KR20060118242A - Vehicle security device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle security apparatus and a method thereof are provided to compare a user's input secret number with a secret number stored in a system memory and to lock the operation of an electronic system within a vehicle. A mode selection member(107) performs a mode change function in order to use a volume control key(100) as a secret number input key. The mode selection member also has a selection function of a security mode. The volume control key receives the secret number inputted by a user. A memory(101) stores one or more secret numbers set by the user. A micro-controller(102) compares the secret number stored in the memory with the inputted secret number and then controls the operation of the electronic system within a vehicle according to the comparison result.

Description

VEHICLE SECURITY DEVICE AND METHOD}

1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle security apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2A is a front schematic diagram of a vehicle audio system of a vehicle security apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of a volume control key of the vehicle audio system of FIG. 2A;

3 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle security setting method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle security releasing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

100: volume control key 101: memory

102: microcontroller 103: display unit

104: AMP 105: CDC

106: ignition circuit 107: mode selector

201: volume control key 202: display unit

The present invention relates to a security apparatus and method for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a security apparatus and method for a vehicle that can be secured for each electrical system in a vehicle using a volume control key of a vehicle audio system.

As the interior of automobiles become more advanced, the electronic systems mounted on automobiles are gradually becoming more advanced. Car audio systems are now equipped with car audio with radio reception, tape playback and CD / MP3 / WMA playback. Furthermore, automotive audio systems are being developed that have the capability to receive satellite DMB or terrestrial DMB broadcasts. These car audio systems can be independently distributed and reused when they are separated from the vehicle, and are expensive, and the frequency of theft accidents is increasing. Therefore, various technologies have been developed to prevent theft of automotive audio systems.

As a prior art for preventing theft of a vehicle audio system, Korean Utility Model Publication No. 94-10826 proposes an anti-theft device for driving a horn of a vehicle when the car audio in the vehicle is separated from the dashboard. However, such a device has a limitation in that the vehicle owner cannot sufficiently exhibit the anti-theft effect when the vehicle owner is far from the vehicle.

Meanwhile, in order to prevent theft of the car audio, the front panel of the car audio is detachably constructed so that the front panel is detached from the vehicle and carried or stored in a protective case. However, such a device has a problem in that it is cumbersome to use because the vehicle owner has to separately manage the front panel when getting off.

As a security method of another conventional car audio system, a user password is input by using various numeric keys on the front panel so that the audio system operates when the password is correct, and the audio system does not operate unless the correct password is input. There is this. Therefore, even if the car audio system is taken out of the car, it cannot be operated unless the owner of the car audio system knows the password.

However, in this method, since the number of front panel numeric keys is limited and the combination of passwords that can be combined is limited, a problem that cannot provide sufficient security performance occurs.

The present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, one object of the present invention is to provide a security setting for anti-theft using the volume key of the existing audio system without adding a separate device for anti-theft It is to provide a car security device that can.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a security setting method for a vehicle that can prevent theft of various expensive electronic system in the vehicle or the inside of the vehicle by setting security for each electronic system in the vehicle using the volume control key of the vehicle audio system. will be.

One aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is

A vehicle security device for setting the operation of the in-vehicle electrical system by comparing a password input by the user and a password stored in the system memory, wherein the volume control key of the in-vehicle audio system is configured to function as a password input means. It relates to a car security device.

The vehicle security apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mode selector for setting a volume control key to a mode that can be used as a password input means, a memory for storing one or more passwords set by a user, and a security setting mode in a mode selector. Is selected, the microcontroller controls the operation lock setting and unlocking of the in-vehicle electronic system by comparing the volume control key for inputting a password by the user and the password inputted by the user through the password stored in the memory and the volume control key. It may include a controller.

In the present invention, the memory storing the password is preferably EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory).

The security device of the present invention may further include a display unit for displaying a security related state such as a set mode, a setting of a security mode, a release of the security mode, and the like.

The security device of the present invention can securely set the audio system to an inoperable state or secure the ignition circuit so that a car does not start when the passwords match.

Another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object in setting the security of the vehicle,

Changing the mode to use the volume control key as a password input means;

Displaying a mode change on a display unit;

Receiving a password through a volume control key;

Determining whether the input password matches the password stored in the memory; And

And if it does not match, selectively setting security for the in-vehicle electrical system.

In the security method of the vehicle of the present invention, the mode selection step may further include a process of setting security for each electric vehicle system in the vehicle.

Specifically, the mode may be an audio system security setting mode for setting security for a vehicle audio system or an ignition circuit security setting mode for setting security for an ignition circuit for start control.

The password input step may be a step of inputting different passwords for each electric system of the vehicle.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in more detail with respect to the present invention.

In the present invention, "vehicle audio system" means an audio system having radio reception, tape playback and CD playback functions. The audio system of the present invention is capable of all kinds of audio now available or to be available in the future, including the function of watching over-the-air broadcasts, playing back encoded audio data (e.g., MP3 files or WMA) in addition to the basic functions described above. Or a video playback device.

The present invention features an autonomous security device that enables security to be set and released according to a user's selection by setting security on a vehicle audio system and an electronic system connected to a vehicle audio system using a volume control key of a vehicle audio system. It is done.

The vehicle security apparatus of the present invention is a vehicle security apparatus for setting the operation of the in-vehicle electrical system by comparing the password entered by the user and the password stored in the system memory, the volume control key of the in-vehicle audio system input password It is characterized in that it is configured to function as a means.

1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle security apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, together with the components of a vehicle controlled by the security apparatus of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle security apparatus according to the present invention includes a mode selector 107 for setting a volume control key to a mode that can be used as a password input means, and a volume control key 100 for receiving a password by a user. ), A memory 101 for storing one or more passwords set by the user, and a microcontroller 102 for controlling the operation of the in-vehicle electrical system by comparing the password stored in the memory with the password input by the user. .

The mode selector 107 plays a role of changing a mode in order to use the volume control key 100 normally used for volume level adjustment as a password input means for security setting.

In addition, the mode selector 107 may have a function of selecting a security mode that can individually set security for a specific electric system in a vehicle. For example, there may be a security setting mode for an in-vehicle audio system, or a mode for controlling start-up through an ignition circuit of a vehicle.

The volume control key of the existing car audio system was a part that simply leveled up and down, such as adjusting the encoder volume and equalizer of the car audio system. However, in the vehicle security apparatus of the present invention, the volume control key 100 functions as a password input means for setting security for each electric system in the vehicle. The volume control key 100 receives a password from the user and transmits it to the microcontroller 102.

In the present specification, a case in which the volume control key is rotary will be described as an example. However, in the present invention, the volume control key is not necessarily limited to the rotary volume control key. In the case of a button-type volume control key, the volume level is displayed numerically on the display unit, and thus a specific level number can be used as a password input means for controlling the operation of each electric system.

The password selected by the user in the vehicle security apparatus of the present invention is stored in the memory 101. The memory 101 is preferably electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The EEPROM is a memory that can hold the contents electrically without supplying power. The EEPROM is a ROM that allows the user to modify the contents in the memory. The EEPROM can be repeatedly erased or reprogrammed using a voltage higher than normal.

In the automobile security apparatus of the present invention, the password stored in the memory 101 is generated by combining four or more numbers of two digits or less. Several passwords may be stored in the memory 101. For example, different passwords may be stored depending on the type of electronic system in a car to be secured. For example, if the password for the CD player of the in-vehicle audio system is 7, 35, 3, 15, the password for start control (ignition circuit control) may be stored as 14, 31, 5, 17.

The microcontroller 102 is connected to the amplifier 104, CDC (CD changer 105) and ignition circuit 106 to control the security-related operation. In the mode selector 107, a mode for using the volume control key as a password input means is selected, and after the user inputs a password using the volume control key 100, the microcontroller 102 performs a volume control key ( It is determined whether or not the password of the user inputted through 100 and the password read from the memory 101 match with each other. If both passwords match each other, the microcontroller 102 generates a drive signal for driving the corresponding electrical system.

The vehicle security apparatus of the present invention may further include means for unlocking the in-vehicle electrical system when the password input through the volume control key matches the password stored in the memory.

The CDC 105 reads the information on the compact disc to reproduce the audio signal, and the amplifier amplifies the audio signal from the CDC and outputs it from the speaker. In the audio system security mode, when the correct password is input and the microcontroller 102 generates a drive signal, the CDC 105 and the amplifier 104 operate normally.

The ignition circuit 106 is connected to the microcontroller 102 so that when the password inputted by the user through the volume control key 100 matches the password stored in the memory 101, the ignition circuit 106 can be started. . In the ignition circuit security setting mode, when the user inputs the correct password through the volume control key 100, the ignition switch is turned on, and power from the battery is supplied to the ignition circuit 106 to be started.

Therefore, the vehicle security device of the present invention can prevent the vehicle from being stolen when the vehicle owner gets off the car key. For example, the vehicle security apparatus of the present invention may be configured to automatically set the security setting mode by detecting that the driver's seat door is closed and a predetermined time has elapsed despite the key being inserted. In this state, even if a third party attempts to start the car, the car will not start unless the same password is stored in the memory of the security device, thereby preventing theft of the car. .

The display unit 103 may display a mode related to an operation state and a security setting of the in-vehicle audio system.

FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of a vehicle audio system of a vehicle security apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of a volume control key of the vehicle audio system.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a volume control key 201 for adjusting a volume or an equalizer function, a display unit 202 for displaying an operation state of an audio system, and various operations are performed on a front surface of a vehicle audio system. There are a number of buttons installed.

The display unit 202 displays an operation state associated with receiving a CD player or a radio and displays a mode related to security setting. It is displayed whether security is set or security mode is released.

The in-vehicle audio system may further include a mode selector (not shown) for selecting whether to use the volume control key for adjusting the volume or as a password input means for setting security for each electric system in the vehicle.

If security is set by the security device of the present invention, the vehicle audio system may be removed from the car and then used even when connected to another vehicle. This is because the password is unknown and the password cannot be unlocked until the password is entered using the volume control keys. Therefore, it is desirable that the front surface of the audio system is labeled with a security device. Alternatively, when the security setting is made, the display unit may be driven by a backup power source to display a message indicating that the security setting is made on the display unit or a message for inputting a password for releasing the security mode.

Next, the security-related operation of the vehicle security apparatus of the present invention will be described.

The security mode is set by storing a password for a particular electrical system for which the user wishes to secure in memory 101, i.e., EEPROM. That is, the microprocessor 102 determines whether the data is stored in the EEPROM 101 or not in the secure mode. For example, the security setting for the car audio system may be set when getting off the car.

In order to use the volume control key normally used for volume level adjustment as a password input means, the mode selection unit 107 must be operated to change the mode. An example of the volume adjusting key 100 is shown in FIG. 2B. In the example shown in Fig. 2B, if the volume level is 1 to 24, a password is input by arbitrarily combining numbers within this range. The password entered by the user is stored in the memory 101. When the security setting is completed as described above, the security operation is executed and the display unit 103 may be displayed as the security setting state.

When the security setting is made in this way, the in-vehicle audio system becomes inoperable. To disable this inactivity, the user must enter the password again to release security mode. The security mode release is released by erasing the password stored in the memory 101. That is, the microprocessor 102 erases data associated with the password stored in the memory 101 when a specific operation is performed. When the security mode is released, the vehicle audio system can be operated.

When the security mode is normally released and the in-vehicle audio system becomes operable, the switching of the mode may be displayed on the display 103.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicular audio system with security functions. In a vehicle audio system having a security function according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mode selection unit for setting a volume control key to a mode that can be used as a password input means, a memory for storing one or more passwords set by a user, and a mode selection unit When the security setting mode is selected in the system, the volume control key for inputting the password by the user and the password input by the user through the password stored in the memory and the volume control key are compared to set and unlock the operation of the in-vehicle electric system. It characterized in that it comprises a microcontroller for controlling.

In addition to the above-described components, a vehicle audio system having a security function of the present invention basically includes a radio receiver, a tape player, and a CD player, and the microcontroller controls the overall operation of the audio system in addition to the security-related functions. do.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle security setting method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, first, the mode is changed to use the volume control key as a password input means (S301). In the mode change step, it is possible to specifically select which part of the vehicle is the security setting. After the mode change, the changed mode is displayed on the display unit (S302).

Subsequently, a password is input through the volume control key (S303). In the password input step, different passwords may be input for each electric system of a car to be secured. For example, when security settings are only required for expensive car audio systems, security can be set only for audio systems. On the other hand, when it is necessary to make security setting so that the vehicle itself does not start, it can set security for the ignition circuit.

Optionally, the vehicle security apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that all electronic systems associated with the audio system in the vehicle are all secured by one password.

The password input method will be described as an example of inputting 7, 35, 3, 15 as a password in order to set security for the car audio system. First turn the volume control key 100 to 7 and press enter. Here, the input of numbers can be performed by pressing a volume control key or by pressing a separate enter key. Then turn to 35, press Enter, turn 3, press Enter, and turn 15 to enter the desired password.

Since the user may mistakenly enter an incorrect password, the user may be configured to set the security mode only when the user inputs the wrong number continuously for a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). That is, if the number of times of anti-theft judgment is set three times, input of incorrect password up to the third time is treated as a simple mistake of the user, and input of incorrect password from four consecutive times is operated by the thief. The anti-theft capability can be improved by treating with.

When the password is input, it is determined whether the input password matches the password stored in the memory (S304).

If the password entered through the volume control key and the password stored in the memory do not match each other, the security is set for the specific electric system selected in the security mode (S305). When security is set in this way, the electric system is inoperable.

For example, if security is set for the audio system, the audio system itself becomes inoperable, and the display unit displays the security mode setting. In this case, even if the audio system is disconnected from the vehicle and connected to another vehicle, it cannot operate properly unless a password that matches the password stored in the memory is entered.

As another example, if a security setting is made for an ignition circuit, a driver may accidentally leave the vehicle with the key unplugged so that others do not start the vehicle. The car will not start until the driver releases the security mode by entering a password that matches the one stored in the memory.

The security mode release can be released by entering a separate password that is the same as or different from the security setting. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for releasing a vehicle security mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the state where the security is set, the security release mode is selected to release the security setting (S401). When the security release mode is selected, a display indicating that the security release mode is selected is displayed on the display unit (S402). Subsequently, the user receives a password through the volume control key from the user and determines whether the password matches the password stored in the memory (S404). If both passwords coincide with each other, the security is released (S405). When the security setting is released, the secured electronic system is returned to the normal operation mode.

On the other hand, if the password entered by the user does not match the password stored in the memory, without maintaining the security mode is maintained as it is to maintain the secure electrical system in an inoperable state (S406).

The vehicle security method of the present invention can be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a microprocessor.

The computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention comprises the steps of changing the mode to use the volume control key as a password input means, displaying the mode change on the display, receiving a password through the volume control key, Program code executable by the computer to perform steps of determining whether the input password matches the password stored in the memory, and optionally setting security for the in-vehicle electrical system if they do not match. .

While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above by way of example, these are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and changes can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. For example, the vehicle security apparatus of the present invention can also set security for a car navigation terminal.

The device of the present invention can be easily secured for each electric vehicle system in a vehicle without adding a separate device for setting the vehicle security, thereby preventing theft of an expensive electric system such as a car audio system or the vehicle itself. Can provide.

In addition, in the present invention, since the password is input by the volume control key, it is possible to improve security by combining various passwords.

According to the present invention, the security can be prevented or prevented by selectively setting not only the vehicle audio system but also other electric system in the vehicle or the vehicle itself.

Claims (15)

A vehicle security device for setting the operation of the in-vehicle electrical system by comparing a password input by the user and a password stored in the system memory, wherein the volume control key of the in-vehicle audio system is configured to function as a password input means. Car security device. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is A mode selector for setting the volume control key to a mode that can be used as a password input means; A memory for storing one or more passwords set by a user; A volume control key for inputting a password by the user when the security setting mode is selected in the mode selection unit; And a microcontroller for controlling operation lock setting and unlocking of the in-vehicle electrical system by comparing a password stored in a memory with a password input by a user through a volume control key. 2. The vehicle security device of claim 1, wherein the memory is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The vehicle security device of claim 1, further comprising a display unit which displays a mode related to a security setting. 3. The audio system of claim 2, wherein the memory includes an audio system security setting password for setting security for the audio system, and wherein if the password entered by the microcontroller and the password stored in the memory do not match each other. Car security device, characterized in that to lock the operation of. 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the memory includes an ignition circuit security setting password for setting security for the ignition circuit of the vehicle, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to lock the operation of the ignition circuit in the case of a password mismatch. Security device. 2. The security of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises means for unlocking the in-vehicle electrical system if the password entered via the volume control key matches the password stored in the memory. How to set up. The security device of claim 1, wherein the password comprises four numbers of two digits or less. As a car audio system, A mode selector for setting the volume control key to a mode that can be used as a password input means; A memory for storing one or more passwords set by a user; A volume control key for inputting a password by the user when the security setting mode is selected in the mode selection unit; In-vehicle audio system having a security function comprising a microcontroller for controlling the operation lock setting and unlocking of the in-vehicle electrical system by comparing the password stored in the memory and the password input by the user through the volume control key . In securing the car, Changing the mode to use the volume control key as a password input means; Displaying a mode change on a display unit; Receiving a password through a volume control key; Determining whether the input password matches the password stored in the memory; And And optionally setting security for the in-vehicle electrical system if they do not match each other. The method of claim 10, wherein the mode change step comprises selecting one of security setting modes for each electric vehicle system in the vehicle. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the password input step is a step of inputting different passwords for each electric system of the vehicle. The method of claim 10, wherein the setting of the security further comprises setting security on a specific electric system selected in the mode changing step. The method of claim 13, wherein the changing of the mode further comprises changing to an audio system security setting mode for setting security for a vehicle audio system or an ignition circuit security setting mode for setting security for an ignition circuit for start control. How to set the security of the car, characterized in that. Changing the mode to use the volume control key as a password input means; Displaying a mode change on a display unit; Receiving a password through a volume control key; Determining whether the input password matches the password stored in the memory; And And selectively setting security for the in-vehicle electrical system if they do not match each other. A computer readable program storing program code executable by a computer for performing the security setting method of a vehicle. Record carrier.

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