CLIAMS:1. A method for detecting theft of a vehicle (100), comprising steps of:
detecting an attempt to enter into the vehicle (100) by generating an activation signal (1) from at least one sensor (2) installed in the vehicle (100);
initiating transmission of an alarm signal (3) by the activation signal (1);
activating an alarm unit (4) installed in a key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) by receiving the alarm signal (3) for alerting a user.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (2) installed on each of the vehicle (100) doors and windows for detecting an attempt to enter the vehicle (100).

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activation signal (1) is used by an ECU (6) to initiate the transmission of the alarm signal (3) using a transmitter module (7).

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alarm signal (3) from the transmitter module (7) and to the alarm unit (4) installed in the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) is transmitted using wireless communication.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alarm unit (4) installed in the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) alerts the user by an audio warning tone, visual warning indicator and vibration warning or in combinations.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless communication is selected from a group comprising Global Positioning System (GPS), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Radio Frequency (RF), Bluetooth and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or WiFi.

7. A system (101) for detecting theft of a vehicle (100) comprising:
at least one sensor (2) installed at predetermined locations on the vehicle (100) for generating at least one activation signal (1) responsive to detection of an attempt to entry into the vehicle (100);
a transmitter module (7) installed in the vehicle (100) for transmitting an alarm signal (3) through wireless communication after detecting the at least one activation signal (1); and
an alarm unit installed in a key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) to receive the alarm signal (3) from the transmitter module (7) for alerting a user.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one sensor (2) is installed on each of the vehicle (100) doors and windows for detecting an attempt to enter the vehicle (100).

9. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one sensor (2) is linked to an ECU (6) and a transmitter module (7) to generate and transmit the alarm signal (3) to the alarm unit (4) installed in the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100).

10. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the signals transmitted from the transmitter module (7) to the alarm unit (4) installed in the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) is carried out through wireless signal transmission.

11. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the wireless signal transmission are selected from a group comprising Global Positioning System (GPS), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Radio Frequency (RF), Bluetooth or any other similar wireless transmission means.

12. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the transmitter module (7) sends signal to a mobile device as an alerting means by way of Short Messaging Service (SMS) or SOS distress signal or call or all of the above.

13. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the alarm unit (4) installed in the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) alerts the user by an audio warning tone, visual warning indicator, vibration warning or in combinations.

14. A key fob (5) of a vehicle (100) comprising:
a receiving unit for receiving alarm signal from a transmitter module (7) installed in a vehicle (100); wherein the alarm signal (3) is generated by an activation signal (1) from at least one sensor (2) installed in the vehicle (100) to detect an attempt to enter into the vehicle (100); and

at least one control switch (11) for selecting at least one of a predefined audio warning tone and visual warning indicator (14) for alerting the user.
15. The key fob (5) as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least one control switch (8, 9, 10, 12) are provided for locking the vehicle (100), unlocking the vehicle (100), sounding the vehicle alarm unit (4) and for initiating a recording of a user’s voice.

16. The key fob (5) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one control switch (11) is pressed to select predefined warning tones as per the user’s requirement.

17. The key fob (5) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one control switch (12) is pressed to activate the microphone (13) for recording the user’s voice.

18. The key fob (5) as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least one microphone (13) is provided for inputting the user’s voice for recordation of the audio warning tone.

19. The key fob (5) as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least one visual warning (14) is provided for alerting the user visually during an attempt to enter into the vehicle (100).

20. The key fob (5) as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least one visual indicator (14) is selected from a group comprising, LED indicator, Laser indicator, LCD indicator, Light bulb indicator or any other similar visual indicator for warning the user.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to an alarm system. In general relates to a vehicle alarm system to alert the user in case of an attempt to theft of the vehicle or to detect an unauthorized entry into the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Vehicles have become a prominent feature in our daily life. Every day, the world is seeing increasing number of thefts of automobiles causing havoc to the users / owners. The thieves or culprits, who steal the vehicles, end up dismantling the entire vehicle and sell the vehicle part by part or sell the entire vehicle as a whole. In densely car populated countries, it sometimes becomes impossible even for the law enforcers to track down the stolen cars and return it to the right user / owner.
Generally, majority of the cars are not equipped with high end anti-theft alarm systems to deter or stop the culprit from thieving a car. In some of the low end cars, there are no alarm systems to stop such thefts. The users are placed in a difficult situation when a theft of the vehicle takes place and many of the users/owners are not even aware that their vehicle is being thieved.
Conventional vehicle alarm systems are equipped with hooter which is mounted in the vehicle which gets activated by a simple electronic switch mechanism when an unauthorized entry into the vehicle takes place. This hooter has a certain audible range by which the users/owners can hear the alarm when a possible theft is taking place. However, at times of theft the user/owner of the vehicle may not be in the vicinity of the audible range of the hooter/alarm. This hooter/alarm may go to deaf ears if the right user/owner is not in an audible range to the warning sounds. Sometimes, the vehicle may be parked in car lots which consists of a variety of cars, and there are possibilities that some of the cars may equip the same alarm system. This leads to another disadvantage of distinguishing the user/owner vehicle alarm sounds with that of the other vehicles.
Also, in conventional vehicle alarm systems the user has the option of activating the hooter/alarm of the vehicle to locate his vehicle in car parking lots. This hooter/alarm may be similar to that of the many of the cars parked in the parking lots and there might be situations where the two or more cars might be equipped with the same hooter/alarm and many of the users might have activated the hooter/alarm at the same time. This causes confusion and the user might not be able to differentiate between his car and other cars.
Moreover, many of the vehicle thefts occur when the users/owners park their cars at a distance wherein the conventional hooter/alarm is not audible to the users/owners. During the theft, the culprit can easily break into the vehicle and disengage the conventional hooter/alarm system and get away with the vehicle. The users/owners will not even be aware that the vehicle has been stolen.
Hence, there is a need to develop a vehicle alarm system which overcomes all of the above disadvantages and alert the users/owners of the vehicle.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
One objective of the present disclosure is to detect theft of a vehicle by alerting the users/owners on a key fob the vehicle.
Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a secure, simple, cost effective and easy to manufacture vehicle alarm system that overcomes the disadvantages associated with the prior art.
Another objective of the present disclosure is to alert the users/owners of the vehicle by an audio or visual warning or by both provided on the key fob.
Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide personalized alarm tone for the hooter/alarm in the key fob.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLSOURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for detecting theft of a vehicle, comprising steps of: detecting an attempt to enter into the vehicle by generating an activation signal from at least one sensor installed in the vehicle; initiating transmission of an alarm signal by the activation signal; activating an alarm unit installed in a key fob of the vehicle by receiving the alarm signal for alerting a user.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor installed on each of the vehicle doors and windows for detecting an attempt to enter the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation signal is used by an ECU to initiate the transmission of the alarm signal using a transmitter module.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm signal from the transmitter module to the alarm unit installed in the key fob of the vehicle is transmitted using wireless communication.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm unit installed in the key fob alerts the user by an audio warning tone, visual light warning, vibration warning indicator of the key fob or in combinations.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless communication is selected from a group comprising Global Positioning System (GPS), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Radio Frequency (RF), Bluetooth and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or WiFi.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for detecting theft of a vehicle comprising: at least one sensor installed at predetermined locations on the vehicle for generating at least one activation signal responsive to detection of an attempt to entry into the vehicle; a transmitter module installed in the vehicle for transmitting an alarm signal through wireless communication after detecting the at least one activation signal; and an alarm unit installed in a key fob of the vehicle receives the alarm signal from the transmitter module for alerting a user.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor is installed on each of the vehicle doors and windows for detecting an attempt to enter the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor is linked to an ECU and a transmitter module to generate and transmit the alarm signal to the alarm unit installed in the key fob of the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the signals transmitted from the transmitter module to the alarm unit installed in the key fob of the vehicle is carried out through wireless signal transmission.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless signal transmission are selected from a group comprising Global Positioning System (GPS), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Radio Frequency (RF), Bluetooth or any other similar wireless transmission means.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmitter module transmits signals to a mobile device as an alerting means by way of Short Messaging Service (SMS) or SOS distress signal or call or all of the above.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm unit installed in the key fob of the vehicle alerts the user by an audio tone, visual light warning, and vibration of the key fob or in combinations.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a key fob of a vehicle comprising: a receiving unit for receiving alarm signal from a transmitter module installed in a vehicle; wherein the alarm signal is generated by an activation signal from at least one sensor installed in the vehicle to detect an attempt to enter into the vehicle; and at least one control switch for selecting at least one of a predefined audio warning tone and visual warning indicator for alerting the user.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one control switch are provided for locking the vehicle, unlocking the vehicle, initiating the vehicle alarm unit and for initiating a recording of a user’s voice.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one control switch is pushed to select predefined warning tones as per the user’s requirement.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one microphone is provided on the key fob for receiving the user’s voice for recordation. In one embodiment the user’s voice recorded, is used as the audio warning tone.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one visual warning is provided for alerting the user visually during an attempt to enter into the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one control switch is pushed to activate the microphone for recording the user’s voice.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one visual indicator is selected from a group comprising, LED indicator, Laser indicator, LCD indicator, Light bulb indicator or any other similar visual indicator for warning the user.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates key fob of the vehicle with plurality of control switches, audio and visual warning means.
Figure 2 illustrates block diagram of the alarm system with the sensors, ECU, hooter and transmission module inter-linked to each.
Figure 3 illustrates block diagram of the vehicle alarm system.
Figure 4 illustrates flow chart of method of operation of the vehicle alarm system.
Figure 5 illustrates schematic internal block diagram of the key fob.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLSOURE

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
Figure 1 illustrates key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) with plurality of control switches (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) audio and visual warning means. The key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) is a portable unit which is carried with the user/owner for locking or unlocking the vehicle (100). The key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) can also consist of a key for starting the vehicle (100). The key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) consists of a plurality of control switches (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) for performing various functions of the vehicle (100) remotely.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) consists of a control switch (8) for locking the vehicle (100). Pressing the control switch (8) locks the vehicle (100). In one embodiment it would also activate security system e.g. sensors (2) to monitor attempt to enter the vehicle. An attempt to enter the vehicle when the vehicle is locked is unauthorized attempt to enter the vehicle. Unauthorized attempt may also include attempt to start the vehicle without valid key or key fob or breaking into the vehicle or attempt to theft or any other attempt on the vehicle occurring without the authorization or consent of the user/owner.
In an embodiment of present disclosure, the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) consists of a control switch (9) for unlocking the vehicle (100). Pressing the control switch (9) unlocks the vehicle (100). In one embodiment it would also deactivate system e.g. sensors (2) to monitor attempt to enter the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) consists of a control switch (10) for activating alarm in the vehicle based on the input from the user from the key fob (5). Pressing the control switch (10) sounds the alarm which helps the user locate the vehicle (100) when it is parked among many vehicles in a parking area.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) consists of a control switch (11) for selecting a predefined audio warning tone for the alarm. Pressing the control switch (11) helps the user/owner to select a predefined warning tone for the audio warning tone for the alarm. The user/owner can choose from a number of audio warning tones to set a predefined warning tone for the alarm. This selected alarm will ring when the key fob (5) receives alarm signal (3) form the transmitter module (7) of the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) consists of a control switch (12) for initiating recording of a user/owners voice tone for using it as an audio warning tone for the alarm. Pressing the control switch (12) switches on the at least one microphone (13) for recording the user/owner’s voice tone. This selected alarm will ring when the key fob (5) receives alarm signal (3) form the transmitter module (7) of the vehicle (100).
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) consists of at least one microphone (13) for recording the user/owners voice tone.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) consists of at least one visual indicator (14) for alerting the user visually during an attempt to enter into the vehicle (100). The at least one visual indicator (14) is selected from a group comprising, LED indicator, Laser indicator, LCD indicator, Light bulb indicator or any other similar visual indicator for warning the user. This visual warning indicator (14) will be activated when the key fob (5) receives alarm signal (3) form the transmitter module (7) of the vehicle (100).
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) consists of at least one speaker (15) to play the audio warning tone at an audible range to alert the users/owners. The at least one speaker (15) plays the predefined audio warning tones as well as the users/owners recorded audio warning tone based on the requirement or settings of the users/owners.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one speaker (15) alerts the users/owners by a beep warning tone, buzz warning tone, vibration warning tone and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) is provided with a control switch (18) to remotely open the tailgate of the vehicle (100) instead of manually opening the tailgate of the vehicle (100) with a normal key.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) is provided with a receiver module (19) which receives the transmitted alarm signal (3) from the transmitter module (7). This receiver module (19) receives the signals and initiates the activation of the alarm unit (4) installed in the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) based on the user/owner settings.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user/owner can set the alarm based on his requirement. The user/owner can set the alarm unit (4) to audio warning tone or visual warning indicator or vibration warning. The user/owner can also set the alarm unit (4) provided in the key fob (5) to any combinations based on the requirement, i.e. only audio warning tone or only visual warning tone or only vibration warning tone or in combinations thereof.
Figure 2 illustrates block diagram of the alarm system with the at least one sensor (2), ECU (6), hooter (16) and transmission module (7) inter-linked to each. The vehicle (100) is equipped with at least one sensor (2) on each of the doors and windows through which detection of an attempt to enter the vehicle (100) is possible. The at least one sensor (2) is linked to an ECU (6) which is in-turn linked to a transmission module (7). The vehicle (100) equipped with the alarm system is also installed with a conventional hooter (16), which on any detection of theft gives out audible siren/alarm. A hooter (16) installed in the vehicle consists of a noise or sound making instrument that sounds an alarm when an unauthorized attempt to enter into the vehicle takes place. The hooter (16) may be a horn of the vehicle or siren installed in the vehicle. The at least one sensor (2) provided on the doors and windows of the vehicle (100) senses any kind of attempt to enter into the vehicle (100). In one exemplary embodiment the sensor (2) senses unauthorized attempt to enter into the vehicle (100). The at least one sensor (2) transmits activation signal (1) to the ECU (6). The ECU (6) which is connected to the transmitter module (7) receives the activation signal (1) and initiates the transmitter module (7). The transmitter module (7) converts the activation signal to an alarm signal (3) and wirelessly transmits to the alarm unit installed on the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) for sounding the alarm. In one non limiting exemplary embodiment the alarm signal (3) is generated by the ECU after receiving the activation signal (1) and then the transmitter module (7) is provided with the alarm signal (3) for wireless transmission. In one embodiment the at least one sensor (2) equipped on each of the doors and windows of the vehicle (100) senses any unauthorized entry into the vehicle (100) when the vehicle is locked. If an attempt to enter into the vehicle (100) is detected the sensors (2) transmit the activation signals to the ECU (6) and the in-turn the transmitter module (7) sends the alarm signal (3) to the alarm unit (4). An alarm unit (4) installed in a key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) consists of at least one of speaker (15) which sounds the audio warning tone and visual indicator warning such as LED indicator, laser indicator, LCD indicator, Light bulb indicator or any other similar visual indicator for warning the user. The alarm unit (4) further comprises of a vibrator warning indicator (not shown in figure) to alert the user/owner.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor (2) is equipped on the hood and tailgate of the vehicle (100) to sense an unauthorized attempt to enter into the vehicle (100).
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor (2), ECU (6), and the transmitter module (7) work even when the ignition of the vehicle (100) is in OFF condition. The at least one sensor (2), ECU (6) and the transmitter module (7) is powered by a power source (17) installed in the vehicle (100).
Figure 3 illustrates block diagram the vehicle alarm system. The vehicle alarm system consists of an ECU (6) which is connected to a power source (17). The at least one sensor (2) equipped on the doors, windows and sometimes on the hood and tailgate of the vehicle (100). The at least one sensor (2) senses an attempt to enter into the vehicle (100) and generates an activation signal (1) which is detected by the ECU (6). The ECU (6) which is linked to the transmitter module (7) initiates the transmitter module (7) after detecting the activation signal (1). The transmitter module (7) then generates an alarm signal (3) which is wirelessly transmitted. The alarm unit (4) which is installed in the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) is equipped which is equipped with a receiver module to receive the alarm signal (3). This alarm signal (3) activates the alarm in the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) which alerts the user/owner by an audio warning tone, visual warnings or by vibration or in combinations.
Figure 4 illustrates logic of operation of the vehicle alarm system. The ECU (6) equipped in the vehicle (100) initially checks if there is any kind of input from the at least one sensor (2) installed on the doors and windows of the vehicle (100). If the at least one sensor (2) does not return any input signal, no action shall be taken by the ECU (6). If the at least one sensor (2) returns an input signal to the ECU (6) of an attempt to enter into the vehicle (100), the activation signal (1) from the at least one sensor (2) is detected by the ECU (6). The ECU (6) then initiates the transmitter module (7) which is linked to the ECU (6). The transmitter module (7) then generates an alarm signal (3) which is then wirelessly transmitted to the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) which is in possession of the user/owner. The alarm signal (3) transmitted wirelessly from the transmitter module (7) is received by an receiver module (19) in the key fob (5) which then activates the audio warning tone, visual warning or vibration warning or in combinations to alert the user/owner. The alarm unit (4) activated in the key fob (5) of the vehicle (100) stays activated unless and until the user/owner manually turns the alarm OFF by manually pushing the control switch (10) which turns OFF the alarm.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm signal (3) is received by only the key fob (5) which is pertaining to the vehicle (100) from which the alarm signal (3) has originated. In one embodiment mutual authentication or one way authentication is done between the transmitter module (7) and the receiving module (19) before activating alarm unit (4) on the key fob (5).
Figure 5 illustrates schematic internal block diagram of the key fob (5). The key fob (5) has a microcontroller to which all the functional keys/switches are connected. The micro-controller is powered by a battery source to generate power for the desired actions. The signals wirelessly received from the transmitter module (7) of the vehicle by the receiver module (19) installed in the key fob (5). The control switches (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) are directly linked to the micro-controller. The micro-controller receives the inputs from various control switches (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) and gives out activation signals to visual warning indicator (14) and the speaker (15). The microcontroller helps the key fob user to do different settings. It allows the user to record the voice through microphone and also to set desired alarm signal. The microcontroller would receive the signal from the receiver module and would generate the alarm signal as set by the user settings.
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 Vehicle
101 Alarm System
1 Activation Signal
2 Sensor
3 Alarm Signal
4 Alarm Unit
5 Key Fob
6 Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
7 Transmitter Module
8 Control Switch
9 Control Switch
10 Control Switch
11 Control Switch
12 Control Switch
13 Microphone
14 Visual Warning Indicator
15 Speaker
16 Hooter
17 Power source
18 Control Switch
19 Receiver Module