System and method for setting functions according to location

#The present invention relates generally to system for setting functions in vehicles, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for activating various functions based on location.

#As conventional vehicular alarm systems become more commonplace, their accompanying annoyances have correspondingly increased. Thus, although conventional active vehicular alarm systems are designed to draw attention, they may do so repeatedly and for the wrong reason. When activated, conventional alarms use lights, or audible alarms (such as sirens, horns, speakers, etc.) and/or wirelessly page an owner. Unfortunately, conventional vehicular alarm systems are not always perfect, and frequently experience false alarms which can contribute to noise pollution impacting the quality of life of many people, especially those in urban areas. Each year it is estimated that millions of dollars in cities alone are lost because of noise pollution. Accordingly, as car alarms are a contributing factor to noise pollution (especially when an alarm cycles on through the night) municipalities have enacted ordinances to control and/or ban certain types of car alarms (e.g., those with audible alarms). It has been said that the noise pollution emitted by car alarms is responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars of lost income each year.

#Conventional vehicle alarm systems are known to commonly experience false alarms for many reasons. For example, some alarms can be triggered by air gusts, vibration, loud noises, partially open doors, windows, hoods, and/or trunks, low voltage, sensor malfunctions, etc., which can be a nuisance. For example, a defective switch periodically triggering an alarm of a vehicle parked in an urban setting, such as a residential New York City street, would be a nuisance to those within range of the alarm's siren. Accordingly, there is a need for an alarm system that would prevent the creation of a nuisance. There is also a need for an alarm system that can prevent the theft of a vehicle.

#The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicular alarm according to the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle transmitting/receiving data from various transmitters according to the present invention;

#Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, certain features of the invention will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art.

#A block diagram illustrating a vehicular alarm according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The alarm system includes at least one mobile station 10 (hereinafter alarm system 10) which includes a controller 24, an optional display 20, a memory 18, a GPS (global positioning system) module 16, sensors 12, an alarm function generator 26, a transceiver (or optional receiver) 28, and an antenna 30. The alarm system 10 can include any or all of the various components or can interface with external components to obtain necessary data. For example, the alarm system can interface with another computer (e.g., an on-board GPS system) via a PC (Personal Computer) interface, an RS 232 serial interface, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) interface, a Bluetooth interface, etc., as necessary to transmit and/or receive necessary data. Further, the system according to the present invention may store, receive, process, upload, and/or download data using a network. Accordingly, the present invention may be compatible with, network systems such as, for example, the conventional On-Star™ information systems. Accordingly, for example, one or more components of the system according to the present invention may be located remotely from others.

#The controller 24 controls the overall operation of the alarm system 10 and can interface with the optional display 20, the memory 18, the GPS module 16, the sensors 12, the alarm function generator 26, the transceiver 28, and the antenna 30. The sensors 12 can interface with the controller 24 and provide and/or receive information to/or from the controller.