Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Remote control system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and
related methods
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This application is related to the field of vehicle control systems and, more
particularly, to a remote control system and related methods for vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vehicle security systems are widely used to deter vehicle theft, prevent
theft of valuables from a vehicle, deter vandalism, and to protect vehicle
owners
and occupants. A typical automobile security system, for example, includes a
central processor or controller connected to a plurality of vehicle sensors.
The
sensors, for example, may detect opening of the trunk, hood, doors, windows,
and also movement of the vehicle or within the vehicle. Ultrasonic and
microwave
motion detectors, vibration sensors, sound discriminators, differential
pressure
sensors, and switches may be used as sensors. In addition, radar sensors may
be used to monitor the area proximate the vehicle.
The controller typically operates to give an alarm indication in the event
of triggering of a vehicle sensor. The alarm indication may typically be a
flashing
of the lights andlor the sounding of the vehicle horn or a siren. In addition,
the
vehicle fuel supply andlor ignition power may be selectively disabled based
upon
an alarm condition.
A typical security system also includes a receiver associated with the
controller that cooperates with one or more remote transmitters typically
carried
by the user as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,242 to Sassover
et
al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,215 to Drori. The remote transmitter may be used
to
arm and disarm the vehicle security system or provide other remote control
features from a predetermined range away from the vehicle. Also related go to
remote control of a vehicle function U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,966 to Lambropoulous
CA 02415023 2004-02-23
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et al. discloses a remote keyless entry system for a vehicle. The keyless
entry
system permits the user to remotely open the vehicle doors or open the vehicle
trunk using a small handheld transmitter.
Unfortunately, the majority of vehicle security systems need to be directly
connected by wires to individual vehicle devices, such as the vehicle horn or
door
switches of the vehicle. In other words, a conventional vehicle security
system is
hardwired to various vehicle components, typically by splicing into vehicle
wiring
harnesses or via interposing T-harnesses and connectors. The number of
electrical devices in a vehicle has increased so that the size and complexity
of
wiring harnesses has also increased. For example, the steering wheel may
include horn switches, an airbag, turn-signal and headlight switches, wiper
controls, cruise control switches, ignition wiring, an emergency flasher
switch,
and/or radio controls. Likewise, a door of a vehicle, for example, may include
window controls, locks, outside mirror switches, and/or door-panel light
switches.
In response to the increased wiring complexity and costs, vehicle
manufacturers have begun attempts to reduce the amount of wiring within
vehicles to reduce weight, reduce wire routing problems, decrease costs, and
reduce complications which may arise when troubleshooting the electrical
system. For example, some manufacturers have adopted multiplexing schemes
to reduce cables to three or four wires and to simplify the exchange of data
among the various onboard electronic systems as disclosed, for example, in
"The
Thick and Thin of Car Cabling" by Thompson appearing in the IEEE Spectrum,
February 1996, pp. 42-45.
Implementing multiplexing concepts in vehicles in a cost-effective and
reliable manner may not be easy. Successful implementation, for example, may
require the development of low or error-free communications in what can be
harsh vehicle environments. With multiplexing technology, the various
electronic
modules or devices may be linked by a single signal wire in a bus also
containing
a power wire, and one or more ground wires. Digital messages are
communicated to all modules over the data communications bus. Each message
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may have one or more addresses associated with it so that the devices can
recognize which messages to ignore and which messages to respond to or read.
The Thompson article describes a number of multiplexed networks for
vehicles. In particular, the Grand Cherokee made by Chrysler is described as
having five multiplex nodes or controllers: the engine controller, the
temperature
controller, the airbag controller, the theft alarm, and the overhead console.
Other
nodes for different vehicles may include a transmission controller, a trip
computer, an instrument cluster controller, an antilock braking controller, an
active suspension controller, and a body controller for devices in the
passenger
compartment.
A number of patent references are also directed to digital or multiplex
communications networks or circuits, such as may be used in a vehicle. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,262 Sinniger et al. discloses a multiplex bus
system
including a master control unit and a plurality of receiver-transmitter units
connected thereto. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,772 to Leung discloses a
power
bus in a vehicle controlled by a low current digitally coded Communications
system. Other references disclosing various vehicle multiplex control systems
include, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,275 to Sato et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
4,697,092 to Roggendorf et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,783 to Burgess et al.
Several standards have been proposed for vehicle multiplex networks
including, for example, the Society of Automotive Engineers "Surface Vehicle
Standard, Class B Data Communications Network Interface", SAE J1850, July
1995. Another report by the SAE is the "Surface Vehicle Information Report,
Chrysler Sensor and Control (CSC) Bus Multiplexing Network for Class 'A'
Applications", SAE J2058, July 1990. Many other networks are also being
implemented or proposed for communications between vehicle devices and
nodes or controllers.
Unfortunately, conventional vehicle security systems for hardwired
connection to vehicle devices, such as including aftermarket vehicle security
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systems, are not readily adaptable to a vehicle including a data
communications
bus. A vehicle security system also typically requires a dedicated hardwired
switch for entering certain modes, such as a valet mode, to permit another to
operate the vehicle. Selectable system operating features are also typically
programmed using a dedicated switch, such as the valet switch. In addition, a
vehicle security system if adapted for a communications bus and devices for
one
particular model, model year, and manufacturer, may not be compatible with any
other models, model years, or manufacturers. Other systems for remote control
of vehicle functions may also suffer from such shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the
present invention to provide a vehicle control system and associated methods
providing greater ease of installation and operation for a vehicle equipped
with
a data communications bus, especially for the addition of aftermarket security
controllers, for example.
These and other objects, features, and advantages in accordance with
the present invention are provided by a vehicle remote control system
comprising
at least one vehicle device being selectively operable by a user to generate
signals on the data communications bus; and a controller, such as a security
controller, connected to a receiver and being responsive to a remote
transmitter.
More particularly, the controller is also preferably switchable to a desired
mode
from among a plurality of modes based upon signals generated on the data
communications bus by selective operation of the at least one vehicle device
by
the user. The controller may be an aftermarket security controller that is
very
easily added to the vehicle and uses an existing vehicle device to switch
between
modes, without requiring the installation of one or more hardwired and
dedicated
switches, for example.
The at least one vehicle device may comprise at least one desired vehicle
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switch for also controlling a vehicle operation other than switching the
security
controller. In addition, the security controller may be switchable based upon
signals generated by selectively operating the at least one desired vehicle
switch
in a predetermined pattern.
The at least one vehicle device may also include a plurality of vehicle
switches for also controlling vehicle operations other than switching the
security
controller. In these embodiments, switching the security controller is
accomplished by operating the plurality of vehicle switches in a predetermined
pattern.
The system may also include at least one security sensor connected to
the security controller. The security controller is also preferably switchable
between armed and disarmed modes responsive to the remote transmitter. When
7 5 the security controller is in the armed mode, it is capable of at feast
one of
generating an alarm indication and disabling a vehicle engine responsive to
the
at least one security sensor. Accordingly, one of the plurality of modes
comprises
a valet mode in which (here is no alarm indication, the vehicle engine is
enabled,
and the security controller is no longer responsive to the remote transmitter
armed and disarmed signals. Alternately, or in addition, the plurality of
modes
may comprise an override mode in which there is no alarm indication, the
vehicle
engine is enabled, and the security controller is responsive to the remote
transmitter armed and disarmed signals.
Another possible mode includes a feature programming mode permitting
user selection of at least one programmable feature for the security
controller. Of
course, in this variation the security controller may also be responsive to
selective
operation of the at least one vehicle device to facilitate selecting the
programmable features. Yet another mode for the security controller may be a
remote transmitter learning mode permitting learning of a new uniquely coded
remote transmitter for the security controller.
Another aspect of the invention relates to compatibility with many different
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data bus types. To provide this flexibility, the security controller may
comprise
desired signal enabling means for permitting switching to the desired mode
based upon predetermined device signals for a corresponding desired vehicle
from a plurality of sets of device signals for different vehicles. In one
embodiment,
the desired signal enabling means may be provided by a memory for storing a
plurality of sets of device signals for different vehicles, and a selector for
selecting predetermined device signals from the plurality of different sets of
device signals for different vehicles. The selector may comprise a user
selector
for permitting a user to select the predetermined device signals.
The desired signal enabling means may also comprise bus learning
means for teaming the predetermined device signals based upon device signals
on the data communications bus. The desired signal enabling means may also
comprise download teaming means for learning the predetermined device signals
from a downloading device.
A method aspect of the invention is for switching a controller in a vehicle
among a plurality of modes, and wherein the vehicle is of a type comprising a
data communications bus, and at least one vehicle device being selectively
operable by a user to generate signals on the data communications bus. The
method preferably comprises the steps of selectively operating the at least
one
vehicle device in a predetermined pattern to generate signals on the data
communications bus, and reading the signals generated on the data
communications bus and switching the controller to a corresponding mode based
thereon.
Another method aspect of the invention is for adding a security controller
to a vehicle of a type comprising a data communications bus, and at least one
vehicle device being selectively operable by a user to generate signals on the
data communications bus. The method preferably comprises the steps of
connecting the security controller to the data communications bus, and
enabling
the security controller to switch among a plurality of modes based upon
predetermined device signals generated on the data communications bus by
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selective operation of the at least one vehicle device by the user.
IN THE DRAWINGS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle remote control system
in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of the controller as
shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart for a method for selecting from among a plurality of
modes in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart for a method for switching to an override mode in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart for a method for installing the security controller in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram for a first embodiment of the desired
signal enabling portion of the pager controller in accordance with the
invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram for a second embodiment of the
desired signal enabling portion of the pager controller in accordance with the
invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram for a third embodiment of the desired
signal enabling portion of the pager controller in accordance with the
invention.
FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram for a fourth embodiment of the
desired signal enabling portion of the pager controller in accordance with the
CA 02415023 2002-12-20
invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram for a fifth embodiment of the desired
signal enabling portion of the pager controller in accordance with the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the
invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many
different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments
set
forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will
be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to
those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Prime and
multiple prime notation are used in alternate embodiments to indicate similar
elements.
Referring now to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 1, a remote control
system 20 for a vehicle 21 in accordance with the invention is first
described. The
system 20 includes a remote function controller 23 which is illustratively
connected to a receiver 24. The controller 23 is also connected to the data
communications bus 22 which runs throughout the vehicle as will be appreciated
by those skilled in the art.
A number of security and convenience related devices are illustratively
connected to the data communications bus 22. For example, a driver door lock
actuator 26, and passenger door lock actuator 27 are connected via a common
bus interface 28 to the data communication bus 22. Of course, each actuator
26,
27 could have its own individual bus interface or transceiver in other
embodiments.
The remote function controller 23 could be used as a remote keyless
CA 02415023 2002-12-20
_g_
entry controller to provide lock and unlock commands onto the data bus
responsive to the remote transmitter 50 as will be appreciated by those
skilled in
the art. The illustrated remote transmitter 50 includes a housing 51, a door
lock
button or switch 52, a door unlock button 53, and a trunk release button 54 in
the
illustrated embodiment. A panic button, not shown, may be provided on the rear
of the housing 51 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The
remote
transmitter 50 is also illustratively connected to the ignition key 55.
The receiver 24 may be of the changing code type as will be readily
appreciated by those skilled in the art. By changing code is meant that the
remote
transmitter unit 50 sends a signal including a series of bits modulated on a
radio
frequency carrier, for example. These bits would typically include fixed code
portions as well as changing code portions. The changing code portion provides
additional security so that unauthorized transmitters cannot be used to
activate
the controller 23. In particular, the term changing code is meant to cover
fairly
short repeating codes, such as are generally described as rolling codes. Such
rolling codes may repeat as often as every eight transmissions, for example.
In
addition, changing code is also intended to cover pseudorandom codes that may
only repeat after many thousands or even millions of operations as will be
understood by those skilled in the art. The remote transmitter unit 50 and
receiver
24 are synchronized together with each having the changing code pattern stored
therein or generated internally as will be readily understood by those skilled
in the
art.
One or more other actuators 32 may also be connected to the data
communications bus 22 via the schematically illustrated interface 33 as will
be
appreciated by those skilled in the art. Of course, other controllers may also
be
connected to and exchange data over the data communications bus 22.
In the lower portion of FIG. 1, a number of other vehicle devices are also
schematically illustrated. For example, the vehicle 21 may include dashboard
controls or switches 36 and console switches 37 connected to the data
communications bus 22 via the illustrated common interface 38. In addition,
the
driver's door switches 35 may also be connected to the data communications bus
CA 02415023 2004-02-23
1
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22 via the illustrated interface 39. The driver's door switches 35 may, for
example, include door lock and unlock switches, window control switches, etc.
as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The remote function controller 23 may also provide other security features
in addition to providing remote keyless entry features. For example, the
remote
function controller 23 may be coupled via the data communications bus and
interface 40 to the illustrated alarm indicator and/or engine enable/disable
device
41. In other words, the remote function controller 23 can provide an alarm
indication at the vehicle or an alarm indication remote from the vehicle, and
may
also be coupled to the engine starter and ignition so as to selectively
disable the
engine to deter a would-be thief. In other embodiments, these alarm indication
and engine disable functions can be hardwired to the controller 23, or a
combination of hardwired and data bus communications links could be
established as would be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.
If the remote function controller 23 provides the security function, it will
also typically be coupled to one or more vehicle sensors 43 via the data bus
22
and illustrated bus interface 42. Triggering of a vehicle sensor 43, such as a
door
switch, trunk switch, hood switch, motion or shock sensor would then disable
the
engine and cause an alarm indication at the vehicle 21.
Turning now briefly to FIG. 2, additional details of the remote function
controller 23 are now explained. The remote function controller 23 includes a
central processing unit (CPU) 45 for performing the various logical and
operational functions. A data bus transceiver 46 is coupled to the CPU 45 and
provides the interface with the data communications bus 22. An optional
hardwire
input/output (I/O) interface 48 may also be provided in some embodiments to
directly interface with vehicle switches, sensors, etc. as will be readily
appreciated by those skilled in the art. The desired signal enabling means 47
is
advantageously incorporated into some embodiments of the controller 23 as will
be described in greater detail below.
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11 --
Turning now additionally to the flow chart of FIG. 3, operation of the
vehicle remote control system 20 is further described. In particular, as
described
above, the vehicle 21 is of a type comprising a data communications bus 22. At
least one vehicle device, such as one or more designated vehicle switches, is
selectively operable by a user to generate signals on the data communications
bus 22 to perform an associated vehicle function or functions. For example,
the
driver's door lock switch causes locking and unlocking of the driver's door
lock.
Thus a designated switch can be used to cause the controller 23 to switch to a
desired mode in accordance with the present invention.
From the start at Block 100, the data communications bus is monitored
(Block 102) by the controller 23. !f the signals on the data communications
bus
22 are those of the designated or desired switches) as determined at Block
104,
then it is determined whether the switch has been operated in the desired
pattern
to enter mode "A", for example. The pattern, of course, may be selected by the
user to apply only to his vehicle. In other words, the pattern could provide a
PIN
code for switching. If pattern A is matched, then the controller 23 switches
to
mode A (Block 108). Similarly, if the pattern of switch operations as
determined
at Block 110 matches the corresponding pattern for mode "B", then the
controller
23 switches to mode B (Block 112). Continuing along these lines, if the
pattern
matches for mode "N", then the controller 23 enters mode N at Block 116. This,
of course, is a generic example of the present invention. This generic concept
can be extended to many desirable vehicle applications, several of which will
be
explained below and others of which will be readily appreciated by those
skilled
in the art.
Referring now to the flow chart of FIG. 4, an example of the invention
implemented for an override feature for a vehicle security system is now
described. As will be readily by those skilled in the art, there may be times
when
the user returns to the vehicle 21 only to find that the remote transmitter 50
is
broken, missing, or the battery is dead. Accordingly, the user must enter the
vehicle and be able to operate the vehicle, despite being unable to disarm the
controller 23 using the remote transmitter 50. In other words, the vehicle
alarm
CA 02415023 2002-12-20
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may be sounding and the engine disabled if the user enters the vehicle using
the
key without disarming the controller 23.
An override may be done in a conventional vehicle security system by
using a dedicated coded override switch which is hardwired to the security
controller. The override switch is depressed in a predetermined pattern to
cause
the controller to change modes, from an armed mode to an override mode. As
described herein the term "override" refers to a mode wherein the alarm
indication is prevented or stopped, the vehicle engine is enabled, and the
remote
transmitter, if available and working, can operate the security controller to
switch
between armed and disarmed modes. Another similar mode is termed the "valet"
mode and wherein the remote transmitter will no longer operate the controller
for
switching between armed and disarmed.
in accordance with one important aspect of the present invention, the
override feature may be provided for a remote function controller 23 by using
at
least one vehicle switch or device. From the start (Block 120) the controller
23 is
set in the armed mode (Block 122), such as either by passive arming or by
arming via the remote transmitter 50 as will be appreciated by those skilled
in the
art. At Block 124 the security sensors 43 are monitored by the controller 23,
and
if the sensor is tripped as determined at Block 126 an alarm indication may be
sounded locally and/or sent to a pager carried by the user or a remote
monitoring
site. In addition, the vehicle engine is typically disabled to prevent a would-
be
thief from normally starting and running the engine to steal the vehicle 21.
The
starter circuit could be selectively interrupted, or the vehicle fuel or
ignition could
be cutoff, to disable the engine.
The controller 23 monitors the data communications bus 22 at Block 130.
If, at Block 132, the door lock switch, for example, is depressed "X" times
within
a predetermined time window, and the key is in the ignition (Block 134), the
controller is switched to the override mode (Block 136) before stopping (Block
138). Of course, in the override mode any alarm indication is stopped and the
vehicle engine is no longer disabled as will be appreciated by those skilled
in the
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art. in other embodiments, another vehicle switch or combination of vehicle
switches could be selectively operated to switch to the override mode. In
addition,
although the ignition switch is also monitored in the illustrated embodiment,
this
is not necessary and other devices could be similarly monitored, such as the
driver's door being open, for example.
The controller 23 may be an aftermarket security controller that is very
easily added to the vehicle 21 and uses an existing vehicle device connected
to
the data communications bus 22 to switch between modes, without requiring the
installation of one or more hardwired and dedicated switches, for example. As
described herein, the at least one vehicle device may comprise at least one
desired vehicle switch for also controlling a vehicle operation other than
switching
the controller 23.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the invention is also
applicable
to implement switching to the valet mode. The controller 23 may also be
switched
to a transmitter learning mode for permitting the addition of new uniquely
coded
remote transmitters 50. The transmitter learning mode may be entered, then one
or more remote transmitters 50 to be learned are activated adjacent the
vehicle
21. The transmitter learning mode may also be used when the controller 23
provides only remote keyless entry functions, or when the controller provides
a
remote starting feature for the vehicle as will be appreciated by those
skilled in
the art. Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the term "remote
transmitter" may also include an immobilizer transponder which includes a
coded
transmitter that communicates with a reader in the vehicle to provide
additional
security. The term "remote transmitter" is also meant to include a uniquely
coded
token that is carried with the vehicle key as offered by Omega Research and
Development Inc. of Douglasville, Ga. under the mark KEYCOUNT.
Yet another mode that may be switched to is a feature programming
mode, as is typically desirable when the remote function controller 23 is an
aftermarket security controller. Such controllers 23 typically permit the user
to
customize a number of features as will be appreciated by those of skill in the
art.
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For example, alarm patterns may be selected, and user acknowledgment in the
form of an audible chirp may be selected or turned off. Typically such
features
can be scrolled through and individually selected. Another advantage of the
present invention, is that an existing vehicle switch communicating through
the
data communication bus 22 may also be used to either effect the scrolling, or
select the feature, or both. The remote transmitter 50 can also be used in the
feature programming as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
If the controller 23 provides a remote start function, such may also have
programmable features as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For
example, the remote start controller may have a periodic start timing feature
which periodically starts the vehicle at night, for example, to keep the
vehicle
warm. Those of skill in the art will appreciate other programming uses for
different
type controllers as are also contemplated by the present invention.
A method aspect of the invention is for switching the controller 23 in the
vehicle 21 among a plurality of modes, and wherein the vehicle is of a type
comprising a data communications bus 22, and at least one vehicle device being
selectively operable by a user to generate signals on the data communications
bus. The method preferably comprises the steps of selectively operating the at
least one vehicle device in a predetermined pattern to generate signals on the
data communications bus, and reading the signals generated on the data
communications bus 22 and switching the controller 23 to a corresponding mode
based thereon.
Another method aspect of the invention is for adding a controller 23 to a
vehicle of a type comprising a data communications bus 22 and is explained
with
reference to the flow chart of FIG. 5. The vehicle 21 also includes at least
one
vehicle device being selectively operable by a user to generate signals on the
data communications bus 22. From the start (Block 140), the method preferably
comprises the steps of connecting or installing the controller to the data
communications bus at Block 142, and at Block 144 enabling the controller to
switch among a plurality of modes based upon predetermined device signals
CA 02415023 2004-02-23
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generated on the data communications bus by selective operation of the at
least
one vehicle device by the user. This controller 23 may also be tested at Block
146
to confirm correct operation before stopping (Block 148).
This desired signal enabling aspect is now described in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 6-10. Looking now at FIG. 6, a first embodiment of the
desired
signal enabling means 47 is described. The desired signal enabling means 47
permits the remote function controller 23 to operate using a desired set of
signals
for a desired vehicle from among a plurality of possible sets of signals for
different vehicles. As would be readily understood by those skilled in the
art, the
term different vehicles may include vehicles from different or the same
manufacturers, different models, or even different trim levels of the same
make
and model. Accordingly, the desired signal enabling means 47 permits the
controller 23, to communicate with the vehicle devices via the data
communications bus 22.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the desired signal enabling means
47 may preferably include a memory 70 for storing a plurality of sets 72a, 72b
and 72n of signals for different vehicles, and selecting means for selecting
the
desired set of signals from the plurality of different sets of signals for
different
vehicles. By storing sets of signals is meant storing information or data
necessary
to read the desired signals on the data bus 22 as would be readily understood
by
those skilled in the art. The memory 70 may include a device address memory
for storing a plurality of different sets of signals representative of
different device
addresses for different vehicles. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the
memory
may comprise a protocol memory for storing a plurality of different protocols
for
different vehicles.
The selecting means may comprise a user selector 75 for permitting a
user to select the desired set of signals. A keypad or other input device may
be
used to permit the user to select the desired signal set for his vehicle. The
user
may select the desired set of signals by entering a unique digital code
similar to
the selection of signals for a home electronics universal remote control.
Other
CA 02415023 2002-12-20
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techniques for permitting the user to select the desired signal set from a
plurality
of stored sets are also contemplated by the invention as would be readily
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Referring now additionally to FIG. 7 another embodiment of the desired
signal enabling means 4T is described in accordance with the present
invention.
In this embodiment, the selecting means may comprise a bus determining
selector 77 for determining the desired set of signals based upon signals on
the
data communications bus. For example, the bus determining selector could
determine the desired set of signals based upon sensed voltage levels or based
upon the timing of signal pulses on the data communications bus 22. The other
components of this embodiment of the desired signal enabling means 4T are
similar to those described above with reference to FIG. 6 and need no further
description.
In yet another embodiment of the desired signal enabling means 47" as
shown in FIG. 7, the desired signal enabling means comprises a desired signal
set memory 81 operatively connected to the illustrated bus learning circuit or
means 80. The bus learning circuit or means 80 may determine and store in the
signal set memory 81 the protocol and/or device addresses for the vehicle
devices. For example, the bus learning circuit or means 80 may permit the user
to operate various vehicle devices and store a desired signal set based
thereon
as would be readily understood by those skilled in the art. The other
components
of the desired signal enabling means 4'7" are similar to those described above
with reference to FIG. 6 and need no further description.
Still another embodiment of the desired signal enabling means 47"' is
explained with reference to FIG. 9. The desired signal enabling means 47"'
includes a signal set memory 81 operatively connected to the schematically
illustrated download learning means 84. The download learning means 84 may
include an interface connected to the illustrated vehicle cellular telephone
86 to
permit learning or downloading of the desired signal set from a remote or
central
monitoring and control station 88, for example. The desired signal set may
also
CA 02415023 2002-12-20
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alternately be learned from the central station 88 through the satellite link
provided by the satellite 110 and vehicle mounted satellite receiver 111 and
associated antennas. As would be readily understood by those skilled in the
art,
the download learning means, as well as the other desired signal enabling
leans
may be implemented by software in the CPU 45 of the controller 23 or in a
separate microprocessor or circuits.
Turning now additionally to FIG. 10, another variation of programming,
learning or downloading of the download learning means 84 is explained. In
this
variation the download learning means 84 is temporarily connected to a
computer, such as the illustrated portable laptop computer 115. The
connection,
may be via a wire cable or wireless communications link as will be readily
understood by those skilled in the art. Gf course, the desired signal enabling
means 17"" in this embodiment may be programmed in the vehicle or prior to
installation in the vehicle. The laptop computer 115 may receive the desired
signal set from an Internet website, for example, as will be readily
appreciated by
those skilled in the art. engine.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to
the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings
presented in
the foregoing-descriptions and the associated drawings.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to
the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are
intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
