Abstract: A communication system has a first communication device, and a second communication device that conducts wireless communication the first communication device. The first communication device has a first transmitter that transmits a signal to the second communication device while modulating the signal, and a first transmission controller that controls the first transmitter. The second communication device has a first receiver that receives the signal from the first communication device and demodulates the received signal. The first transmission controller performs control so as to change a modulation method in midstream when a predetermined first signal is modulated and transmitted. The first receiver changes a demodulation method according to the change of the modulation method of the first signal in midstream when the first signal is received and demodulated.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device (60) contains: a case body (132); a lid member (156) for closing the opening (167) of the case body; a substrate (67) which is inserted in a removable manner into the case body (132) from the opening thereof and on which electronic components are mounted; a sub-battery (88) for supplying power to the substrate (67); and a sealing member (157) which is fitted into the opening (167) of the case body and has a substrate pressing part (203) for preventing the substrate from being extracted and a sub-battery pressing part (204) for preventing the sub-battery (88) from being extracted.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which includes a controller having at least one of a vehicle security module and a playback module. The vehicle security module may operate in a secure once mode of operation or in a secure all mode of operation. The playback module records ride information associated with the vehicle. The ride information may be provided to an external device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for expanding the functionality of a security system are disclosed. The security system may be integrated with a vehicle security system. For example, a vehicle security node of a vehicle may transmit a signal that may be received by the security system. The security system may authenticate the vehicle security node and integrate the vehicle security node into its network. Various information may be communicated in both directions between the security system and the vehicle security node. The vehicle security node may communicate with an alarm panel that may include a dock for connecting a portable device.

Abstract: A bicycle electrical system is provided with a first electric component, a second electric component, and a third electric component. The first electric component includes a first electric power line communication section. The second electric component includes a second electric power line communication section. The third electric component includes a third electric power line communication section. The first and second electric power line communication sections are connected with a first electric power line such that the first and second electric power line communication sections conduct communications via the first electric power line. The second and third electric power line communication sections are connected with a second electric power line such that the second and third electric power line communication sections conduct communications via the second electric power line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating module for a vehicle anti-theft lock comprising a stator and a rotor that can be turned in the stator by a conforming key comprising an electronic identifier, the said module comprising a support (3) intended to be mounted on the stator and carrying an antenna (5) intended to be connected to an identification unit capable of authenticating the electronic identifier of the said key by exchanging signals, and authorizing the starting of the vehicle when an authorized identifier has been detected. According to the invention, the said support (3) further carries at least one contactless switch (7A, 7B) that can be switched by the rotor when the rotor is turned. The invention also relates to a vehicle anti-theft lock comprising a stator and a rotor that can be turned in the stator and comprising an operating module according to the invention.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a drive system is provided for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle that provides reduces electromagnetic emissions. The system includes, but is not limited to, an electric motor and a transmission having a collar for receiving a portion of a drive shaft. The collar has an inside diameter proportioned to an outside diameter of the drive shaft to cause capacitive coupling between the transmission and the drive shaft thereby reducing electromagnetic emissions along the drive shaft.

Abstract: A system for exchanging energy wirelessly comprises an array of at least three objects having a resonant frequency, each object is electromagnetic (EM) and non-radiative, and generates an EM near-field in response to receiving the energy, wherein each object in the array is arranged at a distance from all other objects in the array, such that upon receiving the energy the object is strongly coupled to at least one other object in the array via a resonant coupling of evanescent waves; and an energy driver for providing the energy at the resonant frequency to at least one object in the array, such that, during an operation of the system, the energy is distributed from the object to all other objects in the array.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing a fire resulting from the outgassing of a lithium battery in an electronic door lock includes a lithium battery, a circuit board, and a thermal insulation. The lithium battery and circuit board are housed within the electronic door lock. The thermal insulation is arranged between a door interfacing side of the electronic door lock and either or both of the circuit board and lithium battery. Another thermal management technique for preventing fire resulting from the outgassing of a lithium battery in an electronic door lock is achieved by using a battery cover that is selectively movable away from the circuit board or ignition source in response to temperature rise to ensure the lithium battery does not reach a critical temperature that may cause outgassing in close proximity to the ignition source.

Abstract: A portable communication machine includes RF data generating means, RF wireless transmitting means for transmitting transmission data as an RF signal, RF wireless receiving means for receiving an RF signal transmitted from a vehicle-mounted machine, RF data analyzing means for analyzing received data, key operating means for instructing to control a vehicle by a user, storing means for storing control data of a vehicle-mounted information apparatus, attachable/detachable external apparatus communicating means, and controlling means for controlling the RF data generating means, the RF data analyzing means, the key operating means and the external apparatus communicating means, and is used along with an external apparatus and the vehicle-mounted information apparatus.

Abstract: An automotive lamp device is provided. The automotive lamp device includes a lamp housing into which a first lamp or a second lamp is inserted and which includes a plurality of lines, and a lamp driver module which is connected to a first line among the plurality of lines, supplies a first level of voltage and/or current to the first lamp if the first lamp is inserted into the lamp housing, and supplies a second level of voltage and/or current to the second lamp if the second lamp is inserted into the lamp housing.

Abstract: Method for the duplication of original electronic keys used in the automotive transports, and provided with coded and encrypted electronic authentication means, comprising: an Identification Code (ID), an encrypted secret code, a Password, an algorithm, data storage and computing means, able of being used in vehicles provided with a central processing unit able of storing an Identification Code (ID), an encrypted secret code, a Password, an algorithm, said duplication method being able of obtaining a duplicated key based on a blank key, which is originally provided with an algorithm, data storage means able of storing said Identification Code (ID), said secret code and said Password, wherein said data storage means are initially empty; said duplication is based on a duplication means and on a method which allows of using the blank key as intercepting means of secret codes sent by the vehicle central processing unit, and of transferring said information to the duplication means itself.

Abstract: An authorization system for permitting an apparatus to function normally in the presence of an authorized user includes complementary apparatus and user parts of a wireless communication device, which communicate within a spatial envelope defining a permissible working relationship and communication link for authorizing normal functioning of the apparatus. The system responds to interruption of the communications link with the apparatus inhibited from normal functioning after a delay, as measured in time or distance, that permits a separation to be established between the user and the apparatus, so that if the apparatus is forcibly taken from the authorized user, the user's safety is not jeopardized by the proximity of the non-functional apparatus. Inhibition of functionality may include a vehicle, or any apparatus, becoming immobile or constrained as to maximum operating speed.

Abstract: A method of configuring infotainment applications in a motor vehicle is provided. A control unit is configurable via a configuration interface such that the functional scope and/or a basic setting of the infotainment application is changed based on first configuration data from a first configuration data server. A service center stationarily arranged at a distance from the motor vehicle has a second configuration data server and a second configuration data bank. The service center has a first modification interface by which configuration data of the second configuration data bank is modifiable using first access rights and a second Internet-based modification interface by which the configuration data is modifiable using second access rights differing from the first. Modifications of the configuration data are recognized and the configuration data of the first configuration data bank is changed by using the configuration data from the second configuration data bank.

Abstract: A computing device and an automobile controlling method stores identification information in an electronic tag of authorized communication devices and a memory of the computing device. The identification information of an electronic tag of a communication device is obtained and a door of an automobile is unlocked if the obtained identification information matches identification information stored in the memory.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of at least one of commanding an occupant communication device and entering data into the occupant communication device based on whether a driver is a primary or a secondary driver is provided. A controller is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. The controller is configured to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is one of the primary and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is configured to selectively control the operation of at least one of commanding the occupant communication device and entering data into the occupant communication device based on whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary driver or the secondary driver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a blocking member (11) of a functional component (30), particularly of a steering column (30) of a motor vehicle, particularly of a motorcycle, having a drive (20) by which the blocking member (11) can be moved into a locking position (1) and into an unlocking position (2) and vice versa, wherein the blocking member (11) engages mechanically with the functional component (30) when in the locking position (1), releases from the functional component (30) when in the unlocking position (2), and the locking process is started via a defined triggering action on the part of the operator, the blocking member (11) being moved from the unlocking position (2) into the locking position (1) during said locking process.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle which has a plurality of drives, of which in particular one drive is a combustion engine and the other is an electric drive, all the drive control units, if appropriate even a transmission control unit, require enabling by an immobilizer control unit before the first control unit outputs control commands to communicate a torque request, input by a vehicle driver.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for electronic communication between at least two communication devices. To allow reliable connection setup between the devices which are to be provided for communication at the same time as simple handling, a method according to the invention has the following steps: two communication devices intended for communication are associated with one another by means of a first coupling mechanism, and the communication between the mutually associated communication devices is performed by means of a second coupling mechanism, wherein the first coupling mechanism has a shorter range than the second coupling mechanism or is effected by means of physical contact between the communication devices.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling an electronic device. The control system includes a control apparatus and a processing device. The control apparatus includes a transponder and a coupling unit. The transponder of the control apparatus may be configured to receive an activation signal and transmit a control signal to the processing device. The coupling unit may be configured to enable and disable transmission of the control signal to the processing device. The processing device may be configured to receive the control signal and communicate the control signal to an electronic device or utilize the control signal to control the electronic device.

Abstract: A vehicle burglar alarm circuit includes a transformer having first to fourth taps, a center tap provided at a center point and output taps, wherein the number of coil turns between the first and second taps is greater than the number of coil turns between the third and fourth taps; and output taps connected with a sounding body. The circuit further includes a first and second power sources connected to the center tap, the second power source outputting a lower output voltage; a sounding body driving unit having first to fourth driving switches respectively connected to the first to fourth taps; and a controller which controls the sounding body driving unit. The first and second driving switches are alternately turned on/off when using the first power source, and the third and fourth driving switches are alternately turned on/off when using the second power source.

Abstract: A vehicle security system including a remote control device, such as a keypad and a vehicle battery having a controller arranged to reduce battery power when the vehicle engine is turned off, and arranged to receive a unique code transmitted from the remote control device and to subsequently selectively permit the battery to supply sufficient power to start or drive the vehicle. The battery can be a replacement battery for the vehicle or supplied as an OEM part. The battery controller can be provided with a unique serial number to be directly linked to the vehicle. Authorities can be provided with a control codes that can be transmitted remotely from a police pursuit vehicle to selectively absorb the external power from the vehicle electrical systems and remotely stop the engine in the event of a stolen or misused vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle door having an electronic unlatch system and a method of operation. The door includes an electronic key cylinder mounted to the door and includes a slot that receives a key; a switch engaging the key cylinder to detect when a key has been turned in the cylinder; and a door latch mounted to the door to selectively unlatch the door, with the door latch receiving a signal from the switch to unlatch the door. The door also includes a backup power supply mounted in the door and supplying electrical power to the door latch and switch, with the backup power supply receiving power from a vehicle electrical system to recharge the backup power supply.

Abstract: A vehicle security device to be installed in a vehicle of a type including a vehicle audio entertainment system being configurable via a vehicle data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle may include an audio entertainment system content interface. The audio interface may be selectively operable to communicate audio content relating to a vehicle security breach condition to the vehicle audio entertainment system. The device may also include a controller coupled to the audio entertainment system content interface for detecting a vehicle security breach condition. The controller may also be for configuring the vehicle audio entertainment system, via the vehicle data communications bus, so that the audio content related to the vehicle security breach condition plays through the vehicle audio entertainment system based upon detecting the vehicle security breach condition.

Abstract: A smart communication system and method for a vehicle includes a master switch for toggling smart functionality on and off. An actuation signal is received by a control unit corresponding to a particular vehicle function. The actuation signal indicates that a corresponding actuating operation is occurring. The control unit determines whether the master switch is in an ON position. A key fob of the vehicle is confirmed to be within a search field of the vehicle when the master switch is determined to be in the ON position. The particular vehicle function is actuated when the key fob is confirmed to be within the search field; otherwise, manual actuation of the particular vehicle function is required.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling power windows of a vehicle includes a receiver mounted on the vehicle for receiving an open window request signal wirelessly from a portable device, at least one exterior condition sensor mounted on the vehicle for detecting an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle, and a controller mounted on the vehicle for communicating with the receiver and the at least one exterior condition sensor. The controller commands opening of the one or more power windows when the receiver receives the open window request signal provided the at least one exterior condition sensor does not detect an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging device in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver.

Abstract: An electromechanical parking brake for a motor vehicle is provided. The electromechanical parking brake includes an operating element that operates a wheel brake, a central control unit that provides an electric supply to the operating element via at least one supply line, an electric actuating unit for interrupting the supply to the operating element, and a control line that connects the central control unit with the electric actuating unit. The operating element and the electric actuating unit are arranged at the motor vehicle in a manner protected against external manual access. The central control unit controls the electric actuating unit via the control line in order to interrupt the supply to the operating element or to reestablish the supply to the operating element. The central control unit also monitors the control line to detect a manipulation of the control line.

Abstract: A system and method for authorizing a remote device amongst multiple remote devices for passive functions, such as passive entry and passive start, includes a vehicle having a plurality of strategically located antennas, combinations of which transmit a query signal and receive query responses, a challenge antenna amongst the plurality of antennas for transmitting a challenge signal to at least one of the multiple remote devices in accordance with a challenge order, and a control unit having a controller in communication with the antennas for determining the challenge order based upon the query responses. Upon a failure, the system determines which of the remote devices to challenge next based upon the failure type and the number of retries remaining.

Abstract: In an apparatus for preventing theft of equipment having a prime mover, an prime mover controller, and an authenticator that acquires ID information from an electronic key when the key is brought close thereto by an operator, and permits the prime mover controller to start the prime mover when the acquired ID information is determined to correspond with authentication ID information, data indicating a number of times the key is updated is included in the ID information, and the authenticator determines whether the number of times indicated in the data is greater than that in the authentication ID information, and when the number of times indicated in the data is greater than that in the authentication ID information, updates the authentication ID information such that it is equal to the number of times indicated in the data, thereby enabling to easily update authentication ID information of the equipment.

Abstract: A system relating to assisting persons locked out of their vehicle to unlock the vehicle. The system preferably uses a coded acoustic signal transmitted through a mobile phone to trigger a control device connected to the vehicle's onboard computer system. A microphone of the control device picks up the tone, which is subsequently processed by the system. If the acoustic signal is validated, the vehicle computer will be signaled to unlock a power-locked vehicle entry point. The system comprises security elements and easy-to-access phone assistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a locking system of a motor vehicle wherein, as the states of the locking system, there is an unlocked state, a locked state from which it is possible to switch to the unlocked state via at least a first operating element inside the vehicle, and a security state in which by simply activating a first operating element it is not possible to switch to the unlocked state. The aim of the invention is to propose a method that allows a person inside the motor vehicle to still leave the motor vehicle despite user activation of the security state without substantially easing the opening of the motor vehicle from the outside by an unauthorized third party. Four concepts are proposed that can all be implemented in combination to great benefit. They enable a person still inside the vehicle to leave the motor vehicle upon activation of the security state.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for checking the switching region of a touch-free switching system with at least one sensor and at least one signal emitter, wherein the signal emitter sends data to the sensor. An extremely flexible and practical switching region check is achieved in at least one embodiment by the fact that a change in at least one system parameter of the switching system derives at least one first piece of information on the position of the signal emitter. The method represents an inexpensive possibility for checking a switching region, which has options for the definition and allocation of the switch-on, switch-off, and hysteresis regions.

Abstract: A control system for a battery powered vehicle of the kind which is provided with an electric power source and at least one switch means, such as a contactor, which is operable to connect the output of the power source to a high power electrical item fitted to the vehicle, such as an electric drive motor, in which the control system is operable to set the vehicle in one of at least 3 different operating modes comprising a first mode in which the vehicle is immobilized and the contactor is held in an open position to isolate the battery from the electrical item, a second mode in which the vehicle is not immobilized and the contactor is held in a closed position to connect the battery to the electrical item, and a third mode in which the vehicle is immobilized but the contactor remains in an closed position to connect the battery to the electrical item.

Abstract: The auxiliary control system contains at least a first interaction device and a second interaction device that are capable of mutually detecting the presence of each other by a wireless means. The first interaction device is carried by a driver of a motor vehicle having a built-in anti-theft system, and the second interaction device is tapped into a Main Body ECU in parallel with the original control interface of the built-in anti-theft system. As such, when the driver carrying the first interaction device enters into or moves out of an effective sensing range from the motor vehicle, the second interaction device would detect the presence or absence of the first interaction device. The second interaction device then issues appropriate deactivating or activating signals to the Main Body ECU which in turn disarms or arms the various anti-theft means of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A security-feature-equipped on-vehicle device includes: a vibration detection unit that detects vibration; an alarm sound output unit that outputs a predetermined alarm sound from a speaker; and an alarm sound control unit that going outs from a sleep mode to move into a warning mode when vibration is detected for the first time by the vibration detection unit, causes the alarm sound output unit to output the alarm sound at a predetermined first volume level, shifts from the warning mode into an alarm mode when vibration is detected for the second time within a predetermined time period, and causes the alarm sound output unit to output the alarm sound at a predetermined second volume level higher than the first volume level.

Abstract: A seat sensor system including at least one seat sensor associated to a seat for sensing a status related to a seat occupancy and for generating an output signal indicative of the status and a control unit for communicating with the seat sensor. At least one transmitter for transmitting a data signal indicative of the output signal is associated with the seat and coupled to the seat sensor; and at least one receiver is coupled to the control unit for wirelessly receiving the data signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: A keyless entry system includes a portable transmitter that transmits a lock signal and an unlock signal, each of which contains a unique identification code, for a predetermined period, and an operation unit that locks and unlocks doors of a vehicle in response to the lock signal and the unlock signal from the portable transmitter. The operation unit includes a receiver that outputs a lock command signal or an unlock command signal having a predetermined time length, and a controller that drives an actuator to lock or unlock the doors of the vehicle in response to the lock command signal or the unlock command signal from the receiver. The time length of the unlock command signal from the receiver is shorter than the time length of the unlock signal from the portable transmitter.

Abstract: An improved motion sensing and alarm technique and apparatus for monitoring unauthorized movement of vehicles or the like and notifying the owner thereof, wherein the motion sensors in the vehicle are microprocessor controlled to be automatically armed when the owner is not in the vicinity of the vehicle, but disarmed or de-activated in the presence of the owner and the owner's radio-coded identification transmitter associated with the owner's key fob, and with energy saving features as well.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the radio frequency emissions of a proximity remote keyless system for permitting or denying remote access to premises of a vehicle. The source power is controlled to thereby control when the vehicle is authorized to start. The proximity remote can thus be left in the vehicle and controlled by another external source. The device of the invention is adapted to be inserted between a battery, which powers the proximity remote, and insulates the battery from an associated battery base contact. The device comprises a conductive contact on opposite sides of an insulating plate and at least one wire connected to each conductive contact. The wires can be connected to an external device, thus allowing external electrical or mechanical control of the proximity remote, with the proximity remote being only able to transmit to the vehicle if the battery is connected to the battery base contact.

Abstract: Present invention relates to an electro-mechanical anti-theft device suitable both to inhibit rotation of the steering axis of a motor vehicle and to interrupt feeding of necessary electric switchboards for correct operation of the same motor vehicle. As to this latter object of the invention, a signal originating from a chip, housed inside a protected cylinder, can be coded by a suitable switchboard, only when the steering lock device is disconnected.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for a vehicle, includes certifying means of an electronic key for getting in the vehicle, human body certification information certifying means, door lock control means for unlocking a vehicle door in a case where the electronic key is certified by the certifying means of the electronic key for getting in the vehicle and the human body certification information of the person is confirmed by the human body certification information certifying means in a state where the door is unlocked; memory means for memorizing ID information of the electronic key; certifying means of an electronic key for starting an engine; and engine starting control means for starting the engine of the vehicle in a case where the electronic key is certified by the certifying means of the electronic key for starting the engine and the electronic key is an electronic key whose ID information is memorized in the memory means, after the vehicle door is unlocked by the door lock control means.

Abstract: When a remote start of an engine using a predetermined transmitter is performed, a security regarding theft of a vehicle can be prevented form being significantly deteriorated. The vehicle has a remote engine starter for remotely start an engine and a vehicle antitheft device for activating an alarm when there is a possibility of occurrence of vehicle theft. The remote engine starter and the vehicle antitheft device are connected to each other through a communication line. In a case where an engine start signal is supplied from the transmitter, the remote engine starter is caused to supply a start signal to the vehicle antitheft device through the communication line before causing a contact point closing signal to be supplied to an ignition relay.

Abstract: An example receiver/transmitter for a passive start and entry system switches between amplitude shift keyed modulation and frequency shift keyed modulation to maintain clear uninterrupted and dependable communication with a remote transmitter in the presence of interfering signals. The receiver/transmitter is switched to receive incoming FSK signals in response to the RSSI becoming saturated by undesired signals. The switch to FSK signal modulation occurs by signaling the remote transmitter to change over and begin sending FSK modulated signals. The FSK modulated signals are then received without significant interference.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting tampering and/or sabotage of a mobile entity obtains initial identity identifying information from a plurality of elements, such as a driver, a vehicle, an item of cargo, and a travel route and/or schedule. A composite onboard identity (“COBI”) is assigned to the mobile entity and is used to retrieve the initial identifying information after the entity arrives at a destination. Final identifying information is then obtained and compared with the initial information, thereby detecting unauthorized changes which indicate tampering or sabotage. Identifying information can also be compared at checkpoints en route. The identifying information can be manually or automatically supplied, and can be wirelessly communicated to a verifying authority. In some embodiments, upon verification failure, an onboard electronic unit can disable the vehicle by stopping the motor, locking the steering wheel, sounding the horn, flashing the lights, and/or applying the brakes.

Abstract: A car antitheft system includes a main controller invisibly mounted on a car, and an antitheft state indicator embedded in an engine start button of the car and electrically connected to the main controller for indicating a current antitheft state of the car. With these arrangements, the engine start button serves to start the car when the car antitheft system is released, and to indicate the current antitheft state of the car when the car antitheft system is enabled and the antitheft state indicator embedded in the engine start button is lighted, so as to warn and stop a thief from invading the car.

Abstract: A drive of a steering-lock actuator is controlled such that a lock member takes a steering lock state from a steering unlock state if there occurs a change in the state of a vehicle door detected by a door-state detecting device and a stop state of the vehicle is detected by a vehicle-stop-state detecting device when an ignition switch is in an OFF state (step S7). A power supply to the vehicle-stop-state detecting device is made stop if the ignition switch is turned to the OFF state from an ON state (step S2), and the power supply to the vehicle-stop-state detecting device resumes if there occurs the change in the state of the vehicle door detected by the door-state detecting device when the ignition switch is in the OFF state (step S4).

Abstract: In a vehicle anti-theft system, a vehicle-mounted mainframe downloads a sole identification code, serving as a control identification code, and transfers the sole identification code into a part as a part identification code. The vehicle-mounted mainframe determines if the control identification code is obtained when the vehicle is activated. If yes, the vehicle-mounted mainframe sends a request command to the part to obtain the part identification code. The vehicle-mounted mainframe determines if the part identification code meets with the control identification code. If yes, the vehicle-mounted mainframe produces a normal operation signal to enter a normal operational mode and feedbacks the identification code to the customer service center. The customer service center checks with a database for stolen events.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A vehicle immobilization system has an electronically controlled locking mechanism which requires interconnection with an electrical supply for it to be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking mechanism remains in the state to which it is switched when disconnected from the electrical supply. The immobilization system includes control means which operates to connect the locking mechanism to the electrical supply to switch it from one state to the other, and to disconnect the locking mechanism from the electrical supply when the vehicle engine is running or the vehicle is moving. The immobilization system also includes means to prevent cranking of the engine when the locking mechanism is in it's locked state.