Multifunction and multiple range RKE system and method

• US 20010038328A1
• Filed: 04/04/2001
• Published: 11/08/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Ghabra, Riad, King, Ronald O., Nantz, John, Tang, Qingfeng, Campbell, Douglas C.
• Application Number:
  US09/826,335
• Publication Number:
  US 20010038328A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.64
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/55 Remote control arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/80 Arrangements for controlling instruments
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00206 the keyless data carrier being hand operated
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00261 the keyless data carrier having more than one function
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/63 Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/91 Remote control based on location and proximity

Abstract

A multifunction remote keyless entry system is provided that increases functionality of the transmitter without increasing the size of the transmitter unit by having certain buttons on the transmitter perform multiple functions based on the distance from the vehicle. More specifically, actuation of a button on the portable transmitter unit triggers operation of a first designated function if the transmitter is outside a predetermined range from the vehicle. Actuation of the same button within the predetermined range will trigger operation of a second designated function. Thus, one button performs at least two functions depending on the distance the user is from the vehicle. In a further embodiment, the same button could trigger operation of a set of different functions as a function of multiple, concentric zones around the vehicle.

Claims

1. A wireless remote control system comprising:

a wireless transmitter having a button arranged to cause the transmitter to transmit a command signal upon actuation by a user;

a receiver for receiving the transmitted command signal;

a signal detector connected to the receiver for detecting the distance of the transmitter from the receiver as a function of the signal strength of the received signal; and

a controller responsive to the signal detector for performing a first associated function if the transmitter is detected as being within a predetermined range, and a different function if the transmitter is detected as being outside the predetermined range.

2. The system of

claim 1

wherein the wireless remote control system comprises a remote keyless entry system for a vehicle, said receiver being mounted to the vehicle.

3. The system of

claim 1

wherein the receiver is arranged to generate an output signal that is proportional to the signal strength of the received command signal.

4. The system of

claim 1

wherein the receiver comprises a superheterodyne receiver arranged to produce a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) output.

5. The system of

claim 1

wherein the signal detector is arranged to compare the signal strength of the received command signal to a predetermined threshold value indicative of distance from the receiver.

6. The system of

claim 5

wherein the signal detector is arranged to compare the signal strength of the received command signal to a plurality of different predetermined threshold values, each indicative of different distance from the receiver, and the controller is arranged to perform a different function for each distance threshold.

7. The system of

claim 1

further comprising a signal processor connected to the receiver for determining whether the received command signal is one of a set of commands enabled only for short-range operation, wherein the controller is responsive to the signal processor for performing the function associated with a short-range enabled command signal if the transmitter is detected as being within the predetermined range.

8. The system of

claim 1

wherein the transmitter comprises an FM transmitter, the transmitter arranged to transmit the command signal with a narrower FM deviation if the command signal is to trigger operation of the first function, and a wider FM deviation if the command signal is to trigger operation of the other function.

9. The system of

claim 1

wherein the transmitter comprises an ASK transmitter, the transmitter arranged to transmit the command signal with a narrower bit width if the command signal is to trigger operation of the first function, and a wider bit width if the command signal is to trigger operation of the other function.

10. A method of remotely controlling operation of at least two different functions in a wireless remote control system, wherein the system includes a transmitter and a receiver, the method comprising:

transmitting a command signal;

receiving the command signal;

detecting the distance of the transmitter from the receiver as a function of the signal strength of the received signal; and

per forming a first function if the transmitter is detected as being within a predetermined range, and a different function if the transmitter is detected as being outside the predetermined range.

11. The method of

claim 10

wherein receiving the command signal further comprises generating an output signal that is proportional to the signal strength of the received command signal.

12. The method of

claim 10

wherein detecting the distance comprises comparing the signal strength of the received command signal to a predetermined threshold value indicative of distance from the receiver.

13. The method of

claim 12

further comprising comparing the signal strength of the received command signal to a plurality of different predetermined threshold values, each indicative of different distance from the receiver, and performing a different function for each distance threshold.

14. The method of

claim 10

further comprising determining whether the received command signal is one of a set of commands enabled only for short-range operation, and performing the function associated with a short-range enabled command signal if the transmitter is detected as being within the predetermined range.

15. The method of

claim 10

further comprising altering a parameter of a command signal to reduce signal strength if the command signal is only enabled for a shorter range.