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TRW Technologies Detect Vehicle Intrusion & Warn Owner Through 'Smart' Key Fob

19 February 1998

TRW Technologies Detect Vehicle Intrusion & Warn Owner Through 'Smart' Key Fob

    DETROIT, Feb. 19 -- Building upon its pioneering work in
radio-frequency remote keyless entry (RKE) and electronic immobilizer security
systems, TRW is taking vehicle security and convenience to a whole new level
... with two enabling technologies which can detect an intrusion into a parked
vehicle and notify the owner through the key fob.  The technologies will be
demonstrated at the 1998 SAE International Congress & Exposition at Cobo
Center here next week.
    TRW's Automotive Electronics Group is combining ultrasonic intrusion
sensing and two-way communications RKE into a unique package which could
appear on new vehicles in as little as two years, according to Thomas J.
Doyle, vice president and general manager, North America, TRW Automotive
Electronics Group.
    "By integrating these capabilities in our system, we can give vehicle
owners extra peace of mind ... something that our research shows is very
important to today's consumers," said Doyle.  "The system can help protect the
valuables you leave in your car, such as a laptop computer, cell phone or CD
player, and it can protect you, by enabling you to stay a safe distance away
-- 100 yards or more -- from your vehicle if an intrusion is detected."
    Here's how it works:  If the sensor detects an intrusion, it would
immobilize the car's ignition system and/or sound the car's alarm, as well as
send a message to the driver through the RKE key fob.  Once the key fob comes
into range (100 yards at minimum) of the vehicle, it would alert the driver
through an audible tone and a message on its LCD (liquid crystal display)
screen.
    In the future applications, Doyle said, the technology could be linked to
cellular or global positioning satellite communication systems to notify
service centers, 911 or the owner's personal pager.
    Using proven ultrasonic sensing technology, TRW's intrusion sensor
features a single, solid-state transducer package to provide uniform,
windshield-to-backlight coverage on passenger cars and small sport utility
vehicles.  Compact and unobtrusive (less than 3 cubic inches), the TRW
intrusion sensor can be easily integrated into overhead consoles, dome or map
light housings or B-pillar trim assemblies.
    An analog ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) and algorithms in
the system filter out false readings generated by interference factors such as
dramatic temperature changes or rapid air movement.  In development for 1999/
model year applications, the sensor is designed to comply with 95/56/EC
standards and the British insurance industry's Thatcham requirements.

    Two-Way Signaling Enables Wide Range of New Functions
    The two-way communication capability of TRW's new RKE system enables
automakers to offer a broad range of remote control functions on future
vehicles, according to Doyle.  These could include: confirming door lock,
window and trunk status; starting the engine; opening or closing the windows;
checking vehicle diagnostics; and adjusting the cabin temperature.  And for
those who can't quite remember where they've parked their vehicle, it can also
be used to help locate the vehicle from up to 100 yards away.
    In this next-generation product, TRW is extending RKE nominal range to
100 yards -- more than six times the 15-yard range of current systems -- while
keeping the key fob nearly the same size as today's models.  The new system
requires no external antennae, draws only 2 milliamps of vehicle power and
offers an expected battery life of two years.
    When combined with TRW's Universal Home Access System, the same TRW key
fob can be used to open and close the owner's garage door, control home
lighting, lock or unlock the house's front door, as well as to check the
status of the vehicle door locks and lights.
    TRW Automotive Electronics Group is a leading producer of electronic
safety, security and convenience systems for the global automotive market.  In
addition to RKE and intrusion sensing systems, its major product lines include
air bag crash sensors, occupant sensing systems, switch and control systems,
advanced theft-deterrent and security systems, driver information systems,
body controllers and electrically assisted steering control units, as well as
engineered fastening systems.
    With 122 automotive locations in 23 countries, TRW Inc. is one
of the largest independent OEM automotive suppliers in the world.  In 1997,
the company's automotive businesses recorded sales of $7 billion, nearly
65 percent of TRW's total $10.8 billion in sales.  Based in Cleveland, Ohio,
TRW also provides advanced technology products and services for space and
defense, and information technology markets worldwide.

SOURCE  TRW Automotive Electronics Group