Start system for a motor vehicle

摘要

A start system includes a vehicle bus system disposed in a motor vehicle. A powertrain control module is connected to the vehicle bus system. The powertrain control module includes an engaged state electrically enabling the powertrain control module to provide tractive power to a vehicle drive wheel, and a disengaged state electrically inhibiting the powertrain control module from providing tractive power to the vehicle drive wheel or another vehicle drive wheel. An authentication system is in communication with the vehicle bus system and with an electronic pattern-entry user interface. The authentication system is responsive to an entered pattern entered on the interface while the powertrain control module is in a current instance of the disengaged state. The powertrain control module enters the engaged state only in response to an authenticated engagement command communicated from the authentication system to the powertrain control module in response to authenticating the entered pattern.

主权项

1. A start system for a motor vehicle, comprising:
a vehicle bus system disposed in the motor vehicle; a powertrain control module connected to the vehicle bus system, the powertrain control module including:
an engaged state electrically enabling the powertrain control module to provide tractive power to a vehicle drive wheel; anda disengaged state electrically inhibiting the powertrain control module from providing tractive power to the vehicle drive wheel or an other vehicle drive wheel; an electronic pattern-entry user interface; an authentication system in communication with the vehicle bus system and with the electronic pattern-entry user interface, the authentication system being responsive to an entered pattern entered on the electronic pattern-entry user interface while the powertrain control module is in a current instance of the disengaged state; a sensor sending a key present signal responsive to detecting a presence of a hardware key or an actuation of a lock by a mechanical key; and an engine on switch initiating an engine on event; wherein:
the engine on event is prevented in an absence of the key present signal;an engagement authentication protocol is initiated in response to the engine on event;the powertrain control module enters the engaged state only in response to an authenticated engagement command communicated from the authentication system to the powertrain control module in response to authenticating the entered pattern; andin response to a disengagement condition, the powertrain control module enters into and remains in an instance of the disengaged state until the authenticated engagement command is communicated from the authentication system to the powertrain control module.