Identification system for the user of a vehicle

• US 6,525,646 B1
• Filed: 05/27/1999
• Issued: 02/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
• Original Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
• Inventors: Bartz, Ruediger
• Primary Examiner(s): ZIMMERMAN, BRIAN A
• Application Number:
  US09/321,216
• Time in Patent Office: 1,370 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.72, 340/5.25, 340/825, 340/415.5, 340/825.36, 340/5.41, 340/5.61, 705/65, 235/379
• US Class Current: 340/5.72
• CPC Class Codes: G04B 47/00 Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece clockwork cases for special purposes G04B37/12; clocks with magnifying glass built in the face G04B39/00; time-pieces in which parts or cases produce special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects, G04B45/00, particularly with inscriptions or pictures moved by hand G04B45/003, with specially shaped cases or parts G04B45/0069; combination of writing or drawing implements with devices for indicating time B43K29/087; combined with cameras, projectors, or photographic printing apparatus G03B29/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00944 Details of construction or manufacture

Abstract

In an identification system for the user of a vehicle having a mobile transponder which contains a memory for an authorization code and a transmitting-receiving device for transmitting the authorization code to a vehicle-fixed receiver, the transponder is arranged in a user'"'"'s wristwatch.

Claims

1. Identification system for the user of a vehicle, comprising:

a mobile transponder;

a memory in said transponder, for storing an authorization code; and

a transmitting-receiving device in said transponder, for transmitting the authorization code to a vehicle-fixed receiver;

wherein

the transponder is removably arranged in a user'"'"'s wristwatch which has a user identification code stored therein;

the transmitting-receiving device transmits the identification code together with the authorization code; and

the vehicle recognizes authorization of said user to operate the vehicle only when both the authorization code and the identification code match information stored in the vehicle.

2. Identification system according to claim 1, wherein the transponder is supplied with electrical energy from an electric energy accumulator of the wristwatch.

3. Identification system according to claim 2, wherein the transponder includes a volatile memory for receiving the identification code of the wristwatch.

4. Identification system according to claim 3, wherein the identification code can be read into a vehicle fixed memory.

5. Identification system according to claim 2, wherein the identification code can be read into a vehicle fixed memory.

6. Identification system according to claim 1, wherein the identification code can be read into a vehicle fixed memory.

7. Identification system according to claim 6, wherein a block is provided for the reading-in which can be overcome only by the authorized user.

8. Identification system according to claim 7, wherein time indicated on the wristwatch can also be transmitted by the transmitting-receiving device, and can be fed into a synchronizing device of the vehicle clock.

9. Identification system according to claim 6, wherein time indicated on the wristwatch can also be transmitted by the transmitting-receiving device, and can be fed into a synchronizing device of the vehicle clock.

10. Identification system according to claim 1, wherein time indicated on the wristwatch can also be transmitted by the transmitting-receiving device, and can be fed into a synchronizing device of the vehicle clock.

11. A method for protecting against unauthorized use of a vehicle, comprising:

providing an authorization code stored in a transponder module;

providing a personal identification code in a component which is transportable by a vehicle operator, said component having a receptacle for receiving said transponder;

removably inserting said transponder module into said receptacle in said component, whereby said personal identification code is readable by said transponder;

said transponder transmitting said authorization code and said personal identification code to a vehicle;

said vehicle recognizing an authorization of said vehicle operator only if both of said authorization code and said personal identification code match information previously stored in said vehicle.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein:

said authorization code is permanently stored in said vehicle;

said personal identification code can be stored in said vehicle during a learning mode.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said learning mode is activated by manipulation of a vehicle key in said vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein said step of said vehicle recognizing an authorization comprises at least one of unlocking the vehicle and enabling starting of a vehicle engine.

15. Apparatus for protecting against unauthorized use of a vehicle, comprising:

a transponder module having an authorization code stored therein;

a portable component which is transportable by an authorized vehicle operator, said portable component having a personal identification number stored in a memory therein, and having a receptacle for receiving said transponder, such that said personal identification code is readable by said transponder; and

a transmitter device contained in said transponder, for transmitting to a vehicle said authorization code and said personal identification code read by said transponder from said portable component;

wherein one of unlocking and starting said vehicle is enabled only when both of said authorization code and said personal identification code match information previously stored in said vehicle.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein:

said authorization code is permanently stored in said vehicle;

said personal identification code can be stored in said vehicle during a learning mode.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said learning mode is activated by manipulation of a vehicle key in said vehicle.