Keyless command system for vehicles and other applications

• US 7,106,171 B1
• Filed: 05/10/2000
• Issued: 09/12/2006
• 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): Garber, Wendy R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BROWN, VERNAL U
• Application Number:
  US09/567,582
• Time in Patent Office: 2,316 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.72, 340/426, 340/825.69, 340/5.8, 340/5.81, 340/10.42, 340/5.61, 340/5.6, 340/426.1, 340/825.72, 340/5.85
• US Class Current: 340/5.72
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/101 Bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/23 using manual input of alphanumerical codes
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• 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 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 non-use, with some form of wake-up signal being used to enter operational modes requiring increased power consumption. The transmitter may also be mounted in the trunk, preferably with an illuminated or glow-in-the-dark trunk unlock button and without the need for entry of an authorization code, thereby enabling a child, for example, to unlock the trunk from within without having to hardwire the car for this capability.

Claims

1. A command-entry system including a wireless, remote-control device adapted for use with an existing receiver programmed to recognize encoded command signals from an existing portable transmitter, the device comprising:

a keypad for entering a command;

a transmitter for transmitting one of the same encoded command signals recognizable by the existing receiver in response to the command entered through the keypad; and

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

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the keypad is used to enter the identification code.

3. The system of claim 1, further including a user-carried transponder operative to output an identification code to the device.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the transponder outputs the identification code is response to a prompt from the device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is mounted on a vehicle.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is operable to perform one or more of the following functions related to the operation of a motor vehicle:

unlocking of passenger doors, trunk or fuel door,

turning lights ON/OFF,

security system arming/disarming,

starting engine or heater, or

adjust seats, mirrors, or other occupant convenience feature.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is operable to perform one or more of the following functions:

locking/unlocking of home or office doors,

home or office security system arming/disarming,

off-road vehicle and boat entry or control, or

garage-door control.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the device forms part of cellular telephone or personal digital assistant.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is operative to send out a door UNLOCK command followed by a door LOCK command, enabling a user to determine if the existing portable transmitter has been reprogrammed.

10. A keyless command entry system adapted for use with a vehicle having a wireless encoded command signal receiver, the system comprising:

a transmitter module including a keypad and a wireless signal transmitter operative to transmit a wireless encoded command signal following a keypad input which is identical to the wireless encoded command signal to which the receiver is responsive; and

an input for receiving a user authorization code prior to the transmission of the wireless encoded command signal.

11. The system of claim 10, the module further including:

a rechargeable battery; and

a photovoltaic cell operative to recharge the battery.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the keypad is used to enter the authorization code.

13. The system of claim 10, further including a user-carried transponder operative to output an authorization code to the device.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the transponder outputs the authorization code is response to a prompt from the device.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein at least the keypad is mounted on an outer surface of the vehicle.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the device is operable to perform one or more of the following functions:

unlocking of passenger doors, trunk or fuel door,

adjust seats, mirrors, or other occupant convenience feature.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the device is operable to perform one or more of the following functions:

locking/unlocking of home or office doors,

home or office security system arming/disarming,

off-road vehicle and boat entry or control, or

garage-door control.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the module forms part of cellular telephone or personal digital assistant.