Wireless locating system

A method is provided for exchanging information to locate a key fob. The method comprises transmitting a wireless locator signal from a first portable wireless device, the wireless locator signal conveying the identity of the first portable wireless device and receiving a first once-adjusted wireless locator signal from a distant wireless device locator system, the first once-adjusted wireless locator signal comprising at least some information conveyed in the wireless locator signal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to wireless key fobs and other wireless electronic devices. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate to systems and methods for locating linked wireless electronic devices, such as automotive key fobs.

BACKGROUND

Some vehicles are associated with portable remote devices, such as key fobs that can allow remote manipulation of the associated vehicle. As one example, a key fob can be configured to wirelessly communicate with a vehicle to remotely unlock one or more door locks of the vehicle. In other examples, the portable remote device can unlatch or open the trunk or lift gate of a vehicle, activate or deactivate an alarm system, and/or initiate any other useful actions.

Remote devices can be easy to carry and transport in personal containers, such as purses, pockets, wallets, and the like. Accordingly, as with other personal effects, key fobs and other portable remote devices can be lost or misplaced or can be otherwise difficult to find. Even with careful tracking of a remote device, children and pets, among other factors, can make location difficult. Moreover, multiple remote devices are often distributed with each vehicle. In the event that more than one remote device becomes lost or misplaced, finding them again can require additional effort.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A method is provided for exchanging information to locate a key fob. The method comprises transmitting a wireless locator signal from a first portable wireless device, the wireless locator signal conveying the identity of the first portable wireless device, and receiving a first once-adjusted wireless locator signal from a distant wireless device locator system, the first once-adjusted wireless locator signal comprising at least some information conveyed in the wireless locator signal.

A method of locating portable wireless devices is also disclosed. The method comprises receiving a wireless locator signal with a first portable wireless device comprising a feedback device, the wireless locator signal conveying information including the identity of a distantly-transmitting remote wireless locator system, determining the identity of the remote wireless locator system from the wireless locator signal, and operating the feedback device, in response to receiving the wireless locator signal, to generate feedback that identifies the remote wireless locator system.

A method of locating a key fob associated with a vehicle comprising a remote device locator system is also disclosed. The method comprises transmitting a wireless locator signal from a first key fob in response to manipulation of a first manual input device of the first key fob, receiving a first once-adjusted wireless locator signal from a second key fob, the first once-adjusted wireless locator signal including the identity of the second key fob and at least some information conveyed in the wireless locator signal, and operating a first feedback device of the first key fob in a first mode in response to receiving the first once-adjusted wireless locator signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and with reference to symbolic representations of operations, processing tasks, and functions that may be performed by various computing components or devices. For example, an embodiment may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other devices.

The terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the subject matter. Such representations may be shown with respect to wireless transmission of data between some portions of embodiments.

In accordance with the system embodiments described herein, lost or misplaced key fobs can be easily located. A system may include key fobs associated with a vehicle; the key fobs are adapted to activate user feedback devices. The feedback devices can aid a user of the system in locating lost or misplaced key fobs by emitting audible and/or visual signals. A locator signal can be initially transmitted from a key fob or the vehicle. Such a locator signal can begin the search for lost or misplaced key fobs. Multiple devices or systems can transmit a locator signal. Additionally, the key fobs and associated vehicle are capable of retransmitting locator signals, enabling a key fob outside the initial transmission range of the locator signal to receive a retransmitted signal, thus spreading the area in which key fobs can be located.

FIG. 1illustrates an embodiment of a remote device locating system1. The locating system1can include a first remote device10, a second remote device30, and a wireless locating device50disposed in, coupled to, or cooperating with a vehicle, among other components as appropriate to the embodiment. The first and second remote devices10,30can be embodied in wireless key fobs, though alternatively items such as keys, key storage devices, personal devices, wallets, purses, money clips, cellular or portable phones, wireless communication devices, and/or any portions of any of these objects, devices, and systems can be used. Similarly, although the wireless locating device50is embodied in a vehicle in the illustrated embodiment, it can be embodied in or cooperate with other components, devices, or systems, such as desktop computers, microphone broadcast bases, wireless broadcast devices, or other systems and/or components can be used. Additionally, although two remote devices10,30are illustrated, more or fewer can be used as appropriate.

The first remote device10can include a control system12, a manual input device14, a feedback device16, and a wireless transceiver18, among other components. Some embodiments can also include a display20and/or another manual input device22. The components of the first remote device10can be coupled together as needed using any suitable interconnection technique or technology. The first remote device is suitably configured to receive, process, and otherwise respond to various wireless signals handled or transmitted by the system1, such as, without limitation, locator signals, key fob command or request signals, response signals, and the like. The first remote device10, moreover, is capable of supporting the various key fob locating techniques and protocols described in more detail below, with reference toFIGS. 2-10.

Each manual input device14,22can comprise any suitable mechanism for inputting information into a remote device or vehicle. Some non-limiting examples can include buttons, knobs, switches, touch-sensitive devices, and the like.

The feedback device16can comprise a component adapted to produce a signal, cue, effect, or indicator perceptible by one of the five senses, such as a visual feedback device, an audible feedback device, a tactile feedback device, and the like, among other components of the device. A constant light, a flashing or blinking light, either of which can emit from an operated light emitting diode (LED), a group of such lights, and/or lights flashing synchronously or asynchronously are some non-limiting examples of visual feedback devices. A visual feedback device can emit a signal, pattern, icon, and/or sequence or pattern thereof, either singly or repetitively. Visual feedback can be displayed for constant or varying time intervals.

Similarly, an audible feedback device can be one which produces any of various sounds detectable by the human ear, such as a synthesized voice, audible tone, siren, beeping noise, and/or combinations and/or variations thereof. In some embodiments, a constant or intermittent tone can be produced by a feedback device. In certain embodiments, different audible feedback indicators can be produced to indicate, convey, or represent different states, responses, and feedback of the remote device locator system. As one example, a higher-pitched tone can be emitted under certain circumstances, while a lower-pitched tone can be emitted under different circumstances. In some embodiments, the audible feedback device can also emit alternating tones.

The feedback device16can also comprise a tactile feedback device, such as a buzzer or vibrating mechanism adapted to operate for intervals of varying lengths, intensity, and in patterns. Some or all of the types of feedback devices can be embodied in different combinations and can operate in any combination of modes, such as a flashing light paired with a vibration device. In other embodiments, a steady light, low-pitched tone, and gentle vibration can all be created by a feedback device, and so on.

The wireless transceiver18is any device, component, or system capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals, such as wireless locator signals, adjusted or rebroadcasted wireless locator signals, key fob confirmation, command, and request signals, and the like, and described below. Any suitable protocol and/or method of interoperation can be used. Some types of wireless transceivers18can operate on radio frequency (RF), infrared and/or other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, including spread-spectrum technologies. The transceiver18can be adapted to interoperate with any other transceiver of the system as well as other wireless devices, as suitable to the embodiment. Additionally, a transceiver controlled by a control system and the communication between them may correspond to some or all of the features described above. A control system can receive input from multiple sources and/or components, as well as transmit signals to other components, thereby allowing control of the components and directed operation of their features and functions.

The display20can be embodied separate from and/or in addition to the feedback device16. Preferably, the display20is adapted to display icons or imagery associated with other components in the system1. As one example, where a device locator signal exchange has established contact with a lost or misplaced key fob, the display20can create, illuminate, or show a icon or graphic or other image conveying which components of the system1have responded to the device locator signal, or that none have, as appropriate to the circumstances. One such display can be adapted to produce graphic imagery, though alphanumerical output can also be used. Some non-limiting examples of displays can include liquid crystal displays (LCD), organic light emitting diode displays (OLED), and the like. Any display suitable to the remote device can be used.

The control system12can be coupled to one or more of the elements in a remote device10, as shown inFIG. 1. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the first remote device10, the control system12is coupled to the either manual input device14,22, the feedback device16, the wireless transceiver18, and the display20. The control system12can be adapted to monitor, regulate, control, and respond to the transmission and reception of signals to or from any component or element to which it is coupled. Each signal can convey information, such as a notification of activation of a manual input device, an activation of a feedback device, and information being transmitted or received through a wireless transceiver. Such signals can include those listed above and described in further detail below.

The second remote device and wireless locator device30,50can similarly comprise control systems32,52, manual input devices34,42,54,62a feedback devices36,56, wireless transceivers38,58and, in some embodiments, displays40,60similar to those described in relation to the first remote device10.

Preferably, the system1is used to locate a lost or misplaced component of the system. As one example, the first remote device10, called a known device, can be in possession of the operator. The operator can initiate a search for other components of the system1. Such a search can be called a wireless search, a wireless device location search, a wireless location search or request, and so on. To initiate the search, the operator can manipulate the manual interface device14of the known device. In response, the known device will transmit a wireless locator signal conveying information containing the identity of the transmission, here the known device, and that a search has been requested.

In response, other components of the system1which receive the wireless locator signal can perform certain actions, such as operating a feedback device, and responding to the wireless locator signal. Preferably, the known device receives one or more signals from other components of the system1and can convey information regarding the outcome of the search to the operator using the feedback device16and/or display20. Under certain circumstances, other components of the system1can display more or less information depending on the circumstances under which the search is requested.

The effectiveness of the search can depend on a variety of factors, including power available for signal transmission, distance between components of the system1, interference from other sources, obstacles inhibiting signal transmission, low power for transmissions, and so on. The success of the search can depend, at least in part, upon distance between components of the system1. As shown inFIG. 2, however, a component does not need to be within transmission range of the known device to respond to a wireless locator signal.

FIG. 2displays a diagram of a locator system100comprising a first remote device110, a second remote device130, and a vehicle comprising or cooperating with a wireless locating device150, similar to those described above. The first remote device can have a first broadcast range112, while the second remote device130can have a second broadcast range132, and the wireless locating device150can have a third broadcast range152. Each broadcast or transmission range112,132,152can be a distance the originating component is capable of transmitting a signal with reasonable chance a receiving component will acquire the information conveyed therein. The first remote device110can be separated from the second remote device130by a distance d1, which can be less than the range of the first and second broadcasts112,132. Similarly, the second remote device130can be separated from the wireless locating device150by a distance d2, which can be less than the range of the second and third broadcasts132,152. The total distance between the first remote device110and the wireless locating device150—the combination of d1and d2—can be greater than any of the first, second, and third broadcast ranges112,132,152. Consequently, in the illustrated embodiment, the first remote device110and wireless locating device150can communicate with each other using the second remote device130as an intermediary, but cannot directly communicate, such as with wireless transceivers.

In some circumstances, some components of the system100can be outside the broadcast range of some or every other device in the system100. Additionally, in some circumstances, a component can receive from two other components of the system, but respond to only one or neither of the other components. Behavior of the system in such circumstances is described below.

With reference toFIG. 3, a diagram illustrating performance of a device search200is shown. Although a first key fob210, vehicle220, and second key fob230are used as exemplary embodiments, as described above, the wireless systems disposed or embodied therein can be alternatively embodied as well. Additionally,FIG. 3illustrates a physical layout similar to that ofFIG. 2, except that the first and second key fobs210,230are spaced too distantly to directly communicate.

An operator can initiate a search for either a remote device, such as the key fobs described here. Initiating a search can be done by manipulating at least one of the manual interface devices of a key fob, as one example. Typically, such a search is performed to cause one or more components of the system to provide feedback, assisting the operator in locating them. For this example, the operator of210is attempting to locate the second key fob230, in an unknown location and outside the transmission range of the first key fob210. Under some circumstances, the operator can initiate a search for a vehicle, through interaction with a wireless device locator system embodied within, disposed within, or cooperating with the vehicle. Although feedback modes may vary depending on the component, the operation of the search, for the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, may be as described below.

The operator can initiate the search by manipulating a button or other device of the first key fob210, a known device. In response, the first key fob210transmits a wireless locator signal240. The wireless locator signal240can convey that a search has been initiated, as well as other information, such as the time that the search was initiated, the identity of the transmitting device, and any other useful information, such as whether or not the first key fob210has received information from another component of the system. As described, the wireless locator signal240is received by the vehicle220, but not by the second key fob230(which is the lost/misplaced device).

In response to receiving the wireless locator signal240, the vehicle220retransmits the signal as an adjusted wireless locator signal242. The adjusted wireless locator signal242can convey at least some of the information from the wireless locator signal240. Specifically, the adjusted wireless locator signal242can convey that the first key fob210transmitted a wireless locator signal240, the time of the transmission, and the identity of the originally-transmitting device, as well as additional information, such as the time of reception of the wireless locator signal240by the vehicle220, the identity of the transmitting device of the adjusted wireless locator signal242—here, the vehicle220—and information conveying that the vehicle220has not received either another wireless locator signal240or an adjusted wireless locator signal242from another component of the system. In addition, the vehicle can operate one or more feedback devices, including a display and/or visible or audible signals, such as flashing of the vehicles headlights, brake lights, warning lights, sounding of the horn, and so on.

The first key fob210receives the adjusted wireless locator signal242from the vehicle220and operates its feedback and/or display to convey to the operator that the vehicle220received the wireless locator signal240, and is operating one or more feedback devices. Additionally, the second key fob230receives the adjusted wireless locator signal242. In response, the second key fob230can operate its feedback device, and present certain information on its display. Such information can include the fact that the request was transmitted from the first key fob210, and relayed by the vehicle220. Furthermore, the display can also convey that the second key fob230received only the adjusted wireless locator signal242and not the wireless locator signal240.

In this example, the first key fob210, in response to receiving the adjusted wireless locator signal242, transmits a confirmation signal246. The confirmation signal246can be sent once or repeatedly, as with all other signals of the system200. The confirmation signal246can convey that the adjusted wireless locator signal242was received by the first key fob210. Additionally, the confirmation signal246can also convey that the first key fob210did not receive a signal from the second key fob230, as under some circumstances, the first and second key fobs210,230might exchange signals during the search. In that case, the fact of such direct signal exchange could be conveyed with the confirmation signal, and presented as feedback or on a display. Accordingly, the vehicle220can learn from the confirmation signal246the overall state of the search as known by the first key fob210; namely that the first key fob210is in communication with the vehicle220. Other components of the system can adjust a confirmation signal to add or remove information indicating which components have already received the confirmation signal. Accordingly, when a last component to receive the confirmation signal does receive it, the information that all other components have received the confirmation signal can allow the last component to not transmit the confirmation signal or adjust and transmit it, as no further components would require the signal.

In some embodiments, the first key fob210waits for a predetermined delay period of time is observed prior to transmission of the confirmation signal246to permit time for all transmissions between non-initiating devices to propagate. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first key fob210sends the confirmation signal246in response to receiving the adjusted wireless locator signal242. The first key fob210can also send a confirmation signal after receiving the thrice-adjusted wireless locator signal248, or after both signals, as appropriate to the purpose of transmitting the state of the search to other devices. Under certain circumstances, multiple confirmation signals may be sent during a single search as a result of a signal being received after a certain time has elapsed. The newly-received signal can contain additional information prompting another confirmation signal.

In response to receiving the adjusted wireless locator signal242, the second key fob230can transmit a twice-adjusted wireless locator signal244. The twice-adjusted wireless locator signal244can convey information back to the vehicle220, including the fact that the second key fob230received the adjusted wireless locator signal244, but not the wireless locator signal240. Additionally, the twice-adjusted wireless locator signal244can convey that the second key fob230has or will activate a feedback device to assist an operator in locating it.

The vehicle220can retransmit the twice-adjusted wireless locator signal244as a thrice-adjusted wireless locator signal248. The signal248can convey the information of the twice-adjusted wireless locator signal244, as well as additional information conveying that the vehicle220is retransmitting the signal, the time of the retransmission, and other information as suitable to the embodiment.

The first key fob210can receive the thrice-adjusted wireless locator signal248and convey at least some of the information, such as establishment of contact with the second key fob230through relay by the intermediary vehicle220, through methods described above for presenting information. As described, the first key fob210can subsequently transmit a confirmation signal250containing the status of the search and state of each component known to the first key fob210. The confirmation signal250can be relayed by the vehicle220to the second key fob230; the relayed confirmation signal252occurs last in time for this example.

After viewing the information determined by the search, the operator in possession of the first key fob210can receive feedback or examine the display to learn that the first key fob210has contacted the vehicle220through direct signals, and the vehicle220is operating a feedback device. Additionally, the first key fob210can convey that the second key fob230has been contacted as part of the search, and is operating a feedback device. The first key fob210can also convey that contact with the second key fob230was established only through the intermediary vehicle220repeating or relaying transmissions as adjusted signals. Accordingly, the user or operator can infer that the second key fob230is within transmission range of the vehicle220, but not the first key fob210, and can focus a physical search for the second key fob230more narrowly, with the aid of the feedback of the second key fob230, such as an audible or visual cue or signal.

The confirmation signals246,250,252preferably convey all information known to each component of the system after waiting a period of time for the search signals to propagate and be exchanged between devices. Additionally, the confirmation signals246,250,252can be sent in response to new receiving a confirmation signal, thereby distributing the known status of the search to components to which signals must be relayed.

Therefore, as shown any device, such as the vehicle220can transmit a confirmation signal, not just the search-initiating device. The known status of the search can include the identity of which component or components have initiated the search, which are in contact with another component or components, whether such contact is direct or through the use of a relay or retransmission of a signal as an adjusted signal, and whether feedback devices have been activated. Preferably, each component of the system200receives a confirmation signal, and provides information contained therein for reference, either through variable modes of feedback or presentation of the information on a display of the component.

Each component can also be manipulated to transmit a termination or cancellation signal, which will cause all components to cease producing feedback and only retransmit the cancellation signal, thereby ending the search. In one embodiment, a second pressing of a button used to start the search can cancel it.

As shown inFIG. 3, the second key fob230is beyond the range of the first key fob210, and the key fobs210,220are unable to directly contact each other. The vehicle220can relay such contact by virtue of a different, better-accessible physical location, a location with reduced interference, or any other reason. Other permutations and combinations of information exchange and acknowledgment are also possible, as enabled by the components and interoperability of the locator system, and some examples are described below.

FIG. 4illustrates an example where the second key fob330is beyond the transmission range of both the first key fob310and the vehicle320. Unless otherwise specified, the components and numbering of elements are identical to that ofFIG. 3, except that the numbers of each have been incremented by 100.

In the illustrated example, the second key fob330is out of transmission range of the vehicle320. Accordingly, because neither wireless locator signal340transmitted by the first key fob310nor the adjusted wireless locator signal342transmitted by the vehicle320is received by the second key fob320. Consequently, the amount of information exchanged is lessened. Additionally, although the vehicle320will activate a feedback device and/or present information on a display, the second key fob330will do neither and, thus, the operator of the system300is not aided in a search for the lost second key fob330by such feedback.

FIGS. 5-10illustrate similar exchanges of information between a component of the system400known to the user or operator of the system400, called the known device410, to locate another component of unknown whereabouts, called the lost device430. The third device420of each embodiment of the system400can be a remaining component, whether its location is known or not. Each component can be any of the wireless devices, such as the key fobs, and the wireless device locator device, whether embodied in a vehicle, or other component, as described above.

FIG. 5illustrates a situation where each component of the system400is in transmission range and capable of sending and receiving signals from each other component. Thus, a search begun by the known device410will originate as the transmission of wireless locator signals450. In response, each of the other components420,430will transmit adjusted wireless locator signals452, conveying information as described above. Each of the lost device430and the third device420can operate a feedback device and/or present information on a display as described above in response to either of the wireless locator signal450, the adjusted wireless locator signals452, or any subsequent signal, as appropriate to the embodiment. Such feedback or display is illustrated as emissions412,422,432for the known device410, third device420, and lost device430, respectively.

The known device410, being in transmission range of the other components, will receive the adjusted wireless locator signal452and can present the information that it has contacted both devices and they are also emitting feedback to the user. The known device410can transmit a confirmation signal458at that time, or delay a predetermined time.

Each of the third device420and lost device430will retransmit the adjusted wireless locator signal452each receives as a twice-adjusted wireless locator signal452. Additionally, because each of the third and lost devices420,430has received both the wireless locator signal450and an adjusted wireless locator signal452, each device can present information or emit feedback indicating that the device is in communication with both other components of the system400.

In response to receiving the twice-adjusted wireless locator signal454, each of the third and lost devices420,430can transmit a thrice-adjusted wireless locator signal456, communicating to the known device410that each component is in contact by direct signal with each other component. Finally, the known device, having determined a successful search, with complete communication between all components and feedback operating for a predetermined time on each, as well as, preferably, presentation of the status on a display of each, can transmit the confirmation signal458. The confirmation signal458can be repeated to each component, conveying the status of the search.

As shown inFIGS. 6-10, various arrangements of the system components can affect the status and success of the search. With respect toFIG. 6, as shown, the lost device430can only be reached by relay through the third device420. Accordingly, a signal sequence similar toFIG. 3occurs. Thus, the wireless locator signal450is only received by the third device420, which emits feedback422and retransmits the signal as the adjusted wireless locator signal452. The lost device430, in turn, receives the adjusted wireless locator signal452, emits feedback432, and transmits a twice-adjusted wireless locator signal454. The third device420receives the twice-adjusted wireless locator signal454and transmits the thrice-adjusted wireless locator signal456, which is received by the known device410. The known device410, now apprised of the status of the search and fact of contact with the lost device430only through relay by the third device430, presents such information to the user and transmits a confirmation signal458, which is relayed by the known device410. Although the lost device430cannot directly receive signals, it still can transmit in response to those received from the third device420. If changes in interference or physical positioning permit reception by the known and lost devices410,430for direct signal exchange, such a fact can be conveyed to the user.

FIG. 7illustrates an arrangement similar to the sequence shown inFIG. 4. Accordingly, the third device430can receive the wireless locator signal450, but the lost device430cannot. The third device430activates a feedback432, and transmits the adjusted wireless locator signal452. After a predetermined period of time, the known device410can produce output feedback412conveying the status of the search to the user and transmit the confirmation signal458. The third device420can optionally retransmit the confirmation signal458, or not, as it knows that it has not established communication with any other components besides that from which it received the confirmation signal458. In some embodiments, when a component receives a confirmation signal458as the first received signal, such as if the lost device430were brought into range after previous signals, the component can treat the confirmation signal458as a wireless locator signal450, and initiate a response, prompting a new exchange of signals as if a search had been begun again. Thus, the system400can robustly update the status of the search, should a component belatedly respond to one or more signals of the search.

FIG. 8illustrates an arrangement of the system400wherein the lost device430is capable of receiving signals from the known device410and not the third device420, and is prevented or inhibited from communicating directly with either. As can be seen, the lost device430will still produce feedback432in response to receiving the wireless locator signal450, even if it receives no further signals. After a predetermined period of time, the feedback432can cease.

FIG. 9illustrates an embodiment wherein neither the third device420nor lost device430is capable of receiving signals from the known device410. Accordingly, neither will produce feedback or signals. The known device410can, however, convey the status of the search through its display or feedback412to permit the user to know that neither other component is transmitting signals received by the known device410. This could result because neither the third or lost devices420,430receive the wireless locator signal450, as shown. It could, however, also result because, although the signal450was received by one or more of the other devices420,430, the known device410is not within the broadcast range of either other device420,430, for any reason. Accordingly, the user will know to change their location, but not the exact status of the search.

InFIG. 10, each of the third and lost devices420,430receive the wireless locator signal450, and activate feedback devices, but are unable to reach the known device410with a transmitted adjusted wireless locator signal452for reasons of range, interference, and the like. Accordingly, a user may still detect and be aided by feedback422,432from the third or lost devices420,430even though the fact that those devices received the wireless locator signal450is not reported to the operator of the known device410.