Abstract:
A tire parameter sensing system (12) for a vehicle (10) having a tire (16) comprises a tire-based unit (26) associated with the tire (16) and including structure (70, 72) for sensing a parameter of the tire (16) and for transmitting a parameter signal (38) indicative of the sensed parameter. The parameter signal (38) having at least first and second different signal characteristics. The tire parameter sensing system (12) also comprises a vehicle-based unit (34) having a first receiving channel (116) for receiving at least portions of the parameter signal (38) that include the first signal characteristic and a second receiving channel (118) for receiving at least portions of the parameter signal (38) that include the second signal characteristic. A signal detection portion (120) of the vehicle-based unit (34) is responsive to the first and second signal characteristics for determining the sensed parameter of the tire (16).
Abstract:
Method for preventing security breaches via the two-thief method of attack of passive remote keyless entry systems for vehicles. The method involves the measurement of air travel time of the RF messages between the RKE fob and the vehicle. Multiple round trips between the fob and the vehicle are employed to magnify the distance covered by the messages and thereby allow accurate measurement of the air travel time.
Abstract:
An apparatus for monitoring a vehicle condition comprises a sensor for sensing the vehicle condition and a transmitter for transmitting signals indicative of the sensed vehicle condition. The transmitted signals include a first signal set and a second signal set. A receiver mountable on the vehicle is provided for receiving the transmitted signals. The receiver has a first operating state when the vehicle ignition is OFF and a second operating state when the vehicle ignition is ON. The first signal set includes a wake-up portion to wake up the receiver when the receiver is in its first operating state and an information portion. The second signal set includes an information portion. The transmitted signals include at least one first signal set and at least one second signal set during a predetermined time period when the vehicle ignition is OFF and when the vehicle ignition is ON.
Abstract:
The invention provides a vehicle wheel arch (18) of the type including an antenna (20) for interacting with a device (22) carried by an assembly (12) of a wheel (14) and a tire (16). The wheel arch includes a shield (24) overlying the antenna (20) beside the radially-inner face of the wheel arch (18), said shield (24) being suitable for retaining matter (26) at a certain distance from the antenna (20).
Abstract:
A tire parameter sensing system (12) comprises a tire-based unit (28) associated with a tire (20) of a vehicle (10) for sensing a parameter of the tire (20) and for transmitting a tire parameter signal (42) indicative of the sensed parameter. A transceiver device (34) receives the tire parameter signal (42) and transmits a relay signal (42′) indicative of the received tire parameter signal (42). A vehicle-based unit (32) is adapted to receive both the tire parameter signal (42) and the relay signal (42′). An indicator (54) is coupled to the vehicle-based unit (32) for providing an indication of the sensed parameter of the tire (20). The vehicle-based unit (32) controls the indicator (54) in response to receiving at least one of the tire parameter signal (42) and the relay signal (42′).
Abstract:
A remote convenience system (10) and an associated method provide for remote control a convenience function. A portable transmitter unit (12) is operable for remote function requests. The transmitter unit (12) includes circuitry (32) for transmitting a signal (18) that conveys a remote function request. A receiver/controller unit (14) receives the transmitted signal (18) and causes performance of the remotely requested function. The receiver/controller unit (14) includes a plurality of antennae (52), each for picking-up the transmitted signal (18) and outputting an electrical signal that conveys the remote function request. Each of the antennae (52) is configured to have an ability to pick-up the transmitted signal (18) that is dependent upon direction from the receiver/controller unit (14) to the transmitter unit (12). The ability of each of the antennae (52) is different from the ability of the other antennae. A control portion (48) determines which one of the antennae (52) has a better ability to pick-up the transmitted signal. The electrical signal from the one antenna with the better ability is used to determine the remotely requested function.
Abstract:
A method is provided for determining tire location in a tire pressure monitoring system having the steps of generating an initiation frequency signal having a controllable output adapted to be received by a selected one of a plurality of tires of the tire pressure monitoring system. At least two tires of the tire pressure monitoring system have associated initiation signal receivers. The method also includes transmitting a response signal from the selected tire receiving the initiation signal, the response signal having at least a unique identification signal portion associated with the selected tire. The method also receives the transmitted response signal and associates the identification signal with a location of the selected tire.
Abstract:
A method for receiving data from and associating locations of a plurality of tire condition sensors in a vehicle comprises the step of mounting a first directional antenna in the vehicle oriented in a first direction to receive signals from an associated transmitter of at least some of said tire condition sensors. A second directional antenna is mounted in the vehicle oriented in a second direction to receive signals from an associated transmitter of others of said tire condition sensors. Signal strength of any received signals is determined, and sensor locations are determined by determining a differential signal value.
Abstract:
An apparatus (14) and an associated method determine signal strength of a received electromagnetic signal (18) that is comprised of a plurality of pulses that convey a remote convenience function request, and which causes performance of the requested function. A comparator (82) has a first input for receiving an electrical signal (78) with a voltage that varies to convey the remote convenience function request. A second input of the comparator (82) receives a threshold voltage value reference signal (86). An output of the comparator (82) provides an output signal (46) that indicates the occurrence of the voltage of the electrical signal (78) exceeding the threshold value of the reference signal (86). A microprocessor (100) and a threshold change trigger (122) of a controller portion (48) adjust the threshold voltage value of the reference signal (86). A microprocessor (52) and a count memory (126) of the controller portion (48) monitor the output signal (46) of the comparator (82) during adjustment of the threshold voltage value of the reference signal (86) to determine strength of the electromagnetic signal (18).
Abstract:
A receiver/controller unit (14) of a remote convenience system (10) receives an electromagnetic signal (18). The signal (18) is comprised of a plurality of pulses that convey a remote convenience function request. In response to the receipt of the signal (18), the receiver/controller unit (14) causes performance of the requested function. The receiver/controller unit (14) has a comparator (82). A first input of the comparator (82) is connected to receive an electrical signal (78) with an electrical characteristic that varies to convey the remote convenience function request. A second input of the comparator (82) is connected to receive a signal 86 that has a threshold electrical characteristic value. Preferably, the electrical characteristic is voltage amplitude. An output of the comparator (82) provides a signal indicative of the occurrence of the electrical characteristic of the electrical signal (78) exceeding the threshold value, and that conveys the remote convenience function request. A microprocessor (100) adjusts the threshold electrical characteristic value.