RU2647829C2 - Remote starter inhibitor and prevention of remote starter inhibitor bypass - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transportation.

SUBSTANCE: during vehicle remote starter inhibit, wireless data exchange with external system takes place. Deliberate spoilage of vehicle is detected. Limit the operation of the vehicle when remote starter inhibitor activation message is received from the external system or when deliberate spoilage to the vehicle is detected. Vehicle remote starter inhibitor systems are also offered.

EFFECT: vehicle remote starter inhibit or prevention of vehicle use is achieved, as well as disabling operation of equipment if it or vehicle remote starter inhibit system is deliberately damaged.

18 cl, 5 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of motorized technology, and more particularly, to a remote start lock device for a motorized machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Remote Start Lock (RSI) feature can prevent the engine from starting when the customer violates their payment obligations. RSI capability may be disabled by an authorized person. To prevent RSI activation bypass, an RSI bypass mechanism can be implemented.

Buyers often buy equipment, such as excavators, using loans and periodic loan repayment obligations. For various reasons, the buyer may not make one or more payments on time. When this situation occurs, the manufacturer or dealer may have to call the buyer or send someone to the whereabouts of the buyer in order to request payment or return the equipment. Without any limiting factors, these efforts may not be effective, resulting in financial losses for the manufacturer and / or dealer, respectively.

It would be desirable for the manufacturer and / or dealer to be able to remotely block the launch of the equipment or take other actions to prevent the use of the equipment until the buyer repays the payment debt. It would also be desirable to have embodiments that can disable the operation of the technique if it or the RSI system is intentionally damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A remote start lock system for a vehicle having an engine is disclosed. The remote start lock system comprises a communication module and a control module, which are both integrated in the vehicle. The data exchange module communicates wirelessly with external systems, and the control module is connected to the data exchange module. When the communication module receives from the external system a message about the activation of the remote start lock, the control module limits the operation of the vehicle. The control module may also monitor intentional damage to the vehicle and limit the operation of the vehicle when intentional damage to the vehicle is detected. When the data exchange system receives from the external system a message about activation of the remote start block, the control module can prevent the vehicle from starting. When the control module detects intentional damage to the vehicle, the control module may allow the vehicle to start, but only allow the vehicle to idle.

The data exchange module can also receive vehicle location information from external systems, and the control module can track the vehicle location based on the received vehicle location information and determine the vehicle location relative to geographical boundaries. The control module may limit the operation of the vehicle when the vehicle's tracked location is outside of geographic boundaries. The control module can also track the time and time limits when the vehicle is allowed to operate. The control module may limit the operation of the vehicle when the monitored time is outside the time limits when the vehicle is allowed to operate. The control module may periodically send a periodic monitoring message to the vehicle; and the operation of the vehicle may be limited when the vehicle does not receive a periodic monitoring message from the control module.

A method for remotely starting a lock for a vehicle having an engine is disclosed. The method of remote start blocking includes wireless data exchange with an external system and limiting the functioning of the vehicle when a message is received from the external system about activation of the remote start block. Remote start blocking may also include tracking intentional damage to the vehicle and limiting the functioning of the vehicle when intentional damage to the vehicle is detected. Restricting the operation of a vehicle when a message is received from an external system about activation of a remote start lock may include preventing a vehicle from starting. Limiting the functioning of a vehicle when intentional damage to a vehicle is detected may include permission to start the vehicle, but restricting the vehicle to only idle. When a message is received from an external system to deactivate the remote start lock, the method may also include deactivating the remote start lock function, displaying a message to deactivate the remote start lock and allowing the vehicle to start the engine.

Limiting the vehicle’s functioning when a remote start lock activation message is received may include the initial steps of activating the remote start lock function and determining whether the vehicle’s engine is running. If the vehicle’s engine is running, the method may also include displaying a message about the activation of the remote start lock, and if the vehicle engine is off, preventing the vehicle from starting while the remote start lock function is activated. If the vehicle’s engine is not running, the method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting while the remote start lock function is activated.

Limiting the functioning of the vehicle when intentional damage to the vehicle is detected may include an initial step of determining whether the vehicle engine is running. If the vehicle’s engine is running, the method may also include displaying an intentional damage detection message and restricting the vehicle’s engine to idle only. If the vehicle’s engine is not working, the method may also include displaying a message about the detection of intentional damage at startup and restricting the vehicle’s engine to idle only.

Restricting the operation of the vehicle when a remote start lock activation message is received and a deliberate damage to the vehicle is detected may include the initial steps of activating the remote start lock function, displaying the remote start lock activation message, and determining if the vehicle engine is running. If the vehicle engine is turned off, the method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting while the remote start lock function is activated. When a message is received from the external system to deactivate the remote start lock and deliberate damage to the vehicle is detected, the method may also include deactivating the remote start lock function, displaying a message to deactivate the remote start lock and displaying a message about the detection of intentional damage and restricting the vehicle engine only idling while deliberate damage to the vehicle is detected.

A method for remotely blocking a launch may also include storing geographic restrictions for permitted vehicle operation, obtaining vehicle location information, tracking vehicle location based on received vehicle location information, and restricting vehicle operation when the vehicle's tracked location is beyond geographic limits. The remote start lock method may also include storing time constraints when the vehicle is allowed to operate, monitoring the current time and restricting vehicle operation when the current time is outside the time limit. A method for remotely blocking a start may also include periodically sending a periodic monitoring message to the vehicle and restricting the functioning of the vehicle when the vehicle does not receive a periodic monitoring message.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary settings for an illustrative embodiment of a remote start lock (RSI) system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example method for controlling an RSI system;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary active RSI message;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example RSI activation warning message; but

FIG. 5 illustrates an example RSI deactivation message.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to help in understanding the principles of the new invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings, and a specific language will be used to describe them. Nevertheless, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the new invention, but such changes and additional modifications are proposed in the illustrated devices and methods, and such additional applications of the principles of the new invention that are illustrated therein, which are usually encountered by a qualified specialist in the field to which the new invention relates.

The Remote Start Lock (RSI) system can prevent the engine from starting or only allow the engine to idle. To initiate the start blocking function, an authorized person can send a command to the data exchange system integrated into the machine. Alternatively or in addition, a control system integrated in the machine can automatically initiate a start-up lockout function due to intentional damage, location of the machine, time of day, or other monitored parameter.

The data exchange module for the RSI system can exchange data with the vehicle control unit (VCU) and other control units via the controller local area network (CAN) bus or in another way. The data exchange module can also manage various aspects of wireless data transmission to the locations of the data processing and transmission service and to receive transmitted information, for example, information sent by GPS satellites. An illustrative communication module may include a Modular Telematics Gateway (MTG) and antenna. To track or request data, MTG can connect to the vehicle controllers' local area network bus. This data can be analyzed, stored and can be included in the summary values of the machine data. Data can be transmitted telematically from MTG to a remote location set by authorized users or others. MTG can manage various aspects of wireless data transmission to the locations of the data processing and transmission service and can access the broadcast of information by GPS satellites. An antenna for MTG can provide wireless data transmission and reception of GPS signals. The antenna for the mobile version of MTG can be two antennas in one: GPS and cellular. In regions without cellular coverage, a satellite module that uses a separate satellite dish can be used for communication. The information collected through the data exchange system can support functions related to fleet management, forecasting, diagnostics and maintenance. These features can support customers by helping them manage and maintain their machines.

A remote start lock system (RSI) can be built into the machine and configured to wirelessly communicate with a manufacturer or dealer control system that can activate, deactivate, and otherwise control RSI operation. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an RSI system that has three settings.

In this embodiment, when the “Disabled” option 1 is selected, the remote start lock function cannot be activated remotely, and the RSI system cannot protect against intentional damage.

In this embodiment, when option 2 “Enabled without Remote Start Lock” is selected, the remote start lock function cannot be remotely activated, but the system can protect against intentional damage. For example, if a customer or vandals remove a communication module, cut off communication wires or RSI systems, or disconnect an antenna, etc., you cannot prevent the machine from starting, but you can limit the engine to only idle operation.

In this embodiment, when option 3 “Enabled with Remote Start Lock” is selected, the remote start lock function can be activated remotely by an authorized person, and the system can protect against intentional damage. When triggered, a sign (functional feature) of the RSI can prevent the machine from starting up or force the machine to run at idle only at startup. The RSI command can be configured to prevent the machine from starting after it has been muffled. If a machine, an RSI tag or its data exchange system is intentionally damaged, the machine can be prevented from starting, or it can only be allowed to idle.

The RSI system may also include “Geographic Restrictions,” which may be set by an authorized user. An authorized user can enter the geographical boundaries within which the machine is allowed to work. If a machine is moved outside the geographic boundaries within which the machine is allowed to operate, the RSI system can prevent the machine from starting up or force the machine to only idle. The location of the machine can be determined using information from the global positioning system (GPS) obtained by the data exchange system.

The RSI system may also include “Time Limits,” which may be set by an authorized user. An authorized user can enter the time limits at which the machine is allowed to work. If the system time is outside the allowed time limits, the RSI flag can prevent the machine from starting up or force the machine to work only in idle mode. System time can be maintained locally in the machine and / or updated with information received by the data exchange system.

The RSI system may have a default setting of option 3 “Enabled with Remote Start Lock”. To disable the RSI flag (switch from option 3 to option 2), or disable the data exchange system (switch to option 1), the system may require an authorized user to enter a password. A password can be generated in various ways known in the art. The password can be generated, for example, using a dynamic process, using a program using the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the number of hours the engine has been running, or using some other method.

The RSI activation message can be sent by an authorized user, for example, when evading payment, and received in the car. The RSI system in the car can have a modular telematics gateway (MTG) that controls wireless and bus communications on the vehicle controllers' local area network. MTG will send a message to the VCU to block the start of the machine. MTG may be configured to receive RSI activation messages when the machine is turned off. Then, to block the start of the machine when trying to start, MTG can send a message to the VCU.

To clarify the activation of the start operation blocking, a RSI message can be broadcast locally in the machine. The message can identify a triggering event, for example, violation of geographical boundaries, violation of time boundaries and intentional damage to the vehicle. This message can be transmitted (broadcast) over the network only in case of an established event. To block the start of the machine, the message can be interpreted by the VCU.

The MTG can send a “periodic monitoring” message to the VCU to indicate that it is still active and in touch. If the VCU does not receive a periodic monitoring message, the VCU may assume that an act of intentional corruption has occurred in relation to the machine and take appropriate action.

Remote start blocking actions may include a vehicle start block or allowing the vehicle to idle only. As an example of one of many ways, the RSI system can prevent the machine from starting, the VCU cannot start the engine or supply voltage to the fuel transfer pump. As one of many ways, the RSI system can only allow the vehicle to idle, and the VCU can limit the engine output.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example control method for an RSI system in a machine. At block 202, the car is sold to a customer with the RSI system turned on. At a block 204, when an attempt is made to start a machine, an RSI system control method begins. At block 204, the RSI system checks for intentional damage or work outside of limits, for example, work outside of geographical or time limits. If no intentional corruption has been detected, and the machine operates within all of the specified limits, then control passes to block 206. If intentional corruption is detected, or the machine operates outside the specified limits, control passes to block 222.

At block 206, the system checks if the RSI function has been activated. If the RSI function has not been activated, control passes back to block 204, and the machine is operating normally. If the RSI function has been activated, control passes to block 208.

At block 208, the system checks if the engine of the machine is operating. If the engine of the machine does not work, then control passes to block 210, where the system prevents the machine from starting, and when you try to start the engine of the machine, the system displays an RSI activation message. Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary RSI activation message. In block 208, if the machine’s engine is running, control goes back to block 212, where the system displays a warning message about RSI activation, and control goes to block 214. In FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary RSI activation warning message.

At block 214, the system checks whether the RSI function has been deactivated. If the RSI function has been deactivated, then control passes to block 220, where the system displays a message about the cancellation of the RSI function, and control passes back to block 204, while the machine is operating normally. In FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary RSI deactivation message. If the RSI function has not been deactivated, control passes to block 216, where the system checks whether the engine of the machine is working. If the machine’s engine is running, the control goes back to block 214. If the car’s engine is not working, control passes to block 210. The system cycles between checks of blocks 214 and 216 wait until either the RSI function is deactivated and the control goes to block 220, or the engine of the machine will not be turned off, and control will go to block 210.

At block 222, after detecting either intentional corruption or violation of restrictions, the system checks whether the engine of the machine is running. If the engine of the machine is running, control passes to block 224, where the system forces the engine of the machine to idle, and provides the ability to work only in the idle state. At block 224, the system also displays a message indicating intentional corruption or violation of restrictions that have been detected. In block 222, if the machine’s engine does not work, control passes to block 226, where the system provides the ability to start the machine’s engine, and then control passes to block 224. From block 224, control passes to block 230.

At block 230, the system checks whether the RSI function has been activated. If the RSI function has not been activated, then control goes back to block 224. If the RSI function has been activated, control goes to block 232, where the system displays a warning message about RSI activation (see, for example, Fig. 4), and control goes to block 234.

At block 234, the system checks if the RSI function has been deactivated. If the RSI function was deactivated, then control passes to block 236, where the system displays a message about canceling the RSI function (see, for example, Fig. 5), and control passes back to block 224. If the RSI function was not deactivated, control passes to block 238, where the engine of the machine can idle until it is turned off, and then control passes to block 210.

In block 210, the system prevents the machine from starting, and when trying to start the engine of the machine, the system displays an RSI activation message (see, for example, Fig. 3). From block 210, control passes to block 240, where the system checks whether the RSI function has been deactivated. If the RSI function has not been deactivated, control passes back to block 210. If the RSI function has been deactivated, control passes to block 220.

Although illustrative embodiments including principles of the present invention have been disclosed above, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any changes, applications, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. In addition, this application is intended to cover such deviations of the disclosure that fall within the scope of known or accepted practice in the field of technology with which the invention is associated.

Claims (56)

1. A remote start lock system for a vehicle having an engine, wherein the remote start lock system comprises: integrated data exchange module integrated into the vehicle for wireless data exchange with an external system; a control module integrated into the vehicle and connected to the data exchange module; at the same time, when the data exchange module receives from the external system a message about activation of the remote start blocking, the control module limits the functioning of the vehicle, wherein the control module monitors the intentional damage to the vehicle and the control module limits the operation of the vehicle when the control module detects intentional damage to the vehicle. 2. The remote start lock system according to claim 1, in which: when the data exchange system receives from the external system a message about activation of the remote start block, the control module prevents the vehicle from starting; but when the control module detects intentional damage to the vehicle, the control module provides the ability to start the vehicle and only allows the vehicle to idle. 3. The remote start lock system according to claim 1, in which the data exchange module receives information about the location of the vehicle, the control module monitors the location of the vehicle based on the received information about the location of the vehicle and determines the location of the vehicle relative to geographical boundaries; however, the control module restricts the operation of the vehicle when the tracked location of the vehicle is outside of geographic boundaries. 4. The remote start lock system according to claim 1, in which the control module monitors the time and time limits when the vehicle is allowed to work; however, the control module limits the operation of the vehicle when the monitored time is outside the time limits. 5. The remote start lock system according to claim 1, wherein the control module periodically sends a periodic monitoring message to the vehicle; however, the operation of the vehicle is limited when the vehicle does not receive a periodic monitoring message from the control module. 6. A remote start lock system for a vehicle having an engine, wherein the remote start lock system comprises: data exchange module integrated into the vehicle for wireless data exchange with an external system; a control module integrated in the vehicle and connected to the data exchange module, wherein the control module monitors the intentional damage to the vehicle; at the same time, when the data exchange system receives from the external system a message about activation of the remote start lock or the control module detects intentional damage to the vehicle, the control module limits the operation of the vehicle. 7. The remote start lock system according to claim 6, in which the data exchange module receives vehicle location information, the control module tracks the vehicle location based on the received vehicle location information and determines the vehicle location relative to geographic boundaries, and the control module monitors time and time limits when the vehicle is allowed to work; however, the control module restricts the operation of the vehicle when the tracked location of the vehicle is outside of geographic boundaries or when the tracked time is outside of time boundaries. 8. The remote start lock system according to claim 7, in which the control module periodically sends a periodic monitoring message to the vehicle, and the operation of the vehicle is limited when the vehicle does not receive a periodic monitoring message from the control module. 9. A method for remotely starting a lock for a vehicle having an engine, the method for remotely locking a launch comprises: wireless data exchange with an external system; detection of intentional damage to the vehicle; restricting the functioning of the vehicle when a message is received from the external system to activate the remote start block or when a deliberate damage to the vehicle is detected. 10. The method of remote start blocking according to claim 9, in which: limiting the functioning of the vehicle when a message is received from the external system about activation of the remote start blocking; it includes preventing the vehicle from starting; and restricting the functioning of the vehicle when deliberate damage to the vehicle is detected, contains permission to start the vehicle and restricting the vehicle to only idle. 11. The method of remote start blocking according to claim 9, further comprising: storage of geographical restrictions for the permitted operation of the vehicle; receiving information about the location of the vehicle; tracking the location of the vehicle based on the received information about the location of the vehicle; restriction of the functioning of the vehicle when the monitored location of the vehicle is outside the geographical limits. 12. The method of remote start blocking according to claim 11, further comprising: storage of time limits when the vehicle is allowed to work; tracking current time; limiting the functioning of the vehicle when the current time is outside the time limit. 13. The method of remote start blocking according to claim 12, wherein restricting the operation of the vehicle when deliberate damage to the vehicle is detected, comprises: determining if the vehicle engine is running; if the vehicle’s engine is running, displaying a message about the detection of intentional damage and restricting the vehicle’s engine to idle only; but if the vehicle’s engine does not work, then a message about the detection of intentional damage at start-up is displayed and the vehicle’s engine is limited to idling only. 14. The method of remote start blocking according to claim 13, wherein restricting the functioning of the vehicle when a message is received about activation of the remote start block and an intentional damage to the vehicle is detected, comprises: activation of the remote start blocking function; displaying a message about activation of the remote start lock, and if the vehicle engine is off, then preventing the vehicle from starting while the remote start lock function is activated. 15. The method of remote start blocking according to claim 14, further comprising, when a message is received from the external system to deactivate the remote start block and an intentional damage to the vehicle is detected: deactivating the remote start lock function; displaying a message about deactivating the remote start block; displaying a message about the detection of intentional damage and restricting the engine of the vehicle only to idle. 16. The method of remote start blocking according to claim 9, further comprising: periodically sending a periodic control message to the vehicle; limiting the functioning of the vehicle when the vehicle does not receive a periodic monitoring message. 17. The method of remote start blocking according to claim 9, wherein restricting the operation of the vehicle when a message is received about activation of the remote start block, comprises activation of the remote start blocking function; determining if the vehicle engine is running; if the vehicle’s engine is running, then the message on the activation of the remote start-up lock is displayed, and if the vehicle’s engine is turned off, the vehicle’s start-up prevention is activated while the remote start-off lock function is activated; and if the vehicle engine is not running, then preventing the vehicle from starting while the remote start lock function is activated. 18. The method of remote start blocking according to claim 17, further comprising, when a message is received from the external system to deactivate the remote start block: deactivating the remote start lock function; displaying a message about deactivating the remote start block; permission to start the vehicle engine.

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