System and method for actuating a remote control access system

• US 7,268,681 B2
• Filed: 09/16/2003
• Issued: 09/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Inventors: Fitzgibbon, James J.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, PHUNG
• Application Number:
  US10/663,321
• Publication Number:
  US 20050057340A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,456 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.11, 340/932.2, 340/545.1, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 318/266, 307/10.1, 491/99
• US Class Current: 340/539.11
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/00 Power-operated mechanisms for wings motor-operated accessories in locks for completing closing or initiating opening of a wing E05B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/76 responsive to devices carried by persons or objects, e.g. magnets or reflectors E05F15/77 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/77 using wireless control
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/80 User interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/00 Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00928 for garage doors
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/64 using a proximity sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

A system and method of actuating a remote control access system in a motor vehicle non-invasively detects the occurrence of an event involving an actuation of at least one component of a motor vehicle. A control signal is transmitted to a remote control access system as a result of detecting the event.

Claims

1. A method of actuating a remote control access system in a motor vehicle comprising:

at a detection device positioned in a motor vehicle, the vehicle having at least one component being operated by a wired control system;

detecting an actuation of the at least one component of the motor vehicle without interconnection with the wired control system of the motor vehicle; and

transmitting a control signal to the remote control access system in response to detecting the actuation.

2. The method of claim 1 including:

receiving an indication of proximity of the motor vehicle to the remote control access system; and

wherein transmitting the control signal includes transmitting the control signal upon detection of the actuation and upon receiving the indication of proximity of the motor vehicle to the remote control access system.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein detecting the actuation includes detecting at least one of the occurrence of the actuation of an automotive light;

actuation of a brake;

motion of a window;

activation of a lock;

movement of a mirror;

movement of a radio control;

movement of a moon roof or sun roof opening;

movement of a windshield wiper blade;

actuation of a heater;

setting of a cruise control.

4. A device for use in an motor vehicle actuating a remote control access system comprising:

a detection circuit for sensing an indication, the indication generated by the actuation of a component of the motor vehicle, the component being controlled by a wired control system, the sensing being accomplished without interconnection with the wired control system;

a transmitter circuit coupled to the detection circuit for transmitting a control signal to the remote control access system upon receiving the indication.

5. The device of claim 4 further comprising a battery, coupled to the detection circuit.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein the transmitter circuit comprises means for determining whether the motor vehicle is in proximity to the remote control access system.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the transmitter circuit comprises means for transmitting a control code if the motor vehicle is in proximity to the remote control access system and upon detection of the indication.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein the indication is created based upon at least one of the actuation of an automotive light;

the actuation of a brake;

the motion of a window;

the activation of a lock;

the movement of a mirror;

the movement of a radio control;

the movement of a roof opening;

the movement of a windshield wiper blade;

the actuation of a heater;

or the setting of a cruise control.

9. The device of claim 4 wherein the control signal is a rolling code.

10. The device of claim 4 wherein the component is one of a headlight, turning signal, brake, window, lock, mirror, wiper blade, heater, moon-roof, or cruise control.