WO2001011896A2

WO2001011896A2 - Dtmf interface for vehicle control and security system

Info

Publication number: WO2001011896A2
Application number: PCT/IL2000/000485
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Michael Makover; Ephi Zadok
Original assignee: Callsec Ltd.
Priority date: 1999-08-10
Filing date: 2000-08-09
Publication date: 2001-02-15
Also published as: WO2001011896A3; AU6591000A; IL131333A0

Abstract

A motor vehicle control system (Fig.2) and/or security system such as an access control and/or anti-theft and/or anti robbery system, designed to receive a DTMF (dual-tone multi frequency) coded control signals (3), which may serve as PIN (Personal Identification Number) of an authorized user, or as operational codes of the system. The signal reception device (102) of the system may be hidden to enhance security level (120), by requiring pre-knowledge by a potential thief of it's existence and location. The system enables integration of any DTMF compatible communication device as a code entry device for the security system without requiring any modifications of the device.

Description

DTMF interface for vehicle control and security system.

Field and Background of the Invention

The invention described hereby defines a man-machine interface of a security or control system, by implementing control via a dual-tone multi - frequency (DTMF) signal transmission from a user activated telecommunication device

The invention provides a very convenient data entry method to a vehicle security or control system, by using vastly available telecommunication devices, such as cellular handsets or hands-free kits or voice phone diallers and conventional keyboard operated phone diallers The user is relieved from carrying special dedicated devices for security system control

The present invention is an ideal solution as a common interface for after-market installations, when PIN devices are to be added to existing systems or be interfaced to older system designs The present invention is also ideal for solving complex integration and compatibility issues between the security and communication systems by using a widely available and standard signal interface, namely DTMF dialing

No alterations are required to the logic circuits of the digital DTMF tone generator of the interfaced communications system, as DTMF dialing is a standard pre-existing feature in virtually every communication system

A substantial advantage of the new method, is the fact that there is a widely available selection of devices in common use by most of the vehicle owners, all of which are compatible with the DTMF standard, enabling further use of these existing telecommunications devices, as security and system controllers

Without drawing any limits to the generality of the new method, it is operable from devices having DTMF transmission capability or DTMF tone dialing such as cellular handsets, cellular hands free kits, voice activated dialers, voice activated hands free kits, phones, handheld DTMF dialers, etc

Background of the present invention:

Vehicle theft is mainly done by illegal operation of the vehicle In most cases, the thief will attack the anti-theft system itself, and disable it

Vehicle anti theft systems can generally be divided into five main categories

1 Electro-Mechanical devices, typically locking vital systems or areas in the vehicle

2 Electronic devices that control vital systems of the vehicle generally referred to as immobilizers

3 Access monitoring and control systems generally referred to as alarms

4 Active measures pointed against the thieves - such as electric shock or smoke or similar

5 Purely mechanical locking devices

The disclosed system enhances the user electronic control interface of the first four above-mentioned types of devices or their electrical actuation Contemporary security systems are usually governed by devices that are exposed to the user and to potential thieves These systems usually do not have any form of defence against a key-theft from the legal owner and a subsequent illegal use of the vehicle The present invention enables the use of a hidden code reception device such as a microphone to increase the effort required on the thief's behalf The present invention further provides a reasonable degree of security even if the thief illegally obtained the keys, as he still has to discover the existence and location of the hidden module, as well as have knowledge of the vehicle owner's personal identification code

Relative to other anti key theft devices, such as PIN entry keyboards, the present invention saves the installation effort of a keyboard and further eliminates the undesirable adverse effect of the added keyboard to the interior design of the vehicle

Recent years saw a rise in the number of system types that de-centralize the topology of the system in order to force the potential thief to invest more time in attacking the system Present invention applies this favorable concept by enabling the use of a separate code reception device, in the form of a microphone unit, thus requiring more effort by the thief to locate and attack this module This will be especially true if the DTMF code will be made to control only a part of the security functions, serving to further disorientate the thief and complicate his diagnostic procedure, as the mere existence of the hidden code entry device is not obvious

Description of previous art:

Previous inventions used audio recording of user ID data as password means for access control, such as described in US patents 4367458, 4450545, 4510350, 4571462, 4602256, 4800293, 4827520, 5012223, 5265191, 5430827, 5510777, 5525963, 5771303, 5801616, but failed to use the advantage of the widely available DTMF data and interface formats Present invention, by contrast uses the advantage of using the DTMF interface, which pre-exists in user and system vicinity, but used up to now for different purposes

Other previous inventions used DTMF signals as data communication means for remote programming command and control in telephony oriented applications over public telephone networks, but did not use the DTMF interface for systems that are not telephony communication oriented, such inventions are described in US patents 5343519 or 5469499 Present invention, by contrast, uses the advantageous DTMF interface out of the normal telephony system uses in a non obvious way

Further previous inventions used DTMF audio signals as communications means on telephone public exchange lines between remote system or security network components, using two DTMF devices as modem type devices to bridge between the remote systems such as described in US patents 3976840, 4510350, 4584434, 4584435 or 5481611 These inventions did not make use of pre-existing DTMF equipment, originally used for other, additional, purposes, and operated over the public telephone network lines Present invention, by contrast, has the advantage of using pre-existing non-dedicated DTMF devices, thus requiring only one DTMF device rather than the obvious using of two dedicated modem type devices, and using other wiring systems in different environments than the obvious public telephone infrastructure

Additional previous patents used Car cellular sets as communication means over the air to remotely monitor and report vehicle status to the user or to remote security services such as described in US patents 4809316 4905271 and 5081667

By contrast present invention uses the communications devices as local input devices rather than the obvious remote communication means

Finally present invention differs from all previous art by having the option for a hidden code entry device thus elevating the level of security relative to all previous art Description of the Invention

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The system has one or more of the following operational functions a) Anti theft, illegal or unauthorized usage prevention mode b) Anti burglary, illegal break-in monitoring mode c) Anti Hijack or robbery d) Convenience or luxury functions, which may be tailored to a specific user identified according to PIN

System parts include, but are not limited to, the following components

(1 ) A device designed to detect, to receive and to decode electric DTMF signals, converting DTMF signals into digital codes such as BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) to be processed by the system

(2) A device capable of processing, discriminating and comparing a received code with a plurality of valid pre-stored or pre-computed codes and activating or de-activating a process'or a function according to pre-programmed rules

(3) An apparatus to process and control functions on receipt of an activating or de-activating signal The control apparatus may be a relay circuit coupled with the security system CPU, controlling a vital function of the vehicle for effecting a pre-defined control operation upon being energized by the CPU, if the comparison finds the code identical to an expected value

Additionally, the system may optionally include one or more of the following components

(4) A device designed to receive and detect an acoustic DTMF signal, including an acoustic transducer for detecting and converting acoustic DTMF signals into electrical signals for being decoded by the system, This part may be hidden to enhance security

(5) An apparatus to defend the vehicle if no valid signal has been received, by disabling a vital circuit, by locking an area or a subsystem of the vehicle or by issuing a distress or an alarm signal

(6) An apparatus to disable and/or otherwise defend the vehicle and the system code reception feature for a predetermined period of time, if received signals are non-valid and appear to be of a hostile scanning nature

(7) Alarm or distress signaling output device

(8) An apparatus to control vehicle electrical convenience functions in response to which valid signal was recognized,

(9) Voice decoder modules able to receive user voice commands and translate them into digital data or codes to be processed by the system

The security and/or control system may be pre-programmed to store valid codes or able to pre-calculate the next valid set of codes according to a code encryption algorithm

Received codes are discriminated by the system If a valid code is received, the system will react by any pre selected desired response of a control circuit in the vehicle A desired response may be releasing the armed state of a security system or enabling an ignition control circuit to pass electric current from the vehicle power source to a vehicle part which is vital to the security, such as an ignition circuit or unlocking a lock or similar If a non valid code is received the system will start by disregarding it unless an anti-scan criteria has been met causing the system to self-lock for a pre-determmed time, or issue an alarm signal Initiation of the system control circuit may be achieved by a predetermined time delay after the vehicle motor has been turned off or after being left by the user De-activation of the system control circuit may be initiated after a predetermined time delay after the vehicle is entered or immediately when motor starting is attempted, unless the system control circuit is previously disabled by a valid code

The system has the following logic states a) RELEASED - the system is OFF, thus allowing normal undisturbed access and/or usage by the authorized user and/or unlocking any previously locked area or subsystem of the vehicle b) ARMING - the system delays entering into armed mode for a predetermined time, according to vehicle status, to user inputs and to sensor indications c) ARMED - Standby, Alarm is OFF - the system monitors the vehicle for release code or for break-in events or for illegal attempts to crank the engine d) TRIGGERED - the system has detected a break-in event and the alarm is ON, or the system detected that the vehicle is stolen or in a Hijack situation The system issues distiess signal outputs and may also launch forced engine disabling e) SLEEP -.the system will disable vehicle usage and will not respond to any code inputs for a predetermined period, as a response to detecting a hostile code scan attempt f) SERVICE - the system is temporarily disabled for service such as maintenance or programming or diagnostics or valet parking or similar

Description of the principles of system operation

In order to defend the vehicle, operation of the vehicle and/or access to it and/or unlocking of an area or subsystem of it, are only enabled in response to valid code entry via DTMF coded signals

A method is provided, together with a DTMF decoder, for preventing the operation of the vehicle defense system in response to a valid code reception Hence, when the operator enters his specific valid code, the vehicle can be operated or accessed without triggering an alarm, alternatively, any previously locked area or subsystem will be unlocked

In the anti-theft system operation mode, if no valid code has been received, the operation of the vehicle is disabled by interrupting one or more essential vehicle circuit such as starter, ignition, fuel, lights or by locking of a subsystem or control device of the vehicle The interrupt or lock activation may be immediate or delayed and may have an abrupt onset or a gradual progressive activation rate

In the access control system operation mode, the system monitors all points of entry into the vehicle, and also monitors various sensors for unusual disturbances In the event of unauthorized entry or unusual disturbance the system enters into the TRIGGERED state

As an added security feature the system may include a hidden signal receiver or data entry device, requiring pre-knowledge of it's existence and location, thus further defending the vehicle against key theft or robbery In the TRIGGERED state the system emits distress signal outputs Such distress outputs may be audible such as sounding a siren alarm and/or the vehicle horn Alternatively such signals may be visual, such as flashing the vehicle's hazard signal lights and/or interior lights and/or parking lights, and/or headlights A further option for distress signals may be issuing a coded distress message to a remote Fleet Management system or to a remote vehicle location or tracking system or to a remote user notification device such as a pager, or to a law enforcement monitoring system or similar The system may also include and control a lock to a designated area within the vehicle

The entry to ARMED state will preferably be automatic, and user-independent This may be achieved by a timeout criteria such as after turning the ignition OFF or after closing the last door or such or any combination of such criteria

The entry to SERVICE state will be defended by a security code, and will preferably not entail exposing the user PIN codes to strangers

Preferably, the exit from SERVICE state will be automatic, and user-independent, such as entering automatically the RELEASED state after a predetermined continuous operation time

Anti-scan function is a method based on logging code entries and detecting a progression of a plurality of codes having a true format but a wrong code value or data Occurrence of a hostile code scan situation will then be determined by applying a time and variance criteria, such as detecting a predetermined number of different wrong codes within a pre-determmed period of time

In response to such a hostile code scan, the system will enter a SLEEP mode, thus disabling further hostile scans for a predetermined time period, this period may further be escalated if subsequent hostile code scans are detected

The system may have the ability to differentiate between a plurality of authorized operators of the vehicle, by incorporating a logic processing device adapted to interface to automotive electrical functions such as memory devices user-programmed to adapt specific automotive functions to a plurality of operators These functions may be security or convenience or luxury features such as, for example a) Remote Keyless Entry, b) Mirror setting, c) Seat position and orientation, d) Air Conditioning or climate control setup, e) Pre-set stations on the Radio receiver f) Engine tuning setting, g) Access authorization to various areas of the vehicle, h) Usage authorization to various subsystems of the vehicle

Brief Description of the Mlustartions

Fig 1 shows a logic flow-chart of the states of the security system, and the criteria to move from one logic state to another After the user has left the vehicle it is in the arming state (204) mode, when this phase is timed out the system moves to the armed (201 ) state, the system will stay in this mode till a code entry and code check (202) will occur, if a valid code is recognized, the system will move into the arming (204) state, turning the ignition on before this state has timed out will cause the system to move into unarmed or drive (205) state mode If, however, during code check (202) the system has detected a pre-determmed number of occurrences of different wrong codes within a pre-defined period of time, it will assume it is being scanned by a hostile code scanner and enter into sleep (203) mode for a prolonged period of time as an anti-scan means in order to require prolonged time consuming scan periods by hostile scanners The Learn (206) mode can be entered after initiating a system reset (207) by secure means, this learn mode may also serve as service mode if entered from the released/unarmed drive (205) mode by a command code in order to allow servicing without compromising the PIN information to service or valet staff, this mode will be timed out automatically after a pre-determmed length of continuous operation and the system will move to unarmed/drive (205) mode

Fig 2 shows a block diagram of the security system and the interface to the DTMF devices A microphone (101 ) is serving as a code entry device for a security system (10), the acoustic DTMF code input (1 10) from a user operated device (2 or 4) is received by the microphone (101) from the air and electro-magnetically transmitted to a DTMF decoder (102) and issued as digital codes (112) towards the security system control module (120) which will release a vital circuit relay such as starter cut (130) or ignition cut (131 ) or fuel pump cut (132) battery cut (133) or ECU (Engine Control Unit) cut (134) or headlights cut (135), or open a lock such as a door lock (140) or a window lock (141 ) or a hood or bonnet lock (142) or a trunk lock (143) or disable an alarm unit such as a siren (150) or the vehicle horn (152) or a flashing light (151 ) The user may choose to use the acoustic DTMF output of a handset (2) or of a vehicle hands-free kit (3) or of a hand held dialer device (4)

Fig 3 shows a typical car (1 ) having a bonnet/hood (13) and system components The security system components are control unit (120), an internal microphone (101 ) an external microphone (121 ) and the signal wires (5) additionally described are some of the possible vital circuit breakers an Ignition cut (131 ) a fuel pump (132) circuit cut a battery line cut (133) an ECU (Engine Control Unit) (134) line cut a headlights cut (135), further, some of the possible access locking devices are located at the door (140) at a window (141 ) or at the bonnet/hood (142) in the baggage compartment/trunk (143), finally, some of the possible alarm outputs to be controlled by the security system are demonstrated The vehicle siren (150) or the car horn (152) or the vehicle signal lights (151 ) flashing

Fig 4 shows a microphone (101 ) mounted on the vehicle (1 ) serving as a code entry device for a security system (10), the acoustic DTMF code input (1 10) from a user operated device (2 or 3 or 4) is received by the microphone (101 ) from the air and electro-magnetically transmitted to a DTMF decoder (102) and issued as digital codes (112) towards the security system (10) which will release a vital circuit cut relay or open a lock or disable an alarm unit The user may choose to use the acoustic DTMF output of a handset (2) or of a vehicle hands-free kit (3) or of a hand held phone dialer device (4) Fig 5 shows a vehicle hands-free kit (3) mounted on the vehicle serving as a code entry device for a security system (10), the DTMF signal code input (111) from the user operated hands-free kit is electro-magnetically transmitted to a DTMF decoder (102) via signal wires (5) and issued as digital codes (112) towards the security system (10) which will release a vital circuit cut relay or open a lock or disable an alarm unit

The user may choose to use the DTMF electromagnetic pulse output of a vehicle hands-free kit (3) or of a specially supplied keyboard (6) mounted on the vehicle

Fig 6 shows a vehicle hands-free kit (3) serving as a code entry device for a security system (10), the microphone (101 ) of the hands free kit (3) is connected in line with the security system (10), and subsequently routed to the audio output unit (105) of the hands free kit (3) Thus, DTMF signal code input (11 1) or acoustic DTMF code input (110) from the user operated device (2, or 3 or 4 or 6), may be issued towards the security system (10), while using pre-existing hands free kit hardware, for the purpose of saving on material cost, vehicle space, and installation labor

Preferred Embodiements

PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #1

A vehicle (1 ) is protected by a security system (10) that controls the unlocking of any locked part of the vehicle, such as a door (11 ) or window (12) or a hood/bonnet (13) or a trunk (14) or a fuel hatch (15) or a retractable antenna (16) or similar

The security system employs a microphone (101 ) mounted on the vehicle (1 ) as a data entry device, capable of receiving and decoding DTMF signals transmitted from any user supplied

DTMF compatible telecommunications device

The acoustic sound_output (110) from the user supplied DTMF compatible device (2 or 3 or 4) is received by the microphone receiver (101 ), decoded by a DTMF decoder (102) translated into digital codes (112) and transmitted to the security system CPU and compared by the processor (120) in memory (103) with a preset code and if valid, a command (113) is issued and at least one Jock is released

PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #2

A vehicle (1 ) is protected by a security system (10) that monitors vehicle access by individuals, by indicating an illegal access by an alarm output such as a horn (152), siren

(150), light (151) or an emergency communication to a remote unit or similar

The security system employs a microphone (101 ) mounted on the vehicle as a data entry device, capable of receiving and decoding DTMF signals transmitted from any user supplied

DTMF compatible telecommunications device

The acoustic sound output (110) from the user supplied DTMF compatible device (2 or 4 ) is received by the microphone receiver (101 ), decoded by a DTMF decoder (102) translated into digital codes (112) and transmitted to the security system CPU and compared in memory

(103) by the processor (120) with a preset code and if valid an individual is allowed to access the vehicle without any alarm output command (113) generation

PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #3

A vehicle (1 ) is protected by a security system (10) that controls the operation of the engine of a vehicle, by disabling or enabling critical subsystems circuits such as the Starter unit (130) or the Fuel pump (132) or the Engine Control Unit (134) or the Ignition command line (131 ) or the Headlights (135), or the Battery line (133) or similar

The security system employs a microphone (101 ) mounted on the vehicle as a data entry device, capable of receiving and decoding DTMF signals transmitted from any user supplied DTMF compatible telecommunications device

The acoustic sound output (110) from the user supplied DTMF compatible device (2 or 4 ) is received by the microphone receiver (101 ) decoded by a DTMF decoder (102) translated into digital codes (112) and transmitted to the security system CPU and compared in memory (103) by the processor (120) with a preset code and if valid the engine operation is enabled via control commands (113) PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #4

A cellular telephone handset (2) is provided by the user, the cell-phone handset (2) being of the type where a series of frequency tones (110) are generated for dialing a number The user places the handset speaker near a microphone receiver (101 ) mounted on the vehicle, that is connected to the security system (10) and dials a preset sequence of numbers on the telephone

The acoustic sound output (110) from the handset (2) is received by the microphone receiver (101), decoded by a DTMF decoder (102) translated into digital codes (112) and transmitted to the security system CPU and compared in memory (103) by the processor (120) with a preset code and if valid the security system is unarmed from armed to released mode or to arming mode or to service mode

PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #5

A portable DTMF dialer device control sender unit (4), kept in the vehicle or carried by a user includes a dual-tone multi frequency (DTMF) encoding circuit with a keyboard (401 ) for code inputting connected to an amplifying circuit, for acoustically outputting a DTMF release code The user places the DTMF dialer device (4) near a microphone.receiver (101) mounted on the vehicle, that is connected to the security system (10) and dials a preset sequence of numbers on the dialer device

The acoustic sound output (110) from the device (4) is received by the microphone receiver (101), decoded by a DTMF decoder (102) translated into digital codes (112) and transmitted to the security system CPU and compared in memory (103) by the processor (120) with a preset code and if valid the security system is unarmed from armed to released mode or to arming mode or to service mode

PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #6

A cellular telephone vehicle hands-free kit unit (3) includes logic circuitry programmed to be manually initiated to generate acoustic DTMF tones (110) via the air or water or the vehicle body towards a vehicle security audio-response system (10)

The programming of the logic circuitry in manual initiation mode requires a pre-defined action to signal that the subsequent data entered will be a PIN Such pre-defined action may be a non-digit key such as ASTERIK or POUND, or pressing a special button (301) added to the hands-free kit The preprogrammed or pre-calculated PIN access number is compared to the entered PIN, and if valid the security system is unarmed from armed to released mode or to arming mode or to service mode

PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #7

A cellular telephone vehicle hands-free kit unit (3) includes logic circuitry programmed to be manually initiated to generate electromagnetic DTMF tones (111 ) via signal wires (5) towards a vehicle security DTMF-response system (10)

The programming of the logic circuitry in manual initiation mode requires a pre-defined action to signal that the subsequent data entered will be a PIN Such pre-defined action may be a non-digit key such as ASTERIK or POUND or pressing a special button (301 ) added to the hands-free kit The preprogrammed or pre-calculated PIN access number is compared to the entered PIN and if valid the security system is unarmed from armed to released mode or to arming mode or to service mode PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #8

A cellular telephone vehicle hands-free kit unit (3) includes logic circuitry programmed to automatically initiate generating acoustic DTMF tones (110) towards a vehicle security audio-response system (10) upon recognizing a pre-programmed valid ESN (Electronic Serial Number) of a cellular telephone handset unit (2)

PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #9

A voice responsive cellular telephone vehicle hands-free kit unit (3) wherein the operation of the communication system is vocally controlled by the driver via a voice recognition unit (104) The system includes circuitry to generate acoustic DTMF coded signals (110) towards a vehicle security audio-response system (10) via the air or the vehicle body The voice responsive code input system of the vehicle comprises a microphone signal receiver The hands free kit includes a voice recognition unit for identifying the driver's commands and producing a DTMF code outputs towards the vehicle security system

PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #10

A voice responsive cellular telephone vehicle hands-free kit unit (3) wherein the operation of the communication system is vocally controlled by the dπver via a voice recognition unit (104) The system includes circuitry to generate electromagnetic DTMF coded signals (111 ) towards a vehicle security audio-response system (10) via signal wires (5)

The voice responsive code input system for a vehicle comprises a DTMF signal receiver and decoder (102) The hands free kit includes a voice recognition unit (104) for identifying the driver's commands and producing a DTMF code outputs towards the vehicle security system (10)

PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #11

A vehicle security system (10) where the signal reception unit is a microphone (101 ) mounted on the vehicle in a hidden location and having a limited reception ability so as to require pre-knowledge by the user of the microphone location

The said security system where the hidden signal reception unit is controlling only a part of the security functions, such as starter (130) -yes, while fuel pump (132) -no, or similar, thus further complicating the potential thief diagnostics

PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #12

A vehicle security system (10) where the signal reception unit is a microphone (101 ) mounted on the vehicle (1 ) in the passenger compartment Said microphone (101 ) also serving as an intrusion or attack sensor by discriminating pre-programmed signal patterns from background noise identifying them as typical alert conditions thus monitoring illegal break-in or damage to the vehicle Or

The said security system (10) where the signal reception microphone (101 ) mounted on the vehicle (1 ) in the passenger compartment, said microphone (101 ) being coupled to an external microphone unit (121 ), the combination of both microphones serving as a differential acoustic sensor thus monitoring illegal break-in or damage to the vehicle PREFERRED EMBODYMENT #13

A vehicle security system (10), is installed between the microphone (101 ) and the audio output unit (105) of a vehicle hands-free kit (3)

The pre-existing hands free kit hardware, is thus serving as DTMF code transmission device for the vehicle security system (10), saving material space and labor

Claims

1 A DTMF (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency) compatible-code vehicle security and/or control system, which includes at least two modules an acoustic signal reception module, and a vehicle control module The said system is responsive to DTMF compatible acoustic signal inputs from a user-operated code entry device transmitted through the air or fluid surrounding the vehicle or included in it, or through the vehicle body At least one PIN (personal identification number) is issued by the user towards the vehicle control unit via the code entry device in the format of acoustic DTMF dialing signals A valid PIN entry will result in disarming the said DTMF responsive security system such as performing a release of a lock and/or enabling the engine operation and/or allowing an individual to access the vehicle or a part of it

System parts include, but are not limited to, the following components a) An acoustic DTMF signal receiver apparatus designed to receive a DTMF coded signal, this part may be hidden for enhanced security b) A DTMF decoder for processing the received signal, c) An apparatus to recognize which one of a plurality of valid signals was entered, d) An apparatus to control vehicle electrical functions in response to which valid signal was recognized,

Additionally, the system may include one or more of the following optional components e) An apparatus to release security control and monitoring functions on receipt of a valid code f) An apparatus to disable the vehicle if no valid signal has been received g) An apparatus to disable the vehicle if received signals are non-valid and appear to be of a hostile scanning nature h) Alarm or distress signaling output i) A DTMF compatible transmitter code entry device for the user

2 The system of claim 1 where the vehicle control unit governs the locking or the unlocking of any locked part of the vehicle, such as a door or a hood or a trunk or fuel hatch or window or antenna or similar

3 The system of claim 1 where the vehicle control unit governs authorization of vehicle access by individuals, the system may also monitor vehicle status and issue alarms per illegal entry

4 The system of claim 3 where the said alarms is an audible sound or the flashing of a light or a notification transmission of a remote vehicle tracking system or the notification transmission to a user carried receiver device

5 The system of claim 1 where the vehicle control unit governs the operation of a vehicle by controlling the operation of at least one vital electrical circuit such as engine starter circuit or such as ignition circuit or such as fuel pump circuit or such as headlights or similar 6 The system of claim 1 where the signal reception unit is a microphone mounted in the vehicle passenger compartment Said microphone may be a dedicated unit or alternatively, the microphone of a vehicle communication system having a secondary function of serving the security system

7 The system of claim 1 where the signal reception unit is a microphone mounted in the vehicle control unit or embedded in the vehicle security system enclosure

8 The system of claim 1 where the signal reception unit is a microphone mounted on the vehicle in a hidden location and having a limited reception ability so as to require pre-knowledge by the user of the microphone existence and/or it's location

9 The system of claim 6 or claim 7 or of claim 8 where the vehicle control unit is affecting only a part of the security functions, thus further complicating the potential thief diagnostics

10 The system of claim 1 where the signal reception unit is a microphone mounted on the vehicle in the passenger compartment Said microphone also serving as an intrusion or attack sensor by discriminating pre-programmed signal patterns from background noise, identifying them as typical alert conditions, thus monitoring illegal brake-in or damage to the vehicle

11 The system of claim 10 where the signal reception unit is a microphone mounted on the vehicle in the passenger compartment, said microphone being coupled to an external microphone unit, the combination of both microphones serving as a differential acoustic sensor, thus monitoring illegal break-in or damage to the vehicle

12 The system of claim 1 where the user operated code entry device is a cellular telephone handset provided by the user, the said handset being of the type where a series of acoustic frequency signals are generated for dialing a number

13 The system of claim 1 where the user operated code entry device is a cellular telephone hands-free kit unit, being of the type where a series of acoustic frequency signals are generated for dialing a number

14 The system of claim 12 or claim 13 where the user operated code entry device is a voice responsive cellular telephone unit Said unit including a voice recognition module that translates a user spoken voice command into a digital code Said unit further being of the type where a digital code is represented by a series of DTMF compatible acoustic frequency signals otherwise generated for indicating to the user a dialing of a number

15 The system of claim 1 where the user operated code entry device is a portable transmitter unit which may be carried by a user or left in the vehicle, such as a hand held DTMF dialer The said device includes an input keyboard on which an authorized user enters his code and a DTMF digital encoding circuit connected with an amplifying circuit for outputting via an acoustic transducer a DTMF encoded acoustic signal The said signal propagating in the vehicle interior or at the vehicle's external vicinity towards the vehicle control system as control data such as a PIN

16 The cellular telephone unit of claim 12 or of claim 13 or of claim 14 which includes logic circuitry programmed to generate acoustic DTMF tones towards a vehicle security audio-response system The said unit being equipped with an override switch or key disabling the code transmission to the security system thus enabling normal cellular phone usage independent from the vehicle security system functioning Said override switch may be an additional switch or a pre-existing switch which is used in a different manner than it's previous normal operation such as combination with another switch or as different time of use or a prolonged actuation or similar 17 The cellular telephone unit of claim 12 or of claim 13 or of claim 14 which includes logic circuitry programmed to generate acoustic DTMF tones towards a vehicle security audio-response system The programming of the logic circuitry treats any number entered by the user during the check that does not correspond to a valid preprogrammed PIN access number as a dial command, and thereupon discontinues the PIN check and processes the dial command, thus enabling normal cellular phone usage, independent from the vehicle security system functioning

18 The system of claim 1 where the acoustic signal receiver is controlled by a switch allowing activation of the receiver prior to code entry for a pre-determmed length of time, thus saving power required for signal reception from being wasted while the user does not access the vehicle Said switch may be a dedicated additional switch or a pre-existing switch which is used in a different manner than it's previous normal operation, such as combination with another switch, or as different time of use, or a prolonged actuation or similar

19 The system of claim 1 where the acoustic signal receiver is a microphone, said microphone being kept in a non-receiving mode whilst the engine is running, thereby stopping detection of any transmitted code

20 A DTMF (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency) compatible-code vehicle security and/or control system whic includes at least two modules an electronic DTMF signal reception module, and a vehicle control module The said system is responsive to DTMF compatible signal inputs from a user operated code entry device transmitted on signal wires At least one PIN (personal identification number) is issued by the user towards the vehicle control unit via the code entry device in the format of electronic DTMF dialing signals transmitted on signal wires A valid PIN entry will result in disarming the said DTMF responsive security system such as performing a release of a lock and/or enabling the engine operation and/or allowing an individual to access the vehicle or a part of it

System parts include, but are not limited to, the following components a) A logic DTMF signal decoder module designed to receive via signal wire and to process a

DTMF coded signal, transmitted from a user operated device such as a vehicle cellular hands free kit or a DTMF compatible keyboard device b) An apparatus to recognize which one of a plurality of valid signals was entered, c) An apparatus to control vehicle electrical functions in response to which valid signal was recognized

Additionally, the system may optionally include one or more of the following components d) An apparatus to release security control and monitoring functions on receipt of a valid code e) An apparatus to disable the vehicle if no valid signal has been received f) An apparatus to disable the vehicle if received signals are non-valid and appear to be of a hostile scanning nature g) Alarm or distress signaling output h) A DTMF compatible transmitter code entry device for the user

21 The system of claim 20 where the vehicle control unit governs the locking or the unlocking of any locked part of the vehicle such as a door or a hood or a trunk or fuel hatch or window or antenna or similar

22 The system of claim 20 where the vehicle control unit governs authorization of vehicle access by individuals the system may also monitor vehicle status and issue alarms per illegal entry 23 The system of claim 22 where the said alarms is an audible sound or the flashing of a light or a notification transmission of a remote vehicle tracking system or the notification transmission to a user carried receiver device

24 The system of claim 20 where the vehicle control unit governs the operation of a vehicle, by controlling the operation of at least one vital electrical circuit such as engine starter circuit or such as ignition circuit or such as fuel pump circuit or such as headlights or similar

25 The system of claim 20 where a secondary signal reception unit is a microphone mounted in the vehicle control unit or embedded in the vehicle security system enclosure or a microphone mounted in the vehicle passenger compartment

Said microphone may be a dedicated unit or alternatively, the microphone of a vehicle communication system having a secondary function of serving the security system Said microphone serving as an add-on device or as emergency back up device and functioning as described in claims 1 to 19.

26 The system of claim 20 where the DTMF signal reception unit is controlling only a part of the security functions, thus further complicating the potential thief diagnostics

27 The system of claim 25 where the signal reception unit is a microphone mounted on the vehicle in the passenger compartment Said microphone also serving as an intrusion or attack sensor by discriminating pre-programmed signal patterns from background noise, identifying them as typical alert conditions, thus monitoring illegal break-in or damage to the vehicle

28 The system of claim 27 where the signal reception unit is a microphone mounted on the vehicle in the passenger compartment, said microphone being coupled to an external microphone unit, the combination of both microphones serving as a differential acoustic sensor, thus monitoring illegal break-in or damage to the vehicle

29 The system of claim 20 where the user operated code entry device is a cellular telephone hands-free kit unit, being of the type where a series of electromagnetic DTMF frequency signals are generated for dialing a number, which is used to transmit signals towards a vehicle security system via wire

30 The system of claim 20 or claim 29 where the user operated code entry device is a voice responsive cellular telephone unit Said unit including a voice recognition module that translates a user spoken voice command into a digital code Said unit further being of the type where a digital code is represented by a series of DTMF compatible acoustic frequency signals otherwise generated for indicating to the user a dialing of a number

31 The system of claim 20 where the user operated code entry device is a DTMF transmitter unit, which may be carried by a user or left in the vehicle The said device includes an input keyboard on which an authorized user enters his code and a DTMF digital encoding circuit connected with an amplifying circuit for outputting via signal wires a DTMF encoded electromagnetic signal towards the vehicle control system as control data such as a PIN

32 The cellular telephone unit of claim 20 or of claim 29 or of claim 30 which includes logic circuitry programmed to generate acoustic DTMF tones towards a vehicle security DTMF response system The said unit being equipped with an override switch or key disabling the code transmission to the security system, thus enabling normal cellular phone usage, independent from the vehicle security system functioning Said override switch may be an additional switch or a pre-existing switch which is used in a different manner than it's previous normal operation, such as combination with another switch, or as different time of use or a prolonged actuation or similar 33 The system of claim 20 in which the DTMF signal wires are transmitted along pre-existing power wires of the vehicle and intercepted by at least one remote or hidden cut-off or signaling device in the vehicle

34 The system of claim 20 in which the CPU of the cellular hands-free kit is used to as a CPU or as a controller of the vehicle security system