asy United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2003/0152088 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Aug. 14, 2003
`
`Kominamietal.
`
`US 20030152088A1
`
`(54) ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR
`VEHICLE ACCESSORY DEVICES
`
`(52) US. C1. ececsessseessseecesnesseseees 370/401; 370/469
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Yukio Kominami, Novi, MI (US);
`Jungwon Lee, Plymouth, MI (US);
`Jason 1). Stafne, Novi, MI (US);
`Hirohide Suda, Dublin, OH (US);
`Matthew J. Lehmer, Columbus, OH
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
`P.O. BOX 828
`BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48303 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/075,515
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 13, 2002
`Publication Classification
`
`(S1)
`
`Int. Ch? eee HO4L 12/56; HO4J 3/16
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Asystem and method for managing user preference settings
`in a vehicle includes an electronic control unit having a
`microcontroller and memory. The electronic control unit
`controls vehicle accessory devices. A data controller is in
`communication with the microcontroller of the electronic
`contral unit for receiving the user preference data ta control
`the acccssory devices. The keyless receiver is in communi-
`cation with the microcontroller of the electronic control unit
`for receiving a control signal from a key fob. A PDA
`including a processor, memory, and transceiver in electrical
`communication can be used to transmit the user preference
`data to the data controller. The preference data is transmitted
`to the memoryofthe electronic control unit, which executes
`an algorithm to control the accessory devices according to
`the user preference data.
`
`
`
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 1 of 13
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 2 of 13
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`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`
`
`CEIVER
`TRANS!
`
`
`
`|
`IRDATA
`| FORMAT
`
`
`
` VEHICLEPREFERENCE
`
`MANAGER WEBSITE
`
`i
`
`IR
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 3 of 13
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`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`{ Data Frame(11 bit}
`
`
`
`loentifier
`
`3
`
`Figure-3
`
`Dafa Frame
`
`Driver||Auto
`1D|)Light
`
`
`
`ldle Time
`(UARTtransmission termination)
`Figure-4
`
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 4 of 13
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`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`12
`
`Time Out
`
`
`Transmit
`
`Transmit
`DataFrame3
`
`Transmit
`Data Frame 3
`Again
`
`Data Frame 1
`
`Acknowledge 1
`
`Data Frame 2
`
`Acknowledge2
`
`Data Frame 2
`
`Acknowledge 2
`
`DataFrame 3
`
`Data Frame 3
`
`Suecesstultransmission
`ofdata frame 1
`
`
`
`Missing Acknowledge2
`
`
`
`TransmitAcknowledge 2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Figure - 3
`
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 5 of 13
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`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`Data Frame 1
`
`Dit
`
`Errordeiected
`
`TransmitAcknowledge
`again
`
`iF
`
`rame 2
`
`Time Out
`
`Transmit
`Data
`Frame 2
`Again
`
`Transmit
`Data Frame 3
`
`knowledge 4
`
`DataFrame2
`
`Acknowledge2
`
`Data Frame 2
`
`Acknowledge 2
`
`Successful transmission
`ofdaarf
`
`Missing Acknowledge
`
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`

`

`
`
`vBU
`
`SIL DR LOCK
`SIL DR UNLOCK
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 6 of 13
`
`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`2
`
`A
`
`DIL UNLOCKDR
`Di LOCK
`
`)
`
`F
`
`H
`
`SMALL LIGHT:
`
`
`
`HEAD LIGHT
`
`
` INSTRUMENT
`ILLUMINATION
`
`[a= SEE
`KEES Py
`BUZZER
`
`E
`
`
`
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 7 of 13
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`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`Time foAuto OFF: 602 seconds
`0
`seconds
`&
`
`Tine to OFFafterclosing
`alldoors:
`0 & seconds
`6
`AbodvencePh|*d
`
`Vehicle Preferencas Manager
`{s theproperty of
`SumitomoElectric Wiring Systems
`
`a B
`
`eam VehiclePHTo anotherPOA
`
`Rostore FactorySotgs
`
`(ee)
`
`Htumination Brightness:
`5 & baghtness lovel
`
`s
`
`Figure . 8
`
`ooo
`
`ae)
`er Unlock wien ignition is tumedOFF
`
`Auto DoorLock Options:
`sm Lock when shiftedoutofPARK
`DoorUnlockSelect:
`
`sv Onlydriver'sdoorunlocks
`
`Auto Door UnlockOptions:
`
`(aie)
`
`Activate the buzzerwhen vehicle is
`shiftedoutof "Pant"positioni:
`EyEmergencyBrakeisset
`EeAny doorisajar
`
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 8 of 13
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`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`ce
`
`TransmitSeftings to Vehicle
`
`Figure-8A
`
`Figure . & eeovi-Oiert[|
`Figure - 8D——
`
`Figure-8B
`
`About VehiclePM [
`
`Vehicle Preferences Manager
`[s thepropertyof
`SumitomoElectricWiringSystems
`
`
`
`(aisleDiet[1
`
`
`
`AutoDoorLockOptions:
`~@ Lock when shifiedoutofPARK
`
` Figure - 8E
`DoorUnlockSelect:
`so Onlydriver's doorunlocks
`
`AutoDoorUnlock Options:
`“7 Unlock wien ignition is fumedOF
`
`
`
`
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 9 of 13
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`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`InteriorLighting «Driver 1
`
`
`
`
`Time to OFFafter closing
`alldoors:
`8 & seconds
`
`Figure-8F
`
`
`
`instramentPanel-Driver1 |
`
`
`HuminationBightiess:
`
`
`5 S brightness level
`Figure-86
`
`
`
`
`
`Light
`Dark
`—S
`
`
`
`AutoLights-Drver!=||
`
`
`Auto Light ON Options:
`7 ONin Medium outdoorlight
`AutoLight OFFOptions:
`
`
`s@ Ignition OFF, driver's door CLOSED
`TimetoAutoOFF:
`5 & seconds
`
`6
`0
`seconds
`
`eee
`
`Figure-8H
`
`Emergencybrakeldoorajarbuzzar
`
`Figure-8f
`
`Activate the buzzer when vehick i
`shiftedout of"Park"positioni
`[AEmergencyBrake isset
`FYAnydoorisafar
`
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 10 of 13.~~US 2003/0152088 Al Figure-9
`
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`

`MAIN INITIAL
`
`120
`
`‘m0
`
`AIDAND FILTER PROCESS
`
`READ VEHICLE SPEED
`
`
`READ ILLUMINATION CONTROL
`
`210
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ILLUMINATION CONTROL|_~260
` PROCESS
`
`HANNCLROK|#
`560
`BUZZERCONTROL|42/0
`
`
`150
`
`PROCESS
`TIMER
`
`
`INTERRUPTPROCES,
` 160
`AUTO LIGHTON
`PROCESS
`
`
`AUTO LIGHT OFF
`180
`PROCESS
`
`
`WAKEUPINTERRUPT)|_RECEIVEART|TOLERRECEIVE UART
`
`
`
`
`TRANSMITUART
`|-——~190
`340
`WAKE-UP PROCESS
` WRITEEEPROM
`P*™
`
`
`
`
`KEVFOB DATA PROCESS
`
` 229
`<r
`
`
`
`AUTO LOCKPROCESS
`
`
`
`T SLEEPPROCESS
` 310
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 11 of 13
`
`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`1
`
`INITIAL PROCESS
`
`[10
`
`KEYLESS PROCESS
`
`12
`
`DOOR LOCKPROCESS
`
`25
`
`Figure - 10
`
`280
`
`290
`
`
`
`J50
`
`UARTINTERRUPT
`PROCESS
`
`uo
`
`
`
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 12 of 13)
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`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`
`
`DATA
`
`Hi-Byte
`
`As igo
`
`LO-Byte
`Auto light
`
`
` er
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`[iwAait
`[AarePas
`
`Figure - 11
`
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 13 of 13.
`
`US 2003/0152088 A1
`
`CODE C
`
`ECU
`EXECUTABLE
`
`Figure - 12
`
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`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`Aug. 14, 2003
`
`ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE
`ACCESSORY DEVICES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention generally relates to elec-
`[0001] The present
`tronic control systems and, more particularly, an electronic
`control system for controlling vehicle accessory devices as
`well as a wireless communication system for programming
`the electronic control system.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`
`[0002] Modern automotive vehicles typically include an
`clectronic control system having an electronic control unit
`coupled to various clectrical accessory devices. The elcec-
`ronic control unit may include a microprocessor and non-
`volatile memory. The microprocessor controls multiple clec-
`rical accessory devices in the vehicle by executing the
`operating instructions of the control program. Such control
`programs in vehicles govern the operation of electrical
`accessory devices and features such as automatic doorlocks,
`interiorlights, instrument panel illumination, exteriorlights,
`keyless door locks, audible notification signals, windshield
`and lamp wiper systems, security system, etc.
`
`In viewof the recent advances in modern automo-
`[0003]
`ive vehicles, however, user capability for programming
`preference settings for electrical accessory devices have
`been deficient. In existing electrical control units, users are
`not able to choose the preference settings for most electrical
`accessory devices. Purther, the programming of these func-
`ions is physically defined in the manufacturing process and
`is not provided to the end user. For cxample, vehicles
`
`
`cquipped with headlamp control functions that automati-
`
`cally turn the headlights on and off
`at a predetermined
`
`hreshold of ambicnt brightness and turn off the headlights
`when the driver exits the vehicle do not allow a user to
`program the predetermined threshold of ambient brightness
`or the length of time before the headlights are turned off after
`he user exits the vehicle. Also, existing entry light control
`devices use an internal timer to turn off the light after a
`predetermined period of time, typically including a dimming
`
`operation,but do not allowthe user to choose the time period
`
`
`
`before the entry lights turn off. Moreover, existing door lock
`controls include factory-programmed lock and unlock con-
`ditions. These lock and unlock conditions can be vehicle
`speed sensilive or depend on key and door operations, but do
`not provide the capability for the end user lo program the
`particular speed or particular key and door operations that
`trigger the lock and unlock conditions.
`[0004]
`Further, in uscr programmable functions provided
`in contemporary automotive vehicles, such as memoryscat
`position and audio system preferences, the user must select
`every preference setting from inside the vehicle. This input
`process is oftcn timc consuming, inconvenicnt, awkward,
`and limited. Further, each function must be defined by an
`input device in the vehicle.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0005] The system and method according to the invention
`provides user programmable control functions for vehicle
`accessory devices that are input using a user interface.
`Control information is communicated from the user inter-
`face to an electronic contro] unit via a data controller.
`
`Further, the user interface preferably includes a transceiver
`circuit for producing and transmitting wireless control sig-
`nals and vehicle-specific software for setting and program-
`ming user specified functions. Vehicle-specific software can
`be installed on the user interface, such as a personaldigital
`assistant (PDA), vehicle information system, or navigation
`system.
`
`[0006] The data controller receives and transmits user-
`selected function data from the user interface and includes a
`transceiver and encoder/decoder. This data controller may
`be a component independent from the vehicle, or may be
`included in other vehicle components such as the center
`cluster, audio/video system, or climate control system. The
`control unit
`includes a microprocessor and non-volatile
`memory. The non-volatile memoryis clectrically reloadable
`with data for controlling an object of control by cxecuting a
`control program made up of data stored in the non-volatile
`memory. This control unit includes the vehicle electronic
`control unit for controlling automatic lights, door locks,
`interior lights, memory seats, instrument panelillumination,
`automatic headlamps, keyless door locks, and notification
`tones, as well as audio system and climate control system
`preferences. Further, the data controller and the control unit
`can be coupled together.
`[0007] Generally, the user interface includes a graphical
`user interface (GUI) for inputing user-selectable options and
`a data processor for encoding the input data to a specified
`infrared data transmission [ormat or radio data format (such
`as Bluetooth, available from the Bluetooth Special Interest
`Group al www.bluetooth.com).
`[0008] Wireless communication with the data controller
`can be achieved with any type of PDA, or hand-held
`computer, preferably running PALM OS (available from
`Palm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif.) or a compatible operating
`system such as Windows CE (available from Microsoft
`Corp. of Redmond, Wash.). Generally, the accessory devices
`of the automotive vehicle can be simply programmedto user
`preferences using a PDA and the vehicle electronic control
`unit. For example, the automatic headlamp control function
`can be programmed with multiple threshold conditions and
`multiple automatic off conditions. In this function, a thresh-
`old value of
`ambient brightness decides light on and off
`
`points. A user can select one of these thresholds and an
`
`
`automatic-off
`condition, or can completely disable these
`
`
`functions. For the automatic-off
`option, the user can select
`various signal conditions including driver-door open, driver-
`
`door closed, or keyless lock set. As another example, the
`
`user can select cntry-light off
`time with a sclectable delay
`time. Also, the door-lock control gives the user sclectable
`options with multiple lock and unlock conditions. A com-
`bination of these lock and unlock conditions, which depend
`on vehicle speed, kcy position, transmission position and
`door operations, provides a user with various preference
`settings. A user can also select an audible notification signal,
`or buzzer, for warning of certain vehicle conditions such as
`door open or parking brake engagement.
`[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present inven-
`tion will become apparent
`from the detailed description
`provided hereinafter.
`It should be understood that
`the
`detailed description and specific examples, while indicating
`the preferred embodimentof the invention, are intended for
`purposes ofillustration only and are not intendedto limit the
`scope of the invention.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`invention will become more fully
`[0010] The present
`understood from the detailed description and the accompa-
`nying drawings, wherein:
`
`[0011] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle
`including a system for managing user preference settings
`according to the invention;
`
`[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the system for
`managing user preference settings according to the inven-
`tion;
`
`FIG.3 illustrates a data frame for transmitting user
`[0013]
`preference data according to the invention;
`
`FIG.4 illustrates a series of data framesrelating to
`[0014]
`various user preference settings according to the invention;
`
`[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic viewof the transmission of
`data from a PDAto a vehicle according to the invention;
`
`[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic viewof the transmission of
`data from a vehicle to a PDA according to the invention;
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0032] The following description of the preferred embodi-
`ment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way
`intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.
`[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle 10
`according to the invention is shown. The vehicle 10 includes
`a data controller 14 for two-way communication wilh a
`transceiver 18 of a computer such as PDA 12, or which can
`be hardwired to a vehicle information system or navigation
`system, which can be used as an inpul device 32. FIG. 2
`illustrates both arrangements, which may be used coopera-
`tively or alternatively.
`‘The data controller 14 and user
`interface 32, as shown, are housed in a vehicle console 38.
`The PDA 12 will be used as an exemplary hand-held
`computer, but other computer devices, including other hand-
`held devices, can be used.
`
`
`
`
`
`[0034] As shown, the data controller 14 of the vehicle 10
`includes a transceiver 16 and a microcontroller 24. The
`
`
`microcontroller 24 includes a buffer 62, processor 64, and a
`UARTtransceiver 58. The processor 64 includes an encader/
`decoder. As shown in FIG. 2, the microcontroller 24 of the
`[0017] FIG.7is a schematic view of a vehicle electronic
`data controller 14 encodes and decades data transmitted
`control unit including various inputs and outputs according,
`to the invention;
`therethrough. As shown, vehicle preference data is received
`via infrared transmission from the PDA 12,and specifically
`via the transceiver 18 of the PDA 12. ‘The transceiver 16 of
`the data controller 14 receives the data, which is then
`formatted as UARTdata bythe processor 64 and transmitted
`from the UARTtransceiver 58 of the microcontroller 24 to
`the UARTtransceiver 56 of a vehicle electronic control unit
`22. The vehicle preference data received by the electronic
`control unit 22 is stored in EEPROM 28.
`
`[0018] FIG. 8 is an illustration of screen shots for the
`vehicle preference manager according to the invention;
`
`[0019] FIG. 8A is a screen shot of the main menu of the
`vehicle preference manager of FIG.8;
`
`FIG.8B is the advanced options screen shotof the
`[0020]
`vehicle preference manager of FIG.8;
`
`[0021] FIG. 8C is the about screen shot of the vehicle
`preferences manager of FIG.8;
`
`[0022] FIG. 8D is the vehicle options screen shot of the
`vehicle preferences manager of FIG. 8;
`
`[0023] FIG. 8E is the auto door locks screen shot of the
`vehicle preferences manager of FIG. 8;
`
`[0024] FIG. 8F is the interior lighting screen shot of the
`vehicle preferences manager of FIG. 8;
`
`[0025] FIG. 8G is the instrument panel screen shot of the
`vehicle preferences manager of FIG. 8;
`
`[0026] FIG. 8His the auto light screen shot ofthe vehicle
`preferences manager of FIG.8;
`
`[0027] FIG. 8I is the buzzer serccn shot of the vehicle
`preferences manager of FIG.8;
`
`[0028] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating transmission of
`user preference data according to the invention;
`
`[0029] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the transmission
`and execution of user preference data according to the
`invention;
`
`[0030] FIG. 11 is a table illustrating the data structure of
`the memoryof a system for managing vehicle preference
`data according to the invention; and
`
`[0031] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustrating the relationship
`of driver ID and user preference data in a system according
`to the invention.
`
`[0035] The PDA 12 includes a processor 20 in communi-
`cation with the transceiver 18 and for executing control
`instructions, as well as an input device 21 for inputting user
`settings. Similarly, the vehicle 10 includes the electronic
`control unit 22 in communication with the transceiver 16 of
`the vehicle 10 through the microcontroller 24 of the data
`controller 14. The electronic control unit 22 of the vehicle 10
`is responsible for electronic control of accessory devices 40,
`sensors 41, keyless receiver 42, and switches 43 of the
`vehicle 10 and includes a microcontroller 26, EEPROM 28,
`and driver circuit 3(). A resonator or clock 60 is in commu-
`nication with the microcontroller 26. The microcontroller 26
`includes a processor 26A and a memory26B. ‘The EEPROM
`28 includes data structure D (as shown in FIG. 11) while the
`microcontroller 26 includes code C (as shown in FIG. 10)
`in ils memory 26B. ‘The vehicle 10 may alternatively or
`additionally include a user input device 32, such as a vehicle
`information or navigation system 32, which is in two-way
`communication with the microcontroller 26 of the electronic
`control unit 22.
`
`[0036] The PDA 12 and vehicle 10 are in two-way com-
`munication via a hard-wired or wireless signal. Specifically,
`the transceiver 18 of the PDA 12 is in two-way communi-
`cation with the transceiver 16 of the vehicle 10. In one
`variation, transceivers 16, 18 are wireless transceivers and
`the wireless signal is an infrared or radio frequency signal.
`In another variation, the PDA 12 is in two-way communi-
`cation with the vehicle 10 through a hard-wired connection.
`In such a variation, the PDA 12 can be docked in a port 36
`to facilitate hard-wired communication between the trans-
`
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`
`ceiver 18 of the PDA 12 andthe transceiver 16 ofthe vehicle
`10. In FIG. 1, the port 36 is shown housed in the vehicle
`console 38. In another variation, data transmission can be
`both wireless and hard-wired, adding additional communi-
`cation flexibility.
`
`[0037] The data is transmitted between the PDA 12 and
`data controller 14 in a ten-bit segment: one start bit, three ID
`bits, five data bits, and one stop bit; and the data is further
`transmitted from the data controller 14 to the microcontrol-
`ler 26 in an eleven-bit segment adding an oddparity bit. The
`start bit will be low (zero), and the stop bit will be high
`(one).
`In one example,
`the baud rate is 9600 bps. An
`exemplary eleven-bit segment, or data frame, is shown in
`FIG.3. As shown in FIG.2, data transmission between the
`PDA12 and data controller 14 is wireless, and particularly
`infrared wireless transmission. Thatis, a ten-bit segment, or
`IR data format, is transmitted between the transceiver 18 of
`the PDA 12 andthe transceiver 16 of the data controller 14.
`The transceiver 16 transmits a ten-bit segment electrical
`signal, which is converted from the received infrared signal,
`to the processor 64. Thc UARTtranscciver 58 transmits an
`eleven-bit segment, or UART data format,
`to a UART
`transeciver 56 of the vehicle clectronic control unit 22 via
`UARTbus 66.
`
`[0038] When transmitting new setting data to the vehicle
`10,
`the PDA 12 sends a three-bit driver identifier data
`segment followed by seven data frames respectively corre-
`sponding to automatic lighting, automatic doorlocks, instru-
`mentpanel, automatic lightoff 1, automatic light off 2, dome
`light, and buzzcr. The cight data frames are sent in succes-
`sion with an idle time of Iess than onc millisecond between
`successive data frames, as best illustrated in FIG. 4.
`
`[0040] Two-way communication with automatic repeat
`request (ARQ) between the transceiver 18 of the PDA 12
`and the transceiver 16 of the vehicle 10 allows the vehicle
`10 to acknowledge the successful transmission of data from
`the PDA 12. Alternatively, high-level data link control
`communication can be used. With reference to FIG. 5, a
`schematic illustrates that upon sending Data Frame1 to the
`vehicle 10, the PDA 12 awaits an acknowledgment message
`of the successful transmission of Data Frame 1 based on a
`stop-and-wait flow-control technique. Upon reccipt, trans-
`mission of Data Frame 1 is complete. Note with the trans-
`mission of Data Frame 2 ta the vehicle 10, the PDA 12 does
`not receive an acknowledgment message before the time
`period for receiving a respanse from the vehicle 10 times
`out. At such point, the PDA 12 sends Data Frame 2 again an
`acknowledgment request message to the vehicle 10, which
`then transmits an acknowledgment message. Uponreceipt of
`the acknowledgment message from the vehicle 10, the PDA
`12 transmits Data Frame 3.
`In this case, Data Frame 3
`contains an error, which the data controller 14 of the vehicle
`10 detecis and transmits an error message to the PDA. Upon
`receipt of the error message, the PDA 12 re-transmits the
`
`[0039] After transceiver 16 of vehicle 10 receives data
`from the PDA 12, the microcontroller 24 decodes the data
`and then sendsthe data to the electronic control unit 22. The
`EEPROM28ofthe electronic control unit is rewritten with
`this updated data. Specifically, the EEPROM 28is updated
`with the data in the same frame format shown in FIG. 4.
`Morespecifically, AppendixAlists the five data bits for each
`[0043] The microcontroller 26 of the vehicle electronic
`of the cight data frame types.
`control unit 22 also receives keyless control signals from
`key fobs 44, 46, which are reccived via radio frequency by
`the keyless receiver 42 and sent via a control signal to the
`microcontroller 26. The microcontroller 26 also reccives
`from the EEPROM 28 an output of user information to
`correspond to the respective key fob for which the control
`signal was received. The microcontroller 26 also sends user
`information corresponding to key fob type to the EEPROM
`28. Finally, the microcontroller 26 sends control signals to
`the driver circuit 30, which, in turn, operates the correspond-
`ing vehicle accessory devices 40.
`
`Data Frame 3 until it is successfully received and acknowl-
`edgment of its receipt is provided by the vehicle 10. With
`reference to FIG. 6, transmission of operation data to the
`PDA 12 from the vehicle 10 operates in a similar manner.
`
`[0041] Referring again to FIG.2, the data transmission of
`user preference settings will be explained in further detail.
`The PDA 12 includes the transceiver 18 for two-way com-
`munication with the transceiver 16 of the vehicle 10. While
`wireless data transmission is shown, such data transmission
`may be wireless and/or hard-wired. Further, the PDA 12
`includes the processor 20 and an input device 21, such as a
`keyboard, touch screen or stylus. The transceiver 16 is in
`two-way communication with the microcontroller 24, which
`is in two-way communication with the microcontroller 26 of
`the electronic control unit 22. The microcontroller 26
`receives input signals from sensors 41, keyless receiver 42,
`and switches 43 of the vehicle 10. Moreover, the driver
`circuit 30 of the electronic control unit 22 is controlled by
`the microcontroller 26 and operates the accessory devices
`40. Multiple key fobs 44, 46 are able to send wireless data
`to the keyless receiver 42 for communication with the
`microcontroller 26.
`
`[0042] The input device 21 of the PDA 12 is used to input
`user preference settings to the PDA 12, specifically to
`memory48 of the PDA 12. The PDA processor 20 transmits
`encoded user preference settings to the transceiver 18 of the
`PDA 12, which in turn sends data from the PDA 12 to the
`vehicle 10, and specifically to the transceiver 16 of the data
`controller 14. Such data transmission is wireless and/or
`hard-wired. The transceiver 16 transmits the reccived data to
`the microcontroller 24, which decodes the reecived data.
`The microcontroller 24 transfers the decoded data to the
`vehicle electronic control unit 22, specifically to the micro-
`controller 26, via the UART bus 66. In a variation of the
`invention, the data is transmitted via serial bus from hard-
`wired input device 32, such as a vehicle information system
`or navigation system. Such an input device 32 mayinclude
`a transceiver, microcontroller, and/or encoder/decoder.
`
`[0044] The vehicle electronic control unit 22 is shown
`schematically connected to various
`sensors,
`switches,
`meters and accessory devices in FIG. 7. Specifically, the
`lock, unlock, door and trunk switches are monitored at group
`A, as well as parking brake,
`transmission position, and
`ignition switch condition. Group B is a data contraller,
`including an infrared wireless transceiver 16 and microcon-
`troller 24. Optionally, a radio-frequency receiver may be
`used. Group C is a speed sensor for sending vehicle speed
`data ta the vehicle electronic control unit 22. Keyless
`receiver 42 for receiving radio wave signals [rom key fobs
`44, 46 is shown as group D for sending lock, unlock, and
`
`UNIFIED PATENTS EXHIBIT 1009
`Page 17 of 24
`
`UNIFIED PATENTS EXHIBIT 1009
`Page 17 of 24
`
`

`

`US 2003/0152088 Al
`
`Aug. 14, 2003
`
`trunk opensignals to the vehicle electronic control unit 22.
`Group E is a keyless buzzer for sending various audible
`notification signals relating to keyless operation. The door
`lock and unlock control is provided at group F, while group
`G provides the same function for the vehicle trunk. Head-
`light and small light control is provided by group H, while
`automatic light control and sensing is provided at group I.
`Group J provides interior lighting control including ignition
`key lighting control. A dimmingcircuit for instrument panel
`illumination, including a manual adjustment knob, is pro-
`vided by group K. As shown, the vehicle electronic control
`unit 22 receives input signals from Groups A, B, C, D, and
`I and operates Groups E,F, G, H, J and K, but more or fewer
`sensors, switches, meters and accessory deviccs may be
`interconnected.
`
`[0045] Next, we will more specifically address the various
`control functions and the user selectable preferences pro-
`vided by the present invention. Specifically, the PDA 12 of
`the present invention provides the user with various prefer-
`ence options in programming the EEPROM 28 of the
`vehicle ECU 22. FIG.8 is a collection of screen shots of the
`graphical user interface for the PDA 12. The screen shot of
`FIG. 8A illustrates that initially the user selects whether
`they are changing the preferences for Driver 1 or Driver 2.
`Further, this screen gives the user the option of changing the
`preference settings or transmitting the settings to the vehicle
`for the selected driver. Also, this screen shot illustrates that
`the user may select advanced options, as shownin the screen
`shot of FIG. 8B, which allow the user to beam the vehicle
`preference manager software to another PDAorrestore the
`factory settings. The “About” option provides information
`about the product, such as that shown in the serecn shot of
`FIG.8C.
`
`[0046] By selecting “Driver 1” and “Change Preference
`Settings” in the screen shot of FIG.8A, the user is presented
`with the screen shot of FIG. 8D, which provides vehicle
`options for automatic lights, interior lighting, instrument
`panel illumination, automatic door locks, and buzzers.
`[0047]
`First, regarding the automatic doorlocks, a user is
`given several unlock options to input from the PDA 12, as
`illustrated in the screen shot of FIG. 8E. The locking options
`include disabling automatic lacks, locking when ignition is
`turned on, locking when the vehicle exceeds a predeter-
`mined threshold speed, or locking when the vehicle trans-
`mission is shifted [rom park. Further,
`the user is given
`several automatic door unlock selections including unlock-
`ing all doors or only unlocking the driver’s door. Finally, the
`user is given several unlock options including unlocking
`when shifted into park and vehicle speed equals zero,
`unlocking whenignition is turned off, or unlocking whenthe
`key is removed fromthe ignition cylinder.
`
`[0048] As shownin the screen shot of FIG. 81’, there are
`several
`interior light options provided by the PDA 12.
`
`Interior lights are controlled to turn on by a door switch or
`
`
`
`
`keyless entry, and controlled off by the door switch. When
`the door switch is closed, the time to off
`is dependent on
`information contained in the EEPROM 28 as input by the
`driver from the PDA 12. The timeto off is user selectable
`between zero and 30 seconds. A smaller or larger time range
`may be provided as desired.
`
`
`
`Instrument panel illumination is also user select-
`[0049]
`able, as shown in the screen shot of FIG. 8G. Instrument
`
`panel brightness setting can be input via the PDA 12. The
`instrument panel backlighting is also adjustable manually
`with a dial in the vehicle if a change is required.
`
`[0050] With reference to the screen shot of FIG. 8H,
`automatic headlamp control, including small lights and rear
`lights control, automatically turn the lights on at one of four
`driver-selectable settings provided by the PDA 12. The
`lights can be set to always on, on in low brightness, on in
`medium brightness, or on in high brightness. Further, the
`headlamp, smalllights and rear lights will automatically turn
`off at one ofthree driver-selectable settings from the PDA 12
`including off when ignition is off and the driver’s door is
`opened, timed off from zcro to 60 seconds when ignition is
`off and the driver’s door is opened and then closed, and
`timed off from zcro to 60 scconds when ignition is off and
`keyless lock is initiated.
`
`functions (not
`lock control
`[0051] Keyless and door
`shown) mayalso be selected from the PDA as well. Options
`include controlling the door lock motor to lock/unlock the
`door by door lock switch input or controlling the door lock
`motor and trunk opener by the key fob’s wireless transmis-
`sion. Other control functions available to the user include
`keyless acknowledgment and door lock motor superlock
`functions via superlock relay based on key cylinder switch
`input.
`
`[0052] As shown in the screen shot of FIG. 81, buzzer
`control functions provided by the PDA include activating the
`buzzer when (1) the vehicle is shifled out of park and (2)
`either the emergency brake is on or any dooris ajar.
`
`‘The PDA12stores vehicle preference management
`[0053]
`software in its memory 48. ‘This software allows a user lo
`select preference settings for vehicle acc