Communications: electrical – Selective – Intelligence comparison for controlling
Reexamination Certificate
1996-12-06
2001-10-30
Zimmerman, Brian (Department: 2635)
Communications: electrical
Selective
Intelligence comparison for controlling
C340S870030, C307S010100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06310537
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to a system with optical or radio remote control for locking and unlocking motor vehicles. Such systems are disclosed, for example, in pending application U.S. Ser. No. 773,635, filed Nov. 8, 1991.
This known system for locking and unlocking motor vehicles is an example of a so-called unidirectional system, in which namely the (re)initialization is carried out without dialog between the transmitter and the receiver. The invention was admittedly developed initially for this known unidirectional system for locking and unlocking motor vehicles. However, it is not restricted just to unidirectional locking and unlocking systems, and not at all to just that specific known unidirectional system for locking and unlocking motor vehicles, but can also be used in the case of bidirectional systems, in which a more or less extensive dialog takes place.
One problem in the case of such initializable systems for locking and unlocking motor vehicles is that unallowed and unintended (re)initializations are to be reliably avoided as far as possible. The invention therefore relates in particular to corresponding technical prerequisites for creating the initialization readiness of the system for locking and unlocking motor vehicles.
In addition, it is known per se to install a diagnostic interface in a motor vehicle, namely for example a special connector fitted in the engine compartment. By means of this diagnostic interface, the state of electronic and/or mechanical motor vehicle units can be tested or interrogated, for example the current engine characteristics, the state of the brakes and the serviceability of a wide variety of other electronic units such as airbag-control units and ABS characteristics—as a rule only in appropriately equipped authorized workshops.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to prevent unallowed and unintended (re)initializations as far as possible by using appropriate technical precautionary measures to enable as far as possible only authorized experts in workshops to (re)initialize the system for locking and unlocking motor vehicles.
The object of the present invention is achieved by a system with optical or radio remote control for locking and/or unlocking motor vehicles, in which the transmitter corresponding to the key broadcasts a digital code (in the case of a permanent code always the same code, in the case of an interchangeable code a code from a series of codes) upon actuation by a user for unlocking and possibly also for locking. This broadcast code is received by the receiver in the motor vehicle. The receiver controls the relevant lock or locks after a comparison of the received code with digits stored in the receiver and correlating with the code or with the series of codes. The code is initialized as a permanent code or interchangeable code at least on the occasions when the motor vehicle is first used and, possibly when changes are later made to the code, is reinitialized. That is the code is fixed for the following actuations by storing in the receiver digits correlating with the code, possibly also by additionally storing in the transmitter digits correlating with the code. For (re)initialization, that is for initialization and/or for reinitialization, the receiver must first be switched by a signal to its (re)initialization readiness before the receiver can be (re)initialized. The motor vehicle has a diagnostic interface for the electrical testing of motor vehicle units, and the receiver can only be switched to its (re)initialization readiness by a signal fed to it via the diagnostic interface.
The invention thus prevents unallowed and unintended (re)initializations by a (re)initialization only being possible if an appropriate signal is supplied—generally only by an authorized workshop—via the diagnostic interface to the receiver.
The following describe additional technical precautionary measures further hinder unallowed and unintended (re)initialization or facilitate authorized (re)initialization. In a further embodiment the receiver can only be switched to its (re)initialization readiness by inserting into the associated lock and turning a mechanical key individually assigned to the motor vehicle, that is for example the ignition key and/or a mechanical door key additionally fitted to the transmitter. This ensures that the (re)initializing person is additionally in possession of the relevant key which is individually assigned to this motor vehicle.
In another embodiment the receiver is only switched to its (re)initialization readiness by a digital special code fed via the diagnostic interface. This prevents unauthorized persons who do not know and cannot create the special code from being able to initiate (re)initialization readiness simply by a different type of signal fed to the receiver via the diagnostic interface. It also prevents initiated inadvertently by an unauthorized person, as well as, by an authorized person simply by a different type of signal being fed to the receiver via the diagnostic interface.
In yet a further embodiment the receiver both can initially only be switched to its (re)initialization readiness by a signal of short duration via the diagnostic interface, and subsequently remains for a predetermined period of time of longer duration in its (re)initialization readiness. This makes it easier for the receiver, which has been triggered by the short signal, lasting for example far less than 1 second, to be satisfactorily (re)initialized without undue haste during the following, for example, four minutes.
In another embodiment the receiver is switched to its (re)initialization readiness by turning the ignition key inserted in the ignition lock into a position in which it engages without the motor running. This prevents the system for closing motor vehicles being able to be (re)initialized without possession of the correct ignition key and without knowledge of the correct actuation of this ignition key, and preventing ignition when the engine is running adversely affecting (re)initialization.
In a further embodiment for (re)initialization, the receiver is additionally only switched to its (re)initialization readiness by a transmitter signal broadcast by the transmitter. This prevents the system for locking and unlocking motor vehicles being able to be (re)initialized without possession of the correct door key, with optical or radio control, and without knowledge of the correct way of actuating this ignition key.
The transmitter signal additionally contains a sequence of digits which fixes the code valid for following actuations, or the series of codes valid for following actuations. This makes (re)initialization easier for the authorized person by said authorized person then no longer having to actuate the transmitter in an appropriate way several times in succession at relatively large time intervals.
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Bachhuber Anton
Kern Maximilian
Schneider Christian
Schiff & Hardin & Waite
Siemens Aktiegesellschaft
Zimmerman Brian
LandOfFree
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