Integrated passive entry transmitter/receiver

• US 20050285724A1
• Filed: 06/25/2004
• Published: 12/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Ghabra, Riad, Schmidt, Robert M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,868,745 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/426.16
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/246 characterised by the challenge triggering
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

A portable personal convenience device carried by a person having access to a transportation vehicle is provided that includes personal convenience means for performing a non-transportation related convenience function. A passive entry device is integrated within the personal convenience means and adapted to interact with the transportation vehicle for passively gaining access thereto. The passive entry device includes a receiver for receiving an interrogating signal from an electronic control module in the transportation vehicle. A transmitter is provided for broadcasting a response signal to the electronic control module. A controller is provided for controlling the transfer of the response signal to the electronic control module in response to the interrogating signal.

Claims

1. A portable personal convenience device carried by a person having access to a transportation vehicle comprising:

personal convenience means for performing a non-transportation related convenience function; and

a passive entry device integrated within said personal convenience means and adapted to interact with said transportation vehicle for passively gaining access thereto, said passive entry device comprising;

a receiver for receiving an interrogating signal from an electronic control module in a vehicle;

a transmitter for broadcasting a response signal to said electronic control module; and

a controller for controlling the transfer of said response signal to said electronic control module in response to said interrogating signal.

2. The portable personal convenience device of claim 1 further comprising a housing for said personal convenience means, said housing concealing said passive entry device therein.

3. The portable personal convenience device of claim 1 wherein said personal convenience means comprises a personal wireless communication device.

4. The portable personal convenience device of claim 3 wherein said personal wireless communication device comprises a cell phone.

5. The portable personal convenience device of claim 3 wherein said personal wireless communication device comprises a pager.

6. The portable personal convenience device of claim 1 wherein said personal convenience device comprises a personal digital assistant.

7. The portable personal convenience device of claim 1 wherein said personal convenience means comprises a watch.

8. The portable personal convenience device of claim 1 wherein said personal convenience means includes a fuel pass device.

9. The portable personal convenience device of claim 1 wherein said personal convenience means includes a memory stick.

10. The portable personal convenience device of claim 1 wherein said controller further controls said non-transportation related convenience function.

11. The portable personal convenience device of claim 1 wherein said personal convenience means further includes an expansion slot, and wherein said passive entry device comprises an interchangeable plug-in module received in said expansion slot for receiving electrical power from said personal convenience means.

12. A passive entry system for accessing a transportation vehicle comprising:

an electronic control module in said vehicle;

personal convenience means for performing a non-transportation related convenience function and carried by the user; and

a passive entry device integrated within said personal convenience means and adapted to interact with said transportation vehicle for passively gaining access thereto, said passive entry device comprising;

a receiver for receiving an interrogating signal from said electronic control module in a vehicle;

a transmitter for broadcasting a response signal to said electronic control module; and

a controller for controlling the transfer of said response signal to said electronic control module in response to said interrogating signal;

wherein said electronic control module determines the validity of said response signal, and wherein said electronic control signal transfers a control signal for allowing access to said transportation vehicle in response to said validity of said response signal.

13. The passive entry system of claim 12 wherein said personal convenience means further includes an expansion slot, and wherein said passive entry device comprises an interchangeable plug-in module received in said expansion slot for receiving electrical power from said personal convenience means.

14. A method of operating a passive entry system using a portable personal convenience device for gaining access to a specific transportation vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

concealing a remote passive entry device within a personal convenience means housing;

detecting a user request for a passive entry function to said transportation vehicle;

broadcasting an interrogation signal to a broadcast region exterior to said transportation vehicle;

receiving said interrogation signal in said portable personal convenience device;

determining whether said interrogation signal is valid;

broadcasting a response signal to an electronic control module in response to said validity of said interrogation signal;

determining whether said response signal is valid; and

transmitting a control signal to a vehicle safety mechanism for activating one of a plurality of passive entry functions to said vehicle in response to said validity of said response signal.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said plurality of passive entry functions includes a vehicle unlock function, an engine start function, and an immobilization function.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein said step of detecting a user request includes detecting contact with a vehicle door handle.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of providing an expansion slot in said portable personal convenience device for receiving a plug-in module for gaining access to a specific transportation vehicle.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said plug-in module is interchangeable among a plurality of portable personal convenience devices.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein said step of transmitting said control signal to vehicle safety mechanism further comprises unlocking said vehicle door lock.