Claims:1. A security system for the off-road vehicles and a smart key (100) thereof for immobilizing and mobilizing the off-road vehicle, comprising of:
a remote smart key (100), wherein the said smart key having a fob (101); a plurality of input switches (102,103 & 104) mounted on the fob for performing various operations; an encoder IC (105) pre-programmed to convert the mechanical input into the electronic signals; a signal indicator (108) for indicating the signal transmission; a transponder unit (106) placed inside the fob of the key; a battery (107) for supplying power to the key; an electronic control unit (ECU) (120), placed in the off-road vehicle to control various operations of the off-road vehicle, having a plurality of control units including a first control unit (110), wherein the said first control unit (110) is in communication with the said transponder unit (106) of the smart key via a transceiver (109), which receives the signal from the transponder unit (106); a plurality of micro-controllers, to perform various operations of the off-road vehicle based on the signals received from the transceiver (109); a vehicle ignition system (111) placed in connection with the said control unit (110); and a battery (112) for supplying power to the said control unit (110).
2. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 1, wherein the said plurality of micro-controllers includes an ignition unit (111), immobilizer unit (113), illumination ring circuit (114), head lamp circuit (115), vehicle indicator circuit (116), emergency disarming unit (117), and a remote pairing unit (118).
3. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 1, wherein the said input switches includes a lock push button (102), unlock push button (103) and an identifier button (104).
4. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 1, wherein activating the said lock push button (102) on the remote smart key (100), activates the vehicle immobilization unit (113), which results in the immobilization of the vehicle and prevents the starting of the vehicle ignition system (111) by the common mechanical key, thereby securing the off-road vehicle from any unauthorized access.
5. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 1 and claim 4, Wherein the said immobilized state of the vehicle is indicated by flashing of the vehicle indicator lamp.
6. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 1, wherein triggering the said unlock push button (103) on the remote smart key (100) sends the corresponding signal, the first control unit (110) through the transceiver (109) receives the corresponding signal and activates the immobilization unit (113) to allow the starting of the vehicle ignition system (111) by the common mechanical key.
7. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 1 and claim 6, Wherein the said mobilized state of the vehicle is indicated by flashing of the vehicle indicator lamp.
8. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 1 and claim 6, wherein the triggering of the said unlock push button (103) on the remote smart key (100) activates the illuminating ring circuit (114) which provides sufficient lighting around the vicinity of the common key insert port for easy identification of ignition key insert position.
9. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 1 and claim 8, wherein the said illumination around the key insert port is in the form of a ring glow.
10. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 1, wherein activating the said lock push button (102) for an extended time sends the corresponding signal, the first control unit (110) through the transceiver (109) receives the corresponding signal and activates the corresponding head lamp circuit (115), this enables the operation of vehicle head lamp for a predetermined time to provide lighting for the operator.
11. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 10, wherein the said headlamp circuit (115) is deactivated by triggering any of the input switch (102,103,104) on the smart key fob (101) within the said predetermined time.
12. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles according to claim 1 and claim 3, wherein activating the identifier button (104) sends the corresponding signal, the first control unit (110) through the transceiver (109) receives the corresponding signal and activates the indicator light circuit (114), this enables the operation of vehicle indicator lamp system at regular intervals sufficient enough to locate the vehicle.
13. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the said emergency disarming unit (117) is activated during the unavailability of the smart key (100), to disarm the security system of the vehicle with a unique password entered through the vehicle ignition key port, which allows the operator to operate the vehicle with the common mechanical key eliminating the need of the smart key (100).
14. The security system and the smart key thereof for the off-road vehicles as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the said remote pairing unit (118) is activated after disarming the security system of the vehicle, for pairing a new smart key with the existing ECU unit (120) to reactivate the security system of the off road vehicle.
15. The security system and the smart key thereof as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said immobilizer unit (113), illumination ring circuit (114), head lamp circuit (115) and vehicle indicator circuit (116) gets activated only in the vehicle ignition off state.
, Description:SECURITY SYSTEM FOR OFF-ROAD VEHICLES AND A SMART KEY THEREOF
FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a security system for an off-road vehicle. In particular the present invention relates to a smart key for an off-road vehicle used to remotely lock, locate and lead to the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Generally, off-road vehicle of a particular variant such as tractors have a common lock and key design. A single key can be used to unlock all vehicles of that variant, which may lead to unauthorized access of the vehicle by individuals other than the owners. This common locking mechanism was adopted by the manufacturing industries because this makes the production process much simpler and economical. But on the other hand, this holds a serious threat to the security of the off-road vehicle. Designing of individual locking system for each vehicle is a more tedious and expensive affair, which may create difficulty in the affordability of the vehicle. To overcome this the owners of the vehicle provide additional means of locking system such as chain locks to secure their vehicle. Furthermore, the availability of remotely operable key is not available for the off-road vehicle. The remote keys of on-road vehicles that are available for anti-theft and security purposes, are used for locking and unlocking the vehicle doors or actuating alarms and sending signals during unauthorized use of the vehicle, but are not directly connected to the starting circuit to prevent the unauthorized access of the vehicle. Hence there exists a need of security system for off-road vehicles, which can be remotely operated to prevent the unauthorized use of the vehicle by a third party.
Indian Patent application No. 4085/DELNP/2006 discloses an electronic key system for a vehicle including a controller mounted in the vehicle and a portable transmitter carried by a user, the vehicle containing a locking unit for causing the vehicle to be locked so that the vehicle cannot be used until a lock release command is received, the portable transmitter containing means for outputting a request signal (Sq) to the controller in response to operation input by the user, and wherein the controller comprises: means, made up of a plurality of switches provided in the vehicle, for receiving a request signal (Sq) from the portable transmitter in response to an ON operation of a predetermined switch, among a plurality of switches positioned in the vicinity of the user when the user boards the vehicle; and means for, when the request signal (Sq) is compared and judged to be a request from the normal user, outputting a lock release command to the locking unit. Wherein this Patent application fails to address the unlocking of a vehicle’s ignition system and thus provides the threat for off-vehicle security system.
Chinese Patent application No. 20141841141 discloses an automobile remote control key receiving device and method. The device comprises an RF receiving module, an RF signal processing module and a communication module, wherein the RF receiving module sends a received RF wireless signal of an automobile remote control key to the RF signal processing module, the RF signal processing module verifies the RF wireless signal and then converts the RF wireless signal into a data signal, and the data signal is sent to an automobile body controller of an automobile through the communication module. According to the automobile remote control key receiving device and method, since the remote control key receiving device is independent of an ECU and other electronic devices in an automobile, electromagnetic interference from the other electronic devices is avoided, the remote control key receiving sensitivity is improved, and the remote control key receiving distance is increased. Wherein this patent application fails to disclose about the unique signal for the each and every vehicle. Furthermore, this application fails to address the ignition lock, wherein immobilize the vehicle after ignition is locked.
IN 926/MUM/2012 provides a system for passive keyless entry and push to start for a vehicle comprising a single antenna to create LF field for a predefined area. The LF antenna charges the transponder of the key fob to enable the key fob communicate with the vehicle for authentication. The LF antenna is used to determine the location of key fob with respect to the vehicle. The vehicle determines the signal strength of the key fob to determine location of the key fob.
WO 2015103204 provides a multi-range vehicle access systems for increasing and varying the range of control of wireless systems used in vehicles, for example, to activate lights when an authorized vehicle user is in a close range, and to start the vehicle from a distance before the authorized vehicle user leaves the house. This systems use variable frequency shift keying, variations in power transmissions, and user defined ranges that can be modified through Bluetooth communications.
WO 2012048859 provides a vehicle key having an electronic immobilizer comprising an electronic processing unit (19) communicating via a radio connection with a vehicle. Basic function data, in particular vehicle-specific data, such as immobilization data, is stored in the processing unit, and configuration data is also stored, in particular country-specific data such as data relating to the radio connection, transmission power, transmission duration and/or luminous colour of a vehicle key LED (9) and/or required minimum duration for operating vehicle key buttons (5, 7). According to the invention, the processing unit (19) of the vehicle key (1) comprises a memory area (21) for the configuration data, in which memory area the configuration data, following an initial write process, can be altered by means of an external programming unit (23).
The above said prior-arts does not address the issue of security for the off-road vehicles, which has a common lock and key mechanism allowing the unauthorized use of the vehicle. Therefore there is need in art to provide a security system for the off-road vehicle which locks and unlocks the engine ignition system of the off-road vehicle in addition to the available common mechanical key.
The present invention provides a security system for the off-road vehicles with a smart key to remotely lock and unlock the engine ignition system in addition to the available common mechanical key. The present invention provides a means of, locating the vehicle among group of vehicles, easy identification of common key insert position by providing sufficient lighting and remotely actuating the vehicle head lamp when required. Further, the present invention also provides emergency disarming of the security system in-case of unavailability of the smart key to deactivate the ECU unit and a provision for pairing a new smart key with the existing ECU unit after the completion of disarming process.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION:
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a security system for immobilization and mobilization of the off-road vehicles to enhance the security of the vehicle and prevent the unauthorized use of the vehicle.
The Second objective of the present invention is to provide a remote smart key to lock and unlock the engine ignition system in addition to the common mechanical key.
Third objective of the present invention is to provide a means of locating a vehicle among group of vehicles by actuating indicator system.
Fourth objective of the present invention is to remotely actuate the vehicle head lamp system when required, to guide the driver from the field to the vehicle and vice verse.
Fifth objective of the present invention is to provide a means of easy identification of common key insert port by illuminating ring glow system.
Sixth objective of the present invention is to provide a method of emergency disarming of the security system in-case of unavailability of the smart key.
Seventh objective of the present invention is to provide a system for pairing a new smart key with the existing ECU unit after disarming the security system of the off-road vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a security system for the off-road vehicles and a smart key (100) thereof for immobilizing and mobilizing the off-road vehicle, comprising of : a remote smart key (100); a fob (101); a plurality of input switches including, a lock push button (102), unlock push button (103) and an identifier button (104), mounted on the fob; an encoder IC (105); a signal indicator (108); a transponder unit (106); a battery (107); and an electronic control unit (ECU) (120) having a plurality of control units including a first control unit (110), with a plurality of micro-controllers to control and perform various operations of the off-road vehicle. The lock push button (102) is activated to prevent the starting of the vehicle ignition system (111) by the common vehicle key, this secures the vehicle from any unauthorized access. To start the vehicle engine, the unlock push button (103) is triggered to activate the immobilization unit (113), which allows starting of the vehicle ignition unit (111) by the common mechanical key. The triggering of unlock push button (103) simultaneously activates the illuminating ring circuit (114) to provide sufficient lighting around the vicinity of the common key insert port. Further, the security system of the present invention prevents the immobilization of the vehicle during the running condition or engine ignition on state. In another embodiment, activating the lock push button (102) for an extended time activates the head lamp circuit (115), this enables the operation of vehicle head lamp to provide lighting for guiding the operator from the field to the vehicle and vice verse. Triggering the identifier button (104) activates the indicator light circuit (116), which enables the operation of vehicle indicator lamp system at regular intervals, sufficient enough to locate the vehicle. Further, in addition to the above the present invention provides an emergency disarming unit (117) and a remote pairing unit (118), which in case of unavailability of the smart key (100) is activated to disarm the vehicle security system to deactivate the ECU unit and allows the vehicle to get operated with the common mechanical key available eliminating the need of the smart key, after disarming the security system the remote pairing unit (118) is activated to pair a new smart key with the existing ECU unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAM
Fig 1. illustrates the block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention ECU unit of the security system for the off-road vehicles.
Fig 2. illustrates the block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention smart key system for the off-road vehicles.
Fig 3. shows the peripheral view of the smart key of the present invention designed to perform various functions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention as embodied by the "security system for off-road vehicles and smart key thereof", succinctly fulfils the above-mentioned need(s) in the art. The present invention has objective(s) arising as a result of the above-mentioned need(s), said objective(s) being enumerated below. In as much as the objective(s) of the present invention are enumerated, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, the enumerated objective(s) are not exhaustive of the present invention in its entirety, and are enclosed solely for the purpose of illustration. Further, the present invention encloses within its scope and purview, any structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) even though, such structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) are not mentioned explicitly herein or elsewhere, in the present disclosure. The present invention therefore encompasses also, any improvisation(s)/modification(s) applied to the structural alternative(s)/functional alternative(s) within its scope and purview. The present invention may be embodied in other specific form(s) without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically recited.
The present invention provides a security system for the off-road vehicles and a smart key (100) thereof for immobilizing and mobilizing the off-road vehicle, comprising of:
a remote smart key (100), wherein the said smart key having a fob (101); a plurality of input switches (102,103 & 104) mounted on the fob for performing various operations; an encoder IC (105) pre-programmed to convert the mechanical input into the electronic signals; a signal indicator (108) for indicating the signal transmission; a transponder unit (106) placed inside the fob of the key; a battery (107) for supplying power to the key;
an electronic control unit (ECU) (120), placed in the off-road vehicle to control various operations of the off-road vehicle, having a plurality of control units including a first control unit (110), wherein the said first control unit (110) is in communication with the said transponder unit (106) of the smart key via a transceiver (109), which receives the signal from the transponder unit (106); a plurality of micro-controllers, including an ignition unit (111) immobilizer unit (113), illumination ring circuit (114), head lamp circuit (115), vehicle indicator circuit (116), emergency disarming unit (117) and a remote pairing unit (118), to perform various operations of the off-road vehicle based on the signals received from the transceiver (109); a vehicle ignition system (111) placed in connection with the said first control unit (110); and a battery (112) for supplying power to the said first control unit (110).
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said input switches includes a lock push button (102), unlock push button (103) and an identifier button (104).
In an embodiment of the present invention, when the ignition unit (111) of the vehicle is switched off, after a predefined time, the vehicle auto immobilization unit (113) gets activated and the vehicle remains in an immobilized state. To start the vehicle engine, the said unlock push button (103) in the smart key fob (101) is triggered to send the corresponding signal, the first control unit (110) through the transceiver (109) receives the corresponding signal from the said transponder unit (106) of the smart key (100) and activates the immobilizer unit (113) to allow starting of the vehicle ignition system (111) by the common vehicle key. This triggering of unlock push button (103) simultaneously activates the illuminating ring circuit (114) to provide sufficient lighting around the vicinity of the common key insert port, this allows easy identification of ignition key insert position. The immobilized and the mobilized state of the vehicle is indicated by flashing of the vehicle indicator lamp. To secure the vehicle from unauthorized access during the vehicle ignition off state, the said lock push button (102) is activated which prevents the starting of the vehicle ignition system (111) by the common vehicle key. This immobilization of vehicle using lock push button (102) gets deactivated during the vehicle running condition or engine ignition on state.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said predefine time for activation of vehicle auto immobilization system ranges from 0 to 10 minutes, more preferably 4 to 7 minutes.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said illumination around the key insert port is in the form of a ring glow.
In an embodiment of the present invention, remote operation of vehicle head lamp to provide lighting for guiding the operator involves, activating the lock push button (102), for a extended time, to send the corresponding signal, the first control unit (110) through the transceiver (109) receives the corresponding signal from the said transponder unit (106) of the smart key (100) and activates the corresponding head lamp circuit (115), this enables the operation of vehicle head lamp to provide lighting for a predetermined time, deactivation of the headlamp circuit (115) is achieved by triggering any of the input switch (102,103,104) on the smart key fob (101) within the said predetermined time.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said predetermined time of activation of vehicle head lamp is for 5 to 300 seconds, preferably 15 to 60 seconds.
In another embodiment of the present invention, identifying/locating the vehicle in a crowd of similar vehicles involves, activating the identifier button (104) to send the corresponding signal, the first control unit (110) through the transceiver (109) receives the corresponding signal from the said transponder unit (106) of the smart key (100) and activates the indicator light circuit (116), that enables the operation of vehicle indicator lamp system at regular intervals, sufficient enough to locate the vehicle.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, in case of unavailability of the said smart key (100) the emergency disarming unit (117) is activated, which enables the operator to disarm the security system to deactivate the ECU unit of the vehicle with a unique password entered through the vehicle ignition key port and allows the operator to operate the vehicle with the common mechanical key available, eliminating the need of the smart key. After disarming the security system pairing of a new smart key with the existing ECU (120) unit is performed through activating the remote pairing unit (118), to reactivate the security system of the off road vehicle.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said immobilizer unit (113), illumination ring circuit (114), head lamp circuit (115) and vehicle indicator circuit (116) gets activated only in the vehicle ignition off state.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the invention may be made by a person skilled in the art.