Motor vehicle operator identification and maximum speed limiter

• US 7,959,177 B2
• Filed: 06/03/2010
• Issued: 06/14/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kar Enterprises LLC
• Original Assignee: Kar Enterprises LLC
• Inventors: Surabian, Andy, Fiske, Richard, Weigold, Kevin
• Primary Examiner(s): Fleming; Faye M.
• Application Number:
  US12/793,059
• Publication Number:
  US 20100241313A1
• Time in Patent Office: 376 Days
• Field of Search: 180/271, 180/272, 180/282, 701/70
• US Class Current: 280/271
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/043 Identity of occupants
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/146 Speed limiting

Abstract

A programmable device that interfaces with a motor vehicle. The device is programmed to identify the operator who is gaining access to the motor vehicle. The device is further programmed to associate a maximum allowable speed with each person allowed to operate the motor vehicle. The device incorporates an access and operation means together with a computer that is compatible with the motor vehicle on board computer. The computer includes in it'"'"'s output a signal that controls the maximum allowable speed that the on board computer will permit the motor vehicle to operate at for the identified operator.

Claims

1. An automotive vehicle comprising:

an on-board computer configured to control the automotive vehicle to a maximum speed;

a first ignition key useable to gain access to the automotive vehicle and permit operation of the automotive vehicle, the first ignition key adapted to communicate information to the on-board computer, the on-board computer being arranged to receive the information from the first ignition key and limit the automotive vehicle to a maximum speed based on the information, the on-board computer being reprogrammable from limiting the automotive vehicle to a first maximum speed based on the information from the first ignition key to limiting the automotive vehicle to a second maximum vehicle speed based on the information from the first ignition key.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first ignition key includes a computer chip that is programmed to include identification information.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a second ignition key that is useable to gain access to the automotive vehicle and permit operation of the automotive vehicle, the second ignition key adapted to communicate information that causes the vehicle on-board computer to limit the vehicle to a third maximum speed that is different from the first maximum speed.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first ignition key comprises a chip.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the chip is programmable.

6. A system for controlling a speed of an automotive vehicle, the system comprising:

an on-board computer configured to cause control of at least one vehicle operating parameter of the automotive vehicle;

an ignition key that is useable to gain access to the automotive vehicle and permit operation of the automotive vehicle, the ignition key adapted to communicate information to the on-board computer;

wherein the on-board computer is configured to receive the information from the ignition key and cause control of the at least one vehicle operating parameter based on the information, control of the at least one vehicle operating parameter causing the automotive vehicle to be limited to a first speed based on the information from the ignition key, and wherein the on-board computer is reprogrammable, causing a change in the at least one vehicle operating parameter allowing a speed of the automotive vehicle that is greater than the first speed based on the information from the ignition key.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the ignition key includes a computer chip that is programmed to include identification information.

8. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the ignition key comprises a chip.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the chip is programmable.

10. A method for controlling a speed of an automotive vehicle, the automotive vehicle including an on-board computer, the method comprising:

receiving information from a vehicle ignition key by the on-board computer, the vehicle ignition key useable to gain access to the automotive vehicle and permit operation of the automotive vehicle;

programming the on-board computer, allowing the on-board computer, based on the information from the vehicle ignition key, to cause control of at least one vehicle operating parameter limiting the automotive vehicle to a first speed;

re-programming the on-board computer, allowing the on-board computer, based on the information from the vehicle ignition key, to cause control of the at least one vehicle operating parameter to allow operation of the automotive vehicle at a speed greater than the first speed.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising programming the vehicle ignition key with identification information.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

receiving information from a second vehicle ignition key by the on-board computer, the second vehicle ignition key useable to gain access to the automotive vehicle and permit operation of the automotive vehicle;

programming the on-board computer, allowing the on-board computer, based on the information from the second vehicle ignition key, to cause control of at least one vehicle operating parameter limiting the automotive vehicle to a second speed;

re-programming the on-board computer, allowing the on-board computer, based on the information from the second vehicle ignition key, to cause control of the at least one vehicle operating parameter to allow operation of the automotive vehicle at a speed greater than the second speed.