Patent Abstract:
A system for preventing unauthorised use of a vehicle having an engine housing and a device for enabling starting of the engine amongst other ancillary features is disclosed. The system provides a wireless smart card reader and a smart card which, may be a multi-function smart card for use with the reader. A circuit is provided in the system which disables operation of the vehicle. The circuit is integrated for electrical disablement by the smart card reader. The circuit includes an interrupt circuit connected to the device for enabling starting of the vehicle. The circuit is primarily directed to selective interruption. The circuit is positioned directly within the engine housing in order to prevent tampering or any other activity which would render the circuit inoperative or bypassed. As a further feature, the system, provide access to a building and the building can communicate with the wireless card reader associated with a vehicle to effect operation of the vehicle. A method of use accompanies the apparatus.

Full Description:
[0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/974,848 filed Oct. 28, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/832,979, filed Apr. 12, 2001, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/196,301, filed Apr. 12, 2000. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a system and method for preventing unauthorized use and/or access to a building and vehicle and more particularly, the present invention relates to a device that provides owners and authorized users varying degrees of control over their vehicle including its theft prevention, particularly for constantly running vehicles such as a fire truck.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Generally speaking, the theft of vehicles such as snowmobiles, ATVs, watercrafts, motorcycles and other vehicles having a magneto/stator present in the motor system, including most non jet propulsion aircraft, is fairly straightforward, much to the demise of the owners of such vehicles. This is also a problem for automobiles despite the fact that they do not include a magneto or stator.  
         [0004]     The simplicity in, for example, starting the motors of these vehicles is realized by the arrangements used to link the ignition system to the ignition generator coil. In snowmobiles, for example, the block connectors electrically connect the ignition switch, kill switch and power accessories to the ignition switch. These elements are all exposed outwardly of the motor. To the skilled thief, since these elements are readily accessible, bypass is simple and can typically be achieved in seconds. The result is that the vehicle can be easily started and driven away with ease and with a minimum of effort.  
         [0005]     In an attempt to speak to the escalation in theft of these vehicles, many devices have been proposed in the art which attempt to provide the user/owner with a greater degree of security. The arrangements known incorporate alarms, keylock systems, manual circuit interrupts inter alia. These devices, although somewhat useful, are all limited by the same vulnerability, namely the fact that they are external systems which are accessible by a thief and therefore are easily disabled by bypass or “hot wiring”.  
         [0006]     In the case of snowmobiles, track locks have been proposed. These devices are simply not pragmatic; the user is confined to carrying these bulky awkward items on the snowmobile which requires storage space. This space is often at a premium in view of the size of the snowmobile.  
         [0007]     A current manufacturer has offered a digital system (for selected models) and even though its method has a level of effectiveness, it is still vulnerable by its external application. Accordingly, the owner of earlier model vehicles is not helped by the new technology.  
         [0008]     Other systems for preventing theft of watercraft include markings on the craft itself or special indications on the hull identification plate. These attempts at preventing theft can be easily circumvented by simply removing and replacing the plates or altering the information thereon.  
         [0009]     In terms of automobiles, steering wheel arrangements such as the Club™ are typically employed. These devices are somewhat useful, but are easily removable by determined thieves.  
         [0010]     Immobilizers are also used in automobiles for theft prevention, but are limited by their external disposition.  
         [0011]     Perhaps one of the most difficult situations relates to constantly running vehicles or emergency vehicles. These are highly vulnerable to theft, since the driver, once the vehicle is parked, for example, is preoccupied and therefore not cognizant of unscrupulous activity. These conditions make theft trivial to complete. In situations as noted above, it would be useful if the vehicle could receive information updates concerning a patient or situation available to the driver (user) upon his return to the vehicle. Further, it would be advantageous, in the fire fighting scenario, where the firemen could access an adjacent building with a smart card without having to damage the building or risk loss of the fire truck through theft. The present invention seeks to amalgamate present needs for security with available technology in a previously uncombined and novel manner.  
         [0012]     In view of the fact that the vehicles are expensive, a more sophisticated method and apparatus is required which is not external of the motor or engine and which does not employ interceptable digital streams.  
         [0013]     The present invention addresses this need and thus one object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a control device mounted internally of the engine. This renders control of operation of the vehicle inaccessible to tampering.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     One object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use of and ultimately the control of a vehicle.  
         [0015]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for preventing unauthorized use of a vehicle having an engine housing and means for enabling starting of said engine, comprising, in combination a wireless smart card reader, a smart card for reading by said smart card reader, a circuit for disabling operation of said vehicle operatively connected to said smart card reader, comprising an interrupt circuit electronically connected to said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said circuit for selectively interrupting said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said circuit being mounted directly within said engine housing, switch means mounted within said engine housing and connected to said circuit for allowing interruption to said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said switch means responsive to communication with said wireless smart card reader and battery connecting means for connecting said wireless smart card reader to the battery of a vehicle engine responsive to signals from said wireless smart card reader.  
         [0016]     As a particular convenience, the switch means may be selected from any suitable switching devices, such as mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, electronic (digital) arrangements. The important feature is that the circuit (supra) is positioned within the housing as opposed to externally; this latter arrangement is what limited the effectiveness of the prior art.  
         [0017]     Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a smart card based security system for preventing unauthorized use of a vehicle and unauthorized communication with a building, said system, comprising a vehicle wireless smart card reader connected within said vehicle, a building wireless smart card reader for permitting communication with said building, a smart card for communication with the readers, a circuit for disabling operation of said vehicle operatively connected to said smart card reader, comprising an interrupt circuit electronically connected to said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said circuit for selectively interrupting said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said circuit being mounted directly within said engine housing switch means mounted within said engine housing and connected to said circuit for allowing interruption to said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said switch means responsive to communication with at least one of said wireless smart card reader and said building wireless smart card reader, and battery connecting means for connecting said wireless smart card reader to the battery of a vehicle engine responsive to signals from said wireless smart card reader, whereby said system is capable of data conveyance between said vehicle and said building.  
         [0018]     The mounting location for the circuit is conveniently anywhere within the housing with a suitable connection to the ignition generator coil. As an example of a useful position, the circuit may be positioned between the stator and magneto.  
         [0019]     A still further object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for preventing unauthorized use of a vehicle having an engine housing and means for enabling starting of said engine, comprising providing said vehicle with a wireless smart card reader, providing a smart card for reading by said smart card reader, providing a circuit for disabling operation of said vehicle operatively connected to said smart card reader, comprising, an interrupt circuit electronically connected to said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said circuit for selectively interrupting said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said circuit being mounted directly within said engine housing, switch means mounted within said engine housing and connected to said circuit for allowing interruption to said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said switch means responsive to communication with said wireless smart card reader; and battery connecting means for connecting said wireless smart card reader to the battery of a vehicle engine responsive to signals from said wireless smart card reader, and contacting said smart card in proximity with said switch means to effect an enabled start of said vehicle.  
         [0020]     The transceiver arrangement facilitates communication between the vehicle and other extraneous communication devices such as satellite systems, computers, web enabled cellular phones, GPS, personal digital assistants (PDA) or any other suitable device or combination of devices useful for communication.  
         [0021]     The transceiver system can be used to control operation of the ignition generator, engine rpm, air/fuel mixture inter alia.  
         [0022]     The provision for GPS capacity allows for tracking of the vehicle in the event it is stolen.  
         [0023]     As a further object of one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for preventing unauthorized use of a vehicle and unauthorized communication with a building based on a smart card platform security system, comprising providing a vehicle wireless smart card reader connected within said vehicle, providing a building wireless smart card reader for permitting communication with said building, a smart card for communication with the readers, providing a circuit for disabling operation of said vehicle operatively connected to said smart card reader, comprising an interrupt circuit electronically connected to said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said circuit for selectively interrupting said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said circuit being mounted directly within said engine housing, switch means mounted within said engine housing and connected to said circuit for allowing interruption to said means for enabling starting of said vehicle, said switch means responsive to communication with at least one of said wireless smart card reader and said building wireless smart card reader, and battery connecting means for connecting said wireless smart card reader to the battery of a vehicle engine responsive to signals from said wireless smart card reader, whereby said data conveyance between a vehicle point and a building point, a user point and said vehicle point, said user point and said building point and said vehicle point and said building point is effected wirelessly through said readers and said card to prevent illegitimate activity through the points.  
         [0024]     A still further of object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling vehicle function, operation and unauthorized use of said vehicle having an engine and block therefor, sensors for effecting engine activation and other functions, a power source, ignition coils, and means for establishing communication between said sensor and said coils, said method comprising the steps of providing switch means for and augmenting communication to and/or from said sensors for altering function of said sensors, providing wireless transceiver means connected to said switch means for receiving electromagnetic signals from a signal service provider and transmitting electromagnetic signals to said signal service provider, said switch means being actuable by said transceiver means, positioning said switch means and said transceiver means between at least one sensor of said sensors and said means for establishing communication between said sensors and said coils, mounting said switch means and said transceiver means to said at least one sensor, and activating said switch means by said transceiver means for communicating with said sensors for altering engine activation and other functions.  
         [0025]     The means for establishing electrical communication between the sensors and coils is known in the art as an ECM motherboard. In current arrangements, the ECM motherboard in automobiles is externally mounted of the engine and thus is vulnerable to tampering. If removed and replaced with a similar component not equipped with a theft deterrent (immobilizer) auto theft is easily achieved.  
         [0026]     By providing the switch arrangement and mounting location, the presence of an immobilized ECM motherboard is of no consequence; the arrangement discussed supra interrupts power to the sensors leading to the ECM motherboard and further is mounted at least partially within the engine block to avoid tampering, bypass or expeditious removal. The ECM may also be mounted internally.  
         [0027]     As a particularly attractive advantage, the switch means may be integrally mounted to the sensor or a plurality of sensors. By providing several such switches, security for preventing unauthorized access may be augmented.  
         [0028]     Further still, the smart card used in the present invention may be remotely updated with further information at any time. The information may be specific to one user to provide limited access to a building or other property as an example. Obviously, the system can operate on a network to alter many cards at one time. Broadly, examples of smart cards are known; the HID Company presently provides such cards. Although this is the case, the unification of a vehicle disabling circuit and building access provision has not been previously proposed.  
         [0029]     It will be readily apparent to those skilled that the vehicles having stator/magneto arrangements could easily be adopted to the circuit mentioned above where the stator/magneto is removed in future modifications of such vehicles.  
         [0030]     Having thus described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical engine of the vehicles set forth herein;  
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  with the cover removed from the stator housing;  
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of the wiring of a typical snowmobile;  
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 2  with the arrangement according to one embodiment installed;  
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is an abbreviated schematic diagram illustrating the positioning of the elements according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of the starting circuit for an automobile with the switch;  
         [0037]      FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of a vehicle and positioning of various sensors; and  
         [0038]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of the switch arrangement in relation to the sensor(s) and ECM motherboard.  
         [0039]      FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of a vehicle and positioning of sensors.  
         [0040]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of the switch arrangement in relation to the sensors and ECM motherboard.  
         [0041]      FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment.  
         [0042]      FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment.  
         [0043]      FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment.  
         [0044]      FIG. 14  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the present invention incorporating smart card technology; and  
         [0045]      FIG. 15  is a further embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0046]     Referring now to the drawings and particularly  FIG. 1 , numeral  10  generally references the engine. There is provided a housing  12  for housing the magneto and stator. A cover  14  is fixed by fasteners  16  to provide a sealed stator/magneto housing. As is generally known, specialized tools and skill are required to remove the cover  14  and eventually gain access to the interior of the housing  12 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 2  illustrates the interior of the housing  12  where there are mounted several coils  18 , shown in the example as a quantity of five. A main coil or ignition generator coil  20  is also provided and is integral in starting the engine. It is known that such coils generally operate on the principle of sensors. Coil  20  has two leads  22  and  24  which terminate at a block connector  26 . Block connector  26  also includes leads, generally referenced by numeral  28 , leading to the CDI box (not shown). A mating block connector  30  connects to block connector  26  and the former provides leads to the ignition switch, kill switch and power accessories (none of which is shown) of the vehicle (not shown).  
         [0048]     The arrangement is generally well known in the art. Unfortunately, it is also well known that by simply disconnecting the block connectors  26  and  30 , all security systems typically associated with the vehicle are disabled while a signal is still capable of being supplied to the CDI box from the ignition generator coil  20 . Accordingly, the vehicle will start in this condition.  
         [0049]      FIG. 3  illustrates a typical schematic diagram for a conventional snowmobile, although the diagram is applicable to typical magneto/stator motors. As the diagram illustrates, the disposition of the ignition generator coil  20  in the circuit facilitates easy starting of the engine when the block connectors  26  and  30  are disconnected.  
         [0050]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example of the invention as positioned within the housing  12 . A switch  32  is disposed in housing  12  and in this case is an electrical/mechanical switch.  FIG. 5  illustrates a truncated schematic of the circuit of  FIG. 4  showing the positioning of the switch  32  and its relationship to ignition generator coil  20 . As illustrated, the switch  32  includes leads  34  and  36 , with lead  34  being connected to ignition generator coil  20  and lead  36  extending to other electrical connections related to starting the vehicle. By connection to ignition generator coil  20 , the circuit is interrupted in the OFF position and is unaffected by disconnection of block connectors  26  and  30 . Accordingly, the user, in order to start the vehicle must initially actuate the switch  32  into the ON position with, for example, a key  38  which, in turn, will re-enable the ignition generator coil  20 . Once this is done, normal procedures may be performed to start the vehicle.  
         [0051]     In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , a switch is mounted in the housing  12  adjacent the ignition generator coil  20 . Trigger coils are reverenced by numeral  20 ′. This is not essential. In the situation where the switch system comprises a remotely controllable arrangement, the switch may be replaced by a receiver (not shown) well known in the art. In these devices an antenna can be positioned in any convenient location provided it can communicate with a transmitter (not shown). It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that any suitable switch capable of selectively interrupting the ignition generator coil circuit may be used.  
         [0052]     Advantageously, by positioning the circuit interrupt portion of the switch within the housing, tampering or bypass is difficult, tedious and would more than likely damage the vehicle if a thief attempted any tampering. Further, if the switch mechanism is damaged, broken or removed, the vehicle cannot be made to start unless original wiring is restored. Cover  14  is removed and the switch  32  removed from the vehicle. This is obviously time consuming and cannot be performed with any degree of stealth.  
         [0053]      FIG. 6  illustrates a further embodiment of the overall concept of the invention. In this embodiment, the engine housing  12  is shown the ignition generator coil  20  connected to the switch means  32  and the circuit positioned within housing  12 . As illustrated, this circuit is electrically connected to a CDI box, referenced in this figure by number  18 . The CDI module  18  is, in turn, electrically connected to the additional coils as well as a power supply (not shown) as is well known. As a further variation of  FIG. 6 , the dashed line represented by numeral  12 ′ constitutes the engine housing  12 , but accommodates a trigger coil  52 , which trigger coil  52  communicates electrically with switch means  32  and subsequently to CDI module  18 . This is a variation where the trigger coil  52 , switch means  32  and CDI module  18  are electrically connected for interruption. This provides an alternative to the ignition generator coil  20 , switch means  32  and CDI module  18  combination.  
         [0054]     As still a further variant, the engine housing represented by the extended chain line  12 ″ may also include the CDI module  50  such that the CDI module  50 , switch  32  and ignition generator coil  20  as well as trigger coil  52  are all positioned within the engine housing.  
         [0055]      FIG. 7  illustrates a further variation where the electrical communication between switch means  32  and ignition coils, referenced as  52 ′, is interrupted by CDI  18 .  
         [0056]     The point in the further variations is to demonstrate the fact that the switch  32  is positioned within the housing and is in one manner or another connected to an essential element required for operation of the engine (not shown). By this provision, theft of the vehicle incorporating the variants outlined in  FIG. 6  is substantially averted, since no parts are available outside of the engine compartment for easy removal and or exchange in order to steal the vehicle.  
         [0057]     In  FIG. 9 , a vehicle  51  is shown and includes an engine and an engine block, broadly denoted by numeral  54 . As is known, a number of sensors are required to carry out various functions with respect to the operation of the vehicle. In the example, numeral  56  represents a camshaft position sensor, numeral  58  represents a crankshaft position sensor and numerals  56  through  74  represent other sensors, amplifiers, inter alia.  
         [0058]     As is illustrated in  FIG. 8 , disposed between engine  54  and sensors  56  through  74  is a switch  80 . The sensors  56  through  74  are in electrical communication with an ECM motherboard  82  which is responsible for numerous functions, the most important of which for purposes of this discussion is communication between the sensors and ignition coils  84  and  86 . As is known, coils  84  and  86  each communicate with cylinders  88 ,  90 ,  92 , and  94 , respectively.  
         [0059]     By providing power and/or signal interruption via switch  80  to the sensors  56  through  74 , it is inconsequential as to whether the ECM motherboard  82  is equipped with anti-theft provisions such as an immobilizer (not shown). This is a significant advantage since the sensors are effected by the switch  80  as opposed to the ECM motherboard  82 . By effecting the sensors  56  through  74 , the ECM motherboard  82  is also effected. This is a more effective system since it does not matter whether the ECM motherboard includes anti-theft provisions.  
         [0060]     The sensors and particularly those shown in  FIG. 8 , i.e., sensors  56  and  58  are typically at least partially mounted within the engine block  54  as is generally depicted in  FIG. 9 . By connecting the switch  80  to all or some of the sensors  56  through  74 , the switch is therefore at least partially mounted in the engine block  54  and therefore presents significant difficulty for potential thieves to tamper with the arrangement. This is in marked contrast to the disposition of the ECM motherboard  82  which is easily accessible.  
         [0061]     In this manner, the sensors  52  through  70  and the switch  80  (of which there may be several) can be integrated as a single unit. This arrangement is shown in  FIG. 10  where the switch  80  and sensor  56  are unified as a single unit.  FIG. 10  also shows in dashed line the possibility of augmenting security by linking various switches and sensors in tandem.  
         [0062]     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , shown is a generic illustration which is applicable to either stator magneto arrangements or conventional internal combustion engines. Once again, it is illustrated the switch  32  is positioned within the housing  12  and that any one of the essential elements for engine operation such as the trigger coil  52  camshaft position sensor  56 , crankshaft sensor  58 , CDI module  50 , ECM motherboard  82  and/or fuel/air supply  100  may be connected to the switch internally of housing  12  in order to provide the highest degree of security and therefore the lowest incidents of theft.  
         [0063]      FIG. 12  illustrates a further variation of the arrangement when a transponder  102  is positioned within housing  12  and communicates with ECM motherboard  82  and CDI module  50 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 13  illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention in which a wireless transceiver is connected to the switch means for interrupting various operations of the vehicle. The interruption circuit has been discussed herein previously; however, in this embodiment the interrupt circuit includes a wireless communication means, such as a wireless transceiver or transponder. The overall union of these two elements is broadly denoted in  FIG. 13  and represented by numeral  120 . As referenced with respect to  FIG. 9 , the sensors  56  and  58  are in direct electrical communication with the interrupt circuit modified with the wireless transceiver.  
         [0065]     By this arrangement, wireless communication is effected with the vehicle and in view of the fact that the interrupt circuit includes a wireless arrangement with sensors at least partially mounted within the engine housing  12 , all of the advantages realized with respect to the difficulty in removal of the arrangement are immediately realized. This is not the case with existing wireless arrangements, such as, for example, the On Star™ system. The On Star™ system is very useful, however, it can be tampered with and even removed entirely from the engine compartment in view of the fact that the arrangement is not at least partially mounted within the engine housing. By incorporating the desirable features of the circuit discussed herein previously and augmenting the system with a wireless transceiver, all of the limitations of externally mounted wireless systems are overcome. As will be appreciated, this is particularly useful for tracking a stolen vehicle or, in extreme situations where the vehicle has been “chopped” the engine can be located by the wireless transponder.  
         [0066]     In order to facilitate communication with the vehicle, the conventional system for wireless communications may be employed. This includes the satellites, one of which is shown in  FIG. 13  denoted by numeral  122  which can communicate with a land based tower  124  for receiving and transmitting signals to the wireless arrangement  120  in engine housing  12  as well as a portable communication device  126 , shown in the example as a laptop computer. It will be appreciated that other communication devices such as a web enabled cell phone, personal digital assistant or any other portable or permanent wireless communication device. This allows communication from land based systems such as the On Star™ with the tower and/or the individual circuit in the engine housing  12 . This is useful to control engine functions such as specific engine operations, and is useful to perform diagnostics on the engine and convey this information to a user of the vehicle by way of a stereo system within the vehicle (both of which are not shown) or by other means such as a user&#39;s cellular phone (not shown).  
         [0067]     It will also be appreciated that all of the functions that are presently available by wireless communication can be realized with the instant invention such as vehicle tracking, performance and other factors. It will be evident that any of the existing wireless networks can be employed with the system with the simple modification of a specifically tuned transponder/transceiver.  
         [0068]     Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, it is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications form part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and described invention.  
         [0069]     Turning to  FIG. 14 , numeral  150  is globally representative of a further system for use in the present invention. In the schematic illustration, a wireless smart card reader is denoted by numeral  152  which reader can be positioned within a vehicle (not shown) at any particularly convenient location. The card reader  152  is electrically linked to the ignition system of a vehicle (not shown) and globally denoted by numeral  154  as well as the vehicle battery (not shown) and globally denoted by numeral  156 . In the embodiment shown, an optional feature is a display console  158  which could be directly connected to the wireless smart card reader  152 .  
         [0070]     As generally referenced herein previously, the wireless smart card reader  152  is electrically connected to the vehicle disabling circuit, globally referenced in the example by numeral  160 . This disabling circuit  160  is the circuit that has been discussed extensively throughout the text herein supra. The vehicle disabling circuit  160  is one possible node; it is contemplated that other vehicle operating devices could be linked to the wireless card reader. This is referenced by the numerals  162  and  164 . Numerals  162  and  164  are representative of modules that are linked to the wireless reader  152 . These modules are effectively nodes which are connected to other vehicle functions. In the example, module  162  is indicated to be linked to the fuel pump  166  as well as another vehicle control device, referenced by numeral  168 . In terms of module  164 , the module could be linked to the vehicle starter motor denoted by numeral  170  as well as any other ancillary component to the starter motor or any other vehicle operating device, referenced by numeral  172  in the example. As a further example, the entire disabling circuit  160  may comprise a microprocessor with related supporting components and a semiconductor switch means.  
         [0071]     It has been found that this system is particularly effective, namely the wireless system when combined with the vehicle disabling circuit discussed herein above. A particular advantage flows from the combination and it has been found that in the case of an emergency vehicle to augment the smart card technology with further access to a building is a particular benefit to avoid theft. In the illustration, numeral  174  is representative of a building structure having wireless transmission means  176  attached thereto. In this scenario, where the vehicle is a vehicle that requires constant engine running or is a vehicle where the engine must run and the driver(s) are preoccupied with an emergency situation or other urgent activity, the provision of the wireless access to the vehicle is particularly useful and this is augmented by the combination with a building. In the situation where an emergency were adjacent a hospital or a fire station or any related and authorized partner of such authorities, the use of the wireless means  176  from the building is effective to prevent unauthorized activity, namely theft, of the continuously running vehicle. With the combination of the driver or user having the wireless access, the vehicle is effectively always “disabled” until such time as the user or an authorized party (from a partner building) effects enablement of the vehicle.  
         [0072]     As a further benefit to the arrangement, use of the smart card in the instant arrangement, which card is globally represented by numeral  180  in each of  FIGS. 14 and 15  can be a multi-function microprocessor card. Such cards are known to retain information from data received from other wireless devices. In the instant situation, such data could be from the group of kilometer use, fuel use, destination locations, elapsed time at location, individual accessing the vehicle, engine operating parameters (oil pressure, oil temperature, engine temperature), results of engine diagnostics, diagnostic modifications made wirelessly etc., materials received at a destination, building access and information relayed to the network of a destination building, vehicle enablement and/or disablement, inter alia.  
         [0073]     It is contemplated that in order to incorporate such a system with existing vehicles, a bypass and databus interface would be required for inclusion within the circuit (not shown). This facilitates integration of the existing system with pre-existing original security equipment within the vehicle.  
         [0074]     With specific reference to  FIG. 15 , shown as a further embodiment of the overall system illustrated in  FIG. 14 . In the latter embodiment, the system may include a switch  182 , shown in the example as a seat switch. This system also includes a further node  184 , which node can be linked to transmission control, denoted by numeral  186  or some other ancillary control denoted by numeral  188 . As a further option the system may include an override device  190  to bypass the provisions of the system entirely. In the illustration, as an example when a vehicle is at the scene of an emergency, the engine, as noted previously, must be left running and the transmission is set appropriately to continue providing power for auxiliary demands. When the driver leaves the driver&#39;s seat of the vehicle (none of which is shown) the transmission is automatically locked. When the vehicle needs to be moved, the driver must sit in the driver&#39;s seat and place the smart card  180  within the vicinity of the reader  152 . The user has the correct authority, the transmission will unlock and the vehicle will be available for use.  
         [0075]     In terms of the override device  190 , this could be installed in a location that will bypass the module or node  184  which is connected to the transmission. Further, the switch may have further contacts that can be used to notify the system that is has been overridden and this event will be logged. This information can be incorporated into the smart card as noted previously. When the system is disabled this can be indicated on the reader by an appropriate signal, i.e., an audible signal or a visual signal.  
         [0076]     Although not shown, it is well within the purview of instant technology to provide a plurality of wireless cards  180  and a plurality wireless readers  152 . The examples shown are representative and multiple levels of the system can be linked to accommodate a variety of vehicles and buildings.  
         [0077]     The embodiment(s) of the invention described above is (are) intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1