(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0075656 A1
`Howarter et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`US 20 1 00075656Al
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR KEY FREE
`ACCESS TO A VEHICLE
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 24, 2008
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Jamie C. Howarter, Overland
`
`(51)
`
`Int CL
`
`Correspondence Address:
`SONNENSCHEIN NATH & ROSENTHAL LLP
`P.O. BOX 061080, WACKER DRIVE STATION,
`WILLIS TOWER
`
`CHICAGO, IL 60606-1080 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`EMBARQ HOLDINGS
`COMPANY, LLC
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/237,149
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................ .. 455/420; 340/52
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system and method for unlocking a vehicle with a cell
`phone. Wireless signals are monitored from a cell phone. A
`signal is received from the cell phone. A distance between the
`cell phone and the vehicle is determined. Doors ofthe vehicle
`are unlocked in response to the cell phone nearing the vehicle.
`The doors of the vehicle are locked in response to the cell
`phone being further separated from the vehicle.
`
`
`
`ASSA 1005
`
`1
`
`ASSA 1005
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25, 2010 Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 2010/0075656 A1
`
`FIG.I
`
`2
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25, 2010 Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 2010/0075656 A1
`
`FIG. 2
`
`
`
`Cell phone
`2_1_4
`
`Vehicle System 2_QQ
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Transceiver _21_2
`
`Processor a);
`
`Memory Zfi
`
`Control logic 2%
`
`User interface Q
`
`
`
`Scanner gjg
`
`3
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25, 2010 Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 2010/0075656 A1
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Cell phone
`3_0Q
`
`Vehicle system
`§0_2
`
`Meniter end determine a
`proximity to a vehicle
`E
`
`Continuously monitor a signal from
`the Ge” phone
`gyfi
`
`Transmit a signal when
`within a specified distance
`to the vehicle
`3»0_8
`
`Receive and authenticate
`the signal from the cell
`phone
`§_1_0
`
`Determine the distance between
`
`the cell phone and the vehicle
`‘
`3_1Z
`
`Initiate a command
`to lock the vehicle
`doors
`
`3_1§
`
`.
`.
`lnrtrate command to
`unlock vehicle doors
`
`fl
`
`Distance
`increasing?
`31_4
`
`Receive confirmation of
`vehicle status
`
`fl
`
`Transmit user specified
`confirmation of vehicle status
`
`31_8
`
`4
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25, 2010 Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US 2010/0075656 A1
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Cell phone
`éD_0
`
`‘
`
`Vehicle system
`fl
`
`Receive user input to send an unlock
`command to the vehicle system
`5.0.4.
`
`Transmit unlock command to the
`vehicle
`
`Receive the command to unlock the
`vehicle
`
`£6
`
`flfi
`
`Determine the cell phone is within a
`threshold distance of the vehicle
`
`4%
`
`Authenticate the unlock command
`
`E
`
`Unlock the vehicle doors
`
`£2
`
`Receive confirmation that vehicle is
`unlocked
`
`Transmit user specified confirmation
`that vehicle is unlocked
`
`E
`
`i1_4
`
`5
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25, 2010 Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 2010/0075656 A1
`
`FIG. 5
`
`GUI
`
`E
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Select number of vehicles _5_(2
`
`2
`
`Add a vehicle 506
`
`Enter activation distance L04
`
`30 Feet
`
`Active Vehicle m
`
`
`
`Select lock command t3‘l_0
`
`Select unlock command
`
`Q2
`
`Select truck unlock
`
`command §1_4
`
`Select driver’s door unlock
`
`command 5_1§
`
`Select passenger door
`unlock command §_1_8
`
`Select turn on lights
`command &_O
`
`Select panic command §Q
`
`Select vehicle start
`
`command gig
`
`Select command
`
`confirmation 52_6
`
`Automatic relock interval
`
`5%E.
`
`Truck
`
`Doub|e—tap
`
`Truck
`
`D0ub|e_tap
`
`Truck
`
`None
`
`Truck
`
`Sing|e—tap
`
`Truck
`
`Triple-tap
`
`Truck
`
`Voice-activated
`
`Truck
`
`Push-button
`
`Truck
`
`Voice-activated
`
`Truck
`
`Vibration
`
`Truck
`(/3
`
`:1:1
`
`Van
`
`Proximity detection
`
`Van
`'
`- '
`bl
`Dou e’(:;)tea(ntionrox1m1ly
`
`Vn
`
`
`n
`
`Sing|e—tap
`
`Van
`
`Triple-tap
`
`Van
`
`Voice-activated
`
`Van
`
`Push-button
`
`Van
`
`Dedicated button
`
`Van
`
`Ring tone
`
`Van
`
`U1
`
`:1:1
`
`O :
`
`D
`Off
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25, 2010 Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 2010/0075656 A1
`
`FIG. 6
`
`User Interface
`
`00
`
`Configure Jane’s
`Options
`
`PT0XimitV
`Selections:
`
`El Approaching vehicle 40 feet
`l:I Adjust seat and mirrors to setting 2
`
`|:] Turn on lights
`Approaching vehicle Jojfteeet
`El Unlock: drivers side door and rear doors
`
`D Open sliding door
`
`|:| Leaving vehicle 20 feet
`'3 Lock doors and set security
`system
`
`Voice Comriiand
`programmmg:
`
`I:] Lock doors
`1:! Open trunk
`
`[:1 Unlock all
`D Lower running boards
`
`|:| Open kid’s doors E] Television on
`Enter new command and
`B speak command
`
`Media Selections:
`
`El Turn on rear TV to DVD if inserted or channel 60.
`Turn radio to county 1 and switch to Jane’s
`preset station programming
`
`606
`
`E"ViT0'?me“i
`Se'e°t'°“33
`
`I:I Activate wipers upon entry if it is raining
`D Adjust temperature to 7_2_if temperature is greater
`than 80 or less than 64
`608
`
`Priority selections:
`
`Give Jane first priority
`E] Give Fred first priority
`
`7
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25, 2010 Sheet 7 of 7
`
`US 2010/0075656 A1
`
`FIG. 7
`
`User Interface
`
`00
`
`7 2
`
`Fred’s options
`
`proximity Qpfions; Within 50 feet of entry start vehicle, adjust seat and
`mirrors to position 1. Unlock driver side door at 10 feet.
`Past 10 feet when exiting vehicle lock vehicle doors and
`activate security system.
`
`7_0A
`
`Programmed voice
`commands:
`
`Lock doors, open trunk, open Jane’s door, unlock all
`doors,
`
`70
`
`Media options: Automatically turn radio on to news station one and
`switch from Jane’s presets to Fred’s
`
`E
`
`Environment
`settings:
`
`If raining activate wipers upon entry, automatically
`adjust temperature of car to 70 degrees.
`
`7_1Q
`
`Priority settings:
`
`If Jane and Fred signals both detected initiate Fred’s
`preferences as driver and receive secondary
`commands from Jane
`
`8
`
`

`
`US 20l0/0075656 A1
`
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR KEY FREE
`ACCESS TO A VEHICLE
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0001] The use of and development of commumcations has
`grown nearly exponentially in recent years. The growth is
`fueled by larger networks with more reliable protocols and
`better commumcations hardware available to service provid-
`ers and consumers. With some exceptions,
`technological
`advancements for the vehicle and transportation fields have
`been similarly fast paced.
`[0002]
`In contrast, remote keyless entry systems first began
`appearing around 1983 and gained widespread availability
`and popularity in the following decades. The systems typi-
`cally utilize an electronic key fob to control basic functions of
`a vehicle, such as locks, alarms, and trunk access. The fun-
`damental design and operation ofremote keyless systems has
`not changed significantly since their introduction despite the
`usefulness of these features.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0003] One embodiment includes a system and method for
`unlocking a vehicle with a cell phone. Wireless signals may
`be monitored from a cell phone. A signal may be received
`from the cell phone. A distance between the cell phone and the
`vehicle may be determined. Doors of the vehicle may be
`unlocked in response to the cell phone nearing the vehicle.
`The doors of the vehicle may be locked in response to the cell
`phone being further separated from the vehicle.
`[0004] Another embodiment includes a vehicle system for
`controlling functions of a vehicle. The vehicle system may
`include a transceiver operable to wirelessly communicate
`with a cell phone. The transceiver may be further operable to
`determine a distance between the cell phone and the vehicle
`system. The transceiver may be further operable to receive an
`identifier from the cell phone. The control logic in commu-
`nication with the transceiver may be operable to unlock the
`doors in response to determining the distance is within a
`threshold. The identifier may be authorized to control the
`control logic.
`[0005] Yet another embodiment includes a vehicle system.
`The vehicle system may include a processor for executing a
`set of instructions and a memory for storing the set of instruc-
`tions. The set of instructions may be configured to receive a
`signal from a cell phone authorized to control the vehicle
`system, determine a distance between the cell phone and a
`vehicle, and send a command controlling the vehicle system
`in response to a plurality of distance measurements indicating
`the user is approaching the vehicle and is within a distance
`threshold of the vehicle and further in response to receiving
`an indicator from the user.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Illustrative embodiments of the present invention
`[0006]
`are described in detail below with reference to the attached
`
`drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein
`and wherein:
`
`FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a wireless
`[0007]
`environment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
`[0008]
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram ofa cell phone and vehicle
`system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
`
`FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for controlling a
`[0009]
`vehicle system from a cell phone in accordance with an illus-
`trative embodiment;
`[0010]
`FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for unlocking a
`vehicle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
`[0011]
`FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a graphical
`user interface in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
`[0012]
`FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of a user interface
`for a cell phone in accordance with an illustrative embodi-
`ment; and
`[0013]
`FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of a user interface
`in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Illustrative embodiments provide a system and
`[0014]
`method for controlling systems ofa vehicle remotely utilizing
`a wireless device. The systems of the vehicle may be con-
`trolled passively based on the location and direction of travel
`ofa user carrying a cell phone associated with a vehicle, based
`on active user selections through the cell phone, or utilizing
`passive determinations and active user selections. Managing
`control ofthe vehicle may be performed between a cell phone
`and a vehicle system with the computing, determinations, and
`communications performed by either or both devices/sys-
`tems.
`
`FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a wireless
`[0015]
`environment 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodi-
`ment. The wireless environment 100 is one embodiment of a
`
`location, area, building, or other settings in which the com-
`munication and control features, as herein described, may be
`implemented. In one embodiment, the wireless environment
`100 may include a user 102, a cell phone 104, and a vehicle
`106. The user 102 is the person, individual, or group in control
`ofthe cell phone 104. The user 102 may operate the cell phone
`104 and the vehicle 106 at the user’s discretion. For example,
`the user 102 may travel in the vehicle 106, park the vehicle
`106, and otherwise enter, operate, and leave the vehicle 106 at
`any number of locations and time periods during the day.
`[0016] The cell phone 104 is a device configured for wire-
`less communications. The cell phone 104 may communicate
`with the vehicle 106 utilizing any number of transmission
`signals, protocols, or standards. For example, the cell phone
`104 may communicate utilizing Bluetooth®, WiFiTM,
`TDMA, CDMA, GSM, WiMAX, analog signals, or any num-
`ber of other communications standards. The cell phone 104 is
`one embodiment of a wireless device. In another embodi-
`
`ment, the cell phone 104 may be a digital personal assistant
`(PDA), Blackberry® device, mp3 player, laptop, evolution
`data optimized (EVDO) card, or other electronic and/or voice
`communications device suitable for wireless communica-
`tions with the vehicle 106. In one embodiment, the wireless
`device enables data or voice communications with one or
`
`more users directly or through a network in addition to the
`vehicle 106.
`
`[0017] The cell phone 104 and the vehicle 106 may com-
`municate through long range or short range cellular, data, or
`packet signals. For example, the cell phone 104 may receive
`status updates whenever the vehicle is started by displaying a
`message, playing a ring tone, or playing a verbal message. In
`another embodiment, the vehicle 106 may send a text mes-
`sage detailing the status or user controlled vehicle actions,
`such as starting the engine, unlocking the doors, deactivating
`the alarm, or other similar activities. In one embodiment, the
`cell phone 104 and the vehicle 106 may utilize communica-
`
`9
`
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`
`US 2010/0075656 A1
`
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`tions services available through one or more networks oper-
`ated by a commumcations service provider.
`[0018] The vehicle 106 is a transportation device or ele-
`ment. In one embodiment, the vehicle 106 may be a car, truck,
`bus, airplane, boat, scooter, motorcycle, bicycle, or other
`transportation device, mechanism, or element suitable for
`transporting the user 102 from one location to another. The
`cell phone 104 and the vehicle 106 may include hardware,
`software, and firmware configured for communication
`between the two devices. The cell phone 104 may be config-
`ured to control features, functions, or systems of the vehicle
`106 automatically, based on preset user preferences, configu-
`rations, options, or based on user input received in real-time,
`or based on a combination of passive input automatically
`determined by the cell phone 104 and/or the vehicle 106 and
`user input actively received from the user 102.
`[0019]
`In one embodiment, the user may select passive,
`active or a combination of pass and active actions and criteria
`for controlling the features of the vehicle 106. The vehicle
`106 may include a computer, global positioning system
`(GPS), stereo, user interface, computing system, or other
`vehicle elements configured to communicate with the cell
`phone 104. A centralized system of the vehicle 106 may
`control any number ofvehicle systems including locks, lights,
`temperature controls, engine start and stop control, alarm
`systems, entertainment systems, trunk controls, environmen-
`tal controls, OnStar®, and any number of other public or
`proprietary systems, elements, or devices that may be inte-
`grated with or in communication with the vehicle 106.
`[0020]
`In one embodiment, the vehicle system includes a
`GPS or other navigation systems. The GPS may be utilized to
`determine the location of the vehicle 106. The GPS may also
`receive data or information from the cell phone 104 in order
`to determine the location and direction of travel of the cell
`
`phone and an associated user. The GPS may also be config-
`ured to determine the exact or approximate distance between
`the cell phone 104 and the vehicle 106. In one embodiment,
`the cell phone 104 and vehicle 106 may use a short-range
`wireless signal, such as Bluetooth® or WiFi® to communi-
`cate. The user 102 or another vehicle administrator may be
`required to configure the cell phone 104 and vehicle 106 to
`communicate. The user 102 may be required to link the com-
`munications system ofthe cell phone 104 and the vehicle 106
`for communication. For example, a unique identifier for both
`the cell phone 104 and the vehicle 106 may be registered with
`each of the devices respectively to enable secure communi-
`cations. The identifier may include a vehicle identification
`number (VIN), user account number, user name, pas sword, IP
`address, wireless identification, or other suitable identifier.
`The communication system of the vehicle 106 may be con-
`figured to automatically poll, monitor, or search for a wireless
`signal from the cell phone 104. In response to detecting the
`cell phone 104, the vehicle systems may take any number of
`actions.
`
`In one embodiment, the vehicle 106 may determine
`[0021]
`whether the cell phone 104 is nearing or becoming further
`separated from the vehicle 106. In one embodiment, the dis-
`tance between the cell phone 104 and the vehicle 106 may be
`determined based on the signal strength of the link or com-
`munications between the two devices. For example, a signal
`strength scale ofbetween 1 and 100 may be converted into an
`approximate distance based on pre-set determinations, cali-
`brations, or programming. At a threshold distance, the vehicle
`106 may be configured to unlock the doors, reconfigure seats,
`
`and otherwise prepare the vehicle for use by the user 102. The
`user 102 may utilize a user interface of the vehicle 106 or the
`cell phone 104 in order to program the features or steps that
`are taken by the vehicle 106 in response to detecting the
`presence of the cell phone 104 within or past one or more
`distance thresholds. For example, the user 102 may com-
`monly approach the vehicle 106 at night and may configure
`the settings of the cell phone 104 and/or vehicle 106 to auto-
`matically turn on the lights of the vehicle 106, an internal
`cabin light, and unlock only the driver’s side door in response
`to detecting the cell phone is within one hundred feet of the
`user.
`
`Similarly, the vehicle 106 may be configured to take
`[0022]
`different actions based on one or more cell phones that are
`linked with the vehicle 106. For example, in response to
`detecting a first cell phone associated with a first user is within
`fifty feet of the vehicle 106, the driver’s side door may be
`unlocked, the seat adjusted to a first position, and the engine
`may be started. In response to detecting a second cell phone
`within forty feet of the vehicle, all of the vehicles locks may
`be unlocked, the seat may be adjusted to a second position,
`and within ten feet one or more doors may be automatically
`opened.
`In another embodiment, the vehicle 106 may be
`[0023]
`configured to deactivate an alarm system and prepare the
`trunk to be opened based on determining the user is within a
`threshold distance. The vehicle 106 may also prepare to
`receive an additional user selection or user input from the cell
`phone 104 in response to detecting a communications signal
`from the cell phone 104. For example, the vehicle 106 may
`enter an active listening mode in which a voice command,
`tactile input, or button sequence may be received as a user
`input through the cell phone 104. The user input may be a
`command that controls the features and systems ofthe vehicle
`106. In one embodiment, the user 102 may be required to
`enter a button sequence to unlock one or more doors of the
`vehicle 106, such as * 11 for the driver’s side door, *22 for the
`passenger side door, *l0 for all doors, and *99 for the trunk.
`[0024]
`In another embodiment, buttons, switches, scroll
`wheels, soft keys, hard keys, portions of a touch screen, or
`other interactive elements or user input may be configured to
`control distinct systems or features of the vehicle 106. For
`example, a tactile response of tapping the cell phone 104
`twice may be read by accelerometers within the cell phone
`104 which may generate a signal to unlock the doors of the
`vehicle 106. Any number of command signals or data may be
`generated by the cell phone 104 in response to receiving the
`user input. Alternatively, the cell phone 104 may simply pass
`the user input to the vehicle 106 to interpret and implement
`the commands.
`
`In another embodiment, pressing a key sequence,
`[0025]
`such as l, 2, 3 may start the engine of the vehicle and an
`additional sequence of l, 2, 5 may unlock the trunk of the
`vehicle 106. The cell phone 104 may require an identifier to
`authenticate that the user 102 is authorized to control the
`
`vehicle 106. For example a password, user name, voice iden-
`tifier, or biometric may be required to be input or read by the
`cell phone 104 before the commands or wireless signals are
`transmitted from the cell phone 104 to the vehicle 106 or
`authenticated by the vehicle 106.
`[0026]
`In another embodiment, the vehicle 106 may be
`configured to perform certain actions or tasks based on a
`specific action taken by the user 102. For example, the user
`102 may be required to scan the cell phone 104 utilizing the
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`
`US 2010/0075656 A1
`
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`transceiver of the vehicle 106. The scan may be performed at
`a specified distance from the vehicle 106. For example, a
`radio frequency identification tag (RFID), cell phone number,
`account number, or other identifier may be read by the vehicle
`106. Many users store their cell phones or other electronic
`communications devices at a location that is sometimes dif-
`
`ficult to access. For example, the user 102 may store the cell
`phone 104 in a front pocket, a purse, a business bag, or at
`another location that may be difficult to quickly access. The
`illustrative embodiments may allow the user 102 to passively
`control features and functions of the vehicle 106 possibly
`based on a determined distance and/or direction oftravel. The
`
`systems of the vehicle 106 may also be controlled actively
`based on user input or another user action. Alternatively, a
`combination of passive and active measurements may be
`utilized to verify and initiate the actions as herein described.
`[0027]
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram ofa cell phone and vehicle
`system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The
`vehicle system 200 is the computing and communications
`element of the vehicle. The vehicle system 200 is a particular
`implementation of the integrated or discreet components of
`the vehicle 106 of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the vehicle
`system 200 may include any number of components, includ-
`ing a processor 202, a memory 204, a control logic 206, a user
`interface 208, a scarmer 210, and a transceiver 212. The
`vehicle system 200, and more particularly, the transceiver 212
`may further communicate with the cell phone 214 which is a
`particular implementation of the cell phone 104 of FIG. 1.
`The cell phone 214 may further include the elements and
`components ofthe vehicle system 200 as herein described. In
`one embodiment, the cell phone 214 includes an application
`that may be selected or run as a background application to
`communicate with the vehicle system 200 and perform any
`number of tasks as herein described.
`
`[0028] The processor 202 is circuitry or logic enabled to
`control execution of a set of instructions. The processor 202
`may be a microprocessor, digital signal processor, central
`processing unit or other device suitable for controlling an
`electronic device including one or more hardware and soft-
`ware elements, executing software, instructions, programs
`and applications, converting and processing signals and infor-
`mation, and performing other related tasks. The processor
`202 may be a single chip or integrated with other computing
`or communications elements. The processor 202 may also
`execute a set of software modules to initiate communication
`
`with a vehicle verify the identity of a user, send commands to
`the vehicle, and receive status updates.
`[0029] The memory 204 is a hardware element, device, or
`recording media configured to store data for subsequent
`retrieval or access at a later time. The memory 204 may be
`static or dynamic memory. The memory 204 may include a
`hard disk, random access memory, cache, removable media
`drive, mass storage, or other storage suitable for recording
`data, instructions, and information. In one embodiment, the
`memory 204 and processor 202 may be integrated. The
`memory may use any type of volatile or non-volatile storage
`techniques and mediums. The memory 204 may include hard-
`ware or software for implementing voice commands and
`voice recognition. In one embodiment, the memory 204 may
`store user preferences, settings, and configurations. For
`example, the memory 204 may store access information for
`one or more cell phones, commands for each cell phone,
`distance thresholds and actions associated with each thresh-
`
`old, and other information, data and settings for controlling
`
`the vehicles’ systems. The memory 204 may further include a
`database for storing information associated with one or more
`cell phones and users.
`[0030]
`In one embodiment, the vehicle system 200, and
`particularly, the processor 202 may execute a set of instruc-
`tions stored in the memory 204 in order to implement the
`features and methods of an embodiment, as herein described.
`In another embodiment, the control logic 206 may include
`hardware or software settings that perform an illustrative
`embodiment.
`
`[0031] The user interface 208 is the interface elements for
`receiving user input and selections and displaying informa-
`tion to the user. For example, the user interface 208 may
`include an LCD touch screen that may be utilized to configure
`user preferences for controlling the distinct features and sys-
`tems managed by the vehicle system 200 based on informa-
`tion scarmed and actively received through the cell phone
`214. The user interface 208 may be integrated with a display
`for the GPS, stereo, environmental controls, or other indepen-
`dent systems managed by the vehicle system 200. The user
`interface 208 may include the other controls or systems for
`managing systems of the vehicle which may include the ste-
`reo, entertainment system, temperature controls, driving con-
`trols, and other elements of the vehicle. In another embodi-
`ment in which the user interface 208 is for the cell phone 214
`any number of buttons, icons, track ball, touch screen, soft
`keys, scroll wheels, or other similar interface elements may
`be included or programmed to implement specific commands
`or features.
`
`[0032] The control logic 206 is the logic for controlling the
`vehicle system 200. For example, the control logic 206 may
`be discrete logic elements, an integrated circuit, program-
`mable logic, application logic, or other logic systems,
`devices, or elements for controlling the vehicle system 200.
`The control logic 206 may be configured to determine a
`distance between the vehicle system 200 and the cell phone
`214. In addition, the control logic 206 may determine whether
`the cell phone 214 is approaching the vehicle system 200 or
`becoming further separated from the vehicle system 200. The
`determination of distance may be made utilizing global posi-
`tioning information from the cell phone 214. In another
`embodiment, a signal strength read by the vehicle system 200
`or the transceiver 212 may indicate an approximate distance
`between the vehicle system 200 and the cell phone 214. A
`subsequent measurement or series of measurements may be
`utilized to determine whether the cell phone 214 is nearing or
`leaving the vehicle system 200. The control logic 206 may be
`configured to take any number of actions based on the dis-
`tance measurement.
`
`In one embodiment, one or more threshold distances
`[0033]
`or thresholds may be utilized to perform an associated action.
`The threshold is a pre-set level, range, or distance at which a
`specified action is configured to occur. For example, the user
`may set options settings or configurations that are stored in
`the memory 204. The options may include the thresholds that
`are used by the control logic 206 to pick any number of
`actions. For example, when the cell phone 214 is determined
`to be within 50 feet of the vehicle system 200 and approach-
`ing the vehicle system 200, the control logic 206 may mm on
`the lights of the vehicle. At 10 feet, the control logic 206 may
`further unlock the driver’s door and at 5 feet the vehicle
`
`system 200 may pop the trunk of the vehicle based on a
`number of threshold distances at 50, 10 and 5 feet. As
`described, the determination of the distance between the cell
`
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`US 2010/0075656 A1
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`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`phone 214 and the vehicle system 200 may be performed by
`either device or by communications between both devices.
`[0034]
`In another embodiment, the control logic 206 may
`verify an identifier, user input, selection or command received
`for the cell phone 214. For example, the control logic 206 may
`receive a key sequence of l, 2, 3 to unlock the door to the
`vehicle. The control logic 106 may convert the user selection
`or command into signals that the vehicle system 200 may
`utilize to control integrated or discrete elements within the
`vehicle.
`
`In another embodiment, the control logic 206 may
`[0035]
`verify a user’s voice received in a wireless transmission from
`the cell phone 214 to the transceiver 212 utilizing voice rec-
`ognition. The vehicle system 200 may be set to require the
`user to say his or her name before granting access to the
`vehicle system 200. In another embodiment, the control logic
`206 may verify an encrypted key, biometric, or password sent
`to the transceiver 212 by the cell phone 214. The commands
`or user input received from the cell phone 214 may be verbal,
`tactile, or based on a collection of buttons or a series of
`buttons on the cell phone 214. The control logic 206 may
`convert the signal as received to command or control the
`systems of the vehicle.
`[0036]
`In one embodiment, the control logic 206 may be
`configured to take additional actions based on other distances,
`time periods, or other settings. In one configuration, if the
`control logic 206 determines the cell phone 214 is within a
`specified distance threshold, but has not interacted with the
`vehicle system 200 within 30 seconds, the control logic 206
`may send out a command to relock the doors, turn off the
`lights, and secure the trunk. The user interaction may be the
`user opening the door, touching the vehicle, speaking a voice
`command, or other interactions with the vehicle. As a result,
`the control logic 206 may ensure that the vehicle is secure at
`all times regardless of whether a false, unintentional, or inad-
`vertent signal
`is received from the cell phone 214. For
`example, the user interaction may be the user opening the
`door, touching the vehicle, speaking a voice command, or
`other interactions with the vehicle.
`
`[0037] The scarmer 210 is a scarming device configured to
`read information, data, or a signal from the cell phone 214. In
`one embodiment, the scarmer 214 is a radio frequency iden-
`tification tag scanner that reads an RFID tag embedded in the
`cell phone 214. For example, the user may raise the cell phone
`214 in front of the scanner 210 which may be imbedded or
`integrated within the driver’s side door. The scarmer 210 may
`read or scan the device or signal from the cell phone 214 to
`manage the vehicle system 200, as herein described. The
`scanner 210 may also read a SIM card or other device or
`identifier of the cell phone 214.
`[0038] The transceiver 212 is a device operable to commu-
`nicate with the cell phone 214. In addition, the transceiver 212
`may also communicate with other systems or devices within
`the vehicle or that are part of the vehicle system 200. In one
`embodiment, the transceiver 212, scanner 210, control logic
`206, and other elements of the vehicle system 200 may be
`further integrated. The vehicle system 200 may include any
`number of other systems, devices, and elements typically
`integrated or used within a vehicle.
`[0039]
`In one embodiment, the transceiver 212 and the
`vehicle system 200 may simulate a base station used in wire-
`less networks. The transceiver 212 may utilize the battery of
`the vehicle to send and receive signals as if the vehicle were
`an access point of a network. As a result, the cell phone 214
`
`may register itself with the transceiver 212 as if the trans-
`ceiver were a visitor location register, home location register,
`or similar element or device of a wireless network. The power
`level or quality of the signal received from the cell phone 214
`may be utilized to determine a distance between the cell
`phone 214 and the vehicle.
`[0040]
`FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for controlling a
`vehicle system from a cell phone in accordance with an illus-
`trative embodiment. The process of FIG. 3 may be imple-
`mented by a cell phone 300 and a vehicle system 302. The
`process may begin with the cell phone 300 monitoring and
`determining a proximity to a vehicle (step 304). In one
`embodiment, the cell phone may attempt to connect to the
`vehicle system 302 using one or more wireless signals at
`pre-determined time intervals or locations.
`[0041] At the same time, the vehicle system 302 continu-
`ously monitors for a signal from the cell phone 300 (step 306).
`During step 306, the vehicle system 302 may poll or search
`for a link to the cell phone 300. Next, the cell phone 300
`transmits a signal when within a specified distance of the
`vehicle (step 308). In one embodiment, the specified distance
`may be a distance at which communications may be reliably
`transmitted between the two devices. In another embodiment,
`the specified distance may be a distance threshold or thresh-
`old utilized by the cell phone 300 or the vehicle system 302 to
`take a specified action.
`[0042] Next, the vehicle system 302 receives and authenti-
`cates the signal from the cell phone (step 310). As previously
`described, the signal may be a standard cellular signal utilized
`for voice and data communications. In another embodiment,
`the signal may be a short range signal, such as WiFi, WiMAX,
`or a Bluetooth, or other custom radio frequency signals that
`may be utilized to allow the cell phone 300 and the vehicle
`system 302 to communicate. The signal may be authenticated
`as ifthe cell phone were broadcasting to a transmission tower
`within a network operated by a communicati