Vehicle security system having advanced wireless function-programming capability

• US 6,452,483 B2
• Filed: 12/06/2000
• Issued: 09/17/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Directed, LLC (VOXX International Corporation)
• Original Assignee: DEI Holdings Incorporated
• Inventors: Chen, Chau-Ho, Birchfield, Jerry W.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRIEU, VAN THANH
• Application Number:
  US09/732,525
• Publication Number:
  US 20010013833A1
• Time in Patent Office: 650 Days
• Field of Search: 340/425.5, 340/426, 340/428, 340/429, 340/430, 340/5.22, 340/5.3, 307/10.2, 307/10.4, 307/10.5, 180/167, 180/287
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2025/1016 Remote signals alerting owner or authorities, e.g. radio signals
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/104 characterised by the type of theft warning signal, e.g. visual or audible signals with special characteristics

Abstract

A vehicle security system for performing selectable vehicle security functions that are programmable in a wireless manner. The system has a microcontroller controlling a vehicle security interface including at least a siren control unit and a vehicle head/signal light controlling unit. A physically independent remote programming unit is used for transmitting function-programming information to the microcontroller, and a radio receiver is connected to the microcontroller for receiving function-programming information transmitted by the remote programming unit. The remote programming unit includes a switch array for setting up a security function code pattern representing the selected security functions. The remote programming unit also includes a radio transmitter for sending, in an electromagnetic transmission, the function-programming command in a signal string representing the security function code pattern to the microcontroller. The microcontroller stores, in an onboard memory, data identifying the security functions conveyed in a security function code pattern received from the remote programming unit. The programmed functions control the various vehicle security function units. The security system provides an easy function-programming capability without having to remove any system components from the vehicle and without having to use any special and expensive additional equipment.

Claims

1. An apparatus for downloading at least one user selectable command string from a remote programmer to a base unit via a wireless link, said apparatus comprising:

a remote programmer comprising;

a remote controller;

a programming memory connected to said remote controller, capable of storing a representation of said at least one command string; and

an electromagnetic signal transmitter connected to the programming memory, the transmitter capable of transmitting said command string; and

a base controller comprising;

a microcontroller;

a non-volatile operation memory; and

a non-volatile instruction memory connected to the microcontroller holding instructions that control the operation of the microcontroller, including instructions to;

a) determine whether or not a function-programming request code is received,

b) store the command string in said non-volatile operation memory,

c) determine whether a security event has occurred in a default system monitoring operation if the function-programming request code is not received, and

d) initiate an alarm function in response to a determination that a security event has occurred.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a display, on which a representation of at least part of the command string is displayed.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said display comprises a graphical user interface.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said non-volatile instruction memory of said microcontroller further contains an instruction to:

generate at least one of a visual and audible feedback signal upon receipt of the command string.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is a part of a vehicle security system, the command string determining the configuration of the features of the vehicle security system.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is a part of a keyless entry system.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is a part of a user convenience system.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is a part of a vehicle security system, said microcontroller controlling a starter interrupter and at least one of a visual and audible feedback signal produced by a light and an auditory alarm device.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote programmer further comprises:

a communication interface connected to said remote controller; and

a printer connected to said communication interface, allowing the printer to print at least one the command string.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote programmer further comprises:

a communication interface connected to said remote controller; and

a data logger connected to said communication interface to record at least one said command string.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote programmer further comprises:

an output port connected to said remote controller, capable of activating a auxiliary device on a specified condition.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of user operable switches connected to said remote controller used to modify the representation.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein at least one of said plurality of user operable switches comprises a key on a keyboard.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one of said plurality of user operable switches comprises a button on a mouse.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein at least one of said plurality of user operable switches is mounted on a dedicated remote programmer unit.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said function-programming request code contains an identification code.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said identification code is unique to said base controller, said remote programmer, and said transmitter to prevent unauthorized programming.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein:

said transmitter is one of a plurality of transmitters, and

each of said plurality of transmitters comprises a respective said identification code.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said identification code is changed in a predetermined way after each successful transmission of the command string.

20. A method of remotely programming a base controller by receiving at least one user selectable command string, said method comprising the steps of:

a) determining whether or not a function-programming request code is received in said base controller;

b) programming said user selectable command string in a in a non-volatile operation memory associated with said base controller;

c) determining whether a security event has occurred in a default system monitoring operation if the function-programming request code is not received by the base controller; and

d) initiating an alarm function in response to a determination that a security event has occurred.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of producing at least one of a visual and audible feedback signal acknowledging receipt of said command string.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein said base controller is a part of a vehicle security system.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising the step of activating a starter interrupter and at least one of a light and an auditory alarm device.

24. The method of claim 20 wherein said base controller is a part of a keyless entry system.

25. The method of claim 20 wherein said base controller is a part of a user convenience system.

26. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of, via a user interface, altering a second command string stored in a memory associated with a remote programming unit.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said user interface comprises a keyboard.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein said user interface is embodied in a hand held remote programmer unit.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein said user interface is embodied in a graphical user interface.

30. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step of printing the second command string via a communication interface connected the remote programming unit.

31. The method of claim 26, said user interface comprising:

at least one remote programming unit, and

at least one user transmitter;

wherein said function-programming request code further comprises an identification code that is unique to said base controller, said at least one remote programming unit, and said at least one user transmitter to prevent unauthorized programming.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein:

said user interface is one of a plurality of user interfaces, and

each said user interface comprises a respective said user transmitter having a respective said identification code.

33. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of:

changing the identification code after the step of programming.

34. The method of claim 20 further comprising the steps of, activating a radio transmitter capable of sending at least one vehicle tracking signal via at least one output unit.

35. An apparatus for a vehicle security system in which a set of configuration data is sent via a wireless link from a base unit, said base unit comprising:

a microcontroller;

a non-volatile operation memory connected to the microcontroller;

a non-volatile instruction memory connected to the microcontroller holding instructions that control the operation of the microcontroller;

an original set of configuration data in the operation memory, at least a portion of which represents the configuration of user selectable functions of the vehicle security system;

a base transceiver connected to the microcontroller, said non-volatile instruction memory containing at least one instruction to;

transmit said original set of configuration data from the base transceiver.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said non-volatile instruction memory further contains at least one instruction to:

receive a second set of configuration data, at least a portion of which represents a possible configuration of user selectable functions of the microcontroller.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said non-volatile instruction memory further contains at least one instruction to:

store the second set of configuration data in the operation memory.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the original set of configuration data is overwritten by the second set of configuration data as it is stored in the operation memory.

39. An apparatus for a vehicle security system in which a set of configuration data is received by a remote programming unit via a wireless link, said remote programming unit comprising:

a remote transceiver, capable of receiving configuration data, at least a portion of which represents the configuration of user selectable functions of a vehicle security system; and

a memory interface to a program save memory, said interface connected to the remote transceiver and capable of transmitting said configuration data to the program save memory for storage.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said transceiver, said interface and said program save memory reside in a single chassis.

41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said transceiver and said interface reside in a peripheral device for use with a personal computer.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said interface comprises an RS-232 interface.

43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said interface comprises a peripheral expansion bus interface.

44. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said remote programming unit further comprises a display device that creates a display representing the data contained in the program save memory.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said display device renders its display on a liquid crystal display.

46. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said interface is capable of receiving configuration data a program send memory.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the remote transceiver is capable of transmitting a representation of the configuration data received from the program send memory.

48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said remote programming unit further comprises a user input device, wherein said user input device is capable of controlling said interface, wherein said interface produces signals necessary to alter the contents of the program send memory.

49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said user input device comprises a keyboard.

50. An apparatus for programming a base unit with a remote programmer, transmit a program read request from said remote programmer to said base unit for data from operation memory, transmit a user selectable command string from said base unit to said remote programmer, using said remote programmer to alter said user selectable command string, transmit said user selectable command string from said remote programmer to said base unit, all said transmits being done via an electromagnetic signal link, wherein the new function settings are stored to dictate the behavior of the base controller'"'"'s functions, said apparatus comprising:

a remote programmer comprising;

a microcontroller;

user operable switches;

an electromagnetic signal transceiver;

a display;

a programming memory; and

a non-volatile instruction memory connected to the microcontroller holding instructions that control the operation of the microcontroller, including instructions to;

a) generate a program read request command for said user selectable command string upon user initiation,

b) receive, said user selectable command string,

c) store, said user selectable command string in, said programming memory,

d) to scroll up and down through a list of programmable features and their settings as represented in said programming memory,

e) display the names of user settable features and the corresponding meaning or value of the feature in said programming memory, on said display,

f) to alter the value of, said user selectable command string, stored in, said programming memory,

g) display the names of altered user settable features and the corresponding value or meaning of the feature in said programming memory, on said display,

h) transmit said user selectable command string to said base unit, and;

a base unit comprising;

a microcontroller;

an electromagnetic signal transceiver;

a non-volatile programmable operation memory; and

a non-volatile instruction memory connected to the microcontroller holding instructions that control the operation of the microcontroller, including instructions to;

a) determine whether or not a program read request for said user selectable command string is received,

b) transmit said user selectable command string upon said read request command,

c) determine whether or not a function-programming request code is received,

d) process said user selectable command string,

e) store said user selectable command string in said base unit'"'"'s non-volatile operation memory, to dictate the behavior of said base unit'"'"'s functions,

f) signal the user that, the system acknowledges the programming request and that said base unit is responding accordingly,

g) determine whether a security event has occurred in a default system monitoring operation if the function-programming request code is not received, and

h) initiate an alarm function in response to a determination that a security event has occurred.

51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the microcontroller, the user operable switches, the display, the non-volatile instruction memory, and the programming memory of said remote programmer is replaced with one of a personal computer, a personal assistant device, and a laptop computer.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said microcontroller of said base unit is part of one of a vehicle security system, a keyless entry system, and a user convenience system, and wherein said new function settings are stored in said operation memory to dictate the behavior of said base unit'"'"'s functions.

53. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the microcontroller, the electromagnetic signal transceiver, and programming memory of said remote programmer is part of remote programming circuitry that is attached to or installed into one of a personal computer, a personal assistant device, and a laptop computer.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein said microcontroller of said base unit is part of one of a vehicle security system, a keyless entry system, and a user convenience system, and wherein said new function settings are stored in said operation memory to dictate the behavior of said base unit'"'"'s functions.

55. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said microcontroller of said base unit is part of one of a vehicle security system, a keyless entry system, and a user convenience system, and wherein said new function settings are stored in said operation memory to dictate the behavior of said base unit'"'"'s functions.

56. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the user signals are predetermined chirps and/or lights flashed in predetermined patterns.

57. A method of remotely programming a base unit using a remote programmer, wherein a program read request command is sent by the user from the remote programmer to the base unit, the base unit responds by sending user selectable command string data from non-volatile operation memory to the remote programmer, the data is altered by the user of the remote programmer, and sent back to the base unit for storage in the operation memory to dictate the behavior of the base unit'"'"'s functions, said method comprising;

a) the user initiates a program read request command from the remote programmer;

b) the base unit receives said program read request command and responds by sending said user selectable command string data from the non-volatile operation memory to the remote programmer;

c) the remote programmer receives said data;

d) the remote programmer stores said data in remote programmer, programming memory;

e) the remote programmer displays said data for manipulation;

f) the user scrolls up and down through said data on the display;

g) user alters value of said data in said programming memory;

h) altered data is displayed on said display;

i) the user then initiates a transmission of said data in said programming memory;

j) the base unit receives said data;

k) the base unit stores said data in said operation memory to dictate the behavior of said base unit'"'"'s functions.

58. The method of claim 57 further comprising the step of producing at least one of a visual and audible acknowledgement signal upon receipt of the program read request command.

59. The method of claim 57 further comprising the step of producing at least one of a visual and audible acknowledgement signal upon receipt of the user selectable command string.

60. The method of claim 57 wherein the base unit is a part of a vehicle security system.

61. The method of claim 57 wherein the base unit is a part of a keyless entry system.

62. The method of claim 57 wherein the base unit is a part of a user convenience system.

63. An apparatus for programming a base unit with a remote programmer, transmitting a program read request from said remote programmer to said base unit for data from operation memory, receiving data by a programming transceiver and passing said data to a remote programmer, storing data in the programming memory of said remote programmer, altering the value in said programming memory and a display of the status, and transmitting the data in said programming memory to said base unit for storage in said operation memory, wherein the data is stored to dictate the behavior of the base controller'"'"'s functions, all transmits and receives being done via an electromagnetic signal link, said remote programmer comprising:

a microcontroller;

user operable switches;

an electromagnetic signal transceiver;

a display;

a programming memory; and

a non-volatile instruction memory connected to the microcontroller holding instructions that control the operation of the microcontroller, including instructions to;

a) transmit a program read request from said remote programmer to said base unit for data from operation memory,

b) receive data from operation memory,

c) store data in said programming memory,

d) scroll up and down through a list of programmable features and their settings as represented in said programming memory,

e) display the names of the user settable features and the corresponding value or meaning for that feature in said programming memory, on said display,

f) alter the value in said programming memory,

g) display the names of the altered user settable features and the corresponding value or meaning for that feature in said programming memory, on said display,

h) transmit the data in said programming memory to the base unit for storage in the operation memory.