Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for a combined vehicle keyless entry and garage door (GD) opener fob. The fob comprises a receiver, transmitter, processor, memory, user activated function switches, and preferably a display. In a GD function learn mode, the fob memorizes the signal parameters of a GD activate signal received directly from a nearby GD opener. In the normal GD operate mode, the fob transmits a replica of the GD activate signal using the learned signal parameters stored in the memory. The optional display preferably tells the user that the learn mode is active, prompts the user to operate the nearby GD opener during the learn mode, indicates whether the learn operation was successful or not and shows when the fob has returned to normal (non-learn mode) operation. The GD modes of the fob are entirely self-contained and do not depend upon the vehicle electronics system.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to remote control devices, and more particularly to providing a garage door (GD) opener function in a vehicle keyless entry fob. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is well known in the art to provide vehicles with keyless entry systems. Typically there is small, pocket sized, portable, wireless remote control device called a ‘fob’ that is electronically (e.g., RF or IR) coupled to the vehicle control system such that, activation of various buttons on the fob will cause the vehicle doors, windows, trunk, etc., to lock, unlock, open or close, and so forth. Other functions may also be included, as for example, engine start, engine stop, alarm, etc. It is also known to provide pocket-sized portable, wireless remote control devices to activate electrically operated garage doors and the like. In the past it has been most common for the user to have two fobs, one for vehicle entry and another for garage door activation. Both types of fobs work on substantially the same general principle, that is, the user presses a button on the fob thereby causing it to transmit a coded RF signal of a predetermined frequency to a receiver mounted in the vehicle or adjacent to the garage door activation motor. A receiver tuned to the RF signal emitted by the fob detects the coded information carried by the RF signal, verifies that it matches a predetermined code stored in the fob memory or hard-wired in the fob or equivalent, and carries out the intended command, e.g., open door, close door, etc. The RF signal is coded for security purposes so that the garage door or vehicle entry system will only respond to a fob that transmits the correct signal code or format. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the fob operated by transmitting and receiving RF signals, but this is not intended to be limiting and any form of wireless signally can be used. Optical and ultrasonic signaling are well known alternatives. Accordingly, as used here the term RF is intended to include these and other alternative wireless signally means. 
     It is also known to incorporate the garage door opening function into an automobile. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,731,605 to Nixon describes an arrangement where a garage door activation transmitter provided by the garage door manufacturer is mounted in the engine compartment of an auto, powered from the auto&#39;s electrical system and a remote control switch connected thereto mounted in the passenger compartment where it can be conveniently activated by the driver. It is also known to combine both the vehicle keyless entry functions and the garage door activation functions into a single pocket-sized portable fob. Such an arrangement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,377,173 B1 to Desai. Desai uses a scanning receiver built into the vehicle&#39;s on-board electronic systems to detect and analyze the garage door (GD) opener&#39;s transmission frequency and code, that is, its signaling parameters. The onboard vehicle electronic system then sends these signaling parameters to the portable fob where they are memorized and thereafter used to provide the garage door (GD) activation function in the same fob as for the vehicle keyless entry function. Thus, there is taught a two-step training or learning process in which the garage door (GD) opener frequency and code are first received and analyzed by the vehicle electronic system and then parameters describing the GD activation signal (rather than the actual GD opener activation signal itself) are sent to the fob. Once that is accomplished, the combined fob can activate the garage door (GD) in the same way as the original GD opener itself. While this arrangement is useful it suffers from a number of disadvantages, as for example, it cannot be used with vehicles whose on-board electronics system lacks a frequency scanning receiver able to capture and analyze the GD remote control&#39;s transmission frequency and code (collectively the GD activate signal parameters). Further, the two-step learning process adds complexity and cost that are undesirable. Still further, it can be more difficult to provide a substantially universal fob so far as the GD function is concerned, since the capabilities of the vehicle electronic system essential for capture and learning of the GD opener signal parameters may be different for different vehicles. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a combined keyless entry and garage door (GD) fob without depending on the vehicle electronic system for GD remote control operating parameter capture and analysis. In addition, it is desirable that the GD remote control operating parameter capture and analysis function be entirely contained in the fob for portability during the capture and learning process. This portability especially facilitates capture and learning in more sophisticated GD opener systems that use rolling codes and/or that require signal exchanges with a transceiver mounted on or near the door lift motor, for example, where GD activation requires 2-way communication between the lift motor controller and the associated fob. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A portable fob is provided having a combined vehicle keyless entry function and garage door (GD) opener function. The apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving GD activate signals directly from an ordinary GD opener during a GD function learn mode, a processor coupled to the receiver for analyzing the GD activate signals received by the receiver directly from the ordinary GD opener to obtain the GD activate signal parameters, a memory coupled to the processor for storing the GD activate signal parameters determined by the processor, a transmitter coupled to the processor for broadcasting in response to a user command a replica of the GD activate signal based on the parameters stored in the memory, and one or more user activated function switches for first placing the fob in the GD function learn mode and thereafter for causing the fob to transmit the replica of the GD activate signal. An optional display is coupled to the processor for, among other things, indicating when the fob is in the learn mode, for prompting the user to operate the nearby GD opener for learning purposes, and to indicate whether learning was successful or not. 
     A method is provided for operating a self-contained combined vehicle keyless entry and garage door (GD) opener fob. The method comprises, in a learning mode, receiving a GD activate signal directly from a nearby GD opener, analyzing the received GD activate signal in the fob to determine its essential parameters sufficient to permit replication of the GD activate signal, storing the essential parameters in memory in the fob thereby completing the learning mode, and thereafter using the stored parameters on user command to cause the fob to transmit a replica of the GD activate signal. In the preferred embodiment, the method further comprises prior to the receiving step, prompting the user to activate the nearby GD opener and thereafter indicating whether the learning operation was successful or not. 
     The foregoing summary of the preferred embodiments has been provided only by way of introduction. Nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on the following claims, which define the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified schematic block diagram of a combined remote vehicle keyless entry and garage door control fob system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified schematic block diagram of the combined remote vehicle keyless entry and garage door control fob of  FIG. 1  showing further details; and 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified flow chart illustrating the method of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified schematic block diagram of combined remote vehicle keyless entry and garage door control fob system  10  according to the present invention. System  10  comprises combined fob  12  that receives coded RF signals  13  from garage door (GD) opener remote control  14  during the fob&#39;s learning mode. GD opener remote  14  conventionally sends coded RF signals  15  to GD opener receiver and door actuation motor  16  that acts to open and close garage door (GD)  18  in response to signals  15 . Combined fob  12  interacts with vehicle electronic system  20  in vehicle  22  by means of RF signal  21  for the vehicle keyless entry control functions and with garage door actuator system  16  by means of RF signal  17  for opening and closing garage door  18 . From the point of view of garage door opener receiver and actuation motor  16 , signals  15  and  17  are substantially similar and have the same effect. 
     Combined fob  12  has conventional keyless entry and vehicle control function buttons  24 , as for example, but not limited to, vehicle entry “lock” function  24 A, “un-lock” function  24 B, “panic” signal function  24 C, and “trunk” open function  24 D. Persons of skill in the art will understand that functions or function buttons  24  are merely exemplary and that more or fewer keyless entry and vehicle control functions may be provided on combined fob  12  and that the particular functions illustrated in  FIG. 2  are not intended to be limiting. Keyless entry and vehicle control functions  24  are well known in the art and the exchange of signals  21  between combined fob  12  and vehicle electronics  20  to carry out the functions illustrated by function controls  24  are conventional. Any suitable arrangement may be used. As used herein, the words “button(s)” or “switch(es)” in connection with fob  12  are intended to include any means of entering commands into fob  12  to execute a desired function or combination of functions. Non-limiting examples are: mechanical switches, electronic switches, ‘touch’ switches, optical switches, magnetic switches, keyboards, and so forth. 
     Combined fob further  12  comprises universal garage door opener (UGDO) function button or activation switch  26 , optional learn mode switch  30  and display or indicator  28 . Once learning is complete, switch  26  functionally replaces switch  11  of GD remote control device  14 , that is, it accomplishes the same function when depressed as does button or switch  11 . When switch  26  is activated it causes combined fob to transmit signal  17  to garage door opener receiver  16 . Signal  17  is a replica of signal  15 , that is, it is substantially equivalent to signal  15  transmitted by GD remote control  14  when switch  11  thereon is activated. Optional learning switch  30  is convenient but not essential. Its function is to put combined remote  12  into a learning mode wherein the signal parameters of GD remote control  14  can be captured, as will be subsequently explained in more detail. Switch  30  is conveniently of the type that is not easily activated by accident, for example, of the type that can only be conveniently depressed by a stylus or ball point pen or pencil point or the like. This avoids it being unintentionally depressed during normal use of combined fob  12 . However, learning switch  30  is not essential. Combined fob  12  may be placed into the GD function learning mode by, for example, continuously depressing switch  26  for a predetermined length of time, e.g., more than 5 seconds or such other time as does not usually occur during normal function use. A still further alternative is to require that two (or more) function switches be simultaneously depressed in order to place combined fob  12  into the GD function learning mode. Persons of skill in the art will understand that these are merely illustrative ways of placing combined fob  12  into the GD function learning mode and that any means of doing so that does not conflict with normal operation may also be used. 
     Display or indicator  28  may be any convenient means of drawing to the user&#39;s attention the state of fob  12  during learning and/or normal operation. One or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), e.g., of different color, shape, arrangement or brightness or a combination thereof, are convenient for indicator or display  28 , but this is not essential and not intended to be limiting. Display or indicator  28  maybe visible, audible or tactile or a combination thereof. As used herein the terms “LED”, “display” and “indicator” are intended to include any and all of the examples noted above and/or combinations thereof and other alerting means and not be limited merely to light emitting devices or visually viewed devices. As is explained in more detail later, when combined fob  12  enters the learning mode wherein the GD activate signal parameters are about to be or are being detected and memorized by fob  12 , indicator or display  28  may flash or change color or otherwise announce or indicate the change in status of combined fob  12 . As each step of the learning process occurs (e.g., detect signals, analyze GD activate signals, store essential signal parameters in memory, etc.) display  28  desirably but not essentially provides a different signal or indication to confirm the success or failure of each sub-step (e.g., see  FIG. 2 ). Display  28  may also be used during normal operation of combined fob  12  (i.e., after learning is complete) to indicate that a particular function has been activated and/or that a signal has been sent for a vehicle keyless entry function or GD opener function or whatever. In this respect, having multiple indicators (e.g., LEDs of different size, shape, color and/or location) and/or an alpha-numeric display screen, capable of alerting the user to the fob state for different vehicle keyless entry and GD opener functions is desirable. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified schematic block diagram sub-system  50  of combined remote vehicle keyless entry and garage door control fob  12  of  FIG. 1  showing further details. For convenience of explanation, sub-system  50  describes and illustrates those elements needed for the GD opener functions of combined fob  12 . However, those of skill in the art will understand that the elements of sub-system  50  may also be used for keyless entry functions. Sub-system  50  comprises receiver  52  with antenna  54  adapted to receive signals  13  from GD opener  14  and/or GD actuator  16  (see  FIG. 1 ). Sub-system  50  also comprises transmitter  56  with antenna  58  adapted to send signals  17  to door GD actuator  16 . Sub-system  50  also comprises processor  60  coupled to receiver  52  and transmitter  56  by bus  61 . While sub-system  50  shows receiver  52  and transmitter  56  coupled to processor  60  by common bus  61 , this is merely for convenience of explanation and not intended to be limiting. Persons of skill in the art will understand that receiver  52  and transmitter  56  may be separately coupled to processor  60  as indicated by leads or buses  61 - 1 ,  61 - 2 . Either arrangement is useful. Sub-system  50  also comprises function switches  62  coupled to processor  60  by leads or bus  63 , memory  64  coupled to processor  60  by leads or bus  65  and display or indicator  66  coupled to processor  60  by leads or bus  67 . Function switches  62  correspond to switches  24 ,  26 ,  30  of  FIG. 1 . 
     When one of function switches  24  of combined fob  12  is actuated by the user, processor  60  retrieves the corresponding instructions for that function from memory  64  and sends the appropriate signaling codes via transmitter  56  and antenna  58  to vehicle electronic system  20  (see  FIG. 1 ). When the user depresses UGDO function switch  26 , processor  60  interrogates memory  64  to determine whether the appropriate GD activate signal parameters (e.g., RF frequency and security code) for the GD opener function are present in memory  64 . If the appropriate signaling parameters for signal  17  are available in memory  64 , processor  60  causes transmitter  56  to modulate the appropriate security and activation codes on the specified RF frequency using transmitter  56  or other transmitter and sends resulting replica  17  of GD activate signal  13  via antenna  58  to garage door activation receiver  16 . While only one GD function switch is illustrated on fobs  12 ,  14  this is merely for convenience of explanation. Multiple switches may also be used for the GD activate function. With only one GD function switch  26 ,  11  depressing OPEN switch  11  or UGDO switch  26  acts as a toggle, causing garage door  18  to go up if down or down if up. This is conventional. Alternatively, separate UP or DOWN switches may be provided on combined fob  12  provided that garage door actuator receiver  16  is adapted to receive separate UP or DOWN instructions rather than a toggle type signal. 
     If the appropriate GD activate signaling data is not already present in memory  66 , then processor  60  sends a flag or error instruction to display or indicator  66  causing it to indicate that an error has occurred and that system  50  of fob  12  should enter the learn mode. Fob  12  may automatically enter the learn mode under these circumstances or wait until placed in the learn mode by the user. The user can place fob  12  and sub-system  50  in the learn mode by any one of the means previously discussed or any other convenient means. For example, by depressing UGDO button  26  for a predetermined period of time T&gt;T 1 , or by actuating separate learn switch  30 , or any other suitable combination of actions. For purposes of this explanation it is assumed that the appropriate one(s) of function switches  62  have been activated and an “enter learn mode” command signal is sent to processor  60  over leads or bus  63 . Processor  60  retrieves the appropriate learn mode instructions from memory  64  and actuates receiver  52  to listen for signal  13  from GD opener  14  or other source of signal  13 . In the preferred arrangement, processor  60  also causes display  66  to indicate that sub-system  50  is ready to learn the GD activation frequency and security code. Depending upon the nature of display  66  chosen by the system designer, the LEARN MODE ON indication my consist of one or more LEDs flashing in a particular pattern or color or for an alpha-numeric character display, presentation of the word “LEARN” or “GO” or “TRANSMIT” or “INPUT GDA SIGNAL or equivalent action indicator, where “GDA” is an abbreviation for “garage door activate”. The user places GD opener remote  14 , for example, in proximity to combined fob  12  and depresses transmit button  11  of GD opener  14  or equivalent to cause it to send signal  13  which is captured by receiver  52  via antenna  54 . The RF frequency of signal  13  is noted and the security coding information contained therein is detected and passed on to processor  60 . Processor  60  then stores the essential parameters that define signal  13  in memory  64 , for example, but not limited to RF transmit frequency and security code format. Once that is done then, as previously explained, combined fob is ready to act as a substitute for GD remote control  14 . 
     Garage door openers transmit on frequencies within one of several assigned bands established by government standards. Therefore, receiver  52  and transmitter  56  should be variable frequency capable, that is, receiver  52  should be able to detect and receive signal  13  within any of the permitted frequency bands and transmitter  56  should be able to transmit on the same frequency in order for fob  12  to be able to generate signal  17  replicating signal  13  of GD remote  14 . Software programmable and frequency agile receivers and transmitters and/or controllers are available in micro-chip form to perform these functions and are in commercial use in other equipment such as sensor excitation devices, digital modulation/demodulation (modems), test and measurement equipment, clock recovery, programmable clock generator, liquid and gas flow measurement, sensory applications, medical equipment, FM chirp source for radar and scanning systems, commercial and amateur RF exciter, wireless and satellite communications, cellular base station hopping synthesizers, broadband communications, tuners, military radar, automotive radar, and wireless microphone receivers in public address systems. Thus, all of the needed functions can be integrated into a low power pocket-sized portable fob. 
     While sub-system  50  is illustrated as using separate receiver  52  and transmitter  56  this is merely for convenience of explanation and persons of skill in the art will understand that these functions can be combined. Similarly, sub-system  50  is illustrated as using separate receive antenna  54  and transmit antenna  58 , but this is merely for convenience of explanation and not intended to be limiting. Persons of skill in the art will understand that a combined transmit-receive antenna may also be used, with an appropriate multiplexer. Such arrangements are well known in the art. 
       FIG. 3  is a simplified flow chart illustrating method  100  of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment. In  FIG. 3 , YES (TRUE) is abbreviated as “Y” and NO (FALSE) is abbreviated as “N” with respect to the outcome of various queries. Method  100  begins with start  102  that conveniently occurs on system power-up, e.g., in response to any function button on fob  12  being pushed. Method  100  proceeds to query  104  wherein it is determined whether or not the LEARN MODE has been activated, e.g., by depressing the appropriate one(s) of function switches  62 . If the outcome of query  104  is NO (FALSE) then method  100  proceeds as shown by path  105  to RESUME NORMAL OPERATION step  106 , whose outcome returns to query  104  as shown by path  107 . If the outcome of query  104  is Yes (TRUE) then method  100  proceeds to step  108  comprising INITIALIZE LEARN MODE TIMER @ T 2  step  108 - 1  and INDICATE LEARN MODE ON step  108 - 2 , which steps can be executed in either order. It is assumed for purposes of explanation that the learn mode timer has a timing duration of T 2 . In step  108 - 1 , processor  60  initializes a timer having predetermined duration T 2 , as for example but not limited to, by setting a predetermined number into a count-down or count-up counter or other means. Any means of providing a timing function of duration T 2  can be used. In step  108 - 2 , processor  60  sends an appropriate command to display  66  to cause it to show or announce that combined fob  12  has entered the learn mode and is ready to receive garage door activate (GDA) training signal  13  from GD remote  14  or equivalent. 
     Subsequent timing loop  110 , comprising steps  112 ,  114  and  116 , causes system  50  to wait up to duration T 2  for the user to input a GDA signal (indicated by user executed step  111 ) in response to the LEARN MODE ON screen prompt generated by step  108 - 2 . In DID FOB GET GDA SIGNAL ? query  112 , processor  60  determines whether or not receiver  52  has received the GDA signal. As explained more fully later in connection with feedback path  121  from ANALYZE GDA SIGNAL step  120  back to query  112 , some degree of analysis may be performed in connection with step  120  to determine whether a signal received by receiver  52  is likely a proper GDA signal. If the outcome of query  112  is NO (FALSE) then timing loop  110  proceeds to IS T 2  INTERVAL OVER ? query  114  wherein it is determined whether or not interval T 2  is exhausted. For example, if a count-down timer is being utilized, the timer state can be tested to determine whether or not it has reached zero, but any means of determining whether or not time interval T 2  has been exhausted may be used. If the outcome of query  114  is YES (TRUE), meaning that the learning time period has expired, then method  100  proceeds to INDICATE NO-LEARN ERROR step  118  wherein processor  60  directs display  66  to indicate that the learn mode failed, i.e., did not result in comprehending a proper GDA signal. After step  114  and before or after step  118 , method  100  proceeds (e.g., by path  119 ) to EXIT LEARN MODE step  126  and RESUME NORMAL OPERATION step  106  and via path  107  back to START  102  and query  104 . For this branch of method  100 , step  118  and step  126  may be performed in either order. 
     If the outcome of IS T 2  INTERVAL OVER ? query  114  is NO (FALSE) then timing loop  110  proceeds to DECREMENT TIMER step  116 , wherein the remaining portion of interval T 2  is decreased by a predetermined amount. For example and not intended to be limiting, a timer comprising a count-down counter could be decremented by some fixed amount (e.g., one or more counts) set by the system designer. As used herein the words “decrement” and “decrement timer” are intended to refer generally to the step of altering a count or time measure either up or down so as to reduce the remaining time interval and not be limited merely to decrement (or increment) type counters. Then, as shown by path  117 , timing loop  110  returns to DID FOB GET GDA SIGNAL ? query  112 . Timing loop  110  continues until the outcome of query  112  is YES (TRUE) indicating that a GDA signal was received or, as previously discussed, the outcome of query  114  is YES (TRUE) indicating that interval T 2  has expired without the fob comprehending a proper GDA signal. 
     Once the fob has successfully received a GDA signal as indicated by a YES (TRUE) outcome of query  112 , then method  100  proceeds to ANALYZE GDA SIGNAL step  120  and STOP T 2  TIMER step  122 . While it is desirable to do some analysis of the received GDA signal as indicated by feedback path  121  before proceeding this is not essential. Under those circumstances steps  120  and  122  may be executed in either order. Following step  122 , step  124  is executed, comprising GDA SIGNAL PROPERTIES TO MEMORY step  124 - 1  and INDICATE LEARN COMPLETE step  124 - 2 , which may be executed in either order. In step  124 - 1  the GDA signal properties (as for example but not limited to frequency and security code, etc.) are stored in memory  64  or equivalent. In step  124 - 2 , processor  60  desirably causes display  66  to indicate that the GDA learning mode was successfully completed. Any appropriate message or display (e.g., word message, sound, vibration, light, a combination thereof, etc.) may be used to indicate this. Then, method  100  proceeds, as illustrated for example by path  125  to EXIT LEARN MODE step  126 , then via RESUME NORMAL OPERATION step  106  and path  107  back to START  102  and query  104 . For this branch of method  100 , while the sequence of steps  124  and  126  are preferred, this is not essential and steps  124 ,  126  may be performed in any order. 
     For convenience of explanation, analyzing the GDA signal is indicated as occurring in step  120  after query  112  has indicated that the GDA signal has been received. However, the present method comprehends, as indicated by feedback path  121 , that some analysis of the GDA signal may be carried out before query  112  indicates successful receipt of the GDA signal. For example, and not intended to be limiting, a signal received by receiver  52  during the interval T 2  may be tested in step  120  to determine whether the received frequency and/or format is consistent with that known to be used by GD openers, and/or whether two successive GDA messages are the same, or for rolling codes have an appropriate relationship, and so forth. Persons of skill in the art will understand that none or some or substantial signal verification may be used before deciding in step  112  that the received signal comprehends a proper GDA signal. However, such verification is not essential. 
     In the embodiments described above, it is preferred that display  66  be included in fob  12 , but display  66  is not essential and may be omitted. Similarly, while it is preferred that display steps  108 ,  118 ,  124 - 2  be included in method  100 , none are essential and any or all may be omitted. Persons of skill in the art will understand that under circumstances where one or more display step is omitted that the method automatically proceeds to the next step. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.