U.S. patent application number 15/192446 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-28 for smart entry driver id changing.
The applicant listed for this patent is HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Brian K. LICKFELT, Chyuan Y. MUH, Kentaro YOSHIMURA.
Application Number | 20170369011 15/192446 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60674996 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20170369011 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LICKFELT; Brian K. ; et
al. |
December 28, 2017 |
SMART ENTRY DRIVER ID CHANGING
Abstract
A system and method for applying driver preference settings for
a vehicle. A electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle
determines whether a touch sensor disposed on a driver door handle
of the vehicle is triggered. Upon determining that the touch sensor
is triggered, the ECU transmits an exterior search signal from at
least one antenna associated with the driver door. The ECU further
determines whether a valid response signal was received from a fob
in response to the transmitted exterior search signal, the valid
response signal include an identification code unique to the fob
(e.g., the driver). The ECU can assign a driver preference settings
based on the identification code received in the valid response
signal.
Inventors: |
LICKFELT; Brian K.;
(Raymond, OH) ; YOSHIMURA; Kentaro; (Raymond,
OH) ; MUH; Chyuan Y.; (Powell, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
60674996 |
Appl. No.: |
15/192446 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 16/037 20130101;
B60R 25/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 16/037 20060101
B60R016/037; B60R 25/24 20130101 B60R025/24 |
Claims
1. A method for applying preference settings for a vehicle, the
method comprising: determining whether a sensor disposed on a
driver door of the vehicle is triggered; upon determining that the
sensor is triggered, transmitting an exterior search signal from at
least one antenna associated with the driver door; determining
whether a valid response signal was received from a fob in response
to the transmitted exterior search signal, wherein the valid
response signal includes an identification (ID) code unique to the
fob; and assigning a driver preference setting based on the ID
code.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: upon determining that
the valid response signal was received from the fob, setting a
timer; and assigning the driver preference setting based on the ID
code after waiting a duration of the timer.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: upon determining that
the sensor is not triggered, determining whether the driver door is
open or closed.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: upon determining that
the driver door is open, determining whether a duration of a timer
has elapsed.
5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: upon determining that
the driver door is closed, no change to the driver preference
setting is applied.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising: upon determining that
the duration of the timer has elapsed, determining whether the
vehicle is in a waking up state; and upon determining that the
duration of the timer has not elapsed, no change to the driver
preference setting is applied.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: upon determining that
the vehicle is in the waking up state, transmitting the exterior
search signal from the at least one antenna associated with the
driver door; and upon determining that the vehicle is not in the
waking up state, no change to the driver preference setting is
applied.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a touch sensor.
9. A vehicle system for applying preference settings for a vehicle,
the vehicle system comprising: a sensor disposed on a driver door
for determining whether a driver of the vehicle touched the door
for entry into the vehicle; at least one antenna associated with
the driver door; at least two fobs configured to wirelessly
communicate with the at least one antenna; a memory for storing
instructions; a control unit communicatively coupled to the memory
and the at least one antenna, the control unit being configured to
execute the instructions to: determine whether the sensor is
triggered; upon determining that the sensor is triggered, transmit
an exterior search signal from the at least one antenna associated
with the driver door; determine whether a valid response signal was
received from one of the at least two fobs in response to the
transmitted exterior search signal, wherein the valid response
signal includes an identification (ID) code unique to the fob; and
assign a driver preference setting based on the ID code.
10. The vehicle system of claim 9, wherein the control unit is
further configured to: upon determining that the valid response
signal was received from the fob, set a timer; and assign the
driver preference setting based on the ID code after waiting a
duration of the timer.
11. The vehicle system of claim 9, further comprising: a driver
door switch communicatively coupled to the control unit, wherein
the control unit is further configured to: upon determining that
the sensor is not triggered, determine whether the driver door is
open or closed based on a signal from the driver door switch.
12. The vehicle system of claim 11, wherein the control unit is
further configured to: upon determining that the driver door is
open, determine whether a duration of a timer has elapsed.
13. The vehicle system of claim 11, wherein the control unit is
further configured to: upon determining that the driver door is
closed, apply no changes to the driver preference setting.
14. The vehicle system of claim 12, wherein the control unit is
further configured to: upon determining that the duration of the
timer has elapsed, determine whether the vehicle is in a waking up
state; and upon determining that the duration of the timer has not
elapsed, apply no changes to the driver preference setting.
15. The vehicle system of claim 14, wherein the control unit is
further configured to: upon determining that the vehicle is in the
waking up state, transmit the exterior search signal from the at
least one antenna associated with the driver door. upon determining
that the vehicle is not in the waking up state, apply no change to
the driver preference setting.
16. The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the sensor is a touch
sensor.
17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising: code for
determining whether a sensor disposed on a driver door of the
vehicle is triggered; code for, upon determining that the sensor is
triggered, transmitting an exterior search signal from at least one
antenna associated with the driver door; code for determining
whether a valid response signal was received from a fob in response
to the transmitted exterior search signal, wherein the valid
response signal includes an identification (ID) code unique to the
fob; and code for assigning a driver preference setting based on
the ID code.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a wireless passive
entry system for a motor vehicle and, more particularly, to a
method for changing driver identification for a passive entry
vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In today's cars it has become standard to have a specific
key fob for each driver of the vehicle. In the vehicle, each fob is
"tied" to numerous potential functions and driver preference
settings (e.g., radio presets, driver positioning, mirror
positioning, and the like). In known passive entry systems, the
driver preference settings are usually applied based on a fob
identification found in a signal from the fob which allows entry
into the vehicle. However, the driver may leave the doors of the
vehicle unlocked when, for example, the vehicle is in a garage of
his or her home. With current passive entry systems, the driver
preference settings would not be changed if the driver accessed the
vehicle without using his or her key fob. Rather, the driver
identification would default to the previous values set at the last
opening of the driver's door handle with a valid key fob. This can
create confusion and frustration for the driver of the vehicle.
[0003] For example, a husband and wife may own and share a vehicle
equipped with a passive entry system. The wife may access the
vehicle using her key fob and then leave the vehicle unlocked in
the garage. If the husband then enters the vehicle, the
identification for the husband can be confused because the vehicle
only recalls the identification of the wife, who was the last
driver to open the front door handle carrying a valid key fob.
Because the doors of the vehicle were unlocked, there was no fob
identification present at the driver's door handle when the husband
entered the vehicle. As such, even though the wife is not operating
the vehicle, the driver preference settings are set for the wife
and not the husband.
SUMMARY
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the DETAILED DESCRIPTION. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0005] According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides for
a method of applying driver preference settings for a vehicle. The
method can include determining whether a touch sensor disposed on a
door handle of a driver door of the vehicle is triggered. The
method can further include transmitting an exterior search signal
from at least one antenna associated with the driver door upon
determining that the touch sensor is triggered. In addition, the
method can include determining whether a valid response signal was
received from a fob in response to the transmitted exterior search
signal, where the valid response signal can include an
identification (ID) code unique to the fob. Furthermore, the method
can include assigning a driver preference setting based on the ID
code.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect, the present disclosure
provides a vehicle system for setting driver preference settings
for a vehicle. The vehicle system can include a touch sensor
disposed on a door handle of the driver door for determining
whether a driver of the vehicle touched the door handle, at least
one antenna associated with the driver door, at least two fobs
configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least one antenna,
a memory for storing instructions, and a control unit
communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one antenna.
The control unit can be configured to execute the instructions to
determine whether the touch sensor is triggered, to transmit an
exterior search signal from the at least one antenna associated
with the driver door upon determining that the touch sensor is
triggered, to determine whether a valid response signal was
received from one of the at least two fobs in response to the
transmitted exterior search signal, where the valid response signal
includes an ID code unique to the fob, and to assign a driver
preference setting based on the ID code.
[0007] Additional advantages and novel features of these aspects
will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in
part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon
examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The novel features believed to be characteristic of aspects
of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the
descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the
specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively.
The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain
figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the
interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself,
however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further features and
advances thereof, will be best understood by reference to the
following detailed description of illustrative aspects of the
disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic depiction of an example
vehicle system for setting driver preferences for a vehicle, in
accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic depiction of a table stored
in a memory of the example vehicle system depicted in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate an example process flow diagram of
a method for applying driver settings for a vehicle, in accordance
with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary system diagram of various
hardware components and other features for use in accordance with
aspects of the present disclosure; and
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of various exemplary
system components for use in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The following includes definitions of selected terms
employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or
forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that
can be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be
limiting.
[0015] A "bus," as used herein, refers to an interconnected
architecture that is operatively connected to other computer
components inside a computer or between computers. The bus is able
to transfer data among the computer components. The bus can be a
memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, an external bus,
a crossbar switch, and/or a local bus, among others. The bus can
also be a vehicle bus that interconnects components inside a
vehicle using protocols, such as Controller Area network (CAN),
Local Interconnect Network (LIN), among others.
[0016] A "memory," as used herein can include volatile memory
and/or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include, for
example, ROM (read only memory), PROM (programmable read only
memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), and EEPROM (electrically erasable
PROM). Volatile memory can include, for example, RAM (random access
memory), synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous
DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), and direct RAM
bus RAM (DRRAM).
[0017] An "operable connection," or a connection by which entities
are "operatively connected," is one in which signals, physical
communications, and/or logical communications can be sent and/or
received. An operable connection can include a wireless interface,
a physical interface, a data interface, and/or an electrical
interface.
[0018] A "processor," as used herein, processes signals and
performs general computing and arithmetic functions. Signals
processed by the processor can include digital signals, data
signals, computer instructions, processor instructions, messages, a
bit, a bit stream, or other features that can be received,
transmitted and/or detected. Generally, the processor can include a
variety of various processors, including multiple single and
multi-core processors and co-processors and other multiple single
and multi-core processor and co-processor architectures. The
processor can include various modules to execute various
functions.
[0019] A "vehicle," as used herein, refers to any moving vehicle
that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants and is
powered by any form of energy. The term "vehicle" includes, but is
not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, sport utility
vehicles (SUVs), motorcycles, scooters, boats, personal watercraft,
and aircraft. In some cases, a motor vehicle includes one or more
engines. Further, the term "vehicle" can refer to an electric
vehicle (EV) that is capable of carrying one or more human
occupants and is operated entirely or partially by one or more
electric motors powered by an electric battery. The EV can include
battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles (PHEV). The term "vehicle" can also refer to an autonomous
vehicle and/or self-driving vehicle powered by any form of energy.
Further, the term "vehicle" can include vehicles that are automated
or non-automated with pre-determined paths, or free-moving
vehicles.
[0020] Generally described, the present disclosure provides for
setting driver preference settings for a vehicle. Turning to FIG.
1, a schematic depiction of an example vehicle system 100 for
setting driver preference settings for a vehicle 12 according to an
aspect of the disclosure is provided. The components of the vehicle
system 100, as well as the components of other systems, hardware
architectures, and software architectures discussed herein, can be
combined, omitted, or organized into different architectures for
various aspects.
[0021] The vehicle system 100 can include a main control unit 14,
which can include hardware and/or software capable of performing
operations that will be described in more detail below. The vehicle
system 100 can further include a plurality of fobs 16a, 16b. The
fobs 16a, 16b can be configured to wirelessly communicate with the
main control unit 14. The vehicle system 100 is capable of
determining driver preference settings in a manner such that the
appropriate driver preference setting can be set for the driver of
the vehicle 12. The vehicle system 100 can be part of a passive
entry system where the operator of the vehicle 12 need not perform
any active function, e.g., press a button on the fobs 16a, 16b, to
gain access to the vehicle.
[0022] The main control unit 14 can be operatively connected to a
plurality of closure lock controllers, such as a driver's door lock
controller 20a, a passenger's door lock controller 20b and a
tailgate lock controller 20c. Each lock controller controls a
respective lock for a respective closure. For example, the driver's
door lock controller 20a controls a driver's door lock (not shown)
for a driver door 22a, the passenger's door lock controller 20b
controls a passenger's door lock (not shown) for a passenger's door
22b and the tailgate lock controller 20c controls a tailgate lock
(not shown) for the tailgate 22c of the vehicle. The passenger's
door 22b depicted in FIG. 1 is shown on an opposite side of the
vehicle 12 as the driver's door 22a. The vehicle 12 can also
include a first rear passenger's door 22d rearward from the driver
door 22a on the same side of the vehicle as the driver's door 22a
and a second rear passenger's door 22e rearward from the
passenger's door 22b on the opposite side of the vehicle as the
driver's door 22a. Door locks (not shown) and door lock controllers
20d, 20e, which can also be in communication with the main control
unit 14, can also be associated with these other passenger's doors
22d and 22e, respectively. Each lock controller 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d
and 20e, which can also be referred to as a closure lock
controller, operates in a locked state, which places the respective
closure lock in a locked position, and an unlocked state, which
places the respective closure lock in an unlocked position.
[0023] The main control unit 14 can be operatively connected to a
door unlocking sensor (not shown). The door unlocking sensor can be
disposed on a surface (e.g., an inner and/or outer surface) of the
outer door handle of the driver door 22a. The door unlocking sensor
can include a switch utilizing an electrostatic capacitive touch
sensor. The door unlocking sensor is normally placed in an
off-state. When the driver grips the outer door handle, and more
particularly when the driver touches the door unlocking sensor, the
door unlocking sensor is turned on, and outputs a trigger signal
having a predetermined pulse level to the main control unit 14.
[0024] The vehicle system 100 can also include a plurality of
antennas 30a-30g. The main control unit 14 can be in communication
with each antenna 30a-30f. The plurality of antennas 30a-30f
includes a driver's door antenna 30a, which can be located on or
adjacent to the driver door 22a of the vehicle 12. The plurality of
antennas can further include a passenger's door antenna 30b located
on or adjacent the passenger's door 22b, which is located on an
opposite side of the vehicle as the driver's door and can typically
be referred to as a front passenger's door. The plurality of
antennas can also include a tailgate antenna 30c located on or
adjacent to the tailgate 22c of the vehicle 12. The plurality of
antennas can also include rear passenger door antennas 30d and 30e
located on or near respective rear passenger doors 22d and 22e of
the vehicle. The antennas 30a-30f that are associated with a
respective closure are configured to transmit an exterior search
signal to locate fobs near the respective closure and outside of
the vehicle. The vehicle system 100 can further include an antenna
30f, which is configured to transmit an interior search signal to
locate fobs within the vehicle. Although only one antenna 30f for
transmitting an interior search signal is shown, multiple interior
search antennas can be provided.
[0025] The plurality of antennas can also include a receiving
antenna 30g in communication with the main control unit 14. The
receiving antenna 30g can be configured to receive response signals
transmitted from the fobs 16a, 16b. The response signals can be
transmitted from the fobs 16a, 16b in response to receiving a
search signal, which is transmitted from the antennas 30a-30g. The
response signals can include an access code for changing the state
of the lock controllers 20a-20e and an ID code unique to the fob
that transmitted the response signal. The response signals can be
transmissions such as, but not limited to, radio frequency (RF)
transmissions or low frequency (LF) transmissions.
[0026] The main control unit 14 can include an internal processor
(not shown), an internal processing memory (not shown), an
interface circuit (not shown), and bus lines for transferring data,
sending commands, and communicating with the vehicle system 100.
The vehicle system can further include a memory 40, which can be
operatively connected to the main control unit 14. The vehicle 12
can also include a bus for sending data internally among the
various components of the vehicle system 100.
[0027] FIG. 2 depicts a table 42, which can be stored in the memory
40 (FIG. 1). The memory 40 (FIG. 1) can store at least two driver
preference settings, e.g., Driver1 Preference Setting, Driver2
Preference Setting, and DriverN Preference Setting, each associated
with a different driver of the vehicle 12 (FIG. 1). The driver
preference settings and identifications shown in FIG. 2 can be
stored in other manners that allow each different driver of the
vehicle 12 (FIG. 1) to be associated with a respective driver
preference setting.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 1, each driver of the vehicle 12
typically carries his or her own fob 16a, 16b. Only fobs 16a, 16b
are shown in FIG. 1; however, a greater number of fobs can be
employed in the vehicle system 100. If more than two fobs are
provided, further identifications can be provided, which is denoted
as IDN in table 42 (FIG. 2). Each fob 16a, 16b can be associated
with a unique identification. For example, a first fob 16a can be
associated with ID1 and a second fob 16b can be associated with ID2
(see, e.g., table 42 in FIG. 2). The fobs 16a, 16b can be similar
to known fobs capable of transmitting signals to and receiving
wireless signals from the vehicle 12. Moreover, the fobs 16a, 16b
can be other wireless communication devices such as a mobile phone
and other devices capable of transmitting wireless signals to and
receiving wireless signals from the vehicle 12. For example, the
fobs 16a, 16b can be a communications device capable of providing
wireless communications utilizing various protocols to send/receive
electronic signals with respect to the vehicle 12. These protocols
can include a wireless system utilizing radio frequency
communications (e.g., IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.15.1
(Bluetooth.RTM.)), a near field communication system (NFC) (e.g.,
ISO 13157), a local area network (LAN), a wireless wide area
network (WWAN) (e.g., cellular) and/or a point-to-point system.
[0029] The vehicle system 100 can further include a plurality of
door switches 50a-50e, which can each be operatively connected to
the main control unit 14. Each door switch 50a-50e can determine
whether the respective door is open or closed. For example, the
driver's door switch 50a can send a signal to the main control unit
14, which allows the main control unit to determine whether the
driver's door 22a has changed from open to closed. Each of the
remaining door switches 50b-50e can send similar signals to the
main control unit 14 for detecting whether the respective closure
is open or closed.
[0030] The main control unit 14 can be operatively connected to
each closure lock controller 20a-20e, each antenna 30a-30g, the
door switches 50a-50e. The main control unit 14 can be configured
to initiate a search signal from at least one of the antennas
30a-30e to locate at least one of the at least two fobs 16a, 16b
located outside of and adjacent to the vehicle 12. The main control
unit 14 can also be configured to initiate a search signal from the
antenna 30f to locate at least one of the at least two fobs 16a,
16b located inside the vehicle 12.
[0031] The main control unit 14 can also be configured to assign a
driver preference setting based on an ID code in a response signal
transmitted from one of the fobs 16a, 16b. The response signal from
each fob 16a, 16b can include the ID code that is unique to the
particular fob. The main control unit 14 can assign the Driven
Preference Setting when the ID code ID1 has been received in a
response signal transmitted from the first fob 16a. The main
control unit 14 can assign the Driver2 Preference Setting when the
ID code ID2 has been received in a response signal transmitted from
the second fob 16b. For example, the main control unit 14 can
assign the respective driver preference setting based on a response
signal received from the driver's door antenna 30a.
[0032] The main control unit 14 can also be configured to update
and apply the appropriate assigned driver preference setting. The
driver preference setting can include at least one of a vehicle
seat setting, a rear view mirror setting, a side view mirror
setting, a radio station setting and an HVAC setting. FIG. 1
depicts the vehicle system 100 as including a seat control unit 60,
a rear view mirror control unit 62, a side view mirror control unit
64, a radio control unit 66 and an HVAC control unit 68. Each
control unit 60-68 is depicted as separate from and operatively
connected to the main control unit 14. Each control unit 60-68, or
at least one of the control units, could also be integrated into
the main control unit 14. The seat control unit 60 can control the
vehicle seat setting, e.g., by controlling movement of at least one
of the seats (not shown) of the vehicle 12. The rear view mirror
control unit 62 can control the rear view mirror setting, e.g., by
controlling movement of the rear view mirror (not shown) of the
vehicle 12. The side view mirror control unit 64 can control the
side view mirror setting, e.g., by controlling movement of the side
view mirror (not shown) of the vehicle 12. The radio control unit
66 can control the radio (not shown) of the vehicle, e.g., by
controlling radio presets and the like. The HVAC control unit 68
can control the HVAC system (not shown) of the vehicle, e.g., by
controlling HVAC presets and the like.
[0033] A method for applying driver preference settings for a
vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. Even
though FIGS. 3A and 3B depict operations in a logical order, the
order in which the operations are performed should not be limited
to the order in which they are presented in FIGS. 3A and 3B or the
order in which they are described below. For instance, the
operations of FIGS. 3A and 3B can be implemented simultaneously by
the main control unit 14. Additionally, the method for applying
driver preference settings depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B will be
described with reference to the vehicle system 100 shown in FIG. 1;
however, it is to be appreciated that the method can be used with
other similar vehicle systems.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a method for applying
driver preference settings according to an example aspect of the
present disclosure will be discussed. FIGS. 3A and 3B will be
described with reference to the components of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
Additionally, the methods will be described with reference to
algorithms, which can also be implemented with the system shown in
FIG. 1 and described in conjunction therewith, and other systems
and methods. With reference to FIG. 3A and 3B, the method for
applying driver preference settings begins at 300. At 300, the
driver door 22a is unlocked. The determination that the driver door
is unlocked can be based on a state of the driver door lock
controller 20a, which is operatively connected to the main control
unit 14. Further, at 300, the driver preference settings for the
previous driver of the vehicle 12 are applied by the main control
unit 14.
[0035] At block 302, the method includes determining whether or not
the door unlocking sensor (not shown) disposed on the driver door
22a is triggered. The main control unit 14 can determine whether
the door unlocking sensor is triggered based on whether or not a
trigger signal has been received from door unlocking sensor. For
example, if the trigger signal has been received from the door
unlocking sensor (e.g., the door unlocking sensor has been touched
by the driver), then the main control unit 14 can determine the
door unlocking sensor is triggered and can proceed to implement
block 312. Otherwise, if the trigger signal has not been received
from the door unlocking sensor (e.g., the door unlocking sensor has
not been touched by the driver), then the main control unit 14 can
determine that the door unlocking sensor has not been triggered and
the main control unit 14 can proceed to implement block 304.
[0036] At block 304, the method includes determining whether the
driver door 22a is open or closed. The main control unit 14 can
determine whether the driver door 22a is open or closed based on
the door switch 50a associated with driver door 22a. For example,
the door switch 50a can continuously or periodically send a signal
to the main control unit 14. The main control unit can determine
whether the driver door 22a has changed from open to closed based
on, e.g., a signal level of the signal received from the door
switch 50a. If the main control unit 14 determines that the driver
door 22a is closed, then the method ends at block 310. Otherwise,
if the main control unit 14 determines that the driver door 22a is
open, then the main control unit 14 can proceed to implement block
306.
[0037] At block 306, the method includes determining whether or not
a timer has been set at block 316 and, if the timer has been set,
whether or not a duration of the timer has elapsed. If the main
control unit 14 determines that the duration of the timer has not
elapsed (e.g., a valid fob ID has recently been identified), then
the method ends at block 310. Otherwise, if the main control unit
14 determines that the duration of the timer has elapsed or the
timer has not been set, then the main control unit 14 can proceed
to implement block 308.
[0038] At block 308, the method includes determining whether or not
the vehicle 12 is in a wake up state. The main control unit 14 can
determine whether the vehicle is in the wake up state based on a
status of the vehicle communication bus. For example, the main
control unit 14 can determine whether the vehicle is in the wake up
state based on a type or an amount of data and/or commands
communicated between components of the vehicle system 100 on the
bus. If the main control unit 14 determines that the vehicle is not
in the wake up state (e.g., the HVAC system is on), then the method
ends at block 310. Otherwise, if the main control unit 14
determines that the vehicle is in the wake up state, then the main
control unit 14 can proceed to implement block 312.
[0039] At block 312, the method includes transmitting the exterior
search signal at a door of the driver 22a of the vehicle 12. For
example, the main control unit 14 can transmit the exterior search
signal from antenna 30a associated with the door of the driver
22a.
[0040] At block 314, the method includes determining whether or not
a valid RF response signal is received in response to the exterior
search signal that was transmitted at block 312. If the main
control unit 14 determines that no valid RF response signal is
received, then the method ends at 322. Otherwise, if a valid RF
response signal is received, then the main control unit 14 can
proceed to implement block 316.
[0041] At block 316, the method includes sending a NO CHANGE LOCK
STATUS command and recording the fob ID from the valid response
signal received at block 314. For example, the main control unit 14
can send the NO CHANGE LOCK STATUS command to the closure lock
controllers 20a-20e and record the fob ID received at block 314 in
memory 40.
[0042] At block 318, the method includes setting a duration of a
timer after recording the fob ID at block 316. The timer can be,
for example, an internal timer of the main control unit 14. The
main control unit 14 can set a duration of the timer to be, e.g.,
five seconds. It is to be appreciated that the duration of the
timer can also be any value greater than or less than five
seconds.
[0043] At block 320, the method includes applying the driver
preference settings once the duration of the timer set at block 318
has elapsed. Once the duration of the timer has elapsed, the main
control unit 14 can obtain the fob ID recorded at block 316 from
memory 40 and apply the driver preference setting associated with
that fob ID, and the method ends at 322.
[0044] Aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented using
hardware, software, or a combination thereof and can be implemented
in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In one
aspect, the disclosure is directed toward one or more computer
systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example system diagram of various hardware
components and other features that can be used in accordance with
aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the present
disclosure can be implemented using hardware, software, or a
combination thereof and can be implemented in one or more computer
systems or other processing systems. In one exemplary variation,
aspects of the disclosure are directed toward one or more computer
systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein.
An example of such a computer system 400 is shown in FIG. 4. The
computer 400 can correspond to main control unit 14 illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0045] Computer system 400 includes one or more processors, such as
processor 404. The processor 404 is connected to a communication
infrastructure 406 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or
network). Various software aspects are described in terms of this
example computer system. After reading this description, it will
become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to
implement aspects of the disclosure using other computer systems
and/or architectures.
[0046] Computer system 400 can include a display interface 402 that
forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication
infrastructure 406 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display
on a display unit 430. Computer system 400 also includes a main
memory 408, preferably random access memory (RAM), and can also
include a secondary memory 410. The secondary memory 410 can
include, for example, a hard disk drive 412 and/or a removable
storage drive 414, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic
tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive
414 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 418 in a
well-known manner. Removable storage unit 418, represents a floppy
disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which is read by and
written to removable storage drive 414. As will be appreciated, the
removable storage unit 418 includes a computer usable storage
medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.
[0047] In alternative aspects, secondary memory 410 can include
other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other
instructions to be loaded into computer system 400. Such devices
can include, for example, a removable storage unit 422 and an
interface 420. Examples of such can include a program cartridge and
cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a
removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read only
memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and
associated socket, and other removable storage units 422 and
interfaces 420, which allow software and data to be transferred
from the removable storage unit 422 to computer system 400.
[0048] Computer system 400 can also include a communications
interface 424. Communications interface 424 allows software and
data to be transferred between computer system 400 and external
devices. Examples of communications interface 424 can include a
modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a
communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. Software and data
transferred via communications interface 424 are in the form of
signals 428, which can be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or
other signals capable of being received by communications interface
424. These signals 428 are provided to communications interface 424
via a communications path (e.g., channel) 426. This path 426
carries signals 428 and can be implemented using wire or cable,
fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency
(RF) link and/or other communications channels. In this document,
the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium"
are used to refer generally to media such as a removable storage
drive 480, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 470, and
signals 428. These computer program products provide software to
the computer system 400. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to
such computer program products.
[0049] Computer programs (also referred to as computer control
logic) are stored in main memory 408 and/or secondary memory 410.
Computer programs can also be received via communications interface
424. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer
system 400 to perform various features in accordance with aspects
of the present disclosure, as discussed herein. In particular, the
computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 404 to
perform such features. Accordingly, such computer programs
represent controllers of the computer system 400.
[0050] In variations where aspects of the disclosure are
implemented using software, the software can be stored in a
computer program product and loaded into computer system 400 using
removable storage drive 414, hard drive 412, or communications
interface 420. The control logic (software), when executed by the
processor 404, causes the processor 404 to perform the functions in
accordance with aspects of the disclosure as described herein. In
another variation, aspects are implemented primarily in hardware
using, for example, hardware components, such as application
specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of the
hardware state machine so as to perform the functions described
herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant
art(s).
[0051] In yet another example variation, aspects of the disclosure
are implemented using a combination of both hardware and
software.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of various example system
components that may be used in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure. For example, the various components may be
within the vehicle 12, or only some of the components may be within
the vehicle 12, and other components may be remote from the vehicle
12. The system 500 includes one or more accessors 560, 562 (also
referred to interchangeably herein as one or more "users") and one
or more terminals 542, 566 (such terminals may be or include, for
example, various features of the vehicle system 100). In one
aspect, data for use in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure is, for example, input and/or accessed by accessors 560,
562 via terminals 542, 566, such as personal computers (PCs),
minicomputers, mainframe computers, microcomputers, telephonic
devices, or wireless devices, such as personal digital assistants
("PDAs") or a hand-held wireless devices coupled to a server 543,
such as a PC, minicomputer, mainframe computer, microcomputer, or
other device having a processor and a repository for data and/or
connection to a repository for data, via, for example, a network
544, such as the Internet or an intranet, and couplings 545, 546,
564. The couplings 545, 546, 564 include, for example, wired,
wireless, or fiber optic links. In another example variation, the
method and system in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure operate in a stand-alone environment, such as on a
single terminal.
[0053] The aspects of the disclosure discussed herein can also be
described and implemented in the context of non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable
instructions. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media
includes computer storage media and communication media. For
example, flash memory drives, digital versatile discs (DVDs),
compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and tape cassettes.
Non-transitory computer-readable storage media can include volatile
and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in
any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer readable instructions, data structures, modules, or other
data. Non-transitory computer readable storage media excludes
transitory and propagated data signals.
[0054] It will be appreciated that various implementations of the
above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives
or varieties thereof, can be desirably combined into many other
different systems or applications. Also that various presently
unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,
variations, or improvements therein can be subsequently made by
those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed
by the following claims.
* * * * *