Keyless access control device

• US 5,723,911 A
• Filed: 03/17/1995
• Issued: 03/03/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: Glehr, Manfred
• Primary Examiner(s): Shoop, Jr., William M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ganjian, Peter
• Application Number:
  US08/405,840
• Time in Patent Office: 1,082 Days
• Field of Search: 307/9.1-10.8, 180/287, 123/198 B, 123/198 DB, 123/198 DC, 123/179.1, 123/179.2, 340/425.5, 340/426, 340/429, 340/435, 340/438, 340/440, 340/480, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 340/828.54, 340/534, 340/539, 364/424.045, 364/424.037, 364/423.098, 364/423.099
• US Class Current: 340/10.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00388 code verification carried out according to the challenge/response method
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00555 comprising means to detect or avoid relay attacks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/0096 Electronic keys comprising a non-biometric sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/63 Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3241 particular used in keyless entry systems

Abstract

A device for controlling keyless access to a motor vehicle includes a transceiver to be carried by a user. A distance detecting device measures a distance between the transceiver and a motor vehicle. A transmitting unit being disposed in the motor vehicle and being associated with a tripping device broadcasts a question code signal when the tripping device is actuated. The transceiver has a receiver for receiving the question code signal, and the transceiver has a transmitter for broadcasting an answer code signal only whenever the motor vehicle is located in the immediate vicinity of the transceiver. A receiving unit disposed in the motor vehicle receives the answer code signal from the transceiver and furnishes an unlocking signal to an unlocking unit if the answer code signal matches a set-point code signal.

Claims

1. A device for controlling keyless access to a motor vehicle, comprising:

a transceiver to be carried by a user;

tripping means;

a transmitting unit disposed in a motor vehicle and being associated with said tripping means for broadcasting a challenge code signal when said tripping means are actuated;

a distance detecting device for measuring a distance between said transceiver and the motor vehicle, said distance detecting device outputting a detecting signal independent of the challenge code signal and outputting a distance signal;

said transceiver having a receiver for receiving the challenge code signal, and said transceiver having a transmitter for broadcasting a response code signal only whenever the distance signal states that the motor vehicle is located in the immediate vicinity of said transceiver;

an unlocking unit; and

a receiving unit disposed in the motor vehicle for receiving the response code signal from said transceiver and furnishing an unlocking signal to said unlocking unit if the response code signal matches a predetermined code signal.

2. The device for monitoring keyless access to a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said distance detecting device has an ultrasound transmitter and an ultrasound receiver.

3. The device for monitoring keyless access to a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said distance detecting device has a UHF transmitter and a UHF receiver.

4. The device for monitoring keyless access to a motor vehicle according to claim 2, wherein said distance detecting device has an inductive receiver with an associated oscillating circuit.

5. The device for monitoring keyless access to a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said tripping device is a door handle being electrically connected to said transmitting unit.

6. The device for monitoring keyless access to a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said distance detecting device is disposed in said transceiver.

7. The device for monitoring keyless access to a motor vehicle according to claim 1, including a control unit disposed in the motor vehicle, said distance detecting device being disposed in said control unit.

8. The device for monitoring keyless access to a motor vehicle according to claim 1, including a control unit disposed in the motor vehicle, said distance detecting device having one portion disposed in said control unit and another portion disposed in said portable transceiver.