Patent Description:
<CIT> describes a system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a device, the system including a trainable transceiver, communications electronics, and a processing circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the communications electronics. The processing circuit is configured to train the trainable transceiver to control a device using information received from a cloud computing system remote from the device and vehicle via the communications electronics.

<CIT> describes a method and apparatus for controlling at least one device by a wearable device, the method comprising determining a position of the wearable device on a finger of a user based on a biometric parameter of the finger, activating a profile corresponding to the determined position of the wearable device on the user's finger; and controlling the at least one device based on the activated profile.

<CIT> describes a communication system for use with a vehicle. The system comprises a first communication unit, being positioned within a vehicle, and a second portable communication unit. The first communication unit comprises a first memory circuit being connected with a first transceiver, and said second communication unit comprises a second memory circuit being connected with a second transceiver. The transceivers are arranged to establish a short-distance wireless communication link between said first and second communication units when the communication units are within a communication range from each other, thereby enabling two-way communication between said communication units.

<CIT> describes methods and systems for a vehicle control system to control user access to vehicle tasks, functions and/or operations based on rights and privileges set forth in user accounts.

The underlying problem is solved by a transmission unit for mounting in a rearview mirror of a vehicle and by a method for transmitting control signals from a transmission unit mounted in a vehicle system component of a vehicle having the features disclosed in the independent claims. Additional embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

It is to be understood that the various accessories, devices, systems, and methods discussed herein may assume various orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Aspects of the disclosure not falling within the scope of the appended claims do not form part of the claimed invention and are provided for illustration purposes only.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the disclosure provides for a remote transmitter unit <NUM> incorporated in a portion of or proximate to a passenger compartment <NUM> of a vehicle <NUM>. In various embodiments, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be in communication with a scanning apparatus <NUM>, which may be located in a variety of locations of the vehicle <NUM>. The location of the scanning apparatus <NUM> may be readily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle <NUM>. For clarity, an operator or passenger of the vehicle <NUM> will be referred to as occupants hereinafter. In combination with the scanning apparatus <NUM>, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may provide for user-specific or customized transmission signals <NUM> to be transmitted from the remote transmitter unit <NUM>.

The transmission signals <NUM> may be determined by a controller of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> based on an identification profile or identification template for a user. The identification profiles for various users may be programmed in a memory or otherwise accessed by the controller based on a prior scan or identification training procedure. In general, the user profile may be identified by the controller by processing scan data captured by the scanning apparatus <NUM>. Processing the scan data may include identifying patterns or characteristics of the scan data in comparison to a plurality of the identification profiles. Accordingly, based on the scan data, the controller may determine a user profile corresponding to the identification profile for each user of the transmitter unit <NUM>. The user profile may comprise one or more user preferences comprising transmission data indicating one or more transmission protocols or security codes utilized by the remote transmitter unit <NUM> to activate at least one remote electronic device <NUM>. The controller and the scanning apparatus <NUM> are discussed further in reference to <FIG>.

The controller of the transmitter unit <NUM> is configured to receive the scan data from the scanning apparatus <NUM> in response to the scanning apparatus <NUM> detecting and scanning an identifying characteristic of an occupant. The identifying characteristic may correspond to a biological aspect of the occupant and may comprise an iris, fingerprint, palm-print, voice, face, gesture or any other biometric information that may be captured by the scanning apparatus <NUM>. In unclaimed embodiments, the scan data may also correspond to a data transmission including an identification of the occupant. In such embodiments, the scan data may refer to a radio frequency identification transmitted from a radio frequency identification (RFID) module. In response to receiving the scan data of the occupant, the controller identifies a user profile of the occupant of the vehicle <NUM>. Once the user profile is identified, the processor continues to control one or more settings of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> based on the user profile. The one or more settings may include any form of vehicle setting and/or customization.

In some embodiments, the one or more settings of the user profile may include, but are not limited to, user specific activation signals or control signals configured to provide for remote access of a location, building, or home by controlling the remote operation of the at least one remote electronic device <NUM>. In response to identifying the user profile, the controller may access at least one remote control signal or a first group of remote control signals from a memory. The control signal accessed by the controller may be based on a pre-authorized security setting indicating that the specific occupant identified from the user profile is authorized to utilize the at least one remote control signal or the first group of remote control signals. Accordingly, the remote transmitter unit may be operable to control the access of each of a plurality of occupants of the vehicle <NUM> to control only specifically designated remote electronic devices based on the user profile, which may be set up during a training operation of the user profiles.

In some embodiments, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may correspond to a trainable transceiver unit. The trainable transceiver unit may be configured to "learn" the characteristics of multiple remote control signals generated by multiple remote control devices (e.g., a remote control for a garage door, a security gate, a home lighting system, a home security system, etc.) and store an indication of the multiple remote control signals in the memory thereof for subsequent retransmission. The trainable transceiver unit may reproduce a stored control signal upon receiving a user input (e.g., via a push button, a voice command, etc.) and transmit the stored control signal for operating the remote electronic device <NUM>. Accordingly, the controller of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may access one or more of the authorized activation signals from a plurality of remote control signals stored in the memory. In this way, each occupant may only be able to access and control the transmission of remote control assigned to a user profile of the occupant.

The remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be configured to communicate with a plurality of remote electronic devices <NUM> configured to control various remote operated barriers <NUM> (e.g., a first barrier 24a and a second barrier 24b) or other connected electronic accessories <NUM>. In some embodiments, the remote operated barriers <NUM> may correspond to garage doors <NUM> attached to a garage <NUM> or various access gates, etc. The electronic accessories <NUM> may correspond to a range of accessories, including, but not limited to, access doors <NUM>, security lights <NUM>, remote lighting fixtures or appliances, a home security system, etc. The remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the remote electronic devices <NUM> via the one or more communication circuits.

The one or more communication circuits of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may communicate with the remote electronic devices <NUM> via wireless signals. The wireless signals may correspond to radio frequency (RF) signals, for example ultra-high frequency (UHF) band signals, and may also correspond to infrared signals, and/or various other wireless signals. The wireless signals of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be emitted and received via an antenna to communicate with remote electronic devices <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wireless signals may further be communicated via one or more transmitter/receiver types to send and receive data and/or audiovisual content. Wireless technologies enabling such operation may include mobile radio networks and/or wireless broadcast networks, including, but not limited to, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, GPRS, MBMS, Wi-Fi, WiMax, DVB-H, ISDB-T, etc., as well as advanced versions of these standards that may be developed at a later time. Further details regarding the communication circuits are discussed in reference to <FIG>.

A user interface <NUM> of the trainable transmitter unit <NUM> and the scanning apparatus <NUM> is integrated within a vehicle system component <NUM>, such as a rearview mirror 28a, an instrument panel 28b, a headliner 28c, a steering wheel 28d, a center console stack 28e, or other locations within the vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be integrated with a rearview mirror assembly <NUM> of the rearview mirror 28a. The remote transmitter unit <NUM> may include one or more user inputs <NUM> for controlling the collection and retransmission of a remote control signal. The one or more user inputs <NUM> may form a portion of or be separate from the scanning apparatus <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the user inputs <NUM> may correspond to one or more electrical or electromechanical switches integrated in a user interface <NUM> of the remote transmitter unit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the user interface <NUM> may be separately incorporated in the rearview mirror assembly <NUM> or in other portions of the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., the instrument panel 28b, a headliner 28c, a steering wheel 28d, a center console stack 28e, etc.). For clarity, the user inputs <NUM> may be referred to as a first user input 32a, a second user input 32b, a third user input 32c, etc..

In some embodiments, the controller of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may also be configured to control a display of a prompt and receive a security code configured to identify the occupant of the vehicle <NUM>. For example, each occupant may set a security code, which may be utilized similar to or as a redundancy to the scan data. In response to receiving the security code, the controller of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may access the one or more remote control signals or a first group of remote control signals associated with the security code and the occupant from the memory. Accordingly, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be operable to control the access of each of a plurality of occupants of the vehicle <NUM> via the security code to control only specifically designated remote electronic devices based on the user profile. The security code may correspond to a numeric, alphanumeric, or any form of code that may be received from an occupant of the vehicle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may further comprise an electronic display <NUM> for presenting information. For example, a LED or other electronic displays may be positioned behind a reflective surface of the rearview mirror assembly <NUM> and used to present information (e.g., user profile identification, user preferences, a status of the remote electronic system, etc.) to a vehicle occupant through the reflective surface. The electronic display <NUM> may also be incorporated as part of an information display, navigation system, and/or entertainment system of the vehicle <NUM> as shown in <FIG> incorporated in the center console stack 28e. Accordingly, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be implemented in various ways to suit a variety of applications.

Referring now to <FIG>, a pictorial diagram of the scanning apparatus <NUM> incorporated in the rearview mirror assembly <NUM> is shown. The scanning apparatus <NUM> may be configured to capture biometric data to identify a user of the remote transmitter unit <NUM>. The rearview mirror assembly <NUM> may comprise the display <NUM>, which may be utilized by the remote transmitter unit <NUM> to display one or more instructions for completing an identification of the user profile for the occupant of the vehicle <NUM>. In operation, the scanning apparatus <NUM> may be configured to identify a proximity detection of a portion (e.g., a hand <NUM> or a finger <NUM>) of an occupant proximate to an outer protective surface <NUM> of the scanning apparatus <NUM>. In response to the proximity detection, the controller of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may activate a scanning operation of the scanning apparatus <NUM> to capture the scan data.

Based on the scan data, the controller may determine the identity of an occupant of the vehicle <NUM> by processing the scan data with one or more processing techniques and/or recognition algorithms. The processing techniques may comprise various preprocessing, filtering, and extraction techniques configured to enhance the quality or improve the processing accuracy of the recognition algorithms. Once the data is filtered and/or pre-processed, the controller may continue to process the scan data based on one or more identification algorithms. Such algorithms may compare the scan data to an identification template for each occupant of the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the identification algorithm may apply a pattern-recognition analysis to the scan data in order to identify characteristics of the scan data that correspond to the identification template. If sufficient points or portions of the scan data match the identification template for a specific occupant (e.g., occupant <NUM>), the controller may determine the identity of the occupant of the vehicle <NUM>.

The scanning apparatus <NUM> may be implemented by one or more of a variety of devices configured to capture the biometric data of the passenger or the operator of the vehicle <NUM>. The scanning apparatus <NUM> may correspond to an optical sensor, acoustic sensor, capacitive sensor, RF sensor, thermal sensor, piezoresistive sensor, ultrasonic sensor, piezoelectric sensor, etc. The scanning apparatus <NUM> may be configured to capture one or more identifiable features in the form of biometric information in the scan data. The biometric information may correspond to a variety of forms of data including, but not limited to, image data, audio data, capacitive or resistive maps, and/or various forms of sensory data. Such data may be utilized by the controller of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> to process an iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, face recognition, gesture recognition or various forms of biometric processing that may be captured by the scanning apparatus <NUM>. Accordingly, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be configured to identify an occupant or portion of an occupant, such as the hand <NUM> or the finger <NUM> in a variety of ways to suit a desired application.

In some embodiments, the scanning apparatus <NUM> may be incorporated in a bezel portion <NUM> of the mirror assembly <NUM>. For example, the scanning apparatus <NUM> may correspond to a capacitive sensor disposed behind the outer protective surface <NUM> (e.g., glass layer, sapphire layer, etc.). The capacitive sensor may be in communication with the controller via a circuit board (e.g., a printed circuit board) disposed behind a reflective surface element <NUM> of the mirror assembly <NUM>. In this configuration, the scanning apparatus <NUM> may be incorporated in a portion of the mirror assembly <NUM> such that a recognition surface <NUM> of the scanning apparatus <NUM> is readily accessible to the passenger or the operator of the vehicle <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, based on the identity of the occupant of the vehicle <NUM>, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may access one or more of the activation signals for the user profile corresponding to the specific occupant based on the multiple remote control signals stored in the memory. For example, once the identity of the passenger is determined, the controller may load a preset selection of the remote control signals from the memory. For example, in response to an identification of occupant <NUM> based on the scan data, the controller may load a first user profile associated with occupant <NUM> including a first group of remote control signals to which occupant <NUM> is granted access. The first group of remote control signals may comprise specific transmission data configured to access the first barrier 24a, the second barrier 24b, the access door <NUM>, and the security lights <NUM>.

Based on an identification of a second occupant (e.g., occupant <NUM>), the controller may load a second user profile. That is, in response to the scan data, the controller may load a second group of remote control signals that may be associated with or accessible by occupant <NUM>. The second group of remote control signals may comprise specific transmission data configured to access the access door <NUM> and the security lights <NUM>. However, the second group of remote control signals may be restricted and limit or prevent access to the remote control signals for the first barrier 24a and the second barrier 24b. Accordingly, the controller of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be configured to limit or prevent access to and/or control of one or more of the remote electronic devices <NUM> based on the user profile identified by the scanning apparatus <NUM>.

Though the remote electronic devices <NUM> discussed herein are associated with a the domestic residence illustrated in <FIG>, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may similarly be operable to control remote electronic devices <NUM> associated with more than one residence (e.g., a primary dwelling and a cottage), as well as a variety of commercial properties, security gates, parking structures, and other various forms of barriers <NUM> and electronic accessories <NUM> that may be associated with a number of different in commercial settings, residential settings, industrial settings (e.g., service doors), etc. Accordingly, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may provide for secure access to one or more areas or remote electronic devices <NUM> for at least one occupant of the vehicle <NUM> while restricting access to other occupants of the vehicle <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the controller may further be operable to activate a specific control signal of the multiple remote control signals stored in the memory. For example, the controller may be configured to identify a plurality of distinct inputs for the first user based on the scan data. The distinct inputs may be associated with the first user profile and correspond to scan data for different portions or identifying features of the first user. The different portions may correspond to different body parts or portions of the body, such as fingers or other identifiable portions. The distinct inputs may also correspond to gestures or voice commands, which may be biometrically linked by the controller to the first user by one or more identifying algorithms. As such, the distinct inputs may differ from the first user to a second user, third user, etc. In response to receiving such inputs via the scan data, the controller may control the transmitter unit <NUM> to transmit a corresponding signal for each of the distinct inputs. In this way, the controller may be configured to transmit different control signals in response to each of the distinct inputs received from a plurality of users.

The controller is operable to detect a specific finger of an operator of the vehicle <NUM>. The controller is configured to determine the identity of occupant <NUM> based on scan data for each of a first finger 52a and a second finger 52b. For example, the controller may be configured to determine the identity of occupant <NUM> based on scan data for a third finger, 52c, a fourth finger 52d, and a fifth finger 52e. In response to the identification of the first finger 52a, the controller accesses and transmits the first remote control signal to control the first barrier 24a. In response to the identification of the second finger 52b, the controller accesses and transmits the second remote control signal to control the second barrier 24b. In this configuration, the controller may be configured to activate the operation of one or more of the remote electronic devices <NUM> based on recognition of each of the specific fingers <NUM> of the operator.

In some embodiments, the controller of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be configured to identify and transmit a different remote control signal in response to each of the fingers <NUM>. As previously discussed, the controller controls a transmission of a first control signal in response to the scan data representing the first finger 52a and controls a transmission of a second control signal in response to the scan data representing the second finger 52b. Additionally, the controller may be operable to identify the third finger 52c, the fourth finger 52d, and the fifth finger 52e of the first occupant (occupant <NUM>). In response to the identification, the controller may control a transmission of a third control signal, a fourth control signal, and a fifth control signal, respectively. In this configuration, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be configured to control specific remote electronic devices <NUM> based on an identification of each finger <NUM>. Accordingly, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may provide for secure control of a variety of devices that may only be accessed in response to the scan data identifying a specific finger of a specific occupant of the vehicle <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the scanning apparatus <NUM> of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be configured to detect or identify a motion or gesture of the portion of the occupant proximate the recognition surface <NUM>. As previously discussed, the scanning apparatus <NUM> may be configured to identify one or more directional motions or gestures of the hand <NUM> or the finger <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may be configured to detect a left or right directional motion of the hand <NUM> or fingers <NUM> as demonstrated by left/right arrows <NUM>. Additionally, the controller may be configured to detect an up or down motion of the hand <NUM> or fingers <NUM> as demonstrated by up/down arrows <NUM>. In operation, the controller may identify the movement based on a corresponding motion identified in the scan data captured by the scanning apparatus <NUM>. Accordingly, the scanning apparatus <NUM> may be configured to update a capture of the scan data in order to identify changes in
the scan data over time. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the controller may be operable to identify the left, right, up, and/or down motion based on the scan data.

In response to the left, right, up, and/or down motion identified from the scan data, the controller may activate one or more functions of the remote electronic devices <NUM>. For example, some of the remote electronic devices may be configured to receive a plurality of control signals configured to control different functions. In embodiments, wherein the barrier <NUM> comprises a garage door, the associated remote electronic device <NUM> configured to control the garage door may be configured to receive an open instruction and separate close instruction in the form of directionally specific coded radio transmissions. Such signals may be accessed by the controller as one or more of the remote control signals stored in the memory. Accordingly, in response to identifying an upward motion of the hand <NUM> or finger <NUM> proximate the scanning apparatus <NUM>, the controller may control the transmission of a control signal configured to open the first barrier 24a. Additionally, in response to identifying a downward motion proximate the scanning apparatus <NUM> the controller may control the transmission of a control signal configured to close the second barrier 24b.

Referring now to <FIG>, a block diagram of a system <NUM> comprising the remote transmitter unit <NUM> and a remote electronic device <NUM> is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In brief overview, remote transmitter unit <NUM> is shown to include the scanning apparatus <NUM>, the user interface <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a communication circuit <NUM>. The communication circuit <NUM> may correspond to a transmitter or transceiver configured to communicate the control signals as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the communication circuit <NUM> may comprise a plurality of communication circuits configured to communicate the remote electronic devices <NUM> and one or more mobile devices (e.g., cell phones, smart phones, tablets, computers, etc.) or remote servers (e.g., cloud servers, internet connected databases, computers, etc.).

The scanning apparatus <NUM> may be implemented by one or more of a variety of devices configured to capture the biometric data of the occupant (e.g., the passenger or the operator) of the vehicle <NUM>. The scanning apparatus <NUM> may correspond to an optical sensor, acoustic sensor, capacitive sensor, RF sensor, thermal sensor, piezoresistive sensor, ultrasonic sensor, piezoelectric sensor, etc. The scanning apparatus <NUM> may be configured to capture one or more identifiable features in the form of biometric information in the scan data. The biometric information may correspond to a variety of forms of data including, but not limited to, image data, audio data, capacitive or resistive maps, and/or various forms of sensory data. Such data may be utilized by the controller of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> to process an iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, face recognition, gesture recognition or various forms of biometric processing that may be captured by the scanning apparatus <NUM>. Accordingly, the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be configured to identity an occupant or portion of an occupant, such as the hand <NUM> or the finger <NUM>, in a variety of ways to suit a desired application.

In some embodiments, the scanning apparatus <NUM> may be operable to identify an occupant based on a security code or radio frequency identification. The security code may be scanned as an encrypted or coded symbol (e.g., a barcode, QR code, etc.) and may also be entered via the user interface <NUM>. In embodiments wherein the scanning device <NUM> is configured to receive the radio frequency identification of the occupant, the scanning device <NUM> may comprise an RFID module. The RFID module of the scanning apparatus may comprise a passive reader active tag (PRAT) system, an active reader passive tag (ARPT) system, and/or an active reader active tag (ARAT) system. Similarly, the radio frequency identification may be communicated via a near-field communication (NFC) communication protocol or similar wireless communication protocol.

The user interface <NUM> may facilitate communication between the occupant and the remote transmitter unit <NUM>. For example, the user interface <NUM> may comprise a plurality of user inputs <NUM>, each configured to communicate a selection to the controller <NUM> of the remote transmitter unit <NUM>. Based on the user profile identified and activated by the controller <NUM> in response to the scan data, the controller may assign a specific control signal to each of the user inputs <NUM>. Accordingly, the user interface <NUM> may provide for a means of access for the occupant associated with the user profile to instruct the controller <NUM> to activate specific remote electronic devices <NUM> associated with each of the user inputs <NUM> via the user profile.

In some embodiments, user inputs <NUM> may include one or more push buttons, switches, dials, knobs, touch-sensitive user input devices (e.g., piezoelectric sensors, capacitive touch sensors, etc.), or other devices for translating a tactile input into an electronic data signal. In some embodiments, input devices may also or alternatively include an optical sensor, a microphone, a voice-actuated input control circuit configured to receive voice signals from a vehicle occupant, or other user input interfaces configured to receive other forms of user input. Advantageously, user inputs <NUM> may be integrated with a rearview mirror assembly <NUM>. For example, user inputs <NUM> may include one or more pushbuttons (e.g., mounted along a lower surface of a rearview mirror assembly) as shown in <FIG>.

The display <NUM> may include one or more electronic display devices <NUM> for presenting visual information to the vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the display <NUM> may be a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic (LED) panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a backlit display, or other type of electronic display device. In some embodiments, display <NUM> is integrated with the rearview mirror assembly <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be located between a front reflective surface element <NUM> (e.g., the mirror) and a back housing of the mirror assembly <NUM>. In this configuration, the display <NUM> may be configured to emit light through the front reflective surface element <NUM> of the rearview mirror assembly <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may comprise a processor <NUM> and memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be implemented as a general purpose processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a CPU, a GPU, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory <NUM> may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash® memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes, layers, and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory <NUM> may comprise volatile memory or non-volatile memory and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. In some implementations, memory <NUM> is communicably connected to processor <NUM> and includes computer code (e.g., data modules stored in memory <NUM>) for executing one or more control processes described herein.

The communication circuit <NUM> may comprise one or more antennas <NUM> configured to transmit wireless control signals having control data which will control the remote electronic devices <NUM>. The communication circuit <NUM> may be configured, under control from the controller <NUM>, to generate a carrier frequency at any of a number of frequencies in the ultra-high frequency range, typically between <NUM> and <NUM> megahertz (MHz) although other frequencies could be used, wherein the control data modulated on to the carrier frequency signal may be frequency shift key (FSK) or amplitude shift key (ASK) modulated, or may use another modulation technique. In the example of the remote electronic device <NUM> being the garage door <NUM>, the control data on the wireless control signal may, for example, be a fixed code or a rolling code or other cryptographically encoded control code suitable for use with the remote electronic device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the communication circuit <NUM> may further be configured to communicate with the one or more mobile devices <NUM> (e.g., cell phones, smart phones, tablets, computers, etc.) or remote servers <NUM> (e.g., cloud servers, internet connected databases, computers, etc.) via a communication interface <NUM>. The mobile devices <NUM> and/or the remote server <NUM> may be configured to store the wireless control signals associated with one or more occupants of the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may communicate and store each set of the remote control signals from the memory <NUM> on the mobile device <NUM> or the remote server <NUM> via the communication circuit <NUM>. Additionally, the controller <NUM> may communicate and store the identification template for each occupant of the vehicle <NUM> on the mobile device <NUM> or the remote server <NUM>.

Once the identification template and the remote control signals are stored on the mobile device <NUM> or the remote server <NUM>, an occupant may utilize an additional remote transmitter unit <NUM> to access the remote control signals such that the additional remote transmitter unit may retrieve the remote control signals via the communication circuit <NUM> and store the remote control signals in memory. The additional remote transmitter unit <NUM> may have the same functionality as described in reference to the remote transmitter unit <NUM>, but is referred to as the additional remote transmitter <NUM> (e.g., a second remote transmitter unit) for clarity. Accordingly, the additional remote transmitter <NUM> may be incorporated in a different vehicle. In this way, the system <NUM> may provide for secure access of the remote control signals in any vehicle equipped with the remote transmitter unit <NUM>, <NUM>, etc..

For example, the controller <NUM> of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may communicate the first user profile comprising the first group of remote control signals to which occupant <NUM> is granted access to the mobile device <NUM> or remote server <NUM> via the communication interface <NUM>. Additionally, the controller <NUM> may communicate a first identification template or security code associated with the scan data for occupant <NUM> to the mobile device <NUM> or remote server <NUM>. Occupant <NUM> may later utilize the additional remote transmitter <NUM>. The additional remote transmitter unit <NUM> may comprise a scanning apparatus <NUM> similar to the scanning apparatus <NUM>. The controller of the additional remote transmitter unit <NUM> may process scan data from the scanning apparatus <NUM> and transmit the scan data to the mobile device <NUM> or remote server <NUM>. Additionally, the additional remote server may receive the security code via the user interface <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM> or remote server <NUM> may then compare the scan data or the security code to a plurality of identification templates or codes stored in a memory of the mobile device <NUM> or remote server <NUM>.

Upon identifying that the security code or the scan data matches the first identification template, the mobile device <NUM> or remote server <NUM> may transmit the first profile comprising the first group of control signals and the first identification template to the additional remote transmitter unit <NUM> via the communication interface <NUM>. Once the first profile is loaded to the memory of the additional remote transmitter unit <NUM>, occupant <NUM> may utilize the additional remote transmitter unit <NUM> to access and transmit the remote control signals associated with the first profile in the same way described in reference to the remote transmitter unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the remote transmitter units <NUM>, <NUM> of the system <NUM> may be in communication via the communication interface <NUM> such that the functionality of the remote transmitter unit <NUM> may be conveniently and securely shared among a plurality of remote transmitter units (e.g., a first remote transmitter unit, a second remote transmitter unit, a third remote transmitter unit, etc.).

The communication interface <NUM> may correspond to a variety of communication protocols configured to distribute data among various electronic devices. For example, the communication interface <NUM> may comprise an IEEE <NUM> connection, and IEEE <NUM> connection, a Bluetooth® connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a WiMAX connection, cellular signal, a signal using Shared Wireless Access Protocol-Cord Access (SWAP-CA) protocol, or any other type of RF or wireless signal. An IEEE <NUM> connection includes any wireless personal area networks (WPAN), such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, UWB, and IrDA. In this configuration, the communication interface <NUM> may provide for data communication between the controller <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM> or the remote server <NUM> such that the control signals stored on the mobile device <NUM> or the remote server may be transferred in response to identifying the occupant of the vehicle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the communication interface <NUM> may further be configured to communicate with a mobile device <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM> may be in communication directly with the wireless router <NUM>, directly with one or more of the appliances <NUM> or the utilities <NUM>, and may be operable to communicate with the wireless router <NUM> via a broadband or wireless network. Hereinafter the broadband or wireless network may be described as an external network <NUM>, which may correspond to a cloud based network system or network with internet connectivity. Via the external network <NUM>, the mobile device <NUM> may further be in communication with one or more external servers <NUM>. Accordingly, the disclosure may provide for a remotely activated home control system <NUM> commonly referred to as a smart home system.

It should be noted that references to "front," "back," "rear," "upward," "downward," "inner," "outer," "right," and "left" in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in <FIG>. These terms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

It should further be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between the two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
A transmission unit (<NUM>) for mounting in a rearview mirror (<NUM>) of a vehicle (<NUM>), the transmission unit (<NUM>) comprising:
a transmitter circuit (<NUM>) configured to transmit control signals for operating a plurality of remote electronic devices (<NUM>);
a scanning device (<NUM>) configured to capture scan data; and
a controller (<NUM>) in communication with the scanning device (<NUM>), wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to:
receive the scan data;
determine a first identity of a first user based on the scan data;
identify a first finger (52a) and a second finger (52b) of the first user based on the scan data;
access a first user profile based on the first identity, wherein the first user profile comprises a first control signal and a second control signal configured to control a first remote electronic device (<NUM>) and a second remote electronic device (<NUM>), respectively;
in response to receiving the scan data representing the first finger (52a), transmit the first control signal with the transmitter circuit (<NUM>) to control the first remote electronic device (<NUM>); and
in response to receiving the scan data representing the second finger (<NUM>), transmit the second control signal with the transmitter circuit (<NUM>) to control the second remote electronic device (<NUM>).