Vehicle Antitheft System Using Operator Sequence Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle antitheft systems are often visible and can be easily defeated by professional thieves, and vehicle tracking devices may not effectively prevent theft or deter unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle antitheft system that detects specific operator actions through a predetermined sequence, actuates warning signals, and disables the vehicle if the sequence is not completed within a set time, while also sending location information to a monitoring service if the vehicle remains unauthenticated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visible antitheft devices are installed in the vehicle, then theft deterrence is provided, but the devices can be easily defeated by professional thieves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication mechanism from visible external devices and integrates it into the vehicle's existing operational systems. The sequence recognition is embedded within normal vehicle operations rather than being a separate visible security device, making it invisible to thieves while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the vehicle's existing operational sequences as an intermediary between the operator and the security system. Instead of direct authentication through visible devices, the system mediates through recognition of specific operational patterns that occur during normal vehicle use, providing covert security verification.
2Reliability
If tracking devices are installed to monitor vehicle location, then theft tracking capability is improved, but the devices may not effectively prevent theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary authentication through sequence recognition before theft can occur. By verifying operator identity through predetermined operational sequences during normal vehicle startup and operation, the system prevents unauthorized use before tracking would be needed, addressing the limitation of reactive tracking systems.
3Reliability
If complex authentication sequences are required, then security against unauthorized operation is improved, but ease of operation for authorized users may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by designing authentication sequences that are integrated into the natural, continuous flow of vehicle operation. The predetermined sequences occur during normal startup and operational procedures, so authorized users experience no interruption or additional steps beyond standard vehicle use, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring security.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle antitheft system and method detects the starting of a vehicle and starts a first timer. If the first timer times out without the system having detected a first predetermined sequence, the system actuates a vehicle system warning signal and starts a second timer. If the second timer times out without detecting a second predetermined sequence, which may be the same as or different from the first predetermined sequence, the system disables the vehicle. The system may send vehicle location information to a monitoring service or the like. The vehicle remains disabled until the antitheft system is reset.