Abstract:
A system (10) for remote convenience control of performance of a function includes a portable transmitter unit (14) and a receiver unit (18). In one embodiment, the system (10) is a remote convenience vehicle system. The transmitter unit (14) transmits a signal (16). The signal has a RF frequency at an unknown value within a range of values and conveys a message that contains a function request. Within the receiver unit (18) is superheterodyne circuitry (32) that has a mixer (44). The mixer (44) mixes a RF signal (42) coming from an antenna (28) and a reference frequency signal from a reference oscillator (46), and outputs an intermediate frequency signal (50) conveying the message. A bandpass filter (66) filters the intermediate frequency signal to pass a range of frequency values smaller than a known range of intermediate frequency values. Tuning control circuitry (70) automatically adjusting the bandpass range of the bandpass filter (66) to vary the bandpass range over the intermediate frequency range. Passage detector circuitry (72) senses the intermediate frequency signal passing through the bandpass filter (66) and automatically causes the adjustment of the bandpass range to stop.
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:
A vehicle control system is described including radio-frequency receiver. The receiver includes an antenna input adapted for connection to an antenna for receiving radio frequency signals, a source of at least a first local oscillator frequency and a second local oscillator frequency, a demodulator for demodulating the signal received via the antenna input with the first local oscillator frequency to generate a first demodulated signal and, separately, for demodulating the signal received via the antenna input with the second local oscillator frequency to generate a second demodulated signal, and a control circuit that evaluates the first and second demodulated signals according to at least one criterion and utilizes for control purposes whichever of the demodulated signals is better, according to that criterion.
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:
A method for identifying tire location including the steps of transmitting a low frequency signal at different power levels and receiving radio frequency identification signals. Tire identification and location based on low frequency power level for two tire transmitters is determined. Radio frequency signals from two different tire transmitters are received and tire identification and location are determined based on radio frequency signal strength.
Abstract:
A method for identifying tire location including the steps of transmitting a low frequency signal at different power levels and receiving radio frequency identification signals. Tire identification and location based on low frequency power level for two tire transmitters is determined. Radio frequency signals from two different tire transmitters are received and tire identification and location are determined based on radio frequency signal strength.
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 circuit (14) for use in a tire (16) of a vehicle (10) having a tire parameter sensing system (12) includes a battery (60) for supplying electrical energy. The battery (60) has an equivalent series resistance (64) that varies inversely with temperature. The circuit (14) further includes a current control device (90) that is responsive to at least one of an output voltage of the battery and temperature for adjusting a current draw from the battery (60) to insure a predetermined minimum output voltage from the battery (60).
Abstract:
An antenna (96) for use in inductive coupling two devices (34 and 42) includes a first coil (180) having a first inductance value, a second coil (190) having a second inductance value, and a capacitor (198) having a capacitance value. The first and second coils (180 and 190) and the capacitor (198) form a tank circuit (196) having a predetermined resonant frequency. The capacitance value of the capacitor (198) varies inversely to an equivalent inductance value of the tank circuit (196) for providing the predetermined resonant frequency. The first and second coils (180 and 190) are connected in parallel with one another so that the equivalent inductance value of the tank circuit (196) is less than each of the first and second inductance values and the capacitance value of the capacitor (198) is maintained above a predetermined threshold value for providing stability to the tank circuit (196).
Abstract:
A tire parameter sensing system (12) for sensing a parameter of a tire (16) includes a power transmitting antenna (44) that is actuatable for producing a magnetic field at a location of the tire (16). A rim (140) upon which the tire (16) is mounted includes first and second magnetically conductive surface portions (160 and 168) that form a drop well (156). A tire-based unit (34) is mounted in the drop well (156) so that a coil antenna (96) of the tire-based unit (34) is located adjacent to both the first and second magnetically conductive surface portions (160 and 168). The central axis of the coil antenna (96) extends in a direction parallel to the first magnetically conductive surface portion (160) and the first and second magnetically conductive surface portions (160 and 168) guide magnetic flux of the magnetic field to the coil antenna (96).