Key system for a motor vehicle, data transfer system for a motor vehicle and method for transferring data to or from a motor vehicle

• US 20080147304A1
• Filed: 12/15/2006
• Published: 06/19/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Volkswagen Of America (Volkswagen AG)
• Original Assignee: Volkswagen Of America (Volkswagen AG)
• Inventors: Bergmann, Carsten, Lee, Chu Hee, Alessandrini, Philippe, Pai, Derek
• Application Number:
  US11/640,025
• Publication Number:
  US 20080147304A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/115
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/101 Bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

A key for a motor vehicle includes an access module for unlocking or opening a door of the motor vehicle or for starting the motor vehicle. The key has a memory module for storing user data and a data transfer module for a wireless access to the memory module. The memory module is a rewritable memory module which can be removed by a user. A data transfer system for a motor vehicle and a method for transferring data to or from a motor vehicle are also provided.

Claims

1. A key system for a motor vehicle, comprising:

a key having a memory module, an access module, and a data transfer module;

said memory module being a rewritable, user-removable memory module for storing user data;

said access module being configured to perform at least one function selected from the group consisting of unlocking a motor vehicle door, opening a motor vehicle door, and starting a motor vehicle; and

said data transfer module being configured to provide wireless access to said memory module.

2. The key system according to claim 1, wherein said memory module is an SD memory card.

3. The key system according to claim 1, wherein said memory module stores infotainment data to be used by an infotainment system.

4. The key system according to claim 1, wherein said memory module stores navigation data to be used by a navigation system.

5. The key system according to claim 1, wherein:

said key has a housing; and

said memory module is disposed in said housing.

6. The key system according to claim 5, wherein:

said key has an opening formed therein, said opening is configured to receive said memory module; and

said housing has a cover for closing said opening.

7. The key system according to claim 1, wherein said key has an opening formed therein, and said opening is configured to receive said memory module.

8. The key system according to claim 7, wherein said key has a cover for closing said opening formed in said key.

9. A data transfer system, comprising:

a motor vehicle having a door;

a key configured to perform at least one function selected from the group consisting of unlocking said door of said motor vehicle, opening said door of said motor vehicle and starting said motor vehicle;

said key having a rewritable, user-removable memory module configured to store user data;

said motor vehicle and said key being configured to establish a wireless communications connection between one another such that said motor vehicle has access to said memory module; and

a computer, said computer and said key being configured to establish a wireless communications connection between one another such that said computer has access to said memory module.

10. The data transfer system according to claim 9, wherein said memory module is an SD memory card.

11. The data transfer system according to claim 9, wherein said memory module stores infotainment data to be used by an infotainment system.

12. The data transfer system according to claim 9, wherein said memory module stores navigation data to be used by a navigation system.

13. The data transfer system according to claim 9, wherein:

said key has a housing; and

said memory module is disposed in said housing.

14. The data transfer system according to claim 13, wherein:

said key has an opening formed therein, said opening is configured to receive said memory module; and

said housing has a cover for closing said opening.

15. The data transfer system according to claim 9, wherein said key has an opening formed therein, said opening is configured to receive said memory module.

16. The data transfer system according to claim 15, wherein said key has a cover for closing said opening formed in said key.

17. A method for transferring data to a motor vehicle, the method which comprises:

providing a key configured to perform at least one function selected from the group consisting of unlocking a door of a motor vehicle, opening a door of the motor vehicle and starting the motor vehicle;

providing a rewritable, removable memory module;

one of inserting and placing the memory module in the key;

transferring data from a computer to the memory module;

starting the motor vehicle with the key; and

wirelessly transferring the data from the memory module to the motor vehicle.

18. A method for transferring data from a motor vehicle, the method which comprises:

providing a key configured to perform at least one function selected from the group consisting of unlocking a door of a motor vehicle, opening a door of the motor vehicle and starting the motor vehicle;

providing a rewritable, removable memory module;

one of inserting and placing the memory module in the key;

wirelessly transferring data from the motor vehicle to the memory module; and

wirelessly transferring the data from the memory module to a computer.