Remote control security system

• US 5,442,341 A
• Filed: 04/10/1992
• Issued: 08/15/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TRW Limited (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Original Assignee: TRW Limited (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Inventors: Lambropoulos, George P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yusko, Donald J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): ZIMMERMAN, BRIAN A
• Application Number:
  US07/866,906
• Time in Patent Office: 1,222 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.30, 340/825.31, 340/825.32, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 380/21, 380/28, 380/36, 380/37, 380/43
• US Class Current: 340/5.26
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00253 dynamically, e.g. variable code - rolling code
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: H04K 1/00 Secret communication

Abstract

A remote control keyless security system is presented herein for remotely controlling locking means mounted on a vehicle. A receiver is mounted on a vehicle. A remote transmitter includes a plurality of switches each representative of a control function to be performed and circuitry responsive to actuation of one of the switches for transmitting a digital signal having a security code, a sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a switch and a function code. The transmitter changes the sequence control code after each operation with the change being dependent upon information contained in the security code. The received security code is compared with a stored receiver security code. Circuitry responds to each occurrence of a match between the security codes for reading a stored sequence control code and changing it to define an updated sequence control code having a value dependent upon information contained in the stored security code. The updated sequence control code is compared with the received sequence control and an output indication is provided in dependence upon the comparison.

Claims

1. A transmitter for use in a remote control keyless security system for remotely controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means on a vehicle or the like having a receiver mounted on said vehicle, said transmitter being located remote from said receiver, wherein said transmitter comprises:

an actuatable switch means representative of a control function to be performed by said locking means;

signal transmission means including circuit means responsive to actuation of said switch means for transmitting a digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means and wherein said security code contains information defining one of a predetermined plurality of different sequence algorithms for use in changing the digital value of said sequence control code;

said transmitter including means responsive to each actuation of a said switch means for sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code with each change being dependent upon said one of said sequence algorithms selected in accordance with said information contained in said security code identifying said transmitter.

2. A transmitter as set forth in claim 1 including a plurality of said actuatable switch means for each representing a control function to be performed by said locking means.

3. A transmitter as set forth in claim 1 including memory means for storing data representing said plurality of different sequence algorithms.

4. A transmitter as set forth in claim 3 wherein said memory means includes a plurality of addressable storage locations each storing data representing a different one of said plurality of different sequence algorithms.

5. A method of controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like and comprising the steps of:

mounting a receiver on said vehicle;

receiving a digital signal at said receiver from a remotely located transmitter, and wherein said received digital signal includes a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each transmission of a said digital signal and wherein said security code contains information defining one of a predetermined plurality of different sequence algorithms for use in changing the digital value of said sequence control code; and

,

storing a multi-bit receiver security code identifying a specific transmitter from which a transmitted digital signal may be validly received;

comparing said received security code with said stored security code to determine if the security codes match;

storing a multi-bit sequence control code at said receiver;

responding to each occurrence of a match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code having a digital value dependent upon said one of said sequence algorithms selected in accordance with said information contained in the stored security code;

comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control code and providing an output indication in dependence upon the comparison; and

responding to the function code for controlling the locking means in dependence thereon.

6. A transmitter for use in a remote control keyless security system for remotely controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means on a vehicle or the like having a receiver mounted on said vehicle, said transmitter being located remote from said receiver, wherein said transmitter comprises:

an actuatable switch means representative of a control function to be performed by said locking means;

signal transmission means including circuit means responsive to actuation of said switch means for transmitting a digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means;

said transmitter including means responsive to each actuation of a said switch means for sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code with each change being dependent upon information contained in said security code identifying said transmitter; and

wherein said digital signal transmitted by said transmitter includes said first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion and wherein the codes in said first portion are arranged in order for transmission in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said transmission order algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

7. A transmitter as set forth in claim 6 wherein the digital signal transmitted by said transmitter has said codes in said first portion scrambled in accordance with one of a plurality of scrambling algorithms.

8. A transmitter as set forth in claim 7 wherein said second code includes information as to which one of said transmission order algorithms was employed in arranging the order of the codes in said first portion for transmission by said transmitter.

9. A transmitter for use in a remote control keyless security system for remotely controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means on a vehicle or the like having a receiver mounted on said vehicle, said transmitter being located remote from said receiver, wherein said transmitter comprises:

an actuatable switch means representative of a control function to be performed by said locking means;

signal transmission means including circuit means responsive to actuation of said switch means for transmitting a digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means;

said transmitter including means responsive to each actuation of a said switch means for sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code with each change being dependent upon information contained in said security code identifying said transmitter; and

wherein said digital signal transmitted by said transmitter includes said first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion and wherein said first portion is scrambled in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said scrambling algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

10. A portable transmitter for remotely controlling at least one function on a vehicle in a secure manner, comprising:

a small, hollow transmitter housing adapted for easy transportation in a person'"'"'s pocket;

a manually operable switch mounted in said housing and manually operable from the outside of said housing to control operation of the function;

electronic means contained within said housing and responsive to said switch for (a) generating a message for transmission to the vehicle, said message containing a control code indicative of the desired operation and a security code uniquely identifying said transmitter, (b) generating a second code which changes from time to time in accordance with any changes in said message, (c) scrambling said message in dependence upon the second code and one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms and wherein said second code is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said scrambling algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms for selection in accordance with said second code, and (d) transmitting said scrambled message and said second code to said vehicle; and

portable power source means contained within said housing for powering said electronic means.

11. A receiver for a remote control keyless security system for remotely controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like wherein said receiver is adapted to be mounted on a said vehicle, said receiver including:

means for receiving a digital signal from a remote transmitter wherein said received digital signal includes a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each transmission of a said digital signal, and wherein said security code contains information defining one of a predetermined plurality of different sequence algorithms for use in changing the digital value of said sequence control code, and a multi-bit function code identifying one of a plurality of said control functions to be performed by said lock means;

security code memory means for storing a multi-bit receiver security code identifying a specific transmitter from which said receiver may validly receive a transmitted digital signal;

means for comparing said received security code with said stored security code to determine if said security codes match;

sequence code memory means for storing a multi-bit sequence control code;

means responsive to each occurrence of a said match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code with each change having a digital value dependent upon said one of said sequence algorithms selected in accordance with said information contained in said stored security code;

means for comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control code; and

means responsive to said function code for controlling said locking means in dependence thereon.

12. A receiver for a remote control keyless security system for remotely controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like wherein said receiver is adapted to be mounted on a said vehicle, said receiver including:

means for receiving a digital signal from a remote transmitter wherein said received digital signal includes a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each transmission of a said digital signal, and a multi-bit function code identifying one of a plurality of said control functions to be performed by said lock means;

security code memory means for storing a multi-bit receiver security code identifying a specific transmitter from which said receiver may validly receive a transmitted digital signal;

means for comparing said received security code with said stored security code to determine if said security codes match;

sequence code memory means for storing a multi-bit sequence control code;

means responsive to each occurrence of a said match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code with each change having a digital value dependent upon information contained in said stored security code;

means for comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control code; and

means responsive to said function code for controlling said locking means in dependence thereon; and

wherein said received digital signal includes said first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion and wherein said codes in said first portion are scrambled in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said scrambling algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

13. A receiver as set forth in claim 12 including means for de-scrambling said codes in the first portion of said received digital signal in dependence upon information contained in said second code.

14. A method of operating a portable transmitter to remotely control at least one function on a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

providing a manually operable switch on said transmitter for use in manually signalling that a function on the vehicle is to be operated;

responding to the operation of the manually operable switch by generating a control code for transmission to the vehicle for controlling a function on the vehicle;

providing a security code uniquely identifying that particular transmitter;

providing a second code which changes from time to time in accordance with any changes in said security code or said control code;

selecting a scrambling algorithm from a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms in accordance with the second code; and

wherein said second code is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said scrambling algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said selected scrambling algorithm of said fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion;

providing a first message including the control code and the security code;

scrambling the first message according to the selected scrambling algorithm;

providing a second message including the first message and the second code;

transmitting the second message to a said vehicle.

15. A receiver for a remote control keyless security system for remotely controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like wherein said receiver is adapted to be mounted on a said vehicle, said receiver including:

means for receiving a digital signal from a remote transmitter wherein said received digital signal includes a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each transmission of a said digital signal, and a multi-bit function code identifying one of a plurality of said control functions to be performed by said lock means;

security code memory means for storing a multi-bit receiver security code identifying a specific transmitter from which said receiver may validly receive a transmitted digital signal;

means for comparing said received security code with said stored security code to determine if said security codes match;

sequence code memory means for storing a multi-bit sequence control code;

means responsive to each occurrence of a said match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control cod with each change having a digital value dependent upon information contained in said stored security code;

means for comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control code; and

means responsive to said function code for controlling said locking means in dependence thereon; and

wherein said received digital signal includes said first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion and wherein the codes in said first portion are arranged in order in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said transmission order algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

16. A receiver as set forth in claim 15 including means for rearranging the order of said codes in the first portion of said received digital signal in dependence upon information contained in the said second code.

17. A receiver as set forth in claim 15 wherein said received digital signal has said codes in said first portion scrambled in accordance with one of a plurality of scrambling algorithms.

18. A receiver as set forth in claim 17 wherein said second code includes information as to which one of said transmission order algorithms was employed in arranging the order of the codes in said first portion for transmission by said transmitter.

19. A receiver as set forth in claim 18 wherein said receiver includes means for rearranging the order of the codes in the first portion of said received digital signal in dependence upon information contained in said second code.

20. A method of controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like and comprising the steps of:

mounting a receiver on a said vehicle;

positioning a signal transmitter at a location remote from said receiver;

actuating one of a plurality of switch means provided at the transmitter wherein each switch means represents one of a plurality of control functions to be performed by said locking means.;

responding to actuation of a said switch means for transmitting a digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means;

sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code in response to successive actuation of a said switch means with each change being dependent upon said one of said sequence algorithms selected in accordance with said information contained in said security code identifying said transmitter;

receiving a said digital signal at said receiver;

storing a multi-bit receiver security code at said receiver identifying a specific transmitter from which said receiver may validly receive a transmitted digital signal;

comparing said received security code with said stored receiver security code to determine whether said security codes match;

storing a multi-bit sequence control code at said receiver;

responding to each occurrence of a match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code having a digital value dependent upon information contained in said stored receiver security code;

comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control code and providing an output indication in dependence upon said comparison;

responding to said function code for controlling said locking means in dependence thereon; and

wherein said step of transmitting said digital signal includes transmitting said first portion and transmitting a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion and wherein the codes in said first portion are arranged in order for transmission in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said transmission order algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed .plurality of transmission order algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

21. A remote control keyless security system for remotely controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like and comprising:

a transmitter and a receiver wherein said receiver is mounted on said vehicle and said transmitter is located remote from said receiver;

said transmitter having a plurality of selectively actuatable switch means each representative of a control function to be performed by said locking means and signal transmission means including circuit means responsive to actuation of one of said switch means for transmitting a digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means and wherein said security code contains information defining one of a predetermined plurality of different sequence algorithms for use in changing the digital value of said sequence control code;

said transmitter including means responsive to each actuation of a said switch means for sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code with each change being dependent upon said one of said sequence algorithms selected in accordance with said information contained in said security code identifying said transmitter;

said receiver including means for receiving said digital signal and including;

security code memory means for storing a multi-bit receiver security code identifying a specific transmitter from which said receiver may validly receive a transmitted digital signal;

means for comparing said received security code with said stored receiver security code to determine whether said security codes match;

sequence code memory means for storing a multi-bit sequence control code;

means responsive to each occurrence of a said match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code having a digital value dependent upon information contained in said stored security code;

means for comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control; and

means responsive to said function code word for controlling said locking means in dependence thereon.

22. A remote control keyless security system for remotely controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like and comprising:

a transmitter and a receiver wherein said receiver is mounted on said vehicle and said transmitter is located remote from said receiver;

said transmitter having a plurality of selectively actuatable switch means each representative of a control function to be performed by said locking means and signal transmission means including circuit means responsive to actuation of one of said switch means for transmitting a digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means;

said transmitter including means responsive to each actuation of a said switch means for sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code with each change being dependent upon information contained in said security code identifying said transmitter;

said receiver including means for receiving said digital signal and including;

security code memory means for storing a multi-bit receiver security code identifying a specific transmitter from which said receiver may validly receive a transmitted digital signal;

means for comparing said received security code with said stored receiver security code to determine whether said security codes match;

sequence code memory means for storing a multi-bit sequence control code;

means responsive to each occurrence of a said match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code having a digital value dependent upon information contained in said stored security code;

means for comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control;

means responsive to said function code word for controlling said locking means in dependence thereon; and

wherein said digital signal transmitted by said transmitter includes said first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion and wherein said codes in said first portion are scrambled in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said scrambling algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

23. A system as set forth in claim 22 wherein said receiver includes means for de-scrambling said codes in the first portion of said received digital signal in dependence upon information contained in said second code.

24. A method of controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like and comprising the steps of:

mounting a receiver on a said vehicle.;

positioning a signal transmitter at a location remote from said receiver;

actuating one of a plurality of switch means provided at the transmitter wherein each switch means represents one of a plurality of control functions to be performed by said locking means;

responding to actuation of a said switch means for transmitting a digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means;

sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code in response to successive actuation of a said switch means with each change being dependent upon information contained in said security code identifying said transmitter;

receiving a said digital signal at said receiver;

storing a multi-bit receiver security code at said receiver identifying a specific transmitter from which said receiver may validly receive a transmitted digital signal;

comparing said received security code with said stored receiver security code to determine whether said security codes match;

storing a multi-bit sequence control code at said receiver;

responding to each occurrence of a match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code having a digital value dependent upon information contained in said stored receiver Security code;

comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control code and providing an output indication in dependence upon said comparison;

responding to said function code for controlling said locking means in dependence thereon; and

wherein said step of transmitting said digital signal includes transmitting said first portion together with a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion and wherein said codes in said first portion are scrambled in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said scrambling algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

25. A remote control keyless security system for remotely controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like and comprising:

a transmitter and a receiver wherein said receiver is mounted on said vehicle and said transmitter is located remote from said receiver;

said transmitter having a plurality of selectively actuatable switch means each representative of a control function to be performed by said locking means and signal transmission means including circuit means responsive to actuation of one of said switch means for transmitting a digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means;

said transmitter including means responsive to each actuation of a said switch means for sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code with each change being dependent upon information contained in said security code identifying said transmitter;

said receiver including means for receiving said digital signal and including;

security code memory means for storing a multi-bit receiver security code identifying a specific transmitter from which said receiver may validly receive a transmitted digital signal;

means for comparing said received security code with said stored receiver security code to determine whether said security codes match;

sequence code memory means for storing a multi-bit sequence control code;

means responsive to each occurrence of a said match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code having a digital value dependent upon information contained in said stored security code;

means for comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control;

means responsive to said function code word for controlling said locking means in dependence thereon; and

wherein said digital signal transmitted by said transmitter includes said first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion and wherein the codes in said first portion are arranged in order for transmission in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said transmission order algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

26. A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein the digital signal transmitted by said transmitter has each of said codes in said first portion scrambled in accordance with one of a plurality of scrambling algorithms.

27. A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said receiver includes means for rearranging the order of said codes in the first portion of said received digital signal in dependence upon information contained in the said second code.

28. A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein the digital signal transmitted by said transmitter has said codes in said first portion scrambled in accordance with one of a plurality of scrambling algorithms.

29. A system as set forth in claim 28 wherein said second code includes information as to which one of said transmission order algorithms was employed in arranging the order of the codes in said first portion for transmission by said transmitter.

30. A system as set forth in claim 29 wherein said receiver includes means for rearranging the order of the codes in the first portion of said received digital signal in dependence upon information contained in said second code.

31. A system as set forth in claim 27 wherein the digital signal transmitted by said transmitter has said codes in said first portion scrambled in accordance with one of a plurality of scrambling algorithms.

32. A system as set forth in claim 31 wherein said receiver includes means for rearranging the order of the codes in the first portion of said received digital signal in dependence upon information contained in said second code.

33. A system as set forth in claim 31 wherein said receiver includes means for rearranging the order of the codes in the first portion of said received digital signal in dependence upon information contained in said second code.

34. A method of controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like and comprising the steps of:

mounting a receiver on a said vehicle;

positioning a signal transmitter at a location remote from said receiver;

actuating one of a plurality of switch means provided at the transmitter wherein each switch means represents one of a plurality of control functions to be performed by said locking means;

responding to actuation of a said switch means for transmitting a digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means and wherein said security code contains information defining one of a predetermined plurality of different sequence algorithms for use in changing the digital value of said sequence control code; and

,

sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code in response to successive actuation of a said switch means with each change being dependent upon said one of said sequence algorithms selected in accordance with said information contained in said security code identifying said transmitter;

receiving a said digital signal at said receiver;

storing a multi-bit receiver security code at said receiver identifying a specific transmitter from which said receiver may validly receive a transmitted digital signal;

comparing said received security code with said stored receiver security code to determine whether said security codes match;

storing a multi-bit sequence control code at said receiver;

responding to each occurrence of a match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code having a digital value dependent upon information contained in said stored receiver security code;

comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control code and providing an output indication in dependence upon said comparison; and

,

responding to said function code for controlling said locking means in dependence thereon.

35. A method of controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like and comprising the steps of:

mounting a receiver on said vehicle;

receiving a digital signal at said receiver from a remotely located transmitter, and wherein said received digital signal includes a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each transmission of a said digital signal;

storing a multi-bit receiver security code identifying a specific transmitter from which a transmitted digital signal may be validly received;

comparing said received security code with said stored security code to determine if the security codes match;

storing a multi-bit sequence control code at said receiver;

responding to each occurrence of a match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code having a digital value dependent upon information contained in the stored security code;

comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control code and providing an output indication in dependence upon the comparison;

responding to the function code for controlling the locking means in dependence thereon; and

wherein said received digital signal includes said first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion and wherein the codes in said first portion are arranged in order in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said transmission order algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

36. A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said received digital signal has said codes in said first portion scrambled in accordance with one of a plurality of scrambling algorithms.

37. A method of transmitting a digital signal for use in remotely controlling the locking and unlocking functions of a locking means on a vehicle having a receiver mounted on the vehicle, and comprising the steps of:

locating a signal transmitter at a location remote from a said receiver;

actuating one of a plurality of switch means provided at the transmitter wherein each switch means represents one of a plurality of control functions to be performed by said locking means;

responding to actuation of one of said switch means for transmitting a said digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means and wherein said security code contains information defining one of a predetermined plurality of different sequence algorithms for use in changing the digital value of said sequence control code; and

,

responding to each actuation of a said switch means by sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code with each change being dependent upon information contained in the security code identifying said transmitter.

38. A method of transmitting a digital signal for use in remotely controlling the locking and unlocking functions of a locking means on a vehicle having a receiver mounted on the vehicle, and comprising the steps of:

locating a signal transmitter at a location remote from a said receiver;

actuating one of a plurality of switch means provided at the transmitter wherein each switch means represents one of a plurality of control functions to be performed by said locking means;

responding to actuation of one of said switch means for transmitting a said digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means;

responding to each actuation of a said switch means by sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code with each change being dependent upon information contained in the security code identifying said transmitter; and

wherein said step of transmitting said digital signal includes transmitting said first portion along with a second portion wherein the second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion, and wherein said codes in said first portion are scrambled in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said scrambling algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

39. A method of controlling the locking and unlocking control functions of a locking means mounted on a vehicle or the like and comprising the steps of:

mounting a receiver on said vehicle;

receiving a digital signal at said receiver from a remotely located transmitter, and wherein said received digital signal includes a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each transmission of a said digital signal;

storing a multi-bit receiver security code identifying a specific transmitter from which a transmitted digital signal may be validly received;

comparing said received security code with said stored security code to determine if the security codes match;

storing a multi-bit sequence control code at said receiver;

responding to each occurrence of a match between said security codes for reading said stored sequence control code and selectively changing its digital value to define an updated sequence control code having a digital value dependent upon information contained in the stored security code;

comparing said updated sequence control code with said received sequence control code and providing an output indication in dependence Upon the comparison;

responding to the function code for controlling the locking means in dependence thereon; and

wherein said received digital signal includes said first portion along with a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion and wherein the codes in said first portion are scrambled in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said scrambling algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of scrambling algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

40. A method of transmitting a digital signal for use in remotely controlling the locking and unlocking functions of a locking means on a vehicle having a receiver mounted on the vehicle, and comprising the steps of:

locating a signal transmitter at a location remote from a said receiver;

actuating one of a plurality of switch means provided at the transmitter wherein each switch means represents one of a plurality of control functions to be performed by said locking means;

responding to actuation of one of said switch means for transmitting a said digital signal including a first portion having a multi-bit security code uniquely identifying said transmitter from that of a plurality of similar transmitters, and a multi-bit sequence control code adapted to be sequentially changed in response to each actuation of a said switch means;

responding to each actuation of a said switch means by sequentially and selectively changing the digital value of said sequence control code with each change being dependent upon information contained in the security code identifying said transmitter; and

wherein said step of transmitting said digital signal includes transmitting said first portion along with a second portion wherein said second portion has a multi-bit second code and wherein said second code changes in dependence upon any changes in the digital value of said first portion, and wherein the codes in said first portion are arranged in order for transmission in accordance with one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms and wherein said second portion is generated for a primary purpose unrelated to any of said transmission order algorithms but wherein a secondary purpose is to describe said one of a fixed plurality of transmission order algorithms for selection in accordance with said second portion.

41. A method as set forth in claim 40 wherein the digital signal transmitted has said codes in said first portion scrambled in accordance with one of a plurality of scrambling algorithms.