Patent ID: 7156772

Claim:
A switch device for starting an engine of a vehicle by a driver, wherein the vehicle has an ID code, and the switch device is communicable with a portable device that transmits a signal including an ID code, the switch device comprising: an operated member operable by the driver for starting the engine; a detection unit supplied with power for detecting, in a non-contact manner, that the operated member has been operated; and a power supply control unit, connected to the detection unit, for controlling power to the detection unit to enable the detection unit to detect that the operated member has been operated; and a comparison unit for receiving the signal including the ID code from the portable device, comparing the ID code of the portable device with the ID code of the vehicle, and permitting the engine to start when the two ID codes match, wherein the power supply control unit does not supply power to the detection unit when the comparison unit does not permit the engine to start.