Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Vehicle mounted systems – Automobile
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-22
2001-03-20
Paladini, Albert W. (Department: 2836)
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Vehicle mounted systems
Automobile
C307S010200, C180S287000, C340S870030, C340S870030
Reexamination Certificate
active
06204570
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for initializing an anti-theft system, in particular an immobilizer of a motor vehicle. An anti-theft system, known from German Patent DE 195 26 530 C1, has a plurality of keys which must be used to provide proof of authorization before the motor vehicle can be used. This takes place in a dialog process in which a request signal is transmitted from the motor vehicle to a key, which transmits back its code signal in response. The code signal is checked for its authorization in the motor vehicle.
If a control unit has to be replaced in the vehicle, the new control unit is initialized by using at least two keys that transfer their code signal to the motor vehicle. However, in such an anti-theft system, it is still possible to commit insurance fraud by offering the vehicle to a purchaser together with two or more keys. The insurer of the vehicle is informed that the vehicle has been stolen together with one key.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a method for initializing an anti-theft system of a motor vehicle which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art methods of this general type, which provides maximum security against illegitimate initialization.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method for initializing an anti-theft system of a motor vehicle, the anti-theft system having a total number (n) of portable electronic keys which, when required, each independently emitting a code signal as an authentication signal, the code signal being received by an electronic lock in the motor vehicle and compared with a setpoint code signal being one of stored and generated in the lock, the method which includes:
performing an initialization of the portable electronic keys and of the lock, which requires that a new total number of all the portable electronic keys assigned to a lock of an anti-theft system is chosen. Then, new coding data are formed using code signals from all-minus one, of the previous portable electronic keys and using code signals from the lock. The new coding data are stored together with the new total number of the portable electronic keys in all of the portable electronic keys and in the lock. All the previously valid coding data in the portable electronic keys and in the lock are then deactivated.
In the invention, all the keys and the lock are initialized by virtue of the fact that new coding data are formed both from coding data from all the keys that have previously been assigned to the anti-lock system and from coding data from the lock. The new coding data are stored in all the keys and in the lock together with the total number of all the keys that are assigned to the anti-theft system. All the previous coding data are deleted or overwritten.
Since the total number of all the keys assigned to the anti-theft system is stored, both in each key and in the lock, it is possible at any time for a third party to interrogate, if proof of authorization is provided, how many keys have been assigned to the anti-theft system. A user can initialize the anti-theft system only if he has all the keys except one available. If the previous owner provides a purchaser with more than the number of keys specified to the insurer of the vehicle, this can easily be proven.
In the invention, the coding data are available in the form of a mathematical algorithm or in the form of a binary coded signal in the key and in the lock, and/or in a central memory unit. The initialization of a replacement key can take place here only if at least the defined total number of keys minus one key are present during the initialization process.
The date and time, together with the total number of keys, can be stored in the keys and in the lock. As a result, attempts at manipulation become apparent afterwards. The coding data are transmitted telemetrically from each key to the lock or from a central database at the premise of a manufacturer to a diagnostic unit and from there to the lock.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a method for initializing an anti-theft system of a motor vehicle, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4325221A1 (1995-02-01), None
patent: 4333474A1 (1995-02-01), None
patent: 19526530C1 (1996-08-01), None
patent: 0695675A1 (1996-02-01), None
patent: 0704352A1 (1996-04-01), None
Greenberg Laurence A.
Lerner Herbert L.
Paladini Albert W.
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Stemer Werner H.
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