Remote keyless entry system with advanced activation features

• US 6,677,851 B1
• Filed: 08/14/2000
• Issued: 01/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Losey, Allan
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, NAM V
• Application Number:
  US09/638,487
• Time in Patent Office: 1,247 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.61, 340/5.62, 340/5.63, 340/5.64, 340/5.65, 340/5.67
• US Class Current: 340/5.62
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00325 and the lock having only one limited data transmission range
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00373 whereby the wake-up circuit is situated in the lock
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/0038 whereby the wake-up circuit is situated in the keyless data carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00769 with data transmission performed by wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/08 With time considerations, e.g. temporary activation, valid time window or time limitations
• 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

Abstract

Keyless entry systems generate a signal to actuate a security system on a vehicle when keyless entry system is outside of a range of the vehicle. The signal is transmitted to the vehicle once the keyless entry system is within range. In a first embodiment, the signal continues to be sent periodically over a period of time such that the operator can move within range of the vehicle. In a second embodiment, the request signal is stored at the keyless entry system until the keyless entry system receives a signal from the vehicle, which then indicates the keyless entry system is within range of the vehicle. At that time, the signal is sent to the vehicle. This invention facilitates the use of keyless entry systems for a person carrying a number of packages, such that the operator need not actuate the keyless entry system when approaching the vehicle. Further, the system would allow the operator to keep the keyless entry system concealed when approaching the vehicle so as not to provide an indication of which vehicle the operator is approaching.

Claims

1. A method of actuating a security system on a vehicle comprising the steps of:

1) providing a keyless entry system including a switch for requesting actuation of a security system at a vehicle, said keyless entry system being operable to receive a request signal when outside of a range of a vehicle by actuation of said switch, and cause the signal to be transmitted to the vehicle as the operator moves within range of the vehicle based upon the actuation outside of the range of the vehicle;

2) requesting an actuation system outside of a range of a vehicle by actuation of said switch; and

3) causing actuation of a security system when the operator moves within range of said vehicle, said request being stored at said keyless entry system, and said vehicle sending out a signal, and when said keyless entry system receiving said vehicle signal, it then transmitting its signal back to said vehicle.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said security system is a trunk unlock feature.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said security system is a door unlock feature.

4. A vehicle security system comprising:

1) a receiver on a vehicle for receiving a signal from a keyless entry signal, said receiver being operable to identify a proper signal and actuate a security function on said vehicle; and

2) a keyless entry system having a switch to request actuation of a vehicle security system, and transmit a signal to said vehicle receiver, said keyless entry system being operable to actuate a request outside of a range of said vehicle by actuation of said switch, and cause transmission of a signal to said vehicle when said keyless entry system moves within said range, said keyless entry system storing said signal until it receives a signal from said vehicle and said keyless entry system then sending a signal back to said vehicle instructing actuation of said security system.

5. A vehicle security system as set forth in claim 4, wherein said security function on said vehicle is a trunk unlock feature.

6. A vehicle security system as set forth in claim 4, wherein said security system on said vehicle is a door unlock feature.

7. A keyless entry system comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a receiver on a vehicle requesting actuation of a security system on the vehicle; and

a switch to allow a switch input, said keyless entry system being operable to receive said switch input outside of a range of a vehicle, and cause transmission of said signal to the vehicle when said system has moved within said range of the vehicle, said signal being stored at said keyless entry system until said keyless entry system receiving a signal from the vehicle that it has moved within range, said keyless entry system then sending its signal to the vehicle.

8. A keyless entry system as set forth in claim 7, wherein said security system on said vehicle is a trunk unlock feature.

9. A keyless entry system as set forth in claim 7, wherein said security system on said vehicle is a door unlock feature.