Keyless entry system
AssigneeSiemens VDO Automotive Corporation
InventorAllan D. Losey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A keyless entry system includes a controller that operates in one of two modes. When an authentication signal is received from a passive signaling device, the controller operates in one mode that permits more convenient access to a user. When an authentication signal is not received from the passive signaling device, the controller requires another mode of operation from a manually operable signaling device. In one example, the manually operable signaling device is a numeric keypad. When an authentication signal from the passive signaling device is received, any single key can be manipulated to gain the desired access controlled by the system. When no authentication signal is present from the passive signaling device, then the controller preferably requires a specific sequence of key activation before access is permitted.
Claims16
A keyless entry system, comprising:
- a passive signaling device that automatically provides an authentication signal;
- at least one other signaling device that provides a signal upon manual activation by a user;
- and
- a controller that requires a first mode of operation of the other signaling device when no authentication signal is received by the controller from the passive signaling device and permits operation of the other signaling device in a second mode of operation when an authentication signal from the passive signaling device is received.
A method of controlling a keyless entry system having a passive signaling device and at least one other signaling device that requires manual operation, comprising the steps of:
- (a) determining whether an authentication signal is received from the passive signaling device;
- (b) operating the system in a first mode of operation responsive to a first manual operation of the other signaling device when no authentication signal is received;
- and
- (c) operating the system in a second mode of operation responsive to a second manual operation of the other signaling device when an authentication signal is received.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.