System and method for actuating a remote control access system

• US 20050057340A1
• Filed: 09/16/2003
• Published: 03/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Inventors: Fitzgibbon, James J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,268,681 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.710
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/00 Power-operated mechanisms for wings motor-operated accessories in locks for completing closing or initiating opening of a wing E05B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/76 responsive to devices carried by persons or objects, e.g. magnets or reflectors E05F15/77 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/77 using wireless control
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/80 User interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/00 Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00928 for garage doors
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/64 using a proximity sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

A system and method of actuating a remote control access system in a motor vehicle non-invasively detects the occurrence of an event involving an actuation of at least one component of a motor vehicle. A control signal is transmitted to a remote control access system as a result of detecting the event.

Claims

1. A method of actuating a remote control access system in a motor vehicle comprising:

non-invasively detecting the occurrence of an event involving an actuation of at least one component of a motor vehicle; and

transmitting a control signal to a remote control access system as a result of detecting the event.

2. The method of claim 1 including:

receiving an indication of proximity of the motor vehicle to the remote control access system; and

wherein transmitting the control signal includes transmitting the control signal upon detection of the event and upon receiving the indication of proximity of the motor vehicle to the remote control access system.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein detecting the event includes detecting at least one of the occurrence of the actuation of an automotive light;

actuation of a brake;

motion of a window;

activation of a lock;

movement of a mirror;

movement of a radio control;

movement of a moon roof or sun roof opening;

movement of a windshield wiper blade;

actuation of a heater;

setting of a cruise control.

4. A method for actuating a remote control access system comprising:

receiving an indication from a remote indicator source that a motor vehicle is in proximity to a remote control access system;

receiving an indication of the occurrence of an event involving actuation of at least one component of a motor vehicle;

communicating the indication to a transmitter unit; and

upon detection of the proximity of the motor vehicle and the receipt of the indication of the event, transmitting a control signal from the transmitter unit to the remote control access system.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein communicating the indication of the occurrence of the event to the transmitter unit includes transmitting the indication using a wire.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein communicating the indication includes transmitting an electromagnetic signal over the air.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein detecting the indication includes detecting the occurrence of at least one of electromagnetic energy from the actuation of an automotive light, the actuation of a brake, the motion of a window, the activation of a lock, the movement of a mirror, the movement of a radio control, the movement of a roof opening;

the movement of a windshield wiper blade;

the actuation of a heater;

or the setting of a cruise control.

8. A device for use in an motor vehicle actuating a remote control access system comprising:

an detection circuit for non-invasively sensing an indication, the indication generated by the actuation of component of a motor vehicle;

a transmitter circuit coupled to the detection circuit for transmitting a control signal to a remote control access system upon receiving the indication.

9. The device of claim 8 further comprising a battery, coupled to the detection circuit.

10. The device of claim 8 wherein the transmitter circuit comprises means for determining whether the motor vehicle is in proximity to the remote control access system.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the transmitter circuit comprises means for transmitting a control code if the motor vehicle is in proximity to the remote control access system and upon detection of the indication.

12. The device of claim 10 wherein the indication is created based upon at least one of the actuation of an automotive light;

the actuation of a brake;

the motion of a window;

the activation of a lock;

the movement of a mirror;

the movement of a radio control;

the movement of a roof opening;

the movement of a windshield wiper blade;

the actuation of a heater;

or the setting of a cruise control.

13. The device of claim 8 wherein the control signal is a rolling code.

14. The device of claim 8 wherein the component is one of a headlight, turning signal, brake, window, lock, mirror, wiper blade, heater, moon-roof, or cruise control.

15. A device for actuating a remote control access system comprising:

a detection circuit for sensing the actuation of at least one component of a motor vehicle;

a proximity detection circuit for detecting whether the motor vehicle is in proximity to the remote access system;

a transmitter circuit coupled to the detection circuit and the proximity detection circuit;

such that the transmitter circuit sends a control signal upon detection of the sensed actuation and the indication that the motor vehicle is in proximity to the remote control access system.

16. The device of claim 15 wherein the detection circuit is coupled to the transmitter circuit with a wire.

17. The device of claim 15 wherein the detection circuit is coupled to the transmitter circuit via an air interface.

18. The device of claim 15 wherein the detection circuit senses one of the actuation of an automotive light;

the actuation of a brake;

the motion of a window;

the activation of a lock;

the movement of a mirror;

the movement of a radio control;

the movement of a roof opening;

the movement of a windshield wiper blade;

the actuation of a heater;

or the setting of a cruise control.

19. A device for use in conjunction with a movable barrier operator comprising:

a detection circuit for sensing the actuation of at least one component of a motor vehicle; and

a transmitter coupled to the detection circuit such that the transmitter circuit sends a control signal upon detection of the sensed actuation, the control signal for controlling the position of a moveable barrier.