VALET KEYFOB SYSTEM

• US 20100039215A1
• Filed: 08/18/2008
• Published: 02/18/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Incorporated (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Inventors: Lassrich, Ingobert K., Huntzicker, Fred W., Wilson, Thomas A., Proefke, David T.
• Granted Patent: US 8,487,743 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.100
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7757 Push or pull key operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7763 Key ejecting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7768 Key-removal preventing

Abstract

A system for activating a predetermined set of vehicle features on a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a valet keyfob in wireless communication with the vehicle and configured to activate the predetermined set of vehicle features when enabled, and a first processor coupled to the vehicle and configured to enable the valet keyfob to activate the predetermined set of vehicle features.

Claims

1. A system for activating a predetermined set of vehicle features on a vehicle, the system comprising:

a valet keyfob in wireless communication with the vehicle and configured to activate the predetermined set of vehicle features when enabled; and

a first processor coupled to the vehicle and configured to enable the valet keyfob to activate the predetermined set of vehicle features.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first processor is deployed in the vehicle.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first processor is further configured to enable the valet keyfob to activate at least one additional vehicle feature not included in the predetermined set of vehicle features.

4. The system of claim 2, further comprising a master keyfob in wireless communication with the first processor, the master keyfob comprising a second processor configured to transmit a command to the first processor prompting the first processor to enable the valet keyfob.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a master keyfob in wireless communication with the vehicle wherein the first processor is deployed in the master keyfob.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the master keyfob is configured to transmit the signal to enable the valet keyfob when the distance between the master keyfob and the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a master keyfob in wireless communication with the vehicle, the master keyfob configured to activate a primary set of vehicle features that includes at least the predetermined set of vehicle features.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the primary set contains more features than does the predetermined set.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first processor is configured to encrypt the signal.

10. The system of claim 2, further comprising a receptacle deployed in the vehicle for storing the valet keyfob.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first processor is configured to detect the presence of the valet keyfob in the receptacle.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the first processor is configured to disable the valet keyfob when the valet keyfob is in the receptacle.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the valet keyfob further comprises a rechargeable battery, and the receptacle further comprises a battery charger.

14. A system for wireless activation of a predetermined set of vehicle features for a vehicle having a processor, the system comprising:

a valet keyfob in wireless communication with the processor and configured to activate the predetermined set of vehicle features when enabled; and

a master keyfob in wireless communication with the processor and configured to transmit a signal to the processor to enable the valet keyfob to activate the predetermined set of vehicle features.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the master keyfob is configured to encrypt the signal.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the master keyfob is further configured to activate a primary set of vehicle features, and wherein the predetermined set of vehicle features contains fewer features than the primary set of vehicle features.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the master keyfob is configured to transmit the signal to the processor when the distance between the master keyfob and the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the master keyfob is configured to send a signal to the processor that disables the valet keyfob.

19. The system of claim 14, further comprising a receptacle coupled to the vehicle and configured to store the valet keyfob, the valet keyfob being disabled when it is stored in the receptacle.

20. A system for wireless activation of a predetermined set of vehicle features for a vehicle having a processor, the system comprising:

a valet keyfob in wireless communication with the vehicle and configured to, when enabled, activate the predetermined set of vehicle features containing fewer features than a primary set of vehicle features, and wherein the predetermined set of vehicle features comprises at least one feature not contained in the primary set of vehicle features;

a master keyfob in wireless communication with the processor and configured to activate the primary set of vehicle features, and to transmit a signal to the processor that enables the valet keyfob to activate at least one of the predetermined set of vehicle features; and

a receptacle coupled to the vehicle, configured to store the valet keyfob and to disable the valet keyfob when it is stored in the receptacle.