Integrated key artifact

• US 20050277438A1
• Filed: 05/21/2004
• Published: 12/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: General Motors Corporation (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: General Motors Corporation (General Motors Company)
• Inventors: Tilk, Jason G., Kaplan, Josh G.
• Application Number:
  US10/850,766
• Publication Number:
  US 20050277438A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/556.100
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/205 Mobile phones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2063 Ignition switch geometry
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/406 Power supply in the remote key
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00968 shape of the data carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00944 Details of construction or manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0214 Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position combined with translation movement H04M1/0235
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/23 Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof by improving visibility H04M1/22
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6083 by interfacing with the vehicle audio system
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72415 for remote control of appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72442 for playing music files

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for personal electronic access to voice communication, audio entertainment, and automotive functions. The apparatus comprises an integrated key artifact, comprising a physically and, optionally, electronically integrated combination of an electronic device for accessing automotive functions, an electronic voice communication device, and an electronic device for producing music from data files. An exemplary integrated key artifact comprises a physically and electronically integrated cell phone, MP3 player, and electronic key fob.

Claims

1. An integrated key artifact for controlling certain automotive functions, comprising:

a cellular telephone;

an electronic device integrated with said cellular telephone; and

a plurality of actuators associated with said electronic device for controlling said certain automotive functions.

2. The integrated key artifact of claim 1, wherein said integrated key artifact is responsive to a signal for controlling said certain automotive functions.

3. The integrated key artifact of claim 2, wherein said signal comprises a voice command signal.

4. The integrated key artifact of claim 2, wherein said signal initiates an electromagnetic transmission from the integrated key artifact.

5. The integrated key artifact of claim 2, further comprising an MP3 player operatively coupled to said cellular telephone for downloading data through the cellular telephone.

6. The integrated key artifact of claim 5, wherein said the MP3 player is responsive to a first control signal.

7. The integrated key artifact of claim 6, wherein said control signal comprises a voice command signal.

8. The integrated key artifact of claim 6, further comprising a recorder operably coupled to said cellular telephone for recording sounds received by said cellular telephone.

9. The integrated key artifact of claim 8, wherein said recorder comprises an MP3 recorder.

10. The integrated key artifact of claim 9, wherein said MP3 recorder is responsive to a second control signal.

11. The integrated key artifact of claim 1, further comprising an electronic connector for connecting the integrated key artifact to an automobile, wherein said automobile is adapted to process signals from said integrated key artifact.

12. The integrated key artifact of claim 11, further comprising at least first and second electronic information displays.

13. The integrated key artifact of claim 12, wherein the cellular telephone includes a closable lid, and wherein said first electronic information display is externally visible when said lid is closed.

14. An integrated key artifact for controlling certain automotive functions in a vehicle, the integrated key artifact comprising:

a cellular telephone; and

an electronic car key artifact operably coupled to said cellular telephone for generating telephone signals, said vehicle being responsive to said telephone signals to control said automotive functions.

15. The integrated key artifact of claim 14, further comprising an electronic processor for processing data files which represent sounds.

16. The integrated key artifact of claim 15 wherein said vehicle includes a first source of electrical power and wherein said integrated key artifact includes a second source of electrical power which is recharged by said first source of electrical power.

17. The integrated key artifact of claim 14, wherein one of said certain automotive functions is electronic ignition.

18. The integrated key artifact of claim 14, wherein one of said certain automotive functions is an audio system.

19. The integrated key artifact of claim 14 wherein one of said certain automotive functions is a video system.

20. The integrated key artifact of claim 14, wherein one of said certain automotive function comprises an automotive navigation system.

21. An integrated key artifact, comprising:

a cellular telephone;

an electronic automotive key artifact integrated with said cellular telephone; and

an MP3 player integrated with said cellular telephone and said electronic automotive key artifact.

22. The integrated key artifact of claim 21, wherein said cellular telephone, said key artifact, and said MP3 player are integrated in a unitary structure.

23. The integrated key artifact of claim 21, further comprising an integrated speaker.

24. The integrated key artifact of claim 21, further comprising an integrated with a visual display.

25. The integrated key artifact of claim 21, further comprising an integrated voice command processor.

26. The integrated key artifact of claim 22, further comprising a programmable key fob button set.