Vehicle part identification system and method

• US 6,317,026 B1
• Filed: 06/12/1998
• Issued: 11/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael L. Brodine
• Original Assignee: Michael L. Brodine
• Inventors: Brodine, Michael L
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAM, TOAN NGOC
• Application Number:
  US09/096,803
• Time in Patent Office: 1,250 Days
• Field of Search: 340/568.1, 340/572.1, 340/426, 340/825.15, 340/5.8, 340/5.1, 340/436, 340/438, 307/10.4, 307/10.5, 701/32, 701/29
• US Class Current: 340/5.8
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/00 Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles locks for vehicles E05B77/00-E05B85/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/00 Administration; Management
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C

Abstract

A system and method for detecting stolen electronic assemblies that have been illegally added to a second vehicle. When a vehicle is manufactured, each electronic assemblies within the vehicle are provided with unique identification codes that can be accessed electronically. The codes for the various electronic assemblies are assigned to the vehicle in which those assemblies are originally manufactured. When the vehicle is inspected or serviced, the electronic identification code from each electronic assembly can be read. The various electronic identification codes are compared to an authorized identification code that identifies the vehicle in which the various electronic assemblies are contained. If the identification code from one of the electronic assemblies does not match the authorized identification code for the vehicle, then it can be determined that the electronic assembly in question is not original to the vehicle. The identification code of the non-original electronic assembly is then compared to a list of electronic identification codes for stolen electronic assemblies. If a match is found between the non-original electronic assembly and the list of stolen parts, an indication is provided.

Claims

1. A method of detecting stolen parts in a vehicle of the type having an engine computer and an electronic assembly coupled to the engine computer, said method comprising the steps of:

coupling a service computer to said engine computer at the vehicle site;

utilizing said service computer to read an electronic identification code from said electronic assembly through said engine computer;

utilizing said service computer to compare said electronic identification code to an authorized identification code that is unique to said vehicle;

providing a database of electronic identification codes for stolen electronic assemblies at a central computer remote from said service computer, wherein said database of electronic identification codes is accessible by said service computer through a telecommunications link;

accessing said database of electronic identification codes with said service computer via a telecommunications link, if said electronic identification code does not match said authorized identification code;

comparing said electronic identification code to said database of electronic identification codes for stolen electronic assemblies; and

providing an indication of a match if said electronic identification code matches one of said electronic identification codes for stolen electronic assemblies.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of reading an electronic identification code from said electronic assembly includes the substep of coupling a diagnostic computer to said electronic assembly, wherein said diagnostic computer electronically ascertains said electronic identification code from said electronic assembly.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said electronic assembly is an air bag assembly.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said electronic assembly includes a digital encoder that produces said electronic identification code.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said electronic identification code is selected from a group consisting of a resistive value, an impedance value, an analog signal and a digital signal.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said authorization code is stored within said engine computer.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said electronic assembly is selected from a group consisting of air bags, radios and cellular telephones.