Keyless entry module and method
Contents
1. 16 A key less entry system for generating a valid com mand recognizable by a receiving apparatus comprising a power source a switch coupled to the power source a first system portion coupled to the power source and receiving power therefrom while the system is in an active or inactive state wherein the first system portion comprises a keypad having at least one key that when depressed provides an electronic signal representing an entered actuation code and a detector coupled to the keypad that intercepts at least a first keystroke of the at least one key and in response to the first keystroke turns the switch ON a second system portion coupled to the switch and receiv ing power therefrom and in an active state only when the switch is ON wherein the second portion comprises a transmitter wherein either the first or second portion comprises a memory with one or more valid actuation codes stored therein a processor coupled to the memory the keypad and the transmitter wherein the processor receives from the keypad keystroke sequences representing an entered actuation code and compares them to valid actuation codes retrieved from the memory to detect a match and wherein when the processor detects the match the transmitter sends out an RF signal carrying the valid command recognizable by the receiving apparatus and a flag configured to indicate whether or not a match had been detected and further configured to be stor2. least the transmitter receiving multiple keystrokes from the keypad comparing the received keystrokes to one or more valid entry codes stored in the memory to identify a match transmitting an RF signal containing the OPEN command to the lock if the match is identified and storing a flag prior to turning the power switch OFF the flag indicating whether or not a match had been iden tified 10 The method of claim 9 further comprising starting a time delay after receiving the at least first keystroke and when the time delay expires turning the power switch OFF 11 The method of claim 9 further comprising after turning the power switch ON determining whether further valid keystrokes are being received and if not turning the power switch OFF 12 The method of claim 9 further comprising prior to the transmitting step placing the system in a secure mode ready to receive command keystroke entries from the keypad 13 The method of claim 9 wherein the transmitting step comprises transmitting an RF signal compatible with a signal generated by a fob type key less entry device to which the lock is responsive 14 The method of claim 13 wherein the step of turning on the power comprises turning on the power to the memory and the processor as well as the transmitter 15 The method of claim 9 wherein the comparing step comprises first retrieving the valid entry codes from the memory and then comparing them to the received key strokes
3. 015 791 B2 U S Patent Mar 21 2006 Sheet 2 of 5 US 7 015 791 B2 64 DETECT FIRST KEYSTROKE 70 KEYSTROKE SEQUENCE DECODE KEYSTROKE SEQUENCE RETRIEVE KEY CODE g0 TRANSMIT Q CODED RF 60 FIG 5 U S Patent Mar 21 2006 Sheet 3 of 5 US 7 015 791 B2 124 TRANSMIT 120 ENTRY CODE RF DE SELECT RECEIVE COMMAND N 128 CODES 400 126 TRANSMIT COMMAND CODE RF U S Patent Mar 21 2006 Sheet 4 of 5 US 7 015 791 B2 PROCESS ENTRY CODE PROCESS fe COMMAND CODE MANUAL SHUT DOWN 200 FIG 7 U S Patent Mar 21 2006 Sheet 5 of 5 US 7 015 791 B2 156 160 QAD US 7 015 791 B2 1 KEYLESS ENTRY MODULE AND METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention generally relates to a keyless entry or activation system and method and more particularly a keyless entry or activation system and method suitable for vehicles or other equipment already adapted for fob type key less entry or equivalent BACKGROUND Modern vehicles and other equipment are often equipped for remote entry control using a fob type key device A fob type key device is a small pocket sized radio fre quency RF signaling device usually attached like a fob to the same key ring holding the mechanical ignition key or other control key By pressing a switch button on the fob type key the user is able to remotely open the door s and or tur
4. 4 16 of FIG 1 Module 150 is conveniently of a size that it can be carried like a fob attached to vehicle or other mechanical key 160 Module 150 is a dual mode device that is it can function either as a conventional keyless entry fob whereby vehicle unlock is achieved by pressing only one of keys 156 selected by the user or as a keyless entry fob of the type described in connection with FIGS 1 6 For example when the user enters a predetermined key sequence processor logic 30 in combination with memory 32 see FIG 4 recognizes the sequence as a function altering command whereupon it interprets the next key stroke s as a toggle command switching the function of module 150 from for example Mode A requiring a sequence of keystrokes to gain entry and or actuate a vehicle function as has already been discussed in connection with FIGS 1 7 or Mode B a standard prior art fob type behavior where only a single key press is needed to unlock the vehicle or actuate a predetermined function Thus the user is able to select the properties that he or she desires module 150 to have depending upon the circumstances at the time For example module 150 can be left in the fob type state Mode B most of the time where physical security of the fob and key is not an issue and quick lock unlock charac teristics are desirable and then switched to Mode A when physical security of the key and key module is difficult or impossible to provided e g at t
5. United States Patent US007015791B2 12 10 Patent No US 7 015 791 B2 Huntzicker 45 Date of Patent Mar 21 2006 54 KEYLESS ENTRY MODULE AND METHOD OTHER PUBLICATIONS 75 Inventor Fred W Huntzicker Ann Arbor MI An article containing 1 A portion of what is believed to be US i gt user s manual entitled Lock and Security Keyless Entry System Associated with Ford or Lincoln Mercury vechicles 73 Assignee General Motors Corporation Detroit 2 A photograph of a Keyless entry module believed to be MI US that described in Item 1 and 3 An electrical schematic diagram entitled Enterprise Electronics Combination RKE Notice Subject to any disclaimer the term of this Board E20503A SCH Author D Pearson dated Feb 5 patent is extended or adjusted under 35 2003 believed to be related to items 1 and 2 Obtained U S C 154 b by 218 days from the Internet Web site https gullfoss2 fcc gov cgi bin ws exe prod oet forms reports Search__Form 21 Appl No 10 643 731 hts mode Edit amp form Exhibits amp application_id 615137 21 App 1643 pp amp fec id QV4 LRLO001 22 Filed Aug 19 2003 22 File bad cited by examiner 65 Prior Publication Data Primary Examiner Brian Zimmerman US 2005 0040933 A1 Feb 24 2005 Assistant Examiner Clara Yang 74 Attorney Agent or Firm Laura C Hargitt 51 Int Cl GO8C 19 00 2006 01 57 ABSTRACT GO8C 19 12 2006 01 3 s Methods and apparatus are pr
6. ay step 108 analogous to step 68 of FIG 5 is initiated whereby a timer begins a countdown to automatically initiate POWER DOWN 112 step after a predetermined interval that can depend on the outcome of subsequent steps 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 8 Entered key sequences are received in RECEIVE KEY CODE SEQUENCE step 110 The entered key sequence is decoded and compared in step 114 with stored key code values retrieved from memory 32 analogous to steps 74 76 of FIG 5 Query 118 analogous to query 78 or FIG 5 determines whether or not there is a match between the entered key sequence and the stored key sequence If the outcome of query 118 is NO FALSE then as previously discussed control is returned to step 110 to receive a second attempt or passed to POWER DOWN step 112 Either arrangement is useful and may be chosen by the designer or may be user selectable If the outcome of query step 118 is YES TRUE then in TRANSMIT ENTRY CODE RF step 120 analogous to step 80 of FIG 5 a coded RF signal corresponding to an allowed entry or actuation code is sent to the vehicle receiver lock controller system Also as shown by outcome line 119 additional TIME DELAY step 122 is actuated or Time Delay step 108 reset so that the time from DETECT FIRST KEYSTROKE step 104 until POWER DOWN step 112 is extended while the system is in the COMMAND mode that is ready to receive and send COMMAND CODES in st
7. d This arrangement is well known and very useful However such keyless entry systems are still only in limited use and are usually available only as a hard wired factory installed option Factory installed means that the com ponents needed to provide the key less entry function are hard wired into the car at the time of construction and cannot be easily added afterward for example as a dealer installed or after market option This is a significant limitation Accordingly it is desirable to be able to provide a keyless entry or activation system that is easily installed after a vehicle or other equipment or structure is manufactured and that does not depend on a factory installed keypad or keypad wiring harness In addition it is desirable that such an after market system be simple to install and operate be of comparatively low cost and still have an appearance and function substantially equivalent to a factory installed sys tem Furthermore other desirable features and characteris tics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 2 BRIEF SUMMARY An apparatus is provided for a key less system for actu ating a lock responsive to a valid OPEN command The apparatus com
8. depressed provides an electronic signal representing an entered actuation code and a detector coupled to the keypad that intercepts at least a first keystroke of the at least one key and in response to the first keystroke turns a switch ON a second system portion coupled to the power source by the switch and receiving power therefrom and in an active state only when the switch is ON wherein the second system portion comprising a memory with one or more valid actuation codes stored therein a processor coupled to the memory and the keypad wherein the processor receives from the keypad keystroke sequences representing an entered actua tion code and compares them to valid actuation codes retrieved from the memory to detect a match and a transmitter coupled to the processor wherein when the processor detects the match the transmitter sends out an RF signal carrying the valid OPEN command recognizable by the lock and a flag configured to indicate whether or not a match had been detected and further configured to be stored prior to turning the switch OFF 2 The system of claim 1 further comprising an antenna coupled to the transmitter for transmitting the RF signal 3 The system of claim 1 further comprising a housing for containing the system adapted to be attached to a vehicle without connecting wires 4 The system of claim 1 further comprising a timer operatively coupled to the switch that shuts the switch OFF after a pred
9. e circular square rectangular and so forth Any number and arrangement of the keys can be used However the number of keys N and the number of characters M in the entry code should be large enough to discourage trial and error as a means of unauthorized entry into the vehicle and small enough so as to not be unduly difficult for the user to enter Useful values of N are from 1 to 15 more conve niently 4 to 6 and preferably about 5 The entry code M can be longer or shorter than the number N of physical keys 16 since some characters or digits can be used more than once For example with N 4 and the keys labeled 1 2 3 4 an M 6 digit entry code e g 4 2 3 1 2 1 can be entered by repeating some characters This example provides 4x4x4x 4x4x4 4096 possible code combinations Conversely more keys 14 than entry characters can be provided N gt M and some keys not used when entering the access code Either arrangement is useful Thus variable code lengths M are possible even though N is fixed It is desirable that the user be able to select the code length M so that among other things it can be different for different functions e g one length for unlock or initial activation functions and another length for subsequent command functions Alternatively as few as one key can be used and the key code sequence entered in a Morse Code like fashion where the time duration of the key press and the sequence of different time duration key pres
10. ed prior to turning the switch OFF US 7 015 791 B2 13 17 The system of claim 16 further comprising a timer for turning the switch OFF a predetermined interval after key stroke sequences from the keypad have stopped 18 The system of claim 16 wherein after the transmitter sends out an RF signal at least one further keystroke command sequence is received from the keypad and the 14 transmitter sends out a further RF signal corresponding to the command sequence without comparing the command sequence with a stored code
11. ed to and stored in the onboard vehicle or equipment or structure entry control system External connection bus connection or lead 56 is conveniently provided to memory 32 for entering valid codes into memory 32 and retrieving usage data such as discussed above that is temporarily stored in memory 32 Appropriate data buffers not shown may be provided to facilitate code entry and data retrieval When a match is obtained then processor 30 passes a SEND command via lead or bus 48 to transmitter 34 Transmitter 34 then transmits an RF signal containing an OPEN or other command via antenna 36 that is recog nized by the radio receiver and control logic of the door lock controller in the vehicle or equipment or structure as a proper command to unlock the door the radio receiver and control logic are standard and are not shown The target door then unlocks and other equipment e g lights may also be actuated or other functions performed corresponding to the transmitted command No wiring is needed between module 10 and the door lock controller on the vehicle or equipment or structure After transmitter 34 has sent the desired message power ON OFF switch 24 is directed via lead or bus 54 to revert to the OFF state Where the vehicle door lock controller already has a radio receiver adapted to receive an OPEN signal from a fob type keyless entry unit transmitter 34 preferably sends an identically coded signal that is the sa
12. elf timer that starts when switch 24 turns ON and that causes switch 24 to turn OFF state after a predetermined delay Alternatively the timing function can be built into detector 28 or decoder 30 or provided by a separate time delay element Any arrangement suffices The keystroke signals from keypad 26 are passed via lead or bus 44 or 50 to keystroke processor 30 While FIG 4 shows the output of keypad 26 passing through detector 28 to processor 30 via leads or buses 40 and 44 this is merely for convenience of explanation and not intended to be US 7 015 791 B2 5 limiting As those of skill in the art will appreciate based on the description herein the signals from keypad 26 can also pass directly to processor 30 for example via lead or bus 50 Keystroke processor 30 receives the keystrokes entered into keypad 26 and compares them with entry code words that it retrieves from memory 32 via bus or lead 46 A plurality of valid entry codes can be stored in memory 32 This provides for individualized entry codes that is if several people use the same vehicle or equipment or facility equipped with key less entry module 10 each person can have his or her own entry code If processor fails to detect a match then it causes switch 24 to turn OFF via lead or bus 52 If desired each time a match is obtained the event and the code used can be logged and stored in memory 32 for later read out Alternatively this information may be transmitt
13. eps 128 130 Steps 104 to 118 as shown by bracket 124 represent the INSECURE mode of operation of system 20 and module 10 and the associated vehicle This also applies to FIG 5 That is from START 62 102 to the outcome of detecting a CODE MATCH at step 78 118 and or TRANSMITTING ENTRY CODE RF in step 80 120 is referred to as being in INSECURE mode 124 Once the proper entry code has been transmitted in step 80 120 then the vehicle is in a state where it recognizes that the proper entry code has been given and can receive further commands without additional code matching for security purposes Thus as shown by bracket 126 steps 128 130 132 represent the SECURE or COM MAND mode of operation that is additional commands received from keypad 126 in RECEIVE COMMAND CODES step 128 can be transmitted to the vehicle in TRANSMIT COMMAND CODE RF step 132 without resorting to code matching using allowed codes stored in memory 32 although this is not precluded TIME DELAY step 122 may include a long fall back time delay that is once the system is in the secure COMMAND mode it remains powered up until manually shut down by the user in DE SELECT step 132 or until the long fall back time delay set is step 122 has elapsed FIG 7 is a simplified schematic flow chart of method 200 of the present invention according to a still further embodi ment Method 200 differs from methods 60 100 in that two powered down sleep modes are provided that i
14. etermined interval 5 The system of claim 1 wherein the processor is opera tively coupled to the switch and when the processor fails to detect a match the processor sends an instruction to the switch causing the switch to turn OFF 6 The system of claim 1 wherein the transmitter is operatively coupled to the switch and after the transmitter has sent the RF signal the system waits an additional period of time to detect command instructions received from the keypad before sending an instruction to the switch causing the switch to turn OFF 7 The system off claim 1 further comprising a further ON OFF switch coupled between the first system portion and the power source to disconnect the first system portion from the power source when the system is intended to be inoperative 8 The system of claim 1 wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit in response to the processor finding a match an RF signal compatible with those used by a fob type key less entry system to which the lock is respon sive 9 Amethod for key less entry using a keypad a keystroke detector a processor a memory and a power switch coupled to at least a transmitter for remotely actuating a lock responsive to an OPEN command the method compris ing 10 15 20 30 40 45 50 55 60 65 12 detecting at least a first keystroke turning the power switch ON in response to detecting the at least first keystroke thereby powering up at
15. ethod is provided for key less entry using a keypad a keystroke detector and a power switch coupled to a processor a memory and a transmitter for remotely actuat ing a lock responsive to an OPEN command The method comprises detecting at least a first keystroke turning the power switch ON in response to detecting the at least first keystroke thereby preferably powering up the processor memory and at least the transmitter receiving keystrokes from the keypad and comparing the received keystrokes to one or more valid entry codes stored in the memory and if a match transmitting an RF signal containing the OPEN command to the lock BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures wherein like numerals denote like elements and FIGS 1 3 are simplified exterior views of the key less entry module of the present invention wherein FIG 1 is a top view FIG 2 is a side view and FIG 3 is an end view FIG 4 is a simplified schematic block diagram of the electrical system contained in the keyless entry module of the present invention FIG 5 is a simplified schematic flow chart of the method of the present invention FIG 6 is a simplified schematic flow chart of the method of the present invention according to a further embodiment FIG 7 is a simplified schematic flow chart of the method of the present invention according to a still further emb
16. gine or motors locking and unlocking doors and other latches opening and closing windows and so forth The functions performed depend on the user s requirements FIG 4 is a simplified schematic block diagram of elec trical system 20 contained in keyless entry module 10 of the present invention Electrical system 20 comprises battery or other energy source 22 power ON OFF switch 24 keypad 26 e g containing N keys 16 of FIG 1 on which a predetermined entry code is to be entered keystroke detector 28 keystroke processor 30 memory 32 for storing prede termined entry codes there can be more than one trans mitter 34 and antenna 36 As used herein the word battery is intended to include any type of power source and the words transmitter and transmit are intended to refer to any type of electromagnetic wave signaling device whether RF or optical or infra red or other or a combination thereof Keypad 26 contains N user operable keys 16 see FIG 1 Under each key 16 is an electrical switch Battery 22 is coupled via leads 21 23 25 27 to power ON OFF switch 24 to keypad 26 and to keystroke detector 28 Elements 24 26 28 desirably receive power from battery 22 at all times that is whenever module 10 is intended to be available for use Disconnect switch 38 may be provided to reduce battery drain when module 10 is not in use but generally this is not necessary With modern semiconductor devices the stand b
17. he beach and the user has to leave the module unsecured In Mode A entry cannot be obtained nor commands actuated without knowing the M digit entry code and any subsequent command codes Mere physical possession of module 150 does not compro mise vehicle security in Mode A This is a great conve nience and very useful While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope applicability or configuration of the invention in any way Rather the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments It should be under stood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof US 7 015 791 B2 11 What is claimed is 1 Akey less system for actuating a lock responsive to a valid OPEN command comprising a power source a first system portion coupled to the power source and receiving power therefrom while the system is in an active or inactive state wherein the first system portion comprising a keypad having at least one key that when
18. in conjunction with memory 32 If the outcome of MATCH query 78 is NO FALSE then control is optionally passed back to query 70 via outcome branch 77 to see whether the user will attempt to re enter another keystroke sequence This is to conveniently accommodate a user s failure to get it right the first time Alternatively when the outcome of MATCH query 78 is NO FALSE then control is optionally passed to POWER DOWN step 72 via outcome branch 79 to return system 20 to its quiescent state Either arrangement is useful Variable length codes should be accommodated Persons of skill in the art understand how to go about comparing variable length entered code words against stored code words also of varying length Among other things this is to accommodate users who may select and store code words of different lengths If the outcome of MATCH query 78 is YES TRUE that is the entered keystrokes match the stored keystrokes then TRANSMIT step 80 is performed otherwise step 80 is not performed TRANSMIT step 80 sends a radio or optical or infra red or other wireless signal that will be recognized by the vehicle door control system as a valid OPEN or ACTUATE command or a combination thereof Where the vehicle is already equipped for a fob type entry device TRANSMIT step 80 sends a signal identical to or compat ible to the signal that would be sent by the fob type entry device Such signals are generally coded as a security featu
19. in which nothing is happening e g no further keystrokes The time delay provided by SET TIMER step 214 may altered by subse quent steps in method 200 e g step 216 Query 208 determines which sleep mode was selected or which security mode was in use before the last power down Query 208 has two outcomes either insecure IS mode 209 or secure S mode 211 If the sleep state corresponds to insecure IS mode 209 then method 200 flows to PRO CESS ENTRY CODE step 210 wherein the sequence of keystrokes necessary to unlock the system are received compared to the entry stored in memory 32 and an UNLOCK or OPEN message sent to the vehicle receiver by transmitter 34 as has been previously described in connection with FIGS 5 6 Step 210 corresponds to the combination of steps 70 74 76 78 80 in FIG 5 or 110 114 118 120 in FIG 6 If the sleep state corresponds to secure S mode 211 then method 200 by passes PROCESS ENTRY CODE step 210 and goes to PROCESS COMMAND CODE step 212 wherein one or more command code key sequences can be sent to the vehicle via transmitter 34 to turn lights on or off actuate various other equipment and so forth as desired by the user without repeating the entry or unlock key sequence PROCESS COMMAND CODE step 212 corresponds to steps 128 130 of FIG 6 and is only performed in the secure S mode or after PROCESS ENTRY CODE step 210 has been successfully completed If PROCESS ENTRY CODE ste
20. kes or merely the result of one or more keys 16 of module 10 being bumped or module 10 picking up an interference signal This step can be performed in keystroke detector 28 and or processor 30 If the outcome of query 70 is NO FALSE then POWER DOWN step 72 is performed returning the system to its quiescent state KEYSTROKE SEQUENCE query step 70 is desirable but not essential If the outcome of query step 70 is YES TRUE then steps 74 76 are performed in any order or in parallel In DECODE step 74 the sequence of valid keystrokes received from module 10 e g from keypad 26 of FIG 4 are desirably converted to a digital word in a format suitable for being compared to stored information obtained from memory in RETRIEVE KEY CODE step 76 RETRIEVE step 76 desir ably obtains from memory 32 or equivalent a digital word representing one or more valid key sequences for actuating key less entry DECODE step 74 and RETRIEVE step 76 can be performed in any order or performed in parallel as US 7 015 791 B2 7 shown by way of example in FIG 5 The digital code word s may be stored in memory 32 in the same format as keystrokes are received from keypad 26 or in any other convenient format The outcome of DECODE step 74 and RETRIEVE step 76 are compared in KEY CODE MATCH query 78 where it is determined whether or not the received key sequence is the same as the stored key sequence Steps 74 76 78 are conveniently carried out by processor 30
21. m logic 30 and memory 32 However transmitter 34 should be coupled to power source 22 through power ON OFF switch 24 since it is likely to be the highest power consuming portion of system 20 FIG 5 shows simplified schematic flow chart of method 60 of the present invention Method 60 of FIG 5 is carried out for example by electronic system 20 of FIG 4 or equivalent However any general purpose micro controller or microcomputer interfaced to an appropriate transmitter and power switch can perform the logical functions illus trated in FIG 5 Start 62 commences with DETECT FIRST KEYSTROKE step 64 Method 60 is dormant until a key stroke is detected in step 64 As long as no key is depressed module 10 and system 20 remain quiescent When step 64 detects that a key has been depressed then POWER UP step 66 is performed so that power is supplied to the rest of key less entry module 10 that is those portions of system 20 that are not continuously connected to power source 22 Following POWER UP step 66 TIME DELAY step 68 and KEYSTROKE SEQUENCE query 70 are per formed preferably but not essentially in parallel The func tion of TIME DELAY step 68 is to initiate POWER DOWN step 72 after a predetermined time interval set by TIME DELAY step 68 While TIME DELAY step 68 is running i e not timed out KEYSTROKE SEQUENCE query 70 determines whether or not the keystrokes being received from keypad 26 of module 10 are a valid series of keystro
22. me signal as would be transmitted by the key less entry fob This eliminates the need for a separate receiver decoder in the vehicle thereby reducing the overall system cost and making retro fit after market installation of key less entry module 10 particularly convenient and inexpensive By using the same coded RF signal as would be transmitted to the vehicle by a fob type keyless entry unit nothing within the vehicle needs to be changed nor any of the vehicle wiring disturbed All that is required is to bring or mount key less entry module 10 with radio range of the fob type key less entry radio receiver in the vehicle Thus a vehicle may be retro fitted with key less entry module 10 by for example attaching lower surface 18 of module 10 to the outside of the vehicle door in substan tially the same place where a hard wired factory installed keypad would have been located Module 10 may be attached using adhesive screws rivets a combination thereof or other means well known in the art Module 10 does not need to connect to the vehicle wiring From the point of view of the user key less entry module 10 of the present invention when installed on a vehicle equipped with a fob type entry system does not require any wiring changes to the vehicle and looks and acts substantially the same as a factory installed original equipment keypad entry sys tem This is a significant advantage For vehicles not already equipped with a fob type ent
23. n on a portion of the vehicle or other equipment without having to insert a mechanical key in a mechanical lock This is a great convenience and an attractive safety feature The fob type keyless entry works by sending a coded RF signal to a receiver decoder actuator in the vehicle This in car system unlocks the door and or performs other predetermined functions when it detects a valid OPEN code or equivalent on the RF signal received from the fob A disadvantage of such arrangement is that the fob type key must be brought into the vicinity of the vehicle for it to function Thus the user must carry the fob type key with him or her in order to be able to use it Under these circumstances the physical security of the fob type key is essential for preventing unauthorized entry into the vehicle If the fob is lost or stolen vehicle security is compromised Sometimes vehicles are provided with key less entry systems where the user only needs to remember a door code e g a vehicle PIN number and need not carry the elec tronic or mechanical key along This eliminates the security risk arising from having to carry the key Such key less entry systems usually have the form of a small keypad built into the door of the car To gain access to the vehicle the user merely enters his or her personal entry code into the keypad and the door is automatically unlocked by the vehicle electronic system A physical key or remote fob type key is not neede
24. odi ment and FIG 8 is a simplified top exterior view similar to FIG 1 but of a further embodiment of the present invention US 7 015 791 B2 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention Furthermore there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field background brief summary or the following detailed description FIGS 1 3 are simplified exterior views of key less entry module 10 of the present invention wherein FIG 1 is a top view FIG 2 is a side view and FIG 3 is an end view Key less entry module 10 has external case 12 decorative or other feature 14 and function keys 16 Function keys 16 are conveniently labeled 1 2 3 4 N Persons of skill in the art will understand that the labels 1 2 3 4 N are merely for convenience of explanation and not intended to be limiting Letters such as A B C etc or a combination of letters and numbers or any other type of distinctive symbol or character could also be used While module 10 shows only a single row of N keys 16 this is merely for convenience of explanation and multiple rows of more or fewer keys can be used The invention does not depend upon the exact number of digits or characters in the entry code Further the array of N keys need not be linear but can b
25. ovided for a key less system 52 USCh essa 340 5 54 3405 85 340 825 693 for actuating a lock responsive to a valid OPEN signal A f 340 825 72 341 173 341 176 first portion is continuously coupled to a power source and 58 Field of Classification Search 340 5 54 a second portion receives power from the source only when A 340 5 72 5 85 341 173 176 307 10 4 a coupling switch is ON The first portion comprises a See application file for complete search history keypad for entry of a lock actuation code and a detector that senses the first keystroke and turns the switch ON The 56 References Cited second portion includes an RF transmitter and preferably a U S PATENT DOCUMENTS memory with valid actuation codes stored therein and a a processor coupled to the memory to the keypad and to the 4 754 255 A 6 1988 Sanders et al 340 5 72 RF transmitter When the entered and stored keystrokes pipe A A l ee je Peete A ld BAe match the RF transmitter sends an OPEN signal to the lock 5442341 A 8 1995 Lambropoulos oe bias 340 5 72 The method comprises detecting the first keystroke turning 5 955 981 A 9 1999 Rangan 340 5 72 ON the power switch ON comparing the entered and stored 6 617 975 BL 9 2003 Burgess vv 340 815 47 keystrokes and if matched transmitting an OPEN command to the lock FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS EP 0950784 A3 11 2001 18 Claims 5 Drawing Sheets U S Patent Mar 21 2006 Sheet 1 of 5 US 7
26. p 210 has not been successfully completed the system remains in the IS mode The output of PROCESS ENTRY CODE step 210 desir ably flows to RESET TIMER step 216 as shown by path 213 and to SET SLEEP MODE FLAG step 218 as shown by path 215 RESET TIMER step 216 insures that sufficient time is left in the powered up condition for additional COMMAND keystrokes can be received from keypad 26 and sent out by transmitter 34 in PROCESS COMMAND CODE step 212 Similarly the output of PROCESS COMMAND CODE step 212 desirably flows to RESET TIMER step 216 via path 217 and to SET SLEEP MODE FLAG step 218 via path 219 The output of PROCESS COMMAND CODE step 212 also flows to optional MANUAL SHUT DOWN step 220 whose output flows to SET SLEEP MODE step 218 In SET SLEEP MODE step 218 a flag is set in system 20 indicating whether the system should reawaken in insecure IS mode 209 or secure S mode 211 This capability is readily provided as a part of or incorporated in keystroke detect element 28 and or processor element 30 and memory 32 of FIG 4 The sleep mode flag may be conveniently stored in memory 32 or elsewhere Persons of skill in the art will understand how to include and program the logic needed to provide a mode state flag When the outcome of step 210 flows to step 218 IS flag 209 is preferably set When the outcome of step 212 flows to step 218 S flag 211 is preferably set However the user may choose which sleep mode flag will be set in ste
27. p 220 which operates in parallel with pathways 215 219 and can over ride the default values flowing from steps 210 212 Once SET SLEEP MODE step 218 has been executed method 200 desirably flows directly to POWER DOWN 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 10 step 223 if immediate shutdown is desired or indirectly to POWER DOWN step 224 through steps 216 214 if delayed shutdown is desired Any arrangement for causing an imme diate or timed shutdown can also be used System 20 desirably powers down into the sleep mode set by step 218 If for some reason step 218 has not been executed when step 224 is executed system 20 desirably defaults to IS mode on POWER DOWN After POWER DOWN step 224 then as shown by outcome path 213 system 20 returns to START 202 and step 204 to await detection of the first keystroke As a result of POWER DOWN step 224 only those portions of system 20 needed to detect the first keystroke and to maintain the sleep mode flag need be active and still coupled to power source 22 The remaining portions of system 20 are desirably disconnected by POWER ON OFF switch 24 but this is not essential FIG 8 is a simplified top exterior view similar to FIG 1 but of module 150 according to a further embodiment of the present invention Module 150 is analogous to module 10 of FIG 1 but having additional features Module 150 has case 152 boss 154 and entry keys 156 analogous to elements 12 1
28. prises a power source a first system portion coupled to the power source and receiving power therefrom while the system is in an active or inactive state a second system portion coupled to the power source by a switch and receiving power therefrom and in an active state only when the switch is ON wherein the first portion comprises a keypad having one or more keys that when depressed provide an electronic signal representing an entered actua tion code and a detector coupled to the keypad that inter cepts at least a first keystroke of the multiple keys and in response to the first keystroke turns the switch ON thereby making the second system portion active wherein the sec ond portion comprises a memory with one or more valid actuation codes stored therein a processor coupled to the memory and the keypad wherein the processor receives from the keypad keystroke sequences representing the entered actuation code and compares them to valid actuation codes retrieved from the memory to detect a match and a transmitter coupled to the processor wherein when the processor detects the match the transmitter sends out an RF signal carrying a valid OPEN command recognizable by the lock In a preferred embodiment the transmitter uses the same RF signal for the OPEN command as a fob type keyless entry device to which the lock is already responsive thus taking advantage of the receiver decoder lock control system already present in a vehicle A m
29. re hence the designation of step 80 as a TRANSMIT CODED RF step The designation radio frequency and the abbreviation RF are intended to include electromag netic radiation of any frequency Further any form of coding may be used In general the type of coding used is deter mined by what the vehicle structure or equipment control or access system is designed to receive and interpret Per sons of skill in the art will understand what type of coding is needed and how to implement it depending upon the particular type of receiver and control or access system involved Following step 80 POWER DOWN step 72 is per formed POWER DOWN step 72 may result from several causes including the completion of TIME DELAY from step 68 the outcomes of query steps 70 or 78 or the completion of TRANSMIT step 80 POWER DOWN step 72 returns module 10 and system 20 to its quiescent state and as shown via path 73 wherein it awaits another keystroke signal from keys 14 at step 64 FIG 6 is a simplified schematic flow chart of method 100 of the present invention according to a further embodiment Method 100 begins at 102 with DETECT FIRST KEY STROKE step 104 analogous to step 64 of FIG 5 When a first keystroke is detected then POWER UP step 106 is executed analogous to step 66 of FIG 6 thereby supplying power to those portions of system 20 that are not ordinarily connected to power source 22 This includes at least trans mitter 34 Time del
30. ry system the vehicle portion of such system may be retrofitted as an after market or 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 6 dealer installed item thereby permitting the vehicle or equipment or structure to operate in conjunction with key less entry module 10 As those of skill in the art will understand based on the description herein module 10 of the present invention is not limited merely to a transmitter receiver combination mimicking a fob type keyless entry system Transmitter 34 of FIG 4 may be adapted to transmit whatever coded signal is required by the receiver decoder combination resident in the vehicle or equipment or struc ture desired to be opened actuated or controlled Means and methods for providing various types of coded signals for transmitter 34 that can be detected by the corresponding receiver decoder combination in the target vehicle equip ment or structure are well known in the art Thus the present invention is also applicable under circumstances where a pre existing fob type keyless entry system is not present While it is preferable that power ON OFF switch 24 control the power to processor 30 and memory 32 this is not essential and logic 30 and memory 32 may be connected full time to DC power bus 21 as indicated by DC lines 53 55 57 much as keypad 26 and keystroke detect module 28 are continuously connected The use of low power circuitry can reduce the power drain fro
31. s method 200 can have system 20 POWER DOWN in insecure mode 124 or in secure mode 126 If system 20 is powered down put to sleep in insecure mode 124 then when re awakened by a POWER UP step the complete entry or unlock key sequence must be keyed in and matched for the system to function If system 20 is powered down put to sleep in secure mode 126 then when reawakened by a POWER UP step the complete entry or unlock sequence of keystrokes need not be entered and the system returns directly to the secure mode of operation ready to accept a COMMAND key sequence Once in the secure mode the user can choose which sleep mode will be used Method 200 begins at 202 with DETECT FIRST KEY STROKE step 204 analogous to step 64 of FIG 5 and step 104 of FIG 6 When a first keystroke is detected then POWER UP step 206 is executed analogous to steps 66 106 thereby supplying power to those portions of system 20 that are not ordinarily connected to power source 22 This US 7 015 791 B2 9 includes at least transmitter 34 Either in series or in parallel and in either order SET TIMER step 214 is executed before during or after POWER UP step 206 SET TIMER step 214 has the function of establishing a predetermined time delay after which the system powers down e g step 224 This is to insure that unless specifically commanded by the user or a subsequent step in method 200 system 20 reverts to a sleep powered down mode after an interval
32. ses embody the key sequence code For convenience of explanation and not intended to be limiting the present invention is described for the situation where it is being used to provide door entry and security for a vehicle that is as a key less vehicle entry system How ever those of skill in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited merely to vehicles and can be applied to any situation where key less entry or key less equipment activation is desired As used herein the words entry vehicle key less entry and key less vehicle entry are intended to include such other applications for example but not limited to equipment activation and deac tivation locking or unlocking doors in boats planes and structures other than cars turning lights on and off activat ing and deactivating alarm systems or other machinery or equipment and so forth Further the present invention is described in terms of performing an open or unlock function but this is merely for convenience of explanation 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 4 and not intended to be limiting Persons of skill in the art will understand that the functions performed by the present invention can activate and deactivate various vehicles and other subsystems as for example and not intended to be limiting sounding a horn or other alarm turning lights on or off starting and stopping the en
33. y current drain of power ON OFF switch 24 keypad 26 and keystroke detector 28 is so low that disconnect switch 38 is not necessary Thus switch 38 may be omitted in most applications Normally whenever module 10 is quiescent power ON OFF switch 24 is in the OFF state that is not delivering power to elements 30 32 34 so that keystroke processor 30 memory 32 and transmitter 34 are inactive When power ON OFF switch 24 is in the ON state proces sor 30 memory 32 and transmitter 34 are active When a user depresses any of keys 16 of keypad 26 on module 10 an electrical signal is sent via lead or bus 40 to keystroke detector 28 Keystroke detector 28 is conveniently a state machine or circuit whose purpose is to determine that a key on module 10 has been depressed Keystroke detector 28 then sends a signal via lead or bus 42 to Power ON OFF switch 24 causing power ON OFF switch to turn ON When power ON OFF switch turns ON it provides power to DC lead 29 and thereby via leads 31 33 35 to memory 32 processor 30 and transmitter 34 Thus a purpose of key stroke detector 28 is to wake up or power up the rest of system 20 as soon as any of keys 14 is activated If keystroke detector 28 fails to detect further keystrokes or fails to detect further keystrokes corresponding to an attempt to enter an entry code then it causes Power ON OFF switch 24 to turn OFF again conveniently via lead or bus 42 Power ON OFF switch 24 desirably contains a s
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