DUAL PURPOSE WIRELESS DEVICE

• US 20100188248A1
• Filed: 01/27/2009
• Published: 07/29/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/27/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG (Aptiv PLC)
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (Aptiv PLC)
• Inventors: SULTAN, MICHEL F., Partin, Dale L., Ainslie, Paul J., Oman, Todd P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,421,589 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/825
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/205 Mobile phones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1003 Alarm systems characterised by arm or disarm features
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00507 keyless data carrier having more than one function
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/63 Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

A communications system utilizing a portable communications device for controlling functions in a vehicle includes a first display for controlling vehicle operating functions and a first transceiver connected to the first display device. A multifunctional control switch is connected to the first display device, while a second transceiver is used for communicating with either the first transceiver or a remote keyless entry (RKE) receiver depending upon whether the second transceiver is located inside or outside the vehicle. The second transceiver operates to configure operational parameters of the display device when those controls have not been readily integrated into the vehicle center stack.

Claims

1. A communications system utilizing a portable communications device for controlling functions in a vehicle comprising:

a first display for controlling vehicle operating functions;

a first transceiver connected to the first display;

a multifunctional control switch connected to the first display device;

a second transceiver for communicating with either the first transceiver or a remote keyless entry (RKE) transceiver depending upon whether the second transceiver is located inside or outside the vehicle; and

wherein the second transceiver works to configure operational parameters of the first display.

2. A communications system for utilizing a portable communications device as in claim 1, wherein the first display is positioned substantially in front of a driver of the vehicle.

3. A communications system for utilizing a portable communications device as in claim 1, wherein the second transceiver includes a second display.

4. A communications system for utilizing a portable communications device as in claim 1, wherein the operational parameters are at least one from the group of:

engine control, HVAC, ABS, lighting, mirrors, seats, window position, door locks, navigation and entertainment system.

5. A communications system for utilizing a portable communications device as in claim 1, wherein the second transceiver communicates with the RKE transceiver when outside the vehicle and communicates with the first transceiver when inside the vehicle.

6. A communications system for utilizing a portable communications device as in claim 1, wherein the first display is reconfigurable using the second transceiver for allowing a passenger to control vehicle functions.

7. A communications system for utilizing a portable communications device as in claim 1, wherein the second transceiver is configured as a key fob.

8. A communications system for utilizing a portable communications device as in claim 1, wherein the second transceiver operates as an entertainment system.

9. A communications system for utilizing a portable communications device as in claim 1, wherein the second transceiver communicates only with the RKE transceiver.

10. A wireless communications system for use in an automotive vehicle comprising:

a first transceiver connected with a first display within a vehicle;

a multifunctional control switch connected with the first display; and

a second transceiver carried by a passenger for communicating with the first transceiver and a remote keyless entry (RKE) transceiver such that the multifunctional control switch controls operational aspects of the vehicle displayed on the first display.

11. A wireless communications system as in claim 10, wherein the first display is reconfigurable by the driver for displaying the operational aspects in a customized manner.

12. A wireless communications system as in claim 11, wherein the reconfigurable display displays status from at least one from the group of:

engine control, HVAC control, ABS control, light control, mirror control, seat control, door control, window control, door lock, navigation system, and entertainment system.

13. A wireless communications system as in claim 10, wherein the second transceiver communicates with the first transceiver when located outside the vehicle and communicates with the RKE transceiver when located inside the vehicle.

14. A wireless communications system as in claim 10, further comprising a proximity sensor for determining whether the second transceiver is inside or outside the vehicle.

15. A wireless communications system as in claim 10, wherein the second transceiver is a reconfigurable device and includes a second display for displaying the operational aspects of the vehicle.

16. A wireless communications system as in claim 10, wherein the second transceiver is configured as a key fob.

17. A wireless communications system as in claim 10, wherein the second display is one from the group of a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode display or E-ink display.

18. An automotive communications system utilizing a dual mode device for controlling vehicle functionality comprising:

a human machine interface (HMI) controller having an HMI display for use by a driver;

a first wireless transceiver connected to the HMI controller;

a second wireless transceiver operable in a first mode outside the vehicle and a second mode inside the vehicle for communicating with the first wireless transceiver or a remote keyless entry (RKE) transceiver; and

wherein the first mode operates to control a first predetermined set of functions and the second mode operates to control a second predetermined set of functions.

19. An automotive communications system as in claim 18, wherein the first set of functions includes at least one of a theft alarm device and door locks.

20. An automotive communications system as in claim 18, wherein the second set of functions includes at least one of HVAC controller, light controller, mirror switch, seat switch, seat control, door and window switch, door locks and theft alarm device, and security camera.

21. An automatic communications system as in claim 18, wherein the second set of functions includes at least one reception system that includes at least one from the group of satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS), global positioning system (GPS) navigation, cellular telephone, terrestrial radio, WiFi, satellite, dedicated short range communications (DSRC), and WiMax receivers.

22. An automotive communications system as in claim 18, wherein the HMI display is reconfigurable by the driver for displaying the operational aspects in a customized manner.

23. An automotive communications system as in claim 18, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a user display for displaying vehicle functionality displayed on the HMI display.

24. An automotive communications system as in claim 18, wherein the second wireless transceiver is configured as a key fob.

25. An automotive communications system as in claim 18, further comprising a multifunction control switch for issuing instructions to the HMI controller to reconfigure the HMI display.

26. An automotive communications system as in claim 18, further comprising a proximity sensor for determining whether the second wireless transceiver is inside or outside the vehicle.