KEY FOB DONGLE

• US 20160180622A1
• Filed: 02/26/2016
• Published: 06/23/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RB Distribution, Inc. (Dorman Products Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: RB Distribution, Inc. (Dorman Products Incorporated)
• Inventors: RAMCHANDANI, Kris, KUMAR, Venkataramani
• Granted Patent: US 9,836,904 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00865 remotely by wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00984 fob
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00857 where the code of the data carrier can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/20 involving the use of a pass
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/20 Binding and programming of remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/50 Receiving or transmitting feedback, e.g. replies, status updates, acknowledgements, from the controlled devices

Abstract

The disclosed method uses a dongle to program a replacement key fob transmitter to a vehicle. The dongle mates to the vehicle'"'"'s on-board electronics through the vehicle'"'"'s existing data link. A diagnostic circuit in the dongle determines a communications protocol for programming the key fob transmitter to the vehicle. Audio and visual indicators indicate that communications are established and the successful programming of the key fob transmitter to the vehicle.

Claims

1. A method for pairing a key fob dongle with a vehicle, the method comprising:

providing a key fob dongle having at least two function buttons and a portion thereof that is configured to mate with an on-board diagnostic connector of a vehicle;

mating the key fob dongle with the on-board diagnostic connector of a vehicle;

transmitting a communication detection request between the key fob dongle and the on-board diagnostic connector to identify a vehicle'"'"'s communication protocol;

generating a human perceivable signal that identifies the vehicle'"'"'s communication protocol; and

,

generating a human perceivable signal that prompts a user to simultaneously press and hold the at least two function buttons to pair the key fob.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a human perceivable signal that confirms the key fob pairing was successful.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a human perceivable signal from the key fob that confirms the key fob pairing was successful.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a human perceivable signal from the vehicle that confirms the key fob pairing was successful.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the human perceivable signal that identifies the vehicle'"'"'s communication protocol is three beeps that identify the vehicle communication protocol as J1850.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the human perceivable signal that identifies the vehicle'"'"'s communication protocol is two beeps that identify the vehicle communication protocol as single wire control area network (SWCAN).

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the human perceivable signal that identifies the vehicle'"'"'s communication protocol is one beep that identify the vehicle communication protocol as high speed control area network (HSCAN).