Abstract:
A keyless entry system for a vehicle includes a side-view mirror assembly and an input device integrated into the side-view mirror assembly. The input device includes an input interface that is operable to input a code. A controller receives the code and generates an action signal based on the code to initiate operation of a device of the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/548,266, filed on Feb. 27, 2004. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to keyless entry systems for vehicles, and more particularly to a keyless entry system integrated into a side-view mirror of a vehicle.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Keyless entry systems enable access to a vehicle interior and/or remote activation of vehicle accessories. Traditionally, keyless entry systems include a keypad mounted near the door handle or a key-fob attached to a key ring. The key-fob enables remote access and/or accessory activation, however, an operator must be in physical possession of the key ring. A keypad enables an operator to access the vehicle and or remotely activate accessories without the key-ring in hand.  
         [0004]     Keypad keyless entry systems are traditionally installed on the driver side door. An operator inputs a code to unlock the vehicles doors and or activate vehicle accessories. For example, the trunk can be opened and the interior lights turned on. Keypad keyless entry systems enable vehicle access and/or accessory activation without requiring the vehicle key. In this manner, a child, a friend or a service technician can access the vehicle interior without the ability to start the vehicle.  
         [0005]     Keypad keyless entry systems generally require a keypad having multiple keys. The multiple keys each include indicia indicating a particular code character. As a result, traditional keypad keyless entry systems diminish the aesthetic quality of the vehicle. More particularly, the keypad breaks the vehicle styling lines and color schemes.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     Accordingly, the present invention provides a keyless entry system for a vehicle. The keyless entry system includes a side-view mirror assembly and an input device integrated into the side-view mirror assembly. The input device includes an input interface that is operable to input a code that initiates operation of a device of said vehicle.  
         [0007]     In one feature, the keyless entry system further includes indicia associated with said input interface.  
         [0008]     In other features, the side-view mirror assembly includes a mirror support that is positionable between a dormant position and an entry position. The input device is integrated into the mirror support and is covered by a mirror housing when the mirror support is in said dormant position and is exposed when the mirror support is in the entry position. Alternatively, an indicator is integrated into the mirror support and is covered by a mirror housing when the mirror support is in the dormant position and is exposed when the mirror support is in the entry position.  
         [0009]     In other features, the input interface is integrated into a mirror surface as a touch pad. The touch pad is operable in a visible mode and one of a translucent mode and an invisible mode. A display is integrated into the mirror surface. The display is operable in a visible mode and one of a translucent mode and an invisible mode.  
         [0010]     In still other features, the keyless entry system further includes a display that is integrated into the mirror surface. The display provides indicia corresponding to each of the input pads of the keypad. The display is operable in a visible mode and one of a translucent mode and an invisible mode.  
         [0011]     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a vehicle door having a side-view mirror with an integrated keyless entry system according to the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the side-view mirror including the keyless entry system mounted to an external surface of a mirror housing;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the side-view mirror including the keyless entry system mounted to an internal surface of a mirror housing;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of the side-view mirror including an alternative keyless entry system according to the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of the side-view mirror of  FIG. 4  illustrating the mirror pivoted to an entry position;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of the side-view mirror including another alternative keyless entry system according to the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of the side-view mirror of  FIG. 6  illustrating the mirror pivoted to an entry position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a front view of the side-view mirror including still another alternative keyless entry system according to the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the side-view mirror including still another alternative keyless entry system according to the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the side-view mirror including yet another alternative keyless entry system according to the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the side-view mirror including a combined keyless entry system and turn signal indicator integrated into the mirror housing;  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a front view of the side-view mirror including the combined keyless entry system and turn signal indicator integrated into a mirror surface; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a front view of the side-view mirror including the combined keyless entry system and turn signal indicator attached to the mirror housing. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]     The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the term module refers to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.  
         [0027]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary vehicle door assembly  10  is illustrated. The vehicle door assembly  10  includes a door panel  12 , a side-view mirror assembly  14 , a door handle  16 , a latching mechanism  18 , a locking mechanism  20  and an integrated keyless entry system  22 . The vehicle door assembly  10  is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to a vehicle frame (not shown). The door handle  16  is mechanically or electrically connected to the latching mechanism  18  in a manner known in the art. The locking mechanism  20  is in mechanical or electrical connection with the latching mechanism  18 . The locking mechanism  20  is selectively actuated to lock the vehicle door assembly  12  in the closed position, as discussed in further detail below.  
         [0028]     The vehicle door assembly  10  is selectively latched in the closed position by the latching mechanism  18 . Actuation of the door handle  16  induces the latching mechanism  18  to unlatch the vehicle door assembly  10 . In this manner, the movement of the vehicle door assembly  10  to the open position is enabled. The locking mechanism  20  has a locked mode and an unlocked mode. In the locked mode, the locking mechanism  20  prohibits the latching mechanism  18  from unlatching the vehicle door assembly  10 . In the unlocked mode, the vehicle door assembly  10  may be selectively unlatched.  
         [0029]     The side-view mirror assembly  14  includes the keyless entry system  22 , a mirror housing  24 , a mirror  26  and an actuator  28  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The mirror housing  24  provides a decorative, aerodynamic covering and protects the keyless entry system  22 , the mirror  26 , the actuator  28  and other components of the side-view mirror assembly  14 . The actuator  28  is remotely operated to adjust a position of the mirror  26 .  
         [0030]     The keyless entry system  22  is integrated into the side-view mirror assembly  14 , as described in further detail below. Integration of the keyless entry system  22  in the side-view mirror assembly  14  improves vehicle aesthetics. More particularly, the keyless entry system  22  is either integrated as decorative features of the side-view mirror assembly  14  or is hidden within the side-view mirror assembly  14 , as described in further detail below.  
         [0031]     The keyless entry system  22  enables an operator to input a security code to affect the security settings of the vehicle. For example, by inputting the security code, the operator can turn off an alarm system or switch the locking mechanism  20  between locked and unlocked modes without physically inserting a key into the door handle  16  in the traditional manner. It is anticipated that the security code is a private code selected by the operator and akin to a personal identification number (PIN).  
         [0032]     It is also anticipated that the keyless entry system  22  enables an operator to input function codes to affect vehicle functions. By inputting a function code, the operator can activate a vehicle function without the key and without having to enter the vehicle. For example, the keyless entry system  22  can be used to unlock a trunk, activate interior lights, headlights and/or hazard lights, slide windows up/down and the like. It is anticipated that the function codes are pre-set by the vehicle manufacturer such that the same function codes initiate the same functions across all vehicle platforms. It is further anticipated, however, that the security code must be first input before the function codes become operable. In this manner, an operator can only activate a function after inputting the proper security code.  
         [0033]     A control module  30  processes signals (i.e., security and/or function codes) from the keyless entry system  22  and generates control signals to the locking mechanism  20  and/or accessories  32 . The accessories  32  can include, but are not limited to a trunk latch, interior lights, headlights, hazard lights, window actuators, radio, A/C system, vehicle starter, seat heaters and the like. In general, an operator inputs a coded signal (i.e., security and/or function) using the keyless entry system  22 . The coded signal is received by the control module  30 , which generates a corresponding control signal. In this manner, the operator is able to unlock/lock the vehicle door assembly  10  and/or operate the vehicle accessories  32  without the key or having to enter the vehicle.  
         [0034]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the keyless entry system  22  is discretely mounted to the mirror housing  24 . The keyless entry system  22  can be mounted through an external surface  34  of the mirror housing  24  (see  FIG. 2 ) or through an internal surface  36  of the mirror housing  24  (see  FIG. 3 ). The keyless entry system  22  includes a plurality of input pads  38 . The input pads  38  are provided as decorative features including, but not limited to, bumps, dips, grooves, surface finishes (e.g., smooth, textured, rough). The operator inputs a desired code (i.e., security and/or function) using the input pads  38 . For example, if the operator would like the vehicle door assembly  10  unlocked, the security code is input. If another function is desired, an alternative function code is input after the security code has been input. It is also anticipated that the input pads  38  can include individual designations, symbols or some form of indicia to differentiate one input pad  38  from another. The indicia can be provided as visual indicia (e.g., varying colors, numbers, letters or characters) or physical, brail-like indicia (e.g., bumps, grooves).  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , an alternative keyless entry system  40  is illustrated. The alternative keyless entry system  40  includes an activation pad  42  and input pads  44 . More specifically, the input pads  44  are integrated into a mirror support  46  that holds the mirror  26  in place. The mirror support  46  is pivotally positioned by the actuator  28  between a dormant position (see  FIG. 4 ) and an entry position (see  FIG. 5 ). When the mirror  26  is in the dormant position, the input pads  44  are covered from view by the mirror housing  24 . Depression of the activation pad  42  induces the actuator  28  to move the mirror support  46  and the mirror  26  to the entry position. In the entry position, the input pads  44  are accessible by the operator.  
         [0036]     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , another alternative keyless entry system  40 ′ is illustrated. The keyless entry system  40 ′ includes an activation pad  42 , input pads  44 ′ and keypad indicators  47 . More specifically, the keypad indicators  47  are integrated into the mirror support  46 . The mirror support  46  is pivotally positioned by the actuator  28  between a dormant position (see  FIG. 6 ) and an entry position (see  FIG. 7 ). When the mirror  26  is in the dormant position, the keypad indicators  47  are covered from view by the mirror housing  24 . Depression of the activation pad  42  induces the actuator  28  to move the mirror support  46  and the mirror  26  to the entry position. In the entry position, the keypad indicators  47  are viewable by the operator. The input pads  44 ′ themselves are preferably minimally labeled, inconspicuous or otherwise integrated into the aesthetic design of the mirror housing  24 . It is further anticipated that the key pads  44 ′ themselves can initiate actuation of the mirror support  46  to the entry position, thereby relieving the need for the separate activation pad  42 .  
         [0037]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , another alternative keyless entry system  50  is illustrated. The keyless entry system  50  includes a plurality of touch pads  52  and a display  54  integrated into the mirror  26 . The keyless entry system  50  is operable in a dormant mode and an entry mode. In the dormant mode, the touch pads  52  and display  54  are translucent and are preferably invisible. As used herein, the term translucent indicates a touch pad resolution and/or display resolution that enable reflection of an image from the mirror surface while the touch pads and/or display are at least partially visible. In this manner, the entire mirror surface reflects an unobstructed side-view image. The keyless entry system  50  switches to the entry mode when the operator either touches or places their hand in proximity to the mirror surface or the portion of the mirror surface where the touch pads  52  are located. In this manner, the mirror  26  functions as a touch-screen, whereby the display  54  and touch pads  52  illuminate or become otherwise visible upon switching to the entry mode. It is anticipated that the touch pad and display resolution can vary between a full resolution (i.e., visible and obstructing image reflection from mirror surface in area of the touch pads  52  and the display  54 ), a partial resolution (i.e., partially visible) to a zero-resolution (i.e., invisible).  
         [0038]     The operator actuates the keyless entry system  50  using the touch pads  52 . A code can be sent directly to the control module  30  for executing the desired function. Alternatively, a secondary processor  56  can be provided. The secondary processor  56  relays the desired code to the control module  30  and sends a message signal to the display  54 , which displays a message corresponding to the code entered. The keyless entry system  50  switches back to the dormant mode if the mirror  26  or touch pads  52  have not been touched for a threshold time period.  
         [0039]     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , still another alternative keyless entry system  60  is illustrated. The keyless entry system  60  includes a plurality of touch pads  62  integrated into the mirror  26 . The touch pads  62  include variable indicia that differentiate each. The keyless entry system  60  is operable in a dormant mode and an entry mode. In the dormant mode, the touch pads  62  are translucent and are preferably invisible. In this manner, the entire mirror surface reflects an unobstructed side-view image. The keyless entry system  60  switches to the entry mode when the operator either touches or places their hand in proximity to the mirror surface or the portion of the mirror surface where the touch pads  62  are located. It is anticipated that the touch pad resolution can vary between a full resolution (i.e., visible and obstructing image reflection from mirror surface in area of the touch pads  62 ), a partial resolution (i.e., partially visible) to a zero-resolution (i.e., invisible).  
         [0040]     The operator actuates the keyless entry system  60  using the touch pads  62 . A code can be sent directly to the control module  30  for executing the desired function. Alternatively, a secondary processor  64  can be provided. The secondary processor  64  relays the desired code to the control module  30  and sends a message signal to the touch pads  62  to correspondingly vary the indicia associated with each. The indicia displays a message corresponding to the code entered. The keyless entry system  60  switches back to the dormant mode if the mirror  26  or touch pads  62  have not been touched for a threshold time period.  
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , yet another alternative keyless entry system  70  is illustrated. The keyless entry system  70  includes a plurality of input pads  72  attached to the mirror housing  24  and a display  74  integrated into the mirror  26 . The keyless entry system  70  is operable in a dormant mode and an entry mode. In the dormant mode, the display  74  is translucent and is preferably invisible. In this manner, the entire mirror surface reflects an unobstructed side-view image. The keyless entry system  70  switches to the operative mode when the operator either touches or places their hand in proximity to the mirror surface or the portion of the mirror surface where the input pads  72  are located. It is anticipated that the display resolution can vary between a full resolution (i.e., visible and obstructing image reflection from mirror surface in area of the display  74 ), a partial resolution (i.e., partially visible) to a zero-resolution (i.e., invisible). The input pads  72  themselves are preferably minimally labeled, inconspicuous or otherwise integrated into the aesthetic design of the mirror housing  24 .  
         [0042]     The operator actuates the keyless entry system  70  using the touch pads  72 . A code can be sent directly to the control module  30  for executing the desired function. Alternatively, a secondary processor  76  can be provided. The secondary processor  76  relays the desired code to the control module  30  and sends a message signal to the display  74 , which displays a message corresponding to the code entered. The keyless entry system  70  switches back to the dormant mode if the touch pads  72  have not been touched for a threshold time period.  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIG. 11  through  13 , the present invention also provides a combined keyless entry system and turn signal indicator  80  that is implemented in the side-view mirror assembly  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the combined keyless entry system and turn signal indicator  80  includes a series of light sources  82  (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) integrated into the mirror housing  24 . The light sources  82  are selectively illuminated to indicate a driver&#39;s intention to turn. Additionally, the light sources  82  function as input interfaces  82  for inputting a security code and/or a function code, as described in detail above. The light sources  82  can include indicia provided as visual indicia (e.g., varying colors, numbers, letters or characters) or physical, brail-like indicia (e.g., bumps, grooves). The indicia differentiate one input interface  82  from another.  FIG. 12  illustrates the combined keyless entry system and turn signal indicator  80  integrated into the mirror  26  and  FIG. 13  illustrates the combined keyless entry system and turn signal indicator  80  attached to the mirror housing  24 .  
         [0044]     Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.