Communications: electrical – Continuously variable indicating – With meter reading
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-31
2001-02-20
Horabik, Michael (Department: 2735)
Communications: electrical
Continuously variable indicating
With meter reading
C340S870030, C340S870030, C340S010100, C340S010200, C340S010300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06191703
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a remote convenience system for remotely controlling a function, and is particularly directed to a remote convenience system in which inadvertent function activation is avoided.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Remote convenience systems are known in the art. A remote convenience system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver. A signal transmitted from the transmitter contains at least one remote control function request. In response to receipt of the signal, the receiver causes performance of the requested function. In order to cause the transmitter to transmit the appropriate desired remote function request signal, the transmitter operator actuates an appropriate transmitter button.
One particular type of remote convenience system is used in conjunction with a vehicle. The remotely controlled functions for such a vehicle-based remote convenience system include remotely controlled locking and unlocking of the doors, and trunk releasing. Additional functions include an auto alarm activation/deactivation function, a vehicle find function, and a panic alert function. Remote convenience vehicle systems that include the door lock/unlock functions are commonly referred to as remote keyless entry (RKE) systems.
In one known type of remote convenience system, the transmitter unit is integrated into a portion (e.g., the key head) of a key. For example, in a remote convenience vehicle system, the transmitter is integrated into the ignition and/or door key. The key is grasped during insertion and turning of the key within a lock or an ignition switch. It is possible to inadvertently actuate one or more of the buttons associated with the integrated remote convenience transmitter while the key is grasped for insertion and turning.
A theft deterrent system for an automobile utilizes a transponder integrated into an ignition and/or door key, and an interrogation sensor associated with the lock or ignition switch paired with the key. When the key is inserted into the lock or ignition switch, the interrogation sensor causes the transponder to transmit a coded message for receipt by the sensor. If the sensor receives an appropriate security code, the sensor provides a signal or message that permits the desired action to occur upon turning of the key. For example, an appropriate signal from the sensor will cause an electronic engine control to be enabled (e.g., an electronic fuel control is enabled).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a remote convenience system. Remote control means of the system remotely control a remote convenience function. The remote control means includes transmitter means for transmitting a signal having a request for performance of the function. The remote control means also includes receiver means for receiving the transmitted signal and for causing performance of the requested remote convenience function. Sensor means senses the transmitter means proximately located to the sensor means and provides a signal indicative thereof. Disable means disables the remote control means in response to the signal indicating the transmitter means proximately located to the sensor means.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a remote convenience system has transmitter means for transmitting a signal having a remote convenience function request. Receiver means receives the transmitted signal and causes performance of the requested remote convenience function. Sensor means sense the transmitter means proximately located to the sensor means and provides a signal indicative thereof. Disable means disables the receiver means in response to the signal indicating the transmitter means proximately located to the sensor means.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a remote convenience vehicle system for a vehicle. Transmitter means transmits a signal having a remote convenience vehicle function request. Receiver means associated with the vehicle receives the transmitted signal and causes performance of the requested remote convenience vehicle function. Sensor means located proximate an ignition switch of the vehicle senses the transmitter means proximately located to the ignition switch of the vehicle and provides a signal indicative thereof. Disable means disables the receiver means in response to the signal indicating the transmitter means proximately located to the ignition switch.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a remote convenience system. Transmitter means, connected with a key, transmits a signal having a remote convenience function request. Receiver means receives the transmitted signal and causes performance of the requested remote convenience function. Sensor means, associated with a key receptacle, senses the key, with the connected transmitter means, proximately located to the key receptacle and provides a signal indicative thereof. Disable means disables the receiver means in response to the signal indicating the key, with the connected transmitter means, is proximately located to the key receptacle.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a receiver of a remote convenience system for receiving a transmitted signal conveying a request for performance of a remote convenience function and for causing performance of the function. The system has transmitter means for transmitting the request-conveying signal. The receiver includes means for preventing performance of a remote control function request. The receiver includes means for receiving a message from a sensor means that senses the transmitter means proximate to the sensor means. The receiver also includes means for controlling the means for preventing in response to the message.
In accordance with the present invention, a method of remotely controlling performance of a convenience function is provided. A signal is transmitted from a transmitter. The signal conveys a remote convenience function request. The transmitted signal is received for causing performance of the requested remote convenience function. The transmitter is sensed as being proximately located to a predetermined location. Performance of the requested remote convenience function is prevented in response to sensing the proximately located transmitter.
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Bangachon William L.
Horabik Michael
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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