Key-in-ignition lock reminder system

• US 5,659,291 A
• Filed: 11/28/1994
• Issued: 08/19/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ford Motor Company
• Original Assignee: Ford Motor Company
• Inventors: Campbell, Scott Owen, Thomas, Michael Anthony, Kennedy, John Francis
• Primary Examiner(s): SWARTHOUT, BRENT
• Application Number:
  US08/345,971
• Time in Patent Office: 995 Days
• Field of Search: 340/457, 340/439, 340/438, 340/426, 340/430, 340/425.5, 307/10.2, 307/10.5, 307/10.6, 180/273, 180/287, 70/263
• US Class Current: 340/457
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/001 Alarm devices when the motor is stopped and the lights are on
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/105 Radio frequency identification data [RFID]
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/625 Operation and control

Abstract

A key-in-ignition lock reminder system uses a key having a transponder with an identification code. An ignition lock for receiving the key has an adjacent antenna. A door proximity switch connected to the door generates a door open signal when the door is open. A control module is connected to a door lock control, the door proximity switch and a memory storing at least one identification code. The control module energizes the antenna coil which energizes a transponder. The transponder then transmits an identification code which is received by the antenna. The control module generates a control signal if the code from the transponder is equivalent to an identification code stored in the memory and the door proximity switch indicates the door is open. An indicator connected to the control module receives the control signal and generates an indication that the key is in the ignition lock.

Claims

1. A key-in-ignition reminder apparatus for an automotive vehicle having at least one door comprising:

a key;

a transponder mounted in said key having an identification code;

an ignition lock for receiving said key;

an antenna located adjacent said ignition lock;

a door proximity switch connected to said door generating a door open signal when said door is open;

a memory storing at least one identification code;

a door lock control for controlling a lock on said door;

passenger detection means for detecting the presence of a passenger within a passenger compartment of said vehicle;

a control module connected to said passenger detection means, said door lock control, said door proximity switch and said memory, said control module energizing said antenna and receiving said identification code if said key is located in said ignition lock, said control module generating a control signal if said identification code is received from said transponder and said door open signal is received, and wherein said control module causes said door lock control i) to unlock said door if said door open signal is no longer received while said identification code is still received and no passenger is detected within the passenger compartment and said door is locked and ii) to relock said door after a predetermined time; and

indicator means connected to said control module for receiving said control signal and generating an indication that said key is in said ignition lock.

2. A key-in-ignition reminder apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said indicator means is audible.

3. A key-in-ignition reminder apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a timer connected to said control module, said control module generating said control signal for a predetermined amount of time as counted by said timer.

4. A key-in-ignition reminder apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a horn wherein said control module sounds said horn upon unlocking said door.

5. A key in-ignition reminder apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said passenger detection means comprises a microwave detector.

6. A method for reminding an automotive vehicle operator that an ignition key for an ignition switch of an automotive vehicle has been left within the ignition switch, said automotive vehicle having a door with a proximity switch for indicating whether the door is open or closed, the method comprising the steps of:

powering a control unit in response to opening the door;

inserting a key in said ignition lock;

energizing an antenna located in close proximity to said ignition lock while said door is open through said control unit;

emitting an identification code from said key;

generating feedback to said control module if said identification code is in the proper format and said door remains open;

closing the door;

sensing whether a person is present within the vehicle;

if a person is not present in the vehicle and the doors are locked then;

generating feedback;

unlocking said door for a predetermined period; and

relocking said door if the door is not reopened within a predetermined time period.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein said step of generating said proper format is said identification code stored within a memory.

8. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein said predetermined time is 5 seconds.

9. A method as recited in claim 6 wherein said steps of unlocking and locking are repeated three times.

10. A key-in-ignition reminder apparatus for an automotive vehicle having at least one door, wherein a key having an integrally mounted RF transponder is required to operate said automotive vehicle, and wherein said RF transponder is energized by an energizing signal to transmit an identification code, said apparatus comprising:

an ignition lock for receiving said key;

an antenna located adjacent said ignition lock for transmitting said energizing signal and receiving said identification code;

a door proximity switch connected to the door generating a door open signal when said door is open;

a control module connected to said door proximity switch and said antenna, said control module causing said energizing signal to be transmitted in response to said door open signal, said control module attempting to receive said identification code after transmitting said energizing signal, and said control module generating a control signal if said identification code is received and matches an authorized code stored within said vehicle; and

indicator means connected to said control module for receiving said control signal and generating an indication that said key is in said ignition lock.

11. A key-in-ignition reminder apparatus for an automotive vehicle having at least one door, wherein a key having an integrally mounted RF transponder is required to operate said automotive vehicle, and wherein said RF transponder is energized by an energizing signal to transmit an identification code according to a predetermined format, said apparatus comprising:

an ignition lock for receiving said key;

an antenna located adjacent said ignition lock for transmitting said energizing signal and receiving said identification code;

a door proximity switch connected to the door generating a door open signal when said door is open;

a control module connected to said door proximity switch and said antenna, said control module causing said energizing signal to be transmitted in response to said door open signal, said control module attempting to receive said identification code after transmitting said energizing signal, and said control module generating a control signal if an identification code is received in said predetermined format; and

indicator means connected to said control module for receiving said control signal and generating an indication that said key is in said ignition lock.