GB2260360A - Security system - Google Patents

Abstract

A security system for a vehicle that has the ability to be infinitely re-programmed, consisting of a Central Unit made from hardened steel and containing electronic circuitry to isolate the vehicle and connect alarm (if fitted), solenoid switch, reserve battery, solenoid bolts locking the Central Unit, an electronic Ignition Key (fig 1) containing a battery and electronic memory to hold code numbers, an Ignition Switch (fig 1) to receive Key and connect Key to CU, and a Keypad/Digital Display Unit which connects to the Central Unit to programme the unit and the key and to provide an alternative operating mechanism to the key. <IMAGE>

Description

This Invention relates to an infinitely reprogrammable key-operated security system. Initially designed for road vehicles, it can be used on all types of transport including boats, planes etc.

The Principal components are: (Figure 4) a Central Control Unit ("CU") containing electronic memory, internal solenoid bolts, solenoid multi-contact switch and rechargeable battery; an Electronic Ignition Key ("Key") (Figure 1) containing a battery and electronic memory; an Ignition Switch ("Switch") (Figure 1) to receive "Key" and a Keypad/Digital Display Unit" ("Keypad") (Figure 2) containing electronic circuit to programme and operate "CU" .

The present means of securing vehicles from theft involves keys, alarms, immobilising devices - either electronic, electrical electro-mechanical or physical.

In all cases a professional thief can usually overcome them quite quickly if they really want the vehicle especially for resale. All these systems rely on securing vehicles with secondary equipment which has to be switched on or secured to the vehicle. They usually rely on security by controlling the supply of keys, but this is no guarantee against the unscrupulous elements who seem to get hold of the impossible. If vehicle is towed away, this system will shut down electrics.

This system provides the owner with equipment which cannot be operated by unauthorised persons and has no central record of operating codes or keys. It will disable a vehicle even if vehicle is not locked, it does not require any secondary action because once the Key is removed from the Switch the vehicle is disabled. Even by stealing the Key, although vehicle can be driven away, it still cannot be sold. It is extremely time-consuming, though not impossible to by-pass this invention but given that anybody going to all that trouble would expect some reward, such as a resale. This invention would make resale virtually impossible, even if a customer had already been found, because the CU would have serial numbers relating to that vehicle only. These serial numbers will be engraved on base and cover on the inside.

In order to remove cover illegally it would result in damage to cover and possible contents. To then obtain another cover by illegal means would result in the serial numbers being different. Although not necessary, it is considered prudent to install an alarm to protect contents of vehicle.

The supply of CUs must be regulated, only the registered owner of the vehicle will be able to get repairs or replacements. Therefore, prospective purchasers will be able to check that the CU serial numbers appertain to that vehicle, and base and cover numbers are the same before purchasing. Also, the CU can be inspected for signs of tampering, making the exercise of stealing the vehicle somewhat pointless in the first place.

The security is both in the installation and the programming; firstly, installation. The CU is in three parts, cover, base and contents. Base is secured to a firm, secure, non-removable part of the vehicle in such a way as to make removal impossible whilst cover is attached, screws, bolts etc would only be accessed from inside cover. Alternatively it can be welded to vehicle.

Cover is held to base by internal solenoid-type bolts, powered by vehicle battery but controlled by CU circuitry.

Both cover and base would be made of hardened steel.

Inside the CU is an electronic circuit to receive data from Switch and Keypad (which also has its own electronics). The CU also contains an electro-mechanical (solenoid type) switch which is in two parts; the first has all the vehicle's main electrical circuits connected to it (but excluding hazard warning lights, radio, courtesy light etc), the second part has any immobilisers and alarms connected to it. When part one is ON part two is OFF, and vice versa. All these circuits are connected inside CU cover and so is Switch wiring. The only outside connection is a multi-pin plug/socket connector (computer type) which is where Keypad wiring is connected. If the installation of the CU makes this connection difficult to access, then another can be located more conveniently.

Under normal conditions these circuits are powered by vehicle battery, but should this be disconnected or fail, a battery is also inside CU to preserve memory circuits for at least 12 months.

This is a re-programmable system, the details of which might seem laborious and complicated (but no harder than a video recorder!), but once programmed operation is extremely simple.

If we assume, for the purpose of explanation, a brand new security system which has never been switched on, then all memory circuits are blank. When installed into a vehicle and power is applied and un-programmed Key is inserted into Switch, programming can begin. First, unless the user has a very good memory, the user must write down two sets of numbers (codes) which they must keep in a safe place after programming.

With reference to diagram (3) press code, display will ask BACKGROUND? Press YES. Display will say PRESS CODE.

This will allow CU to select a random code, known only to CU which cannot be displayed on Keypad. Once selected, it will memorise it and pass this code to the Key memory.

When completed Keypad will ask NEW KEY? User can now change Key and press YES, and repeat coding until all Keys required for vehicle are programmed, then press NO. All the Keys now have been Background coded. Next Foreground.

Press Code, BACKGROUND? will appear, press NO and FOREGROUND? will appear. Press YES and display will show ENTER CODE. User now enters the first of the two previously written down codes, comparing the display with those written down to ensure they are the same, if not press NO and start again. If they are right press ENTER.

Once entered they disappear from display and can never be recalled, so it is imperative that they are correctly noted. When display clears the code will have been stored on both CU and Key memories. Display will then ask NEW KEY? Continue as for background code until all Keys are programmed then press NO. Display will then ask, NEXT CODE? Press YES. With a programmed Key in the Switch enter the second recorded code. When satisfied it is correct, press ENTER. This code is stored on CU only so no changing of Keys is necessary. The system is now programmed.

As mentioned earlier, this invention is infinitely reprogrammable. At any time, using these programming details, any one, two or all three codes can be changed but only by the legal user - because BOTH the Foreground codes must be entered on the Keypad before re-programming can commence.

Repeat as for Foreground coding, but this time without inserting a Key. When first Foreground code is entered, display will again show ENTER CODE, this time enter second Foreground code. When entered Keypad will allow user total control of CU via display prompts.

To operate vehicle, insert Key in Switch, CU will interrogate Key for its memorised numbers. First Background and the Foreground, one digit at a time.

Should any attempt be made to use any electronic equipment to substitute Key, in order to guess coded numbers or persuade CU to release numbers electronically, the CU will shut down for at least 30 days. Cu will not indicate (electronically or otherwise) which number or digitis incorrect. If any digit is wrong it will display on Keypad INVALID KEY. If the Key is left in the switch -after 5 seconds the CU will wipe all data from Key memory leaving it blank and also shut down, not allowing access by Key or Keypad for at least 1 hour. If Foreground codes are incorrectly keyed in, the CU will allow user one more try, if they are still incorrect the CU will shut down for at least 30 days. This will prevent continued guessing at the code numbers.

Should any attempt be made to tow vehicle away, a tilt switch inside CU will shut down CU for at least 12 months This switch is disconnected when Key is in Switch.

The CU always needs two codes to operate it, if a Key is inserted in Switch this is all that is needed to operate vehicle, provided the codes stored on the Key match those stored on the CU, the circuits will operate. The purpose of two Foreground Codes is to operate CU via Keypad only, if Switch was damaged or if key battery had not been changed in time, causing its memory to clear. Under normal circumstances only the Key would be used.

Claims (1)

1. (1) A security system that has the ability to be infinitely re-programmed, consisting of a Central Unit (Figure 4) made from hardened steel and containing serial numbers engraved on inside of base and cover, tilt switch to prevent vehicle being towed illegally; electronic circuit, solenoid switch, reserve battery of at least 12 months, and solenoid bolts to prevent cover being removed without first accessing codes stored on electronic circuit an electronic Ignition Key containing a battery and electronic memory, an Ignition Switch to receive Key and a Keypad/Digital Display Unit.

   (2) An infinitely reprogrammable security system as claimed in Claim 1 with an electronic circuit in the Central Unit that has the ability to generate a random Background number, store it and pass number to key for storage, when prompted by user via the Keypad and to store Foreground numbers entered on Keypad by user, and pass the first one of them to Key for storage and retain second on its memory. It has short circuit protection, casing is earthed to protect against wave radiation and is protected against being connected to electrical/electronic equipment, other than that for which it is designed.

   (3) An infinitely reprogrammable security system as claimed in Claim 1 with a Central Unit that interrogates and cannot be interrogated by any electronic equipment.

   (4) An infinitely reprogrammable security system as claimed in Claim 1 with an Electronic Key (Figure 1) containing a circuit and a battery, which stores the background numbers (code) generated by the Central Unit, and stores the first of the Foreground numbers. It has short circuit protection and cannot be interrogated to access a set of numbers. Key would derive power from vehicle when inserted into Ignition Switch, reverting to internal battery when removed from Ignition Switch.

   (5) An infinitely reprogrammable security system as claimed in Claim 1 that has a Keypad/Digital Display (Figure 3) to enable programming of Central Unit with two Foreground Numbers and key with only the first Foreground Number and to enable user to bypass Ignition Switch by entering both Foreground Numbers into Keypad to gain access to Central Unit memory, either to gain physical access to effect repairs, change battery or similar, to re-programme the memory, or to start/stop engine.

   (6) An infinitely reprogrammable security system as claimed in Claim 1 with a Keypad (Figure 3) that cannot display Background numbers and only displays Foreground numbers when they are being entered, once stored on Central Unit, they disappear from display and can never be recalled.

   (7) An infinitely reprogrammable security system as claimed in Claim 1 that has a special Ignition Switch (Figure 1) to accept the Electronic key to provide power for the Key and to allow Central Unit to be connected to Key circuits for interrogation. If Key is incorrect, CU will wipe all Key memory circuits clear.