Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Vehicle subsystem or accessory control
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-04
2001-06-19
Cuchlinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Vehicle subsystem or accessory control
C340S008100, C340S459000, 37, 37, C307S038000, C307S031000, C307S032000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06249731
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a control unit and a method for the manipulation-proof configuration of a vehicle control unit.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A control unit is described in European Patent No. 376983 which is preconfigured for performing a plurality of functions and which, after being installed in the vehicle for the first time, is configured according to the functions needed in the vehicle in response to an activation command. Unneeded functions remain inactive. The control unit can be used as a universal control unit for a wide variety of vehicle types. However, the basic fact that available, yet non-activated, functions are provided generally makes it possible for unauthorized personnel to expand the original range of functions supplied by the manufacturer and, for example, to use components that are not approved by the manufacturer. All that is needed to do this is to manipulate the non-volatile memory in which the valid control unit configuration is stored.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a control unit as well as a method for configuring a control unit arrangement which provides better protection against unauthorized modification of a configuration once the latter has been defined.
By providing at least one further component in the vehicle in addition to the vehicle control unit in order to activate a preconfigured function, the control unit according to the present invention makes an unauthorized change of a defined configuration much more difficult because at least two vehicle elements must now be manipulated in a coordinated manner. An immobilizer, i.e., a control unit which prevents the vehicle from being driven away, which is usually provided, in any case, in new vehicles, is especially suitable as the component for storing information to activate functions preconfigured in the control unit. Functions that are suitable for providing protection according to the present invention include, for example, cruise control and anti-spin control. It is advantageous to store a configuration only upon receiving an acknowledgment signal to be entered from the outside, thereby enabling test operation of the vehicle or the control unit arrangement.
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Miller Norbert
Walter Klaus
Cuchlinski Jr. William A.
Kenyon & Kenyon
Robert & Bosch GmbH
To Tuan C
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