................ TO1,208
`6,339,745 B1
`6,542,077 B2 * 4/2003 Joao ...................... 340,426.16
`6,549,130 B1 * 4/2003 Joao .....
`... 307/10.2
`6,756,917 B2 * 6/2004 Gould et al. ................ 340.988
`6,958,688 B1 * 10/2005 Barnett ....................... 340/506
`2002/O121969 A1* 9, 2002 Joao ........
`340,425.5
`2002/0196.161 A1* 12/2002 Gould et al. ................ 340.988
`2003/O128104 A1* 7/2003 Lessard et al. ........ 340,426.11
`2004/O198309 A1* 10, 2004 Duvall
`455,404.1
`2005/0073389 A1 * 4/2005 Chandley ................... 340, 5.31
`2005/0130670 A1* 6/2005 Gould et al. ............. 455,456.1
`2005. O135287 A1* 6, 2005 Gould et al. .
`... 370,310
`2005/0248444 A1* 11/2005 Joao ...................... 340,426.13
`2005/0252493 A1* 11/2005 Simmons .................... 123,480
`
`
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Tetzeli, Cargo that phones home, Fortune Magazine, Nov. 15.
`n at St. About us, from http://209.235.195.221/
`pv aboutus.pnp/ItemIL-4.
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 4 of 27
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`C
`Cyr
`
`18
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`97
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 5 of 27
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`POSION
`DEERMINING
`DEVICE
`(EG. GPS)
`
`COMMENCATIONS
`DEVICE (EG.
`CEL CONTROL
`CHANNE)
`
`44
`
`INPUT/OUTPUT
`(EG. DUAL
`POLARITY
`COMPATIBLE
`A
`
`
`
`REGISTRATION
`REMINDER
`ES
`(AUDIBLE/VISUAL)
`
`DOOR
`LOCK-
`ATAOR
`
`72
`
`IGNITION
`SWCH
`
`VEHICLE
`BAERY
`
`6
`
`65
`
`R AARMIND.
`SEREN/HORN
`DEYCE
`(SEREN/HORN)
`
`66
`
`67
`
`56
`
`29
`
`4/
`
`-7
`
`YEHICLE
`SECURITY
`CONTROLLER
`
`28
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 6 of 27
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`20
`
`N
`
`MONTORING
`STATION
`
`30
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`32
`
`NERNET
`INTERFACE
`
`35
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 7 of 27
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`Sheet 4 of 10
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`80 /
`and
`
`"A" ON
`
`YES 1GNEON
`ON
`
`SYSEA
`
`FLAG
`"A" ON
`
`SEEP
`ME
`ACIAE
`
`ALARA
`GRAY WIRE
`REGGERE)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GPS 0%. AME
`COMPARENGT8 LAS
`06GEBOCATION
`BEFOREARME)
`
`
`
`RANSAAER"A"
`RN ON FLAG"A"
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 8 of 27
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`Sheet 5 of 10
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`NO 1AGBN NO
`ACIAE)
`YES
`DEACNAEFAG
`"B"
`
`E.
`
`GRAY WR
`POLARY HANGE
`
`FINISH
`
`
`
`
`
`YES
`AG"B
`AVAED
`NO
`SECTIMRNYES
`"3"EXPRED
`NO
`
`GPS-2000
`
`YES
`
`SE-1-6
`
`NO
`
`OUNER
`
`"B"FOO
`
`RE:HS
`
`
`
`RECORD THIS
`EVEN
`
`
`
`FIG 54.
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 9 of 27
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`82n
`
`(D)
`
`
`
`
`
`SECMER
`"BB"EXPRED
`
`ADO
`COUNTER"B"
`
`RESE CORER
`"B"T02
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PRE-ACAE
`SEC. TEMER"BB"
`
`25 SEC.
`MER
`EXPR
`ED
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 10 of 27
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`-1 84
`
`ALERT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`YES
`
`GPSSPEED WNO
`X "C"
`
`YES
`
`ACWAE
`TIMER "C"
`
`RECORD
`SPEED
`
`
`
`
`
`F16. 6.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TIMER"C"
`
`
`
`NO
`
`
`
`SENDEMAIL (F
`PROGRAMMED)
`INCLUDINGTOP
`SPEED, TOTAL OF
`TIMER "c", CURRENT
`LOCATION AND
`DIRECTION
`
`STOPTIMER "C"
`ANDSET MER
`"C"TOg
`
`
`
`
`
`FINISH
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 11 of 27
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`Sheet 8 of 10
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SAR 3
`SECTIMER
`
`GRAY WIRE
`DEPOLARITY
`CHANGE
`
`AD TO
`COUNTER"D"
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ALERT
`"DON
`
`
`
`
`
`ALERT BY
`PASS ACTIVATED
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SYSTEM
`DSARMED
`
`3 SEC.
`TMER
`ACWAED
`
`3 SEC.
`TIMER
`EXPRED
`
`FLAG "D"
`ACRVATE)
`
`FIG 7.
`
`TRN FLAG
`"D" OFF
`
`SETIMER
`"D"
`
`SET COUNTER
`
`TRANSMT
`ALERT"D"
`
`AVATE
`FLAG"D"
`
`SETIMER
`D" - 2
`
`
`
`SE COUNTER
`"D"-f
`
`RECORD THIS
`EVENT
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 12 of 27
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FLAG "E"
`ACNAED
`
`STAR O MN.
`MER "E"
`
`FLAG "E"
`ACNAED
`
`TIMER"E"
`ACTIVATED
`
`TIMER"E"
`EXPRED
`
`TURNFLAG
`"E" OFF
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`URN OFF
`FLAG"E"
`
`ACTIVATE AER
`WARNING"E"
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 13 of 27
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2007
`
`Sheet 10 of 10
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IGNITION
`ON
`NO
`
`ACTIVATE
`GNON
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GPSSIGNAL
`(WITHN5MNMNO
`
`DEBOUNCE) K.
`
`
`
`TRN OFF
`TIMER"F"
`
`
`
`
`
`RESE-COUNTER
`"Fn 2.
`
`u-87
`
`
`
`
`
`ACNAEC)
`MN.T.MER
`
`ACVAE ONE
`PEIO BEEP
`
`
`
`ACTIVATE
`MER"F"
`
`
`
`
`
`MER"F"
`30MN.
`CIYATE
`YES
`MER"F"
`EXPRED
`YES
`
`ADD TO
`COUNTER"F"
`
`
`
`ACTIVATE
`ALERT "F"
`
`FIG 9.
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 14 of 27
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`1.
`VEHICLE TRACKER INCLUDING
`INPUTAOUTPUT FEATURES AND RELATED
`METHODS
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
`application Ser. No. 10/383,496 filed Mar. 7, 2003, now U.S.
`Pat. No. 7,149,623 which is a continuation of U.S. patent
`application Ser. No. 09/859/972 filed on May 17, 2001 now
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,561 which, in turn, was based upon
`provisional patent application Ser. Nos. 60/264,811 filed on
`Jan. 29, 2001: 60/258,005, filed Dec. 22, 2000; 60/251552,
`flied Dec. 6, 2000; 60/252,125, filed Nov. 20, 2000; 60/236,
`890, filed Sep. 29, 2000; 60/246.463, filed Nov. 7, 2000;
`60/222,777, filed Aug. 3, 2000; 60/205,178, filed May 17,
`2000; and non-provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No.
`09/859,972, the entire contents of each of which are incor
`porated herein by reference.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to the field of vehicle
`devices, and, more particularly, to a tracking and alerting
`system for a vehicle.
`
`25
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`Motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, trucks, busses,
`fleet vehicles, etc. are widely used and knowing the loca
`tions of such vehicles is often desired. For example, should
`a vehicle be stolen, it would be beneficial to know the
`vehicle's location so that authorities could be promptly and
`accurately directed to retrieve the vehicle. Indeed, the track
`ing system could plot the getaway path of the thief.
`For a company with hired drivers, it may be desirable to
`know the drivers whereabouts during the course of the day.
`Similarly, a rental car agency or other fleet operator, for
`example, may wish to know the whereabouts of its fleet of
`vehicles.
`40
`It may also be desirable to track the location of a vehicle
`as it is used throughout the course of a normal day. For
`parents of younger or older drivers, for example, knowledge
`of the vehicle's location may provide some assurance that
`the driver is at designated locations and following a pre
`scribed route.
`A number of patents disclose various systems and
`approaches to tracking vehicles. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
`5.223,844 discloses a tracking system including a control
`center and a mobile unit installed in the vehicle. The mobile
`unit may send security warnings to the command center via
`a wireless transceiver. Position information for the vehicle is
`determined using a GPS receiver at the vehicle.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,043 discloses a similar system which
`may send one or more preprogrammed telephone messages
`to a user when away from the vehicle. The user may
`remotely access location information or cause certain com
`mands to be carried out by entering a personal identification
`number (PIN).
`The widespread availability and use of the Internet has
`prompted a number of vehicle tracking systems to also make
`use of the Internet. For example, TellEvoke, Inc. proposed
`such a system in combination with Clifford Electronics. The
`system was to provide notification, control and tracking
`services via the telephone or the Internet. Users could be
`notified via phone, e-mail, or pager of events such as a car
`alarm being triggered. Users could control the vehicle
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`remote devices via phone, web, or PDA such as unlocking
`car doors. Additionally, users could track TellEvoke-enabled
`vehicles on the Internet or via the telephone. An Internet
`map could be viewed by the user showing the actual and
`prior vehicle locations. TellEvoke offered its services via a
`centralized fully automated Network Operations Center. To
`reduce the communications costs, it was proposed to use the
`control channel of the cellular telephone network.
`There are, of course, a number of vehicles which come
`from the manufacturer with some form of security system
`already installed. In addition, a number of vehicles are also
`equipped with aftermarket security systems. Many conven
`tional vehicle tracking units may not be readily installed in
`vehicles, particularly those vehicles already including a
`vehicle security system. In addition, complexity of installa
`tion may significantly increase the system costs.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In view of the foregoing background it is therefore an
`object of the invention to provide a tracking system and
`related methods which is more likely to be able to success
`fully alert a user and/or which provides more useful alert
`information.
`This and other objects, features and advantages in accor
`dance with the invention are provided by a tracking unit
`preferably comprising a vehicle position determining
`device, a wireless communications device, and a controller
`connected to the wireless communications device and the
`vehicle position determining device. The controller prefer
`ably cooperates with the wireless communications device to
`generate a sequence of alert message notifications for the
`user, and for canceling any remaining alert message notifi
`cation based upon a cancellation command response from
`the user having already received the alert message notifica
`tion. Accordingly, if the user may be reached at different
`telephone numbers or different users are desirably notified of
`the alert, the present invention can make the notifications
`efficiently and without making unnecessary notifications.
`The tracking unit may provide any of a number of very
`useful alerts. For example, the alert message notifications
`may comprise at least one of a vehicle stolen alert message
`notification, and a vehicle alarm sounding alert message
`notification. The alert message notifications may be one a
`vehicle speeding alert message notification, and a vehicle
`acceleration alert message notification. In addition, the alert
`message notifications may comprise an unauthorized remote
`transmitter alert message notification. Also, the alert mes
`sage notifications may be at least one of a low vehicle
`battery alert message notification, and a device malfunction
`alert message notification.
`The speeding alert message notification may be based
`upon exceeding a speed threshold for greater than a certain
`time, which may be user selectable. The acceleration alert
`message notification may also be useful as Such is also
`indicative of aggressive driving along with the speeding
`alert. The unauthorized remote transmitter alert message
`notification increases overall security since a user will be
`notified if a would-be thief learns an unauthorized transmit
`ter to operate the controller. The vehicle position determin
`ing device may comprise a Global Positioning System
`(GPS) device.
`A method aspect of the invention is for operating a vehicle
`tracking unit including a vehicle position determining
`device, a wireless communications device, and a controller
`connected to the wireless communications device and the
`vehicle position determining device. The method preferably
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 15 of 27
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`4
`Of course in other embodiments, other interfaces may be
`used and only one of the illustrated interfaces may be
`needed. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that
`messages may be sent to a Subscriber or user via prepro
`grammed Voice messages, e-mail messages, facsimile mes
`sages, pager alerts, etc. In addition commands or instruc
`tions from the Subscriber can also be input to the monitoring
`station 30 via the telephone network interface 33 and/or the
`internet interface 34, from the subscribers telephone 35 or
`computer 36.
`The monitoring station 30 is illustratively connected to a
`cellular telephone tower 32 which, in turn, may communi
`cate with the vehicle tracking unit 25 in some embodiments.
`Of course, in other embodiments other communications
`approaches are also contemplated. Such as, for example,
`including satellite communications.
`The monitoring station 30 may typically include the
`necessary modems, and other communications electronics,
`and computers for its functions which are described in
`greater detail below. The configuration of Such components
`and their details will be readily apparent to those skilled in
`the art. Accordingly, no further discussion of these details is
`needed.
`Referring now more specifically to FIG. 2, additional
`details of the vehicle tracking unit 25 and devices at the
`vehicle are now further described. The vehicle tracking unit
`25 illustratively includes a controller 40, a vehicle position
`determining device 42, and a wireless communications
`device 44 connected together. The vehicle position deter
`mining device 42 may be provided by a GPS receiver, for
`example. The GPS receiver typically operates by receiving
`multiple signals from spaced apart satellites 38 as will be
`appreciated by those skilled in the art.
`In other embodiments, the vehicle position determining
`device 42 may be provided based upon communications
`with the cellular telephone network, or based upon other
`satellite transmissions, for example. As a particular example,
`time of arrival techniques are available based upon multiple
`reception paths to determine position via the cellular tele
`phone network as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
`art. The vehicle position determining device 42 also illus
`tratively includes an indicator 43 associated therewith, such
`as for indicating an operating mode, or proper operation of
`the device as will be addressed in greater detail below.
`The wireless communications device 44 may be provided
`by a cellular telephone transceiver configured to operate on
`a control channel of the cellular network. Such a control
`channel may provide nearly universal coverage for the
`tracking system 20 as will be appreciated by those skilled in
`the art. In addition, the control channel may offer relatively
`inexpensive communications between the monitoring sta
`tion 30 and the vehicle tracking unit 25 as will be appreci
`ated by those skilled in the art. The wireless communications
`device 44 also illustratively includes an optional status
`indicator 45 with a similar function as the indicator 43 for
`the vehicle position determining device.
`The wireless communications device 44 in other embodi
`ments, may transmit in the Voiceband of the cellular net
`work. Alternately, the wireless communications device may
`communicate over other networks, such as over satellite, or
`via wireless internet services, as will be appreciated by those
`skilled in the art.
`The controller 40 illustratively includes a central process
`ing unit (CPU) 50 or other logic circuitry which is connected
`to a clock signal generator 51 and a memory 52. In other
`embodiments, the memory 52 may be an embedded memory
`
`3
`comprises using the controller cooperating with the wireless
`communications device to generate a sequence of alert
`message notifications for the user, and for canceling any
`remaining alert message notification of the sequence based
`upon a cancellation command response from the user having
`already received the alert message notification.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a vehicle tracking
`system in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the vehicle
`tracking unit as shown in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of the monitoring
`station as shown in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 4 is a flowchart for operation of the vehicle tracking
`system as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a vehicle stolen alert.
`FIGS.5A-5C are a flowchart for operation of the vehicle
`tracking system as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a vehicle
`alarm Sounding alert.
`FIG. 6 is a flowchart for operation of the vehicle tracking
`system as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a vehicle speeding
`alert.
`FIG. 7 is a flowchart for operation of the vehicle tracking
`system as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating an unauthorized
`transmitter learned alert.
`FIG. 8 is a flowchart for operation of the vehicle tracking
`system as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a low battery alert.
`FIG. 9 is a flowchart for operation of the vehicle tracking
`system as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a GPS or cellular unit
`failure alert.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`The present invention will now be described more fully
`hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in
`which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.
`This invention may, however, be embodied in many different
`forms and should not be construed as limited to the illus
`trated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodi
`ments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
`and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
`invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to
`like elements throughout.
`Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the vehicle tracking system 20 in
`accordance with the invention is now initially described. The
`vehicle system 20 illustratively includes a vehicle tracking
`unit 25 to be mounted in the vehicle 21 and a monitoring
`station 30 which is remote from the vehicle and which is
`typically in a fixed location. In the illustrated embodiment,
`the vehicle tracking unit 25 interfaces with various vehicle
`devices, such as may include security sensors, door locks,
`etc. as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
`The vehicle tracking unit 25 is also illustratively con
`nected to a separate vehicle security system 27 as may
`already be installed in the vehicle 21, from the factory or
`installed as an aftermarket product. Those of skill in the art
`will appreciate that in some embodiments of the vehicle
`tracking system 20 a separate vehicle security system 27
`may not be needed, and/or various features thereof can be
`readily incorporated in the vehicle tracking unit 25.
`The monitoring station 30 may typically service a number
`of subscribers 31. As shown perhaps best in FIG. 3, the
`monitoring station 30 may include a user interface. Such as
`the schematically illustrated telephone network interface 33
`and the internet interface 34 which are schematically
`coupled to a telephone 35, and a computer 36, respectively.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 16 of 27
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`5
`in the CPU 50. The controller 40 also includes schematically
`illustrated input/output circuitry 53 to interface with various
`vehicle devices. In particular the input/output circuitry 53
`may provide dual polarity compatibility for one or more
`inputs or outputs as will be described in greater detail below.
`One or more of the terminals of the input/output circuitry 53
`may also provide both input and output functions as will also
`be described in greater detail below. This may significantly
`simplify and accelerate installation of the vehicle tracking
`unit 25 in the vehicle 21.
`Also illustratively shown as part of the vehicle tracking
`unit 25 are a back-up battery 54, and switch 55 connected
`thereto for selectively powering certain of the components
`based upon the controller 40. Of course, the vehicle 21 also
`includes an electrical system including the vehicle battery
`61. Powering of the vehicle tracking unit 25 is described in
`greater detail below.
`The vehicle 21 also includes a number of other compo
`nents that may relate to vehicle tracking, security, and/or
`convenience features provided by the vehicle tracking sys
`tem. 20. For example, the vehicle 21 may include one or
`more door lock actuators 62, an optional remote starting
`device 63, a starter interrupt device 66 and an alarm indi
`cator 67. For example, the alarm indicator may be provided
`by a vehicle horn or vehicle siren, and/or flashing of the
`lights.
`The optional separate security system 27 illustratively
`includes a vehicle security controller 28 and a receiver 29
`connected thereto. As is conventional, the vehicle security
`system 27 may be switched between armed and disarmed
`modes, for example, by one or more uniquely coded remote
`transmitters 60. The vehicle security controller 28 may also
`be capable of learning a new uniquely coded remote trans
`mitter 60 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
`The vehicle security controller 28 also illustratively is
`connected to the starter interrupt device 66 and the alarm
`indicator 67.
`For ease of explanation, a number of the features of the
`vehicle tracking system 20 are now described. The vehicle
`tracking system 20 includes a number of features that may
`40
`simplify installation and maintenance. For example, as
`shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle tracking unit 25 may have a test
`switch 71 connected to the controller 40.
`In normal operation, the controller 40 may be called upon
`to operate at least one vehicle device. Of course, the con
`troller 40 also cooperates with the wireless communications
`device 44 and the vehicle position determining device 42 to
`determine and send vehicle position information to the
`monitoring station 30. Moreover, the controller 40 may be
`switchable to a test mode for test operation of the at least one
`vehicle device responsive to activation of the test switch 71.
`In some embodiments, the at least one vehicle device may
`be a plurality of vehicle devices that are tested by operation
`in sequence. For example, the at least one vehicle device
`may comprise at least one door lock actuator 62. The at least
`one vehicle device may also comprise the starter interrupt
`device 66, or the engine remote starter 63 if remote starting
`is an implemented feature. The at least one vehicle device
`which is tested, may also be the alarm indicator 67. Accord
`ingly, an installer, for example, can quickly check that the
`tracking unit has been properly installed.
`To further provide for ready determination of proper
`operation of the vehicle tracking unit 25, one or both of the
`position determining and wireless communications devices
`42, 44 may include associated indicators 43, 45 as men
`65
`tioned briefly above, and which provide an indication relat
`ing to proper operation. Each indicator 43, 45 may indicate
`
`50
`
`6
`a mode of operation of the device, its proper operation, or a
`partial or complete failure of the device.
`Another aspect of the invention is that the controller 40
`may provide a selectable polarity for the at least one vehicle
`device based upon sensing thereof. Accordingly, a predeter
`mined activation of the test switch 71 may cause the
`controller 40 to sense and select the properpolarity. Pressing
`the test switch 71 for a predetermined time or in a prede
`termined pattern may sense and set the polarity.
`Another feature of the vehicle tracking unit 25 and vehicle
`tracking system 20 relates to conservation of the number of
`codes or messages that need to be sent to the vehicle tracking
`unit. In particular, the controller 40 may have a plurality of
`different controller states and respond differently to a same
`message from the monitoring station 30 at different times
`depending upon the controller state at a given time. Accord
`ingly, a number of codes or messages used by the system can
`be conserved. Various messages are described in greater
`detail below.
`A controller state may change based upon several differ
`ent occurrences or events. For example the controller may
`change States in response to a change in at least one vehicle
`device, or based upon a message received by the wireless
`communications device 44 from the monitoring station 30,
`and/or based upon elapsed time. The controller states, for
`example, may include an alert sent state based upon an alert
`message being sent from the wireless communications
`device 44. Thereafter, receipt of a predetermined message by
`the wireless communications device 44 when the controller
`40 is in the alert sent state may confirm receipt of the alert
`message by the monitoring station.
`Receipt of the predetermined message by the wireless
`communications device 44 when the controller 40 is in
`another state different than the alert sent state may thus cause
`a different response by the controller. The alert sent state
`may comprise at least one of a vehicle stolen alert sent state,
`a vehicle alarm sounding alert sent state, a vehicle speeding
`alert sent state, an unauthorized remote transmitter alert sent
`state, a low vehicle battery alert sent state, and a device
`malfunction alert sent state. The various alert messages and
`confirmation thereof are described in greater detail below.
`The code or message conservation aspects of the vehicle
`tracking system 20 also permit sending a sequence of codes
`or messages within a predetermined time to also cause a
`different response at the vehicle tracking unit 25. In other
`words, the plurality of controller states may comprise a
`received first message state based upon a first message being
`received by the wireless communications device 44 from the
`monitoring station 30. Receipt of a second message by the
`wireless communications device 44 when the controller 40
`is in the received first message state. Such as within a
`predetermined time window, for example, may thus cause a
`different response by the controller than does receipt of the
`second message when the controller is in another state than
`the received first message state.
`The plurality of controller states may comprise a vehicle
`finder state Sounding an audible signal via the alarm indi
`cator 67 at the vehicle 21. In this state the controller 40
`would bypass sending a vehicle alarm sounding alert to the
`monitoring station 30.
`Another aspect of the vehicle tracking system 20 is the
`provision of certain power conservation and management
`techniques, such as to permit extended periods where the
`vehicle 21 is not in operation. During Such extended periods,
`the vehicle battery 61 provides power to the vehicle tracking
`unit 25 as well as other vehicle devices. Accordingly, the
`voltage of the vehicle battery 61 drops over time. The
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`60
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-01344-JRC Document 1-4 Filed 09/10/20 Page 17 of 27
`
`US 7,305,293 B2
`
`8
`can piggyback its arming and disarming off the existing
`vehicle security system 27, for example.
`The controller 40 may also selectively operate the engine
`starter interrupt device 66 based upon a command message
`from the monitoring station 30. The controller 40 may
`selectively operate the engine starter interrupt device 66
`based upon a command message from the monitoring station
`30. Alternately, or in addition thereto, the controller 40 may
`selectively operate the engine starter interrupt device 66
`based up