Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02415038 2004-03-02
REMOTE START SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
HAVING A DATA COMMUNICATIONS BUS
AND RELATED METHODS
Related Applications
The present application is related to U.S. Patent
No. 6,275,147 which in turn is related to U.S. Patent No.
6,011,460, which in turn, is related to U.S. Patent No.
5,719,551.
Field of the Invention
This application is related to the field of vehicle
control systems and, more particularly, to a remote start
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
CA 02415038 2002-12-20
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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 and/or the sounding of the
vehicle horn or a siren. In addition, the vehicle fuel
supply and/or 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. Patent No.
4,383,242 to Sassover et al. and U.S. Patent 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
to remote control of a vehicle function U.S. Patent No.
5,252,966 to Lambropoulous 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. IrL 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
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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, Feb. 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 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
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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. Patent 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. Patent 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. Patent No. 4,'760,275 to Sato et al.; U.S.
Patent No. 4,697,092 to Roggendorf et al.; and U.S.
Patent 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.
In addition, to vehicle security and remote
keyless entry functions, another type of desirable
vehicle remote control function is remotely starting
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the vehicle engine when the owner is away from the
vehicle. Such remote starting can be used in cold
climates to warm the engine and/or run the passenger
compartment heater, to thereby prevent freezing or for
the user's comfort. Conversely, remote engine starting
can enable the air conditioning to run to cool the
vehicle's interior before the vehicle user enters the
vehicle.
Unfortunately, conventional vehicle control
systems, such as aftermarket remote engine starting
systems, are for hardwired connection to vehicle
devices and are not readily adaptable to a vehicle
including a data communications bus. Moreover, remote
starting of the engine presents additional difficulties
compared to some other vehicle control applications.
This is so because starting the engine may require
certain vehicle conditions are correct prior to
starting the engine and while the engine is running
with the vehicle unattended. It may also be necessary
for a remote starter system to bypass an immobilizes
device which is part of the security system of some
vehicles. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,612,578 to
Drew entitled "Vehicle Engine Start Control Apparatus
Including Interface Device Facilitating Installation
and Related Methods" discloses a remote start system
which is hardwire connected via mating plugs for more
conveniently bypassing an immobilizes circuit based
upon a coded resistance of the ignition key.
A remote starter system may also desirably be able
to interface with one or more vehicle controllers, such
as for engine management and transmission control, for
example. In addition, a remote starter system, even if
it were adapted fox a communications bus and devices
for one particular model, model year, and manufacturer,
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may not be compatible with any other models, model years,
or manufacturers.
Summary of the Invention
In view of the foregoing background it is therefore
an object of the invention to provide a remote start
control system and related method for a vehicle
comprising a data communications bus and at least one
vehicle device connected to the data communications bus.
It is another object of the invention to provide
such a remote starter system and associated method
wherein the system is adapted to operate with different
vehicles.
These and other objects, features and advantages in
accordance with the present invention are provided by a
vehicle remote start control system including at least
one vehicle device associated with starting an engine of
the vehicle, a remote start transmitter, a receiver at
the vehicle for receiving signals from the remote start
transmitter, and a vehicle remote start controller. The
vehicle remote start controller is connected to the data
communications bus for communicating with the at least
one vehicle device. The remote start controller is also
connected to the receiver, and is responsive to signals
from the remote start transmitter to cause starting of
the vehicle.
The at least one vehicle device associated with
starting the engine of the vehicle may comprise at least
one controller, such as the engine management controller
or the transmission controller, for example. Alternately,
or additionally, the at least one vehicle device
associated with starting the engine of the vehicle may
comprise at least one vehicle sensor. For example, the
vehicle sensor may be one or
CA 02415038 2002-12-20
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more of a brake sensor, a transmission sensor, a hood
sensor, or an engine speed sensor.
In some embodiments, the vehicle may also include
an engine starter circuit, and a security immobilizer
circuit connected to the engine starter circuit. The
security immobilizer circuit is for selectively
enabling the engine starter, such as in response to a
coded key or transponder. Tn such embodiments, the
remote start controller may bypass the security
immobilizer circuit to enable remote starting.
The remote start transmitter may be a remote
handheld transmitter to be carried by a user when away
from the vehicle, for example. The remote start signal
may also be supplied via a communications network, such
as including at least a central station transmitter.
Another aspect of the invention relates to
providing compatibility with different vehicle types.
The remote start controller may comprise a multi-
vehicle compatible remote start controller. The multi-
vehicle compatible remote start controller may generate
at least one set of command signals on the data
communications bus for the at least one vehicle device.
The at least one set of command signals may comprise at
least one working command signal and at least one non-
working command signal for a given vehicle to thereby
provide command compatibility with a plurality of
different vehicles.
In addition, for reading communications from the
vehicle devices, the multi-vehicle compatible remote
start controller may store a set of device codes for a
given vehicle device for a plurality of different
vehicles, read a device code from the data
communications bus, and determine a match between a
read device code and the stored device codes to thereby
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provide compatibility with a plurality of different
vehicles.
In another embodiment, the mufti-vehicle
compatibility may be provided by equipping the remote
start controller with a desired signal enabling
function. This function or feature is for enabling
operation using a desired set of signals for a
corresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of sets
of signals fox different vehicles to thereby provide
compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.
A method aspect of the invention is for remotely
starting a vehicle engine in a vehicle comprising a
data communications bus and at least one vehicle device
associated with starting the vehicle engine. The
method preferably comprises receiving signals at the
vehicle from a remote start transmitter, connecting a
vehicle remote start controller to the data
communications bus for communicating with the at least
one vehicle device, and using the vehicle remote start
controller to start the vehicle engine based upon
signals received from the remote start transmitter and
based upon communication over the data communications
bus with the at least one vehicle device.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first
embodiment of a vehicle remote start control system
connected to a data communications bus and other
hardwired devices in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating
processing of command signals generated on the data
communications bus in the remote start control system
of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating
processing of a code read from the data communications
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bus in accordance with a first embodiment of the remote
start control system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating
processing of code read from the data communications
a
bus in accordan ce with a second embodiment of the
remote start ntrol system of FIG. 1.
co
FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic block diagram
of
a second embodi ment of a vehicle remote start control
system connecte d to a data communications bus in
accordance with the invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a first
embodiment of desired signal enabling portion of the
a
vehicle remote start control system of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a second
embodiment of desired signal enabling portion of the
a
vehicle remote start control system of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a third
embodiment of desired signal enabling portion of the
a
vehicle remote start control system of FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a fourth
embodiment of desired signal enabling portion of the
a
vehicle remote start control system of FIG. 5.
FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of fifth
embodiment of desired signal enabling portion of the
a
vehicle remote start control system of FIG. 5.
Detailed Description of the 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
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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 initially to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of
a vehicle remote start control system 20 for use in a
vehicle 21 of a type including a data communication bus
30 is now described. The system 20 includes at least one
vehicle device associated with starting the engine 22 of
the vehicle 21, a remote start transmitter 34, a receiver
32 at the vehicle for receiving signals from the remote
start transmitter, and a vehicle remote start controller
25. The vehicle remote start controller 25 is
illustratively connected to the data communications bus
30 for communicating with the at least one vehicle
device. The controller 25 is also connected to the
receiver 32 and is responsive to signals from the remote
start transmitter 34 to cause starting of the vehicle.
By remote starting is meant initially starting the
vehicle engine 38 and allowing it to idle while
unattended by the vehicle owner as will be readily
appreciated by those skilled in the art. As will also be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, whether the
remote start controller 25 will allow the engine 38 to be
started and continue to idle may be based upon any of a
number of conditions at the vehicle, some representatives
examples of which are described in greater detail below.
The at least one vehicle device associated with
starting the engine 38 of the vehicle 21 may comprise at
least one controller, such as the engine management
controller 45a or the transmission controller 45c, for
example. One or more other controllers 45b may also be
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communicated with by the remote start controller 25.
Alternately, or additionally, the at least one vehicle
device associated with starting the engine 38 of the
vehicle 21 may comprise at least one vehicle sensor 44a-
44d. For example, the vehicle sensor may be one or more
of a brake sensor 44b, a transmission sensor 44c, a hood
sensor 44a, and an engine speed sensor 44d. Other similar
sensors are also contemplated by the present invention.
The remote start controller 25 includes a central
processing unit (CPU) 36 which may perform the necessary
signal processing and logic functions to control starting
and subsequent running or shut-down of the engine 38 as
will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. For
example, the engine 38 may be prevented from starting or
shut down if the gear shift lever is in or moved to a
position other than Park. Similarly, the engine may be
shut down if the engine RPM exceeds a predetermined
value. in addition, the engine starter 29 may only need
be operated until the engine RPM indicates that the
engine is running. The engine 38 may be prevented from
running or shut down if the vehicle hood is open. Many
other vehicle conditions may also be taken into account
by the remote start controller 25 as will be appreciated
by those skilled in the art. Further details regarding
logical operation of the remote start controller 25 based
upon exemplary vehicle device conditions may be found in
the above-mentioned U.S. Patent No. 5,612,578.
Of course, the vehicle 21 would typically include an
engine starter circuit 26 as illustrated in the lower
right hand portion of FIG. 1. The starter circuit
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28 may include an ignition switch 28, a starter relay
27 connected to the ignition switch and the vehicle
battery 24 for supplying electrical power to the engine
starter 29 as will be readily appreciated by those of
skill in the art.
The vehicle 21 may also include the illustrated
security immobilizes circuits connected to the engine
starter circuit 26. The security immobilizes circuit
illustratively includes a passive transponder 47
carried adjacent the ignition key 48, and reader 46 for
powering and reading the coded signal from the
transponder as will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art. Such an immobilizes circuit may be of a
conventional type and needs no further description
herein. The remote start controller 25 includes a
hardwired interface 42 connected to the immobilizes to
bypass this circuit when remote starting is desired.
Thus, the engine starter circuit 26 may be enabled in
response to presentation of the properly coded passive
transponder 47 in proximity to the reader 46.
Of course, in other embodiments other types of
immobilizes circuits can be used. The engine ignition
could be disabled by the engine management controller
45a unless a predetermined code from a transponder
reader was generated on the data bus 30, for example.
In such a system, a code could be generated on the data
communications bus by the bus interface 41 of the
remote start controller 25 to effectively bypass such a
transponder immobilizes operating over the data
communications bus 30 as would be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art. The bus interface 41
includes circuitry for interfacing to the proper signal
levels and formats on the data communications bus 30 as
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will be appreciated by those skilled in the art without
further discussion herein.
In another example, the coded resistor key
approach described in the Drew patent may also be
selectively bypassed by the remote start controller 25
to enable remote starting as will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art. Other immobilizer circuits
and devices may also be readily bypassed to enable
starting.
The remote start transmitter 34 may be a small
portable unit including a housing, function control
switches carried by the housing, a battery within the
housing, and the associated transmitter circuitry.
This type of remote handheld transmitter is commonly
used in conventional vehicle remote start systems. The
communications from the remote start transmitter 34 to
the receiver 32 at the vehicle is typically a direct
radio frequency link, that :is, there is no intervening
communications links. However, in other embodiments,
the remote start transmitter 34 may indirectly
communicate with the receiver 32 via other
communications infrastructure, such as via satellite,
or cellular communications, via the public switched
telephone network (PSTN) and/or over the world wide web
or Internet, as will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art.
The remote start transmitter 34 may also include
one or more central station transmitters, such as may
be provided by a satellite transmitter or cellular
telephone transmitter, for example. Such a central
station transmitter may also be connected to other
communications infrastructure.
In some embodiments, the system 20 may optionally
include a remote receiver (not shown) in the form of a
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small handheld device to be carried by the user or at
least one central station receiver cooperating with a
transmitter (not shown) at the vehicle, such as to
provide status information to the user relating to the
remote starting.
In the illustrated system 20, various sensors 44a-
44d are shown connected to the data bus 30 and which are
communicated to and from via the bus interface 41.
However, in other embodiments, one or more of these
sensors could be directly connected to the hardwire
interface 42. This also applies to the various
controllers 45a-45c which may also have hardwire
interfaces themselves for certain signals or functions as
will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The remote start controller 25 also includes one or
more memories 40a, 40b connected to the CPU 36. Although
the memories 40a, 40b are illustrated as separate
devices, those of skill in the art will recognize that
the memories may be combined in a single device or
embedded on the same integrated circuit as the processing
circuitry of the CPU.
Another aspect of the invention relates to providing
compatibility with different vehicle types. As will now
be described, the remote start controller 25 may include
features such that it can be considered a multi-vehicle
compatible remote start controller. The remote start
controller 25 incorporating these optional features may
generate at least one set of command signals on the data
communications bus 30 for at least one vehicle device.
The at least one set of command signals may comprise at
least one working command signal and at least one non-
working comma
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signal for a given vehicle to thereby provide command
compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.
In addition, for reading communications from the
vehicle devices, the remote start controller 25 may
store a set of device codes for a given vehicle device
for a plurality of different vehicles, read a device
code from the data communications bus 30, and determine
a match between a read device code and the stored
device codes to thereby provide compatibility with a
plurality of different vehicles.
The vehicle 21 includes a number of
electrical/electronic devices 44a-44d and 45a-45c that
can be controlled and/or the status thereof read via
the data communications bus 30. The remote start
controller 25 may provide its mufti-vehicle
compatibility in one or both directions of
communications via the data communications bus 30.
Referring now additionally to FIG. 2, the drive or
generation of signals on the data bus portion of
communication is now further described. The remote
start controller 25 illustratively includes a command
signal memory 40a, and the bus interface 41 which can
provide both directions of communications.
In accordance with this aspect of the invention,
the remote start controller 25 preferably generates at
Least one set of command signals on the data
communications bus 30 for the at least one vehicle
device. The at least one set of command signals
preferably comprises at Least one working command
signal and at least one non-working command signal for
a given vehicle to thereby provide compatibility with
the plurality of different vehicles. In other words,
multiple signals or codes can be generated on the data
communications bus 30, and only that code for the given
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vehicle and device will cause an operation or response
from the vehicle device. This provides for a
relatively simple and straightforward approach to
interface or cooperate with a vehicle having a data
communications bus 30, and wherein the remote start
controller 25 is advantageously compatible with a
number of different vehicles. Since typically it may
be desired to interface to a plurality of vehicle
devices, the remote start controller 25 may generate a
respective set of command signals for each of the
vehicle devices.
Such mufti-vehicle compatibility provided by the
remote start controller 25 :is especially advantageous
in after-market remote start systems. The ability to
interface through the data communications bus 30 also
significantly reduces the wiring complexity needed to
interface to the associated vehicle devices.
The remote start controller 25 may sequentially
generate the different command signals (working and
non-working) for an intended vehicle device. To ensure
effective communications even in the presence of noise,
for example, the remote start controller 25 may
generate the set of command signals a plurality of
times, such as, for example, two to five times. The
need to effectively communicate should be balanced
against possible traffic congestion on the data bus 30
as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Referring now more specifically to the diagram of
FIG. 2, the operation of the remote start controller 25
is further described. The controller 25 may operate by
arranging in the command signals memory 40a a common
table 50 as shown. The CPU 36 upon determining that an
action needs to be performed, such as activating the
starter relay 27, for example, would identify the
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appropriate column from the table 50 from among the
columns labelled "vehicle device A" to "vehicle device
Z". For example, the appropriate column may be "vehicle
device B", in which case the CPU would then read the
memory locations in this column to generate on the bus 30
the appropriate set of codes to operate the starter relay
for each of the N vehicles with which the remote start
controller 25 is compatible. Of course, only one of the
codes would be a working code, and the other codes would
cause no vehicle function to be performed. For example,
if vehicle 21 was the vehicle in which the remote start
controller 25 were installed, only the code 2B would
cause the starter relay to operate.
The actual coded signals would be compatible with
the particular data communications bus 30 as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art. The codes may be
binary codes, which for convenience can be represented
more simply by corresponding hexadecimal codes as would
also be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For
example, for an unlock all vehicle doors to be commanded
in a 1995 Jeep Grand CherokeeT'", the code may be 03868004,
for a 2000 Jeep Grand CherokeeT"", the code may be
0422A00400. As will be readily appreciated by those
skilled in the art, such codes can be obtained from the
manufacturers directly, or may be read from the data bus
using any one of a number of commercially available
diagnostic tools for reading the data bus 30, for
example.
The set of command signals may be repeated as
30 mentioned above, and as schematically illustrated at the
lower portion of the table 50. Of course, the memory 40a
may store the actual codes, but may also store data
enabling generation of the set of command
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signals by the CPU 36. This may be particularly so
where certain portions of the code, e.g. preamble, or
some other portion, are common across either multiple
vehicles, and/or over multiple vehicle devices.
The number of vehicles and number of devices to be
controlled using the multi-vehicle compatibility of the
remote start controller 25 can both be relatively large
to cover a substantial portion of the vehicle
marketplace. Alternatively, the multiple command
signal concept may also be advantageously used to
provide compatibility for as few as two vehicles, and
even a single vehicle device.
Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the other direction
of communication is described. In particular, the
reverse direction or reading of signals from the data
communications bus 30 is now described. Many of the
components are the same as those described above, and,
hence, need no further description. In the illustrated
embodiment, the CPU 36 is connected to a code look-up
memory 40b.
The compatibility to read a code and determine the
message or content thereof for a vehicle device from
among a plurality of vehicles can be used alone or in
combination with the compatibility for writing or
generating signals on the bus described above. More
particularly, the remote start controller 25" is for
storing a set of device codes for a given vehicle
device for a plurality of different vehicles, for
reading a device code from the data communications bus
30, and for determining a match between a read device
code and the stored device codes to thereby provide
compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.
Such an arrangement provides for a relatively simple
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and straightforward approach to interface with a
vehicle having a data communications bus 30.
The remote start controller 25 may comprise the
code look-up memory 40b for the stored device codes,
S and the processor or CPU 36 cooperating with the memory
for determining the match between the read device code
and the stored device codes. The at least one vehicle
device may include a plurality of vehicle devices, and,
accordingly, the memory 40b of the multi-vehicle
compatible controller 25 preferably stores a respective
set of device codes for each of the plurality of
vehicle devices.
Referring now more specifically to FIG. 3, the
look-up table feature of the remote start controller 25
is now described. A common table 60 may be created
which contains a column for the vehicle codes in some
predefined sequence, such as in a numerical order
beginning with a first code, Code 1, and ending with a
last code, Code N, as illustrated. The central column
in the illustrated embodiment includes the
corresponding vehicle identification with the vehicles
extending from a first vehicle, Vehicle A, to a last
vehicle, Vehicle Z. The number of codes and vehicles
may be selected so that a given remote start controller
25 is useable across an economically large number of
vehicles as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art.
The last or rightmost column in the illustrated
table 60 is the device data or message corresponding to
the associated vehicle and code. These device messages
extend from a first message, DM1A, to a last device
message, DMNZ. The messages may be of many different
types, such as driver door open or closed, hood open or
closed, shock sensor triggered, brake pressure
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indicated, gearshift selector in Park, etc. as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
By way of example, the common table 60 includes a
blocked row schematically illustrating a match for a
Code 572. This code is for a Ford Taurus and indicates
that the driver's door is open. This type of data may
be useful for remote starting. The CPU 36 would read
the code on the data bus 30 and compare the code
against the stored codes to determine a match. The CPU
36 is likely to buffer some or all of a code when
received to subsequently be compared using the table 60
as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In
other embodiments, individual bits or blocks thereof
may be compared as they are received.
An alternate embodiment of the common table 60 is
now explained with reference to FIG. 4. In this case
the overall or common table 60', may be considered
parsed or divided into a plurality of vehicle table
sections. The first table section is for vehicle A,
and the last for vehicle Z in the illustrated
embodiment. This embodiment also illustrates the
driver door for the Ford Taurus as being matched from
the read signal from the data communications bus 30.
What is of interest in this embodiment, is that upon
initial set-up or an initial learning period, only the
codes for the learned vehicle need then later be
compared to the read code. Accordingly, a time savings
may be realized.
Those of skill in the art will recognize that the
tables 60 and 60' of FIGS. 3 and 4 are exemplary
illustrations from among many possible configurations
of look-up tables that may be used in accordance with
the present invention. Other configurations are also
contemplated by the present invention,
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Since it may also be desirable to re-install remote
start controller 25 in another vehicle, the controller
may be reset and another vehicle learned or configured
during an initial set-up. This concept is generally
described as an embodiment of a desired signal enabling
function or feature in related parent U.S. Patent No.
6,275,147, which in turn is related to U.S. Patent No.
6,011,460, which in turn is related to U.S. Patent No.
5,719,551.
This desired signal enabling is further described
below with reference to FIGS. 5-10. The mufti-vehicle
compatibility may be provided by equipping a remote start
controller 55 with a desired signal enabling function 57.
This function or feature is for enabling operation using
a desired set of signals for a corresponding desired
vehicle from a plurality of sets of signals for different
vehicles to thereby provide compatibility with a
plurality of different vehicles.
The remote start system 55 does not show or
necessarily include the hardwire interface described
above. Rather, in this embodiment, the remote start
function is implemented by the remote start controller 55
via communication with the engine management controller
45a which, in turn, is directly connected to the starter
relay 27.
Turning now additionally to FIG. 6 a first
embodiment of the desired signal enabling means 57 is
described. The signal enabling means 57 is for enabling
the remote start controller 55 to operate using a desired
set of signals for a desired vehicle from among a
plurality of possible sets of signals fo
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different vehicles. As would be readily understood by
those skilled in the art, the term different vehicles
may include vehicles from different manufacturers,
different models, or even different trim levels of the
same make and model. Accordingly, the desired signal
enabling means 57 permits the remote start controller
55, that is, the CPU 36 and bus interface 41, to
communicate with the vehicle sensor 44, engine
management controller 45a or other vehicle device via
the data communications bus 30 so that the CPU is
capable of starting the vehicle engine 38 responsive to
the receiver 32 receiving a remote start signal from
the remote transmitter 34.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, one embodiment of the
desired signal enabling means 57 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 generate
the desired signals on the data bus 30 as would be
readily understood by those skilled in the art. The
memory 70 may include device address memory means for
storing a plurality of different sets of signals
representative of different device addresses for
different vehicles. Alternativelx, or in addition
thereto, the memory means may comprise protocol memory
means for storing a plurality of different protocols
for different vehicles.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the
selecting means may comprise user selecting means 75
for permitting a user to select the desired set of
signals. A keypad or other input means may be used to
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permit the user to select the desired signal set for
his vehicle. A valet switch or other control switch,
such as on the remote start controller, for example,
may also be operated by the user to select the desired
signal set. 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 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 57' is
described in accordance with. the remote start
controller 55' of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the selecting means may comprise bus
determining means 77 for determining the desired set of
signals based upon signals on the data communications
bus. For example, the bus determining means 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 30. The other
components of this embodiment of the desired signal
enabling means 57' are similar to those described above
with reference to FIG. 6 and need no further
description.
Yet another embodiment of the security system 55"
according to the invention is explained with reference
to FIG. 8. In this illustrated embodiment the desired
signal enabling means 57" includes a desired signal set
memory 81 operatively connected to the illustrated bus
learning means 80. The bus learning means 80 may
determine and store in the signal set memory 81 the
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protocol and/or device addresses for the vehicle devices.
For example, the bus learning 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 57" 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 57 "' is explained with reference to FIG.
9. The desired signal enabling means 57 "' 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 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 means may be
implemented by software in the CPU of the remote start
controller 55"' or in a separate microprocessor or
circuits.
Turning now additionally to FIG. 10, yet 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
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will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.
Of course, the desired signal enabling means 57~~~~ in
this embodiment may be programmed in the vehicle or
prior to installation in the vehicle.
Returning now again to FIG. 1, we again revisit
the command signal concept for driving the
communications bus 30 with a plurality of signal codes
to provide the mufti-vehicle compatibility. In another
embodiment, the remote start controller 25 could be
segmented or divided into two sections or portions.
More particularly, the mufti-vehicle compatibility may
be provided by a mufti-vehicle compatible adaptor which
would include the CPU 36, the command signal memory
40a, and optionally the bus interface 41. The adaptor
may also include its own housing. As will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, one scenario
where such an adaptor approach may be especially useful
is to adapt a conventional remote start controller to
operate via the data communications bus 30. Since the
data bus technology is being slowly phased in by
automobile manufacturers, suppliers may provide their
conventional remote start systems for conventional
vehicles, and add such an adaptor with the conventional
controller when the vehicle requires interface to the
data communications bus 30. The conventional
controller may be provided by a conventional remote
start controller, or could be an auxiliary output from
a vehicle security controller, for example, as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Similar concepts can also be extended to a multi-
vehicle compatible adaptor for the other direction of
communication, that is, from the data communications
bus 30 to one or more vehicle devices. Such an adaptor
would include the code look-up memory 40b as described
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above. Moreover, the operation of such a multi-vehicle
compatible adaptor will be readily understood by those of
skill in the art based upon the above provided
descriptions relating to FIGS. 1-3 without requiring
further discussion herein. Of course, as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, such adaptors
may be used independently, may be used together, or may
be combined into a single unit.
A method aspect of the invention is for remotely
starting a vehicle engine 38 in a vehicle 21 comprising a
data communications bus 30 and at least one vehicle
device 44a-44d and 45a-45c associated with starting the
vehicle engine. The method preferably comprises receiving
signals at the vehicle from a remote start transmitter
34, connecting a vehicle remote start controller 25 to
the data communications bus 30 for communicating with the
at least one vehicle device, and using the vehicle remote
start controller to start the vehicle engine 38 based
upon signals received from the remote start transmitter
and based upon communication over the data communications
bus with the at least one vehicle device.
Other features relating to vehicle control systems
are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,346,879 entitled A
MULTI-VEHICLE COMPATIBLE CONTROL SYSTEM GENERATING
COMMAND SIGNALS ON A DATA BUS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, and
co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/583,257
entitled A MULTI-VEHICLE COMPATIBLE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR
READING FROM A DATA BUS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS.
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
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the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.
Accordingly, it is understood that the invention is not
to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, and that
other modifications and embodiments are intended to be
S included within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims.
