Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Vehicle mounted systems – Automobile
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-20
2001-02-13
Paladini, Albert W. (Department: 2836)
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Vehicle mounted systems
Automobile
C307S010200, C180S287000, C340S870030
Reexamination Certificate
active
06188140
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to immobilizer systems for installation in vehicles, immobilizer operation members incorporating immobilizer transmitters for transmitting immobilizer identification codes, and immobilizer operation member receiving devices for receiving the immobilizer operation members.
Automobile engines are started by inserting an ignition key into a key cylinder and turning it.
In recent years, to prevent thefts, ignition keys that control engine starting with electric signals, which are transmitted from the key, in addition to key turning have been used.
Such an ignition key incorporates a transmitter that transmits a special identification code (immobilizer identification code). When the identification code transmitted from the transmitter matches an identification code preset in an engine starting control computer (i.e., ECU) of a receiver installed in the vehicle, the engine is electronically controlled and started. Therefore, the starting of the engine is permitted only by a key incorporating the transmitter. This prevents the automobile from being stolen. Such a system is referred to as an immobilzer system.
The transmitter, which is incorporated in the ignition key, is driven by a battery, which is located in the grip of the key, to transmit an identification code when a switch located on the grip is operated. However, the identification code cannot be transmitted when the battery becomes low on power. In such case, the engine cannot be started even when using an authorized ignition key. Thus, ignition keys incorporating immobilizer transmitters (hereafter referred to as transponders) that do not require batteries have recently become popular.
When magnetism produced by a magnetism generator of the receiver reaches the transponder, the transponder converts the magnetic energy to electric energy to generate electric power. The electric power is used to transmit the radio waves of the identification code. This eliminates the need to replace batteries and enables usage over a long period of time.
Generally, if a duplicate of the ignition key incorporating the immobilizer transmitter is necessary, the duplicate must be bought from the dealer who sold the automobile.
However, in the prior art, the surface of the ignition key only includes markings such as the trademark of the automobile maker. Thus, if the user forgets that the ignition key incorporates an immobilizer transmitter, the user may have a locksmith produce a duplicate that only copies the shape of the ignition key plate.
Although such a duplicate key has a key plate that is identical to that of the ignition key, the duplicate key does not incorporate the immobilizer transmitter. Accordingly, if the duplicate key is inserted into the key cylinder and turned to start the engine, the engine will not start. Furthermore, if a number of people use the same ignition key, some of them may not know about the immobilizer system. In such case, the ignition key may be handled carelessly, in the same manner as a normal ignition key that does not incorporate an immobilizer transmitter.
Additionally, in this system, it may be difficult to determine whether there is a problem with the vehicle or the immobilizer transmitter in the ignition key when the engine does not start. In the prior art, there is no way to recognize that the ignition key is one element of the immobilizer system. Thus, if efforts to locate the cause of the problem are directed only toward the vehicle, troubleshooting of the ignition key will be delayed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a vehicle having an immobilizer system installed, an immobilizer operation member incorporating elements constituting the immobilizer system, and a vehicle immobilizer operation member receiving device for receiving the immobilizer operation member that indicates and notifies the user of the existence of the immobilizer system so that the user will handle the immobilizer operation member with care. It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a vehicle having an immobilizer system, an immobilizer operation member, and an immobilizer operation member receiving device that do not delay troubleshooting of the system.
The gist of the invention is an immobilizer system for installation in a vehicle to prevent unauthorized use of the vehicle. The immobilizer system includes a receiver attached to the vehicle, and a control circuit in the vehicle for storing an identification code. The control circuit is linked with the receiver. The system also includes an operation member, which is independent and separable from the vehicle. The operation member stores a code. The operation member activates the immobilzer system to perform a verification process for verifying whether the operation member is authorized for use with the vehicle when the operation member is placed in a predetermined position with respect to the vehicle. The system further includes a transmitter in the operation member for transmitting a signal to the receiver for communication with the receiver regarding a comparison of the code stored in the operation member with the code stored in the vehicle. Operation of the vehicle is permitted only when the code stored in the activator matches the code stored in the vehicle. The system further includes an indication portion located on the operation member or the vehicle for indicating the existence of the immobilizer system. The indication portion is capable of being noticed by a vehicle operator.
In one embodiment, the indication portion is a first indication portion located on the activator, and a second indication portion, which also indicates the existence of the immobilizer system, is located on a surface of the vehicle that is visible to the operator.
In a further embodiment, the activator is a key that is engagable with a key opening formed in the vehicle, and the first indication portion is a symbol located on the key.
Further, the first and second indication portions may be symbols that are substantially the same.
In another embodiment, the indication portion is a symbol located on the vehicle in close proximity to the opening.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4901547 (1990-02-01), Dal Palu'
patent: 5734330 (1998-03-01), Nakamura
patent: 5841363 (1998-11-01), Jakob et al.
patent: 5869908 (1999-02-01), Moczygemba et al.
patent: 5889472 (1999-03-01), Nagel et al.
patent: 62-221952 (1987-09-01), None
patent: 3-4868 (1991-01-01), None
patent: 3-125652 (1991-12-01), None
patent: 6-255450 (1994-09-01), None
Katagiri Toshiharu
Katahira Yoshihiro
Kito Shozo
Ohyabu Yoshinobu
Okada Koji
Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
Paladini Albert W.
Senterfitt Akerman
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