Vehicle control network integrated theft deterrent system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A vehicle theft deterrent system comprising:
- an engine having operating variables;
a sensor package associated with the engine for measuring the engine operating variables;
an engine controller for controlling output of the engine and coupled to the sensor package for receiving measurement readings of the engine operating variables;
an engine ignition system including a key switch relay and a cab ignition relay;
a combination entry system for the entry of enabling codes;
a vehicle body computer connected to the combination entry system to receive enabling codes and operable thereon for checking the validity of entered enabling codes;
an ignition interrupt relay between the key switch relay and the cab ignition relay under the control of the vehicle body computer;
a communication link coupling the vehicle body computer and the engine controller allowing exchange of data between the engine controller and the engine controller including messages for operation on by the engine controller to limit engine output to prevent normal operation of the vehicle; and
the vehicle body computer being responsive to entry of an invalid enabling code through the combination entry system for incapacitating the engine.
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Abstract
Vehicle theft deterrence is affected by requiring the entry of an enabling code to prevent disablement of vehicle operation. System operational variables may be programmed by operators. The system is substantially integrated with existing vehicle control systems.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A vehicle theft deterrent system comprising:
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an engine having operating variables;
a sensor package associated with the engine for measuring the engine operating variables;
an engine controller for controlling output of the engine and coupled to the sensor package for receiving measurement readings of the engine operating variables;
an engine ignition system including a key switch relay and a cab ignition relay;
a combination entry system for the entry of enabling codes;
a vehicle body computer connected to the combination entry system to receive enabling codes and operable thereon for checking the validity of entered enabling codes;
an ignition interrupt relay between the key switch relay and the cab ignition relay under the control of the vehicle body computer;
a communication link coupling the vehicle body computer and the engine controller allowing exchange of data between the engine controller and the engine controller including messages for operation on by the engine controller to limit engine output to prevent normal operation of the vehicle; and
the vehicle body computer being responsive to entry of an invalid enabling code through the combination entry system for incapacitating the engine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An engine ignition system control system comprising:
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a key actuated ignition relay system;
an ignition interrupt relay having a control input and disposed connected to the key actuated ignition relay system for interrupting the output of the key actuated ignition relay system;
an engine controller for setting engine output;
a vehicle operator identification system responsive operation of a vehicle system for operation, the vehicle operator identification system providing data related to a vehicle operator'"'"'s identification;
a data processing system connected to receive the vehicle operator identification related data, and responsive to receipt thereof for determining validity of the same and connected to the control input of te ignition interrupt relay and to the engine controller; and
the data processing system being responsive to determination of invalidity of the vehicle operator identification related data for selectively crippling operation of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A vehicle control system comprising:
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an engine;
an ignition system for the engine;
an engine controller coupled to the engine for establishing engine operating values;
an electrical system controller coupled to the engine controller for communication of messages affecting engine controller operation;
an operator identification means connected to the electrical system controller for electrical system controller evaluation of operator identification supplied through the operator identification means; and
the electrical system controller being responsive to failure of the operator identification to qualify an operator for issuing messages to the engine controller for limiting output of the engine. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification