Keyless entry module and method
First Claim
1. A method for operating a key-less fob comprising, operatively coupled, a keypad, processor, memory and transmitter, for remotely actuating a system responsive to RF signals from the transmitter, the method comprising:
- receiving multiple initial keystrokes from the keypad in an initial operating mode;
during a fist timeout period associated with the initial operating mode, comparing the received initial keystrokes to a plurality of valid codes stored in the memory and, in response to the initial keystrokes matching a first one of the plurality of valid codes, directing the transmitter to actuate at least a portion of the system; and
in response to a second keystrokes matching a second one of the plurality of valid codes different from the first one of the plurality of valid codes stored in the memory, switching the key-less fob from the initial operating mode to a command operating mode different from the initial operating mode where subsequent command keystrokes received after the initial keystrokes and prior to an expiration of a second timeout period each result in transmitting to the system a command adapted to remotely actuate at least a portion of the system, the command corresponding to the subsequent command keystroke, and being transmitted without repeating of the initial keystrokes during the second timeout period.
12 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for a key-less system for actuating a lock responsive to a valid OPEN signal. A first portion is continuously coupled to a power source and a second portion receives power from the source only when a coupling switch is ON. The first portion comprises a keypad for entry of a lock actuation code, and a detector that senses the first keystroke and turns the switch ON. The second portion includes an RF transmitter and preferably a memory with valid actuation codes stored therein, and a processor coupled to the memory, to the keypad and to the RF transmitter. When the entered and stored keystrokes match, the RF transmitter sends an OPEN signal to the lock. The method comprises detecting the first keystroke, turning on the power switch ON, comparing the entered and stored keystrokes and if matched, transmitting an OPEN command to the lock.
18 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for operating a key-less fob comprising, operatively coupled, a keypad, processor, memory and transmitter, for remotely actuating a system responsive to RF signals from the transmitter, the method comprising:
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receiving multiple initial keystrokes from the keypad in an initial operating mode; during a fist timeout period associated with the initial operating mode, comparing the received initial keystrokes to a plurality of valid codes stored in the memory and, in response to the initial keystrokes matching a first one of the plurality of valid codes, directing the transmitter to actuate at least a portion of the system; and in response to a second keystrokes matching a second one of the plurality of valid codes different from the first one of the plurality of valid codes stored in the memory, switching the key-less fob from the initial operating mode to a command operating mode different from the initial operating mode where subsequent command keystrokes received after the initial keystrokes and prior to an expiration of a second timeout period each result in transmitting to the system a command adapted to remotely actuate at least a portion of the system, the command corresponding to the subsequent command keystroke, and being transmitted without repeating of the initial keystrokes during the second timeout period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of operating a wireless key-fob comprising, operatively coupled, at least an ON/OFF switch, a keypad, a processor, a memory and a transmitter adapted to remotely actuate a vehicle system in an INSECURE and a SECURE mode when ON, the method comprising:
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in response to an initial keystroke, setting the ON/OFF switch to an ON condition to thereby place the wireless key-fob in the INSECURE MODE, wherein the INSECURE MODE comprises a first timeout period; while in the INSECURE MODE, sending initial ENTRY CODE keystrokes from the keypad to the processor; using the processor to compare the initial ENTRY CODE keystrokes received from the keypad with a plurality of ENTRY CODE keystrokes stored in the memory to determine whether or not a valid ENTRY CODE has been provided; if a first one of the plurality of valid ENTRY CODE keystrokes was provided in the INSECURE MODE, directing the transmitter to actuate the vehicle system; if a second one of the plurality of valid ENTRY CODE keystrokes different from the first valid ENTRY CODE keystrokes was provided in the INSECURE MODE, shifting directly from the INSECURE MODE to a SECURE MODE, wherein the SECURE MODE is different from the INSECURE MODE, wherein the SECURE MODE comprises a second timeout period, and transmitting a signal to the system, the signal derived from the second one of the plurality of valid ENTRY CODE keystrokes and indicating that an authorized user is present; while in the SECURE MODE, receiving subsequent command codes from the authorized user on the keypad and transmitting the subsequent command codes to the vehicle system without requiring repeating the initial ENTRY CODE keystrokes; and setting the ON/OFF switch to an OFF condition, wherein the setting takes place after the first timeout period when the wireless key-fob is in the INSECURE MODE and after the second timeout period when the key-fob is in the SECURE MODE. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A key-less control fob adapted to be toggled between at least two modes of operation for actuating a remote system, comprising:
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a user actuated keypad for entering keystroke sequences of variable lengths P and Q; a processor operatively coupled to the keypad for receiving and analyzing keystroke sequences from the keypad; a memory operatively coupled to the processor for storing valid keystroke sequences; a transmitter operatively coupled to the processor for sending out signals containing commands adapted to actuate the remote system; wherein, in a first mode of operation, the processor compares keystroke sequences entered on the keypad of length P to the keystroke sequences stored in the memory; and if the keystroke sequences match a first one of the plurality of valid keystroke sequences, the processor directs the transmitter to actuate the remote system; and if the keystroke sequences entered at the keypad match a second one of the plurality of valid keystroke sequences different from the first one of the plurality of valid keystroke sequences stored in the memory, then the processor switches operation of the fob to a second mode of operation different from the first mode of operation wherein subsequent keystroke sequences of length Q, wherein Q is less than P, cause the transmitter to send valid commands to the remote system based upon the subsequent keystroke sequences of length Q. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification