WO1996040538A1

WO1996040538A1 - Authorization system for supplemental restraint systems

Info

Publication number: WO1996040538A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/010236
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carl Caslowitz
Original assignee: Carl Caslowitz
Priority date: 1995-06-07
Filing date: 1996-06-06
Publication date: 1996-12-19

Abstract

A system for insuring that an authorized air bag module (1) is installed within a vehicle. A vehicle processor (3) communicates with an air bag module processor (2) via transmission line (4). The processors are programmed such that the vehicle processor (3) only recognizes a given authorized air bag module processor (2). If an unauthorized airbag module is installed within the vehicle, the vehicle processor (3) notifies the vehicle operator via indicator lamp (7). Alternatively, the vehicle processor (3) disables the vehicle when an unauthorized airbag module is installed.

Description

AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM FOR SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

This invention relates generally to the field of supplemental restraints (hereinafter "airbags"). Specifically, the invention is an authorizing system for airbags that reduces the market in stolen airbags by disabling the vehicle in which a stolen replacement airbag has been installed into and ensures that replacement airbags installed into a vehicle are manufacturer authorized airbags that conform to the - vehicle manufacture's specifications. The invention utilizes electronic processors that are embedded in the airbags and the vehicle such that the processors are able to confirm whether a manufacturer authorized airbag has been installed within a specific vehicle. In the event an airbag that has been stolen or is not authorized by the manufacturer has been installed within the vehicle, the processors indicate the unauthorized installation.

BACKGROUND

Mass produced vehicles are designed such that they utilize numerous airbags to protect the occupants. Vehicle, as used herein, includes any mode of mechanize transportation. While many of these airbags are substantially interchangeable in a physical sense, they may not be functionally interchangeable. This may create a potentially dangerous situation if a physically, but not functionally, interchangeable airbag is installed into a vehicle. The ease of airbag interchangeability and the relatively high cost of the airbags, have created an incentive for criminals to steal airbags for re-sale on the black market. Once stolen, a criminal may elect to sell the stolen airbags to third parties at a very low price relative to the manufacturer's wholesale or retail price. The stolen airbags are then installed into vehicles that need airbags and are represented to be manufacturer authorized airbags. The vehicle owner or insurance underwriter is then frequently charged the full retail price for a manufacturer authorized airbag when in fact a used, potentially non-functional, and unauthorized airbag has been installed into the vehicle.

The term "manufacturer authorized airbag" as used herein, means those

airbags that are manufactured by an airbag manufacturer for use within a specific model vehicle and authorized by the vehicle manufacturer for installation into a specific vehicle.

The foregoing problem results in consumer fraud, insurance fraud, deceptive trade practices, and lost sales of manufacturer authorized airbags by the manufactures of airbags. In addition, there is the possibility that the replacement or stolen airbags may not operate properly in an accident because the airbags may be physically interchangeable but may not be functionally interchangeable. The result of the foregoing being the potential for substantial injury to the vehicle's occupants and economic loss that results therefrom. These problems will increase as more and more airbags are designed into vehicles and as the number of vehicle types that have airbags in them also increases. It is common to have multiple airbags installed into a single vehicle. Specifically, automobiles may have individual airbags installed to separately protect the driver and all passengers from frontal, side, rear, top and bottom impacts.

Presently, there is no practical method for the owner of a vehicle to verify that the airbag installed in his vehicle is correct and functional. Further, vehicle manufactures have no practical method to ensure that manufacturer authorized and functionally interchangeable airbags are utilized to replace damaged airbags while retaining the benefits of physically interchangeable designs. In addition, there is presently no automatic system to ensure that the airbags which have been designed by the manufacturer to be installed into a specific model vehicle is actually installed within the vehicle. Additionally, there is presently no way other than by physical barrier to deter the theft of airbags.

Methods of protecting airbags from theft have been limited primarily to deterring thieves from entering the vehicle or by physically blocking the removal of the driver's side airbag. These methods often result in inconvenience to the owner of the vehicle in that they require the additional act of disabling the deterrent system prior to operating the vehicle.

In view of the foregoing, a need exists for a security system that will monitor airbags to assure that a manufacturer authorized airbag, not an unauthorized or stolen airbag, has been installed into a vehicle.

It is known in the art that a rigid cover may be fitted over or onto the steering wheel of an automobile and secured thereto with a rigid bar or other locking device, such that the airbag installed in the automobile steering wheel is physically blocked from being removed by unauthorized third parties. Some of the limitations of the rigid cover device are as follows:

i) This device only protects the airbag that is installed in the automobile's

steering wheel and does nothing to protect any other airbags which may be installed in other locations within the Automobile;

ii) This device simply creates a physical barrier which must be installed by the operator of the automobile prior to it being activated each time its protection is sought; and

iii) This device does not permit the operation of the airbag while the rigid

cover is installed over the automobile's steering wheel.

Physical barriers systems, similar to the rigid cover device, do nothing to ensure that a manufacturer authorized airbag is installed in the automobile steering wheel or anywhere else in the vehicle. Further, they do nothing to deter the market in stolen airbags or to ensure that a functionally equivalent airbag has been utilized as a replacement airbag.

Presently there are no other known systems or devices that solve the foregoing problems. Therefore, there is presently a need for a security system for airbags that i) reduces the market in stolen airbags, ii) ensures that the correct airbag version which has been designed for a specific model vehicle is installed therein and iii) ensures that the replacement airbag installed into a vehicle is a manufacturer authorized airbag that conforms to the vehicle manufacture's specifications. The foregoing is automatically achieved without any of the inherent limitations associated with physical barrier devices.

An object of the present invention is to provide a system whereby vehicles recognize whether a manufacturer authorized airbag has been installed into the vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that will recognize whether a stolen airbag has been installed into a vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that will disable a vehicle into which an unauthorized or stolen airbag has been installed therein. SUMMARY

The present invention is an authorization system which assures that manufacturer authorized airbags are utilized to replace damaged, stolen or defective airbags. The invention utilizes multiple processors that compare predetermined and unique data via a communication means between a vehicle processor and an airbag processor installed therein. If the processors, after comparing the unique data, do not

indicate that said data is the unique data which is expected, various events occur. Examples of these events may be that the vehicle is disabled or the vehicle operator is warned of the discrepancy.

As utilized within this Invention, the term unique data means any and all information that is communicated between the vehicle processor and any and all airbag processors located therein.

The system starts to work when the vehicle is turned on. The vehicle processor and the airbag processors communicate with each other, compare the unique data that is expected and confirm whether the unique data is correct. If the data is correct, the vehicle operates properly. Conversely, if the unique data is not correct, the processors confirm this fact, disable the vehicle and warn the vehicle's operator of the problem. The unique data can be encrypted and can also contain specific information regarding both the model of the vehicle and the correct part number of the manufacturer authorized airbag. Additional information can also be included within the unique data stream.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an embodiinent of an airbag with an airbag processor affixed to it.

Figure 2 shows an embodiinent of the present Invention wherein a lamp is illuminated to indicate whether the airbag is authorized.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the present Invention as utilized within a vehicle whereby the vehicle is di.sabled in the event the airbag installed in the vehicle is not a manufacturer authorized airbag.

Figure 4 shows an embodiinent of the vehicle processor and the airbag processor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of airbag processor 2 affixed to airbag 1. Airbag processor 1 is an electronic processor capable of transmitting and receiving data. Airbag processor 2 is integral to airbag 1 such that they are not easily separated thus preventing replacement of the airbag without the airbag processor. An embodiment of the invention renders airbag processor 2 non-functional if it is removed from airbag 1.

Figure 2 depicts an embodiment of the invention as used in a vehicle. Vehicle processor 3 sends a trigger signal via transmission line 4 to airbag processor 2.

Airbag processor 2 then sends a unique signal to vehicle processor 3. If vehicle processor 3 does not recognize the unique signal from airbag processor 2, it places a voltage on output 5 to illuminate lamp 6, indicating that the airbag is not authorized.

Figure 2 depicts a hard wired serial data transmission line for transmission line 4. Another embodiment of transmission line 4 uses parallel data transmission.

Transmission line 4 may be infra-red, radio frequency, fiber optic or any other transmission medium. Transmission between vehicle processor 3 and airbag processor 2 may take several forms, such as digital or modulated signals. An object of the present invention is to be simple and economical to manufacture but difficult to

defeat.

An embodiment of the present Invention transmits a trigger signal from vehicle processor 3 to airbag processor 2. Airbag processor 2 recognizes the trigger signal and sends a predetermined signal in the form of a digital number back to vehicle processor 3. Vehicle processor 3 then compares the number it received from airbag processor 2 to the number which it expected. If the numbers match, then vehicle processor 3 determines that the airbag is a manufacturer authorized airbag and acts appropriately. It is possible in this and all embodiments to reverse the roles of vehicle processor 3 and airbag processor 2.

Another embodiment of the invention has airbag processor 2 as an adder. Vehicle processor 3 sends a digital number to air bag processor 2. Airbag processor

2 adds a predetermined number to the number received from vehicle processor 3 and sends the new number back to vehicle processor 3. Vehicle processor 3 compares the returned new number to the number that is expected. For instance, vehicle processor 3 sends number 500 to airbag processor 2 and it expects to receive number 1000 in response from airbag processor 2. If airbag processor 2 adds any number other than 500 to the original number received from vehicle processor 3, vehicle processor 3 will indicate that a unauthorized airbag is being used in the vehicle.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides for programming the system when a new airbag or vehicle processor is used in the vehicle. An example of such a programming system uses flags and codes. When vehicle processor 3 is used for the first time, it programs itself to recognize the signal from airbag processor 2 thereafter. A flag in vehicle processor 3 is set so that it will only recognize that particular airbag processor thereafter.

When airbag 1 is replaced, vehicle processor 3 must have a way to recognize airbag processor 2 located within new airbag 1. One embodiment requires airbag processor 2 to send a signal to vehicle processor 3 subsequent to airbag processor 2 being contacted by vehicle processor 3 for the first time. Upon starting the vehicle, vehicle processor 3 transmits a trigger signal to airbag processor 2. Airbag processor 2 receives the trigger signal and determines, by a flag's current setting, that airbag processor 2 has previously not been accessed. In reply, airbag processor 2 sends a code, followed by its unique data, to vehicle processor 3. The code (hereinafter "usage code") informs vehicle processor 3 that airbag processor 2 has not previously been accessed. Once the usage code has been sent by airbag processor 2 to vehicle processor 3 for the first time, both airbag processor 2 and vehicle processor 3 set flags to indicate that airbag processor 2 has been previously been accessed. If airbag processor 2 has previously been accessed, vehicle processor 3 then compares the unique data it has just received from airbag processor 2 against the predetermined information stored in the memory of vehicle processor 3. If these two sets of information match, vehicle processor 3 acts appropriately.

It is well known to those skilled in the art that any and all data that is communicated between airbag processor 2 and vehicle processor 3 can be encrypted such that the system is more difficult to defeat.

Other systems are available and are well known to those skilled in the art for determining that a specific airbag processor is communicating with a specific vehicle processor. In one embodiment of the foregoing, unique codes are transmitted and

received by and between the vehicle processor and the airbag processor. The codes are compared to predetermined codes to verify that the correct airbag has been installed into a vehicle.

Another embodiment of the present Invention transmits codes between airbag processor 2 and vehicle processor 3 to assure that the correct airbag is installed within the vehicle. As an example of the foregoing, the airbag processor sends a code to the vehicle processor which incorporates the airbag's part or model number. The vehicle processor then determines if that part or model number corresponds to the airbag part or model number that is required to be installed within said vehicle. This coded information can be incoφorated within the unique data. The unique data may contain any information that the manufacturers of either the vehicle or the airbag may desire to store for comparison so as to ensure that specific design requirements have been satisfied before an airbag is authorized for use within a specific vehicle.

Figure 3 depicts an embodiment of the invention used to determine if a manufacturer authorized airbag is installed into a vehicle and to disable the vehicle if the airbag is not a manufacturer authorized airbag. The vehicle's on board computer

9, sends a signal to the input line 13 of vehicle processor 3 indicating that the vehicle is ready to be operated. Vehicle processor 3 checks to see if a manufacturer

authorized airbag is installed therein as set forth above. If a non-manufacturer

authorized airbag is installed in the vehicle, output 5 opens switch 10. Switch 10 is

in line between on board computer 9 and logic module 1 1 . Switch 10 disables the

vehicle if the airbag is not authorized. There are several ways to known to those

skilled in vehicle electronics to disable a vehicle utilizing the output of vehicle

processor 3.

An embodiment of the present Invention combines the vehicle processor into

the vehicle's on board computer. This combination may be achieved by those skilled

in the art of vehicle electronics.

Figure 4 depicts an embodiment of vehicle processor 3 and airbag processor 2

as utilized within a vehicle. Input line 13 is triggered by the vehicle's on board

computer and indicates that the vehicle is in the process of being turned on.

Processor 15, located within vehicle processor 3, sends a trigger signal from RAM 14

via transmission line 4 to processor 16, located within airbag processor 2. Processor

16 checks to see if flag 17 is set thereby indicating that airbag processor 2 has not

previously been accessed. If Flag 17 is set, a usage code followed by unique data is

transmitted from ROM 18, through processor 16 to processor 15, via transmission line 4. Thereafter, processor 16 resets flag 17 thereby indicating that airbag processor 2 has now been accessed. Once flag 17 has been set to indicate that it has been previously accessed, ROM 18 will never again indicate that airbag processor 2 has not previously been accessed.

Processor 15 in vehicle processor 3 receives both usage and unique data from airbag processor 2. Processor 15 receives usage data and determines whether airbag

processor 2 has previously been accessed. If processor 15 determines that airbag processor 2 has not been previously accessed, processor 15 enables comparator 18 to

receive and store the unique data that follows the usage code, which were both sent from processor 16. Processor 15 then outputs a signal, via output 5, to the enable the vehicle to operate.

If vehicle processor 3 is new and has never been accessed, the same function can be performed in conjunction with airbag processor 2 utilizing usage and unique

data.

Likewise, if processor 15 determines that airbag processor 2 has previously been accessed, it will direct the unique data to RAM 14. The unique data will then be compared by comparator 18 with the predetermined data stored in RAM 14. If the unique data matches with the predetermined data, then processor 15 sends a signal via output 5 to enable the vehicle. However, if the unique data does not match with the predetermined data then processor 15 sends a signal via output 5 that disables the vehicle and provides a positive indication of the same to the vehicle's operator. In the event the data does not match, this is an indication that the airbag which is currently installed within the vehicle does not meet the industry standards. This could be due to the fact that the airbag is a stolen airbag or that an incorrect airbag has been installed within the vehicle.

Another embodiment of airbag processor 2 has a back door by which airbag manufacturers may reset flag 17. Processor 16 will recognize a series of signals

which in turn will reset Flag 17. This permits airbag manufacturers to sell used airbag. It further helps to insure that a used airbag has been inspected and is suitable for placement in a vehicle.

Another embodiment of the present invention uses encryption transmissions between airbag processor 2 and vehicle processor 3. Other embodiments of the present Invention use modulation techniques to transmit the aforementioned data between the airbag and the vehicle processors. Additional security is achieved by varying the modulation frequency between the airbag processor and the vehicle processor. For instances, FORD may utilize a modulation of 1 KHz while CHEVROLET may utilize 1.2 KHz as its modulation frequency. This will make the present invention more difficult to defeat. While certain specific embodiments of an improved authorization system for supplemental restraint systems have been disclosed in the foregoing description, it is understood that various modifications within the scope of the present Invention may occur to those skilled in the Art. Therefore, it is intended that adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and

range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. An authorization system for airbags comprising an airbag processor located within the structure of an airbag and a vehicle processor located within the vehicle; said airbag processor communicates with said vehicle processor via a communication means to

determine if said airbag is authorized to be used within the vehicle which it is located.

2. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 1 wherein said airbag processor is affixed to said airbag structure.

3. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 2 where the airbag processors will be rendered nonfunctional if it is removed from the airbag.

4. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 1 wherein said vehicle processor is integral to the vehicle within which it is located.

5. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 4 where the vehicle processor will be rendered nonfunctional if it is removed from the vehicle.

6. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 1 wherein said vehicle processor transmits a signal to said airbag processor, receives a reply signal from said airbag processor and compares the reply signal to predetermined data.

7. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 6 wherein said reply signal contains a usage code that indicates whether the airbag processor has previously been accessed.

8. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 6 wherein said reply signal contains certain data unique to the individual airbag processor.

9. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 8 wherein said unique data contains information such that the vehicle processor is able to determine whether the airbag is authorized for use within the vehicle model that it has been installed into.

10. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 7 wherein said airbag processor is no longer able to transmit said usage code to the vehicle processor once said airbag processor has been initially accessed by a vehicle processor.

11. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 8 wherein said vehicle processor determines whether said airbag processor has previously been accessed; if said airbag processor has not previously been accessed, said vehicle processor stores the unique data in its memory and designates said unique data as predetermined data; if said airbag processor has previously been accessed, said vehicle processor compares the incoming unique data to said predetermined data and if the data matches, said vehicle processor indicates whether the airbag processor is authorized.

12. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 1 wherein said communication means is in the form of digital signals.

13. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 1 wherein said communication means is selected from the group consisting of sonic signals, radio frequency signals, fiber optics, and infrared.

14. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 1 wherein said communication means is encrypted.

15. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 1 wherein if said airbag is not authorized said vehicle will be disabled.

16. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 1 wherein the operator of the vehicle is given an indication whether the airbag is authorized or not authorized.

17. An authorization system for airbags as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vehicle processor is incoφorated within the vehicle's existing on-board computer.

18. An authorization system for airbags comprising an airbag processor and a vehicle processor; the vehicle processor being capable of transmitting a trigger signal to the airbag processor, receiving data from the airbag processor and determining if the airbag processor is authorized based upon a comparison of the received data against predetermined data; the airbag processor being capable of receiving the trigger signal from the vehicle processor and transmitting data to the vehicle processor that is unique to the individual airbag processor.

19. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 18 wherein the vehicle processor will disable the vehicle in the event the airbag processor is not authorized.

20. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 18 wherein the data transmitted from the airbag processor contains information relative to the compatibility of the airbag to the vehicle.

21. An authorization system for airbags as depicted in claim 1 wherein at least one of the processors is capable of being programmed.

22. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle comprising an airbag processor located within the structure of an airbag and a vehicle processor located within the vehicle; said airbag processor communicates with said vehicle processor via a communication means to determine if said airbag is authorized to be used within the vehicle which it is located.

23. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 22 j^ herein said airbag processor is affixed to said airbag structure.

24. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 23 (2) wherein the airbag processors will be rendered nonfunctional if it is removed from the airbag.

25. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 22 ( 1 ) wherein said vehicle processor is integral to the vehicle within which it is located.

26. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as

depicted in claim 25 wherein the vehicle processor will be rendered nonfunctional if it is removed from the vehicle.

27. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 22 wherein said vehicle processor transmits a signal to said airbag processor, receives a reply signal from said airbag processor and compares the reply signal to predetermined data.

28. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 27 wherein said reply signal contains a usage code that indicates whether the airbag processor has previously been accessed.

29. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 27 wherein said reply signal contains certain data unique to the individual airbag processor.

30. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 29 wherein said unique data contains information such that the vehicle processor is able to determine whether the airbag is authorized for use within the vehicle model that it has been installed into.

31. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 28 wherein said airbag processor is no longer able to transmit said usage code to the vehicle processor once said airbag processor has been initially accessed by a vehicle processor.

32. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 29 wherein said vehicle processor determines whether said airbag processor has previously been accessed; if said airbag processor has not previously been accessed, said vehicle processor stores the unique data in its memory and designates said unique data as predetermined data; if said airbag processor has previously been accessed, said vehicle processor compares the incoming unique data to said predetermined data and if the data matches, said vehicle processor indicates whether the airbag processor is authorized.

33. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 22 wherein said communication means is in the form of digital signals.

34. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 22 wherein said communication means is selected from the group consisting of sonic signals, radio frequency signals, fiber optics, and infrared.

35. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 22 wherein said communication means is encrypted.

36. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 22 wherein if said airbag is not authorized said vehicle will be disabled.

37. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 22 wherein the operator of the vehicle is given an indication whether the airbag is authorized or not authorized.

38. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 22 wherein the vehicle processor is incoφorated within the vehicle's existing on-board computer.

39. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle comprising an airbag processor and a vehicle processor; the vehicle processor being capable of transmitting a trigger signal to the airbag processor, receiving data from the airbag processor and determining if the airbag processor is authorized based upon a comparison of the received data against predetermined data; the airbag processor being capable of receiving the trigger signal from the vehicle processor and transmitting data to the vehicle processor that is unique to the individual airbag processor.

40. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 39 wherein the vehicle processor will disable the vehicle in the event the airbag processor is not authorized.

41. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 39 wherein the data transmitted from the airbag processor contains information relative to the compatibility of the airbag to the vehicle.

42. A method to determine whether authorized airbags are installed within a vehicle as depicted in claim 22 wherein at least one of the processors is capable of being programmed.