Electronic key system including ignition and transmission control
US6653747B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R25/24
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle access system that includes an electronic key ensures that the vehicle transmission is in a proper condition before power to the selected vehicle components is turned off. A control panel within the vehicle allows a driver to activate a switch indicating a desire to turn off the vehicle engine. A controller first determines whether a valid authentication code is received from a passive signaling device. Once validation is complete, the controller turns off the engine. Next, the controller determines that the vehicle is in the appropriate gear. If the transmission must be switched to the appropriate gear, the controller provides an indication to the driver that the transmission must be switched before the power to the accessory components will be turned off.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.