System and method for training a trainable transmitter and a remote control system receiver

• US 20060232377A1
• Filed: 04/19/2005
• Published: 10/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Witkowski, Todd R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,786,843 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.250
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/28 using pulse code
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/20 Binding and programming of remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/31 Voice input
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/62 Rolling code
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/92 Universal remote control

Abstract

A method for training a receiver of a remote control system to a trainable transmitter includes receiving a control signal from an original transmitter associated with the remote control system. A first period of time is started in response to receipt of the control signal. During the first period of time, a learn message is received from a trainable transmitter. In response to the learn message, the receiver begins a receiver training mode. During the training mode, a rolling code control signal is received from the trainable transmitter and the trainable transmitter is enrolled by storing an identifier of the trainable transmitter.

Claims

1. A method for training a receiver of a remote control system to a trainable transmitter, the method comprising:

receiving a control signal from an original transmitter associated with the remote control system;

starting a first period of time in response to receipt of the control signal;

receiving a learn message from a trainable transmitter during the first period of time;

beginning a receiver training mode in response to the learn message;

receiving a rolling code control signal from the trainable transmitter during the training mode; and

storing an identifier of the trainable transmitter.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising synchronizing a counter value of the trainable transmitter with a counter value of the remote control system receiver.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the learn message is generated based on control data from a control signal of the original transmitter.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the control data includes a fixed portion and an encrypted portion.

5. A method according to claim 3, wherein the control data includes an identifier of the original transmitter and an encrypted counter value.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the rolling code control signal is generated using an encryption algorithm associated with the remote control system.

7. A method for training a trainable transmitter, the method comprising:

receiving a request to enter a training mode from a user;

beginning a training mode in response to the request to enter a training mode;

receiving a control signal from an original transmitter associated with a remote control system;

detecting a frequency and control data of the control signal, the control data including a fixed portion and an encrypted portion;

identifying rolling code data associated with the remote control system;

generating a learn message based on the fixed portion and encrypted portion of the control signal, the learn message configured to cause a receiver of the remote control system to enter a training mode;

receiving a request to transmit the learn message from a user;

transmitting the learn message to the remote control system for a predetermined period of time;

upon expiration of the predetermined period of time, generating a rolling code control signal using the identified rolling code data; and

transmitting the rolling code control signal to the remote control system.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the fixed portion of the control signal includes an identifier of the original transmitter and the encrypted portion of the control signal includes an encrypted counter value.

9. A method according to claim 7, wherein the rolling code data includes an encryption algorithm.

10. A method according to claim 7, wherein the rolling code control signal includes an identifier of the trainable transmitter.

11. A method according to claim 7, wherein the request to enter a training mode is received via a pushbutton.

12. A method according to claim 7, wherein the learn message includes an identifier of the trainable transmitter.

13. A method according to claim 7, wherein the trainable transmitter is integrated in a vehicle.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the trainable transmitter is integrated in a vehicle interior element.

15. A trainable transmitter comprising:

a user input device;

a receiver circuit configured to receive signals;

a transmitter circuit configured to transmit signals;

a control circuit coupled to the user input device, the receiver circuit and the transmitter circuit, the control circuit having a training mode and configured to receive a control signal having a fixed portion and an encrypted portion from an original transmitter associated with a remote control system via the receiver circuit, to identify rolling code data associated with the remote control system based on the control signal, to generate a learn message based on the fixed portion and encrypted portion of the control signal, to transmit the learn message to the remote control system for a predetermined period of time via the transmitter circuit, to generate a rolling code control signal using the rolling code data upon expiration of the predetermined period of time and to transmit the rolling code control signal to the remote control system via the transmitter circuit;

wherein the learn message is configured to cause a receiver of the remote control system to enter a training mode.

16. A trainable transmitter according to claim 15, wherein the trainable transmitter is integrated in a vehicle.

17. A trainable transmitter according to claim 15, wherein the fixed portion of the control signal includes an identifier of the original transmitter and the encrypted portion of the control signal includes an encrypted counter value.

18. A trainable transmitter according to claim 15, wherein the control circuit enters the training mode in response to actuation of the user input device

19. A trainable transmitter according to claim 15, wherein the user input device includes at least one pushbutton.

20. A trainable transmitter according to claim 19, wherein the control circuit enters the training mode in response to actuation of the at least one pushbutton.