Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
1
AFTERMARKET KEYLESS STARTER
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to an aftermarket keyless starter for a vehicle.
More
particularly, the present invention relates to an aftermarket remote starter
or push-
to-start starter for a vehicle comprising a transponder-based OEM security
system.
Background of the invention:
As technology evolves, and consumers' demand for that technology grows,
vehicles are becoming increasingly complex, making it more and more difficult
for
aftermarket accessory providers to design and install aftermarket keyless
starting
devices such as remote and push-to-start starters. Original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) security systems, i.e. security systems that are installed
in a
vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer, can now include transponders mounted in
keys, key fobs, cards, or other devices which communicate with an OEM security
system in order to deter and prevent theft. These transponders are wireless
data-
carrying devices that automatically respond to an incoming radio frequency
(RF)
signal generated by the OEM security system by returning an identification
code in
order to authenticate the user's identity. The transponder is able to respond
to the
RF signal if it is within a range R of the reader. The specific range R of a
given
transponder and reader varies according to a number of factors, however OEM
security systems typically utilise either short-range transponders with ranges
of 10
centimetres or less, or long-range transponders which typically work at a
range of
several meters. These transponders serve to provide identification
verification of a
user to the OEM security system, which itself will keep the vehicle ignition
in a
disabled state until such verification has occurred.
In use, a short-range transponder must be positioned at a precise location by
the
user, usually adjacent the ignition, in order to be recognized by the OEM
security
system. For example, a short-range OEM transponder embedded in the vehicle
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
2
key can be read by an appropriate reader located in the steering column once
it
has been inserted into the ignition slot. Without this recognition, the OEM
security
system will not allow the car to start. Long-range transponders however
provide a
similar functionality but may be kept on a user, for example in their pocket
or
wallet, since they are detectable by the OEM security system even from outside
the vehicle.
Adding to the complexity, internal vehicle system signalling has progressed
from
simple voltage signalling to internal databus communication, making it harder
for
consumers to add custom features to their vehicles.
Aftermarket starter devices and the like are well known in the art. Indeed, a
conventional after-market starter normally consists of a radio frequency (RF)
remote transmitter carried by a user and an associated receiver mounted in a
vehicle. Upon receipt of a remote start command from the RF transmitter, an
engine start command is sent to the ignition system to start the vehicle.
Further known in the art are "smart" are ignition systems. Conventional
vehicles
are started by turning a key in an ignition switch, which engages an ignition
system. Upon hearing the engine catch, the driver releases the key and the
ignition system is disengaged.
A failure on the part of the driver to release the key, and disengage the
ignition
system once the engine has been started may damage the engine. A smart
ignition system typically comprises a built-in monitoring unit which monitors
engine
characteristics, such as rpm, and detects when it has been started such that
the
ignition system may be immediately disengaged.
Because aftermarket remote starters allow the driver to start the engine
remotely,
for example, from inside a dwelling, the driver is often not able to directly
monitor
the starting of the engine. As such, conventional aftermarket remote starters
typically comprise complex aftermarket engine monitoring systems which mimic
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
3
the functionality of a smart ignition, disengaging the ignition system once
the
engine has been started in order to avoid damaging the engine. A major
drawback
associated with such conventional aftermarket remote starters is that the
necessary engine monitoring systems are complex and expensive to install.
Further known in the art are OEM keyless entry and push-to-start systems which
use long-range transponders. Examples of such systems include the Toyota Smart
KeyTM system, the Cadillac Keyless AccessTM system, and the Mercedes-Benz
Keyless-G0TM system. Such OEM systems provide a device such as a key, key
fob or card, comprising a long-range transponder to be kept on a user, for
example
in their pocket or wallet, which is detectable by the security system from
several
meters. By approaching the vehicle while in possession of the transponder, the
OEM security system can automatically unlock the vehicle's doors - hence
"keyless" entry - and disable the security system. By authenticating the user
in this
manner, the user can avoid having to introduce a vehicle key into the ignition
but
rather can start the vehicle by pressing a push-button mounted on the
dashboard,
steering wheel or gearshift, for example - hence the "push-to-start" ignition.
As an
added measure of security, the keyless entry and push-to-start systems may be
used in conjunction with other keyless technologies, such as key codes or
biometric verification.
Known in the art are the following U.S. patents which disclose prior art
relating to
security systems and the like.
United States Patent Nos. 5,612,578, issued March 18, 1997 to Drew, describes
an aftermarket remote starter for installation in a vehicle having an OEM
security
system. The OEM security system comprises an ignition key having a pre-
selected
electrical resistance and a resistance sensing start-enable unit, such as
General
Motor's Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS).
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United States Patent No. 5,838,255, issued November 17, 1998 to Di Croce,
describes an enhanced vehicle remote control system for expanding the features
of an OEM remote system.
United States Patent No. 6,259,169, issued July 10, 2001 to Cadieux et al.,
teaches an aftermarket bypass module for a transponder-based OEM security
system.
United States Patent No. 7,205,679, issued April 17, 2007 to Flick, teaches an
OEM remote starter for a vehicle having data communications bus and a
transponder based security system. Mention is made of implementing the remote
start controller disclosed in an aftermarket capacity, however no reference is
made
to the need to isolate the OEM transponder or any other aspect of adapting the
remote starter to an OEM transponder-based security system.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved
aftermarket
keyless starter, which by virtue of its design and components, would be able
to
overcome some of the above-discussed prior art problems. Moreover, there
remains a need for an aftermarket keyless starter which is simple and easy to
install in conjunction with modern OEM security systems.
Also known in the art are the following patents and published applications
which
also describe security systems and the like: US 5,081,667, US 5,602,426, US
5,612,578, US 5,828,316, US 5,838,255, US 6,259,169, US 6,346,876, US
7,205,679, US 2004/0135435, US 2005/0179323, US 2006/0080007, US
2006/0138863, US 2007/0016342, US 2007/0049069, and CA 2,434,846.
Summary of the invention:
An aspect of the present invention is to provide an aftermarket keyless
starter for a
vehicle which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the
above-
CA 02601442 2009-09-29
mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related devices known in
the prior art.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an aftermarket remote
starter
5 which is simple and inexpensive to install. Another aspect of the present
invention
is to provide an aftermarket push-to-start system that is simple and
inexpensive to
install.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to take advantage of OEM
security
system by combining features of the OEM system with aftermarket equipment to
provide additional aftermarket features, such as remote starters and push-to-
start
starters.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an aftermarket remote
starter system for a vehicle including an OEM transponder-based security
system.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide an aftermarket
push-to-
start system for a vehicle including an OEM transponder-based security system.
In accordance with the present invention, the above aspect is achieved, as
will be
easily understood, with an aftermarket keyless starter such as the one briefly
described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
Indeed, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
aftermarket keyless starter for a vehicle including a smart ignition system
and an
OEM security system. The smart ignition system is responsive to an engine
start
command. The OEM security system includes an OEM transponder for user
verification and an OEM reader for reading the OEM transponder when the OEM
transponder is within a range R of the OEM reader. The OEM transponder stores
an OEM identification code which the OEM security system requires receipt of
in
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6
order to enable starting of the vehicle. The aftermarket keyless starter
includes a
box for receiving the OEM transponder., an aftermarket reader, an aftermarket
microcontroller for controlling communication between the OEM transponder and
the OEM reader, and an aftermarket transmitter for sending a keyless start
command to the aftermarket microcontroller. The box is affixed to the vehicle
such
that when the OEM transponder is affixed within the box it is positioned at a
distance from the OEM reader which is greater than the range R and is thereby
isolated by distance from the OEM security system. The aftermarket reader is
operatively connectable to the OEM transponder and operable to read the OEM
identification code when the OEM transponder is affixed within the box. The
aftermarket microcontroller is operatively connected to the aftermarket reader
and
the OEM reader. The aftermarket microcontroller is operable to receive the
keyless
start command and respond thereto by having the aftermarket reader read the
OEM identification code and retransmitting the OEM identification code to the
OEM
reader. The engine start command is transmitted to the smart ignition system
subsequent to the sending of the keyless start command.
Preferably, the aftermarket transmitter is a portable transmitter operable to
remotely send the keyless start command, and the aftermarket microcontroller
is
operable to send the engine start command to the smart ignition system in
response to reception of the keyless start command. Alternatively, the
aftermarket
transmitter is preferably a push-to-start module comprising a push button, the
push-to-start module is mounted within the vehicle, and is operatively
connected to
the smart ignition system. The push-to-start module is operable to send the
engine
start command to the smart ignition system subsequent to sending the keyless
start command to the aftermarket microcontroller.
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7
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
an
aftermarket keyless starter for a vehicle comprising an ignition system and an
OEM
push-to-start system. The OEM push-to-start system is operatively connected to
the ignition system and operable to send a push-to-start command thereto for
starting the vehicle. The OEM push-to-start system includes a push-button
mounted within the vehicle, an OEM transponder for user verification and an
OEM
reader for reading the OEM transponder when the OEM transponder is within a
range R of the OEM reader. The OEM transponder stores an OEM identification
code. The OEM push-to-start system requires receipt of the OEM identification
code by the OEM reader in order to enable starting of the vehicle. The
aftermarket
keyless starter includes a box for receiving the OEM transponder, an
aftermarket
reader which is operatively connectable to the OEM transponder and operable to
read the OEM identification code when the OEM transponder is affixed within
the
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8
box, a programmable aftermarket microcontroller for controlling communication
between the OEM transponder and the OEM reader, and an aftermarket
transmitter for sending a keyless start command to the aftermarket
microcontroller.
The box is affixed to the vehicle such that the OEM transponder is affixed
within
the box it is positioned at a distance from the OEM reader which is greater
than the
range R and is thereby isolated by distance from the OEM push-to-start system.
The aftermarket microcontroller is operatively connected to the aftermarket
reader,
the OEM reader and the vehicle ignition. The aftermarket microcontroller is
operatively connected to the vehicle ignition and operable to initiate the
sending of
the push-button command thereto. The aftermarket microcontroller is operable
to
receive the keyless start command and respond thereto by having the
aftermarket
reader read the OEM identification code, retransmitting the OEM identification
code
to the OEM reader and initiating the sending of the push-button command to the
vehicle ignition.
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9
The invention and its advantages will be better understood by reading the
following
non-restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, made with
reference
to the accompanying drawings.
Brief description of the drawings:
The invention will be better understood upon reading the following non-
restrictive
description of the preferred embodiment thereof, made with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an OEM security system.
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a keyless aftermarket starter system
in
accordance with first and second embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a keyless aftermarket starter in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements. The embodiments shown in the figures are preferred, for
exemplification
purposes only.
Moreover, in the context of the present description, the expressions "system",
"device", "assembly", "apparatus" and "unit", as well as any other equivalent
expressions and/or compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art.
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise various components, etc.,
and
although the preferred embodiments of the aftermarket keyless starter and
corresponding parts of the present invention as shown consist of certain
specific
5 configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these
components and
geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in
their
restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the
present
invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the
art, that
other suitable components and cooperations therebetween, as well as other
10 suitable specific configurations may be used for the aftermarket keyless
starter
according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as
can
be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing
from
the scope of the invention.
With reference to Figure 1, a vehicle is provided with an OEM "smart" ignition
system 17 and a transponder-based OEM security system 16.
The OEM security system 16 comprises an OEM transponder 10 which is used to
verify the identity of a user and is embedded on an OEM device 12, such as a
key,
a key fob, or card. The OEM transponder 10 is a contactless data carrier
powered
by and responsive to, a RF field generated by an OEM reader 14 in the vehicle.
The OEM transponder 10 stores an OEM identification code which identifies the
user and which must be received by the OEM security system 16 in order to
enable use the vehicle. When powered by the RF field of the OEM reader 14, the
OEM transponder 10 responds by transmitting the OEM identification code.
Unless
the OEM transponder 10 is detected by the OEM reader 14 in this manner, the
OEM security system 16 will keep the smart ignition system 17 in a disabled
state
and prevent starting of the engine. Upon communication with the OEM
transponder 10 and verification of the OEM code provided, the OEM security
system 16 sends an engine start enable command to the smart ignition system 17
to enable a driver to start the vehicle. The smart ignition system 17 will
receive an
engine start command when the driver turns the OEM key 12 in the ignition, but
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11
will not start the engine without having first received the engine start
enable
command.
As illustrated in Figure 2, an aftermarket keyless starter 11 is installed to
operate
in conjunction with the OEM transponder-based security system 16 illustrated
in
Figure 1. The aftermarket keyless starter 11 comprises a secure box 18, an
aftermarket microcontroller 20 and an aftermarket transmitter 24. The secure
box
18 is affixed to the vehicle and isolates the OEM transponder 10 from the OEM
security system 16 when the OEM key 12 is placed therein. The aftermarket
microcontroller 20 is operatively connected to the secure box and operable to
control communication between the secured OEM transponder 10 and the OEM
reader 14. The aftermarket transmitter 24 is operable to send a keyless start
command to the aftermarket microcontroller 20.
In a first embodiment, the OEM transponder 10 is a short-range transponder. As
such, the secure box 18 need only secure the OEM transponder 10 at a location
on the vehicle which is outside the range of the OEM reader 14 in order to
block
communication between the OEM transponder 10 and the OEM reader 14. An
aftermarket reader 21 is operatively connected to the aftermarket
microcontroller
20 such that it can communicate with the OEM transponder 10. When instructed
by the aftermarket microcontroller 20, the aftermarket reader 21 is operable
to
read the OEM transponder 10 and the OEM identification code stored thereon.
The aftermarket microcontroller 20 is programmable such that it can operate in
conjunction with different vehicles and their OEM systems. For example,
vehicle-
specific data may be uploaded to the aftermarket microcontroller 20 during
installation.
Preferably, the aftermarket reader 12 operates similarly to the OEM reader 14
and
communicates with the OEM transponder 10 wirelessly, although it will apparent
to
one of skill in the art that other ways of operatively connecting the
aftermarket
reader 12 and the OEM transponder 10 are equally feasible. One such
alternative
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
12
is to hard-wire the aftermarket reader 21 and the OEM transponder 10 within
the
secure box 18.
Preferably, the secure box 18 is hidden on the vehicle from sight by a third
party
and lockable such that, even if found, a third party would be unable to open
it and
access its contents. The secure box 18 can further be provided with its own
power
source which is independent from the vehicle's power source in order to
further
isolate the secure box 18 and make it difficult for a potential thief to find.
Further provided is a first transceiver 22 which is operatively connected to
the
aftermarket microcontroller 20 and able to receive and transmit messages to
and
from the aftermarket microcontroller 20. In a preferred embodiment, the first
transceiver 22 is operable to receive wireless signals.
Preferably, the aftermarket microcontroller 20 is a first aftermarket
microcontroller
and the aftermarket keyless starter 11 further includes a second aftermarket
microcontroller 26. The second aftermarket microcontroller 26 is provided
within a
control box 30 along with a second transceiver 28. The second aftermarket
microcontroller 26 is provided for interfacing between the first aftermarket
20 microcontroller 20, and the OEM security system 16 and OEM ignition system
17.
In operation, the first aftermarket microcontroller 20 receives the keyless
start
command through the first transceiver 22 from the aftermarket transmitter 24.
The
first microcontroller 20 then has the aftermarket reader 21 read the OEM
identification code stored on the OEM transponder 10 and transmits that code
to
the second aftermarket microcontroller 26 via the second transceiver 28. The
second aftermarket microcontroller 26 then communicates the OEM identification
code to the OEM reader 14, thereby enabling the smart ignition system 17.
At this point, the second aftermarket microcontroller 26 can send an engine
start
command to the vehicle ignition system 17 emulating the engine start command
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
13
that would have been initiated when a driver turns the OEM key 12 in order to
start
the engine.
Because the vehicle comprises a smart ignition system 17, the aftermarket
keyless
starter does not require an additional engine-monitoring unit. Moreover, by
isolating the OEM transponder 10 and putting it in communication with the
first
aftermarket microcontroller 20, communication between the box 18 securing the
OEM key 12 and the second microcontroller 26 can be done wirelessly.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aftermarket
transmitter 24
is a portable transmitter operable to remotely transmit the keyless start
command
to the first aftermarket microcontroller 20 in response to a user engagement,
for
example, of a button thereon. Preferably, the remote transmitter 24 is a
wireless
keychain transmitter.
With continued reference to Figure 2, a second embodiment of the present
invention provides an aftermarket keyless starter for a vehicle with an OEM
hands-
free keyless entry. In accordance with this embodiment, the OEM transponder 10
is a long-range transponder which is operable to communicate with the OEM
reader 14 within a range of several meters, practically speaking from inside
and
outside the vehicle. An OEM device 12 secured in the secure box 18 will
therefore
always be within the range of the OEM reader 14 regardless of its position on
the
vehicle. As such, in the second embodiment, the secure box 18 is operable to
isolate the OEM transponder 10 by blocking communication between the OEM 14
reader and the OEM transponder 10 when the transponder 10 is placed therein.
The aftermarket microcontroller 20 is operable to control this blocking and
temporarily allow communication between the OEM transponder 10 and the OEM
reader 14.
Under control of the first aftermarket microcontroller 20, the secure box 18
is
operable to unshield the OEM device 12, thereby making it "visible" to the OEM
reader 14, and selectively allow communication between the OEM transponder 10
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14
and the OEM reader 14 at predetermined moments and for predetermined
durations. As such, the aftermarket reader 21 is not needed in this embodiment
as
the secured OEM transponder 10 is operable to transmit the OEM identification
code to the OEM reader 10 on its own.
As in the previous embodiment, the aftermarket microcontroller 20 is
preferably a
first microcontroller 20, and a second microcontroller 26 and a second
transceiver
28 are further provided in a control box 30 for interfacing with the OEM
security
system 16 and the smart ignition system 17.
In operation, the first microcontroller 20 receives the engine start command
from
the remote transmitter 24 via the first transceiver 22. The first
microcontroller 20
then unblocks the OEM transponder 10 in the secure box 18, rendering the OEM
transponder 10 visible to the OEM reader 14 and unblocking communication
therebetween. The first microcontroller 20 sends a signal, preferably
wirelessly, to
the second microcontroller 26 via the first and second transceivers 22 and 28
indicating that the OEM transponder 10 is visible, and the second
microcontroller
28 sends an engine start command to the vehicle ignition system in order to
start
the engine. Because the OEM transponder 10 is visible to the OEM security
system 16, the engine can be started.
If the engine start command proves too difficult to emulate because, for
example,
of a code-hopping arrangement, a servo operated mechanism may be installed to
physically engage an OEM push-to-start button, if such an OEM starter is
provided.
The secure box 18 may block communication to and from the long-range OEM
transponder 10 in numerous ways. In a first preferred embodiment, the secure
box
18 is RF-shielded and therefore operable to shield the OEM transponder 10 from
the RF field generated by the OEM reader 14 and hence block communication
therebetween. This can be accomplished by constructing the secure box 18 from
a
conducting material such as a metal, preferably continuous, as is known in the
art
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
and will not be discussed further herein. The unshielding of the box 18 may
consist
of physically opening a portion of the secure box 18 and allowing RF signals
to
reach the OEM transponder 10, although other methods of selectively
unshielding
the OEM device 12 from RF signals are within the scope of the present
invention.
5
In another preferred embodiment wherein the OEM transponder 10 is an active
transponder comprising an internal power source such as a battery,
communication between the OEM reader 14 and the OEM transponder 10 can be
blocked by removing that battery and supplying power through the aftermarket
10 microcontroller 20. Visibility of the OEM transponder 10 can be restored
intermittently by the aftermarket microcontroller 20 by supplying power when
desired. In this case, the OEM transponder would not need to be RF-shielded,
but
merely physically isolated, as described in connection to the first embodiment
of
the present invention. Such an alternate embodiment also allows the control
the
15 OEM transponder 10 to be accomplished without additional moving parts.
Alternative methods of blocking and unblocking RF communication to and from
the
OEM transponder 10, such as jamming RF communication by emitting an
interfering signal, are also within the scope of the present invention and
will not be
discussed further herein.
In the previous embodiments, it may be desirable for security reasons, amongst
others, for the OEM transponder 10 to remain visible only for the amount of
time
required to enable the engine to start. In other cases, however, the OEM
security
system 16 may require a periodic monitoring of the OEM transponder 10 to
ensure
its continued presence. In such cases, the microcontroller 20 is programmed to
unshield the OEM transponder 10 periodically in accordance with different OEM
security systems 16 which may have different requirements in terms of
maintaining
visibility of the transponder 10. As such, the first and second
microcontrollers 20
and 26 are programmable to make visible the OEM transponder 10 for
predetermined lengths of time and at predetermined intervals after the engine
has
been started in accordance with the specific vehicle into which the
aftermarket
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
16
keyless starter is installed. These functions may be programmed in a variety
of
ways, including, but in no way limited to, dipswitches; by downloading vehicle
parameters through a USB or RS232 port hook up during, or prior to,
installation;
or through a self-learning mode whereby the system 11 is operable to determine
what a given vehicle requires, and adjust itself accordingly.
A third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 3. In
this
preferred embodiment, the aftermarket transmitter 24 is a push-to-start
module,
comprising a push button 56, which is mounted inside the vehicle within reach
of
the driver. This embodiment may be used in conjunction with a short-range or
long-range OEM transponder-based security system 16 by adapting to the
transponder's type using the same principles as those described above. This
embodiment may further be used with a control box 30 comprising a second
aftermarket microcontroller 26, although this option is not illustrated in
Figure 3.
As in the previous embodiments, the OEM key 12 comprising the OEM
transponder 10 is isolated from an OEM reader 14 in the secure box 18. The
aftermarket microcontroller 20 communicates with the OEM transponder 10
through an aftermarket reader 51 in the case of a short-range OEM transponder
10, or alternatively controls the communication blocking of the secure box 18
in
the case of an OEM long-range transponder 10. The transceiver 22 is operable
to
receive and transmit messages to and from the microcontroller 10.
An aftermarket identification device 54 is additionally provided for
verification and
authentication of the user to the aftermarket keyless starter 11. This ID
device 54
is preferably a long-range transponder and is used to authenticate the
identity of
the user in a similar manner, but completely independently, to the OEM
transponder 10 and OEM security system 16. The transceiver 22 is further
operable to detect and/or read the ID device 54 in the pocket or wallet of a
user
and transfer that information to the microcontroller 20. In a similar manner
to the
OEM security system 16, the aftermarket starter 11 will not allow keyless
start by
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
17
the push-to-start module 24 without detection by the aftermarket
microcontroller 20
of the identification device 54.
In use, upon detection of the aftermarket transponder 54 by the transceiver
22, the
microcontroller 20 either has aftermarket reader 51 read the OEM
identification
code off the OEM transponder 40 and transmits the OEM code to the OEM reader
44, or alternatively unblocks communication between the two, as required. In
either case, the aftermarket microcontroller 20 is operable to disable the OEM
security system 46. Having received and verified the OEM identification code,
the
OEM security system 46 sends an engine start enable command to the vehicle
"smart" ignition system 47.
Having authenticated the user by detecting the identification device 54, the
microcontroller 50 can send a push-to-start enable command to the push-to-
start
module 58. With the push-to-start module 58 enabled, the driver can push the
push button 56 and send an engine start command to the vehicle ignition system
47, thereby starting the vehicle.
The aftermarket keyless starter 11 preferably further comprises a sensor 36
which
is operatively connected to the aftermarket microcontroller 20 enabling it to
monitor any motion or activity associated with the vehicle, such as an
unlocking of
the doors, an opening or closing of a vehicle door, or the putting of the
vehicle in
gear. Once the engine has been started, the microcontroller 20 is operable to
verify the presence of the ID device 54 upon detection of any subsequent
vehicle
activity. Should the microcontroller 50 not detect the ID device 54, it will
send an
engine stop command to the smart ignition system 17 to shut down the engine in
order to prevent an unauthorised user (i.e. one not in possession of the ID
device
54) from operating the vehicle.
Instead of a long-range transponder which is detectable by the aftermarket
microcontroller 20, the aftermarket device 54 may be a remote transmitter,
similar
to the previously described remote transmitter 24. The user would then
manually
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
18
activate the remote transmitter 54 to send a signal to the microcontroller 20
and
enable the push-to-start module 58. While less convenient, such manual
activation
may be accomplished discretely, for example, from inside a user's pocket.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the aftermarket keyless
starter 11
is used in conjunction with a vehicle comprising an OEM push-to-start system.
The
OEM push-to-start system comprises a push-button mounted within the vehicle
and within reach of the driver. In response to actuation of the push-button,
the
OEM push-to-start system sends a push-to-start command to the ignition system
in order to start the car. This push-to-start command can be in the form of a
ground signal, a databus signal, or other signal as is known in the art.
Additionally
provided is an OEM transponder which may be short-range or long-range and is
used to authenticate the user as described above. This OEM transponder is
isolated in the secure 18 and communication between it and the OEM push-to-
start system is controlled by the secure box 18 and the aftermarket
microcontroller
as described above. In this embodiment, the aftermarket transmitter 24 is a
portable transmitter which is operable to remotely transmit the keyless start
command to the aftermarket microcontroller.
20 In addition to retransmitting the OEM identification code, or making the
OEM
transponder 10 visible, as required, the aftermarket microcontroller is
further
operable to initiate the sending of the push-to-start command to the ignition
system. This initiation may be the sending of the push-to-start command to the
ignition system by the aftermarket keyless starter 11, or the causing of the
push-
to-start system itself to send that command to be sent to the ignition system.
In the
case of the latter, an actuator can be mounted adjacent the push-button such
that
it can push the push-button, thereby simulating direct engagement by a user
and
sending the push-to-start command to the vehicle ignition.
As will be apparent, other means of activating the push-to-start system such
that it,
and not the aftermarket keyless starter 11, are possible and within the scope
of the
present invention.
CA 02601442 2007-09-24
19
In operation, a user activates the portable aftermarket transmitter 24 which
transmits a keyless start command to the aftermarket microcontroller 20. The
aftermarket microcontroller 20 responds by either reading the OEM
identification
code on the OEM transponder 20 and retransmitting it to the OEM push-to-start
system or unblocks communication between the OEM transponder 10 and the
OEM reader 14 and initiates the sending of the push-button command to the
vehicle ignition.
As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, all wireless
communication
described herein may be encrypted. Furthermore, communication between the
various elements in system 11 may be accomplished wirelessly or by hard-
wiring,
as desired.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as apparent to
a
person skilled in the art.
While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and
illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous
modifications
and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention
as
defined in the appended claims.
