Apparatus and method for a valet key based passive security system

• US 20040135670A1
• Filed: 01/15/2003
• Published: 07/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Guba, George A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,075,409 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.21
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/241 whereby access privileges are related to the identifiers
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/24161 Use of key, in key is stored access level
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00769 with data transmission performed by wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/04 Access control involving a hierarchy in access rights
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00563 using personal physical data of the operator, e.g. finger prints, retinal images, voicepatterns
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/38 Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections queuing arrangements H04Q3/64

Abstract

A control system for vehicle devices uses an access control device to specify an identification datum, which is used by a control module to modify operation of a set of vehicle devices and functions of such devices. The control module can either disable access to the set of devices or modify operations of the vehicle devices by limiting the functionality of the selected vehicle devices. A valet using a valet key can drive the car under restrictions and a selected set of vehicle devices can be disabled during a valet'"'"'s use of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle based access control system for controlling access to a vehicle device, the system comprising:

an access control device having at least one stored identification datum specifying at least one access right of a user of the vehicle;

a receiver port mounted on the vehicle for admitting said identification device and loading said identification datum; and

a control module connected to said receiver port and at least one vehicle device, said control module modifying operation of said vehicle device based on said access right specified by said identification datum.

2. The vehicle based control system of claim 1 wherein said control module disables operation of at least one device.

3. The vehicle based control system of claim 1 wherein said control module disables operation of a predetermined set of features of a selection of said vehicle devices.

4. The vehicle based control system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle device comprises at least one of communication devices, vehicle databases, telematic devices, navigation systems, audio systems, vehicle climate controls, vehicle personalization systems, remote trunk release systems, vehicle control devices, audio systems, video systems, preferences stored in an electronic memory, engine, transmission, voice command controls, and speed control.

5. The vehicle based control system of claim 1, wherein said access control device comprises a key and said receiver port comprises a lock mounted on a vehicle.

6. The vehicle based control system of claim 1, wherein said access control device comprises at least one of a smart card, a credit-card, a key, an embedded chip, a radio-frequency signal, a magnetic tag, a remote key-fob, and a passive entry transmitter card.

7. The vehicle based control system of claim 1, wherein said access control device comprises a valet key.

8. The vehicle based control system of claim 7, wherein said valet key includes an embedded transmitter having a unique identity, said valet key disabling at least one vehicle device when inserted in an ignition lock.

9. The vehicle based access control system of claim 1, further comprising:

an electronic bus for connecting said receiver port to said control module.

10. The vehicle based control system of claim 9 wherein said control module comprises:

a key signal processing circuit connected to said receiver port and operative to receive identification datum loaded by said receiver port from an inserted key, said key signal processing circuit identifying said inserted key and generating a disabling signal based on said identification datum; and

a control circuit connected to said electronic bus, said control circuit disabling a selection of said vehicle devices upon receiving said disabling signal.

11. The vehicle based control system of claim 1 wherein said control module modifies operation of said vehicle device to control at least one vehicle operation parameter.

12. The vehicle based control system of claim 11 wherein said vehicle operation parameter comprises at least one of distance traveled, fuel consumed, speed of the vehicle, vehicle location as determined by a global positioning system (GPS), and climate control inside the vehicle.

13. A vehicle based access control system for controlling access to a vehicle device, the system comprising:

an authentication mechanism mounted on the vehicle, said authentication mechanism being operable by a user input for operating the vehicle; and

a control module operatively connected to said authentication mechanism and the vehicle device, said control module modifying operation of said vehicle device based on the user input received by said authentication mechanism.

14. The vehicle based access control system of claim 13, wherein said authentication mechanism comprises:

a key-pad being operable by the user to enter an access code; and

a circuit to receive said access code from said key-pad and send said access code to said control module.

15. A method for controlling access to vehicle devices, the method comprising:

receiving a signal from an access control device for controlling access to the vehicle;

processing said signal received from said access control device;

determining a user type and rights related to said user type; and

controlling access to the vehicle devices based on the user'"'"'s type and user'"'"'s rights.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said step of controlling comprises:

disabling access to a predetermined set of devices depending on the said user type and said rights of the user.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said step of controlling comprises:

disabling access to a predetermined set of functions of the vehicle devices depending on the said user type and said rights of the user.