OBD Device Detecting Vehicle Alarm via Voltage Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle security systems often fail to alert owners remotely when the alarm is triggered, especially in scenarios where the owner is not nearby or when multiple vehicles are parked together, and many systems lack the capability or require subscription-based services.
Innovation Solution
An on-board diagnostics (OBD) device that connects to a vehicle's OBD connector, monitoring battery voltage and ambient sound to detect the activation of the vehicle's security alarm, and sends alerts to a remote device via a wireless transceiver, without requiring complex installation or access to the vehicle's proprietary communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional vehicle security systems are used, then alarm functions (horn and lights) are provided, but remote alert capability is not available when the owner is not nearby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an OBD device as an intermediary component that connects to the vehicle's existing security system through the OBD port. This intermediary captures alarm status information and transmits it remotely via wireless communication, enabling remote alert capability without requiring complex integration with the vehicle's proprietary security system protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electrical integration with the vehicle's security system by using software-based detection through the OBD interface. Instead of directly interfacing with security system hardware and protocols, the system uses voltage monitoring and wireless data transmission to achieve remote alerting, substituting physical integration with information-based communication.
2Reliability
If vehicle security systems with remote alert capability are implemented, then owners receive notifications, but subscription-based services are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal solution that works with multiple different vehicle security systems through the standardized OBD interface. The device monitors voltage patterns across various power contacts and uses these patterns to detect alarm states from different security system manufacturers, providing broad compatibility without requiring system-specific subscriptions or proprietary integrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality by using the vehicle's existing electrical system and OBD infrastructure to detect and communicate alarm status. The OBD device independently monitors voltage changes, determines alarm states, and transmits notifications without requiring external service providers or subscription-based platforms, enabling owners to receive alerts through their own devices.
3Productivity
If voltage monitoring is used to detect alarm status, then remote alerts can be sent, but voltage changes may be caused by other factors leading to false detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent monitors voltage across multiple OBD power contacts (VCC1, VCC2, VCC3) rather than relying on a single voltage measurement. By examining voltage changes across multiple contacts and comparing them against expected alarm-related patterns, the system increases detection accuracy while maintaining rapid response capability. This partial monitoring approach allows the system to distinguish alarm-induced voltage changes from other electrical variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables remote alerts for vehicle security alarm activations, providing an affordable and versatile solution that works with various security systems, ensuring owners receive notifications without the need for costly system replacements or subscriptions.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage sensor coupled to the ground and battery power contacts of the OBD connector and monitor a voltage of the battery power contact
Implementation Method 2
send an alert to a remote device via the wireless transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for an on-board diagnostics (OBD) device are provided herein. The OBD device can monitor a voltage of a battery power contact via a voltage sensor and determine based on changes in the voltage whether a vehicle security alarm of a vehicle has been set-off. If it is determined that the vehicle alarm has been set-off, the OBD device can send an alert to a remote device via a wireless transceiver, wherein the alert indicates that the vehicle security alarm has been set-off.