ENHANCED VEHICLE KEY FOB

An enhanced vehicle key fob includes a controller that is coupled to a power source, an antenna, and an accelerometer that measures the acceleration of the enhanced vehicle key fob and outputs the measurement to the controller, wherein the enhanced vehicle key fob controls a vehicle function of a vehicle using the output of the accelerometer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to vehicles and more particularly wireless vehicle key fobs.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles have traditionally required a set of keys for gaining access to vehicle functions. In the past, these keys have been fashioned out of metal and inserted into mechanical locks. However, modern vehicles commonly use wireless key fobs to control vehicle functions. Using short-range wireless signals between the vehicle key fob and the vehicle, the key fob can remotely control a number of vehicle functions. For example, when a user or vehicle owner approaches a vehicle and wants to unlock the doors, the user can depress a button on the key fob that causes the transmission of a wireless signal to the vehicle causing the unlocking of the doors. Other vehicle functions can also be controlled, such as vehicle locking, trunk opening, or the flashing of exterior lights.

In addition to wireless vehicle key fobs, vehicle owners now carry a wide array of other personal electronic devices. For example, vehicle owners have increasingly begun carrying handheld wireless devices that have cellular communication capabilities, such as smartphones. Besides smartphones, vehicle owners choose to carry other devices as well. Some vehicle owners carry “quantified self” devices that can monitor the activity and sleep patterns of the user. A user that carries each device must keep track of a plurality of devices, which increases the probability that one will be lost or forgotten.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an enhanced vehicle key fob that includes a processor that is coupled to a power source and an accelerometer that measures the acceleration of the enhanced vehicle key fob and outputs the measurement to the processor, wherein the enhanced vehicle key fob controls a vehicle function of a vehicle using the output of the accelerometer.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling a vehicle function with an enhanced vehicle key fob. The method includes defining a bodily motion the execution of which is both detectable by an accelerometer and causes a status change in a vehicle function; associating the bodily motion with one or more vehicle functions; detecting one of the defined bodily motions at the enhanced vehicle key fob using the accelerometer; identifying the vehicle function associated with the detected bodily motion; and controlling the vehicle function.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of authenticating a user of an enhanced vehicle key fob. The method includes measuring movement by a user carrying the enhanced vehicle key fob using an accelerometer included with the vehicle key fob; recording the measured movement of the user at the enhanced vehicle key fob; determining one or more periodic attributes of the recorded movement; measuring movement by a different user using the accelerometer; comparing the movement by the different user with the periodic attributes of the recorded movement; and controlling one or more vehicle functions when the movement by the different user is beyond a predefined threshold of the periodic attributes.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of using an enhanced vehicle key fob having an accelerometer to detect vehicle key loss. The method includes detecting that an increase in acceleration at the enhanced vehicle key fob using the accelerometer is above a first threshold; detecting that a decrease in acceleration at the enhanced vehicle key fob using the accelerometer is above a second threshold; determining that both the increase and decrease in acceleration occurred within a predefined amount of time; and activating an alert at the enhanced vehicle key fob that informs a user that the vehicle key fob has been lost.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of locally monitoring human vital signs of a vehicle occupant using a enhanced vehicle key fob. The method includes establishing a human vital sign threshold; associating the human vital sign threshold with a vehicle function; measuring one or more human vital signs using the enhanced vehicle key fob; comparing the measured human vital sign with the established human vital sign threshold; and controlling the vehicle function associated with the human vital sign threshold when the measured human vital sign exceeds the established human vital sign threshold.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of converting audio generated at a vehicle into haptic information using an enhanced vehicle key fob. The method includes associating information played audibly at the vehicle with a haptic output that represents the information; receiving at the enhanced vehicle key fob a signal indicating audible information is played at the vehicle; generating the haptic output representing the audible information at the enhanced vehicle key fob.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The systems and methods described below involve an enhanced vehicle key fob that integrates the elements and functionality of vehicle key fobs with that of quantified-self devices. That is, in addition to controlling vehicle functions, such as door locking/unlocking, the enhanced vehicle key fob can also monitor the motion of the a person carrying the key fob or that person's vital signs. The enhanced vehicle key fob can be a wearable item such that the fob contacts the skin of its user or in close proximity to the skin, such as when it is placed into a pocket. A combination of wireless communication, motion monitoring, and vital sign detection can permit the enhanced vehicle key fob to communicate between the user and a vehicle in novel ways. In one example, the enhanced vehicle key fob can detect pre-defined bodily motions of the user and discern a command from the detected bodily motion. Apart from the pre-defined bodily motions of the user, other motions of a user carrying the enhanced key fob can be measured and used to identify who is carrying the key fob. Depending on the determined identity of the person carrying the enhanced key fob, access to vehicle functions can be selectively permitted and the vehicle can be personalized and appropriately configured immediately prior to the driver boarding the vehicle.

The enhanced vehicle key fob can carry out other functions as well. Using its ability to detect motion, the enhanced vehicle key fob can detect sharp increase in acceleration closely followed by sharp decreases in acceleration to predict when someone carrying the enhanced vehicle key fob has dropped it. In response, the enhanced vehicle key fob can initiate an alert (visual, audible, haptic, or any combination of these) to gain the attention of the user. Apart from its motion-sensing capabilities, the enhanced vehicle key fob can locally monitor the vital signs of the person carrying it (or wearing it). For instance, the enhanced vehicle key fob can monitor the heart rate, pulse, temperature, or other similar vital sign and based on the levels of these vital signs, the key fob can change the operational settings of vehicle systems or vehicle functions. The enhanced vehicle key fob can also listen for audibly-played information in a vehicle, identify the audible information, and convert the information to pre-defined haptic feedback that can be felt by the user carrying the key fob. The haptic feedback can be understood by users with poor hearing or in noisy environments and ensure that audibly-given information is not ignored.

With reference toFIG. 1, there is shown an operating environment that comprises a mobile vehicle communications system10and that can be used to implement the method disclosed herein. Communications system10generally includes a vehicle12, one or more wireless carrier systems14, a land communications network16, a computer18, and a call center20. It should be understood that the disclosed method can be used with any number of different systems and is not specifically limited to the operating environment shown here. Also, the architecture, construction, setup, and operation of the system10and its individual components are generally known in the art. Thus, the following paragraphs simply provide a brief overview of one such communications system10; however, other systems not shown here could employ the disclosed method as well.

Vehicle12is depicted in the illustrated embodiment as a passenger car, but it should be appreciated that any other vehicle including motorcycles, trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), marine vessels, aircraft, etc., can also be used. Some of the vehicle electronics28is shown generally inFIG. 1and includes a telematics unit30, a microphone32, one or more pushbuttons or other control inputs34, an audio system36, a visual display38, and a GPS module40as well as a number of vehicle system modules (VSMs)42. Some of these devices can be connected directly to the telematics unit such as, for example, the microphone32and pushbutton(s)34, whereas others are indirectly connected using one or more network connections, such as a communications bus44or an entertainment bus46. Examples of suitable network connections include a controller area network (CAN), a media oriented system transfer (MOST), a local interconnection network (LIN), a local area network (LAN), and other appropriate connections such as Ethernet or others that conform with known ISO, SAE and IEEE standards and specifications, to name but a few.

According to one embodiment, telematics unit30utilizes cellular communication according to either GSM or CDMA standards and thus includes a standard cellular chipset50for voice communications like hands-free calling, a wireless modem for data transmission, an electronic processing device52, one or more digital memory devices54, and a dual antenna56. It should be appreciated that the modem can either be implemented through software that is stored in the telematics unit and is executed by processor52, or it can be a separate hardware component located internal or external to telematics unit30. The modem can operate using any number of different standards or protocols such as EVDO, CDMA, GPRS, and EDGE. Wireless networking between the vehicle and other networked devices can also be carried out using telematics unit30. For this purpose, telematics unit30can be configured to communicate wirelessly according to one or more wireless protocols, such as any of the IEEE 802.11 protocols, WiMAX, or Bluetooth. When used for packet-switched data communication such as TCP/IP, the telematics unit can be configured with a static IP address or can set up to automatically receive an assigned IP address from another device on the network such as a router or from a network address server.

One of the networked devices that can communicate with the telematics unit30is a separate wireless device, such as a smart phone57. The smart phone57can include computer processing capability, a transceiver capable of communicating using a short-range wireless protocol, and a visual smart phone display59. In some implementations, the smart phone display59also includes a touch-screen graphical user interface and/or a GPS module capable of receiving GPS satellite signals and generating GPS coordinates based on those signals. Examples of the smart phone57include the iPhone™ manufactured by Apple, Inc. and the Droid™ manufactured by Motorola, Inc. as well as others. These and other similar devices may be used or considered as a type of separate wireless device for the purposes of the method described herein. While the smart phone57is described with the methods below, it should be appreciated that other similar and/or simpler handheld wireless device can be successfully substituted for the smart phone57to carry out the method/system described herein. For instance, devices such as the iPad™ or iPod Touch™ can also use the short-range wireless protocols to communicate despite not having the capability to communicate via cellular protocols.

An enhanced vehicle key fob58is also shown having a protective housing and including a combination of electronic components designed to receive signals from switches, process the signals, and wirelessly transmit command signals to vehicle12. The enhanced vehicle key fob58can also wirelessly communicate with the smartphone57. For the enhanced vehicle key fob58shown here, it is configured to be attached to mechanical keys and placed in a pocket or a purse; however, it should be appreciated that the key fob58could be configured in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the illustrative example shown here. For instance, the vehicle key fob58can be a device that is wearable, similar to a bracelet or a wristwatch. A power source (not shown) generally provides vehicle key fob10with electrical power and can include any type of appropriate battery or other power providing component known in the art. More details of the enhanced vehicle key fob58will be discussed below.

Apart from the audio system36and GPS module40, the vehicle12can include other vehicle system modules (VSMs)42in the form of electronic hardware components that are located throughout the vehicle and typically receive input from one or more sensors and use the sensed input to perform diagnostic, monitoring, control, reporting and/or other functions. Each of the VSMs42is preferably connected by communications bus44to the other VSMs, as well as to the telematics unit30, and can be programmed to run vehicle system and subsystem diagnostic tests. As examples, one VSM42can be an engine control module (ECM) that controls various aspects of engine operation such as fuel ignition and ignition timing, another VSM42can be a powertrain control module that regulates operation of one or more components of the vehicle powertrain, and another VSM42can be a body control module that governs various electrical components located throughout the vehicle, like the vehicle's power door locks and headlights. According to one embodiment, the engine control module is equipped with on-board diagnostic (OBD) features that provide myriad real-time data, such as that received from various sensors including vehicle emissions sensors, and provide a standardized series of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that allow a technician to rapidly identify and remedy malfunctions within the vehicle. As is appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above-mentioned VSMs are only examples of some of the modules that may be used in vehicle12, as numerous others are also possible.

Vehicle electronics28also includes a number of vehicle user interfaces that provide vehicle occupants with a means of providing and/or receiving information, including microphone32, pushbuttons(s)34, audio system36, and visual display38. As used herein, the term ‘vehicle user interface’ broadly includes any suitable form of electronic device, including both hardware and software components, which is located on the vehicle and enables a vehicle user to communicate with or through a component of the vehicle. Microphone32provides audio input to the telematics unit to enable the driver or other occupant to provide voice commands and carry out hands-free calling via the wireless carrier system14. For this purpose, it can be connected to an on-board automated voice processing unit utilizing human-machine interface (HMI) technology known in the art. The pushbutton(s)34allow manual user input into the telematics unit30to initiate wireless telephone calls and provide other data, response, or control input. Separate pushbuttons can be used for initiating emergency calls versus regular service assistance calls to the call center20. Audio system36provides audio output to a vehicle occupant and can be a dedicated, stand-alone system or part of the primary vehicle audio system. According to the particular embodiment shown here, audio system36is operatively coupled to both vehicle bus44and entertainment bus46and can provide AM, FM and satellite radio, CD, DVD and other multimedia functionality. This functionality can be provided in conjunction with or independent of the infotainment module described above. Visual display38is preferably a graphics display, such as a touch screen on the instrument panel or a heads-up display reflected off of the windshield, and can be used to provide a multitude of input and output functions. Various other vehicle user interfaces can also be utilized, as the interfaces ofFIG. 1are only an example of one particular implementation.

Wireless carrier system14is preferably a cellular telephone system that includes a plurality of cell towers70(only one shown), one or more mobile switching centers (MSCs)72, as well as any other networking components required to connect wireless carrier system14with land network16. Each cell tower70includes sending and receiving antennas and a base station, with the base stations from different cell towers being connected to the MSC72either directly or via intermediary equipment such as a base station controller. Cellular system14can implement any suitable communications technology, including for example, analog technologies such as AMPS, or the newer digital technologies such as CDMA (e.g., CDMA2000) or GSM/GPRS. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various cell tower/base station/MSC arrangements are possible and could be used with wireless system14. For instance, the base station and cell tower could be co-located at the same site or they could be remotely located from one another, each base station could be responsible for a single cell tower or a single base station could service various cell towers, and various base stations could be coupled to a single MSC, to name but a few of the possible arrangements.

Computer18can be one of a number of computers accessible via a private or public network such as the Internet. Each such computer18can be used for one or more purposes, such as a web server accessible by the vehicle via telematics unit30and wireless carrier14. Other such accessible computers18can be, for example: a service center computer where diagnostic information and other vehicle data can be uploaded from the vehicle via the telematics unit30; a client computer used by the vehicle owner or other subscriber for such purposes as accessing or receiving vehicle data or to setting up or configuring subscriber preferences or controlling vehicle functions; or a third party repository to or from which vehicle data or other information is provided, whether by communicating with the vehicle12or call center20, or both. A computer18can also be used for providing Internet connectivity such as DNS services or as a network address server that uses DHCP or other suitable protocol to assign an IP address to the vehicle12.

Call center20is designed to provide the vehicle electronics28with a number of different system back-end functions and, according to the exemplary embodiment shown here, generally includes one or more switches80, servers82, databases84, live advisors86, as well as an automated voice response system (VRS)88, all of which are known in the art. These various call center components are preferably coupled to one another via a wired or wireless local area network90. Switch80, which can be a private branch exchange (PBX) switch, routes incoming signals so that voice transmissions are usually sent to either the live adviser86by regular phone or to the automated voice response system88using VoIP. The live advisor phone can also use VoIP as indicated by the broken line inFIG. 1. VoIP and other data communication through the switch80is implemented via a modem (not shown) connected between the switch80and network90. Data transmissions are passed via the modem to server82and/or database84. Database84can store account information such as subscriber authentication information, vehicle identifiers, profile records, behavioral patterns, and other pertinent subscriber information. Data transmissions may also be conducted by wireless systems, such as 802.11x, GPRS, and the like. Although the illustrated embodiment has been described as it would be used in conjunction with a manned call center20using live advisor86, it will be appreciated that the call center can instead utilize VRS88as an automated advisor or, a combination of VRS88and the live advisor86can be used.

Enhanced Vehicle Key Fob Architecture—

Turning toFIG. 2, an exemplary implementation of the enhanced vehicle key fob58is shown. In this implementation, the enhanced vehicle key fob58includes a processor202, a memory device204, a power source206, an external port208for receiving charge, an accelerometer210, a vibrating electric motor212, one or more sensors214, an enclosure216, and a plurality of switches218located on the enclosure216. These elements can be communicatively linked via a printed circuit board (PCB) or other similar electrically-communicative circuit-rendering implementation. While the enhanced vehicle key fob58is shown with straps220for wearing the key fob58in a way similar to how a person would wear a wristwatch, it should be appreciated that in other implementations of the enhanced vehicle key fob58includes forming the key fob58into a bracelet or a strap-less device designed to be put in a pocket or a purse like a traditional key fob, as is shown inFIG. 1. It is also possible that at least a portion of the enhanced vehicle key fob can be separated from a mechanical emergency key that is attached to the key ring and could be worn as a wearable device on wrist, belt, pocket, or similar locations to control the vehicle12as well as act as an activity tracker for fitness.

The processor202(also referred to as a controller) of the enhanced vehicle key fob200can control the operation of the key fob58and be programmed to carry out a number of customizable algorithms, the content of which will be discussed in more detail below. While the processor202itself can include dedicated memory that includes computer-readable instructions, those instructions can also be accessible from the memory device204that is separate from the processor202. One example of processor202is a Nordic nRF51822 processor configured to carry out Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) communication protocols and ultra-low energy 2.4 GHz wireless communications. The processor202can use the Bluetooth LE capabilities to communicate with a variety of external sources, such as the smartphone57and the vehicle12as well as Wi-Fi hotspots (not shown). It should be appreciated that other Wi-Fi bandwidths can also be used, such 5 GHz. Using these communications capabilities, the processor202can also oversee over-the-air (OTA) software updates at the enhanced vehicle key fob58. It is also possible to use the smartphone57and the Bluetooth capabilities to locate the enhanced vehicle key fob58and cause it to make noise or otherwise alert the user or indicate the location of the key fob58. By measuring the wireless signal strength generated by the enhanced vehicle key fob58, the smartphone57can determine a range to the key fob58and also send a wireless signal via a short-range wireless protocol commanding the device to make sound. In this implementation, the processor202includes 256 kilobytes (KB) of flash memory and 16 KB of random access memory (RAM). The processor202is communicatively and electrically linked to the power source206. Depending on the particular processor202and other hardware, the voltage and current ratings of the power source206may differ. But in one embodiment, the power source206can be a lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery rated at 3.7 Volts (V) and 130 milliamp hours (mAH). In addition, an external port208can be used for receiving power that can be applied to the power source206and/or be used to power the processor202and other components. A linear voltage regulator (not shown) can be used between both the power source206/external port208and the processor202. An example of such a voltage regulator is manufactured by Texas Instruments (TI) model number TPS73633. In one implementation, the external port208can be configured to receive universal serial bus (USB) port plugs through which power can be applied and/or data can be communicated. However, other commercially-known ports are known and can be implemented.

The accelerometer210can be communicatively linked to the processor202such that the accelerometer210sends the processor202output or data and receives from the processor202operating instructions. As the enhanced vehicle key fob58moves, the accelerometer210can create precise data reflecting this movement and output the data in a form readable by the processor202. The output received by the processor202and the instructions sent to the accelerometer210can be communicated using a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus. Any one of a number of commercially-available three-axes linear accelerometers can be used, such as an LIS3DH model manufactured by STMicroelectronics. The accelerometer210can also include a gyroscope for measuring angular movement. In one implementation, the gyroscope is included with the accelerometer210. However, it should be appreciated that the accelerometer can be a stand-alone component. For purposes of the description herein, the data generated by the accelerometer210can also be viewed as including an angular component generated by a gyroscope.

The vibrating electric motor212can be directed by the processor202to provide haptic feedback to a user who carries the enhanced vehicle key fob58. In one example, the vibrating electric motor212can communicate with the processor202via a single serial-ended bus, such as an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) bus. And the vibrating electric motor can be implemented using a Texas Instruments TI DRV2605 haptic driver.

The enhanced vehicle key fob58can also include one or more sensors214in addition to the accelerometer210that can provide information gathered at the key fob58to the processor202. Examples of these sensors214include temperature sensors, pulse-rate sensors, and light sensors, to name a few. Like the accelerometer202, the sensors214can pass information/data to the processor202using an SPI bus.

The elements above are protectively housed by the enclosure216that carries a plurality of switches218for controlling vehicle functions. The enclosure216serves to protect the components of the enhanced vehicle key fob58described above and can be configured into a variety of shapes using materials such as plastic, metal, and glass. In one embodiment, the size of the enclosure is less than 40 millimeters (mm) long by 40 mm wide. The switches218can be located on an exterior surface of the enclosure216so that they can be actuated by the user carrying the enhanced vehicle key fob58. In that sense, the switches218can be momentary switches that are actuated by pressing an exterior surface of the enclosure216. Or in another example, the enclosure216can include a plurality of apertures through which switches218can pass in a way that the switches218are in communication with the processor202within the enclosure216but also accessible by a user from the outside of the enclosure216. It should also be appreciated that other types of switches are possible, such as toggle-type switches or switches that are virtually shown on a display, such as one made from liquid crystals (e.g., an LCD).

Methods of using the Enhanced Vehicle Key Fob—

Turning now toFIG. 3, there is shown a method300of controlling a vehicle function with the enhanced vehicle key fob58. The method300begins at step310by defining a bodily motion the execution of which is both detectable by the accelerometer210and causes a status change in a vehicle function. The associated bodily motion can then be associated with one or more vehicle functions. A wide variety of vehicle functions can be associated with bodily motion. Examples of vehicle functions include, locking/unlocking vehicle doors, opening trunk lids, activating exterior illumination, activating vehicle alarms, causing the vehicle honk its horn, activating/deactivating Wi-Fi hotspots at the vehicle12, opening/closing windows, or other similar actions carried out using the vehicle12.

A user can move the enhanced vehicle key fob58in a particular pattern, the key fob58can detect this movement, and one or more vehicle functions can be controlled in response to the movement. For example, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can be programmed to detect output from the accelerometer210that reflects a pattern of user movement, such as the user moving the key fob58two times in an up-and-down motion. The two times up-and-down movement can be identified as a defined bodily motion. Then, the up-and-down motion executed two times (i.e., the defined bodily motion) can then be associated with locking and unlocking the doors (i.e., the vehicle function). As a result, if a user of the enhanced vehicle key fob58wants to unlock the door of the vehicle12, the user can execute the defined bodily motion (e.g., two up-and-down motions).

The defined bodily motions can be detected by the enhanced vehicle key fob58not only when they are carried out using a user's hand/arm combination to execute the motion but also a motion of the user's leg while the key fob58is located in his/or her pocket. In that case, the user could stomp his or her foot twice to execute the two up-and-down motions that would be recognized by the enhanced vehicle key fob58. While this example is described with respect to an up-and-down movement that is done twice, the movement shape as well as the number of times the movement is carried out are highly customizable and many different combinations can be used in order to differentiate one defined bodily motion from another. For instance, the defined bodily motion can be circular rather than up-and-down and could be completed less frequently (e.g., once) or more frequently (e.g., three times). In another example, the defined bodily motion can include raising one hand with the enhanced vehicle key fob58held high causing the panic alarm to trigger. And in another example, a horizontal sweep of the hand from the right side to the left (or vice versa) can cause the car horn to trigger in a non-panic mode to alert the driver of the location of the car in a parking building for instance.

Using the different defined bodily motions, one vehicle function can be assigned to one defined bodily motion, such as the two up-and-down motions to unlock doors while another vehicle function can be attributed to a second defined bodily motion, such as using three up-and-down motions to open the trunk lid. As can be appreciated from this description, many different combinations of movement and vehicle functions are possible. It is also possible to incorporate multiple vehicle functions with one defined bodily motion. For instance, the two up-and-down motions can be associated not only with unlocking the doors of the vehicle12but also illuminating exterior vehicle lights as well. In that way, two different vehicle functions can be controlled with one bodily motion. The method300proceeds to step320.

At step320, one of the defined bodily motions is detected at the vehicle key fob58using the accelerometer210. Once one or more defined bodily motions have been established along with the vehicle functions that those motions will govern, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can monitor the movement of the key fob58. The processor202and/or memory device204can store a plurality of movement ranges for each defined bodily motion that, when detected, indicate with a reasonable certainty that the user is executing a particular defined bodily motion. The microprocessor202can initiate a period of monitoring the enhanced vehicle key fob58when the key fob58becomes relatively motionless. For instance, a user can hold the enhanced vehicle key fob58steadily in a hand for a moment and this relative non-movement can signal the processor202to begin monitoring movement of the key fob58and comparing that motion with defined bodily motions. The microprocessor202can end the period of monitoring when the enhanced vehicle key fob58is motionless again and/or begin a new period of monitoring. The method300proceeds to step330.

At step330, the vehicle function associated with the detected bodily motion is detected and controlled by the enhanced vehicle key fob58. When the motion output from the accelerometer210is determined by the microprocessor202to fall within the movement ranges that identify a defined bodily motion, the microprocessor202can identify the defined bodily motion, access the one or more vehicle functions that are associated with the motion, and then control the vehicle function(s). Using the example discussed above, a user can grasp the enhanced vehicle key fob58holding it motionless for a moment, execute two up-and-down movements holding the key fob58, and the key fob58can determine that the user movement falls within the movement ranges that define the two up-and-down movements. The microprocessor202can then determine that a vehicle door unlock function is associated with the detected movement and wirelessly send a command signal from the enhanced vehicle key fob58to the vehicle12commanding the vehicle telematics unit30to unlock the vehicle doors. Once the vehicle function (in this example, door unlocking) has been accomplished, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can confirm that the function has been controlled (e.g., the doors are now unlocked) by generating haptic feedback. The haptic feedback can be created by activating the vibrating electric motor212. The method300then ends.

Turning toFIG. 4, another method400of using the enhanced vehicle key fob58is shown. The method400can authenticate a user of the enhanced vehicle key fob58and begins at step410by measuring movement by a user carrying the enhanced vehicle key fob58using the accelerometer210included with the vehicle key fob58. As people walk, they move forward using a gait that can be as unique as a person's fingerprint. That is, each person has limbs, indeed bones that comprise limbs, of differing lengths and shapes. In addition, the muscles used to actuate these limbs are of different sizes and length and are attached to the bones at different points for each person. The unique limb/bone/muscle architecture creates a unique motion for each person when they walk and that individuality can be interpreted from output by the accelerometer210. It is also possible to differentiate between male movements and female movements by calculating movement of the enhanced vehicle key fob58being located in a pocket versus a purse. In one example, a user of the enhanced vehicle key fob58can walk for a period of time and the accelerometer210can detect a defined range of up and down movement over a period of time and this detected movement can be quantified as a maximum y-axis movement, a minimum y-axis movement, as well as a time period between which the processor202outputs maximum y-axis measurements. In this example, the measurements are described solely in terms of time and y-axis measurements however, the method400can be modified so that x-axis measurements are measured with y-axis measurements or x, y, and z-axis measurement generated by the accelerometer210can be monitored. Generally speaking, any sub-combination of x-, y-, and z-axis measurements can be monitored. The method400proceeds to step420.

At step420, the measured movement of the user can be recorded at the enhanced vehicle key fob58and one or more periodic attributes of the recorded movement are determined. When a user or vehicle owner carries or wears the enhanced vehicle key fob58, it can learn the unique periodic movements of the owner. The enhanced vehicle key fob58can monitor these unique movements over a period of time and record them at the key fob58using memory device204. For instance, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can be initiated by the user to begin monitoring motion over a period of time. Using one of the switches218, the user can initiate a learning period (e.g., 24 hours) and over this period the enhanced vehicle key fob58can record the output from the accelerometer210. This recording of movement can include minimums and maximums along the x-, y-, or z-axes as well as time periods between these maximums and minimums. The recorded movement can be used to control access to the vehicle12and/or can be used to control vehicle function settings on the vehicle12. For example, the recorded movement can be used to identify the user and a number of personalized settings, such as HVAC levels, seating positions, etc. It should also be appreciated that the enhanced vehicle key fob58can include the capability to remember the movement of more than one user and differentiate between these users. Once the unique movements have been established and the learning period has passed, the user or vehicle owner can lock the enhanced vehicle key fob58in various ways, such as by pressing the switches218in a user-defined sequence or by creating a password that is communicated to the key fob58wirelessly or via the external port208. The method400proceeds to step430.

At step430, movement by a different user is measured using the accelerometer210. The movement by the different user is compared to the periodic attributes of the recorded movement. Sometimes people other than the vehicle owner may use the enhanced vehicle key fob58. These people could be valet workers or other family members, for instance. When these people use the enhanced vehicle key fob58, it can be used to maintain or alter control of vehicle functions. In one example, after the learning period has expired and the enhanced vehicle key fob58has stored the recorded movement of one or more users, the key fob58can monitor movement over a second period of time, which can be initiated in response to the key fob58remaining motionless for some period (e.g., 30 minutes). When the enhanced vehicle key fob58begins detecting movement again, it can compare the minimum and maximum x-, y-, or z-axis movements and periods between the minimums and maximums with those recorded during the learning period and representing the stored users. The method400proceeds to step440.

At step440, access to one or more vehicle functions is denied when the movement by the different user is beyond a predefined threshold of the periodic attributes. When the movements measured during the learning period for stored users do not match those detected during movement afterward, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can be programmed to block access to the vehicle12. In one example, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can block, deny access, or ask for additional security checks (such as a PIN or mechanical key) before access to the vehicle12when the movements do not match or are not within a predetermined threshold of each other. However, it is also possible to determine that the movements match a user different from the vehicle owner, such as a family member, and the enhanced vehicle key fob58can then wirelessly alter the settings of one or more vehicle functions in response to detecting the family member's use of the key fob58. For example, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can wirelessly command the vehicle12through the vehicle telematics unit30to change seat positions, radio station presets, or temperature settings. The method400then ends.

Turning toFIG. 5, another method500of using the enhanced vehicle key fob58is shown. The method500uses the accelerometer210of the enhanced vehicle key fob58to detect vehicle key loss. The method500begins at step510by detecting an increase in acceleration at the enhanced vehicle key fob58using the accelerometer210that is determined to be above a first threshold. When something is dropped, it begins to fall until it hits the ground. For example, if someone drops the enhanced vehicle key fob58, it will move from a substantially-motionless state and then accelerate sharply as the key fob begins to free fall. The processor202can receive output from the accelerometer210measuring motion in the y-axis and be programmed to calculate the rate of change of y-axis motion. When the rate of change or the second derivative of y-axis motion output from the accelerometer210rises above a threshold, the processor202can determine that an increase in acceleration has occurred. The method500proceeds to step510.

At step520, a decrease in acceleration at the enhanced vehicle key fob58is detected using the accelerometer210and determined to be above a second threshold. A short time after the enhanced vehicle key fob58begins its fall it may also abruptly stop falling when it hits the ground. This motion can be detected using the accelerometer210and the processor202as a sharp decrease in acceleration. Using techniques similar to those discussed above with respect to step510, the processor202can monitor y-axis movement using the accelerometer and determine movement reflective of the enhanced vehicle key fob58reaching the bottom of its fall on the floor. The method500proceeds to step530.

At step530, it is determined whether the increase and decrease in acceleration occurred both within a predefined amount of time. Increases and decreases in acceleration occurring as a result of dropping the enhanced vehicle key fob58occur within a short time of each other (e.g., <1 second). Thus, an isolated but sharp increase or decrease in acceleration of the enhanced vehicle key fob58alone may not be indicative of the key fob58falling. Instead, such isolated increased or decreases in acceleration could result from air travel or other motion. Thus, determining whether the combination of increase and decrease in acceleration within a predetermined time period can provide assurance that the enhanced vehicle key fob58indeed did fall rather that detect some other motion. If the enhanced vehicle key fob58detects motion meeting the thresholds for an increase in acceleration and a decrease in acceleration, as well as detecting this motion with the predetermined time interval, the key fob58can activate an alert that informs a user that the key fob58has been lost. This alert can be an audible noise, a visual flashing if the enhanced vehicle key fob58include a display, or both. The method500then ends.

Turning toFIG. 6, another method600of using the enhanced vehicle key fob58is shown. The method600locally monitors human vital signs of an enhanced vehicle key fob user. The method600begins by establishing a human vital sign threshold and associating the human vital sign threshold with a vehicle function. Depending on the variety and number of sensors214included with the enhanced vehicle key fob58, a number of human vital signs of the enhanced vehicle key fob user can be monitored. Human vital signs include body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, or other such measurable body metric. And thresholds can be established for each human vital sign of each enhanced vehicle key fob user. For example, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can include a sensor214that measures temperature of the enhanced vehicle key fob user and provides that information to the processor202of the enhanced vehicle key fob58. A healthy temperature of the human body is 98.6° Fahrenheit (F). Upper and lower thresholds above and below 98.6° F. can be established that indicate that the enhanced vehicle key fob user is warmer or colder than ideal or normal. Similarly, ideal values of pulse rate, blood pressure, or other human vital signs can be determined and then upper and lower thresholds can then be established that surround those ideals. The upper and lower thresholds can each be viewed as a human vital sign threshold. In addition, a vehicle function that is related to the human vital sign can also be associated with that vital sign. For instance, using body temperature as an example of the monitored human vital sign, the vehicle HVAC system can be a vehicle function that is associated with that human vital sign. In this case, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can detect the temperature of the human body and if it is above/below ideal, the HVAC system can be controlled to increase or decrease its temperature. Or in another example, when the enhanced vehicle key fob user's heart rate is the human vital sign being measured, then the vehicle function can be the HVAC system control and/or control of the interior lighting levels. When the user's heart rate is below and ideal value, the HVAC system can be directed to lower the temperature in the vehicle12and also increase the amount of light provided by an instrument panel in an effort to increase the heart rate. The method600proceeds to step620.

At step620, one or more human vital signs are measured using the enhanced vehicle key fob58and compared with the established human vital sign threshold. The enhanced vehicle key fob58can store the upper and lower thresholds surrounding the ideal value for one or more human vital signs and compare the monitored human vital signs with these thresholds. For instance, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can monitor the body temperature of the enhanced vehicle key fob user using a sensor214that sends data to the processor202. The processor202can then compare the sensor output to the upper and lower thresholds to determine whether or not the output exceeds those thresholds. The method600then proceeds to step630.

At step630, the vehicle function associated with the human vital sign threshold is controlled when the measured human vital sign exceeds the established human vital sign threshold. When the processor202determines that the monitored human vital sign is outside of either the upper or lower threshold, the processor202can access instructions for controlling a vehicle function associated with the monitored human vital sign. Using body temperature as an example, the sensor214can begin sending output to the processor202that falls outside of either the upper or lower threshold. When the monitored body temperature is above the upper threshold, then the processor202can generate a command to increase the cooling mechanism of the vehicle12and wirelessly transmit that command to the vehicle telematics unit30via a short-range wireless communication link. The vehicle12can receive this command and respond by controlling the vehicle HVAC system. Similarly, if the monitored body temperature is below the lower threshold, then the processor202can generate a command to increase the heating mechanism of the vehicle12and wirelessly transmit that command to the vehicle telematics unit30via a short-range wireless communication link. In another implementation, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can be wirelessly paired with the smartphone57and can transmit the monitored human vital sign(s) to a central facility, such as computer18or call center20. For example, the human vital signs can be continually monitored during and after an accident and wirelessly transmitted to first responders using the vehicle telematics unit30or through the smartphone57by using the Bluetooth LE connection between the smartphone57and the enhanced vehicle key fob58. The method600then ends.

Turning toFIG. 7, yet another method700of using the enhanced vehicle key fob58is shown. The method700converts audio generated at the vehicle12into haptic information using the enhanced vehicle key fob58and begins at step710by associating information played audibly at the vehicle12with a haptic output that represents the information. The vehicle12can audibly play a number of recorded phrases or statements through a vehicle audio system36. Often, these statements are recorded and stored at the vehicle12or are otherwise known by the vehicle12before they are played. These phrases or statements can also be stored at the enhanced vehicle key fob58, which can use automatic speech recognition (ASR) techniques to detect the phrases/statements when they are played. The enhanced vehicle key fob58can include a microphone (not shown) to listen for the audibly played phrases/statements to occur. In addition, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can associate a haptic output with each phrase. For example, one of the statements that can be audibly played by the vehicle12is “low fuel” when fuel levels fall below a predetermined level. The enhanced vehicle key fob58can understand the “low fuel” message and associate with it a particular haptic output, such as three one-second vibrations that can be generated by the vibrating electric motor212. In addition, the vehicle12can include a number of safety features, such as blind-spot detection or an imminent collision alert. Each of these safety features often have audible alerts but can also be identified using a haptic output. These safety features can provide haptic output in a seat. But providing the haptic output at the enhanced vehicle key fob58is more effective because it is closer to the user's skin and can provide a more direct path to convey the haptic output. The method700proceeds to step720.

At step720, audible information played at the vehicle12is received at the enhanced vehicle key fob58, identified, and the haptic output representing the associated audible information is generated. When the vehicle12generates an audible message, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can perform ASR on the message and determine whether or not the audible message is one stored at the key fob58and/or associated with a particular haptic feedback. Using the “low fuel” message discussed with respect to step710, the enhanced vehicle key fob58can detect this message in the vehicle12, determine that the “low fuel” message has a haptic feedback of three one-second vibrations, and then direct the vibrating electric motor212to activate for the three one-second vibrations. The user holding or wearing the enhanced vehicle key fob58can then feel the vibrations and without hearing the audible low fuel message associate the vibrations with the low fuel condition of the vehicle12. It should be appreciated that this can also be implemented without ASR. In that case, the vehicle12, such as through its vehicle telematics unit30, can generate a short-range wireless signal each time a safety feature generates an audible alert instructing the enhanced vehicle key fob58to generate haptic feedback. The method700then ends.