REMOTE START SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

Abstract

Control method for a remote start system of a vehicle, comprising: (a) remote starting of the vehicle via an external terminal (10); (b) in response to the remote start, activating a timer (500) when the door of the vehicle is opened, wherein opening a door while the vehicle is locked terminates the remote start; (c) after activating the timer (500), searching for a transponder (fob) (400) and confirming the transponder (400) when the driver's door is closed, a brake is applied, or a predetermined time of the timer (500) has elapsed without operating the vehicle in any way; (d) transferring the vehicle from remote start mode to normal start mode; and (e) Terminate the remote start if the transponder (400) is not confirmed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION(a) Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote start system for a vehicle and a method for controlling the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a remote start system for a vehicle and a method for controlling the same, which improve convenience while simultaneously preventing theft of the vehicle. (b) Description of the related art

[0002] Generally, remote start systems start a vehicle using an RF signal. A remote start differs from a regular vehicle start, which requires a user to actually insert a key into the vehicle's ignition.

[0003] In conventional systems, vehicle starting devices may include a smart key or remote keyless entry (RKE) and also a mobile transmitter that transmits a wireless signal (e.g., an RF signal) and a receiver installed in the vehicle to receive the wireless signal from the mobile transmitter. The receiver communicates with a device such as a door locking system, an engine control system for starting a vehicle, etc.

[0004] Many conventional systems allow the vehicle to be driven while unattended. This means that if a vehicle is started by a remote start system and the driver does not operate the vehicle immediately or leaves the vehicle unattended, it can easily be stolen by a thief.

[0005] From US 2009 / 0 265 048 A1, a generic control method for a remote start system of a vehicle is known, comprising: (a) remotely starting the vehicle via an external terminal; (b) activating a timer in response to the remote start when the vehicle door is opened; (c) after activating the timer, searching for a transponder and confirming the transponder when the driver's door is closed, a brake is applied, or a predetermined time of the timer has expired without the vehicle being operated in any way; (d) transferring the vehicle from the remote start mode to the normal start mode; and (e) terminating the remote start if the transponder is not confirmed.

[0006] US 2011 / 0 202 201 A1 further discloses a remote start device that starts the engine of a vehicle when it receives an engine start signal wirelessly transmitted from a remote control terminal. A start control unit turns on a remote control switch arranged in a path through which power is supplied from a battery to ignition devices to power the ignition devices and start the engine when the engine start signal is received. An operating state detection unit detects at least a key insertion operation in which a key is inserted into a key cylinder and a brake pedal operation in which a brake pedal is depressed by an operator. A remote stop unit turns off the remote control switch when a stop of the brake pedal operation is detected after the engine is started and the key insertion and brake pedal operation are detected.

[0007] The above statements in this background section serve only to better understand the background of the invention and may therefore contain information that is not part of the prior art already known to the average person skilled in the art in this country. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote start system for a vehicle and a method for controlling the same, which improves convenience while preventing theft of the vehicle.

[0009] The problem is solved by a remote start system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments can be found in the subclaims.

[0010] A remote start system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include (a) remotely starting the vehicle and (b) activating a timer after the remote start of the vehicle when the vehicle door is opened, wherein opening a door while the vehicle is locked terminates the remote start. (c) after activating the timer, searching for and confirming a transponder (fob) (e.g., a remote keyless entry) when the driver's door is closed, a brake is applied, or a predetermined time of the timer has elapsed without operating the vehicle. If the transponder is confirmed, the vehicle transitions from the remote start mode to normal mode. However, if the transponder is not confirmed, the remote start terminates.

[0011] In step (a), a remote start signal received from an external terminal can be forwarded to a telematics module of the vehicle. The signal can be sent from the telematics module via a body control module (body test module) to a signal processing unit, and the remote start can be initiated. The specified time can be 30 seconds.

[0012] Remote start may be terminated if the gearshift lever is moved from the park position to another gear or position, or if the vehicle begins to move.

[0013] The transponder can be confirmed when the signal processing means receives a unique ID signal from the transponder and confirms the transponder based on the unique ID signal.

[0014] A remote start system for a vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a telematics module that receives a remote start signal from the vehicle, a body check module that checks the operating condition of the vehicle, receives the remote start signal from the telematics module, and transmits the remote start signal when it is the signal corresponding to the vehicle.

[0015] The embodiment further includes a signal processing means that receives the remote start signal sent from the body test module, checks the operating status of the vehicle, and initiates the remote start, as well as a timer that begins to count down when the vehicle door is opened after the remote start. The signal processing means can search for and confirm a transponder when the driver's seat-side door is closed, a brake is applied, or a predetermined time has elapsed without operating the vehicle after the timer starts. It can change the remote start to a general start if the transponder is confirmed, or terminate the remote start if the transponder is not confirmed.

[0016] The body test module can generate warning signals and send them to the signal processing unit if a door is opened while the vehicle is locked after the remote start has been initiated. The signal processing unit receives the warning signal and terminates the remote start if necessary. The preset time can be 30 seconds.

[0017] The signal processing means may abort the remote start if the gear lever is moved from the park position to another position or gear, a starter push button is engaged, or the vehicle has started moving after the remote start has been activated.

[0018] The signal processing means may perform the validation of the transponder when the signal processing means receives a unique ID signal from the transponder and validates the transponder based on the received unique ID signal.

[0019] As described above, a remote start system for a vehicle and a method for controlling the same according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the theft of the vehicle while it is unattended. Once the transponder is confirmed in remote start mode, the system switches to normal start mode, eliminating the need for further starting operations and increasing driver convenience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a remote start system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a remote start system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a control method of a remote start system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a remote start initiating step of a control method of a remote start system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a control method of a remote start system according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. <Bedeutung der Bezugszeichen> 10 end devices 20 servers 100 Telematics Module (TMU) 200 Body Test Module (Body Test Module) (BCM) 300 signal processing devices 400 transponders (fob) 500 timers DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] It is understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms used herein generally refer to motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, personal watercraft including various boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and also includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (chargeable from a wall outlet), hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As used herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, e.g., vehicles with both gasoline and electric power.

[0023] A remote start system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, as described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, comprises a telematics module (TMU) 100, a body test module (BCM) 200, a signal processing means 300 and a timer 500.

[0024] The telematics module (TMU) 100 receives a remote start signal from a vehicle and sends it to the body check module (BCM) 200. The body check module (BCM) 200 checks the conditions of the vehicle and sends the remote start signal to the signal processing means 300 if the remote start signal is a correct remote start signal for the vehicle in question.

[0025] Signal processing means 300 receives the remote start signal and checks the vehicle conditions. Signal processing means 300 implements the remote start if the vehicle conditions are normal, and timer 500 begins counting down when a vehicle door is opened after the remote start is initiated.

[0026] The telematics module (TMU) 100 is connected to a communications network and forwards the remote start signal received from the server to the body check module (BCM) 200.

[0027] As from Fig. 2, the remote start signal is sent from a user's terminal device 10, such as a mobile phone or a smartphone (smart phone), via a server 20 to the telematics module 100 and forwarded to the body test module 200.

[0028] In the embodiment of the present invention, a remote start is defined as a method in which a vehicle is started using a mobile phone or the application of a smartphone via a communication server 20, for example, to adjust the interior temperature of a vehicle.

[0029] In general, the body test module 200 controls the vehicle's functions (door locking / unlocking, trunk opening, warning tone, etc.), and checks the vehicle's operating status. The body test module 200 also sends the remote start signal to the signal processing means 300 if the remote start signal is assigned only to the vehicle in question.

[0030] Additionally, the body test module 200 determines whether the vehicle is in the locked or unlocked state after initiating the remote start, and generates and sends warning signals to the signal processing means 300 after initiating the remote start if a vehicle door is opened in the locked state, and aborts the remote start if necessary. The body test module 200 continues to maintain the remote start if a vehicle door is opened in the unlocked state, and the timer 500 then begins counting down.

[0031] After starting a vehicle using remote start, the vehicle can be stolen if a door remains unlocked, and therefore the remote start will be terminated immediately if necessary to prevent theft.

[0032] The signal processing means 300 receives the remote start signal from the body test module 200, checks the vehicle conditions, and implements the remote start only when the vehicle condition is normal. In the embodiment of the present invention, a smart key module (SMK) of the vehicle may be the signal processing means 300.

[0033] The signal processing means 300 searches for a transponder (fob) and confirms it when the driver's door (not shown) is closed, a brake (not shown) is applied, or a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed without any operation after the start of the timer 500. The signal processing means then changes the remote start to a normal start if the transponder is confirmed, or terminates the remote start if the transponder is not confirmed.

[0034] Since the vehicle may be stolen, the present invention prevents such theft by searching and confirming the transponder 400 to immediately prevent vehicle theft.

[0035] In the embodiment of the present invention, it is determined that the vehicle is not stolen by confirming the transponder 400 immediately after the driver's door is opened and a brake is applied. Thus, the driver does not need to perform any further actions after entering the vehicle, thereby also increasing the convenience of use.

[0036] If doors other than the driver's door are closed, or if the preset time has elapsed without any operation after the timer 500 has started, the remote start is maintained and the timer 500 begins to count down. Once the preset time has elapsed, the system searches for and confirms the transponder 400 accordingly.

[0037] The signal processing means 300 terminates the remote start when the gear lever is moved from the park position to another gear or position, a starter push button is turned on, or the vehicle starts moving.

[0038] The transponder 400 may be a smart card or a smart key of the vehicle, and the transponder 400 may perform closing / opening (locking and unlocking) of the vehicle doors or starting the vehicle by communicating with a confirmation system such as the signal processing means 300. Furthermore, the transponder 400 is equipped with circuitry for data exchange, keyless entry, immobilization, etc.

[0039] As a Fig. 1, the transponder 400 may include a smart key, and the validation of the transponder 400 may be implemented when the signal processing means 300 receives a unique ID signal from the transponder 400 and determines that the received unique ID signal is correct for the vehicle in question.

[0040] Timer 500 counts a predetermined time that elapses after the remote start is initiated and a vehicle door is opened. In some embodiments, the predetermined time may be 30 seconds, for example.

[0041] A method for remotely starting a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below.

[0042] As in Fig. 3, a method for remotely starting a vehicle according to one embodiment includes: (a) initiating the remote start of a vehicle; (b) activating a timer 500 in response to the remote start when a door of the vehicle is opened; (c) activating the timer 500 in response to the timer 500 activating, searching for a transponder 400 and confirming the transponder 400 once the driver's door is closed, a brake is applied, or a predetermined time has elapsed without any operation; and (d) changing the remote start to a normal start once the transponder 400 has been confirmed, or aborting the remote start if the transponder 400 is not confirmed.

[0043] In step (a), the remote start signal sent from the terminal device 10 such as a mobile phone or a smartphone is forwarded to the vehicle via the communication server 20 and the remote start is initiated in S302.

[0044] The remote start initiation step S302 is Fig. 4. The telematics module (TMU) 100 receives a remote start signal from the server 20, S401, and sends the signal to the body check module (BCM) 200, S402. The body check module (BCM) 200 checks the vehicle condition and sends the remote start signal to the signal processing means 300 if the remote start signal is the correct signal for the vehicle in question, S403. The signal processing means 300 receives the remote start signal and checks the vehicle conditions, and the signal processing means 300 implements the remote start if the vehicle condition is normal, S404.

[0045] In step (b), the timer 500 is set as in Fig. 3, and when a door is opened after the remote start is implemented, S304, the timer 500 begins counting down, S306. The preset time may be 30 seconds, for example, to ensure convenience while preventing vehicle theft.

[0046] If, as in Fig. 3, a door is opened while the vehicle is locked after the remote start initiated in step (b), S308, the remote start is immediately aborted, S310, to prevent the theft of the vehicle.

[0047] The body test module 200 determines whether the vehicle is in the locked state, and if a door is opened in the locked state, the body test module 200 sends warning signals to the signal processing means 300. The signal processing means 300 receives the warning signal and then terminates the remote start of the vehicle, S310, if necessary, for example, because the door is opened while the vehicle is locked.

[0048] If, in step (c), the driver's door is closed, a brake is applied, or a predetermined time has elapsed without any operation after the start of the timer 500 (S312), the vehicle's transponder 400 is searched and confirmed (S314). Confirmation of the transponder 400 is implemented when the signal processing means 300 receives a unique ID signal from the transponder 400 and determines that the received unique ID signal is associated with the vehicle in question.

[0049] In step (d), the signal processing means 300 changes the remote start to the normal start mode if the transponder 400 is confirmed, S316, and the signal processing means 300 terminates the remote start if the transponder 400 is not confirmed, S318. The case where the transponder 400 is not confirmed may occur if the searched transponder 400 does not correspond to the vehicle in question or the transponder 400 is not within the transmission range.

[0050] If the transponder 400 is confirmed, the remote start switches to a general start mode, improving driver convenience, and if the transponder 400 is not confirmed, the remote start is terminated so that the vehicle cannot be stolen.

[0051] If, as in Fig. 5, according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, if the gear lever is moved from the parking mode to another mode, the start push button is turned on, or the vehicle is set in motion (the vehicle is running) after the remote start has been initiated, S501, the signal processing means 300 may terminate the remote start, S318.

[0052] Although step S501 according to Fig. 5 is implemented after step S312, the representation of Fig. 5 is not a restriction, but step S501 can be implemented at any time after step S302, whereby various modifications are possible.

[0053] Furthermore, the control logic of the present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable medium on a computer-readable storage medium containing executable program instructions that a processor, controller, or the like can execute. Examples of computer-readable media include ROMs, RAMs, compact discs (CD-ROMs), magnetic tapes, floppy disks, USB flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed across networked computer systems so that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, e.g., by a telematics server.

[0054] That is, although the above embodiments provide for the execution of the above-described control method by a plurality of modules and units, these units may be implemented as a single controller or control unit executing a computer-readable medium on the above computer-readable data carriers.

Claims

[1] A control method for a remote start system of a vehicle, comprising: (a) remote starting of the vehicle via an external terminal (10); (b) in response to the remote start, activating a timer (500) when the door of the vehicle is opened, wherein opening a door while the vehicle is locked terminates the remote start; (c) after activating the timer (500), searching for a transponder (fob) (400) and confirming the transponder (400) when the driver's door is closed, a brake is applied, or a predetermined time of the timer (500) has elapsed without operating the vehicle in any way; (d) transferring the vehicle from remote start mode to normal start mode; and (e) Terminate the remote start if the transponder (400) is not confirmed. [2] Control method according to claim 1, wherein in step (a) a remote start signal received from the external terminal (10) is forwarded to a telematics module (100) of the vehicle, the signal is sent via a body control module (200) to a signal processing means (300) and the remote start is initiated. [3] The control method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time is 30 seconds. [4] The control method of claim 1, wherein the remote start is terminated when the shift lever is moved from the park position to another mode, when the start push button is turned on, or the vehicle starts moving before the transponder (400) is confirmed. [5] The control method according to claim 2, wherein the transponder (400) is confirmed when the signal processing means (300) receives a unique ID signal from the transponder (400) and confirms the transponder (400) based on the unique ID signal. [6] Remote start system for a vehicle, comprising: a telematics module (100) configured to receive a remote start signal for the vehicle; at least one body test module (200) configured to check the operating status of the vehicle and to receive a remote start signal from the telematics module (100) and to transmit the remote start signal if it is determined that the remote start signal is the signal associated with the vehicle in question; a signal processing means (300) configured to receive the remote start signal sent by the body test module (200) and to check the operating state of the vehicle and to initiate the remote start of the vehicle; and a timer (500) configured to be activated when the vehicle door is opened after initiating the remote start, wherein the signal processing means (300) is further configured to search for and confirm a transponder (400) when the driver's door is closed, a brake is applied, or a predetermined time of the timer (500) has elapsed without operating the vehicle after the timer (500) has started, and to transfer the vehicle from the remote start mode to a normal operating mode and, in response to the non-confirmation of the transponder (400), to terminate the remote start; wherein the body test module (200) sends a warning signal to the signal processing means (300) if a door is opened in the locked state of the vehicle after initiating the remote start; and the signal processing means (300) is further configured to receive the warning signal and to terminate the remote start. [7] A remote start system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined time is 30 seconds. [8] The remote start system of claim 6, wherein the signal processing means (300) is further configured to terminate the remote start when the shift lever is moved from the park position to another position or gear, a starter push button is turned on, or the vehicle has started moving. [9] A remote start system according to claim 6, wherein the transponder (400) is validated when the signal processing means (300) receives a unique ID signal from the transponder (400) and validates the transponder (400) based on the received unique ID signal. [10] A computer-readable medium containing program instructions executed by a controller, the computer-readable medium comprising: Program instructions for remotely starting a vehicle via an external terminal (10); Program instructions that activate a timer (500) when a door of the vehicle is opened when the vehicle has been remotely started; Program instructions that, after activating the timer (500), search for and confirm a transponder (400) when the driver's door is closed, a brake is applied, or a predetermined time of the timer (500) has elapsed without operating the vehicle; Program instructions that transition the vehicle from remote start mode to a normal start mode when the transponder (400) is acknowledged; and Program instructions that terminate the remote start if the transponder (400) is not confirmed; Program instructions that generate a warning signal whenever a door is opened while the vehicle is locked after remote start has been initiated to cancel the remote start. [11] The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the predetermined time is 30 seconds. [12] The computer-readable medium of claim 10, further comprising program instructions that terminate the remote start when the gearshift lever is moved from the park position to another position, a start push button is activated, or the vehicle is moved. [13] The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the transponder (400) is validated when a signal processing means (300) receives a unique ID signal from the transponder (400) and validates the transponder (400) based on the received unique ID signal.

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