Abstract:
A system for providing secured access to a vehicle, a remote communications device for sending a signal for controlling a first set of functions associated with the vehicle, a receiver associated with the vehicle and adapted to receive the signal, an access module operatively connected to the vehicle and adapted to provide control of a second set of functions of the vehicle by a user from outside of the vehicle, where the first set of functions may be similar or different from the second set of functions, a plurality of actuators disposed within the vehicle and wherein at least a portion of the first set of functions or at least a portion of the second set of functions are associated with at least one of the plurality of actuators and a controller module electrically connected to the receiver, the access module, and the plurality of actuators.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to secured access to vehicles. More specifically, this invention relates to a system for providing secured access to a vehicle using both a remote communications device such as a transmitter and an access module such as a vehicle-mounted keypad.  
           [0002]    Keyless entry systems are widely used in cars and trucks. Typically, keyless entry systems include a key chain fob with several push buttons that lock and unlock doors, release a trunk latch, or activate a horn and/or lights associated with a panic function. The sophistication of such systems varies and other functions may be provided. This type of keyless entry is generally considered to be convenient and to promote safety.  
           [0003]    Another type of electronic access system uses a door-mounted keyless entry system. In such a system, a keypad provides for access to a vehicle. A user typically provides an access code in order to gain entry into the vehicle.  
           [0004]    Both the remote transmitter and the keypad entry system have their respective advantages. With the remote transmitter system, doors can be unlocked prior to an individual reaching the vehicle. In addition, the individual must have the remote transmitter or a key in order to gain access into the vehicle.  
           [0005]    With the keypad, the user has the convenience that they need not carry the transmitter with them in order to access the vehicle. Where a keypad is used, they need only remember the proper combination.  
           [0006]    Some attempts have been made in providing vehicles having both a transmitter and a keypad. One such example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,465. In addition, Ford offers certain of its vehicles with both a transmitter and a keypad.  
           [0007]    Despite these prior art attempts, problems remain. In particular, current keyless access systems are limited in the functions, scale, and scope they provide. While some vehicles such as passenger cars may only require a few different functions others require increased functionality.  
           [0008]    A further problem is that systems can consist of different components (including keypads, RF systems, and security systems) that are not compatible unless additional external components (including, but not limited to diodes, external relays, resistors) are used within the vehicle&#39;s wiring harness. This results in a complex and costly systems that provides for little opportunity for customization.  
           [0009]    These problems are particularly apparent as they relate to non-automotive vehicles. Many vehicles are far more complicated than cars. For example, recreational vehicles (RVs), trucks, specialty vehicles, emergency vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural equipment and other types of vehicles may be large in nature and have numerous features or amenities that it would be useful and desirable to control without the operator being physically located in the drivers seat. These types of vehicles may have multiple entry doors, multiple compartments on the inside or outside of the vehicles, gas compartment doors, maintenance doors, various lighting fixtures on the inside or outside of the vehicle, and numerous other functions some of which may be highly specialized. These vehicles are more likely to need greater customization. Therefore reworking the wiring harness for each specific application is impractical and cost prohibitive.  
           [0010]    Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve upon the state of the art.  
           [0011]    Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is to provide a keyless access system for a vehicle that can use both a remote and an access module such as a keypad physically attached to the vehicle.  
           [0012]    Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a keyless access system for a vehicle that can be used to both sense or monitor states associated with the vehicle as well as to control functions of the vehicle.  
           [0013]    A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a keyless access system for a vehicle that has numerous functions, features or amenities for which keyless access is desired.  
           [0014]    Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide an integrated access system that is customizable in terms of outputs related to vehicle functions and inputs related to vehicle states without requiring redesign of the vehicle&#39;s wiring harness.  
           [0015]    Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is the provision of an integrated access system that provides flexibility in the number and types of control outputs, and flexibility in the number and types of monitoring inputs.  
           [0016]    These and other objects, features, and/or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims that follow.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0017]    The present invention is a system for providing secured access to a vehicle without requiring keys or requiring that the operator be inside of the vehicle. The present provides for both sensing inputs or states associated with the vehicle as well as controlling functions or outputs of the vehicle. The system is flexible and allows for customization without requiring reworking of the vehicle&#39;s wiring harness.  
           [0018]    According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for providing secured access to a vehicle includes a remote communications device for sending a signal for controlling a first set of functions associated with the vehicle, a receiver associated with the vehicle and adapted to receive the signal, an access module operatively connected to the vehicle and adapted to provide control of the second set of functions of the vehicle by a user from outside of the vehicle, the first set of functions may be similar to or completely different from the second set of functions, a plurality of actuators disposed within the vehicle and wherein at least a portion of the first set of functions or at least a portion of the second set of functions are associated with at least one of a plurality of actuators, and a controller module electrically connected to the receiver, the access module, and the plurality of actuators. The access module can be a vehicle-mountable keypad accessible from outside of the vehicle. The system can include more than one access module. In addition, the system can include a plurality of sensors and/or switches associated with the vehicle and electrically connected to the controller module.  
           [0019]    According to another aspect of the present invention a system for providing secured access to a vehicle is provided. The system includes a remote communications device for sending a signal for controlling a first set of vehicle functions associated with the vehicle, a receiver associated with the vehicle and adapted to receive the signal, a first access module operatively connected to the vehicle and adapted to provide control of a second set of vehicle functions of the vehicle by a user from outside of the vehicle, a plurality of zones associated with the vehicle, each of the zones having at least one electrically controlled switch, a first controller module electrically connected to the receiver, the first access module, and the at least one electronically controlled switch, the first set of vehicle functions associated with at least one of the plurality of zones, the second set of vehicle functions associated with at least one of the plurality of zones, and the first set of vehicle functions being different from the second set of vehicle functions. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle equipped with a secured access system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 is a front view of one access module according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 is a front view of a key fob transmitter according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a keyless access system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a keyless access system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]    The present invention provides for a keyless access system for a vehicle. Although the term “keyless entry” system is more commonly used, the term “keyless access” system is used herein because the present invention provides for vehicle functions beyond merely entry into the vehicle.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle  10  shown is an RV, however, the present invention is in no way limited for use in an RV. The present invention can be used in numerous applications, including vehicles such as semi-truck tractors, ambulances, construction equipment, and other types of vehicles. The vehicle  10  shown has a passenger door  12  and a number of different compartment doors  14 . The compartment doors  14  are spread out along the passenger side of the vehicle  10 . Two different access modules  16  are also shown. The access modules  16 A and  16 B can be keypads. Access modules  16 A and  16 B are located on different ends of the vehicle  10  with access module  16 B being located approximately the passenger door  12  and access module  16 A being located approximately the rear most compartment doors  14 . Although only two access modules  16 A and  16 B are shown, the present invention contemplates that numerous access modules can be provided. The access modules  16 A and  16 B can be keypads that require a security code prior to being used to control vehicle functions. Alternatively, the present invention contemplates that the access modules can otherwise provide for secured access. For example, biometric systems, including, but not limited to finger print access systems or retinal scanning systems can be used. Further, various transponder or transceiver systems could also be used.  
         [0027]    Either access module  16 A and/or  16 B can be used to control vehicle functions. This allows an operator to fully control vehicle functions from either location. For example, an operator of the vehicle  10  can use access module  16 B to unlock the passenger door  12  and enter the vehicle  10 . The operator can also use the access module  16 A to open various compartment doors  14 , including the rear most doors  14 . The present invention also provides for any number of sensors or switches to be placed throughout vehicle  10 . These sensors or switches can include, without limitation, door ajar switches, interior lock/unlock (momentary rocker) manual switches, and other types of switches.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 provides one embodiment of an access module  16  of the present invention. In the access module  16 , a plurality of buttons  18  are shown. The operator can enter an access code into the access module  16  prior to specifying particular vehicle functions. To facilitate the entry of a code, each of the buttons  18  can be labeled such as with one or more numbers as shown. The access module  16  may be mounted vertically or horizontally onto the vehicle  10 . Preferably, the buttons  18  provide both visual feedback through back lighting or other means as well as tactile feedback and audible feedback so that an operator can be certain as to which buttons  18  have been pressed.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 provides a front view of a key fob transmitter  20  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The key fob transmitter  20  is available from various sources. The key fob transmitter  20  includes buttons  24 ,  26 ,  28 , and  30 . The buttons  24 ,  26 ,  28 , and  30  are associated with different vehicle functions. For example, button  24  can be associated with a function to lock all doors or to lock only those locks associated within a particular zone of the vehicle. Similarly, the button  26  can be used to unlock all the doors or unlock locks associated with a zone of a vehicle. The button  28  can be used to toggle an auxiliary function or to lock a second zone of the vehicle. The button  30  can be used as panic button, such as to activate the vehicle horn or lights or to unlock a second zone of the vehicle. In addition, a transmitter  22  is a part of the key fob  20  device. Although a keyfob transmitter is shown, the present invention contemplates that other types of transmitters or transponders can be used in a remote system. Preferably, the remote transmitter is a code-hopping, rolling code, or code swapping transmitter in order to improve the security of the system. A transmitter is merely one type of remote communications device that can be used. The present invention also contemplates that a transponder, proximity device, or other remote communications device can be used  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 provides a block diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention. An electronic access system  32  is shown. The system  32  includes a key fob transmitter unit  20  and a vehicle subsystem  34 . The vehicle subsystem  34  includes a receiver  36  in communication with the key fob transmitter  20 . The key fob transmitter  20  communicates with the receiver  36  through RF communications or otherwise. The receiver  36  is electrically connected to a controller module  38 . A controller module  38  is also connected to one or more access modules  16 A and  16 B. The access modules may be keypad access modules, however, the present invention contemplates that instead of using buttons for entering a security code and controlling functions, other types of access may be provided. In addition to these inputs, the controller module  38  includes a number of outputs. The controller module  38  is used to control a plurality of zones. A zone is a grouping of acuators or other electronic switches associated with a vehicle and vehicle functions. For example, various switches can be used to control lighting, various actuators can be used to control locking and unlocking compartment doors or entry doors, opening doors, or other vehicle functions. For illustrative purposes, a first zone  40  is shown containing both a switch  42  and an actuator  44 . A second zone  46  is shown containing both a switch  48  and an actuator  50 . A third zone  52  is shown containing an actuator  54  and a fourth zone  56  is shown containing a switch  58 . The present invention contemplates numerous zones and within each zone the present invention contemplates that any number of electronic switches and/or actuators may be used.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 provides another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, multiple controller modules are shown. A first controller module  38 A and a second controller module  38 B are shown. The present invention contemplates that numerous controller modules  38  can be used. Where more than one controller module  38  is used, the controller modules  38  can communicate through network communication. By daisy chaining the controller modules  38 , additional inputs and outputs to the access system can be provided.  
         [0032]    The present invention provides for communication between controller modules  38 . In one embodiment, each controller modules can send multiplexed messages to and from other controller modules. This allows a system of the present invention to provide for expansion in that additional inputs and/or outputs can be used. The present invention provides for network communication between controller modules. Many protocols and/or message formats may be used. According to one embodiment a physical layer based on the J1708 standard is used. The messages sent begin with an ‘STX’ (02H) character and end with an ‘ETX’ character. These are transmitted at 2400 baud with 8 data bits and 1 stop bit. Various commands can then be used as may be appropriate in a particular environment or application. The commands can include commands to learn and/or change programming, commands that will change security codes, commands that will lock all doors, commands to unlock a particular zone, commands to unlock all zones, commands to toggle an auxiliary output, commands to send a pulse output, commands to change the status (for example to change between a secure mode and an unsecure mode), commands to indicate errors, and commands to issue a wakeup to particular devices.  
         [0033]    The present invention further allows for particular vehicle outputs to be enabled or disabled. For example, in specialized vehicles, there is various equipment associated with the vehicle. Such equipment can include motor or hydraulic controlled equipment such as winches, booms, and other equipment. The present invention allows for messages to be used to enable or disable particular equipment. This can be for safety reasons, or other appropriate reasons.  
         [0034]    The present invention further provides for multiple user codes to be used. Each user code can be associated with different sets of vehicle functions. This allows different users to have access to different vehicle functions. Each user code can have more access, less access, or different access to vehicle functions than other user codes. For example, where the vehicle is an ambulance and has a compartment containing pharmaceuticals, a person who is only a driver for the vehicle would not need access to the compartment and therefore would not be able to unlock the compartment door using their user code. In another example, a particular vehicle compartment can be designated to be accessible only by service personnel with an appropriate code. The present invention contemplates any number of examples involving any number of different vehicles, especially specialized vehicles, and any number of types of users where there is reason to provide different users with different types of access to vehicle functions. In this manner, the present invention further provides for additional customization of features by providing flexibility based on the vehicle functions of the specific vehicle and the types of users who will have access to the vehicle functions.  
         [0035]    The present invention also provides for low power consumption. The control module  38  includes power management features to reduce power consumption. The present invention contemplates that a vehicle of the present invention can be seasonal and therefore may have long periods (i.e. months) without use. Thus, low power consumption is particularly important. In addition, the access module includes power management. The power management features of the present invention allow for power consumption to be reduced when the system is idle.  
         [0036]    As shown in FIG. 5, the present invention provides for inputs such as sensors or switches to be used in addition to outputs. The first controller module  38 A in FIG. 5 is electrically connected to an actuator  60  associated with a compartment door, an actuator  62  associated with an entry door lock, a switch for a porch light  64 , a switch for the horn  66 . The second controller module  38 B is electrically connected to a switch or a baggage light  68 , a sensor for an entry door ajar  70 , a sensor for a compartment door ajar  72 , an engine running sensor  74 , and a key in ignition sensor  76 .  
         [0037]    Thus each controller module  38  can be used in conjunction with both inputs and outputs. The present invention contemplates that the controller module  38  can also communicate with other aspects of the vehicle. The present invention can easily be expanded through the addition of access modules and/or controller modules. The structure of the present invention allows it to easily accommodate the wiring harness of a specialized vehicle so that the system can be placed in a vehicle without requiring redesign of the vehicle&#39;s wiring harness. The system of the present invention therefore provides a convenient, flexible, and customizable means for providing secured access to a vehicle, for controlling vehicle functions, and monitoring vehicle states.  
         [0038]    Thus, an electronic access system has been disclosed. The present invention contemplates numerous variations in the particular vehicle functions provided, variations in the specific inputs and outputs provided, the communication between controller modules, the number and type of access modules, and the types of vehicle used. These and other variations are well within the spirit and scope of the invention.