Patent ID: 7471013

Claim:
A smart-key-start-up device for an automobile, comprising: a control module configured to receive signals about an operation state of the automobile; a lock-preventing circuit controlled by the control module; a knob housing; a user-operable start-up knob disposed in the knob housing; a slidable projection on the start-up knob, controlled by the lock prevention circuit based on the operation state of the automobile; and a guide groove in the knob housing configured for the projection to travel therein, wherein the guide groove comprises: a first groove comprising an ON position and an ACC position, wherein an engine is turned off when the projection moves from the ON position to the ACC position; and a second groove comprising an ON position, an ACC position, and a LOCK position, wherein power is turned off when the projection moves to the LOCK position; wherein the grooves are connected to each other to allow the projection to move between the first and second grooves, in such a manner that the ON positions of both grooves are interconnected with each other, and the ACC positions of both grooves are interconnected with each other; and wherein the lock preventing circuit is configured to receive a lock signal or an unlock signal from the control module and accordingly adjust the position of the projection within the knob housing in response to the lock or unlock signal.