Garage door opener signal incorporated into vehicle key/fob combination

• US 6,377,173 B1
• Filed: 09/14/2000
• Issued: 04/23/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH (Continental AG)
• Inventors: Desai, Tejas
• Primary Examiner(s): TONG, NINA C
• Application Number:
  US09/661,351
• Time in Patent Office: 586 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539, 340/426, 340/540, 340/425.5, 340/825.06, 340/825.3, 340/825.34, 340/825.32, 340/10.1, 340/10.3, 340/10.4, 340/10.41, 340/10.42, 340/10.5, 340/10.51, 340/10.52, 340/825.72, 340/825.69, 455/345, 455/99, 455/250.1, 455/151.2
• US Class Current: 340/426.36
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/77 using wireless control
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/664 by radio waves
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00222 by more than one push button
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00428 periodically after a time period
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00507 keyless data carrier having more than one function
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00888 programming by learning
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00928 for garage doors
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00984 fob
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00674 with switch-buttons
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00857 where the code of the data carrier can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/00 Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/28 using pulse code
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/20 Binding and programming of remote control devices

Abstract

A unique system is provided for storing home security function signals such as garage door opener signals on a vehicle key/fob combination. The key/fob combination learns its coded signal from a control on the vehicle. In this way, the key/fob combination need not be provided with an expensive scanning receiver. The vehicle control preferably communicates to the key/fob combination through the LF receiver/transmitter that is already typically part of the vehicle immobilizer system. In further features, a coded key pad may be provided such that the system may be moved into a secure mode when the key/fob combination or vehicle is in the control of a valet. Further, the key/fob combination may be provided with a switch such that it can be moved into home or auto mode such that the number of switches on the key/fob combination may be reduced.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a home security function and a vehicle security function through a portable remote control device which can be carried from a vehicle by a user comprising the steps of:

1) providing a remote signaling device having switches for providing signals for actuating security systems on a vehicle, and for actuating a home security function, said remote signaling device being relatively small and portable outside of said vehicle;

2) learning a code for a home security by signals scanner at a control on a vehicle for scanning signals from an actuated home security remote control unit, and transmitting said learned code via a wireless transmitter to said remote signaling device from said control on the vehicle; and

3) utilizing said remote signaling device to operate said vehicle security functions, and further to operate said home security function remotely from said vehicle and from said home security system, respectively.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said remote control device is provided with a switch to select operation in vehicle and home functions and moving said switch to select operation in one of said home and vehicle functions.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the further step of providing structure for moving said remote signaling device into a secure mode at which a valet is unable to actuate said home security system signal is included.

4. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said vehicle captures an RF (radio frequency) signal from said home security system and transmits a LF (low frequency) signal to said remote signaling device through an LF communication connection between said vehicle and said remote signaling device.

5. A method as set forth in claim 4, wherein said LF communication connection on said vehicle and said remote signaling device is part of a vehicle immobilizer system.

6. The combination of a vehicle and a home security system comprising:

a remote signaling device having a transmitter and receiver, and said remote signaling device having switches for actuating security systems on a vehicle, and for actuating a home security system, and for storing codes associated with both said vehicle security and said home security systems;

a home security system having a transmitter and receiver, said home security system being operable to transmit a code signal indicative of a code which may be learned to actuate said home security system, and to receive signals from said remote signaling device; and

a vehicle incorporating vehicle security systems, and a control and receiver for receiving said signal from said home security system, and for learning said code signal from said home security system and for transmitting said code signal to said remote signaling device after having learned said code signal from said home security system, said remote signaling device then being capable of transmitting said code signal to be received by said home security system.

7. A system as set forth in claim 6, wherein said vehicle control incorporates an LF transmitter and receiver for communicating with an LF transmitter and receiver associated with said remote signaling device, and said LF transmitter and receiver being part of a vehicle immobilizer system.

8. A system as set forth in claim 6, wherein a switching device is provided for blocking transmission of said code signal associated with said home security system when at least one of said remote signaling device and said vehicle are outside of the control of an operator.

9. A system as set forth in claim 8, wherein said switching device includes a key pad.

10. A system as set forth in claim 9, wherein said remote signaling device is provided with a switch such that said remote signaling device can be moved into a home mode or a vehicle mode, and said switch on said remote signaling device allowing said remote signaling device to actuate different functions and different signals when in said home