TIME-CONTROLLED ACCESS TO AN INDEPENDENT, SECURED SPACE IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

Access system for a vehicle, comprising: a control unit configured to cause, in response to the receipt of an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request, a room lock to be unlocked for a predetermined time and, after the predetermined time has elapsed, to cause the room lock to be locked, and, in response to the receipt of an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request, to cause the room lock to be unlocked during the predetermined time, characterized in that the unlock signal specifies a sequence of characters entered on a keypad.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This application generally concerns a system and procedure for limiting access to a secure area of ​​a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles typically have storage space behind the rear seats. Sedans typically have a trunk, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) typically have a cargo area. Vehicles are typically used by the public. However, some vehicles are used for public services, including police, fire, and emergency medical services. Vehicles used for public services, also known as public service vehicles, may have special features or functionality installed directly by the vehicle manufacturer to meet the specific needs of public service. SUMMARY

[0003] An access system for a vehicle includes a controller. The controller is configured to respond to the receipt of an unlock signal, indicative of an unlock request, by causing a room lock to unlock for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller causes the room lock to relock. The controller is configured to respond to the receipt of an unlock signal, indicative of an unlock request, by causing the room lock to unlock for the predetermined time.

[0004] An access system for a vehicle includes a controller. The controller is configured to respond to the receipt of an unlock signal, indicative of an unlock request, and a vehicle operation signal, indicating a secured state of the vehicle, by causing a room lock to unlock for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller causes the room lock to relock. The controller is also configured to respond to the receipt of an unlock signal, indicative of an unlock request, by causing the room lock to unlock for the predetermined time.

[0005] A method for controlling access to a vehicle compartment comprises receiving an unlock signal and a vehicle operating signal, unlocking a lock for the compartment for a predetermined time in response to the unlock signal and the vehicle operating signal, and locking the lock after the predetermined time. The method further comprises unlocking the lock in response to receiving an unlock signal during the predetermined time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C, Fig. 1D and Fig. Figure 1E shows exemplary diagrams of a vehicle access system.

[0007] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example flowchart of a time-based access system to an independent, secure room. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that other embodiments may take many and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of certain components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching a person skilled in the art to apply the present invention in various ways.As average experts in the field will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments not expressly illustrated or described. The combinations of illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, different combinations and modifications of the features in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure may be desirable for specific applications or implementations.

[0009] Some vehicles contain multiple doors and a secured storage space or compartment. This compartment may be the rear cargo area of ​​a vehicle, such as a van, SUV, station wagon, or hatchback. The rear cargo area typically has a compartment closure, such as a tailgate, configured to open and close to secure, insulate, and protect the contents of the rear cargo area. Another example of a compartment is the bed of a pickup truck. The bed may be covered with a truck bed cover, commonly referred to as a truck hardtop, truck tonneau cover, camper cabin, truck canopy, or hard tonneau cover. With regard to the covered truck bed, the compartment closure may include the truck's tailgate. Additionally, the compartment may include the trunk of a vehicle, such as a sedan.The trunk typically features a compartment closure, such as a rear lid, configured to open and close to secure, insulate, and protect the trunk's contents. Other examples include an engine compartment, where the closure is a hood, and a center console compartment, where the closure is a cover.

[0010] Many vehicles contain electric door locks that lock and unlock the doors in response to a switch inside the vehicle, such as an interior door panel switch assembly or a centrally located door panel switch assembly. Alternatively, the doors can be locked and unlocked with a physical key or a key fob. The key fob is an electronic remote control module that transmits a radio frequency signal to an electronic module inside the vehicle. This module includes a remote keyless entry (RKE) module, a passive entry and passive start (PEPS) module, and a passive anti-theft system (PATS) module. The module then transmits a signal to a main body control module (BCM), indicating which door(s) and / or locks to engage / disengage.Typically, when using a physical key, the user / driver must insert the key into a key slot on the vehicle and turn it to unlock the door lock mechanism, locking / unlocking only the door associated with that key slot. Once unlocked, the user can then unlock the door using one of several different implementations, which can activate a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism to release the lock. Examples of mechanical and electromechanical mechanisms include a mechanical door handle, an electronic membrane switch, or a push button associated with a door, or a remote control sensor associated with a motorized mechanism, such as a power tailgate or power sliding door.

[0011] Typically, the vehicle's control unit is configured so that a received signal indicating the pressing of a key fob lock button locks all vehicle doors, including the rear lock. A signal indicating a single press of a key fob unlocks the driver's door, and a signal indicating multiple presses of the key fob unlocks all vehicle doors, including the rear lock. Additionally, the vehicle's control unit is configured so that a received signal indicating the pressing of a key fob lock button on a door panel or interior panel locks all vehicle doors, including the rear lock. And a received signal indicating the pressing of a key fob unlock button on a door panel or interior panel unlocks all vehicle doors, including the rear lock.For example, on a typical SUV, if the doors are unlocked after using the interior button or double-pressing the key fob unlock, the tailgate is unlocked and can remain unlocked, so that access to the contents is available by opening or unlocking the tailgate.

[0012] A public service vehicle, such as a police, fire, or emergency medical vehicle, may have a cage between a rear seat and a cargo area. The cargo area may be used to store items such as medicine, equipment, and weapons that need to be secured. It may be desirable to limit the time a rear lock is unlocked to maintain the security of the storage compartment's contents. The use of a timed unlocking mechanism, in which the rear lock is independent of other doors, is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the door unlock switches and key fobs do not unlock the rear lock. The only way to unlock the lock is to press the rear lock button when the ignition is in the running or starting position.The rear lock will then be unlocked for a predetermined time, such as 30, 45 or 60 seconds, and after the predetermined time the rear lock will lock again.

[0013] The Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C, Fig. 1D and Fig. Figure 1E shows exemplary diagrams of a vehicle access system. 100 The vehicle access system 100 includes a vehicle 102 , a body control module (BCM) 104 , an instrument block 106 , a center console 108 and a rear closure 110 The various components discussed can have one or more associated controllers to control and monitor their operation. These controllers can communicate via a serial bus (e.g., J1850, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Controller Area Network (CAN), Ethernet, and FlexRay) or via discrete wires. The BCM104 It may be present to coordinate the operation of the various components and is represented as the control system for the sake of simplicity.

[0014] In this exemplary illustration, the rear closure is a tailgate, but in other embodiments it could be the trunk lid of a sedan or the rear door of a light truck. The tailgate includes a release / activation device. 112 , which includes a sensor, a switch or a mechanical handle for directly or indirectly unlocking a locking bolt 114 is capable of, can include. Indirect unlocking involves generating a signal that is received by a control unit, such as a BCM (Body Control Module). 104 , is received, with the BCM 104 a release signal is generated to activate the locking bolt 114 to unlock. In this example, the unlock signal is only generated when the rear lock is... 110is unlocked.

[0015] The rear closure 110 is unlocked in response to the fact that the control unit, such as the BCM, 104 , receives an unlock signal from a room unlocking device. Examples of room unlocking devices include an indoor switch. 116The system includes an interior sensor, an interior keypad, and a key fob unlock button. The interior unlocking device can be configured to activate at any time or only when the vehicle is in a secured state. An example of a secured state is when a key is in the ignition and the ignition is in the running or starting position. Alternatively, if the vehicle has a passive entry and start module, a key fob can be detected in the area of ​​the driver's seat. Another example of a secured state is when a key fob is detected to be within a predetermined distance of the vehicle, and this predetermined distance is less than the key fob's RF range.For example, the predetermined range can be 10 meters and the RF range of the key fob can be 100 meters.

[0016] The room unlocking device, shown here as an interior switch 116 The device shown may also include a keypad. The keypad may consist of an array of switches or may be associated with a touchpad. In the keypad example, the unlock signal may indicate a sequence of characters entered on the keypad, with the unlock request being the sequence of characters equal to an unlock sequence. This sequence may contain a series of several characters (e.g., 4 characters), consist of several characters entered simultaneously (e.g., pressing the "1," "3," and "5" keys simultaneously on a numeric keypad), or be a combination of both.

[0017] When an unlock request is generated, a warning or indicator device may be displayed. 118on the instrument panel 106 The unlock request can provide a time window during which the rear lock is unlocked. For example, when an unlock request is received, the controller can unlock the rear lock. 110 unlock for a predetermined time (e.g., 30, 45, or 60 seconds), and after that, the control can unlock the rear lock. 110 lock. During the predetermined time (i.e., the rear lock). 110 (is unlocked) the control will operate the rear lock 110 Unlock when an unlock request is received. If an unlock request is received after the predetermined time, the controller will unlock the rear lock. 110 Do not unlock.

[0018] In this example, a signal from a key fob is used to unlock the doors. 120 of the vehicle 102 the rear closure 110not unlock. This exemplary illustration is for a rear breech, but in an alternative embodiment, the system and methods can also be used for an interior space, such as a center console with a cover or lid, or a weapon mounting system that uses an electromagnetic locking structure. Similar to the rear breech, the console would only unlock, or the weapon mounting system would only release the weapon, if the correct unlock signal is received and the unlocking / release occurs within a predetermined time after the unlock signal. The conditions for permitting the console to unlock or the weapon mount to release would be similar to those for the rear breech. For example, it would be required that the vehicle be in a secure state (e.g., ignition set to run / start).Furthermore, the method for providing the unlocking function could be any of the methods described for unlocking the rear lock (interior switch, keypad, key fob, etc.). The use of the key fob may include an operating range or range within which the key fob can be used. If the key fob is within the operating range, i.e., within a predetermined range from the vehicle, the key fob can activate the unlocking of the rear lock. Additionally, if it is detected that the key fob is within close proximity (e.g., within a few feet of the rear lock), the key fob can activate the unlocking of the rear lock. The detection can use triangulation of the RF signals from the key fob.If the key fob is outside the operating range or further away from the vehicle than the predetermined range, the use of the key fob may be deactivated.

[0019] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example flowchart 200 a time-controlled access system to an independent, secure room. The flowchart begins with execution in the block. 202 . In the block 204 A controller checks a parameter, variable, or configuration code. If the parameter, variable, or configuration code indicates that an independent space is blocked, the controller moves to block mode. 206The system then checks whether the vehicle is in a secured state. An example of a secured state is when a key is in the vehicle ignition and the ignition is in the Running or Starting position. Or, if the vehicle has a passive entry and start module, a key fob is detected in the area of ​​the driver's seat. Another example of a secured state is when a key fob is detected to be within a predetermined distance of the vehicle, and the predetermined distance is less than the key fob's RF range. For example, the predetermined range might be 10 meters and the key fob's RF range might be 100 meters. The controller then determines in block... 208, whether police idle is active, and if the vehicle is not in a secured state or if police idle is active, the control unit deactivates the room lock by blocking the room in block mode. 210 .

[0020] Checking for police idle in block 208is part of determining whether the vehicle is in a secured state. Police Idle is an operating mode of the system that allows a police officer to arm the system via a device containing a push button, sensor, or RF receiver while the ignition is on and the engine is running. When Police Idle is armed, also known as Police Idle Active Mode, the engine continues to run when the ignition is turned off, allowing the officer to secure the vehicle from being driven while the engine can continue to provide power to auxiliary systems. During Police Idle Active Mode, it may be desirable to have the rear cargo area secured. When the officer reinserts a key and turns the ignition back to the "on" position, Police Idle is disengaged. When the vehicle is not in Police Idle, the control unit determines in Block212 Then, it checks whether a room unlock request is received. If a room unlock signal is not received by the controller, the controller checks in block [number]. 214 , whether the release of the rear shutter is already activated. The decision tree of Block 214 This check determines whether the user has requested a cargo space unlock, and if so, whether the time has elapsed or the rear cargo door has been opened and closed. If the user has not previously requested a cargo space unlock, the system continues to monitor that the vehicle remains in a secured state.

[0021] When a room unlock signal is received from the controller, the controller starts in block mode. 216a timer based on a predetermined time. If the controller receives an unlock signal indicating a rear lock unlock request and a release signal indicating a rear lock unlock request, with the release signal being received while the unlock timer or the predetermined time has not yet expired, the controller will enter block mode. 218 Unlock the rear lock. The control unit will then be in block mode. 220 Check if the unlock timer or the predetermined time has expired. If the timer has expired, the controller will lock into block mode. 210 Deactivate the unlock signal. If the timer has not expired, the controller checks in block mode. 222 , whether the rear latch was opened and closed.

[0022] When the rear latch has been opened and closed, the control is locked in block mode. 210to block the space. If the rear lock has not been opened and closed, the control returns to block. 206 jump to continue monitoring that the vehicle remains in a secure condition.

[0023] An alternative embodiment includes a parameter associated with the predetermined time, so that a manufacturer, mechanic or agency can set the parameter to a time selected from a variety of times (e.g. 15, 30, 45, 60 seconds).

[0024] Another alternative embodiment includes a parameter for disabling the unlocking of the rear lock such that the only way to gain access through the tailgate is a mechanical device comprising a physical key that turns a lock cylinder in a tailgate.

[0025] The processes, methods, or algorithms disclosed herein may be supplied to or implemented by a processing device, controller, or computer, which may include any existing programmable electronic control unit or dedicated electronic control unit. Likewise, the processes, methods, or algorithms may be stored as data and instructions executable by a controller or computer in many forms, including, but not limited to, information permanently stored on non-writable storage media such as ROM devices, and information modifiably stored on writable storage media such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CDs, RAM devices, and other magnetic and optical media. The processes, methods, or algorithms may also be implemented in a software executable object.Alternatively, the processes, procedures or algorithms can be embodied wholly or partially using suitable hardware components such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), state machines, controllers or other hardware components or devices, or a combination of hardware, software and firmware components.

[0026] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the patent claims. The words used in the patent specification are descriptive and not limitative, and it is understood that various modifications may be made without altering the essence and scope of the invention. As previously described, features of different embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that may not be expressly described or illustrated.While various embodiments could have been described as offering advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or implementations according to the prior art with respect to one or more desired features, those skilled in the art recognize that compromises may be made with respect to one or more features or characteristics in order to achieve desired attributes of the overall system, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life-cycle costs, marketability, appearance, design, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc.Therefore, embodiments that are described as less desirable than other embodiments or implementations according to the prior art with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and may be desirable for particular applications.

Claims

[1] Access system for a vehicle, comprising: a controller that is configured to in response to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request, to cause a room lock to be unlocked for a predetermined time and, after the predetermined time has elapsed, to cause the room lock to be locked, and in response to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request, to cause the room lock to be unlocked during the predetermined time. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the unlock signal specifies a sequence of characters entered on a keyboard. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the space closure is a rear lid of a trunk. [4] System according to claim 1, wherein the space closure is a tailgate of a rear cargo space. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking signal is provided by a membrane switch located on an outer surface of the room closure. [6] System according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time is 30 seconds or less. [7] Access system for a vehicle, comprising: a controller that is configured to in response to the receipt of an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request and a vehicle operating signal indicating a secured state of the vehicle, to cause a room lock to be unlocked for a predetermined time and, after the predetermined time has elapsed, to cause the room lock to be locked, and in response to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request, to cause the room lock to be unlocked during the predetermined time. [8] Vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle operating signal is an ignition signal and the secured state of the vehicle is a running state or a starting state. [9] Vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle operating signal is a proximity detection signal from a passive entry and passive starting module and the secured state of the vehicle is a detection of a key fob within a predetermined distance from the vehicle, wherein the predetermined distance is shorter than an RF range of the key fob. [10] Vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the unlock signal is an RF signal received by the control unit and indicating the activation of a key fob button for the vehicle. [11] System according to claim 7, wherein the space closure is a rear lid of a trunk. [12] System according to claim 7, wherein the space closure is a tailgate of a rear cargo space. [13] System according to claim 7, wherein the unlocking signal is provided by a membrane switch located on an outer surface of the room closure. [14] System according to claim 7, wherein the unlock signal specifies a sequence of characters that are entered on a keyboard. [15] System according to claim 7, wherein the space is a center console and the space lock is a cover of the center console which includes a locking mechanism, wherein the space unlock signal is received by a switch which is located on a dashboard of the vehicle and the space release signal is located on the center console. [16] Methods for controlling access to a vehicle compartment, comprising: Receiving an unlock signal and a vehicle operating signal; Unlocking a lock for a room for a predetermined time in response to the unlock signal and the vehicle operating signal, and locking the lock after the predetermined time; and Unlocking the lock in response to receiving an unlocking signal within the predetermined time. [17] Method according to claim 16, wherein receiving the vehicle operating signal comprises receiving a proximity detection signal from a passive entry and passive starting module and unlocking the lock in response to the vehicle operating signal being in a secured vehicle state, wherein the secured state of the vehicle is a detection of a key fob within a predetermined distance to the vehicle which is shorter than an RF range of the key fob. [18] Method according to claim 17, wherein the unlock signal is an RF signal received by the controller and indicating the activation of a button of a key fob for the vehicle.

Images