US 5,557,254 · Granted 1996-09-17
The 1996 Patent That Invented Vehicle GPS Tracking and Remote Monitoring
Imagine your car could call a security center the moment someone tries to break in, tell them exactly where you are on a map, and let operators remotely control certain car functions. This patent describes that entire system: sensors that detect break-ins, GPS positioning, two-way radio communication, and a central command center that can dispatch police or respond in real time.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a programmable vehicle security system that combines multiple intrusion detection sensors, a computerized control unit, a position determination device (GPS), and a two-way communication link to a central monitoring station. What's protected here is the specific architecture where the control unit automatically detects a violation, initiates a call to the monitoring station, transmits the vehicle's location and status, and enables the remote station to send commands back to control vehicle functions. The handset interface for receiving operator commands is also part of the protected scope.
Why it matters
This patent represents an early integration of GPS tracking, cellular/radio communication, and remote vehicle control into a single security ecosystem at a time when most car alarms were passive and silent. By coupling real-time location data with two-way communication and remote functionality, it established the technical foundation for modern vehicle telematics and fleet monitoring systems. The patent gave the assignee a significant head start in an emerging market for connected vehicle security before GPS became commonplace in consumer vehicles.
Real-world use
When a modern connected car sends an alert to its manufacturer's app showing your vehicle's exact location after a break-in, or when a fleet management company tracks dozens of delivery trucks on a digital map from a central office, you're seeing descendants of the architecture this patent locked down.
Original USPTO abstract
A security system having two-way communication with a central monitoring station. The security system is equipped with a computerized control and communications unit. The control and communications unit is connected to a position determination device and to a calling unit. The control and communications unit is also connected to several intrusion detection devices. Upon direction of the control and communications unit, for example, in response to the detection of a violation of an intrusion detection device, the calling unit establishes a communications link with the central monitoring station and communicates thereto the status and location of the vehicle in which the security system is located. The control and communication device is operable to receive commands from a handset electrically connected thereto. The central monitoring station, by communicating with the control and communications unit, is operable to control functional units of the vehicle. The central monitoring station includes a display on which maps showing the location of vehicles in communication with the monitoring station and information about such vehicles. An operator at the monitoring station may direct equipment in the monitoring station to initiate calls to law enforcement organizations and emergency response vehicles. Other systems and methods are disclosed.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 5,557,254
- Filing date
- 1993-11-16
- Grant date
- 1996-09-17
- Assignee
- Mobile Security Communications, Inc.
- Inventor(s)
- JOHNSON; SAM, ASHE; CECIL W., YATES; JESSE B.
- CPC class
- B60R25/102
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