초록 ▼

A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine having an electronic engine controller to automatically start the engine at a programmable day/date and time include determining a current day/date and time, comparing the current day/date and time to a day/date and time previously st

A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine having an electronic engine controller to automatically start the engine at a programmable day/date and time include determining a current day/date and time, comparing the current day/date and time to a day/date and time previously stored in the programmable memory for automatically starting the engine, determining whether current conditions are acceptable for automatically starting the engine, and controlling the engine to automatically start the engine beginning at the programmed day/date and time. In one embodiment, a remotely located computer transmits a signal to coordinate automatic starting of a plurality of engines, such as in a truck/bus fleet, or for construction equipment at a construction site. Security features are provided to reduce the possibility of unauthorized use/theft of a vehicle or other equipment after being automatically started. Security features may include limiting distance traveled, limiting maximum speed, and/or limiting any movement of the vehicle/equipment. Engine torque may be reduced or the engine automatically stopped when a security violation is triggered.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for controlling an internal combustion engine installed in a vehicle having an electronic engine controller in communication with a starter motor and a plurality of fuel injectors, the electronic engine controller including a programmable memory for storing instructions and parameters fo

1. A method for controlling an internal combustion engine installed in a vehicle having an electronic engine controller in communication with a starter motor and a plurality of fuel injectors, the electronic engine controller including a programmable memory for storing instructions and parameters for controlling the engine, the method comprising:determining a current day and/or date and time; comparing the current day and/or date and time to a day and/or date and time previously stored in the programmable memory for automatically starting the engine; determining whether current conditions are acceptable for automatically starting the engine including determining whether the vehicle is stationary; and controlling the starter motor and fuel injectors to automatically start the engine beginning at the previously stored day and/or date and time for automatically starting the engine and continuing for a predetermined time thereafter while the current conditions are acceptable for automatically starting the engine or until the engine has started.