GB2450154A - Vehicle Security Device - Google Patents

Vehicle Security Device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2450154A
GB2450154A GB0711603A GB0711603A GB2450154A GB 2450154 A GB2450154 A GB 2450154A GB 0711603 A GB0711603 A GB 0711603A GB 0711603 A GB0711603 A GB 0711603A GB 2450154 A GB2450154 A GB 2450154A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
suppressor
vehicle
tracking system
signal
activating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0711603A
Other versions
GB0711603D0 (en
Inventor
Robin Jeremy Green
Ronald Stanley Morse
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0711603A priority Critical patent/GB2450154A/en
Publication of GB0711603D0 publication Critical patent/GB0711603D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2008/001970 priority patent/WO2008152368A2/en
Publication of GB2450154A publication Critical patent/GB2450154A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B60R25/24—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
    • 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
    • B60R25/30—Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems
    • B60R25/33—Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems of global position, e.g. by providing GPS coordinates
    • 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
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C9/00309—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

A vehicle key suppressor 7 for inhibiting communication between an electronic start key (including, for example, a conventional coded ignition key as well as an advanced key system, a remote keyless system, and a fingerprint and/or eye recognition system) and an engine control unit ("ECU") 12 in a vehicle comprising a vehicle tracking system 2. The suppressor when activated by an activating signal 3 from the tracking system, the suppressor sends an inhibitory signal 9 which inhibits communication between the start key and the ECU, thereby preventing the vehicle engine from being started or restarted. A vehicle security device comprises the key suppressor for particular use in the recovery of a vehicle stolen by carjacking. The vehicle can be remotely immobilized when the vehicle is determined to be in a safe location as determined by a Global positioning system (GPS).

Description

Vehicle security device The present invention relates to a vehicle
security device and method, particularly for the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
Vehicle immobilisers and/or alarm systems which aim to prevent a vehicle from being stolen are incorporated in most vehicles.
Imrnobilisers typically use a code in the vehicle electronic start or ignition key which is recognised by a radio frequency identity ("RFID") loop around the lock barrel and then checked against the vehicle's engine control unit ("ECU"). If a current and valid code match is not found, the ECU prevents the vehicle engine from being started, for example by blocking fuel injection. Early immobilisers used static codes, but more recent immobilisers use rolling codes or cryptography to prevent code-copying from the key or ECU.
Advanced key systems and remote keyless systems allow a driver to open and/or start a vehicle without inserting a key into a lock barrel. The advanced key emits an encoded radio signal or an encoded infrared signal which is detected by a sensor on the vehicle and linked to the ECU. The code, as above, must be recognised before the vehicle is allowed to start. Other "key" systems include those which rely on fingerprint and/or eye (iris pattern) recognition.
Despite the advances in immobiliser systems, vehicle theft is still a problem. One way that thieves bypass irnmobiliser security is to target vehicles which have already been started correctly and are running with a key in place, for example when a vehicle is stationary at traffic lights. Therefore, many vehicles are now also fitted with a vehicle tracking system which allows a vehicle owner or a third party to track the location of the vehicle, and also optionally the speed and/or other vehicle information. Tracking systems may employ Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology, and/or a cellular transmitter to allow a third party to remotely identify the position of the vehicle.
The present invention provides an alternative device and method for improved vehicle recovery.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle key suppressor for inhibiting communication between an electronic start key and an engine control unit ("ECU") in a vehicle comprising a vehicle tracking system, in which the suppressor when activated by an activating signal from the tracking system sends an inhibitory signal which inhibits communication between the start key and the ECU, thereby preventing the vehicle engine from being started.
The invention there provides a way of inhibiting recognition by the ECU of the start key code. The suppressor comprises electronic circuitry so that when the suppressor is activated it sends an inhibitory signal. The inhibitory signal may suppress, interrupt, scramble and/or corrupt normal communication between the start key and the ECU. The inhibitor signal will thus prevent the vehicle engine from being started, for example by blocking fuel injection. The suppressor is used in combination with the vehicle tracking system, which activates the suppressor. This means that when the suppressor is activated and the vehicle is immobilised, it will be easier to locate the vehicle.
Several different frequencies are used for communication between the start key and the ECU. The suppressor may be programmed to inhibit any or all of these frequencies, for example by suppress, interrupt, scramble and/or corrupt the communication.
As used herein, the terms "electronic start key" and "start key" encompass conventional coded ignition keys as well as advanced key systems, remote keyless systems and fingerprint and/or eye recognition systems. The term "engine control unit" ("ECU") is deemed to be synonymous with "engine management unit" ("EMU"), also known as a vehicle computer. The term "vehicle" encompasses cars and other terrestrial vehicles, as well as vehicles which travel in or on water, such as ships, and vehicles which travel in air, such as aeroplanes.
The suppressor may comprise a receptor means for receiving the activating signal from the tracking system. The suppressor may comprise a signal means operably linked to the receptor means for sending the inhibitory signal.
The tracking system may comprise a control means for receiving a control signal emitted by a tracking system control unit remote from the vehicle. The suppressor is therefore controlled by the tracking system control unit.
The tracking system may comprise an activating means operably linked to the control means for sending the activating signal to the suppressor in response to the control signal.
The suppressor may be deactivated when a deactivating signal is received from the tracking system. Here, a single activating signal may be required to activate the suppressor which will remain active until the deactivating signal is received.
Alternatively, the suppressor may be deactivated when the activating signal from the tracking system is stopped. Here, the activating signal may be a continuous signal from the tracking system which, when stopped, de-activates the suppressor.
The inhibitory signal from the suppressor in one embodiment does not stop the vehicle engine if is running. For reasons of safety, for example, it may not be advisable to immobilise a vehicle if it is in motion. In this embodiment of the invention, the activated suppressor prevents the engine from being re-started after it is has been switched off.
Alternatively, using data from the vehicle tracking system, the suppressor may be activated or programmed to stop the vehicle engine when the vehicle is stationary.
The suppressor is in one aspect powered by a power supply to or from the tracking system.
The suppressor may provide a status signal to the tracking system, which in turn may communicate the status of the suppressor to the tracking system control unit.
The inhibitory signal emitted by the suppressor may be of sufficiently low power such that its effect does not affect other vehicles.
The inhibitory signal may comply with appropriate standard performance specifications, for example with United Kingdom or other national MPT regulations and/or European Telecommunications Standard ETS regulations.
The suppressor may be integral with or separate from the tracking system. The suppressor may be easy to install either during manufacture of the vehicle or afterwards, for example in combination with installation of a tracking system.
The suppressor may be activatable only in response to the activating signal from the tracking system. In other words, the invention may be independent of systems which require the use of telephone signals such as mobile phone signals.
Also provided according to the present invention is a vehicle security system comprising a suppressor as defined herein.
Further provided is a vehicle comprising a suppressor as defined herein or a security system as defined herein.
In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for recovering a vehicle comprising a comprising a suppressor as defined herein or a security system as defined herein, in which the method comprises the steps of activating the suppressor so that the vehicle engine is prevented from being restarted, locating the vehicle via the tracking system, and then recovering the vehicle.
Particular non-limiting examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 1. which is a schematic view of a vehicle key suppressor.
When a vehicle fitted with a tracking system linked to a suppressor according to the present invention has been stolen, the following action could be taken.
An owner of the vehicle or the police notifies a tracking company responsible for the tracking system that the vehicle has been stolen. As shown schematically in Fig. 1, the tracking company sends a control signal (1) from their tracking system control unit to the tracker system (2) in the vehicle. The tracker system sends an activation signal via an activation conirnunication link (3), for example a signal wire, to the suppressor (7). The suppressor then transmits an inhibitory signal (9) via an antenna (8) which scrambles and/or interrupts the standard signal (11) from the ignition key (10) to the ECU (12) . The suppressor also sends an acknowledgement signal via a status communication link (4) to the tracker system, confirming that the suppressor has been activated.
In one embodiment, the inhibitory signal transmitted by the suppressor does not stop the vehicle while it is running.
However, the inhibitory signal would prevent the engine from being re-started as the standard signal from the ignition key would not be recognised by the ECU because it has been interrupted and/or scrambled by the activated suppressor.
The status of the suppressor is transmitted back to the tracker company through a status connection link (6) between the suppressor and the tracker system.
Once the vehicle has been immobilised by the suppressor -in the present embodiment when the vehicle has been stopped by the thief and is then prevented by the suppressor from being re-started -the tracker company can direct the owner and/or police to recover the vehicle. Once the vehicle is recovered, the suppressor can be de-activated and normal vehicle operation resumed.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred or exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognise that various modifications and variations to the same can be accomplished without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and that such modifications are clearly contemplated herein. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and set forth in the appended claims is intended nor should any be inferred.

Claims (15)

  1. Claims 1. A vehicle key suppressor for inhibiting communication between
    an electronic start key and an engine control unit ("ECU") in a vehicle comprising a vehicle tracking system, in which the suppressor when activated by an activating signal from the tracking system sends an inhibitory signal which inhibits communication between the start key and the ECU, thereby preventing the vehicle engine from being started.
  2. 2. The suppressor according to claim 1, in which the suppressor comprises a receptor means for receiving the activating signal from the tracking system.
  3. 3. The suppressor according to claim 2, in which the suppressor comprises a signal means operably linked to the receptor means for sending the inhibitory signal.
  4. 4. The suppressor according to any preceding claims, in which the tracking system comprises control means for receiving a control signal emitted by a tracking system control unit remote from the vehicle.
  5. 5. The suppressor according to claim 4, in which the tracking system comprises an activating means operably linked to the control means for sending the activating signal to the suppressor in response to the control signal.
  6. 6. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the suppressor is deactivated when a deactivating signal is received from the tracking system.
  7. 7. The suppressor according to any of claims 1 to 5, in which suppressor is deactivated when the activating signal from the tracking system is stopped.
  8. 8. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the inhibitory signal does not stop the vehicle engine if already running and/or if the vehicle is in motion.
  9. 9. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the suppressor is powered by a power supply to the tracking system.
  10. 10. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the suppressor provides a status signal to the tracking system.
  11. 11. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the inhibitory signal is of low power such that its effect does not affect other vehicles.
  12. 12. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the suppressor is integral with or separate from the tracking system.
  13. 13. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the suppressor is activatable only in response to the activating signal from the tracking system.
  14. 14. A vehicle security system comprising a suppressor as defined in any of claims 1 to 13.
  15. 15. A vehicle key suppressor substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
    15. A vehicle comprising a suppressor as defined in any of claims 1 to 13 or a security system as defined in claim 14.
    16. A method for recovering a vehicle as defined in claim 15, comprising the steps of activating the suppressor so that the vehicle engine is prevented from being restarted, locating the vehicle via the tracking system, and then recovering the vehicle. 1.
    17. A vehicle key suppressor substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
    AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWERS:-K) Claims 1. A vehicle key suppressor for inhibiting communication between an electronic start key and an engine control unit ("ECU") in a vehicle comprising a vehicle tracking system, in which the suppressor when activated by an activating signal from the tracking system sends an inhibitory signal which inhibits communication between the start key and the EMU, thereby preventing the vehicle engine from being started. * **
    2. The suppressor according to claim 1, in which the suppressor comprises a receptor means for receiving the activating signal from the tracking system. *
    S.....
    * 3. The suppressor according to claim 2, in which the suppressor comprises a signal means operably linked to the receptor means for sending the inhibitory signal. * ..
    4. The suppressor according to any preceding claims, in which the : tracking system comprises control means for receiving a control signal emitted by a tracking system control unit remote from the vehicle.
    5. The suppressor according to claim 4, in which the tracking system comprises an activating means operably linked to the control means for sending the activating signal to the suppressor in response to the control signal.
    6. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the suppressor is deactivated when a deactivating signal is received from the tracking system.
    7. The suppressor according to any of claims I to 5, in which suppressor is deactivated when the activating signal from the tracking system is stopped.
    8. The suppressor accord,ng to any preceding claim, in which the Inhibitory signal does not stop the vehicle engine if already running and/or if the vehicle is in motion.
    9. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the suppressor is powered by a power supply to the tracking system.
    lOThe suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the suppressor provides a status signal to the tracking system.
    11. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the inhibitory signal is of 10 milliwatts or less such that Its effect does not affect othervehicles. * **
    12. The suppressor according to any preceding claim, in which the suppressor is directly linked to the tracking system.
    * ***.* * 13. A vehicle security system comprising a suppressor as defined in any of claims I to 12.
    14. A method for recovering a vehicle as defined in claim 13, comprising * the steps of activating the suppressor so that the vehicle engine is prevented from being restarted, locating the vehicle via the tracking system, and then recovering the vehicle.
GB0711603A 2007-06-15 2007-06-15 Vehicle Security Device Withdrawn GB2450154A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0711603A GB2450154A (en) 2007-06-15 2007-06-15 Vehicle Security Device
PCT/GB2008/001970 WO2008152368A2 (en) 2007-06-15 2008-06-10 Vehicle security device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0711603A GB2450154A (en) 2007-06-15 2007-06-15 Vehicle Security Device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0711603D0 GB0711603D0 (en) 2007-07-25
GB2450154A true GB2450154A (en) 2008-12-17

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0711603A Withdrawn GB2450154A (en) 2007-06-15 2007-06-15 Vehicle Security Device

Country Status (2)

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GB (1) GB2450154A (en)
WO (1) WO2008152368A2 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2943019A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-17 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Vehicle i.e. motor vehicle, starting blocking method, involves carrying out blocking process in vehicle to remove connection between identification device and engine control unit i.e. electronic control unit, of vehicle
EP2805856A1 (en) * 2013-05-22 2014-11-26 Eileo Immobiliser system with controllable inhibiting means
GB2576133A (en) * 2018-06-28 2020-02-12 Neath Mark Remote keyless system security device
US11302132B1 (en) * 2020-07-17 2022-04-12 I.D. Systems, Inc. Wireless authentication systems and methods

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997036772A1 (en) * 1996-04-03 1997-10-09 Telectronics, Inc. Wide area vehicular control system operating over paging networks for foiling fleet and individual vehicle thefts and carjacking
GB2335002A (en) * 1995-09-13 1999-09-08 Rover Group A security system able to disable a vehicle when in a safe zone
US20020163449A1 (en) * 2000-05-17 2002-11-07 Flick Kenneth E. Vehicle tracking unit for controling operable vehicle devices using a vehicle data bus and related methods
GB2387875A (en) * 2002-04-25 2003-10-29 David Martin Keene Vehicle immobiliser system
GB2389921A (en) * 2002-05-10 2003-12-24 Ford Motor Co A system and method for immobilizing a motor vehicle
US20050122208A1 (en) * 2003-12-08 2005-06-09 Denso Corporation Vehicle security system

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6429768B1 (en) * 1999-09-09 2002-08-06 Kenneth E. Flick Vehicle control system including transponder jammer and related methods
EP1454302B1 (en) * 2001-11-08 2006-05-03 Vega Elettronica S.R.L. Ancillary protection system against the unauthorized use of an access and/or ignition key
US20060293842A1 (en) * 2005-05-19 2006-12-28 Roy Casino Vehicle recovery system and method

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2335002A (en) * 1995-09-13 1999-09-08 Rover Group A security system able to disable a vehicle when in a safe zone
WO1997036772A1 (en) * 1996-04-03 1997-10-09 Telectronics, Inc. Wide area vehicular control system operating over paging networks for foiling fleet and individual vehicle thefts and carjacking
US20020163449A1 (en) * 2000-05-17 2002-11-07 Flick Kenneth E. Vehicle tracking unit for controling operable vehicle devices using a vehicle data bus and related methods
GB2387875A (en) * 2002-04-25 2003-10-29 David Martin Keene Vehicle immobiliser system
GB2389921A (en) * 2002-05-10 2003-12-24 Ford Motor Co A system and method for immobilizing a motor vehicle
US20050122208A1 (en) * 2003-12-08 2005-06-09 Denso Corporation Vehicle security system

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2943019A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-17 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Vehicle i.e. motor vehicle, starting blocking method, involves carrying out blocking process in vehicle to remove connection between identification device and engine control unit i.e. electronic control unit, of vehicle
EP2805856A1 (en) * 2013-05-22 2014-11-26 Eileo Immobiliser system with controllable inhibiting means
WO2014187700A1 (en) * 2013-05-22 2014-11-27 Eileo Immobiliser system with controllable inhibiting means
US10279777B2 (en) 2013-05-22 2019-05-07 Eileo Immobiliser system with controllable inhibiting means
GB2576133A (en) * 2018-06-28 2020-02-12 Neath Mark Remote keyless system security device
US11302132B1 (en) * 2020-07-17 2022-04-12 I.D. Systems, Inc. Wireless authentication systems and methods
US11837041B2 (en) 2020-07-17 2023-12-05 I.D. Systems, Inc. Wireless authentication systems and methods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008152368A3 (en) 2009-02-05
GB0711603D0 (en) 2007-07-25
WO2008152368A2 (en) 2008-12-18

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)