Dealer remote transmitter with time limited operability

• US 6,870,458 B2
• Filed: 07/27/2001
• Issued: 03/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magnadyne Corporation
• Original Assignee: Magnadyne Corporation
• Inventors: Caren, Barry L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHIMIZU, MATSUICHIRO
• Application Number:
  US09/916,569
• Publication Number:
  US 20030020601A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,334 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/5.28, 340/5.22, 340/5.61, 340/5.64, 340/5.72, 307/10.4, 307/10.3, 307/10.6, 307/10.1
• US Class Current: 340/5.22
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00198 the keyless data carrier having more than one limited data transmission ranges
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00825 remotely by lines or wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00984 fob
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/08 With time considerations, e.g. temporary activation, valid time window or time limitations
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00817 where the code of the lock can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00857 where the code of the data carrier can be programmed

Abstract

A system and method for controlling remotely controlled components of a plurality of vehicles in response to a short range common signal emitted by a transmitter that can operate the components only during specified time periods. A transmitter can be programmed to provide a relatively long range customer signal that can operate the components at any time. The system and method are operative on a mutually exclusive basis wherein the remotely controlled components only respond to the common signal or the customer signal.

Claims

1. A remote system for an automotive dealership having a number of vehicles with remotely controlled components, the system comprising:

a programmable transmitter module disposed apart from a vehicle for transmitting a common signal for controlling at least one remotely controlled component on at least one vehicle, the programmable transmitter module being adjustable to select a signal transmission range;

a receiver associated with each vehicle for receiving the common signal and adapted to control operation of the at least one component; and

a programming source disposed apart from the programmable transmitter module and the receiver for generating a programming signal for programming the programmable transmitter module, wherein the programming signal inhibits operation of the remotely controlled component during at least one programmable period corresponding to a period of time in which the automotive dealership is closed.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the selectable signal transmission range is sufficiently limited to only reach the receiver in the vehicle nearest the programmable transmitter module.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal transmission range is in the range of between four to six feet.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote system is a remote keyless entry system.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the remotely controlled components is a vehicle security system.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the common signal is capable of aiming/disarming the vehicle security system.

7. The system of claim 5, further comprising a door lock that operates in conjunction with the vehicle security system, wherein the door is locked when the vehicle security system is armed and the door is unlocked when the vehicle security system is disarmed.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the programming source is a computer that is adapted to provide the programming signal.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the computer is adapted to communicate the programming signal by a cable connected to the programmable transmitter module.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the computer is adapted to communicate the programming signal by a radio frequency received by the programmable transmitter module.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the programming signal is a digital bit stream transmitted over a radio frequency link.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one programmable period corresponds to a time of day when employees are not supposed to access the vehicle.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one programmable period corresponds to a time of day specified by an operator.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the programming source programs the programmable transmitter module to transmit a customer signal, wherein the at least one component on only one vehicle is operable in response to the customer signal but is not responsive to the common signal when the customer signal is programmed.

15. A system for remotely controlling operation of a component of a motor vehicle, the system comprising:

a programming device disposed apart from the motor vehicle and adapted to provide a first control signal;

a transmitter module adapted to receive the first control signal and disposed apart from the programming device, the transmitter module including;

a control switch through which a user can enter a command;

an oscillator adapted to transmit a second control signal based on the command;

a programmable encoder for programming the second control signal transmitted by the oscillator; and

a battery for providing power to the control switch and the oscillator; and

a receiver adapted to receive the second control signal and adapted to control operation of the component;

wherein the first control signal is configured to inhibit the oscillator from transmitting the second control signal during specified periods of a time of day.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the oscillator is adjustable to select a signal transmission range.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the transmitter module is adapted to receive a signal for programming the specified periods via a radio frequency link.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the encoder is adapted to receive a signal for directing the oscillator to transmit a customer signal or a common signal.

19. A method for controlling operation of a remote control system for a motor vehicle, the remote control system including a programming device, a transmitter module disposed apart from and adapted to communicate with the programming device, and a receiver adapted to communicate with the transmitter module and control operation of the motor vehicle, the method comprising:

establishing a time period with the programming device;

communicating a signal based on the time period to the transmitter module; and

inhibiting operation of the transmitter module for a period of time based on the signal.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the period of time corresponds to a time of day when an employee is not supposed to access the motor vehicle.