PLUG-IN VEHCILE SECURITY SYSTEM WITH A WIRELESS RELAY

• US 20130203365A1
• Filed: 02/03/2012
• Published: 08/08/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Inventors: TIEMAN, CRAIG A.
• Application Number:
  US13/365,700
• Publication Number:
  US 20130203365A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/90.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/205 Mobile phones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/045 by limiting or cutting the electrical supply to the propulsion unit
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2018 Central base unlocks or authorises unlocking
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/246 characterised by the challenge triggering

Abstract

A plug-in vehicle security system that includes a plug-in wireless relay module and a plug-in telematics device. The relay module includes a relay switch and a wireless receiver coupled to the relay switch in a manner effective to influence operation of the relay switch based on reception of an authorization signal. The telematics device includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the authorization signal in response to a network signal. The telematics device also includes a network transceiver configured to receive the network signal from a communication network. A plug-in vehicle security system is advantageous because installation costs are reduced by reducing the time and installation expertise necessary to do the installation. Such a system will be particularly attractive to vehicle rental fleet operators.

Claims

1. A plug-in vehicle security system comprising:

a relay module configured for plug-in installation into a vehicle, said relay module comprising a relay switch operable to an open-state and a closed-state, and a wireless receiver coupled to the relay switch in a manner effective to influence operation of the relay switch based on reception of an authorization signal; and

a telematics device configured for plug-in installation into a vehicle, said telematics device comprising a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the authorization signal in response to a network signal, said telematics device further comprising a network transceiver configured to receive the network signal from a communication network.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the communication network is one of a cellular phone network and a WI-FI®

network.

3. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the relay module includes plug-in terminals configured to correspond to a plug-in type automotive relay.

4. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the relay module includes a connector configured to correspond to an automotive fuse.

5. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the relay module is configured so the relay switch is operated to the open-state until an authorization signal is received by the wireless receiver.

6. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the relay module further comprises a processor configured to determine if the relay switch is being operated in a manner indicative of an attempt to start an engine of the vehicle.

7. The system in accordance with claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a time delay in response to determining that the relay switch is being operated in a manner indicative of an attempt to start an engine, and operate the relay switch in a manner effective to inhibit vehicle operation if an authorization signal is not received in a time period less than the time delay.

8. The system in accordance with claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to output an authorization request in response to determining that the relay switch is being operated in a manner indicative of an attempt to start an engine, and operate the relay switch in a manner effective to inhibit vehicle operation if an authorization signal is not received following the authorization request.

9. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the relay module further comprises a processor configured to determine if current through the relay switch is greater than a current threshold, wherein current greater than the current threshold is indicative of an attempt to start an engine of the vehicle.

10. The system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a time delay in response to determining current greater than the threshold, and operate the relay switch in a manner effective to inhibit vehicle operation if an authorization signal is not received in a time period less than the time delay.

11. The system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to output an authorization request in response to determining current greater than the current threshold, and operate the relay switch in a manner effective to inhibit vehicle operation if an authorization signal is not received following the authorization request.