Reusable key fob for use before selling a keyless vehicle

Abstract

Procedures for using a key fob prior to the sale of a new vehicle to a buyer who has a virtual key fob, comprising the following steps: Pairing the key fob with a computer of the new vehicle in an assembly plant; Using the key fob to switch the new vehicle between an assembly mode and a transport mode; and Unpairing the key fob from the new vehicle's computer after pairing the new vehicle's computer with the buyer's virtual key fob.

Description

Technical area

[0001] This document generally applies to key fobs used with keyless vehicles and, more specifically, to a reusable key fob used before a purchaser who has a virtual key fob takes possession of the vehicle. background

[0002] DE 10 2013 218 920 A1 describes a method for operating a motor vehicle in a normal mode and in an operating mode for presentation purposes, wherein a vehicle key and a special key are provided to activate certain vehicle functions. It is known that key fobs with or without key blades are widely used and liked by vehicle owners. It is also known that smartphones and similar devices are at least equally used and liked by most vehicle owners. It is expected that future vehicles will use a mobile application or app stored and executed on a smartphone as a virtual key fob. The use of a smartphone or similar device as a virtual key fob eliminates the need for key fobs, which themselves have certain disadvantages.The main disadvantage of current key fobs is the cost of replacement or repair if the key fob is lost or stolen, or if the key fob malfunctions. Second, key fobs can be quite bulky when carried. While smartphones are equally likely to be misplaced and bulky when carried, eliminating either device reduces the likelihood of misplacement and the number of items one must carry.

[0003] While replacing the key fob with a virtual key fob is desirable for vehicle owners, eliminating the key fob creates several problems for vehicle manufacturers during the manufacturing, transportation, and sales processes. More specifically, the manufacturer must have a means of starting new vehicles during the manufacturing or assembly process to perform all required vehicle tests, including a road test before transporting the new vehicle to a dealership. During the transportation process, there may also be a need to drive the vehicle a short distance while loading / unloading a vehicle transporter. Once the new vehicle is at the dealership, dealers must have a means of starting the vehicle to allow potential buyers to test drive it.It's simply not practical to use a different smartphone for each test drive. Furthermore, potential buyers will be reluctant to download an app to their smartphone just to test drive a new vehicle.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a cost-effective way for vehicle manufacturers to overcome problems related to replacing key fobs with virtual key fobs owned by potential buyers. Ideally, to minimize costs, a key fob with limited functionality could be used to provide the functionality required during the manufacturing, transportation, and sales processes. Specifically, the key fob would need to be paired with a specific new vehicle at the assembly site and unpaired with the new vehicle when the buyer's virtual key fob is paired with the new vehicle.Furthermore, it would be desirable for the key fob to be able to communicate with the new vehicle's computer for starting the vehicle via a wireless local area network and with the manufacturer via a wireless network, and to be able to switch between operating modes including an assembly mode, a transport mode, and a user mode. Summary of the invention

[0005] In accordance with the purposes and advantages described herein, a method is provided for utilizing a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob. The method can be broadly described as comprising the steps of: pairing a key fob with a computer of the new vehicle at an assembly plant; using the key fob to switch a mode of the new vehicle between an assembly mode and a transport mode; and unpairing the key fob from the new vehicle computer after pairing the new vehicle computer with the buyer's virtual key fob.

[0006] In one possible embodiment, the method further includes the step of returning the key fob to the assembly plant; and pairing the key fob with a second computer of a second new vehicle at the assembly plant.

[0007] In another possible embodiment, the assembly mode limits at least one function of the new vehicle. In yet another possible embodiment, the at least one function of the new vehicle that is limited in the assembly mode includes at least one of a maximum distance the new vehicle can be driven, a maximum speed at which the new vehicle can be driven, and operability of a remote start feature.

[0008] In yet another possible embodiment, the method further includes the step of switching the mode of the new vehicle from the assembly mode to the transport mode using the key fob prior to transporting the new vehicle to a remote location.

[0009] In yet another possible embodiment, the transport mode limits at least one function of the new vehicle. In another, the at least one function of the new vehicle that is limited in transport mode includes at least one of supplying power to parking lamps and activating a trunk lid latch.

[0010] In another possible embodiment, the method further includes the step of switching the mode of the new vehicle, after the new vehicle arrives at a remote location, from the transport mode to the assembly mode using the key fob.

[0011] In another possible embodiment, the step of unpairing the key fob from the new vehicle computer includes the steps of authorizing the pairing of the new vehicle computer with the purchaser's virtual key fob, pairing the new vehicle computer with the purchaser's virtual key fob, and providing instructions to the new vehicle computer to perform the unpairing step.

[0012] In yet another possible embodiment, the instructions in the step of providing instructions to the new vehicle computer include instructions for switching a mode of the new vehicle from an assembly or transport mode to a user mode in which all functions of the new vehicle are available. In yet another possible embodiment, the instructions in the step of providing instructions to the new vehicle computer are provided from the new vehicle computer to the new vehicle computer over a wireless network from a second remote location and to the buyer's virtual key fob over a wireless local area network.

[0013] In a second possible embodiment, a method for using a key fob in association with a new vehicle before a purchaser having a virtual key fob takes possession of the new vehicle includes the steps of: pairing the key fob with a computer of the new vehicle at a first location; transporting the new vehicle and the paired key fob from the first location to a second location remote from the first location; and unpairing the key fob from the computer of the new vehicle after pairing the computer of the new vehicle with a virtual key fob.

[0014] In another possible embodiment, the method further includes the steps of returning the key fob to the first location or to a third location for pairing the key fob with a second computer of a second new vehicle at the first or third location.

[0015] In yet another possible embodiment, the method further includes the step of using the key fob to switch a mode of the new vehicle between an assembly mode and a transport mode.

[0016] In yet another possible embodiment, the assembly mode limits selected functions of the new vehicle. In another, the key fob is used to switch the vehicle's mode from assembly mode to transport mode before transporting the new vehicle to the second location.

[0017] In another possible embodiment, the step of unpairing the key fob from the new vehicle computer includes the steps of authorizing the pairing of the new vehicle computer with the purchaser's virtual key fob, pairing the new vehicle computer with the purchaser's virtual key fob, and providing instructions to the new vehicle computer to unpair from the key fob.

[0018] In another possible embodiment, the step of providing instructions to the new vehicle's computer includes instructions for switching a mode of the new vehicle from assembly or transport mode to a user mode in which all functions of the new vehicle are available. In yet another, the instructions are provided from the new vehicle's computer to the new vehicle's computer via a wireless network from a fourth location and to the buyer's virtual key fob via a wireless local area network.

[0019] In a third possible embodiment, a key fob for use in association with a new vehicle before a purchaser having a virtual key fob takes possession of the new vehicle includes a housing containing a power source and a transmitter; a mode selection button carried by the housing for selecting an operating mode of the new vehicle; and a processor programmed to pair the key fob with a computer of the new vehicle at a first location and to unpair the key fob from the computer of the new vehicle in response to the computer being paired with the purchaser's virtual key fob at a second location.

[0020] In the following description, several embodiments of a key fob and related methods of using a key fob in association with a new vehicle before a purchaser having a virtual key fob takes possession of the new vehicle are illustrated and described. As should be understood, the methods and systems are capable of other various embodiments and their several details are capable of modification in various obvious aspects without departing from the methods and assemblies as set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Short description of the drawing figures

[0021] The accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the vehicle and method and, together with the description, serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the drawing figures: Fig. 1 a perspective front view of a key chain; Fig. 2 a perspective rear view of the key ring; Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the use of the key fob in association with a new vehicle before a purchaser who has a virtual key fob takes possession of the new vehicle; and Fig. 4 a representation of communication networks associated with the key fob and the virtual key fob.

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the key fob and a related method for utilizing a key fob in association with a new vehicle prior to a purchaser having a virtual key fob taking possession of the new vehicle, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures in which like reference numerals are used to represent like elements. Detailed description

[0023] Now reference is made to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, which together illustrate a key fob 10 for use in association with a new vehicle 12 before a purchaser, having a virtual key fob 14, takes possession of the new vehicle. The key fob 10 includes an outer casing 16 containing a number of switches, a power source 18, a transmitter 20, a processor 21, and a communications cable 22. The power source 18 in the described embodiment is a rechargeable battery, although other power sources, including, for example, a replaceable battery, may be used. The communications cable 22 in the described embodiment is a universal serial bus (USB) cable and extends from the key fob 10 for use in charging the battery 18.For example, the battery 18 of the key fob 10 can be charged by plugging the USB cable 22 into a suitable USB port 24 in the new vehicle 12.

[0024] The transmitter 20 is primarily configured to communicate commands via the processor 21 from the number of switches (e.g., a mode change command) to a computer 26 of the new vehicle to pair the key fob 10 with the computer at an assembly plant 28 and to unpair the key fob from the computer when the computer is paired with the purchaser's virtual key fob 14. In the described embodiment, the transmitter 20 communicates directly with the computer 26 via a wireless local area network 30 (e.g., a Wi-Fi network) or with a vehicle control module via a Wi-Fi receiver 50 of the Wi-Fi network. In alternative embodiments, such communications could occur via standard key fob radio control frequencies (~400 MHz) or near-field or low-energy communications.The transmitter 20 may be omitted in alternative embodiments, or the key fob could be equipped with a receiver and a suitable antenna (e.g., coil antenna) in addition to the transmitter.

[0025] In the described embodiment, the USB cable 22 can also be used to communicate commands via the processor 21 of the number of switches (e.g., a mode change command) to the computer 26 of the new vehicle in the event of a malfunction or other restriction regarding the use of the transmitter 20. Furthermore, the USB cable 22 could also be used to pair the key fob 10 with the computer 26 at an assembly plant 28 and to unpair the key fob from the computer when the computer is paired with the purchaser's virtual key fob 14.

[0026] How best in Fig. 2, the plurality of switches includes four push-button switches positioned on a front surface 32 of the key fob 10 in the described embodiment. Each of the plurality of switches includes a simple representation indicating a function performed by pressing the switch. For example, a locked padlock is displayed on switch 34, indicating that pressing the switch will lock the new vehicle 12. Similarly, an unlocked padlock is displayed on switch 36, indicating that the switch is used to unlock the new vehicle 12. An open trunk lid is displayed on switch 38, indicating that the switch is used to release a trunk lid latch (not shown), thereby opening the trunk lid of the new vehicle 12.Finally, the word "MODE" is displayed on switch 40 and is used to change the mode of the new vehicle 12 between an assembly mode and a transport mode. Each of the switches signals the new vehicle's computer 26 via the transmitter 20 or the USB cable 22, as noted above.

[0027] The steps used in the method of the described embodiment are described with reference to Fig. 3 described. Fig. 3 shows a flowchart illustrating the use of a key fob 10 in association with a new vehicle 12 before a purchaser having a virtual key fob 14 takes possession of the new vehicle. In step 80, a key fob 10 is added to a new vehicle 21 at a first location 42. In the described embodiment, the first location 42 is an assembly plant. In step 82, the key fob 10 is paired with the computer 26 of the new vehicle 12. As stated above, the key fob 10 is paired with the computer 26 via the transmitter 20 or by plugging the USB cable 22 into the USB port 24 in the new vehicle. In the described embodiment, the paired key fob 10 remains with the new vehicle 12 throughout the assembly process.

[0028] The key fob 10 is further used to place the computer 26 of the new vehicle 12 into an assembly mode in step 84. In assembly mode, certain functions of the new vehicle 12 may be limited while allowing testing of the new vehicle. For example, a number of miles the new vehicle 12 can be driven may be limited, a maximum speed the vehicle can reach may be limited, and the operability of a remote start feature may be disabled. It should be noted, however, that any testing of the new vehicle 12 that is typically performed in an assembly plant may still be performed in assembly mode. Furthermore, any key fob-based functions provided via the virtual key fob 14 may equally be performed in assembly mode.

[0029] When testing of the new vehicle 12 at the assembly plant 42, including all electrical tests, has been completed, as determined in step 86, the key fob 10 is further used to place the new vehicle's computer 26 into a transport mode in step 88. This step is typically performed using electronic equipment at the assembly plant 42. Accordingly, the use of the key fob 10 eliminates the need to connect the plant's equipment to each new vehicle at the end of the assembly process.

[0030] Transport mode is generally used to reduce the use of a vehicle battery 44 and prevent battery discharge during transport from the first location 42 to a second, remote location 46. In other words, assembly of the new vehicle 12 at the first location 42 is complete, and the new vehicle is transported to the second location 46. In the described embodiment, the second location 46 is a vehicle dealership, but the second location could also be directly to a buyer or a fleet owner such as a rental car or trucking company. In transport mode, certain functions of the new vehicle 12 may be limited to meet the aforementioned goal of limiting battery usage and securing the new vehicle during transport. For example, the parking lights may be electronically disconnected, and the trunk lid latch may be electronically disabled.Of course, any functions can be deactivated to limit battery usage or to secure the new vehicle during transport.

[0031] Once the transport mode has been established, the new vehicle 12 is transported from the first location 42 to the second location 46 in step 90. In the described embodiment, the dealership will determine in step 92 whether the new vehicle 12 will be used for inspection purposes by potential buyers. In other words, the dealership determines whether the new vehicle 12 will be made available for test drives and related demonstrations. If not, no further action is required, as illustrated in step 94; i.e., the vehicle mode will not be switched to assembly mode and will remain in transport mode until the new vehicle's computer 26 is paired with a virtual key fob 14.

[0032] If it is determined that the new vehicle will be used for appraisal purposes, the key fob 12 is used again in step 96 to switch the vehicle mode from transport mode back to assembly mode.

[0033] As stated above, assembly mode limits certain functions of the vehicle, but is sufficient to allow the new vehicle 12 to be used for inspection purposes in step 98. Typically, the dealer utilizes the instrument panel and other vehicle functions not typically used by the vehicle owner to transition from transport mode to assembly mode. If the potential buyer decides to purchase the new vehicle 12 in step 100, the dealer takes steps to unpair the key fob 10 from the computer 26 of the new vehicle 12. If the potential buyer decides not to purchase the new vehicle 12 in step 100, the vehicle remains in assembly mode and awaits inspection by a subsequent potential buyer in step 98.

[0034] In the described embodiment, the step of unpairing the key fob 10 from the computer 26 of the new vehicle 12 includes pairing the buyer's virtual key fob (e.g., a smartphone or similar device) 14 with the new vehicle's computer in step 102. In step 104, the computer 26 verifies information regarding the buyer's virtual key fob 14 and, in the described embodiment, forwards certain information to a fourth location, i.e., a manufacturer of the new vehicle. Communication between the new vehicle's computer 26 and the virtual key fob 14 occurs via a wireless local area network 48 (e.g., a Wi-Fi network) that includes a transmitter (not shown) associated with the virtual key fob and a Wi-Fi receiver 50 in the new vehicle. An example communication is represented by the dashed line 52.

[0035] As in Fig. 4, communication between the new vehicle 12 and the manufacturer in the described embodiment occurs over a wireless network (e.g., a cellular network and a cloud network). In particular, the wireless network includes a cloud network 54 for routing communication from the new vehicle (represented by dashed line 56) to a cell tower 58, between cell towers 58, 60 (represented by dashed lines 62, 64), and to a central keyless vehicle operations office 66 (represented by dashed line 68) of the manufacturer at the fourth location. Of course, other means of communication (e.g., consistent use of cellular networks or satellite communications) between the virtual key fob 14 and the computer 26 of the new vehicle and the manufacturer are possible in alternative embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Furthermore, wireless networks may be used to communicate information regarding the key fob 10 during the initial pairing of the key fob with the new vehicle's computer 26. For example, identification-related information about the key fob 10 and the new vehicle 12 with which the key fob is being paired may be sent from the assembly plant 42 to the central office 64. As described above, the information may be sent from the new vehicle 12 (represented by dashed line 56) or from the assembly plant 42 (represented by dashed line 70) over the wireless network, including the cloud network 54 and the cellular network towers 58, 60.

[0037] In this way, the manufacturer can record which key fobs are paired with which vehicles during the process. This is important in the described embodiment because the key fob 10 is returned to the assembly plant in step 106 and re-paired with a second new vehicle at the assembly plant (e.g., in step 80). In an alternative embodiment, the key fob is forwarded to a third location and re-paired with a second new vehicle at the third location. In this case, the third location is a different assembly plant. In other words, the key fobs are reusable after being unpaired from the first new vehicle, and later from the second new vehicle, in favor of a third, and so on.

[0038] After verification of information regarding the buyer's virtual key fob 14 by the computer 26 in step 104, shown in Fig.3, in step 108, the computer of the new vehicle 12 is provided with authorization from the manufacturer to pair the new vehicle computer with the buyer's virtual key fob, and the two are paired. Further, in step 110, instructions are provided to the computer 26 of the new vehicle 12 to perform an unpairing or de-pairing step from the key fob 10. As a precautionary measure, the key fob 10 is prevented from being re-paired with the first new vehicle 12 outside of the first location 42, i.e., the assembly plant.

[0039] In the provided embodiment, the provided instructions further include instructions for switching a mode of the new vehicle 12 from the assembly mode, in which the vehicle was available for inspection at the dealership, to a user mode in which all functions of the new vehicle are available without restriction. This final mode change occurs in step 112 after the new vehicle 12 is completely disconnected from the key fob 10 in favor of the virtual key fob 14. In alternative embodiments, the key fob 10 could be used to switch the new vehicle 12 to the user mode after pairing the computer 26 with the buyer's virtual key fob 14, or the dealership could utilize the instrument panel and other vehicle functions not typically used by the vehicle owner to switch from the assembly mode to the user mode.

[0040] In summary, this document illustrates numerous advantages resulting from the method of utilizing a key fob 10 prior to the sale of a new vehicle 12 to a buyer who has a virtual key fob 14. The method is capable of providing a cost-effective way for vehicle manufacturers to overcome problems related to replacing key fobs with virtual key fobs owned by potential buyers. In this case, providing a key fob 10 with limited functionality minimizes overall costs while providing sufficient functionality required throughout the manufacturing, transportation, and sales processes.For example, the key fob 10 is paired with a specific new vehicle 21 at the assembly site 42 and is unpaired from the new vehicle when the purchaser's virtual key fob 14 is paired with the new vehicle.

[0041] The unpaired key fob 10 is then returned to the assembly location 42 or another assembly location and re-paired with a second new vehicle. Key fob reuse provides significant cost savings in addition to reducing the initial cost of the key fobs due to limited functionality. Furthermore, the key fob provides a simple means for switching between desired operating modes, including an assembly mode, a transport mode, and a user mode, during the specified processes.

[0042] The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, in addition to selling new vehicles, the key fobs could be used for fleet operations. In such a scenario, a fleet operator could initially pair a key fob with a desired vehicle in the fleet for a period of time and then unpair the key fob and re-pair it with a second desired vehicle in the fleet. The key fob eliminates the need to have a specified key fob for each vehicle in the fleet.All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted according to the breadth to which they are legally, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

[1] A method for using a key fob prior to the sale of a new vehicle to a buyer who has a virtual key fob, comprising the following steps: Pairing the key fob with a computer in the new vehicle at an assembly plant; Using the key fob to switch a mode of the new vehicle between an assembly mode and a transport mode; and Unpairing the key fob from the new vehicle's computer after pairing the new vehicle's computer with the buyer's virtual key fob. [2] A method of utilizing a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of returning the key fob to the assembly plant; and pairing the key fob with a second computer of a second new vehicle at the assembly plant. [3] A method of using a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting mode limits at least one function of the new vehicle. [4] A method of utilizing a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one new vehicle feature that is limited in assembly mode includes at least one of a maximum distance the new vehicle can be driven, a maximum speed the new vehicle can be driven, and operability of a remote start feature. [5] A method of utilizing a key fob prior to selling a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of switching the mode of the new vehicle from the assembly mode to the transport mode using the key fob prior to transporting the new vehicle to a remote location. [6] A method of using a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 5, wherein the transport mode limits at least one function of the new vehicle. [7] A method of utilizing a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one function of the new vehicle that is limited in transport mode includes at least one of supplying power to parking lamps and activating a trunk lid lock. [8] A method of using a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 5, further comprising the step of switching the mode of the new vehicle from the transport mode to the assembly mode using the key fob after the new vehicle arrives at the remote location. [9] A method of using a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of unpairing the key fob from the new vehicle computer includes the steps of authorizing the pairing of the new vehicle computer with the buyer's virtual key fob, pairing the new vehicle computer with the buyer's virtual key fob, and providing instructions to the new vehicle computer to perform the unpairing step. [10] A method of using a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 9, wherein the instructions in the step of providing instructions to the computer of the new vehicle include instructions for switching a mode of the new vehicle from the assembly or transport mode to a user mode in which all functions of the new vehicle are available. [11] A method of utilizing a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 9, wherein the instructions in the step of providing instructions to the new vehicle computer are provided to the new vehicle computer over a wireless network from a second remote location and to the buyer's virtual key fob over a wireless local area network from the new vehicle computer. [12] A method of utilizing a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of transporting the new vehicle and the paired key fob from a first location to a second location remote from the first location. [13] A method of using a key fob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a buyer having a virtual key fob as claimed in claim 12, further comprising the step of returning the key fob to the first location or to a third location for pairing the key fob with a second computer of a second new vehicle at the first or third location. [14] A key fob for use in association with a new vehicle before a purchaser having a virtual key fob takes possession of the new vehicle, comprising: a housing containing a power source and a transmitter; a mode selection button, carried by the housing, for selecting an operating mode of the new vehicle; and a processor programmed to pair the key fob with a computer of the new vehicle at a first location and to unpair the key fob with the computer of the new vehicle in response to the computer being paired with the purchaser's virtual key fob at a second location.

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