(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0117261 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 26, 2003
`Gunsch
`
`US 2003.01.17261A1
`
`(54) UNIVERSAL TRANSMITTER FOR
`CONTROLLING MULTIPLE KEYLESS
`ENTRY SYSTEMS
`(76) Inventor: Tracy Gunsch, Sierra Vista, AZ (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`Tracy Gunsch
`4565 Princess Drive
`Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/033,431
`(22) Filed:
`Dec. 26, 2001
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ....................................................... G06F 7/04
`
`
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................... 340/5.25; 340/5.72
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A universal keyleSS entry transmitter for Sending Signals to
`multiple keyleSS entry Systems. It includes a means for
`Selecting any of Several controlled devices and a means for
`entering transmission codes for each of those devices. In this
`embodiment, the transmitter is a key chain fob with buttons
`(26) for all the standard commands typically found on
`keyleSS entry Systems, especially vehicle Security Systems.
`The device has a switch (22) for selecting which device is to
`be controlled, a fingerprint reader (32) for user identification
`and a programmable microprocessor (49) for Storing user
`information and Signal information for controlling devices.
`It contains an output display (24), and a menu System for
`programming Signal information and user authorizations.
`
`24
`
`26A
`
`26D
`
`26G
`
`26F
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 1 of 9
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`22
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`26A
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`Fig. 1
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 2 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 3 of 9
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`Fig. 3
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 4 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 5 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 6 of 9
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`Fig. 6
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 7 of 9
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`US 2003/0117261 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 8 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 9 of 9
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`US 2003/01 17261 A1
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`Jun. 26, 2003
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`UNIVERSAL TRANSMITTER FOR CONTROLLING
`MULTIPLE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`0001. Not Applicable
`
`BACKGROUND
`0002) 1. Field of the Invention
`0003. This invention relates generally to keyless entry
`transmitters frequently used for, but not limited to, vehicle
`entry Systems. This invention relates Specifically to a pro
`grammable transmitter that can provide entry and other
`functions to multiple keyleSS entry Systems.
`0004 2. Description of the Prior Art
`0005. Many cars and trucks now come equipped with
`keyleSS entry Systems for Security and convenience. These
`typically take the form of a pocket-sized fob transmitter with
`Several pushbuttons that lock and unlock doors and perform
`other functions through encoded radio-frequency (RF) Sig
`nals transmitted to a vehicle-installed receiver. These
`encoded signals employ various formats, based on the
`manufacturer, to include bit timing, word length, pulse
`width, modulation frequency and header and trailer pulse
`formats, all of which are interpreted by the receiving device
`to allow or deny access. Besides locking and unlocking
`doors, Signal codes may be defined, depending on the
`implementation, to activate and deactivate alarms, open a
`trunk or hatch, start and stop a vehicle's engine and honk the
`horn in emergencies.
`0006. In addition to vehicles, implementations of keyless
`entry Systems exist for building entrances, most frequently
`for home or garage doors and Storage Sheds, replacing or
`augmenting Standard key and deadbolt lockS. With the
`increased numbers of vehicles with keyleSS entry Systems
`and with the emergence of other keyleSS entry Systems, it is
`not uncommon for a user to carry two or more fob trans
`mitters on a key chain. The size and bulk of these fobs makes
`this inconvenient.
`0007. This present invention addresses the desire to com
`bine the functionality of Several keyleSS entry transmitters
`into one programmable universal transmitter. Additionally,
`this invention provides Security to the owner by limiting the
`use of the universal transmitter to registered users only,
`through an authorization mechanism. Although there are
`many patents and other references related to the problems of
`keyleSS entry, none address the problems Solved by this
`invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,502 to Can
`nella, et al, discloses a keyleSS entry System for deadbolt
`locks and U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,051 to Donaldson discloses a
`System to convert key locks to keyleSS entry Systems.
`Neither patent addresses the need to combine the transmit
`ters into a single all-purpose unit.
`0008 U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,297 to Sollestre, et al, discloses
`a user-reprogrammable receiver for use when the owner's
`transmitter is lost or Stolen, but does not discuss a program
`mable transmitter. That patent also does not adequately
`protect the owner from theft of the vehicle because a thief
`could easily steal the vehicle before the owner realizes his
`transmitter is missing or has occasion to reprogram the
`receiver.
`
`0009 U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,431 to Borza, et al, discloses an
`authorization System for restricting use of a computer Sys
`tem to registered users by the identification from a finger
`print Sensor incorporated into the computer's mouse. This
`patent fails to disclose a means to limit use of a keyleSS entry
`transmitter.
`0010 U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,511 to Rumbolt, etal, discloses
`a universal remote control unit for appliances, using an
`infrared transmitter. It does not address using a radio signal
`for keyleSS entry Systems, and does not disclose a means for
`Securing the device from unauthorized access.
`0011 U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,465 to Burgess discloses a
`keyleSS entry System that requires an identification code be
`entered to authorize use of the transmitter. This identification
`code protects the device from unauthorized use, but it is
`cumberSome to use regularly and fails to provide a means to
`authorize users only during certain time frames.
`0012 U.S. Pat. No. 6,271,745 to Anzai, et al, discloses a
`keyleSS entry System that uses biometric information to
`identify the user of a vehicle and grant authorization of
`certain vehicular functions. This patent discloses vehicle
`mounted biometric readers, and does not disclose the use of
`a transmitter with biometric reader, which could be used for
`multiple entry Systems. This patent also fails to provide a
`means to authorize users only during certain time frames.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0013 The present invention is a universal keyless entry
`transmitter that can transmit Signals to multiple keyleSS entry
`Systems. It includes a means for Selecting any of several
`controlled devices and a means for entering transmission
`codes for each of those devices. In the preferred embodi
`ment, the physical device is a key chain fob much like those
`common to vehicle keyleSS entry Systems. The fob contains
`Several buttons to encompass Standard transmitted com
`mands.
`0014. The preferred embodiment includes a user inter
`face consisting of a menu System, programmable buttons
`and a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying menu
`commands and options. Within the menu System, the user
`can define the different keyleSS entry Systems, to include
`transmission codes, button actions, authorized users, and
`time frames for authorized use. In this manner, different
`users can be granted varying levels of privilege and autho
`rization. This is especially useful to provide limited use for
`children or valets.
`0015. Another object and advantage is an authentication
`means, which, in the preferred embodiment, is a biometric
`fingerprint reader on the rear of the fob transmitter. This
`fingerprint reader is used to identify users of the device,
`allowing for the various levels of authorization defined by
`user. This fingerprint reader also serves as an effective
`theft-deterrent. The transmitter cannot be used by a thief
`because the fingerprint Scanner will not recognize the thief
`as an authorized user.
`0016. An additional object and advantage of the system is
`a valet mode, whereby the authentication means can be
`overridden for a time to grant temporary use to a friend or
`a valet.
`0017. The menu system has further objects and advan
`tages in its group listings, defining different groups of users
`with like permissions. This greatly aids in the programming
`of the device.
`
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`US 2003/01 17261 A1
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`Further objects and advantages of this invention
`0.018
`will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings
`and ensuing description.
`
`DRAWING FIGURES
`0019 FIG. 1 shows the front view of universal keyless
`entry transmitter with a proposed layout of required buttons.
`0020 FIG. 2 shows the four main components of the
`transmitter and how they interconnect.
`0021)
`FIG. 3 shows the rear view of the universal trans
`mitter.
`0022 FIGS. 4A and 4B show the circuit board and its
`primary features, front and back, respectively. The complete
`circuitry layout of the circuit board is beyond the Scope of
`this patent.
`0023 FIGS.5A and 5B show the rubber insert and front
`shell respectively.
`0024 FIG. 6 shows the inside of the rear shell.
`0025 FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are flowcharts showing the
`primary operational logic of the universal transmitter's
`microprocessor.
`
`REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
`0026, 20 Front Shell
`0027 22 Device Selector Switch
`0028 23 Shell Slot for Selector Switch
`0029 24 Menu Display Screen
`0030) 26A-H Input Buttons
`0031) 26A Open,/Unlock Button
`0032) 26B Close/Lock Button
`0033 26C Start (engine) Button
`0034) 26D Stop (engine) Button
`0035 26E Trunk Open Button
`0.036 26F Horn/Panic Button
`0037 26G Menu. Button
`0.038 26H Enter Button
`0.039 28 Arrows showing button functions when in menu
`System
`004.0) 30 Rear Shell
`0041) 32 Fingerprint Sensor
`0042. 33 Fingerprint Sensor Circuitry
`0043) 34 Reset Button Slot
`0044) 35 Reset Button
`0045 36 Groove for Forefinger
`0046) 38 Battery slot
`0047 40 Circuit Board
`0.048 42 Ribbon Cable connecting fingerprint sensor
`circuitry (33) to circuit board (40)
`0049 44 and 44A Ribbon cable connection points
`
`0050. 45 Transmitter
`46 Sensors to detect button presses
`0051)
`48 Battery connection
`0052
`49 Microprocessor
`0053)
`0054)
`50 Rubber Insert
`52 Slot for Display Screen
`0055)
`0056)
`54 Slot for Selector Switch
`
`DESCRIPTION-FIGS. 1-6, PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`0057. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is
`illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. It takes the form of a typical key
`chain fob, with buttons, a text display and a biometric
`fingerprint reader. FIG. 1 shows the overall view of the
`preferred embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the interconnection of
`the main components, a plastic shell 20 in front, a rubber
`insert 50 with buttons 26A-H that fit in the slots of the front
`shell 20, a circuit board 40, and a rear shell 30. The heart of
`the invention is the circuit board 40 shown with its major
`components in FIGS. 4A and 4.B. These include sensors 46
`for reading button inputs, a microprocessor 49 containing a
`menu System for controlling operations, a transmitter 45 for
`Sending commands to keyleSS entry Systems, a Switch or
`Selector 22 for choosing which keyleSS entry System to
`communicate with, and an output or interface 24 for dis
`playing information to the user. The type of output device
`most common for this kind of function is a liquid crystal
`display (LCD), though other embodiments exist. Additional
`components on the circuit board are: a connection point 44
`for a ribbon cable 42 connecting to the fingerprint reader
`circuitry 33; a battery connection node 49; a reset button 35
`for clearing all Settings, and miscellaneous Small circuitry
`and electronics not shown on the drawings.
`0.058 FIG. 1 shows the assembled device, as it would be
`typically operated. A Series of buttons, 26A-H, are used to
`input commands to the microprocessor. The Specific func
`tions of these buttons are: 26A, open or unlock; 26B, close
`or lock; 26C and 26D, start and stop, usually for vehicle
`engines; 26E, open trunk or other programmed function;
`26F, honk horn or other programmed function; 26G, acceSS
`the menu; and 26H, enter/return. Within the system menus,
`these buttons can take on other roles, specifically for navi
`gation within the menu. They can also be programmed to
`perform functions other than these defined.
`0059 FIG. 3 shows the rear view of the assembled
`device. This shows a slot or groove 36 for comfortably
`resting the user's forefinger, and a Sensor or reader 32 for
`reading a fingerprint from the user's left or right forefinger,
`or other digit as desired. A small hole 34 offers access to the
`reset button 35 for resetting the entire system to factory
`defaults, necessary in the extreme case where the menu
`System cannot be accessed any other way.
`0060 FIG. 6 shows the inside view of the rear shell
`which contains a slot 38 for a replaceable battery, the
`circuitry 33 necessary for the fingerprint reader, and a
`connection point 44A for a ribbon cable to the circuit board
`40. The rear shell 30 has a ridge around the outer edge that
`fits snugly inside the front shell 20 keeping the assembly
`together.
`
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`0061 FIG. 5A shows the rubber insert 50 in more detail.
`This is a flexible, waterproof material like that found on
`most keyless entry fobs today. The buttons 26A-Hall have
`an electrically conductive Surface on their rear Side facing
`the circuit board 40. When a user presses a button, this
`conductive Surface touches one of the circuit board Sensors
`46 completing an electrical circuit that generates a signal to
`the microprocessor 49. FIGS. 5A and 5B also show slots
`where the LCD and the device selector Switch 22 project
`through from the circuit board.
`OPERATION-FIGS 1, 7, 8
`0062) Physical Layout:
`0.063. In the preferred embodiment, the universal trans
`mitter has buttons for every major function available on
`regular keyleSS entry transmitters. These buttons include
`UNLOCK, LOCK, OPEN TRUNK, START ENGINE,
`STOP ENGINE, and PANIC, which activates the horn in
`case of emergency. Other buttons to include on the trans
`mitter are MENU and ENTER. Some of the buttons can be
`reused as arrow keys when in the menu System. The Uni
`versal Transmitter has a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and
`a Menu System for programming, described below. The
`transmitter also has a numerical Switch on the front or side
`to move between devices; #1 for vehicle 1, #2 for vehicle 2,
`#3 for a home entry system or for a third vehicle, #4 for a
`garage door, etc. On the rear of the fob transmitter is a
`fingerprint reader for user authentication. FIG. 1 shows the
`proposed key layout.
`0064. Entry Codes:
`0065 Keyless entry systems use a coded radio signal to
`gain access to an asset, usually a vehicle. This signal is
`embedded into a Specific transmitter by the agency respon
`Sible for the keyleSS entry System, usually an automobile
`dealership or an alarm system installer. These signal codes
`define many criteria about the format of the Signal, including
`the frequency and data transmitted between the transmitter
`and the keyleSS entry System. These same Signal codes will
`be stored in the memory of the Universal Transmitter, and
`will each be assigned to a Selector Switch Setting.
`0.066
`Getting these signal code formats into the Univer
`Sal Transmitter will require coordination with the Security
`system manufacturers. The Universal Transmitter's menu
`System will have options for Setting whatever parameters are
`required for use with various manufacturer's keyleSS entry
`Systems. Once the Signal format is programmed into the
`memory, the transmitter will beam the proper Signal when
`the Switch Setting is Set to that asset and the appropriate
`button is pushed. The System of Signal code formats for the
`Universal Transmitter will differ from that of Universal
`TV/VCR remotes in that the codes will likely not be
`published publicly. The practice right now is for vehicle
`manufacturers to program keyleSS entry transmitters at the
`dealerships, preventing vehicle codes from being known by
`the users. This process could be extended for the Universal
`Transmitter, where users could get the proper code for their
`Specific Vehicles from the car dealerships. In this way, the
`access codes would be kept as Secure as they now are. This
`could similarly be extended to home or other keyleSS entry
`Systems.
`0067. Another method was considered and discounted for
`obtaining Signals for the universal transmitter. This method,
`
`also imitated from the Universal TV/VCR remote, is to build
`a learning capability into a transmitter So that the Universal
`Transmitter could be placed back to back with a standard
`transmitter from a dealership. The Universal Transmitter
`could then “listen' as the standard transmitter sends its
`signals out, and the Universal Transmitter could “learn' the
`codes, repeating them as needed. The flaw with this
`approach is that a thief could easily intercept these codes on
`another Universal Transmitter and Steal cars by hiding in
`parking lots. This is not a danger for TV/VCR remotes,
`because hostile entities are not likely to steal infrared (IR)
`remote Signals and indiscriminately change a user's TV
`channels, but it is a very real concern for vehicle and home
`entry Systems. Also, the Signal range on a keyleSS entry
`transmitter is much greater than an IR remote, making it
`easier to eavesdrop on Signals. Because of this Security risk,
`this method of obtaining Signals is not considered appropri
`ate.
`0068 Menu System:
`0069. In the preferred embodiment, the Universal Trans
`mitter will have a Menu System for programming the
`transmitter and displaying information on the LCD. The
`menu System will have password protection to protect access
`and contain Settings for each of the receiving devices. The
`user would Select the asset to be programmed, using the
`Selector Switch, and enter the password for access into the
`menu System. Once in, the Settings for that asset could be
`changed. The Settings for that asset include the Signal code
`format for accessing the asset, and the list of authorized
`users of that asset. Additional Settings could include a time
`range for authorized use; for instance, allowing a teenage
`child to have authorization to use a vehicle only during
`certain hours of the day.
`0070 The authorized user list would be tied to the
`fingerprint Scanner. All authorized users would have their
`fingerprints (at least two) scanned and stored in the trans
`mitter's or Secure asset's memory. The menu System can
`then define which user is allowed to perform which func
`tions. User's unrecognized by the System would be denied
`access, i.e. pressing buttons would have no effect. An
`override option would be included in the menu System So
`that the fingerprint authorization could be temporarily dis
`abled. This would be beneficial for allowing a valet parking
`attendant or a friend to use the vehicle without requiring a
`fingerprint enrollment process. This override option can
`only be enabled by an authorized user.
`0071. The menu system would also govern enrolling
`users, using the fingerprint reader to identify different users.
`The display could also be used to show information Such as
`the current date and time.
`0072 Menu System Configuration:
`0073. In the preferred embodiment, the menu system will
`have the capabilities mentioned above, and additional capa
`bilities can be added as needed. The primary menu System
`configuration will contain three Submenus, to wit, User
`Registration, Device Configuration, and Overall Settings.
`0074. Within the User Registration Submenu will be
`options for registering user fingerprints, usually of the left
`and right forefingers, assigning permissions to users, assign
`ing administrator privileges, and assigning time restrictions
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`for users. Also, user groups should be available for grouping
`users with like permissions together, thereby simplifying the
`administration process.
`0075) The Overall Settings Submenu will contain, at a
`minimum, options to Set date and time (including Daylight
`Savings Time) and an option to set a numeric password for
`accessing the menu System. The numeric password is rec
`ommended to be 5 characters long and after 20 failed
`attempts to access the menu System, the transmitter should
`revert to factory default Settings, clearing all configuration
`memory. In this way, the owner/administrator of the device
`can access the menu System in case of a difficulty with the
`biometric Sensor, but a thief could not likely gain unautho
`rized access to Secured assets. The clearing of configuration
`memory will remove all Signal format information, prevent
`ing access to all Secured devices. An additional command in
`this menu will enable a temporary “Valet Mode,” wherein
`the authentication Steps are bypassed for a designated period
`of time while the transmitter is in the possession of a friend
`or valet.
`0.076 The third submenu, Device Configuration, should
`contain all of the Settings Specific to the devices controlled
`by the universal transmitter. These include, but are not
`limited to, Setting a frequency code for each receiving
`device, or, less preferably, a frequency code for each indi
`vidual function on the receiving device, Selecting enabled
`buttons: trunk, panic/horn, Start, Stop, unlock and lock;
`assigning other functions to a button (e.g. pressing the trunk
`button sends a turn off lights signal); and defining a device
`
`C.
`0077. The present invention may be embodied in other
`Specific forms without departing from the Spirit or essential
`characteristics thereof The presently disclosed embodiments
`are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative
`and not restrictive, the Scope of the invention being indicated
`by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing descrip
`tion, and all changes which come within the meaning and
`range of equivalency of the claims are, therefore, to be
`embraced therein.
`
`ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS
`0078. The preferred embodiment uses a fingerprint reader
`to uniquely identify the user. Other Security means can be
`used to identify the user, Such as Voice recognition, iris Scan,
`or other biometric means. Also, numerical passwords can be
`used, though passwords are inherently not as Secure as
`biometric identification. Another embodiment eliminates the
`use of buttons, but instead uses a touch Screen for display
`and user input.
`
`ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
`0079. Many alternative embodiments, too numerous to
`describe, exist which do not change the Spirit or essential
`characteristics of the invention and are thus considered to be
`within the scope of this invention. For example, the button
`layout can be altered as can the number and default functions
`of those buttons. The selector Switch can be replaced with
`
`another means for Selecting the controlled device. The
`layout of the menu System and the type of display device can
`be very different than described in the preferred embodi
`ment. The physical means of reading button inputs using
`electrical connectivity can be replaced with a different
`means to input information. The authentication method can
`also be changed, as described above, using a different
`biometric technique, or a non-biometric System like a pass
`word, or even using a combination thereof
`
`CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPE
`0080 Thus the reader will see that the universal trans
`mitter of this invention provides an efficient means to Send
`commands to Several keyleSS entry Systems with one device.
`In addition, it provides a greatly enhanced Security capabil
`ity over existing keyleSS entry transmitters by authenticating
`users before allowing commands to be sent. It allows the
`user to define time and user restrictions to given assets,
`while Still allowing the convenience of lending the keys to
`another through its Valet mode.
`0081 Although the description above contains many
`Specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the
`Scope of the invention but as merely providing implemen
`tation details of the present preferred embodiment. Many
`alternative embodiments, too numerous to describe, exist
`with respect to button layout, button functions, physical
`means to read button inputs, device Selector Switch configu
`ration and menu System layout. None of these changes the
`Spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Thus, the
`scope of the invention should be determined by the
`appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by
`the examples given.
`
`I claim:
`1. A programmable keyleSS entry transmitter for use with
`multiple vehicles or other devices equipped with keyleSS
`entry receivers, the transmitter consisting of
`a programmable memory for Storing Signal format infor
`mation for controlled devices,
`a means to Select a particular receiver device to be
`controlled;
`a means of Selecting a particular command to be trans
`mitted; and
`a transmitting antenna for Sending commands to keyleSS
`entry receivers.
`2. The transmitter of claim 1 further including means to
`program Said transmitter with frequency and Signal infor
`mation Specific to multiple keyleSS entry Systems
`3. The transmitter of claim 1 further including a means to
`authenticate users to prevent unauthorized use or access of
`the transmitter
`4. The transmitter of claim 1 further including a means to
`limit authorized use of the transmitter to a range of pre
`Selected actions
`
`IPR2022-00602
`Apple EX1014 Page 14
`
`