Keyless entry system for vehicles in particular

• US 6,617,975 B1
• Filed: 12/21/1999
• Issued: 09/09/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Enterprise Electronics
• Original Assignee: Enterprise Electronics
• Inventors: Burgess, James P.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRIEU, VAN THANH
• Application Number:
  US09/468,629
• Time in Patent Office: 1,358 Days
• Field of Search: 340/3.1, 340/10.1, 340/10.2, 340/10.7, 340/10.3, 340/5.23, 340/5.26, 340/5.72, 340/825.69, 340/505, 340/539.11, 340/426, 340/815.47, 340/815.48, 307/10.2, 307/10.3, 307/10.7
• US Class Current: 340/815.47
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00261 the keyless data carrier having more than one function
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00769 with data transmission performed by wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence

Abstract

A wireless remote-control transmitter includes means for entering an identification code so that only an authorized operator can use the device. Use as a keyless entry system provides the owner of a vehicle equipped with a wireless receiver with an additional keypad-operated transmitter which may be vehicle mounted to perform some or all of the same functions as those available through an existing remote. In this embodiment, the keypad may be mounted behind a small section of the vehicle'"'"'s window glass, with command inputs being sensed using electrical, magnetic, or optical detection techniques. To save on battery power, the system automatically powers down during periods of nonuse, with some form of wake-up signal being used to enter operational modes requiring increased power consumption.

Claims

1. A wireless remote-control device adapted for use with a receiver of encoded commands, comprising:

a through-glass activated keypad through which a command may be entered;

a transmitter for transmitting a wireless signal encoding the entered command; and

user authorization means operative to cause the transmitter to output the wireless signal in response to a keypad entry only in conjunction with the entry of an identification code.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the receiver is programmed to recognize the encoded commands from an existing portable transmitter.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the keypad is used to enter the authorization code.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the keypad is mounted inside a habitable structure.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the habitable structure includes a glass panel behind which the keypad is disposed.

6. A keyless command entry system adapted for use with a habitable structure having a receiver programmed to recognize a wireless encoded command signal, the signal comprising:

a transmitter module including a through-glass activated keypad and a wireless signal transmitter operative to transmit a wireless encoded command signal in response to a keypad input, the transmitted signal being substantially identical to the wireless encoded command signal to which the receiver is programmed to recognize;

a rechargeable battery for powering the transmitter module; and

a photovoltaic cell mounted on the module for recharging the battery.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein at least the keypad is mounted on an outer surface of the vehicle.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the module is configured to receive an authorization code; and

the wireless encoded command signal is not transmitted until the authorization code is received.

9. A keyless command entry system adapted for use with a habitable structure having a receiver programmed to recognize a wireless encoded command signal, the system comprising:

a transmitter module including a through-glass activated keypad, the module being operative to perform the following functions;

a) transmit a first wireless encoded command signal in response to a keypad input, the first transmitted signal being substantially identical to the wireless encoded command signal to which the receiver is programmed to recognize, or

b) transmit a second wireless encoded command signal in response to a keypad input, the second transmitted signal being operative to control vehicular apparatus.

10. A keyless command entry system of claim 9, wherein the vehicular apparatus is a starter motor.

11. A keyless command entry system of claim 9, wherein the vehicular apparatus is a vehicle security system.

12. A keyless entry system adapted for use with a habitable structure having a receiver programmed to recognize a wireless encoded command signal, the system comprising:

a transmitter module including a through-glass activated keypad and a wireless signal operative to transmit a wireless encoded command signal in response to a keypad input, the transmitted signal being substantially identical to the wireless encoded command signal to which the receiver is programmed to recognize;

an input for receiving an authorization code; and

wherein the wireless encoded command signal is not transmitted until the authorization code is received.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the device is operable to perform one or more of the following functions:

locking or unlocking doors,

turning on lights,

activate security functions, or

starting the heater.