U.S. patent application number 09/732525 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-16 for vehicle security system having advanced wireless function-programming capability.
Invention is credited to Birchfield, Jerry W., Chen, Chau-Ho.
Application Number | 20010013833 09/732525 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27112415 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010013833 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen, Chau-Ho ; et
al. |
August 16, 2001 |
Vehicle security system having advanced wireless
function-programming capability
Abstract
A vehicle security system for performing selectable vehicle
security functions that are programmable in a wireless manner. The
system has a microcontroller controlling a vehicle security
interface including at least a siren control unit and a vehicle
head/signal light controlling unit. A physically independent remote
programming unit is used for transmitting function-programming
information to the microcontroller, and a radio receiver is
connected to the microcontroller for receiving function-programming
information transmitted by the remote programming unit. The remote
programming unit includes a switch array for setting up a security
function code pattern representing the selected security functions.
The remote programming unit also includes a radio transmitter for
sending, in an electromagnetic transmission, the
function-programming command in a signal string representing the
security function code pattern to the microcontroller. The
microcontroller stores, in an onboard memory, data identifying the
security functions conveyed in a security function code pattern
received from the remote programming unit. The programmed functions
control the various vehicle security function units. The security
system provides an easy function-programming capability without
having to remove any system components from the vehicle and without
having to use any special and expensive additional equipment.
Inventors: |
Chen, Chau-Ho; (Hsing-Tien
City, TW) ; Birchfield, Jerry W.; (Vista,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARD O. KRUESSER
BROBECK PHLEGER & HARRISON
12390 EL CAMINO REAL
SAN DIEGO
CA
92130
US
|
Family ID: |
27112415 |
Appl. No.: |
09/732525 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09732525 |
Dec 6, 2000 |
|
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08790954 |
Jan 29, 1997 |
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6184779 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/4.32 ;
340/426.1; 340/5.72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 25/104 20130101;
B60R 2025/1016 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/825.22 ;
340/426; 340/5.72 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 001/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An apparatus for downloading at least one user selectable
command string from a remote programmer to a base unit via a
wireless link, said apparatus comprising: a remote programmer
comprising: a remote controller; a memory connected to said remote
controller, capable of storing a representation of said at least
one command string; and an electromagnetic signal transmitter
connected to the memory, the transmitter capable of transmitting
said command string; and a base controller comprising: a
microcontroller; and a command memory connected to the
microcontroller holding instructions that control the operation of
the microcontroller, including instructions to: a) determine
whether or not a function-programming request code is received, b)
store the command string in a memory, c) determine whether a
security event has occurred in a default system monitoring
operation if the function-programming request code is not received,
and d) initiate an alarm function in response to a determination
that a security event has occurred.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a display, on which
a representation of at least part of the command string is
displayed.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said display comprises a
graphical user interface.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller command
memory further contains an instruction to: generate at least one of
a visual and audible feedback signal upon receipt of the command
string.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is a part
of a vehicle security system, the command string determining the
configuration of the features of the vehicle security system.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is a part
of a keyless entry system.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is a part
of a user convenience system.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is a part
of a vehicle security system, said microcontroller controlling a
starter interrupter and at least one of a visual and audible
feedback signal produced by a light and an auditory alarm
device.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote programmer further
comprises: a communication interface connected to said remote
controller; and a printer connected to said communication
interface, allowing the printer to print at least one the command
string.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote programmer
further comprises: a communication interface connected to said
remote controller; and a data logger connected to said
communication interface to record at least one said command
string.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said remote programmer
further comprises: an output port connected to said remote
controller, capable of activating a auxiliary device on a specified
condition.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
user operable switches connected to said remote controller used to
modify the representation.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein at least one of said
plurality of user operable switches comprises a key on a
keyboard.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one of said
plurality of user operable switches comprises a button on a
mouse.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein at least one of said
plurality of user operable switches is mounted on a dedicated
remote programmer unit.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said function-programming
request code contains an identification code.
17. A method of remotely programming a base controller by receiving
at least one user selectable command string, said method comprising
the steps of: a) determining whether or not a function-programming
request code is received; b) programming said user selectable
command string in a memory associated with said base controller; c)
determining whether a security event has occurred in a default
system monitoring operation if the function-programming request
code is not received by the base controller; and d) initiating an
alarm function in response to a determination that a security event
has occurred.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of producing
at least one of a visual and audible feedback signal acknowledging
receipt of said command string.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein said base controller is a part
of a vehicle security system.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein said base controller is a part
of a keyless entry system.
21. The method of claim 17 wherein said base controller is a part
of a user convenience system.
22. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of
activating a starter interrupter and at least one of a light and an
auditory alarm device.
23. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of, via a
user interface, altering a second command string stored in the
memory associated with a remote programming unit.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said user interface comprises a
keyboard.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein said user interface is embodied
in a hand held remote programmer unit.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein said user interface is embodied
in a graphical user interface.
27. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of printing
the second command string via a communication interface connected
the remote programming unit.
28. The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of,
activating a radio transmitter capable of sending at least one
vehicle tracking signal via at least one output unit.
29. An apparatus for a vehicle security system in which a set of
configuration data is sent via a wireless link from a base unit,
said base unit comprising: a microcontroller; a operation memory
connected to the microcontroller; a command memory connected to the
microcontroller holding instructions that control the operation of
the microcontroller; an original set of configuration data in the
operation memory, at least a portion of which represents the
configuration of user selectable functions of the vehicle security
system; a base transceiver connected to the microcontroller, said
command memory containing at least one instruction to: transmit
said original set of configuration data from the base
transceiver.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said command memory further
contains at least one instruction to: receive a second set of
configuration data, at least a portion of which represents a
possible configuration of user selectable functions of the
microcontroller.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said command memory further
contains at least one instruction to: store the second set of
configuration data in the operation memory.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the original set of
configuration data is overwritten by the second set of
configuration data as it is stored in the operation memory.
33. An apparatus for a vehicle security system in which a set of
configuration data is received by a remote programming unit via a
wireless link, said remote programming unit comprising: a remote
transceiver, capable of receiving configuration data, at least a
portion of which represents the configuration of user selectable
functions of a vehicle security system; and a memory interface to a
program save memory, said interface connected to the remote
transceiver and capable of transmitting said configuration data to
the program save memory for storage.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said transceiver, said
interface and said program save memory reside in a single
chassis.
35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said interface comprises a
write enable signal line for the program save memory.
36. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said transceiver and said
interface reside in a peripheral device for use with a personal
computer.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said interface comprises an
RS-232 interface.
38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said interface comprises a
peripheral expansion bus interface.
39. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said remote programming unit
further comprises a display device that creates a display
representing the data contained in the program save memory.
40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said display device renders
its display on a liquid crystal display.
41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said display device renders
its display on a cathode ray tube.
42. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said interface is capable of
receiving configuration data a program send memory.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the program save memory and
a program send memory are embodied in the same device.
44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein a program save memory and a
program send memory occupy the same memory addresses in said device
to form a common program memory, and configuration data received by
said remote transceiver overwrites the configuration data that had
been previously stored in the common program memory.
45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the remote transceiver is
capable of transmitting a representation of the configuration data
received from the program send memory.
46. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said remote programming unit
further comprises a user input device, wherein said user input
device is capable of controlling said interface, wherein said
interface produces signals necessary to alter the contents of the
program send memory.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said user input device
comprises a switch.
48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said user input device
comprises a keyboard.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 08/790,954, filed Jan, 29, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a security system, and more
particularly, to a security system capable of having its functions
wirelessly programmed without removing any of its components from a
vehicle.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Security systems are widely deployed for passenger vehicles,
such as family sedans and vans, which represent valuable
possessions for ordinary families and small businesses. A typical
vehicle security system is incorporated as part of the electronic
system of a vehicle and provides a selection of security functions
such as intrusion alarm arming and automatic door locking. It can
also serve as a user convenience system to aid in the location of a
vehicle located in a crowded parking lot.
[0006] Vehicle security systems are generally classified as being
either active arming or passive arming systems. In the passive
arming category, there are systems with or without a door-locking
function, systems with or without an arming/disarming chirp, and so
on. Similar functional varieties can also be found for active
arming systems. Whatever the category, it is desirable to construct
the system in a way that allows the functions of the vehicle
security system to be programmable by the user. A user of a vehicle
security system living in an apartment, for example, may want to
turn off the arming/disarming chirp, or reduce the sound level of
the chirp if he frequently comes home late. The sensitivity of the
intrusion alarming function may also need to be adjusted to prevent
false alarms on windy days.
[0007] As a self-contained electronic system, it is desirable for a
vehicle security system to be configured to conform to user
decisions about which of the provided security functions should be
enabled or disabled. System configuration also includes setting
adjustable features, such as the chirp sound level mentioned above,
which are set to levels suitable for the environment in which these
systems operate. Thus, when attempting to set up, or program, the
functions of a vehicle security system, the design of the interface
between the security device and the user becomes important in
providing a convenient, successful and efficient security
device.
[0008] For the purpose of describing the invention, several
prior-art vehicle security systems are briefly examined in the
following paragraphs with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Among the examined security systems, FIG. 1 is a block diagram
illustrating the circuit configuration of a conventional system
that employs a dual in-line package (DIP) switch array for
programming the security functions. The systems of FIGS. 2 and 3
have basically the same circuit configuration, although they employ
different function-programming methodologies.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional vehicle security system.
It includes a microcontroller 30 that controls the security
functions of a vehicle. In addition to the microcontroller, the
depicted system optionally includes subsystems such as a power
door-lock 31, a starter interrupt 32, a light emitting diode (LED)
33, a siren 34, a vehicle light signaling control 35, and an
auxiliary output 36. All these subsystems are controlled by the
microcontroller 30 for facilitating all the control and status,
indicating purposes involved in the security functional operations
of the system.
[0010] For example, the LED 33 is typically a subsystem installed
on the dashboard to display different lighting patterns indicating
to the user (the driver of the vehicle) information concerning the
security system status. Additionally, if a security violation event
is triggered from outside the vehicle after the security system is
armed, the siren control 34 and vehicle light signaling control 35
can be activated in different sounding schemes and head/signal
light lighting patterns respectively. These sound and light signals
warn about the attempted or achieved intrusion into the guarded
vehicle. Further, the auxiliary output 36 can be used to initiate,
for example, a radio transmitting device on board the vehicle which
can send predefined signal patterns for use in determining the
location of the vehicle.
[0011] The system outlined in the block diagram of FIG. 1 further
includes an ignition switch status indicator 21, a valet/override
switch 22, a DIP switch array 23 and a radio receiver 10. The
ignition switch status relayed from the indicator 21 is used by the
microcontroller 30 to determine the operating state of the entire
security system. For example, if the ignition switch of the vehicle
is in the normal ON position, and the vehicle is coasting along a
road, the security system ignores some of its sensing inputs such
as the vehicle body vibrating sensor input.
[0012] The radio receiver 10 is used as part of a wireless link,
which carries vehicle operator instructions to the vehicle security
system. On most occasions, the wireless link is established via
electromagnetic signals transmitted from a radio transmitter 12
included in a remote control unit of the vehicle security system.
The owner of the vehicle normally carries this remote control unit
with, for example, a main ignition switch key of the vehicle.
[0013] The DIP switch array 23 in FIG. 1, serves to provide means
to program the security functions for the vehicle. One of the
conventional programming methods employed for setting up functions
provided by a vehicle security system includes setting the ON/OFF
states of switches in such a DIP switch array. This DIP switch
array is normally installed on the electronic printed circuit board
(PCB) of the security device. The block diagram of FIG. 1
schematically illustrates one such system employing this
programming scheme. Physical access to the system circuit module is
necessary when the vehicle security installed. Physical access to
the DIP switch array is also necessary for each subsequent function
adjustment or security device reprogramming. The security system
module need be removed from the vehicle in order to gain access to
the DIP switch array. The circuit module must also be opened to
expose the DIP switches to a service technician, or the user, to
perform the function adjustment and/or the reprogramming.
[0014] Since vehicle security systems are designed to provide ever
more complicated functions, using DIP switches to set up some, if
not all, of these security functions has become a task that cannot
be considered easy or straightforward. Adjustment setting in a
large array of DIP switches is not an easy task, because each
individual switch has to be identified before a setting can be
made. Such jobs normally have to be performed by trained service
personnel.
[0015] If DIP switches are to be used for function setting in
security systems with complicated functions, a large number of DIP
switches must be used. As a result, system PCB's have to provide a
significant amount of valuable board space for these DIP switches.
The cost of this increased PCB size and the cost of the DIP
switches increase the costs of the vehicle security system
hardware.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional vehicle security system in
which a limited number of programming control switches and a
wireless transmission are used for programming the security
functions. This approach is used to employ the smallest possible
number of electrical switches for security system function
adjustment and/or reprogramming. It is used in conjunction with a
step-by-step procedure. This method is designed to circumvent the
necessity of using a large array of switches for the setting of
every individual function provided by the vehicle security
device.
[0017] Normally, by setting the vehicle security system of FIG. 2
to its program mode by properly setting the program switch 24, a
user can program all the functions by pressing a small number of
control switches on a remote control unit. The remote control unit
used for such programming is frequently the unit used for the
normal operation of the security system. The design of the entire
vehicle security system allows the normal remote control unit to
become the programming unit automatically when the system module is
set to the program mode.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows an example of a conventional arrangement for
implementing a programming scheme that includes the use of a
external computer. The system illustrated in the block diagram of
FIG. 3 incorporates a host computer system 37 that serves to
control the function-programming procedure in a security system via
the wired interface 25. Although this scheme provides better
flexibility in the process of function selection and setting, a
direct wired connection of the circuit module to the host computer
is necessary. Before the connection to the host computer is made,
the circuit module of the vehicle security system has to be removed
from the vehicle and taken to the location where the host computer
resides. On most occasions, only vehicle service shops have the
necessary interface between the host computer and the vehicle
security system. As a result, the convenience of programming
interface is not directly accessible to the end user, that is, the
owner of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0019] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method and
system for programming a base unit set with a remote programmer by
downloading at least one user selectable command string from a
remote programmer to the base unit via a wireless link, where the
remote programmer comprises a remote controller, a memory capable
of storing a representation of said at least one user selectable
command string; user operable switches that can be used to modify
the numeric values stored in the memory; a display, and transmitter
that can transmit the command string to the base unit; and
[0020] a base controller comprising: a microcontroller; and a
command memory that holds instructions that cause the controller to
determine whether or not a function-programming request code is
received, store the user selectable command string in a
non-volatile memory, and if the controller is not in the process of
function-programming, to determine whether a security event has
occurred, and if so, initiate an alarm function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit of a prior
art vehicle security system employing a DIP switch array for
programming security functions;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit of a prior
art vehicle security system employing a step-by-step rotating
scheme for programming security functions;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit of a prior
art vehicle security system employing a wired host computer system
for programming security functions;
[0024] FIGS. 4 & 4A are block diagrams of the circuit
configuration of a vehicle security system that employs wireless
function-programming;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment a remote
programming u nit attached to a computer;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a block diagram outlining the format of a wireless
signal transmitted by a remote programming unit of the vehicle
security system;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating some of the steps
executed by a base microcontroller; and
[0028] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the circuit configuration of a
vehicle security system that employs two-way wireless
function-programming.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The present invention provides a system for wireless
function programming of a vehicle security system. One embodiment
of the invention is illustrated in the circuit block diagram of
FIG. 4.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a vehicle security system that includes a
base controller 30 that controls security functions for a vehicle.
The base controller includes a microcontroller 1, capable of
following a predetermined arrangement of steps. These steps can
include decision steps that affect which steps are taken
subsequently. As is well known in the art, such a device can be
implemented with a commercially available microcontroller, a
general-purpose microprocessor, an imbedded microprocessor, state
machine or logic array. The base controller also includes a
non-volatile instruction memory 2 that holds a sequence of commands
or steps that the microcontroller follows. Certain microcontrollers
have such memory included within their package. one skilled in the
art will recognize that separate memory devices could also be used,
such as an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM). In the
case of a microcontroller embodied in a logic array or state
machine, such devices could be constructed in a way such that the
desired instructions are inherent in the design of the device
instead of embodied in a separate, identifiable memory.
[0031] When installed, the base controller is connected to
controllers, sensors and indicators, and actuators in a vehicle. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, it is connected to a power
door-lock unit 31; a starter interrupt 32 that can prevent the
vehicle from being started; one or more light-emitting diodes (LED)
33; an auditory alarm 34, such as a siren; a vehicle light
signaling control 35; and an auxiliary output 36.
[0032] In one embodiment, a LED is installed on a vehicle dashboard
and displays different lighting patterns indicating to the driver
information regarding the system status. If a security violation
event is triggered from outside the vehicle after the system is
armed, the auditory alarm is activated in different warning sound
schemes, and the vehicle light signaling control causes the vehicle
head lights and signal lights to turn on and off in different
signaling patterns.
[0033] In one embodiment the auxiliary output provides a way to
activate other devices that would be useful in a security violation
event. As shown in FIG. 4A, radio transmitter 40 onboard the
vehicle, can send predefined radio signals useful for tracking the
location of the vehicle.
[0034] The system outlined in FIG. 4 further includes an ignition
switch status indicator 21, and a valet/override switch 22. The
ignition switch status is relayed from the indicator 21 to the base
controller 30 to determine the operating state of the entire
security system. When the ignition switch of the vehicle is in the
normal ON position, and the vehicle is being driven along a road, a
status signal from the indicator 21 allows the security system to
properly control the entire security system. The system may be
instructed to ignore some of its sensing inputs, for example, such
as a vehicle body vibrating sensor input (not shown), since the
vehicle is being driven. The valet/override switch 22 status is
relayed to the base controller 30 to determine the mode of the
alarm. This switch provides a way of instructing the alarm not to
arm passively.
[0035] The alarm system can be adjusted to use either the auditory
alarm or the lights, or both, to warn of an attempted or achieved
intrusion into the guarded vehicle. The behavior of the system's
functions are determined by a set of values stored in the operation
memory 3, which is a non-volatile programmable memory connected to
the microcontroller. These values represent a string of commands
selected by the user to control the alarm system. An example of
such a memory is an electrically erasable programmable read only
memory (EEPROM). The operation memory could also be implemented by
using a typical random access memory, with a semi-permanent power
supply, such as a battery within the base controller, or a constant
connection to the starter battery of the vehicle. In one
embodiment, the instruction memory 2 and operation memory 3 are
embodied in the same device, such as two separate sectors of a
single Flash EPROM that could be independently programmed.
[0036] The base controller is also connected to a radio receiver,
base receiver 10. The base receiver is used to complete a wireless
link to receive operator instructions for normal operation of the
security system as well as those for programming the security
functions. As one skilled in the art would recognize, the base
receiver could be packaged in the same chassis as the base
controller.
[0037] When the system is under control of the user transmitter 12,
a wireless link is established via electromagnetic signals
transmitted from the user transmitter. This remote control unit
includes a small radio transmitter, and is carried by the owner of
the vehicle with, for example, the main ignition switch key of the
vehicle. The user transmitter can be used to relay normal use
signals to the base controller of the system, such as those
regarding intrusion alarm arming, automatic door locking and
convenience functions such as vehicle locating.
[0038] The remote programming unit 26 in the system is used to
generate function-programming signals for the security system. The
remote programming unit 26 is connected to programming radio
transmitter 11, the circuitry for which is well known in the art.
In one embodiment of the invention, printer 27 is connected to the
remote programming unit 26. This printer can be used to record the
setting of the security functions, in effect becoming a data
logger. A storage device, such as a memory with self-incrementing
address circuitry could also be used as a data logger. This
information can be relayed to the printer at, or not at, the same
time the transmission of programming information is underway. As
should also be readily understood, the interface to the printer
device may optionally meet any of the popular electronics
communications equipment standards, such as RS-232C.
[0039] Many packaging alternatives exist for this system. The
programming transmitter could be packaged in the same package as
the remote programming unit, or in a separate chassis. The remote
programming unit and transmitter can be packaged with the user
transmitter or as a separate unit. Furthermore, a single
transmitter can be used to relay function-programming signals and
normal use signals to the base controller of the system.
[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the remote programming
unit and programming transmitter are embodied in a hand-held,
battery operated device. The device contains a microcontroller and
instruction memory as described for the base controller. The device
also contains a programming memory. The programming memory holds a
set of values that describe a possible configuration for the base
controller. In one embodiment, this memory is embodied as a random
access memory device (RAM). In this embodiment, the microcontroller
accesses the RAM with interface signals well known in the art, such
as address bus signals, chip select and write enable signals. In
this embodiment, the RAM could be placed in a write mode by
write-enabling the RAM device. The new values held by the
programming memory can be transmitted to the base controller and,
loaded into the operation memory of the base controller to dictate
the behavior of the base controller's functions. In one embodiment,
the new values overwrite the original values (i.e., any values
existing just prior to the reprogramming.)
[0041] The values in the programming memory can be altered by the
user of the remote programming unit. In one embodiment, a memory
location is allocated for the "passive arming" feature of a vehicle
alarm. A value of 0 stored in that location indicates that passive
arming is disabled. A value of 1 stored in that location indicates
that passive arming is enabled. A liquid crystal display is used to
display the names of the user settable features and the
corresponding value for that feature in the programming memory. The
meaning of the value could alternately be displayed. The word
"enabled" could be displayed next to "passive arming" on the
display, for example, if the value in the passive arming location
of the programming memory is 1.
[0042] In one embodiment, buttons on the face of the controller
allow the user to scroll up and down through a list of programmable
features and their settings as represented in the programming
memory. Other buttons are provided to allow the user to alter the
value in the programming memory and consequently, the display of
the status of that location on the display. A third button is
provided to cause the remote programming unit to transmit the data
in the program memory to the base controller for storage in the
operation memory.
[0043] In another embodiment, the remote programming unit is
embodied in the combination of software and a personal computer
capable of running the software. The computer can be used to serve
the functions described for the microcontroller, instruction memory
and program memory of the hand-held unit above. The user interface
of the personal computer can be used to perform the functions of
the display and buttons of the hand-held unit embodiment. An
application with a graphical user interface, such as those of
programs made for the Microsoft WINDOWS.RTM. operating system could
be used to make the program easy to use.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of such an embodiment. A
transmitter 54 packaged as a personal computer peripheral can be
connected to the computer 50 to perform the function of the
programming transmitter 11 of FIG. 4. The computer and transmitter
can be connected through the computer interface 52, which can be an
RS-232 connection to the computer's serial port, or it can be a
connection to the computer's parallel port. Alternately, the
transmitter could be placed on a printed circuit card and the
computer interface could be embodied by peripheral expansion busses
known in the art, such as Industry Standard Architecture (ISA),
Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA), or Peripheral
Component Interconnect (PCI). These embodiments describe a
peripheral unit with a minimal amount of circuitry. As is well
known in the art, more functionality can be added to the computer
peripheral described by placing a programming memory and
microcontroller on the peripheral although those functions can be
performed by the personal computer. This could have the effect of
freeing up the processor of the personal computer for other tasks,
or avoiding data overruns in the receive circuitry seen in serial
communications when the processor of the personal computer is under
a high load.
[0045] One skilled in the art would also recognize that the
invention could be embodied in by adding an appropriately packaged
transmitter to any device with a user interface, processing
functionality capable of performing the functions of the
microcontroller, instruction memory and program memory of the
hand-held unit described above and an expansion port. The
transmitter could, for example, be placed on a PC Card, which is a
credit card-sized device for use with a lap-top computer with
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA)
expansion ports. A similar device could be created for use with a
hand held personal assistant such as a PALM PILOT personal
assistant device, by Palm Corporation.
[0046] While FIG. 4 shows base receiver 10, in use for receiving
commands sent by the user transmitter 12, and from the programming
transmitter 11, a person skilled in the art will recognize that
separate radio receivers could be used to receive instructions from
each of these two sources.
[0047] The wireless transmission link between the programming
transmitter 11, the base receiver 10 and user transmitter 12 may
use any radio frequencies and modulation techniques commonly known
in the art for data transmission. Examples of modulation techniques
that would work include Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), Pulse
Position Modulation (PPM), Phase Shift Keying (PSK), and Frequency
Modulation (FM). It should also be noted that the wireless
transmissions need not travel directly between the programming
transmitter 11, or user transmitter 12 and the base receiver 10.
Transmissions may be repeated through pager networks, cell phone
networks, or satellite services, such a Global Positioning System
(GPS). The wireless link may also be established using
electromagnetic signals, which are in the infrared range of
frequencies and, which serve the same purposes.
[0048] FIG. 6 describes a possible format of the data transmitted
by remote programming unit 26 of FIG. 4. In one embodiment of the
vehicle security system, the data transmitted by the
function-programming signals are divided into three types of data.
One comprises a function-programming command section 64, there is
also a function-setting information section 66, and a check-sum
section 68. As persons skilled in the art should be aware, these
three sections can be transmitted in any order. This order is
determined in advance, however, and the base controller 30 is
preset to expect the order that the remote programming unit is
preset to send.
[0049] The function-programming command section may contain an
identification code that is unique to the base controller and its
associated remote programming units and user transmitters. This can
prevent accidental or intentional reprogramming of the base
controller, by remote programming units other than those of the
vehicle owner. In one embodiment, the function setting information
section is transmitted close in time to the function programming
command; within three seconds, for example.
[0050] In one embodiment, the identification code is changed in a
predefined way after each successful transmission for security
purposes. This could foil a thief's attempt to receive and store
the identification code transmitted by the vehicle owner's remote
programming unit and retransmit of the same code at a later time in
an effort to alter the settings of the base microcontroller. In
another embodiment, the base controller waits a certain length of
time after an incorrect identification code is received before it
will accept the correct identification code. This hinders malicious
attempts to cycle through all possible identification codes in
attempt to find the correct one.
[0051] In another embodiment, the data sections are sent together
in a packet which is encrypted with a code known to all the
associated units. Transmissions will only be heeded if they are
encoded with the correct code.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating steps executed by the
microcontroller of base controller 30 of the vehicle security
system depicted in FIG. 4. These commands or steps, stored in the
base instruction memory, are followed by the base microcontroller
in monitoring the activities in the vehicle security system, and
also in modifying the contents of operation memory. Essentially,
the program can be a recursive routine, starting from the program
start step, concluding at a program return step, and then
recycling.
[0053] For example, the base controller 30 of the system of FIG. 4
starts the routine of FIG. 7 at the start step 700. At step 705,
the system determines whether or not a function-programming request
code is received. If the system is requested by the user to
implement a function-programming operation, the routine continues
at step 710, where the auditory alarm can be driven to sound
predetermined chirps; and the vehicle lights may also be flashed in
predetermined patterns. This signals to the user of the system that
the system acknowledges the programming request and is responding
accordingly.
[0054] At a subsequent step 715, the vehicle security system is
substantially programmed based on the received information. The new
function settings are effectively stored in the operation memory.
With the conclusion of the actual reprogramming of the system, the
routine has concluded one program cycle, as indicated by step 720,
and program control is returned to step 700 for another cycle of
system monitoring operation.
[0055] Upon determining that the system feature programming code
was not received at step 705, which is a situation of normal system
monitoring operation, the routine continues at step 725. At step
725, another decision is made to determine whether or not a
security event has occurred. If there is no situation requiring a
response, the routine concludes at step 730, where the program
control is returned to step 700 for another cycle of system
monitoring operation.
[0056] If there has been a security event that triggered any of the
various system sensors as determined at step 725, the routine
proceeds to step 735 for the initiation of the alarm function
corresponding to the nature of the triggering event. After the
conclusion of the alarm operation, the routine concludes at step
740 and the control returns to the starting step 700 for another
cycle of monitoring program execution.
[0057] FIG. 8. shows another embodiment of the invention. This
embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. A
programming transceiver 80, however, is substituted for the
programming transmitter 11 of FIG. 4. A base transceiver 85 is also
substituted for the base receiver 10 of FIG. 4. In this embodiment,
the user can initiate a program read request command. This could be
initiated by pressing a dedicated button on the face of the
hand-held embodiment of the remote programming unit 26, for
example.
[0058] The instructions in the instruction memory of the remote
programming unit are programmed so that user initiation of a
program read request command causes the microcontroller of the
remote programming unit to send a program read request signal to
the programming transceiver. This causes a program read request
signal to be transmitted by the programming transceiver. This
signal can be sent in a multi-section transmission, or encrypted
packet, as described in relation to FIG. 6.
[0059] When base controller 30 receives a program read request
signal, it sends data from operation memory 3 to base transceiver
85 for transmission. This data can be sent in a multi-section
transmission, or encrypted packet, as described in relation to FIG.
6. This data is received by programming transceiver 80, and passed
to remote programming unit 26. There, it is stored in the
programming memory of the remote program unit, for display,
manipulation and transmission as described above. In one
embodiment, the data received overwrites the data that had
previously occupied the programming memory. In another embodiment,
the remote programming unit contains a separate program receive
memory where incoming data can be stored. This memory could be
embodied as a device separate from the device that embodies the
programming memory. It could also be embodied in the same physical
device as the programming memory, but at addresses other than those
used for the programming memory. Data in the program receive memory
can later be manipulated by the microcontroller in the base unit
and transferred to the programming memory for transmission. When
the remote programming unit is embodied in a personal computer,
configuration data received by the programming transceiver can be
stored in a file on the hard drive of the computer or any other
persistence mechanism. Data stored in this way could later be
recalled, modified and loaded into the programming memory of the
remote programming unit.
[0060] The present invention has been described with respect to
particular embodiments thereof, and numerous modifications can be
made which are within the scope of the invention as set forth in
the claims.
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