System for conveying vehicle status information upon exit...

Details System for conveying vehicle status information upon exit... System for conveying vehicle status information upon exit...

1999-09-21

2001-07-10

Crosland, Donnie L. (Department: 2632)

Communications: electrical

Land vehicle alarms or indicators

Internal alarm or indicator responsive to a condition of the...

C340S425500, C340S438000, C340S439000, C340S539230, C340S870030, C340S870030, C307S010100, C307S010200, C361S171000, C361S172000, C701S029000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06259362

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to systems for conveying vehicle system status information to a vehicle operator, and is particularly directed a system in which the operator is provided the information at a location away from a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When a vehicle operator exits a vehicle, it is often beneficial for the operator to know the status of one or more vehicle systems. For example, it is useful for the operator to know whether a vehicle light (e.g., headlights or an interior light) is ON. Also, the status of vehicle tire pressure and vehicle fuel level are useful to the operator. Such information may help the vehicle operator avert an inconvenient or annoying situation when the vehicle operator returns to the vehicle.
It is known to provide a warning type notice to the vehicle operator for certain types of vehicle system conditions. For example, it is know to use an audible chime for such conditions as a vehicle light being ON when a vehicle door is opened. Another example is an audible chime or buzzer that sounds when an ignition key is left in a vehicle ignition when the door is opened.
Remote convenience systems for vehicles are known in the art. Such remote convenience systems remotely control one or more vehicle functions. An example of such a remotely controlled function is the locking and unlocking of one or more vehicle doors. A remote convenience vehicle system that permits remote locking and unlocking functions is commonly referred to as a remote keyless entry system.
Known remote convenience vehicle systems include a receiver unit mounted in an associated vehicle and a portable, hand-held transmitter unit located remote from the receiver unit. The portable unit is provided with one or more manually actuatable pushbutton switches. Each pushbutton switch is associated with a remote control vehicle function to be performed. Typically, the vehicle operator carries the portable unit on their person when they exit the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a system for a vehicle. The system includes transmitter means, located at the vehicle, operable for sending communication that conveys a vehicle system status. Portable receiver means of the system is operable for receiving the communication that conveys the vehicle system status. An operator of the vehicle carries the receiver means upon leaving the vehicle. The system includes means for sensing a condition indicative of the operator leaving the vehicle. The system includes means for enabling the communication from the transmitter means to the receiver means in response to the sensed condition indicative of the vehicle operator leaving the vehicle.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a system that includes transmitter means, located at a vehicle, operable for transmitting a vehicle system status signal. Portable receiver means of the system receives the transmitted vehicle system status signal. An operator of the vehicle carries the receiver means upon leaving the vehicle. The system includes means for sensing a condition indicative of the vehicle operator leaving the vehicle. The system includes means for causing operation of the transmitter means in response to the sensed condition indicative of the vehicle operator leaving the vehicle.
In accordance with yet another aspect, the present invention provides a system that includes a transmitter means, located at a vehicle, operable for transmitting a vehicle system status signal. Portable receiver means of the system is operable for receiving the transmitted vehicle system status signal. An operator of the vehicle carries the receiver means upon leaving the vehicle. The system includes means for sensing a condition indicative of the operator leaving the vehicle. The system includes means for enabling operation of the receiver means in response to the sensed condition indicative of the vehicle operator leaving the vehicle.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3703714 (1972-11-01), Andrews
patent: 5463374 (1995-10-01), Mendez et al.
patent: 5483826 (1996-01-01), Schultz et al.
patent: 5500637 (1996-03-01), Kokubu
patent: 5561331 (1996-10-01), Suyama et al.
patent: 5602524 (1997-02-01), Mock et al.
patent: 6107914 (2000-08-01), Greene
patent: 6127922 (2000-10-01), Roddy et al.
patent: 6130622 (2000-10-01), Hussey et al.
patent: 6154658 (2000-11-01), Caci

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

System for conveying vehicle status information upon exit... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with System for conveying vehicle status information upon exit..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System for conveying vehicle status information upon exit... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2486447