Abstract:
A system and method for controlling remotely controlled components of a plurality of vehicles in response to a short range common signal emitted by a transmitter that can operate the components only during specified time periods. A transmitter can be programmed to provide a relatively long range customer signal that can operate the components at any time. The system and method are operative on a mutually exclusive basis wherein the remotely controlled components only respond to the common signal or the customer signal.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/068,019, filed Feb. 28, 2005; which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/916,569, filed Jul. 27, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,870,458; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to remote systems for automotive dealerships, and particularly to a remote system for selectively arming/disarming vehicles.  
         [0004]     2. Background Art  
         [0005]     Automotive dealerships generally have a large number of vehicles for sale. Salesmen at dealerships are responsible for demonstrating vehicles to potential customers. For security, the vehicles may be either locked or otherwise protected by an electronic security system. To demonstrate a vehicle to a potential customer, salesmen must be able to unlock the car and, if necessary, disarm the security system. Vehicle security systems are responsive to remote control signals that are generated by key fob transmitters that are matched to specific receivers for each vehicle&#39;s security system. Unfortunately, it is necessary for a salesman to have a transmitter for each vehicle to produce an appropriate remote control signal for each car. If customers wish to see several vehicles or become interested in a vehicle as they are touring the dealership lot, the salesman must carry several transmitters or return to the office for each vehicle to be demonstrated.  
         [0006]     Some dealers avoid such problems by disabling or not arming the security systems. By doing so, the security of vehicles on the dealer&#39;s lot may be compromised during the time that the dealership is open. It is also necessary to lock and arm each vehicle at closing time to protect vehicles when the dealership is closed, or at other times when dealership employees are not authorized to access or start the vehicles.  
         [0007]     If the security system is not armed when customers see a demonstration of a vehicle, they may not realize that the vehicle is equipped with a security system and the salesman may not demonstrate the system&#39;s features and ease of operation. If the security system is not demonstrated, customers will be less likely to purchase the security system with the vehicle.  
         [0008]     Therefore, it would be beneficial to reduce the number of transmitters by having a common transmitter operable for controlling at least one component on any one desired vehicle on the lot. Secondly, it would be beneficial to enhance security by providing a transmitter that has a limited range so that only the vehicle nearest the transmitter is disarmed. Thirdly, it would be beneficial to further enhance security by prohibiting operation of the remotely controlled components during a programmable time period, for example, during the hours when the dealership personnel are not authorized to access the vehicles.  
         [0009]     As such, and in response to the potential benefits noted above, there is a need for selectively controlling vehicle components according to selectable signal transmission range and that is programmable to limit the time period of operation in order to solve the problems identified above and other problems that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the attached specification and drawings.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The present invention provides systems for remotely controlling components of automotive vehicles during selected time periods.  
         [0011]     According to one aspect of the present invention, a security system for a vehicle is provided. The security system includes a transmitter and a programming tool. The transmitter has an interrupt programmable in a first mode to permit the transmitter to communicate with a receiver of the vehicle and in a second mode to inhibit the transmitter from communicating with the receiver. The programming tool is separate from the transmitter and is configured to generate a programming signal for the interrupt. The programming signal has information setting an authorized time period in which the interrupt is programmed in the first mode to permit the transmitter to communicate with the receiver during the authorized time period and information setting an unauthorized time period in which the interrupt is programmed in the second mode to inhibit the transmitter from communicating with the receiver during the unauthorized time period.  
         [0012]     The unauthorized time period may correspond to a time period in which the vehicle is not intended to be operated whereas the authorized time period may correspond to a time period in which the vehicle is intended to be operated. The transmitter may be operable to communicate with a single receiver or a set of receivers disposed on different vehicles while the interrupt is programmed in the first mode.  
         [0013]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a security system is provided. The security system includes a programming device for generating a programming signal. The security system further includes a transmitter disposed apart from the programming device and operable for receiving the programming signal from the programming device. The transmitter includes a switch for entering a command. The transmitter transmits a command signal based upon the command. The programming signal includes information setting a time period in which the transmitter is inhibited from transmitting the command signal.  
         [0014]     The time period may correspond to a time of day when the transmitter is to be inhibited from transmitting the command signal. The security system may further include a programmable encoder for programming the command signal. The command signal may be a radio frequency (RF) command signal. The transmitter may be adjustable to select a transmission range, such as approximately four to six feet, for the command signal. The programming device may include a computer.  
         [0015]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a remote control system is provided. The remote control system includes a programming device and a transmitter. The programming device is for generating a signal having information setting a time period corresponding to a time of day in which a transmitter is inhibited from controlling a remotely controlled apparatus. The transmitter has a timer that monitors the time of day and a programmable interrupt that receives the signal from the programming device. The programmable interrupt receives an indication of the time from the timer to inhibit the transmitter from controlling the apparatus during the time period set by the signal.  
         [0016]     The remotely controlled apparatus may be a vehicle security system, a vehicle door lock, a vehicle lighting system, a vehicle air conditioning system, vehicle heating system, or a vehicle engine starter.  
         [0017]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a security system is provided. The security system includes a programming device for generating a programming signal. The security system further includes a receiver disposed apart from the programming device and operable for receiving the programming signal from the programming device. The receiver is further operable for receiving command signals from a transmitter. The programming signal includes information setting a time period in which the receiver is inhibited from receiving the command signals. The time period may correspond to a time of day when the receiver is to be inhibited from receiving the command signals.  
         [0018]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a security system is provided. The security system includes a communications device programmable in a first mode in which the communications device is enabled and a second mode in which the communications device is disabled. The security system further includes a programming tool separate from the communications device, the programming tool configured to generate a programming signal defining at least one of a time period in which the communications device is to be enabled and a time period in which the communications device is to be disabled.  
         [0019]     The communications device may be a transmitter operable for transmitting a command when enabled. In this case, the security system may further include a receiver for receiving the command from the transmitter.  
         [0020]     The communications device may be a vehicle receiver operable for controlling an apparatus of the vehicle in response to a command signal when enabled. In this case, the security system may further include a transmitter for transmitting the command signal to the receiver.  
         [0021]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a programming device for programming at least one of a transmitter and a receiver of a vehicle security system is provided. The programming device includes a programming mode configured to generate a signal for receipt by the at least one of the transmitter and the receiver. The signal defines time periods during which the at least one of the transmitter and the receiver is non-operational.  
         [0022]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a security system is provided. The security system includes a communications device programmable in at least one of a first mode in which the communications device is enabled and a second mode in which the communications device is disabled by a programming signal defining at least one of a time period in which the communications device is to be enabled and a time period in which the communications device is to be disabled.  
         [0023]     The communications device may be a transmitter operable for transmitting a command when enabled. In this case, the security system may further include a receiver for receiving the command from the transmitter.  
         [0024]     The communications device may be a vehicle receiver operable for controlling an apparatus of the vehicle in response to a command signal when enabled. In this case, the security system may further include a transmitter for transmitting the command signal to the receiver.  
         [0025]     The above noted embodiments and unique aspects of the present invention will be better understood in light of the following detailed description and attached drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a remote system for an automotive dealership having a number of vehicles with remotely controlled components according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a programmable transmitter capable of transmitting a signal to a remote receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of a transmitter receiving a programming signal from a computer programming source via a cable according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of a transmitter receiving a programming signal from a computer programming source via a RF signal according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 5  illustrates a block diagram of a remote keyless entry (RKE) system for arming/disarming a vehicle at a automotive dealership according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates a block diagram of a receiver receiving a programming signal from a computer programming source via a cable according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 7  illustrates a block diagram of a receiver receiving a programming signal from a computer programming source via a RF signals according to an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0033]      FIG. 8  illustrates a block diagram for programming a system for arming/disarming a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0034]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a remote system  10  for automotive dealership  12 . In operation, system  10  becomes active when transmitter  14  communicates radio frequency signal (“RF signal”)  16  to vehicle receiver  18 , which then initiates control of at least one remotely controlled vehicle component  20  based on RF signal  16 .  
         [0035]     Dealership  12  includes a number of vehicles  22  spaced apart from one another in a typical parking lot spacing of four to six feet. Vehicle  22  is provided with the receiver  18  and at least one remotely controlled component  20 . Remotely controlled component  20  may be a security system, door lock, lighting system, air conditioning system, vehicle seats, heating system, engine starter, or the like. At least one of the components  20  is responsive to RF signal  16 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a programmable transmitter  14  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Transmitter  14  includes RF oscillator  24  for transmitting RF signal  16  at selectable signal ranges. RF signal  16  may be either a common signal  16   a  or customer signal  16   b.  Generally, the signal range is controllable to be limited to a distance corresponding to dealership  12  parking lot spacing. The signal range is limited by controlling the signal power of RF oscillator  24 . In this manner, RF signal  16  transmission may be limited to only affect vehicles  22  that are within a selectable proximity to transmitter  14 .  
         [0037]     Encoder  26  programs RF oscillator  24  according to instructions contained in a programming signal  28 . Programming source  30 , which is typically a computer, provides and transmits programming signal  28 . Programming source  30  is shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2  as being remote from transmitter  14 , but the programming source could also be located on transmitter  14 .  
         [0038]     In response to programming signal  28 , encoder  26  may be adjusted so that either the common signal  16   a  or customer signal  16   b  is transmitted by oscillator  24 . Common signal  16   a  is a short range signal that serves as a master key for all vehicles on the dealership lot that are equipped with the system. Customer signal  16   b  is programmed when vehicle  22  is sold. When customer signal  16   b  is enabled, transmitter  14  is disabled from transmitting common signal  16   a.  This mutually exclusive arrangement prevents transmitters programmed with a customer signal  16   b  from operating remotely controlled components on unsold vehicles  22  at dealership  12 , and also prevents transmitters programmed with a common signal  16   a  from operating remotely controlled components on vehicles  22  after the sale.  
         [0039]     Control switch  32 , when actuated, causes oscillator  24  to transmit RF signal  16 . Control switch  32  is typically actuated by depressing a button on the face of a key fob type remote transmitter  14 . Control switch  32  may be programmed to prohibit signal transmission when the programmable interrupt  34  is activated. Typically, programmable interrupt  34  prohibits oscillator  24  from transmitting during programmable periods. Typically, such periods are those times during the day when dealership  12  is closed or at other times when the dealership&#39;s employees are not supposed to be able to access vehicles  22 . Timer  36  is provided for monitoring the time of day. Programmable interrupt  34  is programmed in response to programming signal  28 . Oscillator  24 , encoder  26 , programming source  30 , control switch  32 , and programmable interrupt  34 , are all powered by battery  38 .  
         [0040]     In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 3 , programming signal  28  is communicated from computer  30  to interrupt  34  and encoder  26  by cable  40 .  
         [0041]     In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 4 , signal  28  is communicated from computer  30  to interrupt  34  and encoder  26  by a digital bit stream transmitted over a RF link.  
         [0042]     Vehicles  22  are either provided with a programmable receiver  18  as original equipment or may be retrofitted with receiver  18 . Receiver  18  may be set to receive either type of RF signal  16   a  or  16   b.  Upon receiving one of the signals  16   a  or  16   b,  the system functions to control at least one component  20 .  
         [0043]     In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5 , component  20  is a vehicle security system that is controlled by RF signal  16 . Vehicle security system  20  usually arms/disarms vehicle  22 . When vehicle  22  is armed, the system generally locks the vehicle doors and when vehicle  22  is disarmed the system generally unlocks the vehicle doors. Additionally, security system  20  may include a kill switch (not shown) to inhibit starting the vehicle  22  unless the appropriate RF signal  16  is received.  
         [0044]     In the embodiments of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , receiver  18 , like transmitter  14 , receives programing signal  28  by cable  40  or by RF signaling. In response to programming signal  28  and timer  36 , receiver  18  may be programmed to prohibit control of component  20  during times when the dealership employees are not authorized to access vehicles  22 . Programming signal  28  also functions to set the type of signal  16   a  or  16   b  that receiver  18  requires to control component  20 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for arming/disarming vehicle  22  according to one embodiment of the present invention when the system is in the dealership and responsive to common signal  16   a.  Generally, at step  110  programing source  30  is configured to communicate programming signal  28 . At step  112 , transmitter  14  or receiver  18  are programmed in response to signal  28 . At step  114 , the range in which oscillator  24  transmits signal  16   a  may be controlled by a number of methods. Typically, the power level of transmitter  14  is adjusted by analog or digital controls so that only vehicle  22  nearest in proximity to transmitter  18  receives common RF signal  16   a.  At step  116 , oscillator  24  transmits RF signal  16   a  to nearest vehicle  22 . At step  118 , vehicle  22  receives signal  16   a  so that security system  20  may arm/disarm vehicle  22  at step  120  if the dealership is open. When the system is in the customer or customer signal mode  16   b,  transmitter  14  or receiver  18  are again programmed in response to signal  28 . Oscillator  24  is set to the maximum allowed RF signal range but the signal transmitted is only effective for the remotely controlled component  20  on the vehicle sold.  
         [0046]     While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the present invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.