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Method for protecting vehicles against unauthorized use

  • US 5,880,679 A
  • Filed: 03/11/1996
  • Issued: 03/09/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/10/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Method for protecting against unauthorized use of a vehicle having a communication structure for the exchange of data at least between a transmit/receiving device, a mobile communication system, an anti theft control unit and at least one operationally necessary control unit, the transmit/receiving device receiving enabling data broadcast by a master station, the reception of which enables further operation of the vehicle for an interval defined by preset operating parameters, and absence of which results in a deactivation of the at least one operationally necessary control unit, said method comprising the steps of:

  • the anti-theft control unit transmits a status signal to the master station whenever a previous enabling of the vehicle has expired, which status signal contains vehicle data, including at least an identification of the vehicle;

    in response to a received status signal, the master station determines whether an indication of an unauthorized use of the vehicle or other disqualifying condition has been issued;

    if an indication of unauthorized use or other disqualifying condition has not been issued, the master station transmits an enabling signal to the vehicle in response to the received status signal;

    when the enabling signal is received, the anti-theft control unit extends enabling of the vehicle by a predetermined amount; and

    at least if no enabling signal is received by the transmit/receiving device after a defined interrogation interval has expired following transmission of a status signal, the at least one operationally necessary control unit is disabled and at least one locating signal, which represents the current location of the vehicle determined on the basis of a locating process carried out at the vehicle, is broadcast by the transmit/receiving device of the vehicle.

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