System and method for integrated tire pressure monitoring and passive entry

A system for remote monitoring of tire pressure in a vehicle having a plurality of tires, the system comprising:

• a plurality of tire monitors, each monitor for mounting in one of the plurality of tires to monitor tire pressure, each monitor comprising a transponder for transmitting a signal representative of the tire pressure and for receiving a control signal operative to regulate transmission of the tire pressure signal;
• at least one receiver for mounting on-board the vehicle for receiving the tire pressure signals transmitted by the transponders and for receiving a passive entry signal transmitted by a remote passive entry device;
• and
• a controller for mounting on-board the vehicle and to be provided in communication with the at least one receiver, the controller for conveying tire pressure information to a vehicle occupant based on the tire pressure signals, determining whether the vehicle is occupied based on the passive entry signal, and generating the control signal for use in regulating transmission of the tire pressure signals, wherein the control signal is operative to halt transmission of the tire pressure signals by the transponders when the vehicle is unoccupied.

A method for monitoring tire pressure in a vehicle having a plurality of tires, the method comprising:

• transmitting from a tire a signal representative of a tire pressure;
• receiving at the tire a control signal for use in regulating transmission of the tire pressure signal;
• receiving at the vehicle the tire pressure signal and a passive entry signal;
• conveying tire pressure information to a vehicle occupant based on the tire pressure signal;
• determining whether the vehicle is occupied based on the passive entry signal;
• and
• transmitting from the vehicle the control signal for use in regulating transmission of the tire pressure signal, wherein the control signal is operative to halt transmission of the tire pressure signal when the vehicle is unoccupied.