Vehicle Start Interlock Based on Theft Alert Transmission Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle warning devices are ineffective when their alert messages cannot be transmitted due to malfunctions or damage during attempted theft, as they fail to prevent the vehicle from starting despite activation.
Innovation Solution
A securing method that determines whether an alert message can be transmitted to a communication device upon attempting to start the vehicle, prohibiting start-up if the message cannot be sent, using dedicated messages and a communication network to verify response, with optional duration-based prohibitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the alert device is activated and the vehicle starting is authorized without verification, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of security is worsened because the alert message may not be transmitted due to malfunction or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by verifying the transmission capability of the alert message before authorizing vehicle starting. The system checks whether the alert message can be successfully transmitted to the communication device prior to enabling the starting function, thus preventing unauthorized starting when the alert system is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring the transmission status of the alert message and using this information to control the vehicle starting function. The system receives feedback regarding whether the alert message was successfully transmitted and adjusts the starting authorization accordingly, creating a closed-loop security mechanism.
2Reliability
If the system verifies alert message transmission before allowing start-up, then the reliability of security is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional verification steps and communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the existing communication module for multiple purposes: both for transmitting alert messages and for verifying transmission capability before starting. This multi-functional use of the communication module avoids adding separate dedicated verification hardware, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by having the alert device and communication module perform their own verification functions without requiring external verification systems. The communication module itself checks its own transmission capability, eliminating the need for additional external verification devices.
3Reliability
If the vehicle starting is prohibited when alert transmission fails, then the reliability of security is improved, but the loss of time increases due to prolonged starting prohibition even for minor malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a time-limited starting prohibition rather than permanent prohibition. The system restricts starting for a predetermined time period after transmission failure, which is sufficient to address minor malfunctions while avoiding excessive restriction that would cause unnecessary time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the starting prohibition duration adjustable and time-dependent. The prohibition lasts for a predetermined time period that can be configured based on the severity of the malfunction, allowing the system to adapt the restriction duration to the specific situation rather than applying a fixed permanent prohibition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A securing method is implemented in a vehicle comprising a powertrain that can be started, a communication module transmitting and receiving messages via waves, and a warning device which, if activated, generates at least one warning message intended to be transmitted by the communication module to at least one predefined communication device in the event of attempted attack and/or theft of the vehicle. This method comprises a step (10-100) in which, in the event of an attempt to start the powertrain while the warning device is activated, a determination is made as to whether it has been possible to transmit the warning message and, if not, starting is prohibited.