System and method for vehicle passive entry having inside/outside detection

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a passive entry system for a motor vehicle having a remote keyless access device and interior and exterior vehicle antenna for use in detecting a location of the remote keyless access device.

#2. Background

#FIG. 1 is a simplified, exemplary block diagram depicting the improved passive entry system of the present invention including inside/outside detection;

#FIG. 2 is a simplified, exemplary block diagram depicting the remote transceiver for use in the improved passive entry system and method of the present invention; and

#FIG. 3 is a simplified, exemplary flowchart depicting the improved passive entry method of the present invention including inside/outside detection.

#Referring now to Figures, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described. As previously noted, it is well known in the automotive industry to provide for remote vehicle access, such as through the use of RKE systems. Such RKE systems use a remote hand held transmitter, commonly referred to as a “fob,” which may be a separate unit, or may be part of an ignition key head. Such RKE fobs generally transmit RF signals to a vehicle in order to lock or unlock vehicle doors, open or close a vehicle sliding door, unlock a vehicle trunk, activate internal and/or external vehicle lights, activate a “panic” alarm, and/or perform a variety of other functions

#In that regard, such RKE systems also typically include a receiver and/or control unit installed in the vehicle. The receiver and/or control unit may be provided in communication with door locking mechanisms to lock and unlock the vehicle doors in response to lock or unlock signals received from the remote transmitter within some pre-defined range. Similarly, the receiver and/or control unit may be provided in communication with other vehicle devices to control operation thereof in response to other signals received from the remote transmitter.

#As also previously noted, the RKE systems of the types described above may be characterized as active in nature, where a switch or pushbutton on the remote transmitter must be activated by an operator in order to have a desired remote access function performed, such as locking or unlocking the vehicle doors. Alternatively, RKE systems may also be passive in nature, where no such switch or pushbutton activation by an operator is required in order to perform a desired remote access function.