(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0242923 A1
`Pearson et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`NOV. 3, 2005
`
`US 20050242923A1
`
`(54) PASSIVE ENTRY SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES
`AND OTHER APPLICATIONS
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/564,483, filed on Apr.
`22, 2004.
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: David Pearson, Sterling Heights, MI
`(US); Francis LeGasse, Rochester
`Hills, MI (US); James P. Burgess,
`Naples, FL (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`John G. Posa
`Gifi'ord, Krass, Groh, Sprinkle,
`Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
`PO Box 7021
`
`Troy, MI 48007-7021 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/112,204
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 22, 2005
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/567,582,
`filed on May 10, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part
`of application No. 09/468,629, filed on Dec. 21, 1999,
`now Pat. No. 6,617,975, which is a continuation of
`application No. 09/061,403, filed on Apr. 16, 1998,
`now Pat. No. 6,031,465.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... .. G06F 7/04
`(51)
`(52) U.S.Cl.
`............... .. 340/5.62;340/552,340/426.36;
`340/572
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`For use in conjunction with an existing Wireless transmitter/
`receiver, a transmitter provided by the invention preferably
`uses some or all of the same codes as the existing remote
`transmitter to perform a desired function such as door or
`trunk unlocking, Windows, light activation, and so forth.
`One embodiment of the invention includes a passive entry
`system so that only an authorized operator can use the
`device. In a preferred embodiment, a user carries a Wallet-
`sized card or other device, such that upon activation of the
`keypad associated with the inventive transmitter, a signal is
`first sent to the user for verification. If the card or other
`
`device carried by the user properly transponds an appropri-
`ate authorization signal, the inventive transmitter broadcasts
`the codes appropriate to the function being requested. Alter-
`natively, biometric information such a fingerprint or voice-
`print may be used.
`
`102
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`109
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`RECEIVER
`
`117
`
`DISTRIBUTION
`
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`
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`
`111
`
`108
`
`120
`
`121
`
`ASSA 1019
`
`1
`
`ASSA 1019
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 3, 2005 Sheet 1 of 5
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 3, 2005 Sheet 3 of 5
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`US 2005/0242923 A1
`
`Nov. 3, 2005
`
`PASSIVE ENTRY SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES AND
`OTHER APPLICATIONS
`
`REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 09/567,582, filed May 10, 2000,
`which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
`Ser. No. 09/468,629, filed Dec. 21, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.
`6,617,975, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
`Ser. No. 09/061,403, filed Apr. 16, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No.
`6,031,465. This application also claims priority to U.S.
`Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/564,483, filed
`Apr. 22, 2004. The entire content of all of which are
`incorporated herein by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] This invention relates generally to wireless com-
`mand systems and, in particular, to a transmitter that uses
`remote transmitter codes to unlock doors or perform other
`functions in response to an operator input.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Many higher-end cars and trucks now come
`equipped with keyless entry systems. These typically take
`the form of a pocket-sized fob with several pushbuttons that
`unlock doors and perform other functions through encoded
`RF signals transmitted to a vehicle-installed receiver.
`Depending upon the sophistication of the system, keys may
`be provided to activate and deactivate alarms, turn lights on
`or off, and even start the car on cold days. Though conve-
`nient, keyless entry systems of the type just described may
`cost several hundred dollars, even if factory installed. As the
`costs of electronic hardware has decreased, the use of these
`systems have proliferated even with less expensive vehicles.
`
`[0004] Certain types of vehicles, luxury cars in particular,
`also come equipped with door-mounted keyless entry sys-
`tems. These typically take the form of a keypad strip
`positioned close to the door handle, enabling an authorized
`user of the vehicle to punch in a numeric code and gain entry
`to the vehicle. These keypad strips are generally low in
`profile for easy maintenance. There are also vehicles
`equipped with both wireless and door-mounted keyless entry
`systems, but they are generally unrelated in terms of elec-
`tronic protocol. That is, the wireless systems transmit RF
`codes, whereas the door-mounted systems are hard-wired
`and do not require sophisticated encoding.
`
`[0005] The present invention addresses the desire to com-
`bine wireless and vehicle-mounted keyless-entry modalities
`in a cost-effective system configuration. Although there are
`many patents and other references related to the problem of
`keyless-entry, none address the problem solved by the
`instant invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,080 to Stoll et al., for
`example, discloses a hardwired, keypad-actuated, keyless
`entry system where the keypad is integrated into the body of
`the car. This patent resides in the use of a capacitive, touch
`sensitive keypad, and does not discuss the use of a wireless
`transmitter.
`
`[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,960 to Duhame discloses a
`keypad entry transmitter for use with a garage door opener.
`A wireless transmitter including a keypad is mounted out-
`side of the garage such that when the proper code is entered
`
`the transmitter delivers a garage door
`into the keypad,
`opening signal to a receiver mounted inside of the garage.
`This patent fails to disclose a vehicle mounted keypad in
`general, or the use of keys operable through glass,
`in
`particular.
`
`[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,831 to Weber discloses a
`wireless transmitter which requires the code to be input
`before the transmitter becomes active. This patent fails to
`disclose a vehicle mounted transmitter or any details of the
`code input portion.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention enables the owner of a
`[0008] The present
`vehicle equipped with a receiver of remote-control codes to
`have an additional transmitter to perform some or all of the
`same functions as those available through the use of an
`existing wireless transmitter. For use in conjunction with an
`existing wireless transmitter/receiver,
`the transmitter pro-
`vided by the invention preferably uses some or all of the
`same codes as the existing remote transmitter to perform a
`desired function such as door or trunk unlocking, windows,
`light activation, and so forth. The inventive system may be
`provided as a factory-, dealer-, after-market or owner-
`installed option, and use of the additional transmitter does
`not preclude the use of existing remote(s). Although the
`system is ideal for use with vehicles such as cars and trucks,
`the concepts are applicable to various types of entry and
`other command systems on homes, office buildings, boats,
`off-road equipment, and other vehicles and enclosures.
`
`transmitter according to one
`[0009] A remote-control
`embodiment of the invention includes a passive entry system
`so that only an authorized operator can use the device. In a
`preferred embodiment, a user carries a wallet-sized card or
`other device, such that upon activation of the keypad asso-
`ciated with the inventive transmitter, a signal is first sent to
`the user for verification. If the card or other device carried
`
`by the user properly transponds an appropriate authorization
`signal, the inventive transmitter broadcasts the codes appro-
`priate to the function being requested. Alternatively, bio-
`metric information such a fingerprint or voiceprint may be
`used. As with the other embodiments of the invention, the
`transmitted signals preferably correspond to the signals
`which would otherwise have been transmitted by an existing
`fob-type keyless transmitter, thereby utilizing an existing
`wireless signal receiver without any vehicle modification.
`Through the use of card or other device acting as a verifi-
`cation transponder, this embodiment of the invention does
`not require that an authorization code be entered prior to the
`transmission of the command signal. Akeypad may or may
`not be optionally provided.
`
`[0010] The inventive transmitter and housing may be
`installed inside or outside of the vehicle, depending upon the
`desired configuration. Nor does the invention preclude the
`use of multiple transmitters, whether mounted externally or
`within the vehicle. For example, a transmitter may conve-
`niently be mounted in the trunk, preferably with an illumi-
`nated or glow-in-the-dark trunk unlock button. Such a
`placement enables a child, for example, to unlock the trunk
`from within without having to hardwire the car for this
`capability. As yet a further alternative configuration, the
`inventive transmitter may be programmed to broadcast
`existing remote keyless entry codes in response to a signal
`
`7
`
`

`
`US 2005/0242923 A1
`
`Nov. 3, 2005
`
`broadcast by a cellular telephone or personal digital assis-
`tant, particularly if enabled with a close-range communica-
`tion capability such as bluetooth technology.
`
`To implement an external or partially external
`[0011]
`configuration, a pushbutton, keypad, or biometric sensor(s)
`may be mounted proximate to the top edge of a side window,
`and communicate with the transmitter and other electronics
`
`within the vehicle through a flexible connector draped over
`the top edge of the window. In an entirely internal embodi-
`ment, the switch panel is mounted behind a small section of
`the vehicle’s window glass, in a lower corner of the wind-
`shield, for example, with electrical, magnetic or optical
`proximity detection being used to sense the operator’s finger
`or operator movements through the glass.
`
`[0012] The inventive transmitter is preferably battery-
`operated, thereby obviating the need for extraneous wiring
`to the device. To conserve battery power, the system auto-
`matically powers down during periods of non-use, with the
`entry of an appropriate stimulus being used to initiate
`operational modes requiring increased power consumption.
`Appropriate authorization may be used as a wake-up signal
`such that for a short period of time—a few seconds, for
`example—before initiating a desired function. In another
`embodiment, a sensor is used to detect a person’s voice,
`other sound, or a vibration such as tapping on the glass of the
`vehicle which, in turn, functions as a wake-up signal. To
`further prevent false activation, the tapping or other input
`associated with the wake-up may, itself, be programmably
`encoded.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram used to provide an
`overview of the invention;
`
`[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting major electri-
`cal functional units provided in conjunction with a vehicular
`keyless entry embodiment of the invention;
`
`[0015] FIG. 3 is an oblique drawing which shows an
`inside windshield-mounted keypad configuration;
`
`[0016] FIG. 4 is an oblique drawing of an alternative
`implementation of a partly internal and partly external
`keypad and transmitter configuration;
`
`[0017] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a keypad configuration
`according to the invention;
`
`[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inside-trunk
`mounted embodiment of the invention;
`
`[0019] FIG. 7 is a drawing that depicts the embodiment of
`the invention utilizing a user-carried transponder;
`
`[0020] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of
`the invention using biometric information, in this case a
`fingerprint; and
`
`[0021] FIG. 9 is a drawing which shows a different
`embodiment of the invention utilizing other biometric infor-
`mation for authorization purposes such as a voice print.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0022] FIG. 1 is a block-diagram drawing used to intro-
`duce apparatus relevant to the invention, and to explain
`
`important functions made possible by the apparatus. The
`invention is configured for use in conjunction with a receiver
`20 of wireless command signals 16 which may emanate
`from a portable control device 12 having one or more
`buttons 14. The receiver 20 is typically associated with the
`entry or operation of a system such as a vehicle 22, though
`it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the
`invention is equally applicable to other situations and envi-
`ronments such as home security, garage-door control and so
`forth.
`
`[0023] Particularly in vehicular applications, the control-
`ler 12 may take the form of a hand-held “fob,” having button
`such as LOCK, UNLOCK, PANIC, and so forth, though as
`explained in further detail elsewhere herein, the invention is
`not limited in terms of the number or types of commands
`output by the device 12, or recognizable by the receiver 20.
`These wireless commands, which may be encrypted or
`otherwise rendered impervious to tampering through the use
`of synchronization or other schemes, are decoded at block
`24 so that they may be used to provide certain functions
`represented by block 26, such as unlocking doors, turning on
`lights, security systems arm/disarm, open fuel doors, restore
`memorized seat or mirror configurations, start the engine or
`heater, or any other existing or yet
`to be implemented
`function appropriate to keyless remote control.
`
`[0024] A remote-control transmitter 30 includes an enclo-
`sure 32 having one or more buttons 34. The form and
`function of the transmitter 32 may be similar if not identical
`to that of the controller 12, in that the buttons 34 may be
`arranged similarly to those found on the controller 12, and
`may be used to broadcast the same wireless signal(s) to
`initiate the same functions at block 26. As an alternative,
`however, particularly since embodiments according to the
`invention may be mounted internal to the vehicle or other
`system being controlled, a non-encrypted or otherwise sim-
`plified wireless signal 46 may instead be used,
`thereby
`obviating sophisticated scrambling electronics or decoding
`procedures, by communicating directly with the decoded
`command block 24. The invention is not limited in terms of
`
`wireless technology or modulation scheme, and may utilize
`radio-frequency (RF), infrared (IR) or any other appropriate
`form of wireless communications. Since inventive system
`30 preferably transmits one or more of the same signals to
`which existing receiver 20 is responsive, a loss in function-
`ality of system 30 may be indicative that unit 12, receiver
`20—or both—have been reprogrammed or tampered with by
`unauthorized personnel.
`
`Importantly, the invention further includes the abil-
`[0025]
`ity to recognize a user authorization code at block 40, such
`that the wireless command signals will not be sent unless the
`proper code is first received with respect to an appropriate
`user. The user code may be entered by the user into the
`device 32 as described below, or, alternatively, block 40 may
`represent a wallet-sized card or device carried by the user, in
`which case, when buttons 34 are initially used, a signal 36
`is transmitted to the device 40, and if an authorization signal
`38 is received by the unit 32, signals such as 18 (or 46), are
`transmitted without the user needing to be enter a separate
`code. As a further alternative, devices 32 or 40 may repre-
`sent portable electronic devices providing other communi-
`cation or computing functions, such as cellular telephones or
`personal digital assistant equipped with a wireless command
`language such as bluetooth technology. If such a device
`
`8
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`US 2005/0242923 A1
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`Nov. 3, 2005
`
`replaces unit 32, entry of an appropriate authorization code
`would allow the portable electronic device to simply trans-
`mit the codes to the receiver 20 or decoder 24 as they would
`have been received by an existing keyless remote entry
`device such as item 12.
`In the event
`that
`the portable
`electronic device replaces unit 40, signal 36 would not be
`necessary, but signal 38 would preferably be used to transmit
`an authorization to a separate transmitter 32, with or without
`buttons, which would in turn broadcast signals 18 or 46,
`again, as they would have been received in conjunction with
`the use of an existing remote keyless entry unit.
`
`In a situation where the unit 32 is used both to
`[0026]
`receive an authorization code and transmit wireless signals,
`the same pushbuttons 34 may be used to enter actual
`commands, or additional pushbuttons may be added exclu-
`sively for use in the entry of the authorization code. For
`example, with a controller having buttons for LOCK and
`UNLOCK, entry of two LOCK commands followed by an
`UNLOCK command, or some other sequence, perhaps
`within a certain period of time, would result in an authori-
`zation allowing commands such as UNLOCK to be recog-
`nized by the receiver 20. Utilizing the amount of time that
`a button must be depressed, or the number of times that a
`button must be depressed in a given period of time allows
`controls having only a single pushbutton to recognize autho-
`rization prior to activation.
`
`the remote
`[0027] Continuing the reference to FIG. 1,
`controller 30 with authorization according to the invention
`may be supplied in portable form, and, indeed, given the
`added security afforded by functional block 40 and attendant
`electrical components, users may prefer to employ only
`units 30 as opposed to both units 12 and 30. In addition,
`given the fact that the inventive transmitter cannot be used
`without prior authorization, the unit 30 may be attached to
`a vehicle, structure or other facility with less concern that
`tampering will lead to unauthorized use of the device.
`
`In a vehicular application, for example, it may be
`[0028]
`advantageous to mount the controller 30 on a vehicle in a
`stationary, if not semi-permanent or permanent manner. In
`such a case, at least the keypad of the device 30 may be
`mounted on an outside surface of the vehicle or, alterna-
`tively, the keypad may be supported behind a glass panel to
`utilize one of
`the through-glass activation techniques
`described herein. In terms of internal mounting, it may be
`advantageous to mount one of the units 32 within the trunk
`of the vehicle, such that if a child were to become trapped
`therein, the buttons may be used to unlock the trunk. In such
`a configuration, at least the trunk unlock key would become
`illuminated, preferably through the use of a wake-up signal,
`and the need for authorization codes may be defeated, since
`it would be unlikely that an unauthorized person would have
`access to such a transmitter, and it might be more difficult for
`a child to operate the unit if authorization codes are required.
`
`[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates generally at 102 major electrical
`subsystems associated with a vehicular application of the
`invention, with the area 106 designating the vehicle interior.
`Item 108 refers to an existing remote transmitter or fob
`which, if present, may be used to initiate the transmission of
`an encoded signal 109, typically in RF form, to a vehicle-
`installed receiver 104. The receiver 104 decodes the com-
`
`mands transmitted by the fob 108, and delivers signals to a
`control and distribution block 110, which provides outputs
`
`along lines 111 to unlock doors, control
`security functions, and so forth.
`
`lights, activate
`
`the invention provides an
`In this configuration,
`[0030]
`additional transmitter that preferably duplicates some or all
`of the codes recognizable by the receiver 104,
`thereby
`causing the control/distribution block 110 to perform some
`or all of the same functions initiated through the remote 108.
`The invention is not limited in the number of functions
`
`accommodated by the existing remote transmitter/receiver
`combination, and may be used to perform simple door
`unlocking or more sophisticated functions such lighting
`control, alarm arm/disarming, configuring memorized seat-
`ing or mirror adjustments, starting the heater or engine, and
`so forth.
`
`[0031] As part of the inventive transmitter, a keypad 112
`is provided in conjunction with a processor block 114 having
`a memory 118. The processor and memory may be of
`conventional, semi-custom or custom design, depending
`upon functional and economic considerations, with the
`required technology being well within existing micropro-
`cessor capabilities, for example. The processor and memory
`interface to a transmitter unit 116 which radiates a signal 117
`to the receiver 104.
`
`[0032] The inventive circuitry, including the processor,
`memory and transmitter 116, are preferably battery-oper-
`ated, enabling the invention to be provided as a self-
`contained unit without
`the need for extraneous wiring.
`Accordingly, it may be advantageous to add a solar cell 121
`feeding the battery 120 for recharging purposes so that
`battery replacement may be infrequently, if ever, required.
`Although battery back-up of the memory 118 is a possibility,
`at least a portion of the memory 118 is preferably non-
`volatile in nature, enabling control-codes information to be
`retained without battery drain.
`
`[0033] The electronics preferably includes a shut-down
`mode which is automatically entered after a preset number
`of false triggers to save on battery power. The invention may
`also be made compatible with existing rolling-code type
`synchronization schemes,
`though this is not mandatory.
`More
`specifically,
`advanced fob-actuated remote-entry
`schemes now utilize a relatively complex synchronization
`scheme whereby the transmission of an initial broadcast by
`the fob initiates a timing sequence within the receiver so that
`subsequent communications may be conducted in a synchro-
`nous manner. Such a scheme,
`though complex, helps to
`guard against
`theft by keeping track of synchronization
`timing in addition to the actual codes transmitted, such that
`if a fob is used repeatedly outside of the range of the
`appropriate receiver, synchronization will be lost, thereby
`disabling the ability of that fob to interact with the vehicle.
`
`[0034] Although the sophistication of the present inven-
`tion may
`easily
`accommodate
`such synchronization
`schemes, more simplified versions of the invention may be
`implemented, thereby saving on electronic and operational
`complexity. For example, since the stationary transmitter of
`the invention is known to be at a particular distance and/or
`angle of transmission with respect to the receiver, range
`and/or directionality may be taken into account in addition,
`or in place of, synchronization. In particular, if an infrared
`transmitter is used internal to the vehicle, being largely a
`line-of-sight device, the mere placement and alignment of
`the stationary transmitter with respect to the receiver may be
`
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`US 2005/0242923 A1
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`Nov. 3, 2005
`
`used to ensure that unauthorized outside transmitters largely
`will not work unless this correct placement is known and
`used.
`
`[0035] Thus, although the invention is capable of being
`self-actuated to unlock and immediately auto-relock on an
`occasional basis to keep linked to the receiver’s rolling code
`and maintain synchronization, the invention may also be
`adapted to send and/or receive a simpler, more generic signal
`(i.e., non-encrypted, non-synchronized or rolling), similar to
`the baseband or decrypted signal used after extraction of
`synchronization signals,
`thereby reducing overall system
`complexity.
`
`[0036] As a further energy-saving feature, a vibration
`sensor 122 may be optionally provided for placement
`against the glass or other portion of the vehicle, such that
`voice actuation or a tapping by the user will cause the
`processor 114 and other main electrical components to
`power up and begin recognizing numerical codes or direct
`pushbutton entries through keypad 112. The sensor 122 is
`preferably of the piezo-electric type, which causes an elec-
`trical signal to be delivered along line 123 for reception by
`processor 114 through the introduction of vibrational energy.
`Suitable piezo-electric sensors are available from companies
`such as Amp, Inc. of Valley Forge, Pa., in the form of
`thin-film “Piezo-Film Sensors” or conventional PZT mate-
`
`rial may be used for such purpose.
`
`that the electrical signal from the
`In the event
`[0037]
`sensor 122 is low power, the electronics may draw a trickle
`current from the battery 120 sufficient only to detect the
`signal received along line 123, receipt of which will function
`to “wake ups” the other circuitry. In the event
`that
`the
`electrical signal from the sensor 122 is sufficiently substan-
`tial, however, all of the electronics may be entirely powered
`down, with the current received along line 123 being used
`itself as the power-up signal, thereby further minimizing
`quiescent battery drain. As a further security option,
`the
`processor 114 may be programmed to anticipate an encoded
`series of vibrations from the sensor 122 before waking up,
`thereby guarding against
`tampering. As one example of
`many, the user may program the unit so that three taps on the
`window in rapid succession (and only such a sequence) will
`result in the powering up of the transmitter 116 or other
`circuitry.
`
`[0038] The switches are preferably provided in the form of
`a thin package that can be glued or fastened with an adhesive
`to an isolated area of the glass of the vehicle. The electronics
`used to generate the codes may be implemented in a manner
`similar to that used in the remote keyless entry system itself;
`that is, board-mounted and covered with a protective over-
`coating as part of a chip-on-board electronics packaging
`technique. Although there will remain a small amount of the
`glass surface area which will be opaque due to the circuit
`board and the electronics,
`this area will be small,
`for
`example, on the order of 1-2 sq. in. of surface area.
`
`[0039] The switches on switch panel 112 may be imple-
`mented in a number of different technologies, depending
`upon the desired physical implementation of the invention.
`For daylight operation,
`the switch panel can be viewed
`directly, but the invention accounts for night operation as
`well. In this regard the switch panel itself may be substan-
`tially transparent, enabling a user to identify individual keys
`through the panel with the interior dome lights illuminated.
`
`Suitable transparent conductive materials are available from
`by the Boyd Corporation. Or switches may be implemented
`with fine wire which is essentially hidden but which sur-
`rounds a stylized switch outline, such that only a small
`portion of the electric conductor needs to be transparent.
`[0040] As a further alternative, a low-power lighting tech-
`nology such as electroluminescence may be used to illumi-
`nate the switch panel
`following an initial activation
`sequence, such as tapping on the glass of the vehicle, as
`discussed elsewhere herein. Although overall switch size is
`variable as a function of the chosen switch technology, the
`switch lettering is preferably large enough to be seen in poor
`lighting conditions by people with or without glasses.
`[0041] As shown in FIG. 3,
`the switches 304 may be
`situated on a thin, flexible circuit board 306 which over-
`hangs the top edge 302 of a window, such as a powered side
`window. This enables the transmitter and other electronics
`308 to remain internal to the vehicle, with the transmission
`of RF signal 310 to take place within the interior of the
`vehicle, for example. With the switches accessible from
`outside of the vehicle, they may be implemented with any
`known pressure-responsive switch technology such as mem-
`brane switches, touch pads, and so forth.
`[0042] Although the switch panel may be affixed to an
`external surface of the vehicle, in an alternative embodiment
`the panel may be mounted within the interior of the vehicle
`and operated directly through the window glass. With such
`a configuration the assembly is not subjected to the envi-
`ronmental effects of external mounting. Nor are the switches
`subjected to wear due to frequent operator manipulation.
`This embodiment
`is depicted in FIG. 4, wherein the
`switches 206 are contained on a panel inside of the glass 204
`of a windshield.
`
`In conjunction with the all-internal embodiment of
`[0043]
`the invention, a switch technology is required that facilitates
`the detection of a user’s finger through the glass. One option
`is the electrical
`field sensors offered by Touch Sensor
`Technologies of Wheaton, Ill. With these switches, an elec-
`trodynamic field is generated between outer electrodes that
`emanate above, below and through a dielectric substrate,
`which may be in the form of an automotive window,
`enabling placement of a user’s fingers on the outside of the
`window to be sensed by the electronics internal
`to the
`vehicle.
`
`[0044] As an alternative to an electrical sensor, the control
`panel may employ reed switches, enabling a magnet to be
`used for activation through the glass. Asmall magnet may be
`carried by a user on his or her keychain, for example, and
`moved proximate to various switches to enter a command
`sequence. Indeed, with respect to the power-conservation
`features discussed elsewhere in this disclosure, the use of a
`small magnet and reed switches presents perhaps the most
`power conscious embodiment of the invention, in that all
`circuits could remain entirely off until the sensing of an
`external magnet takes place. Although the use of an opera-
`tor-carried item is subject
`to loss or misplacement,
`the
`system would preferably be designed such that any type of
`small magnet could be used to gain entry, and since it is the
`sequence responsible for effectuating the various control
`functions, loss of the user’s magnet would not present a risk
`of tampering of theft.
`[0045] Other options include the use of optical switches
`wherein a light beam, preferably in the form of a pulsed
`
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`US 2005/0242923 A1
`
`Nov. 3, 2005
`
`beam emitted by an infrared LED, laser diode, or the like, is
`sent outwardly through the glass and placement of a finger
`at the correct location causes substantially more reflection of
`the optical signal back to a receiver located in close prox-
`imity to the transmitter associated with that button. By
`having sets of optical transmitters and receivers, a number of
`adjacent buttons may be implemented in accordance with
`the invention. Other alternatives include the use of capaci-
`tive technologies used sense a user’s finger through the
`glass, taking the thickness of the panel into account.
`
`In order for the transmitter 116 to send the correct
`[0046]
`codes along RF path 117 to receiver 104, the processor 114
`must store in memory 118 the codes associated with the
`remote 108 which are otherwise transmitted along RF path
`109. In the event that the inventive system is provided as a
`factory- or dealer-installed option, the memory may come
`pre-programmed with the codes used by the remote 108. As
`an alternative, particularly for use in conjunction with a user
`or vehicle-owner
`installed version of the invention, a
`receiver 130 may be provided to “learn” the codes trans-
`mitted by the remote 108 along a temporary RF path 132.
`
`[0047] During this learning mode of operation, the user
`depresses the appropriate button on keypad 112 to initiate an
`unlock sequence,
`for
`example, while
`simultaneously
`depressing the key associated with the same function on
`remote 108. This causes temporary transmission of an RF
`signal along path 132 to receiver 130, enabling the processor
`114 to learn the appropriate code and store the same in the
`memory 118 for subsequent use by transmitter 116.
`
`[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, a keypad according to the
`invention preferably includes individual keys with both
`numerical and functional designations. Although the draw-
`ing shows square keys, they may be round of any other
`appropriate geometrical shape. In operation, the user pref-
`erably performs some function such as tapping on the glass
`of the vehicle, which at least powers up the electronics
`associated with further keypad inputs, perhaps even lighting
`up the keypad if that option is implemented. Assuming the
`user’s personal ID is “724” and the user simply wishes to
`open the trunk, the user would press keys 408, 402 and 404,
`in that order, followed by the 406 key (to open the trunk).
`
`[0049] The transmitter itself preferably remains unpow-
`ered until the correct entry of the “724” to save on battery
`power, and if the wrong numerica