Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
  • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
  • F02P11/00—Safety means for electric spark ignition, not otherwise provided for
  • F02P11/04—Preventing unauthorised use of engines
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
  • B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
  • B60R25/04—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
  • B60R25/20—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
  • B60R25/2009—Antitheft state indicator
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
  • B60R25/20—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
  • B60R25/23—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off using manual input of alphanumerical codes
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
  • G07C9/30—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass
  • G07C9/32—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass in combination with an identity check
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C2209/00—Indexing scheme relating to groups G07C9/00 - G07C9/38
  • G07C2209/14—With a sequence of inputs of different identification information

Definitions

• the present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for inhibiting unauthorized persons from operating a motor vehicle. Additionally, the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for inhibiting potential operators who may be impaired, for example by drug use or alcohol consumption, from operating a motor vehicle.
• US Patent No. 4,723,625 discloses a sobriety-testing device that tests the reflexes of a potential operator before permitting the engine of the motor vehicle to be started. Purportedly, the engine is disabled if the operator's reflexes are substantially below a previously determined norm.
• the disclosed sobriety-testing device includes a hand-held unit having a base position button, as well as left and right test buttons.
• US Patent No. 5,465,079 discloses a method and apparatus for evaluating a driver's performance under actual real-time driving conditions. The disclosed method and apparatus compares information gathered by a radar system and other sensors with driver-related information previously stored in an event recording device.
• US Patent No. 5,798,695 discloses an impaired operator detection and warning system. Purportedly, the system characterizes operator control actions as a complex sine wave and uses a power spectrum array analysis to predict the level of operator alertness in real-time.
• US Patent No 6,501,370 discloses a vehicle anti-theft lock apparatus and method including a code box that must be accessed to enable the vehicle to operate.
• the apparatus purportedly locks the steering column, the gearshift lever, and the front and rear brakes. Further, the apparatus purportedly disables the vehicle electrical system.
• the present invention provides a simple, but effective system for inhibiting unauthorized or impaired operation of a motor vehicle; yet one which is simple for an authorized, uninhibited operator to engage.
• the predetermined sequence of vehicle functions must further be performed within a specified time period, or the vehicle ignition will not engage.
• I is a further object of the invention to provide a delay circuit to decrease system malfunction by random attempts to engage the vehicle ignition system.
• the method includes the step of providing a system, engaged with the vehicle electrical system, which requires a potential operator to perform a plurality of vehicle functions in a predetermined sequence, within a specified time period.
• the method further includes the steps of a potential operator resetting the system to an operational mode, and performing a plurality of vehicle functions in a predetermined sequence, within a specified time period.
• One advantage of the present invention is the inhibition of operation of a motor vehicle by an unauthorized user.
• the system acts as a theft deterrent because it would be difficult for an unauthorized user to start the vehicle without knowing the proper functions and the proper sequence
• Another advantage of the present invention is the inhibition of operation of a motor vehicle by an operator whose motor skills are diminished due to excessive alcohol consumption or drug use. If the timing function "maxes out" before the proper sequence is performed, the vehicle ignition system is prevented from engaging. Thus, although a sober operator can readily perform the proper sequence, an impaired operator with slower reaction time would have difficulty in providing a valid performance.
• inventive system may be adapted to be retrofit on existing vehicles.
• inventive system may be adapted to a variety of motor vehicles, not merely automobiles.
• inventive system may be used in connection with boats, airplanes, and mass transit systems.
• inventive system may be incorporated as original equipment in new vehicles.
• Another advantage of the present invention is that the inventive system may be utilized by law enforcement agencies as part of driver restriction/monitoring programs.
• the present invention is directed to a system and device that operates not only as an anti-theft device, but also as an ignition interlock system to inhibit operation of a motorized vehicle by a driver impaired by use of alcohol or drugs.
• the disclosed system requires a potential operator to energize a series of vehicle function devices in sequence and within a specified amount of time. If the potential operator fails, the car will not start.
• vehicle function devices include devices that are engaged with the vehicle's electrical system.
• the vehicle function devices can include turn signals (right and/or left), parking lights, headlights; glove compartment light, make-up mirror light, emergency flashers, horn, brake pedal light, seat belt use indicator, etc.
• turn signals right and/or left
• parking lights headlights
• glove compartment light make-up mirror light
• emergency flashers horn
• brake pedal light seat belt use indicator
• a potential operator must cause the pre-selected vehicle function devices to be energized, for example, by turning on a turn signal, tapping the brake, flipping open a mirror, etc.
• the inventive system interrupts the electrical circuit from the vehicle electrical source or battery to each of the pre-selected vehicle function devices.
• Output signals generated from the devices, when energized, are utilized as function inputs to the inventive system.
• the pre-selected vehicle function devices, the number of devices chosen, the required sequence of operation and the time allotted for performance are all parameters which can be altered within the scope of the present invention.
• a system operable to interrupt the circuits that connect a plurality of vehicle function devices with vehicle energy source or battery. Further, the system is operable to interrupt the vehicle ignition circuit. In order for the vehicle ignition circuit to be completed, and therefore allow the vehicle ignition to engage when placed in the "start" position, a potential operator must energize each of the plurality of vehicle function devices, in a predetermined sequence, within a predetermined time period.
• the exemplary system includes a reset mechanism operable to initialize a plurality of system mechanisms.
• the system further includes a sequencing mechanism operable to receive logic inputs from each of a plurality of vehicle function devices when the vehicle function device is energized.
• the sequencing mechanism being operable to generate a plurality of function outputs, wherein each of the function outputs are in a predetermined "go" logic condition only if each of the plurality of vehicle function devices are energized according to a predetermined sequence.
• the sequencing mechanism may be in operable connection with the reset mechanism.
• the system further includes a timing mechanism operable to selectively provide a timing output in a predetermined "go" logic condition for a predetermined time period.
• the timing mechanism may be in operable connection with the reset mechanism.
• the system further includes a gate mechanism operable to selectively generate an ignition output responsive to each of the generated function outputs and the timing output.
• the ignition output is in a predetermined logic "go" condition only if each of the plurality of function outputs and the timing output are in the predetermined logic
• the inventive system may include a delay mechanism to delay an electrical signal from the vehicle electrical source or battery. It has been found that use of a delay mechanism inhibits noise from adjacent wires from inadvertently providing an undesired outcome.
• the inventive system may also include sensory indicator means, such as a plurality of LEDs to provide a potential operator with information regarding the condition of the system.
• sensory indicator means such as a plurality of LEDs to provide a potential operator with information regarding the condition of the system.
• the inventive system comprises a sequencing mechanism that utilizes a "daisy-chain" configuration of J-K flip-flops. If the vehicle function devices are energized according to the predetermined sequence, then the output channels will all be in a predetermined logic condition, herein defined as a "go" condition. The logic outputs associated with the vehicle function devices are sent to a gate mechanism. Additionally, an output from a timer mechanism is sent to the gate mechanism.
• the timer mechanism may be of the type known in the art that utilizes the relationship between a resistor and a capacitor to provide a completed circuit for a pre-selected period of time.
• the gate mechanism is preferably a NAND gate. If each input to the gate mechanism is in a logic "go" condition, then the output from the gate mechanism will be in a predetermined logic condition, herein defined as a logic "go” condition.
• the gate mechanism is operable to selectively control the vehicle ignition start-relay.
• the gate mechanism is further operable to selectively control the sensory indicator means. If the output from the gate mechanism is in a logic "no-go" condition, herein defined as the logic condition opposed to the "go” condition, a first, preferably red, LED is illuminated to indicate to a potential operator that the vehicle ignition cannot be engaged. If the output from the gate mechanism is in a logic "go" condition, a second, preferably green, LED is illuminated to indicate to a potential operator that the vehicle ignition may be engaged.
• the present invention is also directed to a method of inhibiting an unauthorized potential operator from causing a vehicle ignition circuit to close.
• the method includes the step of providing a system in electrical communication with a plurality of vehicle function devices and a vehicle ignition circuit.
• the system is operable to prevent the vehicle ignition circuit from closing unless a potential operator causes each of the plurality of vehicle function devices to be energized, in a predetermined sequence, within a predetermined time period.
• Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary circuit according to the present invention
• Figure 2 shows a detailed system schematic of an exemplary circuit according to the present invention
• Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a jump inhibiting sub-circuit
• Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a timed shutdown sub-circuit
• Figure 5 shows a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a timer update mechanism
• Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a biometric identifier mechanism.
• Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary system 10.
• the system 10 includes a buffer filter or buffer mechanism 14 generally operable to convert an initial vehicle voltage, i.e. 12 volts, into a voltage useable by the system 10, i.e. 5 volts.
• a reset mechanism 18 operates to reset or initialize the system mechanisms.
• the preferred system 10 further includes a delay mechanism 22.
• delay mechanism 22 generally operates as an anti-noise interrupt mechanism. Delay mechanism 22 delays the electrical signal from the vehicle electrical source, or battery 26, when the vehicle ignition is placed in a run/start position 30. '
• System 10 includes a sequencing mechanism 34 generally operable to receive inputs from a plurality of pre-selected vehicle function devices as will be explained in further detail below.
• system 10 also includes a timer mechanism 38.
• System 10 further includes a decoder logic or gate mechanism 42 generally operable to receive, as inputs, the logic outputs from sequencing mechanism 34 and timer mechanism 38.
• system 10 further includes a sensory indicator mechanism 46 operable to provide a potential vehicle operator with sensory information about a condition of system 10.
• the sensory indicator mechanism 46 includes first LED 50 and second LED 54, preferably operable to emit different colors.
• First LED 50 is preferably operable to illuminate when system 10 is ready to receive input from a potential operator, after the vehicle ignition is placed in the "run/start" position 30. More preferably, first LED 50 illuminates after operation of the delay mechanism 22.
• Second LED 54 is preferably operable to illuminate when the vehicle ignition system is in an operable condition.
• first LED 50 emits red light, to indicate that system
• second LED 54 emits green light, to indicate that the vehicle ignition may be engaged if placed in the "start" position 62.
• System 10 is adapted to interface with a vehicle electrical system, particularly the ignition circuit, via connectors J2, P2.
• System 10 is further adapted to interface with a plurality of vehicle function devices via connectors Jl, Pl .
• the system 10 is energized when the vehicle ignition is placed in the run/start position 30.
• FIG. 1 a schematic representation of system 10 is provided.
• a potential operator must turn the ignition key to the Run/Start position 30.
• the input on J2-1 is the 12V power from the vehicle energy source or battery 26 when the ignition switch is in a Run/Start position 30.
• block Ul 6 converts the +12V down to a useable voltage (i.e. +5V) to be utilized by the TTL logic family mounted on the unit's circuit board.
• Relay Kl is controlled by transistor Q6.
• contact Kl-A closes when Kl is energized causing a completed circuit to the vehicle start relay 68.
• System 10 is thus operable to selectively control relay Kl .
• system 10 is adapted to interface with five (5) pre-selected vehicle function devices.
• Each vehicle function device is operable to be engaged, directly or indirectly, with the vehicle electrical system.
• the vehicle function devices discussed in connection with this exemplary embodiment include left turn signal (LT); foot brake light (FB); parking light (PL); right turn signal (RT); back up light (BL). It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention to select a greater or lesser number of vehicle function devices.
• any vehicle function device that is engaged with the vehicle electrical system, and readily accessible to a potential operator can be selected. It is within the scope of the present invention to select other vehicle function devices such as the light in a glove compartment, a seatbelt mechanism, a make-up mirror light, emergency flashers, and the like.
• each pre-selected vehicle function device when acted upon by a potential operator, and thereby energized by the vehicle electrical system, provides input to buffer mechanism 14.
• Buffer mechanism 14 converts the input signals to a lower amplitude and filters out unwanted noise. The signals are then sent to sequencing mechanism 34.
• sequencing mechanism 34 comprises a plurality of J-K flip-flops arranged in a "daisy-chain" configuration.
• the logic outputs from sequencing mechanism 34 are illustrated as A, B, C, D, and E. If the proper vehicle function devices have been energized, in a proper sequential order, then sequencing mechanism 34 is operable to generate associated logic outputs that are in a predetermined logic "go" condition, herein defined as a logic "1". If the potential operator fails to perform the proper sequence when energizing the vehicle function devices, then the logic outputs will not be in the logic "1" or “go” condition, and the vehicle ignition cannot be engaged. In a preferred embodiment, the logic outputs are memorized or held when a vehicle function device is energized. If an improper sequence is performed, system 10 must be reset before output from sequencing mechanism 34 can be changed.
• logic outputs A-E are fed, as inputs, to U7, operable as gate mechanism 42, as will be more fully described below.
• System 10 is designed so that all signals from sequencing mechanism 34 must be in a "go" condition during the time period that a signal from timer mechanism 38 is in a “go” condition, or the vehicle ignition cannot be engaged from the "start” position.
• a logic "1" output from timer mechanism 38 is herein defined as the logic "go” condition.
• timer mechanism 38 When the predetermined time period is exceeded, timer mechanism 38 goes to a logic "no-go", or "0" condition. In the preferred embodiment, the output from timer mechanism 38 cannot be changed then until system 10 is reset.
• NAND Gate (U7) is operable as gate mechanism 42.
• Gate mechanism 42 receives the five output logic lines from sequencing mechanism 34, namely A, B, C,
• the J-K flip-flop Ul 2 Q output controls the U7-12 input. If the timer mechanism 38 times out before the potential operator performs the proper vehicle functions in sequence, then Q of U12 will toggle to a logic "0", as input to gate mechanism 42. However, if the proper sequence is performed before timer mechanism 42 times out, then all inputs to gate mechanism 42 will be in a logic "1" condition, the output from U7 will be logic "0".
• the output from gate mechanism 42 controls the sensory indicator mechanism comprising, in this example, first LED 50 and second LED 54.
• first LED 50 is illuminated.
• second LED 54 is illuminated.
• the output from gate mechanism 42 controls the signal that eventually passes to relay Kl via transistor Q6.
• a logic “0" from gate mechanism 42 is inverted at U8, to allow current through Kl, to close the ignition circuit when the vehicle ignition is placed in the "start" position.
• the LEDs 50, 54 are mounted on the vehicle instrument panel for ready sensory indication to a potential vehicle operator.
• other sensory devices such as audio tones, to alert the potential operator as to a condition of system 10.
• a system reset occurs automatically each time the potential operator turns the ignition key back to OFF position 70 and then to run/start position 30.
• the output from gate mechanism 42 is in the logic "go" condition, it remains in that condition until the system is reset. Thus, if the vehicle stalls, the ignition can be re-engaged, so long as the operator does not move the ignition key back to OFF position 70.
• Table 1 below provides a parts list for all the discrete components mounted on the exemplary electronic printed circuit board. Exemplary mathematical values are given for all resistors and capacitors. Exemplary identities are given for the transistors, diodes, zener diodes, and IC chips. It will be appreciated by those having skill in the art that such components may be replaced with alternate components without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• timer mechanism 38 it is within the scope of the present invention to replace timer mechanism 38 with other timing devices or sub-circuits. Such replacements are well known by those of skill in the art.
• a clock chip such as a 1 Hz clock chip (LM555) feeding a four bit binary up counter (7493) could be used with a comparator (7485).
• Such a proposed replacement can provide several time settings from which to choose.
• the proposed system can utilize a microprocessor chip to transfer data into a memory register.
• the microprocessor chip can be installed in the exemplary system to replace timer mechanism 38.
• One function of the memory register can be to store and hold a given operator's last time (for example up to the last five times) of performing the required sequence of functions. Generally, an operator decreases the time to perform the required sequence of functions with experience.
• the MAX TIME for the given operator can be updated.
• An embodiment utilizing a microprocessor chip can be utilized to gather/store/compare several operator qualities.
• Various embodiments of the invention are envisioned using microprocessor technology.
• operator data can be tracked and evaluated. For example, it is possible to provide for a plurality of authorized operators, each having a distinct performance norm. Further, tracking of vehicle movement, time of day, comparison of the time of day with difficulty operating the vehicle, etc. are within the scope of the present invention.
• Such operator data can be stored and/or downloaded to another computer via connection ports for a variety of uses. For example, if the disclosed system were used as part of a law enforcement program, compliance with a court order could be readily monitored.
• Another embodiment of the present inventive system may utilize fewer or more than five vehicle function devices for input to the sequencing mechanism 34. Those having skill in the art could readily adapt the sequencing mechanism 34 to provide this modification.
• FIG. 1 Another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figure 3, provides an inhibit sub-circuit, shown generally at 80.
• the inhibit sub-circuit 80 is operable to prevent the system from being by-passed by jump-starting the engine. If an attempt is made to by-pass the system by the jumper connection 84, then coil K4 will break the ignition circuit. Thus the engine will turn when the ignition is in the run-start position, but the ignition will not engage.
• FIG. 4 Another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figure 4, provides a timed shutdown sub-circuit, shown generally at 88.
• timed shutdown sub-circuit shown generally at 88.
• long-term timer 92 will effectively delay the system reset until a predetermined time period expires.
• the time period is four hours.
• FIG. 5 Yet another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 5.
• a pre-selected number of past performance times for an operator is held in the memory time set 98.
• the maximum time for performance is then updated
• FIG. 6 Yet another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 6.
• This embodiment includes identifier mechanism shown generally at 110 to identify an operator using a biometric identifier such as a thumbprint. If the operator is recognized by the system, the operator may proceed to perform the vehicle function device sequence within the predetermined time period in order to engage the vehicle ignition.
• a biometric identifier such as a thumbprint
• the vehicle can be an automobile, boat, plane, or any other vehicle involving an electrical system and vehicle function devices engaged with the electrical system.
• any feature described as a means for performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable of performing the recited function, and not mere equivalents of the particular means described in the foregoing description.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

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• 2005
  • 2005-07-18 EP EP05772393A patent/EP1787230A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2005-07-18 WO PCT/US2005/025376 patent/WO2006023177A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2005-07-18 AU AU2005277860A patent/AU2005277860A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-07-18 CA CA002577293A patent/CA2577293A1/en not_active Abandoned

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Non-Patent Citations (1)

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