Key-less control apparatus for motor vehicles

Abstract

A hands free control apparatus, designed to control the ability to start and operate a motor vehicle, utilizing an RFID transponder for several purposes. It provides ease of use and convenience to the owner, dealership and manufacturer. The Apparatus provides key-less operation of the motor vehicle by enabling the starter, ignition, steering lock, lights, alarm and other features. The apparatus prevents theft by eliminating traditional key switches and requires a unique code to activate the vehicle. The RFID transponder will function at the vehicle dealership, service center or manufacturer to identify the owner of the vehicle and automatically display the owner and vehicle information on computer screens as the owner approaches check out counters, parts counters, and service counters. The device employs a dual use starter button. First it activates the recognition system. Once the unique code is identified the starter button functions as a traditional starter button.

1 . A key-less motor vehicle ignition switch system comprising: 
 a. microprocessor(s) which receive data from a transponder, examines the data, and generates a decision in accordance with data received.    b. A transponder with a unique Identification Code    c. Control relays which control power to the motor vehicle and it's starting system and safety interlocks    d. An antenna used for RF communications    e. A database of owners, Identification Codes and vehicle information for the device manufacturer    f. A database of owners and vehicle service information for the dealership    g. A stationary RFID unit for use at the vehicle dealer, service center or manufacturer.    h. Inputs to the system allowing the system to check safety interlocks such as brakes, clutch, gear selection, kick stand, steering locks, tilt and motion detection etc.    i. A light control unit for the motor vehicle    j. An alarm system    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein b is a transponder which contains a unique digital identification code and transmits this identification code to the microprocessor of  claim 1 . The transponder can also transmit this identification code to g; stationary RFID unit at vehicle dealerships, service centers or the device manufacturer.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein c are control relays which activate the vehicles engine electrical system, starter motor, lights, brakes, horn, flashers, turn indicators and blinkers, brake lights, running lights, and safety interlocks such as gear selection, clutch, brake, steering lock, tilt and motion detection and kickstand etc.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein d is an antenna which is hidden in the seat of the vehicle or some other location so that communications with the RFID transponder is clear and unobstructed. The antenna is tuned to a carrier frequency and capable of transmitting and receiving energy.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein e is a data base that is maintained by the device manufacturer. The purpose of this database is to insure that a unique code is matched to the serial number of each key-less system and to owners of each motor vehicle VIN number. Replacement transponders are then only issued to the proper owners of each vehicle. If a registered owner notifies the device manufacturer of the theft of their vehicle, that serial number and code are then tagged in the database as stolen. If an unauthorized person attempts to purchase a transponder for a key-less system tagged as stolen, the person reporting the theft will be notified. This can lead to the recovery of the stolen property.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein f is a database that is maintained by the vehicle dealership or service center. The purpose of this database is to store the vehicle owners name, address, vehicle information and service data.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein g is a stationary RFID transceiver used by the dealership, service center, vehicle manufacturer or device manufacturer. The purpose of this database is to store and retrieve information regarding the vehicle owner, their vehicle and service history in a hands free manner. As a customer approaches a counter, the stationary RFID transceiver reads their transponder b and automatically displays the customer's information on a computer terminal. This is done automatically and hands free without having to ask the customer for any information. This adds convenience and efficiency to the operation of a dealership or service center. The unique ID code is encrypted so that no one at the dealership may determine the actual transponder ID code.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein h is a set of inputs to safety interlocks which will prevent the accidental starting of a motor vehicle while the safety interlocks are in an unsafe mode. These interlocks include, gear selection, clutch, brake, kickstand, steering lock, tilt and motion detection and others.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein i is a light control system built into the key-less system. The light control module serves several purposes. It provides control of the head lights, turn signals, brake lights, emergency flashers, and horn. This provides control of the lights so that they can be turned off during operation of the starter motor to provide extra energy for starting the engine. Turning off the lights during the start procedure also extends battery life by decreasing the strain on the battery during starter motor operation. This feature can extend the useful life of the vehicle battery.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein j is an alarm system built into the key-less system. With the control provided by i; the light control system can be used to function as an alarm. If someone is attempting to start the bike without the proper unique code, the system can determine from the tilt or motion detect input that someone is moving the vehicle. The light control system i will then be activated by the alarm system j to blink lights and honk the horn to alert the vehicle owner and passersby.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus can receive a “master ID” which changes the mode of the apparatus so that the next ID code it receives will now become the apparatus' new ID code.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus can be programmed for a new ID code at the factory. Thus 1 software version is to be downloaded into all apparatus' and then each apparatus is prepared at the factory for its unique code. The code is then maintained in a database e, matched to its serial number. It is further identified to a customer and vehicle VIN at time of purchase.