System and method for changing key status in a vehicle based on driver status

• US 8,305,189 B2
• Filed: 11/24/2009
• Issued: 11/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Miller, Thomas Lee, Bennie, Brian, Sultana, Martin J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bugg, George
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nwugo, Ojiako
• Application Number:
  US12/624,477
• Publication Number:
  US 20110121941A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,078 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.61
• US Class Current: 340/5.61
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/00 Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles locks for vehicles E05B77/00-E05B85/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7068 Actuated after correct combination recognized [e.g., numerical, alphabetical, or magnet[s] pattern]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7441 Key
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7446 Multiple keys
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7475 Submaster- and change-key
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/748 Change-key shutout

Abstract

In at least one embodiment, a vehicle apparatus for changing status for a key is provided. The vehicle apparatus comprises a controller. The controller is configured to receive a key identification signal from a first key and to transmit a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a master key and a non-master key based on the key identification signal. The controller is further configured to receive a change request signal corresponding to a request to change status for an additional key from a primary key to a secondary key if the first key is master key.

Claims

1. A vehicle apparatus for changing status for a key, the vehicle apparatus comprising:

a controller for being positioned in a vehicle, the controller being configured to;

receive a key identification signal indicative of whether a first key is one of a master key and a non-master key;

receive a request signal corresponding to a request to change status for an additional key from a primary key to a secondary key if the first key is the master key;

provide a menu for receiving a user input to change status for an additional key from a primary key to a secondary key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key;

enable a user to assign a name the corresponds to a particular holder of the additional key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key; and

enable the user to select the name via the menu to change status for the additional key from the primary key to the secondary key.

2. The vehicle apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to wirelessly receive the key identification signal from the first key.

3. The vehicle apparatus of claim 1 wherein the key status signal comprises key serial number information, manufacturer code information, and authorization data for the first key.

4. The vehicle apparatus of claim 3 wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether the first key is the master key by comparing at least one of the key serial number information and the authorization data to predetermined data stored therein.

5. The vehicle apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller further comprises a look up table that stores data related to whether the second key is the primary key or the secondary key.

6. The vehicle apparatus of claim 5 wherein the controller is further configured to change the additional key from the primary key to the secondary key in the look up table in response to the request signal.

7. The vehicle apparatus of claim 1 wherein the primary key enables unrestricted use over vehicle functionality and the secondary key prevents vehicle functionality from being disabled.

8. The vehicle apparatus of claim 1 wherein the primary key is configured to enable unrestricted use over vehicle functionality and the secondary key is configured to prevent vehicle functionality from being disabled.

9. A vehicle apparatus for changing status for a key, the vehicle apparatus comprising:

an interface device for being positioned in a vehicle, the interface device being configured to;

receive a key status signal indicative of whether a first key is one of a master key and a non-master key;

provide a menu for receiving a user input to change status for an additional key from a secondary key to a primary key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key;

enable a user to assign a name the corresponds to a particular holder of the additional key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key; and

enable the user to select the name via the menu to change status for the additional key from the secondary key to the primary key.

10. The vehicle apparatus of claim 9 wherein the interface device is further configured to transmit a request signal indicative of a request to change status for the additional key from the primary key to the secondary key in response to the user input.

11. The vehicle apparatus of claim 9 wherein the interface device is further configured to visually or audibly present the menu.

12. The vehicle apparatus of claim 9 wherein the primary key is configured to enable unrestricted use over vehicle functionality and the secondary key is configured to prevent vehicle functionality from being disabled.

13. A method for changing status for a key, the method comprising:

receiving a key status signal indicative of whether a first key is one of a master key and a non-master key;

providing a menu in a vehicle for receiving a user input to change status for an additional key from a secondary key to a primary key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key; and

receiving a signal to assign a name that corresponds to a particular holder of the additional key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key; and

enabling the user to select the name via the menu to change status for the additional key from the secondary key to the primary key.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising visually or audibly presenting the menu to receive the user input.

15. The method of claim 13 further comprising transmitting a request signal indicative of a request to change status for the additional key from the primary key to a secondary key in response to the user input.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein the primary key is configured to enable unrestricted use over vehicle functionality and the secondary key is configured to prevent vehicle functionality from being disabled.