Keyless security entry control method for motor vehicles

Details Keyless security entry control method for motor vehicles Keyless security entry control method for motor vehicles

1999-12-30

2002-08-20

Trieu, Van (Department: 2635)

Communications: electrical

Selective

Intelligence comparison for controlling

C340S870030, C340S426110

Reexamination Certificate

active

06437683

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to keyless security entry control methods for motor vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to a keyless security entry control method between a transceiver device disposed in a motor vehicle and an identification transmitter (ID-transmitter) in which determining the position of the ID-transmitter with respect to the motor vehicle coded signals indicative of specific motor vehicle regions and action signals are transmitted by the transceiver device and received by the ID-transmitter.
BACKGROUND ART
DE 41 23 654 A1 discloses a keyless security entry method for determining if an ID transmitter is located in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The vehicle is locked if it is determined that no ID transmitters are located inside the passenger compartment. The position of the ID transmitter is determined for discovering whether the ID transmitter is located inside or outside of the vehicle. Two antennas functioning independently from each other are used to perform the disclosed method. One of the antennas is directed at the internal compartment of the vehicle and the other antenna is directed at the outside area of the vehicle (driver door region, passenger door region).
If after getting out of the vehicle an operator carrying an ID transmitter wishes to lock the vehicle by actuating the external door handle a question-response dialogue is initiated between a transceiver device within the vehicle and the ID transmitter. The ID transmitter can only transmit a response signal back to the transceiver device if the ID transmitter is located outside the vehicle in the reception range of the antenna directed at the outside area.
A plurality of ID transmitters is normally used with this type of keyless security entry control method. Therefore, the situation can arise that one ID transmitter remains in the vehicle and another ID transmitter is outside the vehicle and is used to lock the vehicle. Even if it is possible to unlock the vehicle by using one authorized ID transmitter the vehicle can be started up without authorization by using the ID transmitter remaining in the vehicle. For example, if anyone breaks into the vehicle.
This problem which arises from the method disclosed in DE 41 23 654 A1 is counteracted by the method disclosed in DE 197 35 658 C1. DE 197 35 658 C1 discloses a method in which upon detecting the operator's desire to lock the vehicle a test signal is transmitted from the transceiver device within the vehicle to ascertain whether ID transmitters are located in the passenger compartment after the vehicle has been locked. ID transmitters located in the passenger compartment respond to this test signal. A storage device allocated to the transceiver device registers these ID transmitters and disables them on the vehicle system side as being unauthorized. This feature ensures that the ID transmitters remaining in the passenger compartment prevent the vehicle from being unlocked and prevent an associated deactivation of an electronic immobilizer if an unauthorized user gains access to this ID transmitter, e.g. by breaking into the vehicle. Only after the vehicle has been unlocked once again using an authorized ID transmitter is the registration deleted of the particular ID transmitter which had been in the passenger compartment if this ID transmitter is still located in the passenger compartment when the authorized unlocking procedure takes place.
However, even if this method prevents the direct use by unauthorized persons of the ID transmitter located in the vehicle, it is possible should anyone steal this type of ID transmitter for them to use suitable means to read the coding thereof. The obtained information can ultimately be used to simulate an authorized ID transmitter to enable theft of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a generic keyless security entry control method in which operational security is improved with respect to the methods of the prior art. This object is achieved by the ID transmitter itself determining its position by evaluating signals received from a transceiver device in the motor vehicle.
In accordance with the above object and other objects, the present invention provides a keyless security entry control method and system for motor vehicles. The method includes transmitting respective coded signals from at least two transmitters. The transmitted coded signals overlap within the motor vehicle and are separated outside of the motor vehicle. The coded signals are then received from the at least two transmitters with an identification (ID) transmitter. The position of the ID transmitter with respect to the motor vehicle is then determined from the received coded signals. The position of the ID transmitter is determined to be inside of the motor vehicle if the ID transmitter receives at least two coded signals and is determined to be outside of the motor vehicle if the ID transmitter receives only one coded signal.
Preferably, the method further includes transmitting a coded signal towards the area outside of a driver side of the motor vehicle from a first transmitter and transmitting a coded signal towards the area outside of an opposite passenger side of the motor vehicle from a second transmitter. The position of the ID transmitter is determined to be outside the motor vehicle and adjacent the driver side if the ID transmitter receives only the coded signal from the first transmitter. The position of the ID transmitter is determined to be inside the motor vehicle and adjacent the passenger if the ID passenger receives only the coded signal from the second transmitter.
The method may further include transmitting an action signal from a transceiver device. The action signal being indicative of an action to be performed. In response to the ID transmitter receiving the action signal it is determined whether the position of the ID transmitter enables the ID transmitter to perform the action. If the position of the ID transmitter enables the ID transmitter to perform the action then a response signal is transmitted from the ID transmitter. The transceiver device then performs the action in response to receiving the response signal. The ID transmitter may then transmit a position signal indicative of the position of the ID transmitter. In response to receiving the position signal the transceiver device performs the action as a function of the position of the ID transmitter. The ID transmitter may be switched to a non operative mode if the position of the ID transmitter disables the ID transmitter from performing the action.
In the case of the keyless security entry control method and system of the present invention, the ID transmitter itself determines its position and evaluates further the received signals. Therefore, in contrast to the ID transmitters of the prior art, the ID transmitter of the present invention is not merely passive with respect to the determination of its position (=transponder) but can also be described as being intelligent by actively evaluating the position-coded signals. The ID transmitter evaluates the received coded signals in a first step to establish whether the ID transmitter is located inside or outside of the vehicle. As provided in one embodiment, it is possible to perform a higher resolution position determination process wherein not only is the determination process performed to establish whether the ID transmitter is located inside or outside of the vehicle but a position determination process relating to the sides of the vehicle is also performed for establishing, for example, whether the ID transmitter is located on the driver or passenger side of the vehicle.
Following on from this type of position determination process, a plausibility check with respect to the received action signal is performed, in a first step of a further evaluation of the received action signal, in dependence upon the previously determined position of the ID transmitter. This plausibil

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Keyless security entry control method for motor vehicles does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Keyless security entry control method for motor vehicles, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Keyless security entry control method for motor vehicles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2890075