Keyless ignition system with delayed security

A security system for a vehicle includes a keyboard for receiving input codes that comprise user input codes and a start code. A processor is operably coupled to the keyboard for receiving signals indicative of each input user code and the start code, wherein the processor provides an output signal if an input user code corresponds to an user code and is followed by the start code. The processor also provides the output signal if the start code has been entered during an adjustable time period after the vehicle has been turned off. A controlled device is operably connected to the processor and controls a component of the vehicle to allow the vehicle to start when the output signal from the processor is received.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates in general to vehicle anti-theft security 
systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a keyless 
ignition system where an operator must provide a preselected code to start 
and operate the vehicle. 
Self-powered vehicles used in the construction and agricultural vehicles 
are subject to theft and operation by unauthorized persons. Unlike most 
highway vehicles, which typically are only operated by one or a few 
individuals over a lengthy period of time, self-powered construction 
equipment and certain types of agricultural equipment are often operated 
by many persons, especially when the equipment is moved between work 
sites. Workers in the construction and agricultural fields are often 
employed on a short-term basis and tend to change employers frequently, 
which compounds the difficulty of maintaining vehicle security. 
Keyless systems for allowing operation of a vehicle without using a 
conventional key have long been known. These keyless systems typically 
require the entry of a proper sequence of key depressions through an array 
of switches, after which the engine starting controls operate normally. 
These systems obviate the need for an authorized user of the vehicle to 
carry keys to gain access. Some systems developed for the automotive 
industry have used a combination of a conventional key along with a 
keyboard to accept and recognize a preselected code. After entry of the 
preselected code, the key can be turned in a conventional manner to start 
the engine. In the event of the car stalling, a timer is initiated that 
allows the car to be started without re-entry of the preselected code. 
Thus, if the vehicle does stall in traffic, it can be turned on simply by 
turning the ignition key as is conventional. After a preselected period 
has lapsed, the system will enter a secured mode where the correct 
preselected code must be entered to start the vehicle. 
Many systems further allow the system to be deactivated, for example, while 
the vehicle is being serviced or driven for other reasons. Although handy, 
placement of the system in an unsecured mode makes the vehicle 
particularly vulnerable. If the operator forgets to reactivate the 
security mode, the vehicle is easily susceptible to theft. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In a first embodiment, a security system for a vehicle includes a keyboard 
for receiving input codes that comprise an access code and a start code. 
As used herein an access code is either a "user code" or a "master code". 
A user code is known to an operator of the vehicle and allows the vehicle 
to be started. A master code is known to the owner of the vehicle and 
allows the owner to change parameters of the system that can not be 
changed by only entering the user code. 
In the first embodiment, a processor is operably coupled to the keyboard 
for receiving signals indicative of each access code and the start code, 
wherein the processor provides an output signal if an input code 
corresponds to the access code and is followed by the start code. The 
processor also provides the output signal if the start code has been 
entered during an adjustable time period after the vehicle has been turned 
off. A controlled device is operably connected to the processor and 
controls a component of the vehicle to allow the vehicle to start when the 
output signal from the processor is received. 
In a second embodiment, a keyless security system for a vehicle includes a 
keyboard for receiving input codes that comprise access codes and a start 
code, and a controlled device for controlling a component of the vehicle 
to allow the vehicle to start. A processor is operably coupled to the 
keyboard for receiving signals indicative of each access code and the 
start code and is operably coupled to the controlled device for providing 
an output signal for controlling the controlled device. The processor 
provides an output signal only if an input code corresponds to an access 
code and is followed by the start code, or if the start code has been 
entered during an adjustable time period after the vehicle has been turned 
off. The time period is adjusted through entry of the master code.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a security system of the present 
invention generally at 10. The security system 10 includes a 
microprocessor 12 that receives signals from a keyboard/display panel 14 
and suitable memory 16. Using a program 15 stored in the memory 16, the 
microprocessor 12 receives input codes from the keyboard 14. If the input 
codes correspond to an access code, the microprocessor 12 provides 
suitable control signals to a controlled device indicated at 18 that 
allows a vehicle, not shown, that the security system 10 is attached to, 
to be started. The security system 10 obviates the need for a conventional 
key switch, and in effect, replaces the key switch thereby providing a 
keyless ignition system. 
As used herein an access code is either a "user code" or a "master code". A 
user code is known to an operator of the vehicle and allows the vehicle to 
be started. A master code is known to the owner of the vehicle and allows 
the owner to change parameters of the system that can not be changed by 
only entering the user code. 
The controlled device 18 can be any device that has two selectable 
operating states, one of which will prevent the vehicle from starting. For 
example, the controlled device 18 can be a starter relay, a fuel cut-off 
switch, an ignition module, or any other suitable device necessary to 
operate the vehicle. The control signals provided by the microprocessor 12 
are normally low-power signals used to control higher power devices. The 
security system 10 is particularly well suited for use with construction 
vehicles such as skid steer loaders. 
It will be appreciated that the circuitry illustrated in FIG. 1 could be 
formed as a single integrated circuit. It will also be appreciated that, 
instead of using the microprocessor 12 illustrated, an array of logic 
devices designed for the flow chart of FIG. 3 could also be used. However, 
the microprocessor 12 is particularly attractive where a microprocessor 
has already been incorporated in the design of the vehicle, to control 
other functions, such as those relating to engine operation. The amount of 
computing time required to perform the security system 10 is small in 
comparison with the computing power of a microprocessor so that a single 
microprocessor could control all of the electrically controlled functions 
of the security system 10, in addition to operating other accessories 17 
and carrying out other tasks of the vehicle. 
FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of a first suitable keyboard and 
integrated display unit 14. In the embodiment illustrated, the keyboard 14 
includes ten individual keys 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29. 
The keys 20-29 can take many forms, for example, the keys 20-29 can be 
mechanical switches or can be touch-sensitive or pressure-sensitive 
contact areas of a larger single panel. In the embodiment illustrated, the 
key 20 is used to "wake-up" the security system 10 and indicate to the 
microprocessor 12 that input codes will be entered. The keys 21-28 are 
numbered 1-8, respectively, and are used sequentially to form possible 
access codes. The keys 22, 25 and 28 are also used to enter commands to 
the microprocessor 12 for various functions. Activation of keys 25 and 28 
are described below. The key 22 is used to relieve pressure in hydraulic 
lines for powering remote equipment that can be connected to the vehicle. 
The key 29 is an "enter key" and is used to signify the end of an input 
request. A display device 30 such as an LCD or LED decimal display 30 is 
provided to indicate the operating state of the microprocessor 12, request 
inputs and/or reflect keys depressed during operation of the keys 21-28. 
The logic of the computer program 15 being implemented by the 
microprocessor 12 is illustrated in a flow diagram of FIG. 3. The system 
10 has five operating states or modes that include a "secured sleep mode," 
a "input code mode," a "vehicle run mode," a "non-secured, timed, 
start-ready mode," and a "parameter adjustment mode." Initially, the 
system 10 including the keyboard 14 is in the "secured sleep mode" as 
indicated by a block 100. In this mode, the vehicle is turned off and 
secured in that it can not be started without first providing a valid code 
sequence. During this mode, the microprocessor 12 is waiting for actuation 
of the key 20 indicating that the microprocessor 12 should enter the 
"input code mode." In the "input code mode," the microprocessor 12 waits 
for sequential operation of any of the keys 21-28. As will be described in 
detail below, actuation of the key 25 at a decision block 102 allows for 
immediate operation of the vehicle without entering in the user code or 
the master code. Operation of the vehicle is only available if a selected 
time period T.sub.2 has not elapsed. In the embodiment illustrated, a 
delay timer 32 is used to measure the selected time period, and provides a 
signal to the microprocessor 12 when the selected time period T.sub.2 has 
expired. 
Assuming for the moment that actuation of the key 25 has not occurred, 
program flow continues to an input block 104. At input block 104, the 
microprocessor 12 receives from the keyboard 14 a sequence of key 
actuations representative of an input code. Completion of one input code 
is represented by actuation of the key 29. After actuation of the key 29, 
the input code is compared with the user code and the master code 
indicated at a decision block 106 and stored in memory 16 at 38 and 40 
respectively. If the input code received at input block 104 is not valid, 
program flow returns to input block 100 and re-enters the "secured sleep 
mode" and, if desired, the microprocessor activates an alarm 36. 
If the input code matches the user code or the master code, program flow 
continues to a decision block 108. At decision block 108, the 
microprocessor 12 ascertains whether the user code or the master code has 
been entered. In the embodiment illustrated, the microprocessor 12 
compares the input code with the user code 38. If the input code matches 
the user code 38, program flow continues to a decision block 110. At 
decision block 110, the microprocessor 12 awaits actuation of the key 25 
signifying that the user is prepared to operate the vehicle. Upon 
actuation of the key 25, the microprocessor 12 provides suitable control 
signals to the controlled device 18 at a block 112 that enables the 
vehicle to be started and operated normally. The timer 32 can be used at 
block 110 to ensure that the key 25 is actuated within a prescribed time 
period T.sub.1 stored in memory 16 at 42. If the key 25 is not actuated 
within the time period T.sub.1, program flow returns back to the "secured 
sleep mode" at block 100. 
The "vehicle run mode" is illustrated in FIG. 3 at a block 114. With the 
vehicle operating, program flow cycles between blocks 116, 119, 121 and 
118. The microprocessor 12 monitors for actuated of the key 22 or the key 
28. Activation of the key 22 ("AUX RELIEF") reduces pressure in an 
auxiliary hydraulic system to allow an attachment to be uncoupled from the 
vehicle. If the key 22 has been actuated, the system 10 reduces the 
pressure in the auxiliary hydraulic system at block 121. When the operator 
actuates the key 28, program flow continues to block 120 where the 
microprocessor 12 provides suitable control signals to the controlled 
device 18 or ceases transmission of the control signals provided to place 
the system 10 in an operating state in order to prevent the vehicle from 
being operated. 
Program flow then continues to decision block 122 whereat the 
microprocessor 12 ascertains if non-secured starting of the vehicle is 
available. In the embodiment illustrated, the availability of non-secured 
starting of the vehicle is stored as a Boolean variable "status" in memory 
16 at 46. The Boolean variable "status" has two possible values "delay" 
indicating that non-secured starting is available for a selected time 
period T.sub.2 stored in memory 16 at 48, and "no delay" indicating that 
non-secured starting is not available. Assuming that non-secured starting 
is not available, program flow returns back to block 100 and the 
microprocessor returns to the "sleep secured mode." If, on the other hand, 
non-secured starting is available, the microprocessor 12 initiates the 
delay timer 32 at block 124 and then returns to the "sleep secured mode" 
at block 100. 
Non-secured starting of the vehicle is available at block 102 with 
actuation of the key 25. Upon actuation of the key 25, program flow 
continues to decision block 126 whereat the microprocessor 12 ascertains 
if non-secured starting is available by checking the value of the "status" 
variable. If non-secured starting is available, program flow continues to 
decision block 128 where the microprocessor 12 ascertains if the delay 
timer 32 has timed-out. If the delay timer 32 has timed-out (exceeded the 
time period T.sub.2), program flow returns back to the "sleep secured 
mode" at block 100. If, on the other hand, the delay timer 32 has not 
timed-out, program flow continues to block 112 where the microprocessor 12 
provides suitable control signals to the controlled device 18 to allow the 
vehicle to be operated. 
It should be understood that at any time during the starting sequence 
identified by program flow through blocks 100, 102, 106, 108, 110 and 112, 
or through the "non-secured" starting path identified by blocks 100, 102, 
126, 128 and 112, the microprocessor 12 can ensure that the vehicle is 
properly configured for operation. 
Operating parameters such as the user code 38, the master code 40, the 
value of the "status" variable, and the length of the time period T.sub.2 
for non-secured starting can be changed or adjusted with entry of the 
master code 40 as represented by program flow from decision block 108 to 
block 130. This operating mode can be entered with or without the vehicle 
engine operating. At block 130, the microprocessor 12 provides an 
acknowledgement, via the display 14, to indicate to the operator that the 
master code has been entered. Program flow then continues to block 132. As 
represented by block 132, only five different key actuations are 
recognized by the microprocessor 12. They are key 21, key 22, key 23, key 
24, and key 29. Actuation of the key 21 by the operator changes the value 
of the "status" variable between "Delay" and "No Delay" at block 134. The 
microprocessor 12 records in memory 16 at 46 the selected mode chosen by 
the operator and returns program flow to block 132. 
If the key 22 is depressed, program flow continues to block 136 where the 
operator is prompted for a new user code. Upon actuation of the "enter" 
key, after a desired sequence of keys 21-28 have been depressed, the 
microprocessor 12 replaces the old user code with the new user code stored 
at 38 in memory 16 and returns program flow to the block 132. 
If the key 23 is depressed, program flow continues to block 138 where the 
operator is prompted for a new master code. Upon actuation of the "enter" 
key, after a sequence of keys 21-28 have been depressed, the 
microprocessor 12 replaces the old master code with the new master code 
stored at 40 in memory 16 and returns program flow to the block 132. In a 
preferred embodiment, the master code is not changeable by the owner and 
is recorded by the manufacturer, being cross-referenced to the vehicle's 
serial number. In the event the owner forgets the master code, the 
manufacturer can then provide it. 
If the key 24 is actuated, program flow continues to block 140 where the 
operator is then allowed to change the duration of the time period T.sub.2 
for non-secured starting. The operator can either enter a desired duration 
by using the keys 21-28, which can, in one embodiment, represent hours 
with a maximum duration of eight hours. Otherwise, repeated actuation of 
the key 24 can sequentially display a plurality of preselected time 
periods. Pressing the key 29 stores the selected value for time period 
T.sub.2 in memory 16 at 48 and returns program flow to block 132. 
If the key 29 is depressed at block 132, the program exits the "Parameter 
Adjustment Mode" and returns to the "secured sleep mode" at the block 100. 
FIG. 4 illustrates a second suitable keyboard and integrated display unit 
14A. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the keyboard 14A includes 
keys 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189 and 190. The keys 181-190 
are numbered and are used sequentially to form input codes. A key 191 is 
provided to initiate starting by providing a start code if a valid user or 
master code has been entered. The engine of the vehicle is turned off when 
a key 192 is depressed. An "AUX RELIEF" key 193 is provided to release 
pressure in an auxiliary hydraulic system, as described above. Indications 
of improper operation of the keyboard 14A are provided to the operator 
through a LED 194 identified as "ERROR." Proper operation of the keyboard 
14A is indicated through an LED 195 labeled "RUN." 
FIG. 5 illustrates a second flow diagram of the computer program 15 
implementable by the microprocessor 12. Operation of the system 10 
pursuant to the flow diagram of FIG. 5 is as follows. In the embodiment 
illustrated, the system 10 has five operating states or modes that include 
a "secured sleep mode," a "command input mode," a "vehicle run mode," a 
"timed start-ready mode" and "parameter adjustment modes." Initially, the 
system 10 including the keyboard 14A is in the "secured sleep mode" as 
indicated by block 200. In this mode, the vehicle is turned off and 
secured in that it cannot be started without first providing a valid user 
or master code. During this mode, the microprocessor 12 is waiting for 
actuation of any of the keys 181-190. Upon activation of any key 181-190, 
the microprocessor 12 enters the "command input mode." In the "command 
input mode," the microprocessor 12 checks the key depressed with allowable 
commands, and if necessary, waits for additional keys, which taken in 
sequence with the first key, represent an input code. At block 202, the 
microprocessor 12 compares the input code with a number of possible valid 
codes, each of which will be discussed below. 
If the input code equals the user code, as indicated at block 204, the 
microprocessor awaits further input from the operator, as indicated at 
block 205. If the operator then activates the key 191, program flow 
continues to block 206 whereat the microprocessor 12 provides suitable 
control signals to the control device 18 that enables the vehicle to be 
started and operated normally. 
The "vehicle run mode" is illustrated in FIG. 5 at a block 210. With the 
vehicle operating, the system 10 awaits further inputs to the keyboard 14A 
at block 212. If activation of the "AUX RELIEF" key 193 is detected at 
block 213, program flow continues to block 214 where the microprocessor 12 
provides a control signal to suitable valves to reduce pressure in the 
auxiliary hydraulic system. If activation of the stop key 192 is detected 
at block 215, indicating that the vehicle operator desires to turn off the 
vehicle, program flow continues to block 216 where the microprocessor 12 
provides suitable control signals to the controlled device 18 or ceases 
transmission of the control signals provided to the controlled device 18 
in order to place the vehicle in an operating state that prevents the 
vehicle from being operated. Program flow then continues back to input 
block 200. 
Referring back to input block 205, if the operator has entered a 
preselected code as determined at block 205, the delay time T.sub.2 can be 
adjusted at block 224. For example, activation of one of the keys 181-190 
following the preselected code indicates to the system 10 that the delay 
time T.sub.2 should equal the numerical value in hours of the key 
depressed. 
The delay timer 32 can be activated following entry of the delay time at 
block 224 represented by the dashed block 226. In this embodiment, the 
delay timer 32 would run continuously whether the vehicle is running or 
not. Once the delay timer 32 has timed out (exceeded T.sub.2), the 
operator then must reenter a new delay time in order to reset the delay 
timer 32. 
The delay timer 32 can also be activated at block 228 after the vehicle has 
been turned off. In this alternate embodiment, the delay timer 32 runs 
each time the vehicle is turned off. 
As with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, use of the delay timer 32 
allows the operator to quickly restart the vehicle without entry of either 
the user code or the master code. In the embodiment illustrated, a "Delay 
Key" represented at block 230, must be depressed prior to activation of 
the start key 191. Use of the delay key inhibits starting the vehicle 
inadvertently by activation of the start key 191 as well as provides a 
minimal level of security to prevent unauthorized operation of the 
vehicle. As illustrated in FIG. 5, if the Received Code at block 202 
equals the delay key, which can be any one of the keys 181-190, or a short 
sequence thereof, the system 10 ascertains whether the delay timer 32 has 
timed out at decision block 232. If the delay timer 32 has timed out, 
program flow returns to block 200. If the delay timer 32 has not timed 
out, program flow continues to block 231 and the system 10 awaits 
activation of the start key 191. 
Returning back to block 202, if the operator has entered the master code at 
block 202, program flow continues through block 240, representing entry of 
the master code, to block 242 whereat the operator can select different 
parameters to adjust. For example, the operator can change the user code 
as represented at block 244, or change the delay key as represented at 
block 246. The operator can also enter a delay timer at block 248 and 
start the delay timer at block 250, options of which were available with 
entry of the user code. When the operator has adjusted all desired 
parameters, program flow returns to block 242. With activation of the 
start key 191, the program flow continues to block 206. In this 
embodiment, the master code is unchangeable for the reasons discussed 
above. 
In the embodiment illustrated, a "washout key" is provided to disable the 
delay timer 32. The washout key can be a separate key or any one of the 
keys 181-190. As represented at block 252, the washout key is activated 
either when the vehicle is turned off, as illustrated, or while the 
vehicle is running. The washout key is particularly advantageous for 
rental shop owners that rent the vehicle for a period of time to 
customers. In this manner, after the vehicle has been returned to the 
rental shop, the owner can activate the washout key to prevent delayed 
starting by setting the delay time T.sub.2 to zero at block 254. Those 
skilled in the art will appreciate that other status variables can be used 
and set to prevent delayed starting. If desired, activation of the washout 
key can also render the user code invalid. 
Although the present invention has been described with reference to 
preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that 
changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit 
and scope of the invention.