Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a method and system for immobilizing a vehicle from a
remote location. More specifically, the present invention provides a method and a system for
intelligently immobilizing a two-wheeler vehicle from a remote location.
Background of the Invention:
In relation to a vehicle, two types of devices are provided to enhance security of the device.
The first type of device, which is very commonly used in respect of a vehicle having at least
one door, is a door locking/unlocking device. The door locking/unlocking devices can come
in wide variety of forms. One of the simplest forms is to provide a physical lock and key
combination, wherein the lock is provided as part of the door and the key has to be physically
inserted into the lock and operated to unlock the door. In more advanced forms, an electromechanical
lock is provided as part of the door. The door is opened / closed in response
receiving an associated electronic authentication key.
The second type of device, which is commonly used, provides ignition locking/unlocking
functionality. Once again, a device that provides ignition locking/unlocking functionality can
come in wider variety of forms, the simplest being a physical lock and key combination,
wherein physical lock is integrated on a steering column of the vehicle and the key has to be
physically inserted into the lock and operated to realize the ignition locking/unlocking
functionality. In more advanced form, electro-mechanical locks which provide both door
locking/unlocking functionality and ignition locking/unlocking functionality are also
available. In such cases, an electronic authentication key has to be provided to open the door
of the vehicle as well as to unlock the ignition functionality.
While the devices as mentioned are targeted to prevent a vehicle theft, these solutions do not
cater to post-theft aspects. Thus, remote immobilization of the vehicle in response to
detecting a vehicle theft condition has been proposed.
Referring to German patent document DE-A 44 40 975.3-51,there is disclosed a method
wherein as long as a vehicle has not been reported stolen, or unauthorized use of the vehicle
has not been determined, signals are transmitted from a master station to the vehicle via a
mobile communication system at regular time intervals, the said signals being received by the
receiving device. The reception of the signals is conveyed from the receiving device to an
anti-theft control unit provided in the vehicle via a communication structure. The signals are
3
detected and if they are determined to be directed at the vehicle, operation of the vehicle is
enabled for a prescribed time period which is longer than the time interval between two
successive signals. If no signal is received before expiration of the period for which operation
of the vehicle is enabled, the enabling of operation of the vehicle is not prolonged. The antitheft
control unit then actuates the at least one operationally necessary control unit via the
communication structure and prevents the further operation of this control unit, at least at the
next attempt to activate the vehicle.
Referring to U.S. Patent No. 6,897,762, there is taught an immobilization system for a
vehicle, comprising: a first remote control device including means for transmitting a
predetermined wireless control signal; a second remote control device including a first
directional antenna for transmitting a selectable wireless control signal in a first direction, a
second directional antenna for transmitting a wireless enable signal in a second direction, said
second direction being different from said first direction, and externally operable means for
selecting said selectable wireless control signal and said wireless enable signal to be
transmitted; a receiver for receiving said selectable wireless control signal and said wireless
enable signal, said predetermined wireless control signal being substantially unique to said
receiver; means for disabling a vehicle in response to either said predetermined wireless
control signal or said selectable wireless control signal; and means for enabling the vehicle in
response to said wireless enable signal.
Referring to U.S. Patent No. 7,518,489, there is taught a method for remotely immobilizing a
vehicle that comprises receiving a current vehicle data regarding at least vehicle dynamics
and driving conditions, the vehicle dynamics comprising current vehicle speed on a roadway,
the driving conditions comprising a roadway congestion index; generating an immobilization
profile based on the received current vehicle data, the immobilization profile being
characterized by a decrease in vehicle speed over a set time interval, the decrease being
determined by at least an initial vehicle speed and the roadway congestion index; sending the
immobilization profile to the vehicle over a wireless communication network; and adjusting
at least one of a vehicle throttle and a vehicle brake to immobilize the vehicle in accordance
with at least a part of the immobilization profile.
Thus, it can be seen that the aspect of remote immobilization of the vehicle is receiving
widespread attention as a method to tackle post-theft aspects. However, in most of the cases,
the solutions pertaining to remote immobilization of the vehicle has been either developed or
4
proposed taking into consideration a four-wheeled vehicle such as a car or truckand hence, do
not provide satisfactory working results when used in a two-wheeler vehicle. Thus, there is an
imminent need to provide for an immobilization method and an immobilization device that
can be actuated from a remote location and which is useable in a two-wheeler vehicle as well
as a four wheeler vehicle with equal ease.
Additionally, since the immobilization devices are developed for four-wheeled vehicle, the
costs of such systems are high. Thus, there is also an imminent need to develop a low cost
immobilization method and a device that can implement the same based on a remote
actuation signal.
Apart from the above, the process required to be followed at the remote location to
immobilize ore re-mobilize the vehicle should be user friendly.
Summary of the Invention:
Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for enabling immobilization of a
vehicle from a remote location, said method comprising the steps of:
• receiving, by a receiving unit, an immobilization signal for immobilizing the vehicle;
• selectivelyobstructing, by a processing unit in response to receiving the
immobilization signal, communication of a signal produced by a crankshaft position
sensor to an ignition controlling device, the crankshaft position sensor and the ignition
controlling device being provided in the vehicle.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for enabling
immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location, said method comprising the steps of:
• receiving, by a receiving unit, an immobilization signal for immobilizing the vehicle;
• selectively obstructing, by a processing unit in response to receiving the
immobilization signal, communication of at least one signal to an ignition controlling
device provided in the vehicle, the at least one signal is produced by a sensor provided
in the vehicle and is essential for operation of the ignition controlling device.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for enabling
immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location, said method comprising the steps of:
o receiving, by a receiving unit, an immobilization signal for immobilizing the vehicle;
5
o selectivelyobstructing, by a processing unit in response to receiving the
immobilization signal, communication of at least one control signal from an ignition
controlling device to one or more ignition supporting devices provided in the vehicle.
In accordance with a yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an immobilizer
device for enabling immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location, said immobilizer
device comprises a receiving unit adapted to receive, from a remote device, an
immobilization signal for immobilizing the vehicle; and a processing unit operably coupled to
the receiving unit for receiving therefrom the immobilization signal and selectively
obstructing communication of a signal produced by a crankshaft position sensor to an ignition
controlling device, the crankshaft position sensor and the ignition controlling device being
provided in the vehicle.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an immobilizer device
for enabling immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location, said immobilizer device
comprises a receiving unit adapted to receive, from a remote device, an immobilization signal
for immobilizing the vehicle; and a processing unit operably coupled to the receiving unit for
receiving therefrom the immobilization signal and selectively obstructing communication of
at least one signal to an ignition controlling device provided in the vehicle, the at least one
signal is produced by a sensor provided in the vehicle and is essential for operation of the
ignition controlling device.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an immobilizer device
for enabling immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location, said immobilizer device
comprisesa receiving unit adapted to receive, from a remote device, an immobilization signal
for immobilizing the vehicle; and a processing unit operably coupled to the receiving unit for
receiving therefrom the immobilization signal and selectively obstructing communication of
at least one control signal from an ignition controlling device to one or more ignition
supporting devices provided in the vehicle.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular
description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof,
which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that these figures depict only
typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its
6
scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail
with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES:
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better
understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the
accompanying figures in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures,
wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a flow chart of a method for immobilizing a vehicle from a remote
location in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a vehicle provided with an immobilizer
device for enabling immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location in accordance with a
first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a more detailed schematic block diagram of a vehicle provided with an
immobilizer device for enabling immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location in
accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method for immobilizing a vehicle from a remote
location in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a vehicle provided with an
immobilizer device for enabling immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location in
accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method for immobilizing a vehicle from a remote
location in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a vehicle provided with an
immobilizer device for enabling immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location in
accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 8 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a system for immobilization of a
vehicle from a remote location in accordance with any of the embodiments of the invention.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for
simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow
charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve
understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction
of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the
7
figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that
are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure
the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having
benefit of the description herein.
Detailed Description:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference
will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be
used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of
the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated
system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein
being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not
intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar
language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same
embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a
non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not
include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such
process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or
components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other
components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or
additional structures or additional components.
8
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention
belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the
accompanying figures.
Now referring to figure 1, there is illustrated a flow chart of a method (100) for immobilizing
a vehicle from a remote location. The method (100) comprises receiving (101), by a receiving
unit, an immobilization signal for immobilizing the vehicle. The immobilization signal can be
received via a telecommunication system and details of same will be provided later. The
method (100) further comprises selectively obstructing (101), by a processing unit in
response to receiving the immobilization signal, communication of a signal produced by a
crankshaft position sensor to an ignition controlling device, the crankshaft position sensor
and the ignition controlling device being provided in the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the invention, the step of selectively obstructing (102) comprises
selectively activating (103) a secondary electrical path, the secondary electrical path being
parallel to an electrical path between crankshaft position sensor and an ignition controlling
device. In another embodiment of the invention, the secondary electrical path upon actuation
has a resistance value less than a resistance value of the electrical path between the crankshaft
position sensor and the ignition controlling device.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the step of selectively activating (103) the
secondary electrical path comprises selectively turning “ON” (104) a switching element
provided in the secondary electrical path.
To understand the functioning of the method (100), reference is drawn to figure 2, which is a
schematic block diagram of a vehicle (200) provided with an immobilizer device for enabling
immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location in accordance with a method as described
above. As is customary, the vehicle (200) comprises an engine (201). To enable combustion
to proceed within the engine (201), a spark plug (202) is provided. In response to the
combustion occurring, a crankshaft (203) positioned within a housing (204) is rotated. The
housing (204) is provided with a crankshaft sensor (205) for sensing the crank angle and
9
producing a crank shaft position indicating signal. The crank shaft position indicating
signalproduced by the crankshaft sensor (205) is provided to an ignition controlling device
(206). In one example, the crank shaft position indicating signal produced by the crankshaft
sensor (205) is provided to the ignition controlling device (206)via an electrical wire (207).
The electrical wire (207) can be preferably forming part of a wire-harness, which is
customarily provided for interconnection various electrical / electronic devices provided in
the vehicle (200).
The vehicle may be additionally provided with other sensor such as a throttle position sensor
(208), an air intake pressure sensor (209). Such sensors can produce appropriate signals
which are received by the ignition controlling device (206) via respective electrical wires,
which may form part of wire-harness. Also, the vehicle may be provided with a fuel injection
system (210) for controlling an amount of fuel being fed to the engine (201).
It is customary for the ignition controlling device (206) to provide a control signal to the
spark plug (202) for controlling ignition timing and more generally the combustion occurring
within the engine (201). If a control signal for controlling the operation of the spark plug is
not produced by the ignition controlling device, combustion will not happen within the
cylinder. In many instances, production of the control signal by the ignition controlling
device for providing to the spark plug is conditional upon receiving the crank shaft position
indicating signal produced by the crankshaft sensor (205). Thus, if communication of the
crank shaft position indicating signal to the ignition controlling device (206) is interrupted,
the control signal will not be produced by the ignition controlling device and therefore,
combustion will not happen within the cylinder.
Thus, to enable the vehicle (200) to be immobilized from a remote location, the vehicle is
provided with an immobilizer device (211) in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. The immobilizer device (211) comprises a receiving unit (212) adapted to receive,
from a remote device, an immobilization signal. The immobilizer device (211) further
comprises a processing unit (213) operably coupled to the receiving unit (212) for receiving
therefrom the immobilization signal and selectively obstructing communication of crankshaft
position indicating signal (produced by a crankshaft position sensor (205)) to the ignition
controlling device (206).
10
In an aspect of the invention, the processing unit (213) is connected to a secondary electrical
path (216), the secondary electrical path being parallel to the electrical path (207) between
crankshaft position sensor (205) and the ignition controlling device (206) and the processing
unit (213) selectively obstructs communication of the crankshaft position indicating signal
produced by the crankshaft position sensor to the ignition controlling device by selectively
activating the secondary electrical path (216).
In an embodiment of the invention, wherein the secondary electrical path (216) upon
activation has a resistance value less than a resistance value of the electrical path (207)
between the crankshaft position sensor (205) and the ignition controlling device (206).
Because of the above, the crankshaft position indicating signal flows through the secondary
electrical path (216) instead of reaching the ignition controlling device (206).
In an embodiment of the invention, wherein the secondary electrical path is grounded on one
end and comprises a switching element (214) operably connected to the processing unit (213)
and selectively activating the secondary electrical path (216) comprises selectively turning
“ON” the switching element (214) by the processing unit (213). In an embodiment of the
invention, there is provided a reverse current flow preventing means (215)in the secondary
electrical path (216).
Now referring to figure 3, the reverse flow preventing means may be either a diode (301) or a
silicon controlled rectifier (SCR). The switching element can be a metal–oxide–
semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) (302) or a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR)
or a transistor.
In some instances, production of the control signal by the ignition controlling device for
providing to the spark plug may be conditional upon receiving throttle position signal from
the throttle position sensor (208) and/or air intake pressure signal from the air intake pressure
sensor (209).
Thus, in an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a method (400) for
immobilizing a vehicle from a remote location. The method (400) comprises receiving (401),
by a receiving unit, an immobilization signal for immobilizing the vehicle. The
immobilization signal can be received via a telecommunication system and details of same
will be provided later. The method (400) further comprises selectively obstructing (401), by a
11
processing unit in response to receiving the immobilization signal, communication of at least
one signal to an ignition controlling device provided in the vehicle, the at least one signal is
produced by a sensor provided in the vehicle and is essential for operation of the ignition
controlling device.
To understand the functioning of the method (400), reference is drawn to figure 5, which is a
schematic block diagram of a vehicle (200) provided with an immobilizer device for enabling
immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location in accordance with a method as described
above. As is customary, the vehicle (200) comprises an engine (201). To enable combustion
to proceed within the engine (201), a spark plug (202) is provided. In response to the
combustion occurring, a crankshaft (203) positioned within a housing (204) is rotated. The
housing (204) is provided with a crankshaft sensor (205) for sensing the crank angle and
producing a crank shaft position indicating signal. The crank shaft position indicating signal
produced by the crankshaft sensor (205) is provided to an ignition controlling device (206).
In one example, the crank shaft position indicating signal produced by the crankshaft sensor
(205) is provided to the ignition controlling device (206) via an electrical wire (207). The
electrical wire (207) can be preferably forming part of a wire-harness, which is customarily
provided for interconnection various electrical / electronic devices provided in the vehicle
(200).
The vehicle is additionally provided with other sensors such as a throttle position sensor
(208) and an air intake pressure sensor (209) which produce appropriate signals which are
received by the ignition controlling device (206) via respective electrical wires, which may
form part of wire-harness. Also, the vehicle may be provided with a fuel injection system
(210) for controlling an amount of fuel being fed to the engine (201).
It is customary for the ignition controlling device (206) to provide a control signal to the
spark plug (202) and/or the fuel injection system (210) for combustion occurring within the
engine (201). If a control signal for controlling the operation of the spark plug is not
produced by the ignition controlling device, combustion will not happen within the cylinder.
Likewise, if a control signal for controlling the operation of the fuel injection system (210) is
not produced by the ignition controlling device, combustion will not happen within the
cylinder. In many instances, production of the control signal by the ignition controlling
device for providing to the spark plug is conditional upon receiving the throttle position
signal produced by the throttle position sensor (208). Thus, if communication of the throttle
12
position signal to the ignition controlling device (206) is interrupted, the control signal will
not be produced by the ignition controlling device and therefore, combustion will not happen
within the cylinder.
Thus, to enable the vehicle (200) to be immobilized from a remote location, the vehicle is
provided with an immobilizer device (211) in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. The immobilizer device (211) comprises a receiving unit (212) adapted to receive,
from a remote device, an immobilization signal. The immobilizer device (211) further
comprises a processing unit (213) operably coupled to the receiving unit (212) for receiving
therefrom the immobilization signal and selectively obstructing communication of throttle
position signal via the electrical path (503) to the ignition controlling device (206).
In an aspect of the invention, the processing unit (213) is connected to a secondary electrical
path (504), the secondary electrical path being parallel to the electrical path (503) between
throttle position sensor (208) and the ignition controlling device (206) and the processing unit
(213) selectively obstructs communication of the throttle position signal produced by the
throttle position sensor to the ignition controlling device by selectively activating the
secondary electrical path (504).
In an embodiment of the invention, the secondary electrical path (504) upon activation has a
resistance value less than a resistance value of the electrical path (503) between the throttle
position sensor (208) and the ignition controlling device (206). Because of the above, the
throttle position signal flows through the secondary electrical path (504) instead of reaching
the ignition controlling device (206) (via path (503)).
In alternative embodiment, the processing unit (213) is configured to selectively obstruct
intake air pressure indicating signal as being communicated by the air intake pressure sensor
(209) to the ignition controlling device (206) via the electrical path (501).
In an aspect of the invention, the processing unit (213) is connected to a secondary electrical
path (502), the secondary electrical path being parallel to the electrical path (501) between air
intake pressure sensor (209) and the ignition controlling device (206) and the processing unit
(213) selectively obstructs communication of the intake air pressure indicating signal to the
ignition controlling device by selectively activating the secondary electrical path (502).
13
In an embodiment of the invention, the secondary electrical path (502) upon activation has a
resistance value less than a resistance value of the electrical path (501) between the air intake
pressure sensor (209) and the ignition controlling device (206). Because of the above, the
intake air pressure indicating signal flows through the secondary electrical path (502) instead
of reaching the ignition controlling device (206) (via path (501)).
As the internal construction of the immobilizer device (211) in accordance with this
embodiment is substantially similar to that described with reference figure 3, the same is not
being described once again.
Thus, in relation to figures 4 and 5, it can be said that the intake air pressure indicating signal
as produced by the air intake pressure sensor (209) and/or the throttle position signal as
produced by the throttle position signal is essential for operation of the ignition controlling
device (206).
While in the above embodiments, communication of input signal(s) (such as crankshaft
position signal, throttle position signal or intake air pressure indicating signal) to the ignition
controlling device (206) is obstructed, it is also possible to selectively obstruct the output as
produced by the ignition controlling device (206).
Thus, referring to figure 6, there is shown a method (600) comprises receiving (601), by a
receiving unit, an immobilization signal for immobilizing the vehicle. The immobilization
signal can be received via a telecommunication system and details of same will be provided
later. The method (600) further comprises selectively obstructing (601), by a processing unit
in response to receiving the immobilization signal, communication of at least one control
signal from the ignition controlling device to one or more ignition supporting devices
provided in the vehicle.
To understand the functioning of the method (600), reference is drawn to figure 7, which is a
schematic block diagram of a vehicle (200) provided with an immobilizer device for enabling
immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location in accordance with a method as described
above. Each of spark plug (202) and the fuel injection system (210) receive control signals
from the ignition controlling device (206) and control the combustion within the engine, and
hence, can be called as ignition supporting device.
14
Communication of the control signal from the ignition control device (206) to the spark plug
(202) occurs over the electrical path (701) which connects the spark plug (202) and the
ignition controlling device (206). Likewise, communication of control signal from the
ignition control device (206) to the fuel injection system (210) occurs over the electrical path
(703) which connects the fuel injection system (210) and the ignition controlling device
(206).
Thus, to enable the vehicle (200) to be immobilized from a remote location, the vehicle is
provided with an immobilizer device (211) in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. The immobilizer device (211) comprises a receiving unit (212) adapted to receive,
from a remote device, an immobilization signal.
The immobilizer device (211) further comprises a processing unit (213) operably coupled to
the receiving unit (212) for receiving therefrom the immobilization signal and selectively
obstructing communication of an ignition controlling signal from the ignition controlling
device (206) to the spark plug (202) provided in the vehicle.
In an aspect of the invention, the processing unit (213) is connected to a secondary electrical
path (702), the secondary electrical path being parallel to the electrical path (701) between
spark plug (202) and the ignition controlling device (206) and the processing unit (213)
selectively obstructs communication of the ignition controlling signal from the ignition
controlling device (206) to the spark plug (202) by selectively activating the secondary
electrical path (702).
In an embodiment of the invention, the secondary electrical path (702) upon activation has a
resistance value less than a resistance value of the electrical path (701) between the spark
plug (202) and the ignition controlling device (206). Because of the above, the ignition
control signal flows through the secondary electrical path (702) instead of reaching the spark
plug (202) (via path (701)).
In an embodiment, the processing unit (213) is adapted to selectively obstructing
communication of an fuel controlling signal from the ignition controlling device (206) to the
fuel injection system (210) provided in the vehicle.
15
In an aspect of the invention, the processing unit (213) is connected to a secondary electrical
path (704), the secondary electrical path being parallel to the electrical path (703) between
fuel injection system (210) and the ignition controlling device (206) and the processing unit
(213) selectively obstructs communication of the fuel controlling signal from the ignition
controlling device (206) to the fuel injection system (210) by selectively activating the
secondary electrical path (704).
In an embodiment of the invention, the secondary electrical path (704) upon activation has a
resistance value less than a resistance value of the electrical path (703) between the fuel
injection system (210) and the ignition controlling device (206). Because of the above, the
fuel controlling signal flows through the secondary electrical path (704) instead of reaching
the fuel injection system (210) (via path (703)).
As the internal construction of the immobilizer device (211) in accordance with this
embodiment is substantially similar to that described with reference figure 3, the same is not
being described once again.
Now referring to figure 8, there is illustrated a detailed schematic block diagram of a system
for immobilization of a vehicle from a remote location in accordance with any of the
embodiments of the invention. The system (800) comprises at least one user operable device
(801 / 802 / 803 / 804) for producing an immobilization signal. By way of example, if the
user operable device is a mobile device (801) or a tab (802), then the immobilization signal
can be in the form of a SMS/USSD based message, or a voice based call; or any other type of
message which includes a text or pre-agreed content (for example, as may be generated by an
application).
In case the immobilization signal is in the form of a SMS message, the SMS can be sent
directly to the immobilizer device (211) provided in the vehicle (808) from the mobile device
via a mobile communication network (805). It could be in this case preferred for the user to
transmit as part of the SMS message an authentication key which results in immobilization of
the vehicle. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the authentication key would be known to
the processing unit available on the vehicle. Alternatively, the SMS message can be sent to an
intermediate server, which after performing verifications, can send a SMS based
immobilization message to the vehicle.
16
In case the immobilization signal is in the form of a voice call, the call can be directly placed
to the immobilizer device (211) located in the vehicle vide a mobile communication system
(805). In an alternative method, the user can place a voice call to an intermediate server or
interact over an IVR system, which after performing verifications, can send an
immobilization message to the vehicle vide the mobile communication system (805).
In yet another embodiment, an application can be installed on the mobile device (801) or the
tab (802) and the application can allow for easy sending of the immobilization signal to the
vehicle (either directly or via an intermediate server). In one example, the user can download
the application from any app-store and install the same on the mobile device. Thereafter, the
user can provide configuration data in the application. Such configuration data can include
personal credentials and details of the telemetric unit which is available in the vehicle. If the
telemetric unit is a GSM based telemetric unit, then the MSISDN number can form part of
the configuration data. The user can then set authentication key which can be used for locking
/ un-locking of the vehicle. The application in one embodiment can code the authentication
key for increasing a security level.
In case the user wishes to send the immobilization signal, the user can activate the application
and chose an option of sending an immobilization signal. In one embodiment, in response to
detecting an option pertaining to sending of immobilization signal, the application can be
configured to re-obtain the personal credentials (or a part thereof) or the authentication key
from the user.
By way of example, if the user operable device is a laptop (803) or a desktop (804), then the
user can log on to a pre-designated website or get connected to a server (806) hosting the
website, provide appropriate credentials and/or pass at least one challenge and select the
option of sending the immobilization signal. It may be noted that prior to sending the
immobilization step, the user has to store the data at least once at the server (806). Access to
the server can be vide through an internet (807).
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on
account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various
working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive
concept as taught herein.
17
The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a
single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple
functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the
manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be
implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed.
Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the
other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences
in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at
least as broad as given by the following claims.

WE CLAIM:
1. A method for immobilizing a vehicle from a remote location, said method comprising
the steps of:
o receiving, by a receiving unit, an immobilization signal for immobilizing the
vehicle;
o selectively obstructing, by a processing unit in response to receiving the
immobilization signal, communication of a signal produced by a crankshaft
position sensor to an ignition controlling device, the crankshaft position sensor
and the ignition controlling device being provided in the vehicle.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of selectively obstructing
comprises selectively activating a secondary electrical path, the secondary electrical
path being parallel to an electrical path between crankshaft position sensor and an
ignition controlling device.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the secondary electrical path upon
activation has a resistance value less than a resistance value of the electrical path
between the crankshaft position sensor and the ignition controlling device.
4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the step of selectively activating the
secondary electrical path comprises selectively turning “ON” a switching element
provided in the secondary electrical path.
5. A method for immobilizing a vehicle from a remote location, said method comprising
the steps of:
o receiving, by a receiving unit, an immobilization signal for immobilizing the
vehicle;
o selectively obstructing, by a processing unit in response to receiving the
immobilization signal, communication of at least one signal to an ignition
controlling device provided in the vehicle, the at least one signal is produced
by a sensor provided in the vehicle and is essential for operation of the ignition
controlling device.
6. A method for immobilizing a vehicle from a remote location, said method comprising
the steps of:
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o receiving, by a receiving unit, an immobilization signal for immobilizing the
vehicle;
o selectively obstructing, by a processing unit in response to receiving the
immobilization signal, communication of at least one control signal from an
ignition controlling device to one or more ignition supporting devices
provided in the vehicle.
7. An immobilizer device for enabling immobilization of a vehicle from a remote
location, comprising:
a receiving unit adapted to receive, from a remote device, an immobilization signal
for immobilizing the vehicle; and
a processing unit operably coupled to the receiving unit for receiving therefrom the
immobilization signal and selectively obstructing communication of a signal produced
by a crankshaft position sensor to an ignition controlling device, the crankshaft
position sensor and the ignition controlling device being provided in the vehicle.
8. The immobilizer device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the processing unit is
connected to a secondary electrical path, the secondary electrical path being parallel
to an electrical path between crankshaft position sensor and an ignition controlling
device and the processing unit selectively obstructs communication of the signal
produced by the crankshaft position sensor to the ignition controlling device by
selectively activating the secondary electrical path.
9. The immobilizer device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the secondary electrical path
upon activation has a resistance value less than a resistance value of the electrical path
between the crankshaft position sensor and the ignition controlling device.
10. The immobilizer device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the secondary electrical path
comprises a switching element operably connected to the processing unit and
selectively activating the secondary electrical path comprises selectively turning
“ON” the switching element by the processing unit.
11. An immobilizer device for enabling immobilization of a vehicle from a remote
location, comprising:
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a receiving unit adapted to receive, from a remote device, an immobilization signal
for immobilizing the vehicle; and
a processing unit operably coupled to the receiving unit for receiving therefrom the
immobilization signal and selectively obstructing communication of at least one
signal to an ignition controlling device provided in the vehicle, the at least one signal
is produced by a sensor provided in the vehicle and is essential for operation of the
ignition controlling device.
12. An immobilizer device for enabling immobilization of a vehicle from a remote
location, comprising:
a receiving unit adapted to receive, from a remote device, an immobilization signal
for immobilizing the vehicle; and
a processing unit operably coupled to the receiving unit for receiving therefrom the
immobilization signal and selectively obstructing communication of at least one
control signal from an ignition controlling device to one or more ignition supporting
devices provided in the vehicle.