DESC:FIELD
The present invention generally relates to security systems for components vehicles, particularly two wheeled vehicles.
BACKGROUND
A two-wheeler vehicle, such as a motorcycle or a scooter or any other two wheeled vehicle, has components a handlebar, a fuel tank, an ignition system, an engine and luggage box. These components may be required to be secured by locking. Generally, the locking of these components associated with a vehicle require mechanical keys.
The use of mechanical keys for locking and unlocking components have certain drawbacks associated therewith. For example, mechanical keys require aligning and inserting of a key inside a key hole provided on the vehicle in a pre-determined configuration and turning the key for locking and unlocking. However, such an activity of aligning, inserting and turning of the key inside the key hole may not be smooth in certain circumstances such as in absence of proper lighting. Further, inappropriate handling of the mechanical key during inserting and turning may damage the mechanical key or the key hole. Still further, any authorized person can make duplicate mechanical keys for accessing the fuel tank, the luggage box or for stealing the vehicle. Furthermore, different auxiliary components may require different mechanical keys and at times it becomes cumbersome and inconvenient to handle so many keys.
In certain circumstances, such as when a user approaches the vehicle with a lot of luggage or carry bags in his or her hands, it becomes cumbersome for him/her to retrieve a mechanical key from a bag or pocket, then insert it and then unlock a component such as a luggage box.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system that eliminates the drawbacks associated with mechanical keys. Particularly, there is a need for a system that eliminates the need for aligning, inserting and turning of the key inside the key hole for locking and unlocking of the vehicle or its various components. Furthermore, there is a need for a locking system that can be used for locking and unlocking even in absence of proper lighting.
Anti-theft devices for a two-wheeler such as an anti-theft locking mechanism and a remote control are per se known. The US Granted Patent US7042343 (hereinafter referred to as ‘343 US Granted Patent) mentions an anti-theft device for a motorcycle that includes an anti-theft locking mechanism, a remote control, a receiver that receives a locking release signal transmitted from the remote control, a locking release mechanism that unlocks the locking mechanism and a controller that releases the locking by the locking mechanism according to the locking release signal. The locking release mechanism is normally covered with a cover member of the motorcycle such that it is not easily detected by unauthorized person’s components.
Accordingly, there is a need for a locking and unlocking system that is reliable and provides enhanced security. Furthermore, there is a need for a locking and unlocking system that can be used for locking and unlocking of a variety of components associated with a vehicle, conveniently.
OBJECTS
It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present invention is to provide a security system that eliminates the use of mechanical keys for locking and unlocking various components associated with a vehicle.
An object of the invention is to provide a security system that can be used even in the absence of proper lighting.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a security system that prevents duplication of access key and un-authorized access to the fuel tank, the vehicle ignition system, or the luggage box of a vehicle and ensures safety of the vehicle.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, reliable, economical and efficient security system for locking and unlocking various components associated with a vehicle.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figure, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
Described herein is a security system for a two wheeler vehicle, the security system comprises, a control unit configured to be mounted on the two wheeler vehicle, wherein the control unit has a first wireless transceiver. The security system further comprises a portable key fob that has a second wireless transceiver. The first and second transceivers are configured to communicate with each other when the key fob is within a pre-defined distance of the control unit. The security system further comprises a plurality of switches configured to control one or more operations of a plurality of components of the two wheeler vehicle, wherein the switches are further configured to transmit actuation or de-actuation signals to the control unit. The security system is configured to firstly deactivate each of the switches in an attempted actuation when the key fob is beyond the pre-defined distance from the control unit and is further configured to transmit an alert signal to a user in the event of such attempted actuation. The communication between the first and second wireless transceiver is facilitated by at least one of a radio communication channel and/or a Bluetooth based communication channel. The components associated with the security system of the two wheeler vehicle include at least one handlebar and/or at least one engine cracking system and/or at least one luggage box and/or at least one ignition.
Described herein is a method for implementing a security system for a two wheeler vehicle. The method comprises the following steps:
• mounting a control unit on the two wheeler;
• providing a key fob configured to communicate with the control unit within a predefined distance from the two wheeler;
• enabling activation of functional switches associated with a plurality of components of the two wheeler in the event that the key fob is within the pre-defined distance;
• activating the security system in the event that the key fob is beyond the pre-defined distance and activation of any of the functional switches is attempted; and
• alerting a user when the security system is activated.
The method further includes steps such as: (i) deactivating the security system in the event that the key fob is beyond the pre-defined distance, (ii) actuating a luggage box lock switch of the two wheeler vehicle when an engine of the two wheeler vehicle is in OFF state, (iii) actuating an electromechanical system to lock a handlebar when an engine of the two wheeler vehicle is in OFF state, (iv) actuating an ignition switch of the two wheeler vehicle when a handlebar of the two wheeler vehicle is unlocked, (v) putting the security system in a sleep mode when an ignition switch of the two wheeler vehicle is in OFF state, and (vi) displaying a key fob lost indication when the key fob is not found within the pre-defined distance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
A key-fob based security system for a two-wheeled vehicle of the present disclosure will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram representing various elements of a key fob based security system and interaction there-between, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps followed by a control unit of the security system of Figure 1 for transmitting lost indications on a cluster panel when the key fob is lost and for receiving an authentication command from a user; and
Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate a flow chart depicting various actions performed based on a logic defined by the control unit of the security system of Figure 1 upon receiving signals for actuating an ignition switch, a handle bar switch, a luggage box switch and a starter switch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The present disclosure envisages a key fob security system, hereinafter interchangeably referred as the security system, which is intrinsically a key-less locking and unlocking system for locking and unlocking various components associated with a two-wheeler vehicle such as a handlebar, a fuel tank, an ignition system, an engine and a luggage box. The security system comprises a control unit, which is configured to be mounted on the two wheeler vehicle, wherein the control unit has a first wireless transceiver. The security system also includes a portable key fob, hereinafter referred as key fob that has a second wireless transceiver. The first and second transceivers are configured to communicate with each other when the key fob is within a pre-defined distance of the control unit. The key fob is possessed by an authorized user of the two-wheeler vehicle. The control unit receives actuation and de-actuation signals from a plurality of switches, wherein the switches are configured to control one or more operations of the various components including, but not limited to, the handlebar, the fuel tank, the ignition system, the engine, the luggage box and the like, associated with the two wheeler vehicle, thereby eliminating the need for a mechanical key and drawbacks associated therewith.
The control unit controls the functioning of various sub-systems associated with the components of the two-wheeler vehicle such as the handlebar locking and unlocking sub-system, the luggage box unlocking sub-system and the like. The pre-defined distance of the key fob is verified by the control unit by transmitting a signal via the first transceiver to check the location of the key fob. If the key fob is in the vicinity of the two-wheeler vehicle, then the key fob responds to the signal sent by the control unit by transmitting an authentication signal via the second transceiver to the control unit, thereby confirming that the key fob is within the vicinity of the two-wheeler vehicle. However, if the key fob is not in the vicinity of the two wheeler vehicle, then the control unit does not receive a response to the transmitted signal and thereby activates the security system. The security system deactivates each of the switches when an attempt is made to actuate any of the sub-systems in an event when the key fob is found beyond the pre-defined distance from the two-wheeler vehicle. The security system is further configured to transmit an alert signal to the authorized user of the two wheeler vehicle in the event of such attempted actuation.
In the handlebar locking and unlocking sub-system the conventional ignition lock set and cylinder arrangement is replaced with an electromechanical arrangement consisting of a solenoid and allied mechanical interconnections. On pressing a handlebar unlock switch disposed on the vehicle when the key fob has been authenticated by the control unit by detecting its presence near the vehicle, the control unit actuates a solenoid, which in turn toggles a position of a locking cylinder. In other words, if the button is pressed when the handlebar is locked, the system unlocks it, and vice versa. The arrangement is such that a ‘push type’ solenoid is used. A shaft of the solenoid is held back with a spring and it pushes a mechanical switch when actuated and then retraces its path. In one embodiment, the handlebar actuation can be activated when the vehicle’s ignition status is ON and engine is OFF.
Similarly in the luggage box unlocking sub-system, on pressing of a luggage box switch configured on the vehicle when the key fob has been authenticated by the control unit by detecting its presence near the vehicle, the control unit actuates a pull type solenoid, which facilitates the pulling movement of a cable for achieving unlocking of the luggage box. In a conventional system, when the key is turned, internally, a cable is pulled that in turn actuates locking and unlocking of the luggage box. In case of the present security system, the pulling movement of the cable is achieved using a pull type solenoid, which responds to the press of a luggage box switch. In one embodiment, the luggage box switch can be activated when the vehicle’s ignition status is ON and the engine is OFF.
On pressing the vehicle ignition switch, the control unit first searches for the corresponding key fob in the authorized vicinity of the two-wheeler vehicle. Once the key fob is found and authenticated, the control unit actuates a relay to turn on vehicle ignition and indicates the status of the vehicle ignition on the cluster panel.
Further, in the conventional security system for two-wheeler vehicles, the engine of a two-wheeler can be killed by turning the key in the ignition lock in a locking direction, which is opposite to the unlocking direction, whereas, in the security system of the present disclosure, this whole mechanism is also replaced and the engine can be killed by simply pressing the ignition switch once.
Referring to Figure 1, a block diagram representing various elements of the security system 100 and interaction there-between is illustrated. The security system 100 includes a key fob 10 that is in possession of an authorized user of the vehicle and a control unit 30 disposed on the vehicle. The vehicle (not shown here) may have various switches S1, S2, S3, S4, and so on, for performing various functions associated with the components of the vehicle. The various switches S1, S2, S3, and S4 are coupled to the control unit 30. A switch, for example, a first switch configured on the vehicle, may be used for locking and unlocking of an ignition of the vehicle.
There is two-way communication between the key fob 10 and the control unit 30. The control unit 30 has a first wireless transceiver 20 that communicates with a second wireless transceiver (not shown in the figure) provided within the key fob 10. More specifically, the first wireless transceiver 20 configures a wireless communication between the key fob 10 and the control unit 30 to facilitate authentication of the key fob 10 by the control unit 30. In one embodiment, the wireless communication configured between the key fob 10 and the control unit 30 is done via a communication channel, which includes, but is not limited to, a radio communication channel or a Bluetooth communication channel, and is also not limited to any particular configuration of the communication channels.
The key fob 10 receives the transmitted signals from the control unit 30 transmitted via the first wireless transceiver 20 in the event when the key fob 10 is in the vicinity of the vehicle and transmits a verification/authentication signal via the second wireless transceiver available on the key fob 10, or in other words, on an authentication of the key-fob 10 by the control unit 30, the control unit 30 actuates a corresponding switch of the plurality of actuating switches for the components associated with the vehicle for controlling the locking and unlocking and other functions of the various components associated with the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the control unit 30 is functionally coupled to the plurality of switches S1, S2, S3, and S4 mounted on the vehicle for controlling locking and unlocking and other functions of the various components associated with the vehicle. The control unit 30 may receive inputs for controlling locking and unlocking and other functions of the various components associated with the vehicle from the switches S1, S2, S3, and S4. In accordance with the present disclosure, the control unit 30 is coupled to the switch S1 referred to as a starter switch, the switch S2 referred to as an ignition switch, the switch S3 referred to as handlebar lock/unlock switch, and the switch S4 referred to as luggage box unlock switch. In one embodiment, the control unit 30 may receive an input signal I1 referred to as an engine status input/signal for determining operational status of the engine and an input signal I2 referred to as handle bar position input for determining a lock status of the handlebar of the two-wheeler vehicle. In another embodiment, the control unit 30 may further include additional actuating switches and receive additional inputs for associating with other functions and is not limited to the functions that are listed above. For example, the control unit 30 may include switches and/or inputs for locking and unlocking of the fuel tank of the vehicle. Based on which actuating switch on the vehicle has been actuated and which input has been received by the control unit 30, the control unit 30 provides an output.
The control unit 30 is configured to provide different output signals O1, O2, O3, O4 based on the input received and actuate the corresponding actuating switches S1, S2, S3 and S4 for controlling the locking and unlocking and for performing various functions associated with the components associated with the vehicle.
Thus, the key fob 10 in conjunction with the control unit 30 communicates with the various components of the vehicle and communicates operational status of the various components associated with the vehicle to the user. For example, a display on a cluster panel associated with the control unit 30 displays the lost indication of the key fob 10 and is also configured to receive the authentication signal and other communications from the second wireless transceiver provided within the key fob 10.
The method for implementing the security system for a two wheeler vehicle includes following steps:
• mounting a control unit on the two wheeler;
• providing a key fob configured to communicate with the control unit within a predefined distance from the two wheeler;
• enabling activation of functional switches associated with a plurality of components of the two wheeler in the event that the key fob is within the pre-defined distance;
• activating the security system in the event that the key fob is beyond the pre-defined distance and activation of any of the functional switches is attempted; and
• alerting a user when the security system is activated.
The method further includes steps such as: (i) deactivating the security system in the event that the key fob is beyond the pre-defined distance, (ii) actuating a luggage box lock switch of the two wheeler vehicle when an engine of the two wheeler vehicle is in OFF state, (iii) actuating an electromechanical system to lock a handlebar when an engine of the two wheeler vehicle is in OFF state, (iv) actuating an ignition switch of the two wheeler vehicle when a handlebar of the two wheeler vehicle is unlocked, (v) putting the security system in a sleep mode when an ignition switch of the two wheeler vehicle is in OFF state, and (vi) displaying a key fob lost indication when the key fob is not found within the pre-defined distance.
Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart depicting the steps followed by the control unit 30 for communicating the lost indication of the key fob 10 on the cluster panel and for receiving the authentication signal from the second wireless transceiver. Similarly, Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate a flow chart depicting various actions performed based on a logic defined by the control unit 30 upon actuation of the ignition switch “S2”, the handle bar switch “S3”, the luggage box switch “S4” and the starter switch “S1”. In particular, Figures 3 and 4 depict the logic flow according to which various functions including, but not limited to, interlocking, locking and unlocking of various components of the vehicle are controlled.
To activate the security system 100, assuming that the vehicle is initially in non-active state, the “ignition” switch provided on the vehicle is pressed. This activates the control unit 30 of the security system 100, which performs various checks including whether the key fob 10 is in the vicinity and turns the ignition ON, only after the authentication is done. The vicinity can be ascertained based on a reasonable distance from the vehicle, say 1-2 meters. An indication of the same is shown on the speedometer or the cluster panel. Thereafter, the control unit 30 periodically checks whether the key fob 10 is in the vicinity. In case the ignition is already ON, on pressing the ignition switch, the control unit 30 turns the ignition OFF and the security system 100 goes into sleep mode. Also, in case the ‘ignition’ button is pressed when the security system 100 is in off condition and the key fob 10 is not found in the vicinity, the control unit 30 goes back to sleep after checking for the key fob 10 once.
In order to lock/unlock the handlebar, the user may press the handlebar lock/unlock switch, which may be provided on the vehicle or the key fob 10, to activate the handlebar locking/unlocking solenoid. On pressing the handlebar lock/unlock switch, the control unit 30 checks whether the ignition switch is ON. If yes, the handlebar mechanism is actuated and the handlebar is locked or unlocked according to its instant status. If the ignition switch if OFF and a handlebar lock/unlock command is received, the control unit 30 sends an authentication command to authenticate whether the key fob 10 is found in the vicinity. If yes, the control unit turns ON the ignition switch and further checks whether the engine is ON or OFF. If the engine is OFF, the handlebar mechanism is actuated to lock/unlock the handlebar. Also, the control unit 30 turns OFF the ignition and goes into sleep mode. If the engine is already found ON, the handlebar switch or any other switch will not actuate till the engine is found stopped or killed.
Once the ignition switch is ON, functions like operation of horn, indicators and lamps can be carried out in the same manner as in conventional vehicles. In one embodiment, the engine can be cranked only if the handlebar is in unlocked position.
For switching off the engine, the “ignition ON/OFF” switch button configured on the vehicle is pressed by the user. This turns off the ignition relay, thus cutting supply off the entire system. The ignition indication on the speedometer also goes off. Once ignition has been turned “ON”, if the key fob 10 is detected to be out of the pre-defined vicinity of the vehicle, a key lost indication configured on the speedometer turns “ON”. If the engine is ON when this loss of key is detected, the security system 100 only generates a visual alarm, without disturbing the vehicle’s functioning. If the loss of key is detected when the engine is off but the ignition switch is ON, the visual alarm is turned on and the electric supply to the various systems including the ignition system is disrupted and in such condition cranking of the engine is not possible. Even after the key loss is detected, the system continuously searches for the key fob 10, and only when the key fob 10 is found, the key lost indication is turned off.
Similarly, to operate the luggage box locking mechanism, the control unit 30 checks whether the ignition switch is ON and the engine is OFF, and only after confirmation, actuates the lock of the luggage box to lock or unlock.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The security system of the present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of:
? a locking and unlocking security system that eliminates the use of mechanical keys for locking and unlocking various components associated with a vehicle;
? a locking and unlocking system that is usable even in the absence of proper lighting;
? a locking and unlocking security system that prevents duplication of access key and un-authorized access to the fuel tank, the vehicle ignition system, or the luggage box of a vehicle and ensures safety of the vehicle; and
? a simple, reliable, economical and efficient locking and unlocking security system for locking and unlocking various components associated with a vehicle.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:1. A security system for a two wheeler vehicle, the security system comprising:
a control unit configured to be mounted on said two wheeler vehicle, wherein said control unit having a first wireless transceiver;
a portable key fob having a second wireless transceiver, wherein said first and said second transceivers configured to communicate with each other when said key fob is within a pre-defined distance of said control unit;
a plurality of switches configured to control one or more operations of a plurality of components of said two wheeler vehicle, wherein said switches are further configured to transmit actuation or de-actuation signals to said control unit;
a security system configured to firstly deactivate each of said switches in an attempted actuation when said key fob is beyond the pre-defined distance from said control unit and further configured to transmit an alert signal to a user in the event of such attempted actuation.
2. The security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication between said first and second wireless transceiver is facilitated by at least one of a radio communication channel and/or a Bluetooth based communication channel.
3. The security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the components include at least one handlebar and/or at least one engine cracking system and/or at least one luggage box and/or at least one ignition.

4. A method for implementing a security system for a two wheeler vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:
• mounting a control unit on the two wheeler;
• providing a key fob configured to communicate with said control unit within a predefined distance from the two wheeler;
• enabling activation of functional switches associated with a plurality of components of the two wheeler in the event that the key fob is within said pre-defined distance;
• activating said security system in the event that the key fob is beyond said pre-defined distance and activation of any of the functional switches is attempted; and
• alerting a user when said security system is activated.
5. The method of claim 4 further includes a step of deactivating the security system in the event that the key fob is beyond said pre-defined distance.
6. The method of claim 4 further includes a step of actuating a luggage box lock switch of said two wheeler vehicle when an engine of said two wheeler vehicle is in OFF state.
7. The method of claim 4 further includes a step of actuating an electromechanical system to lock a handlebar when an engine of said two wheeler vehicle is in OFF state.
8. The method of claim 4 further includes a step of actuating an ignition switch of said two wheeler vehicle when a handlebar of said two wheeler vehicle is unlocked.
9. The method of claim 4 further includes a step of putting said security system in a sleep mode when an ignition switch of said two wheeler vehicle is in OFF state.
10. The method of claim 4 further includes a step of displaying a key fob lost indication when said key fob is not found within the pre-defined distance.