FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
AND
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“A START-STOP DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE”
Name and Address of the Applicant:
NAME OF THE APPLICANT NATIONALITY ADDRESS FOR COMMUNICATION
MINDA CORPORATION LIMITED INDIAN E-5/2, Chakan Industrial Area, Phase- III
M.I.D.C. Nanekarwadi, Tal: Khed, Dist., Pune, Maharashtra, 410-501, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to a technical field of passive entry passive start (PEPS) system, with a particular emphasis on a vehicle's start-stop device.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] In the field of automotive technology, there exists a growing demand for enhanced keyless entry and ignition systems. These systems typically combine various technologies, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC), to improve security and convenience for vehicle owners. Conventionally, this domain has explored the incorporation of NFC and BLE technologies for vehicle authentication and ignition, with a primary focus on the utilization of coil-based NFC antennas for these purposes.
[004] Conventional solutions employ BLE-NFC authentication in conjunction with NFC readers and traditional Start-Stop Buttons (SSBs). These solutions are designed to serve as contingency mechanisms for initiating vehicle startup using NFC technology. In the existing approaches, coil-based NFC antennas, wound around a bobbin, are employed to facilitate authentication and ignition processes. However, these implementations are constrained by size limitations and integration challenges within the vehicle's dashboard.
[005] Therefore, there is a need to overcome these challenges in order to achieve a more efficient and space-saving solution for vehicle keyless entry and ignition systems.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[006] The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior art and provides additional advantages discussed throughout the present disclosure. Additional features and

advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[007] The present disclosure relates to a start-stop device for a vehicle. The start-stop device comprises a housing, a start-stop button, a wireless communication module, and a back cover. The housing having a front end and a bottom end. The front end protrudes outwardly from a dashboard of the vehicle, and the bottom end is embedded within the dashboard. The start-stop button is operatively configured on the front end of the housing. The wireless communication module is embedded within the start-stop button. The embedded wireless communication module is configured to enable reception of signals from an authenticated external handheld device. The back cover is detachably attached to the bottom end of the housing and configured to encompass a plurality of components and interfaces therein. The embedded wireless communication module facilitates seamless connectivity between the wireless communication module and the authenticated external handheld device.
[008] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing is composed of a plurality of components including a compact printed circuit board and the embedded wireless communication module.
[009] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the start-stop button comprises a front surface having a recess for embedding multi-coloured LED lens to indicate different operating modes of the vehicle.
[0010] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the start-stop button is paired with a bezel comprising grooved rings that secures the start-stop button from the front surface.
[0011] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the compact printed circuit board comprises a microcontroller unit, a short-range communication module receiver, an LED interface, a membrane switch, a Controller Area Network (CAN) interface, and a

regulated power supply interface. The short-range communication module receiver is configured to be coupled with the wireless communication module to detect presence of the authenticated external handheld electronic device within a range of the wireless communication module. The authenticated external handheld electronic device comprises a mobile device, a short-range communication module tag, a key fob, or any other object capable of transmitting radio signals via short range communication technology.
[0012] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the microcontroller unit is configured to authenticate the external handheld electronic device based on a signal received from the external handheld electronic device for detecting the presence of the external handheld electronic device. The wireless communication module corresponds to a near field communication (NFC) antenna having range of at least 2.5 centimetres.
[0013] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] Further aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the aspects and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present disclosure wherein:
[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary passive start vehicle security system for authenticating a start-stop device of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the start-stop device of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure.
[0019] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0020] The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0021] The terms like “passive start vehicle security system” and “system” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.
[0022] The terms like “near field communication” and “NFC” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.
[0023] The terms like “Bluetooth Low Energy” and “BLE” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.
[0024] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a multi-wheeled vehicle, however, its aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as Hatchback, Sedan, Tough Utility Vehicle (TUV), Kool Utility Vehicle (KUV), Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), Crossover Utility Vehicle (XUV), Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV), Coupe, Convertible, Pickup Truck, motorcycles, and the like.
[0025] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure.
[0026] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its system and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying Figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the Figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[0027] The present disclosure aims to overcome the issues associated with traditional Start-Stop Buttons (SSBs), where coil-based NFC antennas, wound around a bobbin, are employed to

facilitate ignition processes. However, these implementations are constrained by size limitations and integration challenges within the vehicle's dashboard.
[0028] To address these issues, the present disclosure provides an improved start-stop device. The start-stop device involves the utilization of NFC Antenna embedded within the device’s front portion and the consequent elimination of the coil antenna. The reduced size of the start-stop device aligns seamlessly with the objective of delivering a cost-effective solution. Further, by occupying less space in the car dashboard, the device of present disclosure provides a streamlined keyless start system. The smaller size not only enhances the overall user experience but also potentially reduces production costs, making it an economically advantageous solution. Further, the start-stop device provides seamless connectivity between an authorized external handheld device and the embedded NFC antenna.
[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary passive start vehicle security system 100 for authenticating a start-stop device of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It must be understood to a person skilled in art that the present disclosure may also be implemented in various environments, other than as shown in Figure 1. As it become apparent in the description that follows, the system 100 is typically configured to provide a secure authentication mechanism for igniting the vehicle's engine with the start-stop device. Generally, the vehicle equipped with the passive start vehicle security system 100 may perform Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)/ LF (Low Frequency)-RF (Low Frequency) based primary authentication for passive start. This BLE/ LF-RF based primary authentication operation may ignite the vehicle’s engine using the start-stop device.
[0030] Referring to figure 1, the system 100 may include, but not limited to, a start-stop device 102 and an external handheld device 110. The start-stop device 102 may include, but not be limited to, a start-stop button 104, a wireless communication module 106, and a compact printed circuit board 108. The start-stop button 104 may be associated with the compact printed circuit board 108.

[0031] In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the start-stop device 102 may change an operational mode of the start-stop button 104 when it detects a push action. Referring to figure 1, the start-stop device 102 may be communicatively coupled to the external handheld device 110. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the external handheld device 110 may include, but not limited to, a mobile device, a key fob, a short-range communication module tag, or any other object capable of transmitting radio signals via short range communication technology.
[0032] In one implementation, when the external handheld device 110 is in an activated state (i.e., switched on condition), the start-stop device 102 may utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as primary means of authentication to commence vehicle operation. In alternate implementation, when the external handheld device 110 may be in a deactivated state (i.e., switched off condition), the start-stop device 102 may use the wireless communication module 106 as a secondary or a backup option to initiate the vehicle’s operation. Particularly, the wireless communication module 106 may employ near field communication (NFC) based secure authentication to initiate the vehicle’s operation. When the external handheld device 110 may be in its deactivated state and is brought in proximity (e.g., less than 5 centimetres) of the start-stop device 102, the wireless communication module 106 may be activated to carry out NFC-based secure authentication. After successfully authenticating the external handheld device 110 through the wireless communication module 106, the start-stop device 102 may then initiate the vehicle's operation. In general, NFC-based secure authentication may be used to start the vehicle by bringing in the NFC enabled electronic device (i.e., the external handheld device 110) in the vicinity of start stop device 102. Thus, offering a cost-effective solution with enhanced security and data management. In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, near field communication (NFC) serves as a wireless communication technology facilitating data exchange between two devices when they are in proximity, typically within a few centimetres. Particularly, NFC operates by establishing a connection between these devices through radio waves. When brought into proximity, an electromagnetic field forms (as shown in figure 1), enabling the transmission of data

between them. Due to its limited range, NFC is regarded as a secure way to transmit sensitive information.
[0033] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a start-stop device 200 for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is explained in conjunction with figure 1. Please note that the start stop device 200 is identical to the start-stop device 102 depicted in figure 1. Referring to figure 2, the start-stop device 200 may include, but is not limited to, a housing 202, a start-stop button 204, a wireless communication module 206 embedded at rear portion of a front face of the start-stop button 204, a bezel 208, a recess 210, and a back cover 212.
[0034] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing 202 of the start-stop device 200 may have a front end and a bottom end. The front end extends or protrudes outward from the vehicle's dashboard, while the bottom end is integrated into the dashboard itself. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing 202 may be composed of a plurality of components. Further, the plurality of components may include, but not limited to, a damping rubber, actuator, light guide, a rubber pad, the embedded wireless communication module 206, and a compact printed circuit board 214 (as shown in Figure 2).
[0035] Further, the start-stop device 200 may incorporate the start-stop button 204, which is positioned on the front end of the housing 202 for operational convenience. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the start-stop button 204 may be designed with a front surface featuring the recess 210. Further, the recess 210 may be embedding multi-coloured LED (Light Emitting Diode) lens, which may serve to indicate various operating modes of the vehicle. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the various operating modes of the vehicle may include OFF mode, ACC (Accessory) mode, IGN (Ignition) mode, Crank mode. In one example, in OFF mode, the multi-coloured LED lens may glow once a verified user has entered the vehicle with ‘X’ colour (e.g., blue) LED, indicating that the start-stop device 200 is in OFF mode. In another example, in ACC mode, the start-stop device 200 may switch from its OFF state to ACC

state, upon a short press of the start-stop button 204, and ‘Y’ (e.g., orange) colour LED may turn on as an indication. Upon such indication, cluster, infotainment system, or the like, of the vehicle may turn on and ESCL (Electronic Steering Column Lock) unlocking may be supplemented. In yet another example, in IGN mode, the start-stop device 200 may switch from ACC state to IGN (ignition) state, upon a long press input from the verified user, resulting in ‘Z’ (e.g., green) colour LED indication. As a result, EMS-ECU (Engine Management System-Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle may be turned on. In yet another example, in crank mode, upon the long press along with brake input from the verified user, the vehicle may go in engine crank mode and the engine may be ignited.
[0036] Furthermore, the start-stop button 204 may be paired with the bezel 208. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the bezel 208 may include grooved rings that may secure the start-stop button 204 from the front surface.
[0037] Referring to figure 2, the start-stop device 200 may include the wireless communication module 206 embedded within the start-stop button 204. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the embedded wireless communication module 206 may be configured to enable reception of signals (e.g., NFC signals) from an authenticated external handheld device. Please note that the authenticated external handheld device is identical to the external handheld device 110 depicted in figure 1. In one example embodiment, the signals (NFC signals) received from the authenticated external handheld device 110 may be modulated using amplitude shift keying (ASK) or phase shift keying (PSK). Because the start-stop device 200 may use BPSK (Binary PSK) Modulation, also known as 2-phase PSK (Phase Reversal Keying). In this technique, a sine wave carrier may take two phase reversals such as 0° and 180°.
[0038] Further, the start-stop device 200 may include the compact printed circuit board 214 which may include, but not limited to, a microcontroller unit 214a, a short-range communication module receiver 214b, an LED interface 214c, a membrane switch 214d, a Controller Area Network (CAN) interface 214e, and a regulated power supply interface 214f. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the short-range communication module

receiver 214b may be configured to be coupled with the wireless communication module 106 in communication with the microcontroller 214a to detect presence of the authenticated external handheld electronic device 110 (as shown in figure 1) within a range of the wireless communication module 206. To detect presence of the authenticated external handheld electronic device 110, the microcontroller unit 214a may be configured to authenticate the external handheld electronic device 110 based on a signal received from the external handheld electronic device 110. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless communication module 206 may correspond to a near field communication (NFC) antenna having range of at least 2.5 centimetres. By way of example with no limitation, the near field communication (NFC) receiver may operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. Further, the embedded wireless communication module 206 may facilitate seamless connectivity between the wireless communication module 206 and the authenticated external handheld device 110. More particularly, embedding the wireless communication module at the rear portion of the front face of the start-stop device 200 enables seamless connectivity between any of the NFC tags, key fobs, or a mobile device (capable of transmitting radio waves) and the start-stop device 200 as compared with existing start-stop buttons/devices.
[0039] Moreover, the start-stop device 200 may include the back cover 212. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the back cover 212 may be detachably attached to the bottom end of the housing 202 and configured to encompass the plurality of components and interfaces therein.
[0040] While this invention has been described in detail with particular references to embodiments thereof, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the exact forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of assembly and operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principles, and scope of this invention. Additionally, although relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "upward," "downward," and similar terms have been used herein to describe a spatial relationship of one element to

another, it is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the various elements and components of the invention in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Further, as used herein, when a component is referred to as being "on" or "coupled to" another component, it can be directly on or attached to the other component or intervening components may be present therebetween.
[0041] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0042] The technical advantages offered by this disclosure are described below:
• Enhanced Authentication Flexibility: The present disclosure provides a start-stop device, also known as Start-Stop Button (SSB), offering an enhanced authentication flexibility. While conventional Passenger vehicles with Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) systems primarily rely on BLE-based authentication for passive entry and start, the present disclosure incorporates NFC (near field communication) as a backup option. This NFC backup option ensures more secure authentication due to its proximity of less than 5 centimeters. Consequently, the Start-Stop Button may operate with dual functionality, serving as a conventional SSB during BLE authentication and seamlessly switching to NFC authentication when needed. This capability enhances the overall security and adaptability of the keyless entry and ignition system.

• Space Optimization: The present disclosure provides a distinctive feature related to the placement of a printed, embedded, or affixed NFC Antenna (i.e., the wireless communication module 206) behind the start-stop button's 204 front lid, cap, or disc. This strategic integration may not only increase the communication range but also optimizes space utilization within the start-stop Button (SSB). This space-saving attribute is particularly significant as it allows the SSB to adopt a smaller form factor. The elimination of the need for a coil antenna, as commonly found in traditional Start/Stop buttons, contributes to a more efficient utilization of space. This advantage is especially noteworthy in modern vehicle design, where minimizing dashboard space usage is a crucial consideration.
• Miniaturization and Cost-Effectiveness: Through comprehensive market research and benchmarking, it has been revealed that the present disclosure facilitates a miniature form factor when compared to conventional Start/Stop buttons. This miniaturization is a direct result of the NFC Antenna integration and the consequent elimination of the coil antenna. The reduced size of the Start-Stop Button aligns seamlessly with the objective of delivering a cost-effective solution. By occupying less space on the car dashboard, this innovation contributes to a streamlined and aesthetically pleasing keyless start system. The smaller size not only enhances the overall user experience but also potentially reduces production costs, making it an economically advantageous solution. For example, the design of the start-stop device 200 may reduce the size (Form Factor) by 50%, compared to conventional SSB in market and saving the cost by 20%.

We Claim:
1. A start-stop device for a vehicle, comprising:
a housing with a front end and a bottom end, wherein the front end protrudes outwardly from a dashboard of the vehicle, and the bottom end is embedded within the dashboard;
a start-stop button operatively configured on the front end of the housing;
a wireless communication module embedded within the start-stop button, wherein the embedded wireless communication module is configured to enable reception of signals from an authenticated external handheld device; and
a back cover, wherein the back cover is detachably attached to the bottom end of the housing and configured to encompass a plurality of components and interfaces therein,
wherein the embedded wireless communication module facilitates seamless connectivity between the wireless communication module and the authenticated external handheld device.
2. The start-stop device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is composed of the plurality of components including a compact printed circuit board and the embedded wireless communication module.
3. The start-stop device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the start-stop button comprises a front surface having a recess for embedding multi-coloured LED lens to indicate different operating modes of the vehicle.
4. The start-stop device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the start-stop button is paired with a bezel comprising grooved rings that secures the start-stop button from the front surface.
5. The start-stop device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the compact printed circuit board comprises a microcontroller unit, a short-range communication module receiver, an LED interface, a membrane switch, a Controller Area Network (CAN) interface, and a regulated power supply interface.

6. The start-stop device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the short-range communication module receiver is configured to be coupled with said embedded wireless communication module to detect presence of the authenticated external handheld electronic device within a range of the embedded wireless communication module.
7. The start-stop device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the the authenticated external handheld electronic device comprises a mobile device, a key fob, a short-range communication module tag, or any other object capable of transmitting radio signals via short range communication technology.
8. The start-stop device as claimed in any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein to detect the presence of the external handheld electronic device, the microcontroller unit is configured to:
authenticate the external handheld electronic device based on a signal received from the external handheld electronic device.
9. The start-stop device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the wireless communication module
corresponds to a near field communication (NFC) antenna embedded at rear portion of a front
face of the start-stop button having range of at least 2.5 centimetres.