CA2592653A1 - System and method for locating a vehicle - Google Patents
System and method for locating a vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2592653A1 CA2592653A1 CA 2592653 CA2592653A CA2592653A1 CA 2592653 A1 CA2592653 A1 CA 2592653A1 CA 2592653 CA2592653 CA 2592653 CA 2592653 A CA2592653 A CA 2592653A CA 2592653 A1 CA2592653 A1 CA 2592653A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- locator device
- location
- parked
- locating
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 15
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013507 mapping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/14—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating individual free spaces in parking areas
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
- G01S19/01—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
- G01S19/13—Receivers
- G01S19/14—Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Position Fixing By Use Of Radio Waves (AREA)
- Navigation (AREA)
Abstract
The invention consists of a method of locating a parked vehicle, comprising:
a) coupling a removable locator device to the vehicle; b) the locator device sensing an occurrence of an event indicative that the vehicle has been parked; c) the location device obtaining and storing location information for the vehicle on the sensing of the event; and d) removing the locator device from the vehicle to enable use of the locator device to return to the vehicle's location.
a) coupling a removable locator device to the vehicle; b) the locator device sensing an occurrence of an event indicative that the vehicle has been parked; c) the location device obtaining and storing location information for the vehicle on the sensing of the event; and d) removing the locator device from the vehicle to enable use of the locator device to return to the vehicle's location.
Description
Field of the Invention 100011 The present invention relates to the field of locating and tracking devices. In particular, it relates to a system and method for locating a vehicle.
Background of the Invention 100021 One of the difficulties encountered when driving in a large or unfamiliar city is locating and returning to one's vehicle after parking. Particularly in the case of rental vehicles, where both the vehicle and city are unfamiliar to the driver, and with the large size of parking garages in malls, hotels and other venues, it can be very difficult for the driver to not only locate the parked vehicle, but also to determine how to return to the location. However, with the developinent and increased usage of in-vehicle navigation systems, such as GPS tracking and mapping devices, the potential exists to use those systems to assist the driver in locating their vehicle after leaving it parked.
(00031 For example, U.S. Patents Nos. 6,392,592 and 6,694,258 to Johnson et al.
discloses a hand-held car locator device consisting of two parts, a transmitter/receiver in the vehicle, and a fob which is carried by the user. When the user wants to locate the vehicle, they activate the fob, and a signal is sent to the vehicle, which then gets its current location using GPS or similar means, and sends the location back to the fob for the user to see. Johnson also proposes automatic transmission of location, such as upon locking of the vehicle doors, however, it remains a two part system.
{00041 Another example, U.S. Patent No. 6,407,698 to Ayed discloses a method of locating a parked vehicle using a mobile GPS device where a sensor in the vehicle is activated and sends a signal to the GPS device when the vehicle is parked. The Ayed method requires modification of the vehicle to incorporate the sensor, as well as possession of a separate mobile GPS device by the user.
looosl A problem with the above-mentioned example is the need for a second device to communicate with the GPS device to determine the location of the parked vehicle.
- 1 - 78603-2 (KB) Another problem is the need to modify the vehicle to include sensors to indicate to the locator device that the vehicle is parked, or other devices, such as a cradle, to accommodate the locator device.
100061 There is a need for a method of locating a vehicle that uses a single device, ideally in a one-step operation that does not require any modification of the vehicle.
100071 It is an object of this invention to partially or completely fulfill one or more of the above-mentioned needs.
Summary of the Invention 100081 The invention consists of a method of locating a parked vehicle, comprising: a) coupling a removable locator device to the vehicle via the locator device's existing external power input port; b) the locator device sensing an occurrence of an event indicative that the vehicle has been parked; c) the location device obtaining and storing location information for the vehicle on the sensing of the event; and d) removing the locator device from the vehicle to enable use of the locator device to return to the vehicle's location.
[00091 The locator device is preferably a GPS enabled device such as a commercial GPS
receiver, a GPS enabled cell phone or PDA or similar device. Alternatively, the locator device may be a cell phone that uses a means for locating cell phones such as, but not limited to, cell phone triangulation.
[oolol The locator device is coupled to the vehicle via the locator device's existing external power input port. Preferably, the event is the cessation of power supply to the locator device from the vehicle due to the vehicle being turned of This cessation is readily sensed using the existing technology of portable GPS units and cell phones as, when the vehicle is turned off, the such devices automatically switch to being powered by L '5 their own internal source. This switch in power supply (from external to self-powered) serves as the event for the locator device _ Z _ 78603-2 (KB) [00111 Alternatively, the event is the cessation of vibrations associated with the vehicle engine running or the vehicle moving. The event may be the sound of a vehicle door opening, the cessation of engine or driver compartinent noise, the movement of the vehicle transmission lever into park or a voice activating command. Further additional alternative events indicative of the vehicle being parked will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[00121 The invention further consists of a system for locating a parked vehicle, comprising a locator device, the locator device being removably coupled to the vehicle aiid capable of obtaining and storing location data; said locator device containing a sensor for sensing when a vehicle has been parked and triggering the location device to obtain and store its present location.
[00131 In one embodiment, the locator device emits a signal when it detects the event to remind users to take the locator device with them when they exit their vehicles.
[00141 Other and further advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings [00151 The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers refer to like elements, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is an alternate schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0016} The inventive method presented herein consists of using a locator device, such as a GPS mapping device, which is placed within a vehicle, coupled to its power supply and _ 3 - 78603-2 (KB) can be removed from the vehicle by the driver when the vehicle is parked. The user plugs the locator device into the vehicle using the locator device's existing external power input port. When the vehicle is turned off, the vehicle ceases to provide power to the locating device. This cessation is readily sensed by existing portable GPS
units and cell phones as, when the vehicle is turned off, the locator device automatically determines that it is no longer being powered by an external source (the vehicle), and switches automatically to being powered by its own internal source. This switch in power supply (from external to self-powered) serves as the event for the locator device.
When the vehicle is turned off, the current location of the vehicle, per the device, is stored on the device, i.e. a waypoint. The driver then removes the device when exiting the vehicle and is able to later use the stored location on the device to return to the parked vehicle.
100171 The storing of the location is preferably performed automatically upon disconnection of the locator device from the vehicle power supply, i.e. the locator device stores the current location at the time of switching from the 12 volt (or other) electrical supply of the vehicle to its internal battery supply. Alternatively, the location can be stored in response to a triggering event from the user or user's vehicle, such as manual activation, a voice command, the engine being shut off, the door locks being disengaged, or the transmission being set to "Park".
[00181 By storing the location on the locator device in the vehicle, the need for the user to carry a second device, such as a key fob, is eliminated. Additionally, there is no need to modify the vehicle to provide a signal to the device, although minor modifications to produce the triggering event may be desirable for the purpose of the secondary embodinients detailed above. Lastly, as there is no second device required, there is no transmission of information that can be degraded, corrupted, or possibly stolen.
100191 Another advantage gained is that the removable locator device is expected to have a larger display and greater functionality than a key fob or similar device, making it easier for the driver to view the navigational instructions to return to the vehicle.
[00201 A schematic illustrating an embodiment of the method is shown in Figure 1. The vehicle 100 is located in a parking area with several other vehicles 102. From within the -4- 78603-2 (KB) vehicle 100 the locator device (not visible) communicates with the network system used to determine its current location, such as a GPS satellite 200. Thus, the device is constantly aware of its current location. When the vehicle 100 is stopped, the current location is stored on the device as a waypoint. If the driver departs from the vehicle with the locator device, he is able to return to the vehicle using the navigation directions provide by the locator device from his present position to the stored waypoint.
100211 As illustrated in Figure 2, the locator device 300 is coupled to a power supply 310 in the vehicle and may be placed on an available surface 320 to allow the display to be viewed while the vehicle is in motion. However, the locator device may also be placed in any other location that permits it to be coupled to the vehicle power supply or otherwise be situated so as to detect an event indicative that the vehicle has been parked.
[00221 While the above device and method has been presented in the context of locating parked passenger vehicles, particularly cars, the device method is equally applicable to other vehicles (e.g. transport trucks, boats, bicycles) that are parked by a driver at a location that must be returned to at a later time.
[00231 This concludes the description of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention. The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is intended the scope of the invention be limited not by this description but by the claims that follow.
_ 5 _ 78603-2 (KB)
Background of the Invention 100021 One of the difficulties encountered when driving in a large or unfamiliar city is locating and returning to one's vehicle after parking. Particularly in the case of rental vehicles, where both the vehicle and city are unfamiliar to the driver, and with the large size of parking garages in malls, hotels and other venues, it can be very difficult for the driver to not only locate the parked vehicle, but also to determine how to return to the location. However, with the developinent and increased usage of in-vehicle navigation systems, such as GPS tracking and mapping devices, the potential exists to use those systems to assist the driver in locating their vehicle after leaving it parked.
(00031 For example, U.S. Patents Nos. 6,392,592 and 6,694,258 to Johnson et al.
discloses a hand-held car locator device consisting of two parts, a transmitter/receiver in the vehicle, and a fob which is carried by the user. When the user wants to locate the vehicle, they activate the fob, and a signal is sent to the vehicle, which then gets its current location using GPS or similar means, and sends the location back to the fob for the user to see. Johnson also proposes automatic transmission of location, such as upon locking of the vehicle doors, however, it remains a two part system.
{00041 Another example, U.S. Patent No. 6,407,698 to Ayed discloses a method of locating a parked vehicle using a mobile GPS device where a sensor in the vehicle is activated and sends a signal to the GPS device when the vehicle is parked. The Ayed method requires modification of the vehicle to incorporate the sensor, as well as possession of a separate mobile GPS device by the user.
looosl A problem with the above-mentioned example is the need for a second device to communicate with the GPS device to determine the location of the parked vehicle.
- 1 - 78603-2 (KB) Another problem is the need to modify the vehicle to include sensors to indicate to the locator device that the vehicle is parked, or other devices, such as a cradle, to accommodate the locator device.
100061 There is a need for a method of locating a vehicle that uses a single device, ideally in a one-step operation that does not require any modification of the vehicle.
100071 It is an object of this invention to partially or completely fulfill one or more of the above-mentioned needs.
Summary of the Invention 100081 The invention consists of a method of locating a parked vehicle, comprising: a) coupling a removable locator device to the vehicle via the locator device's existing external power input port; b) the locator device sensing an occurrence of an event indicative that the vehicle has been parked; c) the location device obtaining and storing location information for the vehicle on the sensing of the event; and d) removing the locator device from the vehicle to enable use of the locator device to return to the vehicle's location.
[00091 The locator device is preferably a GPS enabled device such as a commercial GPS
receiver, a GPS enabled cell phone or PDA or similar device. Alternatively, the locator device may be a cell phone that uses a means for locating cell phones such as, but not limited to, cell phone triangulation.
[oolol The locator device is coupled to the vehicle via the locator device's existing external power input port. Preferably, the event is the cessation of power supply to the locator device from the vehicle due to the vehicle being turned of This cessation is readily sensed using the existing technology of portable GPS units and cell phones as, when the vehicle is turned off, the such devices automatically switch to being powered by L '5 their own internal source. This switch in power supply (from external to self-powered) serves as the event for the locator device _ Z _ 78603-2 (KB) [00111 Alternatively, the event is the cessation of vibrations associated with the vehicle engine running or the vehicle moving. The event may be the sound of a vehicle door opening, the cessation of engine or driver compartinent noise, the movement of the vehicle transmission lever into park or a voice activating command. Further additional alternative events indicative of the vehicle being parked will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[00121 The invention further consists of a system for locating a parked vehicle, comprising a locator device, the locator device being removably coupled to the vehicle aiid capable of obtaining and storing location data; said locator device containing a sensor for sensing when a vehicle has been parked and triggering the location device to obtain and store its present location.
[00131 In one embodiment, the locator device emits a signal when it detects the event to remind users to take the locator device with them when they exit their vehicles.
[00141 Other and further advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings [00151 The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers refer to like elements, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is an alternate schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0016} The inventive method presented herein consists of using a locator device, such as a GPS mapping device, which is placed within a vehicle, coupled to its power supply and _ 3 - 78603-2 (KB) can be removed from the vehicle by the driver when the vehicle is parked. The user plugs the locator device into the vehicle using the locator device's existing external power input port. When the vehicle is turned off, the vehicle ceases to provide power to the locating device. This cessation is readily sensed by existing portable GPS
units and cell phones as, when the vehicle is turned off, the locator device automatically determines that it is no longer being powered by an external source (the vehicle), and switches automatically to being powered by its own internal source. This switch in power supply (from external to self-powered) serves as the event for the locator device.
When the vehicle is turned off, the current location of the vehicle, per the device, is stored on the device, i.e. a waypoint. The driver then removes the device when exiting the vehicle and is able to later use the stored location on the device to return to the parked vehicle.
100171 The storing of the location is preferably performed automatically upon disconnection of the locator device from the vehicle power supply, i.e. the locator device stores the current location at the time of switching from the 12 volt (or other) electrical supply of the vehicle to its internal battery supply. Alternatively, the location can be stored in response to a triggering event from the user or user's vehicle, such as manual activation, a voice command, the engine being shut off, the door locks being disengaged, or the transmission being set to "Park".
[00181 By storing the location on the locator device in the vehicle, the need for the user to carry a second device, such as a key fob, is eliminated. Additionally, there is no need to modify the vehicle to provide a signal to the device, although minor modifications to produce the triggering event may be desirable for the purpose of the secondary embodinients detailed above. Lastly, as there is no second device required, there is no transmission of information that can be degraded, corrupted, or possibly stolen.
100191 Another advantage gained is that the removable locator device is expected to have a larger display and greater functionality than a key fob or similar device, making it easier for the driver to view the navigational instructions to return to the vehicle.
[00201 A schematic illustrating an embodiment of the method is shown in Figure 1. The vehicle 100 is located in a parking area with several other vehicles 102. From within the -4- 78603-2 (KB) vehicle 100 the locator device (not visible) communicates with the network system used to determine its current location, such as a GPS satellite 200. Thus, the device is constantly aware of its current location. When the vehicle 100 is stopped, the current location is stored on the device as a waypoint. If the driver departs from the vehicle with the locator device, he is able to return to the vehicle using the navigation directions provide by the locator device from his present position to the stored waypoint.
100211 As illustrated in Figure 2, the locator device 300 is coupled to a power supply 310 in the vehicle and may be placed on an available surface 320 to allow the display to be viewed while the vehicle is in motion. However, the locator device may also be placed in any other location that permits it to be coupled to the vehicle power supply or otherwise be situated so as to detect an event indicative that the vehicle has been parked.
[00221 While the above device and method has been presented in the context of locating parked passenger vehicles, particularly cars, the device method is equally applicable to other vehicles (e.g. transport trucks, boats, bicycles) that are parked by a driver at a location that must be returned to at a later time.
[00231 This concludes the description of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention. The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is intended the scope of the invention be limited not by this description but by the claims that follow.
_ 5 _ 78603-2 (KB)
Claims (5)
1. A method of locating a vehicle, comprising:
a) coupling a removable locator device to the vehicle;
b) the locator device sensing an occurrence of an event indicative that the vehicle has been parked;
c) the location device obtaining and storing location information for the vehicle on the sensing of the event; and, d) removing the locator device from the vehicle to enable use of the locator device to return to the vehicle's location.
a) coupling a removable locator device to the vehicle;
b) the locator device sensing an occurrence of an event indicative that the vehicle has been parked;
c) the location device obtaining and storing location information for the vehicle on the sensing of the event; and, d) removing the locator device from the vehicle to enable use of the locator device to return to the vehicle's location.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said locator device uses GPS to determine the location information.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said locator device uses cell phone locating technology to determine the location information
4. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the event is selected from one of:
the disconnection of the locator device from the vehicle power supply; the cessation of vibrations associated with the vehicle engine running or the vehicle moving;
the sound of a vehicle door opening; the cessation of engine or driver compartment noise;
the movement of' the vehicle transmission lever into park, a voice activating command, or manual activation.
the disconnection of the locator device from the vehicle power supply; the cessation of vibrations associated with the vehicle engine running or the vehicle moving;
the sound of a vehicle door opening; the cessation of engine or driver compartment noise;
the movement of' the vehicle transmission lever into park, a voice activating command, or manual activation.
5. A system for locating a parked vehicle, comprising a locator device, the locator device being removably coupled to the vehicle and capable of obtaining and storing location data; said locator device containing a sensor for sensing when a vehicle has been parked and triggering the location device to obtain and store its present location
Priority Applications (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2592653 CA2592653A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 | 2007-06-21 | System and method for locating a vehicle |
| CA2691878A CA2691878C (en) | 2007-06-21 | 2008-06-05 | System and method for locating a vehicle |
| US12/665,829 US8392118B2 (en) | 2007-06-21 | 2008-06-05 | System and method for locating a vehicle |
| PCT/CA2008/001067 WO2008154727A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 | 2008-06-05 | System and method for locating a vehicle |
| US13/301,434 US8560222B2 (en) | 2007-06-21 | 2011-11-21 | Method for locating a vehicle |
| US13/626,440 US8521419B2 (en) | 2007-06-21 | 2012-09-25 | Method for locating a vehicle |
| US14/035,588 US9562769B2 (en) | 2007-06-21 | 2013-09-24 | Method for locating a vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2592653 CA2592653A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 | 2007-06-21 | System and method for locating a vehicle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2592653A1 true CA2592653A1 (en) | 2008-12-21 |
Family
ID=40140083
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2592653 Abandoned CA2592653A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 | 2007-06-21 | System and method for locating a vehicle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2592653A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102013203909A1 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2014-09-11 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Method and mobile terminal for recognizing a parking space |
-
2007
- 2007-06-21 CA CA 2592653 patent/CA2592653A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102013203909A1 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2014-09-11 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Method and mobile terminal for recognizing a parking space |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |