Keyless Entry Transmitter Recognition via Diagnostic Bus and Cellular Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote keyless entry (RKE) systems require professional installation and special test equipment to recognize new keyless entry transmitters, making it difficult for vehicle owners to set up extended range capabilities without external assistance.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle communication module with a connector for the diagnostic bus, a processor to determine vehicle identity, and a cellular network transceiver to download programming data, allowing the keyless entry receiver to be operated into a learn mode and the transmitter to mimic a key-fob profile, enabling recognition of new keyless entry transmitters without professional help.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If professional installation with special test equipment is used, then the keyless entry receiver can recognize the new keyless entry transmitter, but the ease of operation deteriorates as vehicle owners require external assistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition of keyless entry transmitterVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service installation by allowing the keyless entry receiver to automatically recognize and learn the new transmitter through the diagnostic bus without requiring professional installers or special test equipment. The module communicates with the receiver via the existing diagnostic bus, and the receiver autonomously enters learn mode and programs the transmitter ID.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The in-vehicle communication module acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the keyless entry receiver. It uses the diagnostic bus as a communication channel to transmit programming data and control signals, enabling the receiver to recognize the new transmitter without direct connection to special test equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If special test equipment is required for installation, then the keyless entry transmitter can be recognized, but the device complexity increases due to need for external equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition of keyless entry transmitterVSAvoidinstallation equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The in-vehicle communication module performs multiple functions: it serves as a communication interface with the diagnostic bus, a programming device for the keyless entry receiver, and a bridge between the mobile device and the vehicle system. This eliminates the need for separate special test equipment while maintaining reliable transmitter recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the vehicle's existing diagnostic bus infrastructure to perform programming functions that traditionally required external test equipment. The communication module leverages the already-present diagnostic communication capabilities to automatically recognize and program the new keyless entry transmitter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If traditional RKE system is used, then the system operation is simple, but the range is limited and cannot support extended range capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operationVSAvoidcommunication range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system extends the RKE range by adding a wireless communication dimension through mobile devices. Instead of relying solely on direct radio frequency communication between key-fob and vehicle, the system enables communication through the cellular network dimension, allowing remote operation from anywhere with cell service coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device and cellular network act as intermediaries to extend the communication range. The mobile device receives commands from the user, transmits them via cellular network to the in-vehicle communication module, which then relays them to the keyless entry receiver, enabling extended range operation while maintaining simple user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2573738B1System and method to operate an extended range keyless entry system to recognize a keyless entry transmitter.
Publication Date: 2015.03.11 DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP2573738B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2573738B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2573738B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication system (10), an in-vehicle communication module (24), and a method (300) for operating a keyless entry receiver (12) in a vehicle (14) to recognize a keyless entry transmitter (16). An internet server (20) is used to store programming data for operating the keyless entry receiver (12) to recognize the keyless entry transmitter (16). An in-vehicle communication module (24) is used to communicate with a diagnostic bus (26) of the vehicle (14) to determine a vehicle identity, communicate with the internet server (20) to download programming data corresponding to the vehicle identity, operate the keyless entry receiver (12) into a learn mode via the diagnostic bus (26) and in accordance with the programming data, and operate a keyless entry transmitter (16) to transmit a keyless entry signal (22) effective for the keyless entry receiver (12) to recognize the keyless entry transmitter (16).