MULTIPLE-CHANNEL RECEIVER SYSTEM AND METHOD

• US 20070046427A1
• Filed: 08/23/2005
• Published: 03/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Ghabra, Riad, Nantz, John, Tang, Tom, King, Ronald
• Granted Patent: US 8,922,339 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.610
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0408 transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0433 Radio signals
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/246 characterised by the challenge triggering
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/30 for homodyne or synchrodyne receivers demodulator circuits H03D1/22

Abstract

A system and method for receiving signals from a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system, a remote keyless entry (RKE) system, and a passive entry system in a manner that reduces the occurrence of signal interference includes transmitting at least a first signal to a receiver on the vehicle. The receiver is configured to have multiple channels for receiving the TPM signal, the RKE signal and/or the passive entry signal. The method also includes receiving the first signal on a first receiver channel. The method further includes selecting a second receiver channel for receiving at least a second signal when the second signal is or will be generated.

Claims

1. A method for receiving signals, at a vehicle, wherein the signals are generated by a tire pressure monitor (TPM) system, a remote keyless entry (RKE) system, and a passive entry system, the method comprising:

transmitting at least a first signal to a receiver on the vehicle, wherein the receiver has multiple channels configured to receive at least one of a TPM signal, RKE signal and a passive entry signal;

receiving the first signal on a first receiver channel; and

selecting a second receiver channel for receiving at least a second signal.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first signal includes a passive entry signal and a RKE signal.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the second signal includes a TPM signal.

4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising selecting the first receiver channel subsequent to receiving the second signal.

5. A method according to claim 1, further including monitoring the TPM system, the RKE system, and the passive entry system through the use of a controller to determine when the first and second signal are transmitted.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein transmitting the first signal occurs via at least one of a tire pressure monitor sensor and a remote keyless entry device.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein transmitting the first signal via a remote keyless entry device includes transmitting the first signal through the use of an electronic fob.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein transmitting the second signal occurs via activation of a component integrated with the vehicle.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein transmitting the second signal occurs via activation of a component includes activation of a door handle of the vehicle.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein transmitting the second signal includes transmitting a passive entry signal having a challenge signal that is received by an electronic fob.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein selecting the second receiver channel for receiving the at least a second signal includes selecting a second receiver channel for receiving at least a second signal when the second signal is or will be generated.

12. A receiver device for a vehicle, the receiver having multiple channels in which to receive a signal transmitted by a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system, a remote keyless entry (RKE) system and a passive entry system, the receiver being configured to:

monitor the transmission of signals from the TPM system, the RKE system, and the passive entry system through the use of a controller;

receive at least a first signal on a first receiver channel; and

select an alternative receiver channel for receiving a second signal in response to the second signal being transmitted.

13. A receiver according to claim 12, wherein the receiver is further configured to select the first receiver channel subsequent to receiving the second signal.

14. A receiver according to claim 12, wherein the receiver being configured to receive the at least a first signal on the first receiver channel includes a passive entry signal and a RKE signal that are generated via a remote keyless entry device.

15. A receiver according to claim 12, wherein the receiver being configured to select the alternative receiver channel for receiving the second signal includes a second signal comprising a passive entry signal that is generated in response to the activation of a component integrated with the vehicle.

16. A receiver according to claim 15, wherein the component integrated with the vehicle includes a door handle of the vehicle.

17. A receiver according to claim 12, wherein the receiver being configured to select the alternative receiver channel for receiving the second signal further includes a second signal comprising a passive entry signal having a challenge signal.

18. A method for receiving signals in a vehicle, through the use of a receiver, the signals being generated by a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system, a remote keyless entry (RKE) system and a passive entry system, the method comprising:

configuring the receiver to have multiple channels for receiving signals generated by the TPM system, the RKE system and the passive entry system;

transmitting a RKE signal on a first channel;

receiving the RKE signal on a first receiver channel;

transmitting a TPM signal on a second channel;

selecting a second receiver channel that corresponds with the channel in which the TPM signal is transmitted;

receiving the TPM signal on the second receiver channel;

transmitting a passive entry signal on a third channel; and

selecting a third receiver channel for receiving the passive entry signal.