Patent Publication Number: US-2007100514-A1

Title: Remote control of conveyance and appliance functions

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention pertains to keyless entry systems and mobile devices. More specifically, the present invention pertains to remotely accessing a conveyance such as an automobile and certain conveyance functions utilizing a mobile device.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      Mobile devices, such as cellular phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and portable music devices are essential and useful tools for the modern day lifestyle. The cost and size of mobile devices allow almost any person to have a mobile device on hand anywhere and at anytime.  
      Almost as ubiquitous—although certainly more expensive—is the automobile. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that as of February 2005, nearly 62 million vehicles were registered in the United States, approximately 42 million of which are personal automobiles. In fact, in 2004, almost 16 million new cars were sold in the United States alone.  
      Driving a conveyance such as an automobile or truck traditionally requires the presence of an associated key. An individual cannot enter their automobile without a key nor can they start the engine of their automobile without the aforementioned key. Conveyances such as motorcycles and scooters, while not necessarily having a door with a lock, do have similar limitations with regard to, for example, starting the engine of the conveyance.  
      Possessing both a mobile device and an automobile key is, for most individuals, natural and usually necessary. Many individuals do not leave their home without a mobile device (e.g., a cellular phone) and their keys for accessing and starting their automobile. Carrying such items can, however, pose certain inconveniences.  
      For example, despite the continued decrease in the size of mobile devices, these devices still tend to be bulky and uncomfortable when placed in a person&#39;s pants&#39; pocket or some other article of clothing (e.g., a jacket pocket). This is especially true as mobile devices continually gravitate toward ‘smart phones.’ Smart phones represent that class of devices wherein mobile telephony is combined with other functionalities such as calendaring and contact lists. For those devices having data network capabilities, e-mail and Internet access are also provided. The increased functionality of mobile devices has led, in instances like the smart phone, to a slight increase in size due to display and keyboard requirements.  
      Mobile devices are also easily scratched, especially in the case of smart phones with enlarged liquid crystal displays. Scratching of a mobile device is often caused by being placed in a pants&#39; pocket, purse or other carrying bag with some other article, for example, automobile keys.  
      Mobile devices and automobile keys (or any other type of key for that matter) are often easily misplaced. This is often the case when a user, because of the cramped space in their pockets, removes their mobile phone and/or keys from their pockets. Such removal is common at, for example, a restaurant as to increase the user&#39;s comfort level while eating. As a result, many users have left their keys and/or phone on a restaurant table at the conclusion of their meal having forgotten to place them back in their pockets.  
      Notwithstanding the inconvenience of having to continually transport both a mobile device and a set of keys, the possibility of damaging a mobile device with one&#39;s keys or the possibility of misplacing one&#39;s keys and/or mobile device as previously noted, immediate access to mobile devices and automobile keys remains a necessity in today&#39;s ‘on-the-go’ society.  
      As a related matter, despite the many high-tech and/or automated comforts offered by a standard automobile in the market place today (e.g., exact temperature control of air conditioning/heating, high-end stereo systems, automatic sun/moon roofs and convertible tops, GPS-mapping and so forth), operating and/or taking advantage of these various comforts requires direct intervention of the automobile owner or driver.  
      For example, on a cold day a driver has to get into their vehicle in order to start and warm-up the engine in order to eventually set the heating system to a suitable temperature. Despite the fact that the automobile may offer a variety of vents providing for carefully placed streams of air heated to an exact temperature, warming up the car proves to be a hassle as the driver must wait several minutes in the freezing temperature of their yet-to-be-heated vehicle until the car warms up the motor and the interior of the vehicle itself. A similar problem exists on a very hot day with regard to cooling off the interior of an automobile.  
      With regard to a stereo system, the driver of the car must be inside the vehicle to tune their stereo or to change CDs to eventually enjoy a particular station or track on a CD. Similar issues exist with regard to satellite radio in that actual presence is required in order to have the radio tuned to a particular favorite channel upon entry into the automobile. This tuning of the stereo or changing of CDs can be time consuming if the driver happens to be in a hurry and can be a further inconvenience if a matter of extreme weather elements is involved (e.g., rain, snow, heat or cold).  
      There is need in the art to minimize the various apparatus a person carries with them in their daily lives (e.g., car keys and a mobile device such as a cell phone, digital music player, PDA, etc.). There is a further need in the art to allow for enjoyment of the comforts offered by certain automobiles without having to be immediately present to activate or control those comforts.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides for remotely controlling environment conditions within a conveyance before entering into the closed environment of the conveyance.  
      The present invention also provides for remotely activating a conveyance&#39;s engine prior to entering the conveyance.  
      The present invention further provides for remotely controlling the audio system of a conveyance prior to entering the conveyance.  
      The present invention provides for remotely controlling navigational components of a conveyance prior to entering the conveyance.  
      The present invention provides for monitoring the status of various components or conditions of a conveyance from a remote location.  
      The present invention provides an advantageous device combining both mobile phone and automobile control functionality.  
      The present invention provides for the remote control of personal space functions through a mobile device.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       FIG. 1A  is a front view of an exemplary mobile device as may be utilized in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 1B  is a top, perspective view of the exemplary mobile device of  FIG. 1A  as may be used in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary peripheral device as may be utilized in secure digital input/output compatible mobile device in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a communication and control system as utilized in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary power system as governed by a body controller in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate various exemplary views of a user interface as may be generated by a conveyance control module in a mobile device.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary method for remotely controlling conveyance functions utilizing a mobile device configured with a conveyance control module.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT  
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of an exemplary mobile device  100 . Mobile device  100  may be a cellular phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a more complex device such as a SmartPhone like the Treo600 (as shown).  
      A Treo600 or other mobile device  100  may be configured to operate on the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network. GSM typically operates on the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies in Europe, Asia and Australia and the 1800 MHz frequency in North and Latin America.  
      Mobile device  100  may also be configured for the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), a radio technology for GSM networks that utilizes packet-switching protocols and offers flexible data transmission rates of, generally, 20 to 30 Kbps although transmissions of up to 171.2 Kbps are possible, in addition to continuous connection to the network.  
      Mobile device  100  may further be configured to comply with the Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE) specification wherein both packet capability—Enhanced General Packet Radio Server (EGPRS)—and circuit switched capability—Enhanced Circuit Switched Data (ECSD)—are offered. The EDGE specification is incorporated herein by reference.  
      It is envisioned that as mobile data networks continue to evolve that mobile device  100  will be further configured to operate within those different network communication specifications (e.g., Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA)).  
      Mobile device  100  comprises at least one means for generating instructions to the mobile device  100 . For example, mobile device  100 , in most embodiments, will comprise a keypad  110  of numbers 0-9 in addition to an asterisk (*) and pound (#) key. Some mobile devices, like the Treo600 (as shown), will comprise additional keys that in some instances cover the entire alphabet whereby QWERTY keyboard-like functionality is offered. Other keys may be provided such as a ‘menu’ key or a ‘home’ key subject to the particular design of the mobile device. These keys provide the means to generate instructions to the mobile device  100  such as a phone number to be dialed or a text or e-mail message to be delivered in the case of Internet functionality.  
      Keys may also be assigned particular functionality relative the device. More specifically, ‘hard’ keys  120  may be present in the mobile device  100  wherein a specific functionality is assigned to a specific key. For example, a ‘phone’ key may be present that, when pressed, results in the invocation of telephone functionality. Similarly, an ‘e-mail’ key may be present wherein an e-mail application is activated.  
      Mobile device  100  may further comprise a five-way navigation control  130 . Five-way navigation control  130  is, in most embodiments, an oval-shaped ring offering up-down-left-right control of a cursor or other indicator on a display  140 . In the center of the oval-shaped ring is a push button for indicating, for example, acceptance or approval of a task or currently highlighted entry in the display  140 . Using the five-way navigation control  130 , a user may navigate among and select various entries in a directory or other interface as shown on display  140 .  
      Mobile device  100  comprises display  140  that may be configured for touch-sensitive operations. For example, a user may utilize a stylus to select or enter information as displayed on display  140 . Display  140  may also be configured to recognize actual handwriting through various handwriting recognition programs. For example, PALM OS devices are typically configured with Graffiti handwriting recognition software whereby users may generate text, numerical or other character information through the use of the Graffiti handwriting language. Through touch-sensitive or handwriting recognition functionality, the display  140  may be used to provide mobile device  100  with certain instructions and/or information.  
      Display  140  may also be configured for ‘soft’ key functionality. A ‘soft’ key (not shown) is a graphical element portrayed on the display  140  that performs whatever function is assigned to that key, usually as listed on the display  140 . A ‘soft’ key may, for example, be assigned ‘send and receive’ functionality in the case of an e-mail application or ‘speed dial’ entries in the case of phone functionality. In many instances, ‘soft’ key functionality may be easily altered by a user of the mobile device  100 . That is, the user may create new ‘soft’ keys or assign new functions to pre-existing ‘soft’ keys. Such reassignment of functionality is also possible in the case of ‘hard’ keys although some devices may prevent reallocation of functionality due to particular hardware design limitations.  
      Mobile device  100  is further configured with a conveyance control module (not shown). A conveyance control module is software residing on the mobile device  100  that generates a conveyance control menu for rendering on the display  140  of the mobile device  100 . The conveyance control menu generated by the conveyance control module is discussed in further detail in  FIGS. 5A-5C .  
      The conveyance control module may be installed on the mobile device  100  at the time of manufacture and commercial delivery by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or may be installed as part of an operation initiated by the user of the mobile device  100 . For example, a user may download and install the conveyance control software module in a manner similar to a user downloading and installing a ring tone via the Short Message Service (SMS). The conveyance control module may also be installed as the result of downloading via a data connection (e.g., Internet). The conveyance control module may be further installed via a synchronization operation whereby the mobile device  100  is, for example, coupled to a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer) wherein information downloaded or resident on the computing device is subsequently transferred to the mobile device  100  as a part of the synchronization operation.  
      For example, a user may synchronize calendar and contact information updated on Microsoft Outlook on the computing device and also transfer new software modules downloaded at the computing device for installation on the mobile device  100  (e.g., games and other applications). This is common when a software module or other application package is of a larger size and may prove too difficult to download over sometimes limited wireless connections. In these instances, downloading to a computing device via, for example, a DSL connection and then subsequently transferring the software package over a USB connection during synchronization may prove more efficient.  
      The conveyance control module is also configured to accept control instructions generated by a user of the mobile device  100 . For example, a user may provide certain conveyance control instructions through entry of commands or information on keypad  110 , through five-way navigation control  130  or via display  140  in conjunction with certain touch-sensitive functionalities. Any other means of providing information to the mobile device  100  may also provide conveyance control instructions.  
      The conveyance control instructions correspond to conveyance control options displayed in the conveyance control menu. The conveyance control module, either alone or in conjunction with other hardware and software residing on the mobile device  100 , translates certain key presses, navigation indications and/or screen touches (i.e., conveyance control instructions) into commands recognizable by the mobile device  100  so that they may be communicated to a peripheral device ( FIG. 2 ) as a perpheral control instruction.  
      A peripheral control instruction is an instruction recognized by the peripheral device to undertake a particular action as it pertains to the operation of the peripheral device. For example, the peripheral control instruction may relate to power control of certain elements that are a part of the peripheral device. The peripheral control instruction may also relate to a command to ultimately be relayed to a conveyance via the peripheral device as a conveyance control signal. The peripheral control instruction recognized by the peripheral device and the conveyance control signal transmitted by the peripheral device are discussed in greater detail in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  
      The conveyance control module installed on the mobile device  100  may comprise all necessary operating instructions in a single module. The conveyance control module may also be divided into various sub-modules on the mobile device  100 . The sub-modules may interoperate by calling upon various routines residing in the various modules as is necessary. Certain routines may also reside in other modules stored elsewhere on the mobile device  100 . For example, certain standard routines may be pre-installed on the mobile device  100  and re-authoring those routines as a part of the conveyance control module would represent unnecessary authoring and increased data storage requirements. The conveyance control module may, instead, call upon those routines already on the mobile device  100  as the operation of the conveyance control module and its related functions (e.g., displaying a conveyance control menu) requires.  
      Other routines may reside on other pieces of hardware coupled to the mobile device  100 . For example, the aforementioned peripheral device ( FIG. 2 ) may be coupled to the mobile device  100 , the peripheral device being configured with certain software to allow for its operation and/or interaction with other components of or coupled to the mobile device  100 .  
      Mobile device  100  further comprises an expansion slot  150  as illustrated in  FIG. 1B . Expansion slot  150  may be a Secure Digital (SD) slot providing for the acceptance of SD cards (not shown). SD cards are small flash memory cards designed for the storage of data on, for example, digital cameras, MP3 Players and so forth. SD cards are, in some embodiments, approximately 32×24×2.1 mm and weigh approximately 2 grams.  
      Expansion slot  150  may be configured to read from and write to SD cards as well as MultiMedia Cards (MMCs). SD cards differ from MMCs in that SD cards provide a write-protect switch that prevents inadvertent overwriting. Some SD cards also provide security features for personal data, eBooks and so forth.  
      Expansion slot  150  may be further configured for Secure Digital Input/Output Support (SDIO). SDIO support allows expansion slot  150  to support more than memory cards such as SD cards and MMCs. With SDIO support, expansion slot  150  may interface with a peripheral device ( FIG. 2 ) such as GPS receivers,  802 .llb Wireless Ethernet Cards, SD Digital Cameras and so on.  
      Peripheral devices that interface with the mobile device  100  through expansion slot  150  may be configured with software that allows for interaction of the peripheral device with the actual mobile device  100  via the expansion slot  150  and its SDIO support (e.g., the communication of data or delivery/receipt of instructions). The mobile device  100  may further comprise software to aid in the installation of the peripheral device. This software may also be introduced to the mobile device through various installation routines as discussed previously in the present disclosure (e.g., synchronization).  
      A typical limitation to peripheral device insertion is physical compatibility (e.g., does the peripheral device fit within the SDIO supported expansion slot  150 ). This problem may be overcome through the sharing of design specifications between a peripheral manufacturer and the manufacturer of the mobile device  100  in that open-compatibility provides financial benefit to both parties (e.g., sale of the peripheral device for the peripheral manufacturer and increased phone value for the mobile device  100  manufacturer in that additional peripherals are available for use with the device).  
      Another limitation is software device compatibility. Most mobile devices, especially SmartPhones, are configured with a particular operating system (OS). In the case of the Treo600 as exemplified in  FIG. 1A , the mobile device  100  is configured with Palm OS 5.2.x. As previously noted, a peripheral device may be configured with certain software to provide for interoperability of the peripheral device with the mobile device  100  via the SDIO supported expansion slot  150 .  
      This interoperability is achieved, in part, through the sharing of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). An API is a set of definitions of the ways one piece of computer software communicates with another. In this example, the APIs would relate to the communication of the software of the peripheral device with the operating system and other software components of the mobile device  100 .  
      In some embodiments, as has been noted, requisite software may also be installed through the synchronization of the mobile device  100  with, for example, another computing device (e.g., a desktop computer). As previously noted, through synchronization, new software packages may be installed on mobile device  100 , these software packages having been obtained, for example, through Internet downloads or physical media (e.g., an optical disk).  
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary peripheral device  200  as may be utilized in a SDIO compatible mobile device. The exemplary peripheral device  200  provides for the receipt of peripheral control instructions from the mobile device  100  as well as the transmission of certain conveyance control signals from the peripheral device  200 . The peripheral device  200  also provides for various system level communications between the peripheral device  200  and mobile device  100  as well as the transmission and receipt of certain authentication signals with a particular conveyance.  
      Peripheral device  200 ,comprises an authentication transponder  210 . Through the use of authentication transponder  210 , a conveyance may automatically detect and authenticate when the mobile device  100  equipped with peripheral device  200  (including authentication transponder  210 ) comes within a predefined zone surrounding a conveyance (e.g.,  100  yards). Through the authentication of the mobile device  100  and peripheral device  200 , the conveyance may then receive and process conveyance control signals generated by the mobile device  100  and peripheral device  200 . The conveyance, upon authentication of the mobile device  100  via the authentication transponder  210  in peripheral device  200  may also allow for the transmission of certain status information of the conveyance to the peripheral device  200  for subsequent display at the mobile device  100 .  
      For example, if the peripheral device  200  and authentication transponder  210  is detected inside the conveyance, the ignition of the conveyance may be activated (i.e., the engine may be started) either through a key turn, a button press inside the conveyance or an alternative means of starting the engine. In some embodiments of the present invention, mere presence of the transponder  210  within the predefined range may allow for ignition of the automobile through, for example, a conveyance control signal as may be generated by the peripheral device  200  in response to conveyance control instructions and peripheral control instructions or through a pre-setting as is discussed below.  
      Alternatively, If the transponder  210  is not detected inside the conveyance or the predefined range and an attempt is made to start the engine, then the conveyance will not respond (i.e., ignition will not occur).  
      Despite the absence of traditional mechanical contact between the conveyance and a key, access to the conveyance and exemplary ignition of the engine occurs utilizing radio communications. A second transponder in the conveyance ( FIG. 3 :  370 ) transmits a wake-up message on a low frequency of, for example, 10 kHz to 125 kHz to activate the first transponder ( FIG. 2 :  210 ) on the peripheral device  200 . The peripheral device  200  configured with the first transponder  210  detects the low frequency signal, ‘wakes up’ and engages in an authentication exchange with the second transponder  370  in the conveyance. Once authentication has occurred, conveyance control signals transmitted by the peripheral device  200  may be received and processed by the conveyance whereby the activation of relevant conveyance functions may occur. Upon successful authentication, the entry device may return to a stand-by mode.  
      The transponder in the conveyance ( 370 ), in receiving the authentication signal from the first transponder ( 210 ), may measure the frequency strength of certain authentication signals. Based on the strength of these signals, the conveyance determines whether the first transponder ( 210 ) is located inside or outside the conveyance or within a predefined range allowing for operation of conveyance functions.  
      To avoid excessive drain on the mobile device  100  battery (not shown), a low-power, low-frequency wake-up receiver may be implemented in conjunction with the first transponder  210 , such as the AS3931 manufactured by AustriaMicrosystems AG. The AS3931 is an ultra-low-power, three-channel LF ASK receiver designed to operate in various applications such as LF identification systems and LF tag receivers.  
      The AS3931 is able to detect low-frequency, ASK-modulated signals (e.g., those signals that may be generated by the second transponder  370 ) in the conveyance by looking for a digital wake-up pattern and generate a WAKE signal after successful pattern detection. Such a receiver is the only active circuit in the transponder  210  of the peripheral device  200  until otherwise activated through the WAKE signal thereby conserving battery power in the mobile device. In one embodiment, current consumption of the receiver is between 6.6 μA and 7.2 μA, supplied by the mobile device battery, which may be a rechargeable lithium ion battery.  
      Peripheral device  200  further comprises a wireless transceiver  220 . Wireless transmitter may be a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) compliant LAN access device that enables communicative connectivity toga wireless network. An exemplary wireless transceiver  220  supports 40/64 and 128-bit WEP encryption. In order to preserve battery power in the mobile device, an embodiment of the exemplary wireless transceiver  220  consumes approximately 15 μA while idle and approximately 280 μA during the receipt or transmission of information. Power consumption of the wireless transceiver  220  may be further reduced such that the transceiver  220  only becomes active following a successful authentication operation between transponder  210  and transponder  370  or as a result of a WAKE signal as may be generated by a low-power, low-frequency wake-up receiver like that discussed above. The wireless transceiver  220  may further be operated as the result of a peripheral control instruction generated at the mobile device  100  as the result of certain user input.  
      An exemplary wireless transceiver  220  may operate in a frequency range of 2.4-2.5 GHz with a data rate of approximately 11 Mbps with dynamic range scaling to optimize range throughput. The exemplary wireless transmitter may further utilize Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance protocols (CSMA/CA). Through the use of wireless transceiver  220 , conveyance control instructions may be transmitted to an antenna ( FIG. 3 :  320 ) configured for receipt of those instructions at a conveyance.  
      In some embodiments, wireless transceiver  220  in conjunction with additional hardware and/or software known to one of skill in the art may be configured to piggy-back one signal on another signal. For example, the transponder signals exchanged during authentication may be carried be transmitted via the transceiver  220  or signals transmitted via the transceiver may be transmitted over frequencies utilized by the transponders  210  and  370 . In yet another embodiment, the wireless transceiver  220  may not be necessary in that conveyance control signals are delivered over a cellular network as utilized by the likes of a cellular phone. Various data networks utilized in cellular services may also be utilized to communicate conveyance control signals between a conveyance and peripheral device  200  coupled to a mobile device  100 .  
      As certain embodiments of the mobile device  100  of the present invention are full-duplex devices, one radio frequency may be used for the transmission of information while another is utilized for the receipt of information. One of those frequencies may be used to deliver conveyance control signals to the antenna  320  or other receiver device located at the conveyance. Utilizing any of a variety of cellular access technologies—CDMA2000, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA, for example—the transmission and receipt of these digital signals may occur. These signals are then exchanged between the cellular device and the conveyance.  
      Peripheral device  200  may also comprise memory  230 . Memory  230  may be configured with certain information and/or logic as it pertains to conveyance conditions or instructions. For example, a user of an exemplary embodiment of the presently described system may desire to have certain pre-settings as they pertain to control of the conveyance. For example, a user may always wish to have the car pre-conditioned to a particular temperature with a particular CD playing in the stereo system upon entry into the conveyance. This information may be provided to memory  230  of the peripheral device  200  via various user inputs on the mobile device  100 . Such ‘pre-settings’ may be retained in the memory  230  device.  
      Other types of pre-settings may be provided such as navigation information or sun-roof control. Different profiles may also be saved in the memory  230 . For example, a ‘sunny day’ profile may provide for the retraction of the sub-roof while a ‘rainy day’ profile may provide for the sun-roof to be closed. ‘Hot weather’ or ‘cold weather’ profiles may also be provided whereby particular nuances of internal temperature are controlled. Profiles may also pertain to particular users of the automobile (e.g., a particular user who likes to have the automatic seat in a particular position) or a particular destination (e.g., as that destination may relate to going to work, going home, visiting a relative, etc.) Through the use of pre-settings as stored in memory  230 , upon authentication of the mobile device  100  coupled to the peripheral device  200  via the authentication transponder  210 , a conveyance control signal may immediately be transmitted to the conveyance without further input from the user.  
      Memory  230  may also be configured to retain other information such as a predefined distance at which certain signals may be transmitted and/or received from the mobile device  100 /peripheral device  200  combination (e.g.,  20  feet, etc.). Information pertaining to a predefined distance may be automatically configured by a manufacturer of the peripheral device  200  or, alternatively, may be provided by a user of the device through various user interfaces and commands provided via the mobile device (i.e., conveyance control instructions).  
      In some embodiments of the present invention, other hardware elements may be coupled to the peripheral device  200  such as certain keyless entry hardware offered by certain automobile manufacturers, for example, hardware related to Keyless-Go™ functionality as offered in the Mercedes Benz S-Class. Various hardware (and related software) may be controlled via the mobile device  100  and related user interfaces as may be provided by the hardware manufacturer or otherwise installed on the mobile device  100  through, for example, a synchronization operation.  
      Peripheral device  200  may be configured to offer certain ‘valet key’ type functionality. In the context of a physical lock-and-key environment with an automobile, the valet key allows a third-party to open the doors of the automobile and to start the engine but not to have access to, for example, the trunk or the glove box. Peripheral device  200  may be manufactured as to offer full owner functionality and/or limited valet functionality such that a mobile device  100  owner may replace an ‘owner peripheral device’ with a ‘valet peripheral device’ upon allowing a third-party temporary use of their automobile (e.g., for the purposes of valet parking at a hotel). As such, the third-party would have limited control over certain automobile functionality.  
      In other embodiments, the conveyance control module installed on the mobile device  100  may have certain security functionality as to ‘lock out’ certain conveyance controls that should not be extended to a third-party. Through these security controls, the third-party may be able to lock and unlock the doors of an automobile but not to control certain GPS, environmental, stereo or other controls that are beyond the need of the third-party. Certain functionality related to the mobile device may also be locked out. For example, the third-party may have the ability to control limited automobile functionality but not to make phone calls in the case of the mobile device being a cellular telephone. Similarly, if the present invention is embodied in an alternative piece of hardware (e.g., a portable music device or PDA), those functions, too, may be locked out and beyond the control of the third-party. Various profiles may be assigned depending on the use rights of a particular user (e.g., owner versus child versus valet versus spouse).  
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a communication and control system  300  as utilized in a conveyance in an embodiment of the present invention. Control system  300  comprises a body controller computing device  310 , antenna  320 , authentication transponder  370  and various conveyance operation control devices such as lock actuators  330 , ignition system  340 , environmental control system  350  and stereo system  360 , although additional devices may be utilized within the scope of the present invention to the extent they are capable of being controlled by a body controller  310  or a related computing device capable of receiving operating instruction in a conveyance.  
      Body Controller  310  is a computing device and/or computing network located within the conveyance. The body controller  310  uses certain vehicle and/or environmental factors to control various conveyance functionalities via an instrument cluster operation system to which all instruments of a conveyance that are subject to control are connected. A body controller  310  is commercially referenced by different names within the automotive industry. For example, in a Mercedes Benz S-Class, the body controller  310  is referred to as the Control Area Network (CAN) system.  
      Body controller  310 , in some embodiments; controls the interior lights of the automobile, the emissions of certain warning alarms.(e.g., headlights are on with the ignition off or keys are left in the ignition with a car door open) and a number of other functions as may be assigned by the manufacturer of the particular conveyance and body controller  310 . Body controller  310  is, at its very essence, a computing device capable of being configured with necessary hardware and/or software to undertake any necessary processing function or operation execution through a conveyance control command.  
      Body controller  310  is coupled to antenna  320  and an antenna module (not shown). Antenna  320  receives various conveyance control signals via, for example, a wireless LAN, cellular network or other RF transmission. Antenna  320  receives the conveyance control signals and, via software implemented through the antenna module, converts those conveyance control signal into instructions executable or otherwise comprehensible to the body controller  310  (e.g., a conveyance control command). That is, the antenna module takes the semantics of the conveyance control signals and converts them into syntax understood by the body controller computing device  310 —the conveyance control command.  
      Body controller  310 , via antenna  320 , may receive a conveyance control signal reflecting an instruction to unlock or lock conveyance door locks, roll up or roll down windows, to allow for ignition of the engine and so, forth. When antenna  320  receives a conveyance control signal, the antenna  320  in conjunction with the antenna module will translate that instruction into a conveyance control command recognizable by the body controller  310 . Body controller  310  will then provide for electrical power to a conveyance operation control device and any necessary data transmission (instruction) to allow for the occurrence of a certain action related to the conveyance. Examples of conveyance operation control devices include power door locks, power windows, an air conditioning system, an ignition system, seat positioning, steering wheel positioning, stereo system control, GPS navigation control and so forth.  
      For example, antenna  320  may receive a conveyance control signal to open the door locks of a conveyance. The antenna  320  and antenna module will recognize that signal and translate it into a conveyance control command recognized by body controller  310 , which will provide power to the appropriate conveyance operation control device controlling the door locks from a battery (not shown). In this example, the conveyance operation control device is the power-door-lock actuator  330 .  
      For example, power-door-lock actuator  330 , in an embodiment of conveyance, is positioned below a door latch. An extension device (e.g., an actuator rod) connects the actuator to the door latch. When provided with power, the actuator  330  will cause the latch (via the extension device) to be positioned in such a way as to allow for the opening and closing of the door (i.e., the door is unlocked). Alternatively, the actuator  330  may reposition the latch such that the door cannot be opened (i.e., the door is locked).  
      To unlock the door, the body controller  310  provides actuator  330  with power for a timed interval as to allow for the unlock positioning of the latch. Once that timed interval expires, the power to the actuator  330 , as provided for by body controller  310 , is discontinued and the actuator  330  returns to its initial, un-powered state whereby the door latch causes the locking of the door. The actual operation of the actuator  330  is well known in the art and, in some embodiments, concerns the use of a small electric motor and a series of spur gears including a gear that drives a rack-and-pinion gear set that is connected to the aforementioned connection device (e.g., the actuator rod). The gear set converts the rotational motion of the gears into the linear motion necessary to move the door lock.  
      A similar interaction applies to the operation of power windows. For example, body controller  310 , via antenna  320  and antenna module, will receive a conveyance control signal indicating the need to roll-up or roll-down windows in a conveyance. Power will be provided to power window actuator  340  that comprises an electric motor attached to a series of spur gears that provide the requisite torque to lift or lower a window. Similar interactions pertain to the control of, for example, an air conditioning system in the automobile wherein the requisite fan and ventilation system  350  including the air compressor may be provided with power from body controller  310  in response to signals received by antenna  320  and translated into conveyance control commands by the antenna module.  
      Ignition of the conveyance may also be controlled through body controller  310  and antenna  320  that receives a conveyance control signal. Upon receipt of the signal, the antenna  320  and antenna module translate the signal into a command recognizable by the body controller  310 . Body controller  310 , in response to the translated command, allows for the provisioning of power from the battery to provide the requisite voltage to an ignition system  350  comprising a series of spark plugs wherein an arc generated across a gap in the series of spark plugs creates a spark strong enough to ignite an air/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber. The operation of various ignition systems  350  are well known in the art.  
      Conveyance control signals and resulting conveyance control commands may also be utilized to control the operation of a car stereo  360  as an example of another conveyance control device. Radios, including car stereos, operate on the basis of amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM).  
      If the amplitude or strength of a radio signal is changed, the information that is transmitted on a particular signal can be varied. By ‘tuning’ a receiver as found in a car stereo, the particular amplitude signal and the information it carries (e.g., a particular radio station) to be received can be varied. It is in this way that a user of a stereo ‘changes’ the station, that is, the receiver is configured to receive a particular modulated signal and the radio information that is a part of that signal. A similar approach applies to frequency modulation wherein the frequency of a carrier wave is varied. By tuning the receiver to a particular frequency, particular channels of information can be received.  
      A conveyance control signal may be received by the antenna  320  and through body controller  310  and a corresponding conveyance control command may provide for the delivery of power to the stereo  360  and further to provide for a change in the frequency or amplitude signal to be received by the radio receiver in the conveyance.  
      In one embodiment, previously described transponder  370  interacts with the transponder ( 210 ) in the peripheral device  200  utilizing digital spread spectrum (DSS) technology. DSS may be implemented through the use of frequency hopping. Through frequency hopping, a spread spectrum system rapidly switches from one frequency to the next wherein the subsequent frequency selection is random. Through the use of a clock at a pseudo-random number generator at each transponder, the first and second transponders ( 210 / 370 ) remain synchronized allowing for previously referenced authentication operations. Once the second transponder  370  located in the conveyance authenticates the first transponder  210  at the mobile device  100 , the transponder  370  may allow for the antenna  320  to receive conveyance control signals from the mobile device  100  whereby various conveyance functionalities may be controlled. Transponders may further or alternatively utilize a challenge-response authentication mechanism (CRAM) to provide authentication and remote control of various conveyance functionalities.  
      Through the use of the present system, other conveyance settings may be remotely controlled, such as pre-setting GPS navigation whereby the requisite software is configured in the conveyance and/or the mobile device or its associated peripheral device to pre-set a destination in a GPS-configured conveyance. Such settings are remotely transmitted utilizing the mobile device configured with the conveyance control module.  
      Certain software may be further configured within the body controller  310  or some other element of the conveyance where the status of the conveyance is observed (e.g., interior temperature, tire pressure, CDs in a CD-player and so forth) and wirelessly communicated to the mobile device via antenna  320 . That information may be subsequently received at the mobile device  100  via, for example, the wireless transceiver  220  of the peripheral device  200  and displayed utilizing the interface provided by the conveyance control module. Such information may include that information normally utilized by an onboard diagnostic computing device (not shown) that may be communicatively coupled to the body controller  310  or otherwise configured to provide that information to the antenna  320  for subsequent communication to the mobile device.  
      The particular operation of any conveyance operation device is generally known in the art with regard to the particular mechanical manipulation of those devices via, for example, body controller  310  or other operational mechanics or data exchanges within a conveyance.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary power system  400  as may be governed by a body controller  410  like that referenced in  FIG. 3  ( 310 ). In one embodiment, the power system  400  comprises body controller  410 , which is coupled to battery  430  and antenna  420  (like that described in  FIG. 3 :  320 ). As the body controller  410  receives commands as translated by the antenna  420  and antenna module (not shown), the body controller  410  will control various switches  440  in the system  400 . For example, by opening or closing switch  440 , the body controller  410  may control the presence or lack of power as provided by battery  430  to motor  450 . Motor  450  may aid in the operation of power windows or power door locks. Instead of motor  450 , this particular element may be any other aspect of an automobile requiring a power source, for example, an ignition system, an air conditioning system or a stereo system.  
      In the present embodiment, it should be noted that a single circuit is illustrated. This is not to suggest that the power system of a conveyance be limited to such a single circuit. In fact, in many conveyances, a complex wiring system comprising additional relays and multiplexers may be utilized. Further, body controller  410  may also provide data coupling whereby certain information concerning control of certain conveyance functions (e.g., configured a radio receiver for a particular modulated signal in the stereo system or control of air temperate in the air conditioning system) outside the realm of mere power are concerned.  
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate various exemplary views of a user interface as may be generated by a conveyance control module in a mobile device.  
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a mobile device  500  like that described in  FIG. 1A . Mobile device  500  comprises a peripheral device  510  like that described in  FIG. 2  in addition to a display  520  and five-way-navigation control  530 . On the display  520  is an exemplary interface menu  540  (e.g., a conveyance control menu) reflecting various remote access control features as would be generated by a conveyance control module. Each item in the interface menu  540  is associated with a particular command control of the conveyance. For example, &lt;temperature&gt; is associated with control of certain environment conditions in the associated conveyance; &lt;convertible top&gt; is associated with the control of a convertible top of the conveyance; &lt;windows&gt; are associated with the opening and closing of windows; &lt;audio&gt; is associated with control of a stereo system in the conveyance; &lt;navigation&gt; is associated with control of, for example, a GPS system in the conveyance; and &lt;engine&gt; is associated with starting the engine of the conveyance. The list of control functions in  FIG. 5A  is not meant to be exclusive but, instead, exemplary.  
       FIG. 5B  illustrates an exemplary interface menu following the selection of a particular command function. For example, command function  550  for &lt;temperature&gt; has been selected, which has resulted in a new drop down menu  560  of related commands. The drop down menu  560  comprises commands for &lt;A/C&gt; for air conditioning control; &lt;heater&gt; for heater control and &lt;defrost&gt; for defrosting of front or rear windows. The selection of any one of these commands may result in the presentation of additional drop-down menus or the generation of commands to the conveyance control module to generate the necessary peripheral control instructions to be subsequently delivered to the conveyance as conveyance control signals as they relate to that particular function.  
       FIG. 5C  illustrates an exemplary vehicle information interface  570  as may be generated by the conveyance control module in response to the receipt of conveyance information as may be generated by a diagnostic computer on board the conveyance. In the present example, information pertaining to fuel level, tire pressure, lock status of the door, interior temperature and windows status is reflected. The list of status information is not meant to be exclusive and may vary dependent upon the information delivered by the appropriate sensors and computing device in the conveyance and communicatively coupled to the antenna and related antenna module so that it may convert and convey the diagnostic information to the mobile device.  
      It should be noted that in some embodiments of the present invention, the peripheral device of  FIG. 2  or certain elements coupled to the peripheral device of  FIG. 2  may be configured as an integrated portion of the mobile device  100 . In such an embodiment, it would not be necessary for a peripheral device to be coupled to the mobile device as the transponder authentication functionality, for example, is built directly into the device. Further, a wireless transmitter, as described in  FIG. 2 , may not be necessary if the mobile device is configured to transmit command information over a cellular network or via GPRS.  
      In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral device  200  may be configured as to be coupled to other hardware devices. For example, a PDA may be configured with SDIO or similar functionality as to allow for the exchange of information and instructions between the PDA and the peripheral device  200  in a manner similar to that of the mobile device  100  and peripheral device  200 .  
      In still other embodiments, the peripheral device  200  may be configured in such a way as to allow for introduction of the device into, for example, a portable music device. Most portable music devices comprise a data port for the downloading of music or video from a computing device. For example, an embodiment of the iPod™ from Apple Computer, Inc. comprises a USB connector allowing for USB 1.1 and 2.0 connectivity. Subject to the exchange of appropriate APIs, the peripheral device  200  could be introduced into the iPod™, an embodiment of which comprises a 30 GB to 60 GB hard drive. Provided appropriate firmware upgrades have been made to the music device and/or peripheral device  200 , the radial menu controls on the iPod™ could be utilized to control various operations in the peripheral device  200 , which would then generate the appropriate conveyance control signals for a conveyance.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary method  600  for remotely controlling conveyance functions utilizing a mobile device configured with a conveyance control module.  
      In step  610 , a conveyance control instruction is generated. This instruction may correspond to, for example, the user‘s intent to ignite the engine of a conveyance. Conveyance control instruction is entered through, for example, a keypad on the mobile device. In step  620 , that conveyance control instruction is converted into a peripheral control instruction by the conveyance control module, which may operate in conjunction with various other software and/or hardware provided by the mobile device and/or a peripheral device. That is, the particular syntax of the command is recognized by the mobile device and input through the aforementioned keypad is converted into a command syntax that may be processed by a wireless transceiver as may be found in a peripheral device like that described in  FIG. 2 . Notwithstanding the syntax conversion of the instruction, the semantic intent remains the same (e.g., ignite the engine).  
      In step  630 , an authentication process takes place between the mobile device and the conveyance. This authentication process involves a transponder at the mobile device (like that described in  FIG. 2 ) and a similar transponder at the conveyance (as described in  FIG. 3 ). Absent the successful completion of the authentication process in step  630 , any conveyance control signal transmitted by the wireless transceiver will either not be received by an antenna at the conveyance or, alternatively, may be disregarded.  
      In step  640 , a conveyance control signal corresponding to the peripheral control instruction, which in turn corresponds to the conveyance control instruction, is generated and transmitted to an antenna at the conveyance.  
      In step  650 , this conveyance control signal is converted into a conveyance control command. The conveyance control command is an instruction recognized by the applicable machinery or computing devices on board a conveyance (e.g., a body controller). In step  660 , the conveyance control command is executed. In this example, the ignition of the automobile is activated through the body controller allowing for the passage of requisite power from the battery to the spark plugs of the ignition system.  
      Notwithstanding the providing of detailed descriptions of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms.  
      For example, the present invention may be embodied in a remote entry system for a traditional home or office door wherein a deadbolt or other locking mechanism is remotely operated via a control signal transmitted from a mobile device via, for example, a peripheral device coupled to the mobile device. Such operation would be similar to a conveyance control signal with the exception that the signal in the present example corresponds to or is converted into a signal or command understood by certain lock mechanics and/or related computing equipment controlling the operation of the deadbolt or locking mechanism. Related software modules may be found at the mobile device to control particular operations of the locking mechanism and/or an intermediate peripheral device including software related to the generation of a user interface providing various control options.  
      The present invention may be further utilized to control the operation of any other personal space (e.g., home or office) utility and/or appliance that is capable of being communicatively coupled to mechanics and/or computing equipment capable of receiving a wireless control signal and effectuating a response or intermediate action in response to that control signal; For example, the present invention may be further utilized to remotely control home alarm functions (e.g., remotely providing an alarm code to disarm an alarm prior to home entry), home environment conditions (e.g., controlling heat and air conditioning) as well as home entertainment equipment (e.g., changing the channel or power status of a stereo or television).  
      Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, method, process, or manner.