Systems and methods for interference reduction during keyless ignition authentication

• US 8,930,087 B2
• Filed: 07/19/2012
• Issued: 01/06/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Inventors: Bongiorno, Charles J., Creguer, Aaron P., Proefke, David T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cheung, Mary
• Assistant Examiner(s): BRUSHABER, FREDERICK M
• Application Number:
  US13/552,778
• Publication Number:
  US 20130041560A1
• Time in Patent Office: 901 Days
• Field of Search: 701/48
• US Class Current: 701/48
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0315 using multiplexing techniques multiplexing for transmission of signals G08C15/00; multiplexing for electrical communication in general H04J
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2025/0405 from the external
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/01 operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for interference reduction during keyless authentication. The apparatus includes a control system having a controller configured to detect an authentication event and deactivate at least one device within the vehicle. The control system is also configured to transmit an authentication command and to reactive the at least one device within the vehicle in response to receiving a valid authentication signal. The method includes an authentication method for a user to operate a vehicle wherein an authentication event is detected and at least one device within the vehicle is deactivated. An authentication command is transmitted and the at least one device within the vehicle is reactivated in response to receiving a valid authentication signal.

Claims

1. An authentication method for a user to operate a vehicle, comprising:

detecting, by a processor within the vehicle, an authentication event by receiving a wireless signal from a transceiver remote from the vehicle;

deactivating at least one electronic device within a passenger compartment of the vehicle;

transmitting an authentication command from the vehicle; and

reactivating the at least one device within the vehicle in response to receiving a valid authentication signal from the remote transceiver;

wherein the deactivating the at least one electronic device comprises deactivating one or more of the group of electronic devices;

cellular telephone charging system, accessory twelve volt power outlet, cigarette lighter and AC inverter circuit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting comprises detecting an engine start actuator being activated.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting comprises receiving a signal from a fob.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the detecting comprises receiving an unlock signal from the fob.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the deactivating comprises interrupting power to the at least one device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the reactivating comprises restoring power to the at least one device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the deactivating comprises sending a command to the at least one device to cease transmitting.

8. An authentication method for a user to operate a vehicle, comprising:

receiving a wireless signal from a transceiver remote from the vehicle to unlock a door of the vehicle;

deactivating at least one electronic device within a passenger compartment of the vehicle;

transmitting an authentication command from the vehicle;

initiating a timer for a time period;

determining whether a valid authentication signal was received from the remote transceiver prior to expiration of the time period to provide a validation signal; and

reactivating the at least one device within the vehicle in response to the validation signal or the expiration of the time period;

wherein the deactivating the at least one electronic device comprises deactivating one or more of the group of electronic devices;

cellular telephone charging system, accessory twelve volt power outlet, cigarette lighter and AC inverter circuit.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising re-transmitting the authentication command during the time period.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the deactivating comprises interrupting power to the at least one device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the reactivating comprises restoring power to the at least one device.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the deactivating comprises sending a command to the at least one device to cease transmitting.

13. A control system for a vehicle, comprising:

a controller configured to;

receive a wireless signal from a transceiver remote from the vehicle, the wireless signal being indicative of an authentication event;

deactivate at least one electronic device within a passenger compartment of the vehicle;

transmit a wireless authentication command to the remote transceiver; and

reactivate the at least one device within the vehicle in response to receiving a valid authentication signal;

wherein the deactivating the at least one electronic device comprises deactivating one or more of the group of electronic devices;

cellular telephone charging system, accessory twelve volt power outlet, cigarette lighter and AC inverter circuit.

14. The control system for a vehicle of claim 13, wherein the authentication event comprises detecting an engine start actuator being activated.

15. The control system for a vehicle of claim 13, wherein the authentication event comprises receiving a signal from a fob.

16. The control system for a vehicle of claim 15, wherein the signal from the fob comprises an unlock signal.

17. The control system for a vehicle of claim 13, wherein the deactivating comprises interrupting power to the at least one device.

18. The control system for a vehicle of claim 13, wherein the deactivating comprises sending a command to the at least one device to cease transmitting.