Theft prevention system

• US 8,048,174 B2
• Filed: 12/06/2004
• Issued: 11/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Yamamichi, Keiko, Yokota, Kaoru, Yamamichi, Satomi, Nakano, Toshihisa, Tatebayashi, Makoto, Ohmori, Motoji, Harada, Shunji, Yamamichi, Masato
• Primary Examiner(s): Barron, Jr.; Gilberto
• Assistant Examiner(s): KANAAN, SIMON P
• Application Number:
  US10/581,442
• Publication Number:
  US 20080122595A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,521 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 726/35
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/205 Mobile phones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2018 Central base unlocks or authorises unlocking
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/23 using manual input of alphanumerical codes
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00825 remotely by lines or wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00817 where the code of the lock can be programmed

Abstract

A theft prevention system capable of preventing theft of a target object by disabling the authorized key of the target object in the case where the authorized key has been stolen. When the authorized key is lost, a mobile telephone instructs a vehicle control device to set a warning mode. On receipt of this warning mode instruction, the vehicle control device sets warning mode, generates an electronic key, and transmits the generated electronic key to the mobile telephone, which receives and stores the electronic key. Once the warning mode is set in the vehicle, locking and unlocking are only possible using the electronic key. If the authorized key is found, the mobile telephone instructs the vehicle control device to set the normal mode. Upon receipt of this normal mode instruction, the vehicle control device sets the normal mode in the vehicle.

Claims

1. A theft prevention system comprising:

an object control device for controlling a prescribed operation of an object targeted for theft prevention; and

a mobile terminal device for instructing the object control device to control the prescribed operation,

wherein the mobile terminal device includes;

an instruction transmitting unit operable to transmit, to the object control device, a warning mode instruction indicating to set a warning mode;

an electronic key receiving unit operable to receive a first electronic key from the object control device;

an electronic key storage unit;

an electronic key writing unit operable to write the received first electronic key to the electronic key storage unit as a second electronic key; and

a control instructing unit operable to instruct the object control device to control the prescribed operation, using the stored second electronic key, and

wherein the object control device includes;

an instruction receiving unit operable to receive the warning mode instruction;

a mode setting unit operable to set the warning mode on receipt of the warning mode instruction;

an electronic key generating unit operable to generate the first electronic key on receipt of the warning mode instruction;

an electronic key transmitting unit operable to transmit the generated first electronic key to the mobile terminal device; and

an object control unit operable, when the warning mode has been set, to control the prescribed operation exclusively in accordance with the control instruction from the mobile terminal device using the second electronic key,

wherein the instruction transmitting unit transmits to the object control device (i) a normal mode instruction indicating change from the warning mode to a normal mode and (ii) the second electronic key stored in the electronic key storage unit,

wherein the instruction receiving unit receives the normal mode instruction and the second electronic key,

wherein the object control device further includes a judging unit operable to judge whether the first electronic key generated by the electronic key generating unit and the received second electronic key match, and

wherein the mode setting unit changes, when the first electronic key and the second electronic key match, from the warning mode to the normal mode.

2. The theft prevention system of claim 1,

wherein the mobile terminal device further comprises:

a completion notification receiving unit operable to receive, from the object control device, a completion notification that indicates completion of normal mode setting; and

an electronic key deleting unit operable to delete the stored second electronic key on receipt of the completion notification.

3. The theft prevention system of claim 1, wherein the electronic key storage unit is a portable memory card.

4. The theft prevention system of claim 1, wherein

the mobile terminal device is a mobile telephone,

the instruction transmitting unit transmits the warning mode instruction via a mobile telephone network, and

the electronic key receiving unit receives the first electronic key via the mobile telephone network.

5. The theft prevention system of claim 1, wherein

the control instructing unit instructs the object control device to control the prescribed operation, by transmitting the second electronic key and control instruction information prescribing the control, by short range radio to the object control device.

6. An object control device for controlling a prescribed operation of an object targeted for theft prevention in response to a control instruction from a mobile terminal device, the object control device comprising:

an instruction receiving unit operable to receive a warning mode instruction indicating to set a warning mode;

a mode setting unit operable to set the warning mode on receipt of the warning mode instruction;

an electronic key generating unit operable to generate a first electronic key;

an electronic key transmitting unit operable to transmit the generated first electronic key to the mobile terminal device; and

an object control unit operable, when the warning mode has been set, to control the prescribed operation exclusively in accordance with the control instruction from the mobile terminal device using a second electronic key,

wherein the mobile terminal device stores the first electronic key as the second electronic key,

wherein the instruction receiving unit receives, from the mobile terminal device, (i) a normal mode instruction indicating change from the warning mode to a normal mode and (ii) the second electronic key,

wherein the object control device further includes a judging unit operable to judge whether the first electronic key generated by the electronic key generating unit and the received second electronic key match, and

wherein the mode setting unit changes, when the first electronic key and the second electronic key match, from the warning mode to the normal mode.

7. The object control device of claim 6, wherein

when the warning mode has been set, the object control unit prohibits a prescribed operation from being performed using a mechanical key.

8. The object control device of claim 6, wherein

the object control device further comprises a completion notification transmitting unit operable to transmit to the mobile terminal device a completion notification indicating completion of normal mode setting, and

when the normal mode has been set, the object control unit prohibits the prescribed operation from being performed in accordance with the control instruction from the mobile terminal device using the second electronic key.

9. The object control device of claim 8, wherein

when the normal mode has been set, the object control unit controls the prescribed operation of the target object in accordance with a mechanical key.

10. The object control device of claim 6, wherein

the instruction receiving unit receives the warning mode instruction from the mobile terminal device.

11. The object control device of claim 6, wherein

the instruction receiving unit receives the warning mode instruction from a mobile terminal device other than the mobile terminal device.

12. The object control device of claim 6, wherein

the target object is provided with a sensor unit operable to output the warning mode instruction to the object control device on sensing an irregularity, and

the instruction receiving unit receives the warning mode instruction from the sensor unit.

13. The object control device of claim 6, wherein

the mobile terminal device is a mobile telephone, and

the instruction receiving unit receives the warning mode instruction from the mobile telephone via a mobile telephone network.

14. The object control device of claim 6, wherein

the object control unit receives the second electronic key and control instruction prescribing the control of the prescribed operation of the target object from the mobile terminal device by short-range radio, and controls the prescribed operation in accordance with the received control instruction using the received second electronic key.

15. A theft prevention system comprising:

an object control device for controlling a prescribed operation of an object targeted for theft prevention;

a first mobile terminal device for transmitting a warning instruction to the object control device; and

a second mobile terminal device for instructing the object control device to control the prescribed operation,

wherein the first mobile terminal device includes

an instruction transmitting unit operable to transmit, to the object control device, a warning mode instruction indicating to set a warning mode,

wherein the second mobile terminal device includes;

an electronic key receiving unit operable to receive a first electronic key from the object control device;

an electronic key storage unit;

an electronic key writing unit operable to write the received first electronic key, as a second electronic key, to the electronic key storage unit; and

a control instructing unit operable to instruct the object control device to control the prescribed operation, using the stored second electronic key,

wherein the object control device includes;

an instruction receiving unit operable to receive the warning mode instruction;

a mode setting unit operable to set the warning mode on receipt of the warning mode instruction;

an electronic key generating unit operable to generate the first electronic key on receipt of the warning mode instruction;

an electronic key transmitting unit operable to transmit the generated first electronic key to the second mobile terminal device; and

an object control unit operable, when the warning mode has been set, to control the prescribed operation exclusively in accordance with the control instruction from the second mobile terminal device using the second electronic key,

wherein the second mobile terminal device transmits to the object control device (i) a normal mode instruction indicating change from the warning mode to a normal mode and (ii) the second electronic key stored in the electronic key storage unit,

wherein the instruction receiving unit receives the normal mode instruction and the second electronic key,

wherein the object control device further includes a judging unit operable to judge whether the first electronic key generated by the electronic key generating unit and the received second electronic key match, and

wherein the mode setting unit changes, when the first electronic key and the second electronic key match, from the warning mode to the normal mode.

16. A control method used by an object control device that controls a prescribed operation of an object targeted for theft prevention in response to a control instruction from a mobile terminal device, the control method comprising:

receiving a warning mode instruction indicating to set a warning mode;

setting the warning mode when the warning mode instruction is received;

generating a first electronic key;

transmitting the generated first electronic key to the mobile terminal device; and

controlling the prescribed operation exclusively in accordance with the control instruction from the mobile terminal device using a second electronic key,

wherein the mobile terminal device stores the first electronic key as the second electronic key, and

wherein the control method further comprises;

receiving, from the mobile terminal device, (i) a normal mode instruction indicating change from the warning mode to a normal mode and (ii) the second electronic key;

judging whether the generated first electronic key and the received second electronic key match; and

changing, when the first electronic key and the second electronic key match, from the warning mode to the normal mode.

17. A non-transitory computer readable recording medium having stored thereon a computer program used by an object control device that controls a prescribed operation of an object targeted for theft prevention in response to a control instruction from a mobile terminal device, wherein, where executed, the computer program causes the object control device to perform a method comprising:

receiving a warning mode instruction indicating to set a warning mode;

setting the warning mode when the warning mode instruction is received;

generating a first electronic key;

transmitting the generated first electronic key to the mobile terminal device; and

controlling the prescribed operation exclusively in accordance with the control instruction from the mobile terminal device using a second electronic key,

wherein the mobile terminal device stores the first electronic key as the second electronic key, and

wherein the method further comprises;

receiving, from the mobile terminal device, (i) a normal mode instruction indicating change from the warning mode to a normal mode and (ii) the second electronic key;

judging whether the generated first electronic key generated and the received second electronic key match; and

changing, when the first electronic key and the second electronic key match, from the warning mode to the normal mode.

18. A theft prevention system comprising:

a mobile telephone; and

a vehicle including a vehicle control device,

wherein the mobile telephone includes;

a first communication unit operable to wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from the vehicle control device;

a first information storage unit; and

a first control unit operable, (i) in order to instruct the vehicle control device to disable the vehicle, to transmit a vehicle disabling request to the vehicle control device, to receive a first enabling information from the vehicle control device, and to write the received first enabling information as second enabling information in the first information storage unit, and (ii) in order to instruct the vehicle control device to enable the vehicle, to read the second enabling information from the first information storage unit, and to transmit the read second enabling information to the vehicle control device, and

wherein the vehicle control device includes;

a second communication unit operable to wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from the mobile telephone;

a vehicle control unit operable to disable or enable operations of a door and an engine included in the vehicle;

a second information storage unit; and

a second control unit operable, (i) when the vehicle disabling request is received from the mobile telephone, to generate the first enabling information, to write the generated first enabling information in the second information storage unit, to transmit the first enabling information to the mobile telephone, and to instruct the vehicle control unit to disable the operations of the door and the engine included in the vehicle, and (ii) when the second enabling information is received from the mobile telephone, to read the first enabling information from the second information storage unit, to compare the read first enabling information and the received second enabling information, and when the read first enabling information and the received second enabling information match, to instruct the vehicle control unit to enable the operations of the door and the engine included in the vehicle.

19. A vehicle control device, comprising:

a communication unit operable to wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from a mobile telephone having a first information storage unit;

a vehicle control unit operable to disable or enable operations of a door and an engine included in a vehicle;

a second information storage unit; and

a control unit operable, (i) when a vehicle disabling request is received from the mobile telephone, to generate first enabling information, write the generated first enabling information in the second information storage unit, transmit the first enabling information to the mobile telephone, and instruct the vehicle control unit to disable the operations of the door and the engine included in the vehicle, and (ii) when second enabling information is received from the mobile telephone, to read the first enabling information from the second information storage unit, compare the read first enabling information and the received second enabling information, and when the read first enabling information and the received second enabling information match, instruct the vehicle control unit to enable the operations of the door and the engine included in the vehicle,

wherein the mobile telephone instructs the vehicle control device to disable the vehicle by transmitting the vehicle disabling request to the vehicle control device, receiving the first enabling information from the vehicle control device, and writing the received first enabling information as the second enabling information in the first information storage unit, and

wherein the mobile telephone instructs the vehicle control device to enable the vehicle by reading the second enabling information from the first information storage unit, and transmitting the read second enabling information to the vehicle control device.

20. A control method for a vehicle control device including a second information storage unit, the method comprising:

wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a mobile telephone having a first information storage unit;

disabling, when a vehicle disabling request is received from the mobile telephone, operations of a door and an engine included in a vehicle, wherein the disabling the operations of the door and the engine included in a vehicle includes (i) generating first enabling information, (ii) writing the generated first enabling information in the second information storage unit, (iii) transmitting the first enabling information to the mobile telephone, and (iv) disabling the operations of the door and the engine included in the vehicle; and

enabling, when second enabling information is received from the mobile telephone, the operations of the door and the engine included in the vehicle, wherein the enabling the operations of the door and the engine included in a vehicle includes (i) reading the first enabling information from the second information storage unit, (ii) comparing the read first enabling information and the received second enabling information, and (iii) when the read first enabling information and the received second enabling information match, enabling the operations of the door and the engine included in the vehicle,

wherein the mobile telephone instructs the vehicle control device to disable the vehicle by transmitting the vehicle disabling request to the vehicle control device, receiving the first enabling information from the vehicle control device, and writing the received first enabling information as the second enabling information in the first information storage unit, and

wherein the mobile telephone instructs the vehicle control device to enable the vehicle by reading the second enabling information from the first information storage unit, and transmitting the read second enabling information to the vehicle control device.

21. A non-transitory computer readable recording medium having recorded therein a computer program for controlling a vehicle control device including a second information storage unit, wherein, when executed, the computer program causes the vehicle control device to perform a method comprising:

wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a mobile telephone having a first information storage unit;

disabling, when a vehicle disabling request is received from the mobile telephone, operations of a door and an engine included in a vehicle, wherein the disabling the operations of the door and the engine included in a vehicle includes (i) generating first enabling information, (ii) writing the generated first enabling information in the second information storage unit, (iii) transmitting the first enabling information to the mobile telephone, and (iv) disabling the operations of the door and the engine included in the vehicle; and

enabling, when second enabling information is received from the mobile telephone, the operations of the door and the engine included in the vehicle, wherein the enabling the operations of the door and the engine included in a vehicle includes (i) reading the first enabling information from the second information storage unit, (ii) comparing the read first enabling information and the received second enabling information, and (iii) when the read first enabling information and the received second enabling information match, enabling the operations of the door and the engine included in the vehicle,

wherein the mobile telephone instructs the vehicle control device to disable the vehicle by transmitting the vehicle disabling request to the vehicle control device, receiving the first enabling information from the vehicle control device, and writing the received first enabling information as the second enabling information in the first information storage unit, and

wherein the mobile telephone instructs the vehicle control device to enable the vehicle by reading the second enabling information from the first information storage unit, and transmitting the read second enabling information to the vehicle control device.

22. An object control device for controlling a prescribed operation of an object targeted for theft prevention in response to a control instruction from a mobile terminal device, the object control device comprising a processor including:

an instruction receiving unit operable to receive a warning mode instruction indicating to set a warning mode;

a mode setting unit operable to set the warning mode on receipt of the warning mode instruction;

an electronic key generating unit operable to generate a first electronic key;

an electronic key transmitting unit operable to transmit the generated first electronic key to the mobile terminal device; and

an object control unit operable, when the warning mode has been set, to control the prescribed operation exclusively in accordance with the control instruction from the mobile terminal device using a second electronic key,

wherein the mobile terminal device stores the first electronic key as the second electronic key,

wherein the instruction receiving unit receives, from the mobile terminal device, (i) a normal mode instruction indicating change from the warning mode to a normal mode and (ii) the second electronic key,

wherein the processor further includes a judging unit operable to judge whether the first electronic key generated by the electronic key generating unit and the received second electronic key match, and

wherein the mode setting unit changes, when the first electronic key and the second electronic key match, from the warning mode to the normal mode.

23. The object control device of claim 22, wherein

when the warning mode has been set, the object control unit prohibits a prescribed operation from being performed using a mechanical key.

24. The object control device of claim 22, wherein

the processor further includes a completion notification transmitting unit operable to transmit to the mobile terminal device a completion notification indicating completion of normal mode setting, and

when the normal mode has been set, the object control unit prohibits the prescribed operation from being performed in accordance with the control instruction from the mobile terminal device using the second electronic key.

25. The object control device of claim 24, wherein

when the normal mode has been set, the object control unit controls the prescribed operation of the target object in accordance with a mechanical key.

26. The object control device of claim 22, wherein

the instruction receiving unit receives the warning mode instruction from the mobile terminal device.

27. The object control device of claim 22, wherein

the instruction receiving unit receives the warning mode instruction from a mobile terminal device other than the mobile terminal device.

28. The object control device of claim 22, wherein

the target object is provided with a sensor operable to output the warning mode instruction to the object control device on sensing an irregularity, and

the instruction receiving unit receives the warning mode instruction from the sensor.

29. The object control device of claim 22, wherein

the mobile terminal device is a mobile telephone, and

the instruction receiving unit receives the warning mode instruction from the mobile telephone via a mobile telephone network.

30. The object control device of claim 22, wherein

the object control unit receives the second electronic key and control instruction prescribing the control of the prescribed operation of the target object from the mobile terminal device by short-range radio, and controls the prescribed operation in accordance with the received control instruction using the received second electronic key.