System and method for changing key status in a vehicle based on driver status
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsThomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Martin J. Sultana
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In at least one embodiment, a vehicle apparatus for changing status for a key is provided. The vehicle apparatus comprises a controller. The controller is configured to receive a key identification signal from a first key and to transmit a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a master key and a non-master key based on the key identification signal. The controller is further configured to receive a change request signal corresponding to a request to change status for an additional key from a primary key to a secondary key if the first key is master key.
Claims16
A vehicle apparatus for changing status for a key, the vehicle apparatus comprising:
- a controller for being positioned in a vehicle, the controller being configured to:
- receive a key identification signal indicative of whether a first key is one of a master key and a non-master key;
- receive a request signal corresponding to a request to change status for an additional key from a primary key to a secondary key if the first key is the master key;
- provide a menu for receiving a user input to change status for an additional key from a primary key to a secondary key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key;
- enable a user to assign a name the corresponds to a particular holder of the additional key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key;
- and
- enable the user to select the name via the menu to change status for the additional key from the primary key to the secondary key.
A vehicle apparatus for changing status for a key, the vehicle apparatus comprising:
- an interface device for being positioned in a vehicle, the interface device being configured to:
- receive a key status signal indicative of whether a first key is one of a master key and a non-master key;
- provide a menu for receiving a user input to change status for an additional key from a secondary key to a primary key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key;
- enable a user to assign a name the corresponds to a particular holder of the additional key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key;
- and
- enable the user to select the name via the menu to change status for the additional key from the secondary key to the primary key.
A method for changing status for a key, the method comprising:
- receiving a key status signal indicative of whether a first key is one of a master key and a non-master key;
- providing a menu in a vehicle for receiving a user input to change status for an additional key from a secondary key to a primary key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key;
- and
- receiving a signal to assign a name that corresponds to a particular holder of the additional key if the key status signal corresponds to the master key;
- and
- enabling the user to select the name via the menu to change status for the additional key from the secondary key to the primary key.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.