Vehicle anti-theft system
OwnerJames Speers, Jack Wisnia +1inventors
InventorsJames Speers, Jack Wisnia, Robert Nelson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vehicle is immobilized when a personal identifying device of an authorized vehicle user in proximity to the vehicle is not authenticated and an intended use of the vehicle is detected. Various mechanisms can be used to immobilize the vehicle, such as the use to transmitting a null message to the passive keyless entry and start system in at least one time slot based on a timing established by a detected challenge message.
Claims20
A theft-prevention device for a vehicle having a passive keyless entry and start (PKES) system for authenticating a driver possessing a key fob to use the vehicle, the device comprising:
- an intended use detector having an output indicative of an intended use of said vehicle, said detector comprising one or more of the groups consisting of:
- I. a wireless receiver for detecting a low-frequency (LF) radio signal challenge message sent by the PKES system to the key fob indicating intended use of the vehicle;
- II. a proximity sensor for detecting a presence of a person next to or inside the vehicle;
- and
- III. a camera for detecting the presence of the person next to or inside the vehicle;
- an authenticator for attempting authentication of a personal identifying device of an authorized vehicle user in proximity to said vehicle or inside the vehicle by exchanging authentication information with said personal identifying device;
- a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transmitter for transmitting a disrupting RF signal to disrupt an RFID transceiver of the vehicle to inhibit programming or reprogramming of the key fob or to disrupt RFID communication with the key fob, wherein the RFID transmitter is responsive to said intended use detector output and to said authenticator;
- and
- a vehicle start disabler responsive to said intended use detector output and to said authenticator, the vehicle start disabler comprising one or more of the group consisting of:
- a) a disrupting transmitter for sending a UHF signal to disrupt unauthorized transmission from the key fob to the PKES system;
- b) at least one switch for controllably disconnecting one or more antennae from the PKES system for interrupting transmission between the PKES system and the key fob;
- c) a wireless transmitter for sending a wireless key fob “lock and arm” command to the PKES system;
- d) a switch for controllably interrupting detection of a start button and/or a brake pedal;
- and
- e) a bus message transmitter for sending messages on a bus of the vehicle to impair use of said bus,
- whereby the vehicle is prevented from being started when the personal identifying device is not proximate to the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.