Automotive system to prevent car jacking

• US 6,771,168 B1
• Filed: 04/24/1995
• Issued: 08/03/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: RFID Options LLC
• Original Assignee: Hap Nguyen
• Inventors: Nguyen, Hap
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Application Number:
  US08/427,447
• Time in Patent Office: 3,389 Days
• Field of Search: 340/426.17, 340/428, 340/429, 340/430, 340/825.31, 340/825.72, 307/10.2, 307/10.3, 307/10.4, 307/10.5, 307/10.6, 180/287
• US Class Current: 340/426.17
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/105 Radio frequency identification data [RFID]
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/104 characterised by the type of theft warning signal, e.g. visual or audible signals with special characteristics

Abstract

The invention is a system for use in automobiles for preventing and frustrating carjacking attempts. The system includes a Radio Frequency Identification Tag (RFIT) kept by the user and an interrogating system on the car that periodically reads the RFIT in order to confirm that the driver does have permission of the owner to continue to drive the car. The system on the car includes a microprocessor driven transceiver controller printed circuit board. The circuit board is hard wired into a number of different control systems including the fuel delivery system, emergency lights and horn. In the event that the user has been forced out of the car, the RFIT will no longer be in proximity to the interrogating system and the proper code will no longer respond to the interrogating signal. The control system will then take steps to shut down the operation of the vehicle engine and send out audible and visual emergency signals.

Claims

1. A two part system for disabling the engine of a motor vehicle in the event of non-authorized use of said vehicle, said system comprising:

a first part comprising;

a controller in electrical connection with the engine of said vehicle and having a means to disable said engine, said controller having a means for propagating a radio frequency interrogating signal on a periodic basis and within a limited area;

said area being defined in terms of the distance from said controller;

a second part comprising;

a radio frequency transmitting and receiving device for sending out a radio frequency response signal in response to said interrogating signal and of size suitable for concealment on a human;

said controller having a means for receiving said response signal and for determining whether said response signal is an authorized signal, said controller having a means for disabling said engine in the event that said signal is not an authorized signal;

wherein said limited area is defined by a distance from said controller and said distance about 30 feet.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said period is between about 10 and 30 seconds.