Remote starting system for a vehicle

• US 20040204816A1
• Filed: 12/29/2003
• Published: 10/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DEI Holdings Incorporated
• Original Assignee: DEI Holdings Incorporated
• Inventors: Dery, Normand
• Granted Patent: US 7,191,053 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/113
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/304 Boats
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/045 by limiting or cutting the electrical supply to the propulsion unit
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1003 Alarm systems characterised by arm or disarm features
• 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: B60R 25/104 characterised by the type of theft warning signal, e.g. visual or audible signals with special characteristics
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/209 Remote starting of engine
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/0807 Remote means
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/101 for preventing engine starter actuation or engagement
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/103 according to the vehicle transmission or clutch status
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 2300/306 with external senders or receivers, e.g. receiving signals from traffic lights, other vehicles or base stations
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 11/04 Preventing unauthorised use of engines of vehicles B60R25/04; ignition locks H01H27/00
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 19/02 electric, e.g. layout of circuits of apparatus having glowing plugs

Abstract

A slave controller for a remote vehicle starting system. The slave controller is mounted in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine started by a starter motor. The slave controller has an antenna circuit input for connection to an antenna circuit suitable for picking up an RF signal and an output. The slave controller also has a control module, coupled to the antenna circuit input. The control module is responsive to a signal transmitted through the antenna circuit input and originating from the antenna circuit to generate a command signal at the output for directing the starter motor to crank the internal combustion engine. The control module is operative to establish a data communication with an external entity through the antenna circuit input to perform a maintenance procedure.

Claims

1-1. 33) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the particular vehicle has an OEM alarm system, the configuration data indicates whether the OEM alarm system is to be enabled or disabled.

6. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle having a plurality of electrical sub-systems, one of the electrical sub-systems being a starter sub-system operative to crank an internal combustion engine, said slave controller comprising:

a) an antenna circuit input for connection to an antenna circuit suitable for picking up an RF signal;

b) a set of ports, each port being suitable for electrical connection to a respective electrical sub-system of the plurality of electrical sub-systems, said set of ports including a starter port suitable for electrical connection to the starter sub-system;

c) a control module, coupled to said set of ports and to the antenna circuit, said control module;

i) being responsive to an RF signal to generate a command signal at said starter port for causing energization of the starter sub-system;

ii) being operative to establish a data communication with an external entity through at least one port of said set of ports via the respective electrical sub-system thereof, to perform a maintenance procedure.

7. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a brake light electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a brake light port for connection to the brake light electrical sub-system, said control module being operative to establish a data communication with the external entity through said brake light port via the brake light electrical sub-system to perform a maintenance procedure.

8. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a hood sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a hood sensor port for connection to the hood sensor electrical sub-system, said control module being operative to establish a data communication with the external entity through said hood sensor port via the hood sensor electrical sub-system to perform a maintenance procedure.

9. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a trunk sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a trunk sensor port for connection to the trunk sensor electrical sub-system, said control module being operative to establish a data communication with the external entity through said trunk sensor port via the trunk sensor electrical sub-system to perform a maintenance procedure.

10. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a door sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a door sensor port for connection to the door sensor electrical sub-system, said control module being operative to establish a data communication with the external entity through the door sensor port via said door sensor electrical sub-system to perform a maintenance procedure.

11. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes an RPM sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including an RPM sensor port for connection to the RPM sensor electrical sub-system, said control module being operative to establish a data communication with the external entity through the RPM sensor port via said RPM sensor electrical sub-system to perform a maintenance procedure.

12. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a coolant temperature sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a coolant temperature sensor port for connection to the coolant temperature sensor electrical sub-system, said control module being operative to establish a data communication with the external entity through the coolant temperature sensor port via said coolant temperature sensor electrical sub-system to perform a maintenance procedure.

148. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 6, wherein the maintenance procedure includes transmitting configuration data from the external entity to said control module, the configuration data allowing configuring said slave controller to the vehicle.

149. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 148, wherein the configuration data specifies a type of internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

150. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 149, wherein the type of internal combustion engine is either a gasoline internal combustion engine or a diesel internal combustion engine.

151. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 148, wherein the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is characterized by a number of cylinders, the configuration data specifies the number of cylinders.

152. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 148, wherein the configuration data specifies a starter cut-off RPM limit.

153. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 148, wherein the vehicle has a diesel internal combustion engine having glow plugs, the configuration data specifies a time during which the glow plugs are to be operated before directing the starter motor to crank the diesel internal combustion engine.

154. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 153, wherein the configuration data specifies a polarity of the glow plugs.

155. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 148, wherein the vehicle has an ignition electrical sub-system, the configuration data indicates whether the ignition electrical sub-system should be turned off or maintained active.

156. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 148, wherein the vehicle has hood sensor, the configuration data indicates whether the hood sensor is normally in an opened state or a closed state.

157. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 148, wherein the vehicle has door sensor, the configuration data indicates whether the door sensor is normally in an opened state or a closed state.

158. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 148, wherein the particular vehicle has trunk sensor, the configuration data indicates whether the trunk sensor is normally in an opened state or a closed state.

13. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine started by a starter motor, said slave controller comprising:

a) an antenna circuit input for connection to an antenna circuit suitable for picking up an RF signal;

b) an output;

c) a control module, coupled to said antenna circuit input and to said output, said control module including;

i) a CPU;

ii) a storage medium for storing program data for execution by said CPU and an event log;

iii) said control module being responsive to an RF signal transmitted through said antenna circuit input and originating from the antenna circuit to generate a command signal at said output for directing the starter motor to crank the internal combustion engine;

iv) wherein the generation of the command signal being effected at least in part on a basis of processing of data by said CPU by execution of said program data;

v) said program data, while executed by said CPU, monitoring said control module for occurrence of predetermined events and, if at least one of the predetermined events occurs, creating an entry in the event log associated with the occurred predetermined event;

vi) said program data, while executed by said CPU being operative to record at least one marker in said event log allowing to differentiate between an order of occurrence of events recorded in said event log.

14. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 13, wherein the marker includes a time stamp.

15. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 14, wherein said program data, while executed by said CPU, being operative to record in said event log a time stamp in association with each event recorded in the event log.

16. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 15, wherein the predetermined events are selected in the group consisting of:

(1) engine stopped when sensing power on the brake light electrical sub-system;

(2) engine stopped as a result of activation of the alarm system;

(3) no RPM detected when engine is being cranked or when engine is running;

(4) hood, trunk or door open;

(5) transmission is not in a secure condition meaning that the transmission is not in Park (P);

(6) ignition is ON when the RF command to start the engine is received by the slave controller;

(7) maximal time period during which the engine is allowed to run has expired;

(8) the engine fails to start;

(9) the RPM value recorded before the engine started;

(10) engine over speed condition;

(11) engine starts but fails to maintain a minimal RPM value;

(12) control module failure;

(13) engine stopped by remote; and

(14) engine stopped by alarm;

(15) main switch of slave controller in OFF position.

17. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 16, wherein said control module is operative to establish a data communicative relationship with an external entity to transmit to the external entity data from the event log.

18. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 17, wherein said program data, while executed by said CPU is operative to record in the event log a date stamp in association with each event recorded in the event log.

19. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine started by a starter motor, said slave controller comprising:

a) an antenna circuit input for connection to an antenna circuit suitable for picking up an RF signal;

b) an output;

c) a control module, coupled to said antenna circuit input, said control module being capable to acquire one of at least two operative modes, namely a common mode and a maintenance mode wherein;

(1) in said common mode, said control module being responsive to a signal transmitted through said antenna circuit input and originating from the antenna circuit to perform a starting procedure to start the internal combustion engine, said starting procedure including a plurality of individual steps;

(2) in said maintenance mode said control module;

(a) is operative to establish a data link with an external entity;

(b) is operative to receive a command sent on the data link and indicative of one or more steps of the starting procedure;

(c) performing the one or more steps indicated by the command without performing the entire starting procedure.

20. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 19, wherein said starting procedure includes a step to energize the starter motor, said control module being responsive to a command sent on the data link indicative of the step to energize the starter motor to perform the step of energizing the starter motor without performing the entire starting procedure.

21. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 19, wherein the starter motor has an ignition system, said starting procedure including a step to activate the ignition system, said control module being responsive to a command sent on the data link indicative of the step to activate the ignition system to perform the step of activating the ignition system without performing the entire starting procedure.

22. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 19, wherein the vehicle has a horn, in said common mode said control module being operative to activate the horn, said control module being responsive to a command sent on the data link indicative of the step to activate the horn to perform the step of activating the horn without performing the starting procedure.

23. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 19, wherein the vehicle has an anti-theft system, in said common mode said control module is operative to activate the anti-theft system, said control module being responsive to a command sent on the data link indicative of the step to activate the anti-theft system to perform the step of activating the anti-theft system without performing the starting procedure.

24. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 19, wherein the vehicle has a hood sensor electrical sub-system, during said common mode said controller module being operative to assess an operational status of the hood sensor electrical sub-system, said control module being responsive to a command sent on the data link indicative of the step to assess the operational status of the hood sensor electrical sub-system to assess the operational status of the hood sensor electrical sub-system and transmit over the data link the assessed operational status of the hood sensor electrical sub-system.

25. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 19, wherein the vehicle has a trunk sensor electrical sub-system, during said common mode said controller module being operative to assess an operational status of the trunk sensor electrical sub-system, said control module being responsive to a command sent on the data link indicative of the step to assess the operational status of the trunk sensor electrical sub-system to assess the operational status of the trunk sensor electrical sub-system and transmit over the data link the assessed operational status of the trunk sensor electrical sub-system.

26. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 19, wherein the vehicle has a door sensor electrical sub-system, during said common mode said controller module being operative to assess an operational status of the door sensor electrical sub-system, said control module being responsive to a command sent on the data link indicative of the step to assess the operational status of the door sensor electrical sub-system to assess the operational status of the door sensor electrical sub-system and transmit over the data link the assessed operational status of the door sensor electrical sub-system.

27. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 19, wherein the vehicle has a dome light electrical sub-system, during said common mode said controller module being operative to assess an operational status of the dome light electrical sub-system, said control module being responsive to a command sent on the data link indicative of the step to assess the operational status of the dome light electrical sub-system to assess the operational status of the dome light electrical sub-system and transmit over the data link the assessed operational status of the dome light electrical sub-system.

28. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine started by a starter motor, said slave controller comprising a control module, including:

a) a CPU;

b) a storage medium storing program data for execution by said CPU;

c) an output, said control module being responsive to an RF signal containing a command to start the internal combustion engine to generate a command signal at said output for directing the starter motor to crank the internal combustion engine, wherein the generation of the command signal is effected by execution of said program data by said CPU;

d) said control module being operative to establish a data communication with an external entity to update the program data in said storage medium.

29. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 28, wherein the program data in said storage medium is a first program data, said control module receiving as a result of the data communication updated program data and loading the updated program data in said storage medium for execution by said CPU for the generation of the command signal at said output for directing the starter motor to crank the internal combustion engine.

30. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 29, wherein said slave controller is operative to replace at least in part the first program data by the updated program data.

31. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 29, wherein said program data when executed by said CPU allows said control module to monitor RPM information from the internal combustion engine.

32. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 29, wherein said program data when executed by said CPU allows said control module to detect when an occupant in the vehicle depresses a brake pedal.

33. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 29, wherein said program data when executed by said CPU allows said control module to detect when a hood of the vehicle is opened.

34. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 29, wherein said program data when executed by said CPU allows said control module to detect when a trunk of the vehicle is opened.

35. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 29, wherein said program data when executed by said CPU allows said control module to detect when a door of the vehicle is opened.

36. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 30, wherein the data communication is established over a wireless link.

37. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 30, wherein the data communication is established over an RF link.

38. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 30, wherein the data communication is established over an electrical pathway between said control module and the external entity.

39. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 38, wherein said slave controller includes an antenna circuit input for connection to an antenna circuit suitable for picking up the RF signal containing a command to start the internal combustion engine, the data communication being effected via said antenna circuit input.

40. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 38, wherein the vehicle has a plurality of electrical sub-systems, one of the electrical sub-systems being a starter sub-system that includes the starter motor, said slave controller having a set of ports for electrical connection to a respective electrical sub-system of the plurality of electrical sub-systems, said set of ports including said output suitable for electrical connection to the starter sub-system, the data communication being effected via said set of ports.

41. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 40, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a brake light electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a brake light port for connection to the brake light electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said brake light port.

42. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 40, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a hood sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a hood sensor port for connection to the hood sensor electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said hood sensor port.

43. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 40, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a trunk sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a trunk sensor port for connection to the trunk sensor electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said trunk sensor port.

44. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 40, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a door sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a door sensor port for connection to the door sensor electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said door sensor port.

45. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 40, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes an RPM sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including an RPM sensor port for connection to the RPM sensor electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said RPM sensor port.

46. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 40, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a coolant temperature sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a coolant temperature sensor port for connection to the coolant temperature sensor electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said a coolant temperature sensor port.

47. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine started by a starter motor, said slave controller comprising a control module, including:

a) a CPU;

b) a storage medium storing program data for execution by said CPU;

c) an output, said control module being responsive to an RF signal containing a command to start the internal combustion engine to perform an engine starting procedure, the engine starting procedure including generation by said control module of a command signal at said output for directing the starter motor to crank the internal combustion engine;

d) said program data when executed by said CPU allowing the control module to record events associated with the vehicle and occurring during the engine starting procedure;

e) said control module being operative to establish a data communication with an external entity to update the program data in said storage medium.

48. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 47, wherein the program data in said storage medium is a first program data, said control module receiving as a result of the data communication updated program data and loading the updated program data in said storage medium for execution by said CPU to allow the control module to record events or conditions associated with the vehicle and occurring during the engine starting procedure.

49. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 48, wherein said slave controller is operative to replace at least in part the first program data by the updated program data.

50. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the data communication is established over a wireless link.

51. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 50, wherein the data communication is established over an RF link.

52. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the data communication is established over an electrical pathway between said control module and the external entity.

53. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 52, wherein said slave controller includes an antenna circuit input for connection to an antenna circuit suitable for picking up the RF signal containing a command to start the internal combustion engine, the data communication being effected via said antenna circuit input.

54. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 52, wherein the vehicle has a plurality of electrical sub-systems, one of the electrical sub-systems being a starter sub-system that includes the starter motor, said slave controller having a set of ports for electrical connection to a respective electrical sub-system of the plurality of electrical sub-systems, said set of ports including said output suitable for electrical connection to the starter sub-system, the data communication being effected via said set of ports.

55. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 52, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a brake light electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a brake light port for connection to the brake light electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said brake light port.

56. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 52, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a hood sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a hood sensor port for connection to the hood sensor electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said hood sensor port.

57. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 52, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a trunk sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a trunk sensor port for connection to the trunk sensor electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said trunk sensor port.

58. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 52, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a door sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a door sensor port for connection to the door sensor electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said door sensor port.

59. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 52, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes an RPM sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including an RPM sensor port for connection to the RPM sensor electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said RPM sensor port.

60. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 52, wherein the plurality of electrical sub-systems includes a coolant temperature sensor electrical sub-system, said set of ports including a coolant temperature sensor port for connection to the coolant temperature sensor electrical sub-system, the data communication being effected via said a coolant temperature sensor port.

61. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include error codes.

62. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include engine stopped as a result of sensing power on a brake light electrical sub-system of the vehicle.

63. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include engine stoppage as a result of activation of an alarm system of the vehicle.

64. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include no RPM detection when the internal combustion engine is being cranked or when running.

65. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include a hood of the vehicle in an open condition.

66. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include a trunk of the vehicle in an open condition.

67. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include a door of the vehicle in an open condition.

68. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include a transmission of the vehicle in a condition that is not secure.

69. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include a transmission of the vehicle that is not in Park.

70. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include an ignition of the vehicle in an ON condition when the RF signal containing a command to start the internal combustion engine is received by said control module.

71. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include an expiration of a maximal time period during which the internal combustion engine is allowed to run.

72. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include a failure of the internal combustion engine to start.

73. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include the internal combustion engine overspeeding.

74. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include failure of the internal combustion engine after starting to maintain a minimal RPM value.

75. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include a failure of said control module.

76. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include stoppage of the internal combustion engine as a result of an alarm.

77. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 49, wherein the events include a main switch of said slave controller in an OFF position.

78. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine started by a starter motor, said slave controller comprising a control module, including:

a) a CPU;

b) a storage medium storing program data for execution by said CPU;

c) an output, said control module being responsive to an RF signal containing a command to start the internal combustion engine to perform an engine starting procedure, the engine starting procedure including generation by said control module of a command signal at said output for directing the starter motor to crank the internal combustion engine;

d) said program data when executed by said CPU allowing the control module to write entries in said storage medium indicative of occurrence of events associated with the vehicle during the engine starting procedure;

e) said control module operative to record data in said storage medium allowing distinguishing an order of occurrence of events corresponding to respective entries in said storage medium.

79. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the data is a time stamp.

80. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 79, wherein said slave controller records a time stamp in association with each entry in said storage medium.

81. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include error codes.

82. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include engine stopped as a result of sensing power on a brake light electrical sub-system of the vehicle.

83. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include engine stoppage as a result of activation of an alarm system of the vehicle.

84. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include no RPM detection when the internal combustion engine is being cranked or when running.

85. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include a hood of the vehicle in an open condition.

86. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include a trunk of the vehicle in an open condition.

87. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include a door of the vehicle in an open condition.

88. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include a transmission of the vehicle in a condition that is not secure.

89. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include a transmission of the vehicle that is not in Park.

90. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include an ignition of the vehicle in an ON condition when the RF signal containing a command to start the internal combustion engine is received by said control module.

91. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include an expiration of a maximal time period during which the internal combustion engine is allowed to run.

92. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include a failure of the internal combustion engine to start.

93. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include the internal combustion engine overspeeding.

94. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include failure of the internal combustion engine after starting to maintain a minimal RPM value.

95. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include a failure of said control module.

96. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include stoppage of the internal combustion engine as a result of an alarm.

97. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 78, wherein the events include a main switch of said slave controller in an OFF position.

98. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine started by a starter motor, said slave controller comprising a control module, including:

a) a CPU;

b) a storage medium storing program data for execution by said CPU;

c) an output, said control module being responsive to an RF signal containing a command to start the internal combustion engine to perform an engine starting procedure, the engine starting procedure including generation by said control module of a command signal at said output for directing the starter motor to crank the internal combustion engine;

d) said program data when executed by said CPU allowing the control module to write entries in a list of entries in said storage medium, the entries indicative of occurrence of respective events associated with the vehicle during the engine starting procedure;

e) said control module responsive to a command issued by an external device under instruction of a technician during a diagnostic procedure of said slave controller to write data in said storage medium, the data forming a break point in the list of entries, the break point being distinguishable from entries corresponding to events associated with the vehicle during the engine starting procedure.

99. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include error codes.

100. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include engine stopped as a result of sensing power on a brake light electrical sub-system of the vehicle.

101. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include engine stoppage as a result of activation of an alarm system of the vehicle.

102. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include no RPM detection when the internal combustion engine is being cranked or when running.

103. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include a hood of the vehicle in an open condition.

104. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include a trunk of the vehicle in an open condition.

105. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include a door of the vehicle in an open condition.

106. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include a transmission of the vehicle in a condition that is not secure.

107. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include a transmission of the vehicle that is not in Park.

108. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include an ignition of the vehicle in an ON condition when the RF signal containing a command to start the internal combustion engine is received by said control module.

109. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include an expiration of a maximal time period during which the internal combustion engine is allowed to run.

110. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include a failure of the internal combustion engine to start.

111. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include the internal combustion engine overspeeding.

112. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include failure of the internal combustion engine after starting to maintain a minimal RPM value.

113. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include a failure of said control module.

114. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include stoppage of the internal combustion engine as a result of an alarm.

115. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 98, wherein the events include a main switch of said slave controller in an OFF position.

116. ) A method for configuring a slave controller for installation in a particular vehicle, the slave controller being configurable for installation in a range of individual vehicles including the particular vehicle, the particular vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a starter motor for cranking the internal combustion engine,

a) said slave controller having an output;

b) said slave controller being responsive to an RF signal containing a command to start the internal combustion engine to generate a command signal at said output for directing the starter motor to crank the internal combustion engine,

c) said method including;

i) downloading configuration information corresponding to the particular vehicle into an external device from a remote location over the Internet;

ii) establishing a data communication between the external device and the slave controller to configure the slave controller on the basis of the configuration information.

1. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine started by a starter motor, said slave controller comprising:

a) an antenna circuit input for connection to an antenna circuit suitable for picking up a radio frequency signal, the antenna circuit having a component for pre-processing the radio-frequency signal;

b) an output;

c) a control module, coupled to said antenna circuit input, said control module;

i) being responsive to a signal transmitted through said antenna circuit input and originating from the antenna circuit to generate a command signal at said output for directing the starter motor to crank the internal combustion engine;

ii) being operative to establish a data communication with an external entity through said antenna circuit input to perform a maintenance procedure.

2. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 1, wherein said control module includes:

i) a CPU;

ii) a storage medium for storing program data for execution by said CPU;

iii) wherein the generation of the command signal is effected at least in part on a basis of processing of data by said CPU by execution of said program data;

iv) said program data being a first program data;

v) wherein the data communication includes the transmission to said control module of second program data, said control module being operative during a maintenance procedure to place the second program data in said storage medium, the second program data being suitable for execution by said CPU.

3. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 2, wherein said control module is operative during the maintenance procedure to replace the first program data by the second program data.

4. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 3, wherein the data communication includes the transmission of operational status information from said control module to the external entity.

5. ) A slave controller as defined in claim 4, wherein the operational status information includes at least one error code.

117. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 116, wherein said slave controller includes a control module, having:

a) a CPU;

b) storage medium for storing program data for execution by said CPU, wherein the generation of the command signal being effected by execution of said program data by said CPU;

c) said method including transferring configuration data during the data communication to said slave controller and storing the configuration data in said storage medium.

118. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the data communication is established over a wireless link.

119. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the data communication is established over an RF link.

120. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the data communication is established over an electrical pathway between said control module and the external entity.

121. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the configuration data forms a configuration file processed by said CPU during execution of said program data.

122. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the configuration data specifies a type of internal combustion engine of the particular vehicle.

123. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the type of internal combustion engine is either a gasoline internal combustion engine or a diesel internal combustion engine.

124. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the internal combustion engine of the particular vehicle is characterized by a number of cylinders, the configuration data specifies the number of cylinders.

125. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the configuration data specifies a starter cut-off RPM limit.

126. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the particular vehicle has a diesel internal combustion engine having glow plugs, the configuration data specifies a time during which the glow plugs are to be operated before directing the starter motor to crank the diesel internal combustion engine.

127. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 126, wherein the configuration data specifies a polarity of the glow plugs.

128. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the particular vehicle has an ignition electrical sub-system, the configuration data indicates whether the ignition electrical sub-system should be turned off or maintained active.

129. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the particular vehicle has hood sensor, the configuration data indicates whether the hood sensor is normally in an opened state or a closed state.

130. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the particular vehicle has door sensor, the configuration data indicates whether the door sensor is normally in an opened state or a closed state.

131. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the particular vehicle has trunk sensor, the configuration data indicates whether the trunk sensor is normally in an opened state or a closed state.

132. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the particular vehicle has an ignition electrical sub-system, the configuration data indicates whether the ignition electrical sub-system should be turned off between start cycles.

134. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 117, wherein the particular vehicle has an antitheft system, the configuration data indicates whether the system is to be enabled or disabled.

135. ) A method for configuring a slave controller as defined in claim 134, wherein the configuration data indicates whether the antitheft system is passive or active.

136. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 1, wherein the component for pre-processing the radio-frequency signal performs demodulation of the radio-frequency signal.

137. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 136, wherein the maintenance procedure includes transmitting configuration data from the external entity to said control module, the configuration data allowing configuring said slave controller to the vehicle.

138. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 137, wherein the configuration data specifies a type of internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

139. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 138, wherein the type of internal combustion engine is either a gasoline internal combustion engine or a diesel internal combustion engine.

140. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 137, wherein the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is characterized by a number of cylinders, the configuration data specifies the number of cylinders.

141. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 137, wherein the configuration data specifies a starter cut-off RPM limit.

142. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 137, wherein the vehicle has a diesel internal combustion engine having glow plugs, the configuration data specifies a time during which the glow plugs are to be operated before directing the starter motor to crank the diesel internal combustion engine.

143. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 142, wherein the configuration data specifies a polarity of the glow plugs.

144. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 137, wherein the vehicle has an ignition electrical sub-system, the configuration data indicates whether the ignition electrical sub-system should be turned off or maintained active.

145. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 137, wherein the vehicle has hood sensor, the configuration data indicates whether the hood sensor is normally in an opened state or a closed state.

146. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 137, wherein the vehicle has door sensor, the configuration data indicates whether the door sensor is normally in an opened state or a closed state.

147. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle as defined in claim 137, wherein the particular vehicle has trunk sensor, the configuration data indicates whether the trunk sensor is normally in an opened state or a closed state.

159. ) A slave controller for mounting in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine started by a starter motor, said slave controller comprising:

a) an antenna circuit input for connection to an antenna circuit suitable for picking up an RF signal;

b) an output;

c) a control module, coupled to said antenna circuit input, said control module being capable to acquire one of at least two operative modes, namely a common mode and a maintenance mode wherein;

i) in said common mode, said control module being responsive to a signal transmitted through said antenna circuit input and originating from the antenna circuit to perform a starting procedure to start the internal combustion engine, said starting procedure including a plurality of individual steps;

ii) in said maintenance mode said control module;

(1) is operative to establish a data link with an external entity;

(2) is operative to receive a command sent on the data link to perform the starting procedure;

(3) performing the entire starting procedure.