Computer module for sensor system with activation alert

• US 7,889,074 B2
• Filed: 12/08/2006
• Issued: 02/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US Incorporated (Continental AG)
• Inventors: Anderson, John R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Previl; Daniel
• Application Number:
  US11/636,034
• Publication Number:
  US 20070132554A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,530 Days
• Field of Search: 340/531, 340/539.1, 340/5.1, 340/5.2, 340/5.7, 340/5.72, 340/426.1, 340/427, 340/5.54, 340/5.51, 340/517, 340/521, 340/438, 340/309.16, 340/540, 340/539.14, 340/686.1
• US Class Current: 340/540
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/246 characterised by the challenge triggering

Abstract

A method of preparing a computer module for the receipt of an activation alert communicated from a sensor system includes programming the computer module to recognize the activation alert and communicating the activation alert to the computer module. The computer module initializes a start-up and initialization sequence in response to receiving the activation alert.

Claims

1. A method of preparing a computer module for the receipt of an activation alert communicated from a sensor system, comprising the steps of:

(a) communicating the activation alert from the sensor system to the computer module, wherein the activation alert is communicated from the sensor system at least partially simultaneously with an evaluation of an input signal by the sensor system to prepare the computer module to respond to a validated output signal; and

(b) initializing a start-up and initialization sequence of the computer module in response to receiving the activation alert.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising the step of:

(c) programming the computer module to respond to a validated output signal, wherein the computer module receives the activation alert prior to the validated output signal.

3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein said step (c) comprises the steps of:

awakening the computer module from a sleep mode; and

preparing the computer module to respond to the validated output signal.

4. The method as recited in claim 2, comprising the step of:

(d) actuating an electronic system in response to receiving the validated output signal.

5. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein the electronic system is part of a Passive Entry and Starting (PASE) System and said step (e) comprises the step of:

unlocking a vehicle door in response to receiving the validated output signal.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said step (a) comprises the step of:

recognizing the activation alert by reading a BUS message.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said step (a) comprises the step of:

recognizing the activation alert by reading signals received through discrete wiring.

8. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising the step of:

(c) returning the computer module to a sleep mode in response to receiving an invalid output signal, wherein the computer module receives the activation alert prior to the invalid output signal.

9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the activation alert is a signal communicated to the computer module that a signal change is possible.

10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the activation alert is communicated in response to a defined confidence level percentage.

11. A computer module for a sensor system, comprising:

a microprocessor; and

input circuitry in communication with said microprocessor, wherein said microprocessor is operable to receive an activation alert through said input circuitry and initialize a start-up and initialization sequence in response to receiving said activation alert, and wherein said activation alert is communicated from said microprocessor at least partially simultaneously with an evaluation of an input signal by said microprocessor to prepare the computer module to respond to a validated output signal.

12. The computer module as recited in claim 11, wherein said input circuitry receives said activation alert through a BUS message.

13. The computer module as recited in claim 11, wherein said input circuitry includes discrete wiring connected between said computer module and the sensor system, wherein said activation alert is received through said discrete wiring.

14. The computer module as recited in claim 13, comprising protective circuitry and switching circuitry connected between the sensor system and said input circuitry.

15. The computer module as recited in claim 11, wherein said activation alert is a signal communicated to said computer module that a signal change is possible.

16. A Passive Entry and Starting (PASE) system for a vehicle, comprising:

a keypad sensor having a microprocessor and at least one actuable button, wherein said microprocessor is operable to analyze an input signal received in response to a manipulation of said at least one actuable button; and

a computer module in communication with said microprocessor of said keypad sensor, wherein said computer module is operable to recognize an activation alert communicated from said microprocessor and initialize a start-up and initialization sequence in response to recognition of said activation alert, and wherein said activation alert is communicated from said microprocessor at least partially simultaneously with an evaluation of said input signal by said microprocessor to prepare said computer module to respond to a validated output signal.

17. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein said activation alert is received through BUS messages.

18. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein said activation alert is received through discrete wiring connected between said keypad sensor and said computer module.