1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a key fob for a vehicle and, more particularly, to a key fob for a vehicle that transmits a particular command to the vehicle depending on the motion applied to the key fob.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Modern vehicles typically include a key fob that wirelessly transmits RF command signals to a vehicle controller to perform a certain vehicle function, such as lock the doors, unlock the doors, open the trunk, open the hatch, start the engine, etc. The vehicle operator will press a particular push button on the key fob that typically has an image of the function that the button provides in order to transmit the command to the vehicle. The transmission is coded in such a manner that not only does the command perform a certain operation, but also protects the transmission from being recorded and resent by a third party. Key fobs of this type typically have a limited range, and provide a convenience factor for the vehicle operator.
Nintendo offers a product referred to as WiiWare that is an interactive device for video games and other interactive systems. WiiWare uses a transmission device that the user moves in a particular direction to cause a video image on a monitor to move in the same manner that the device is moved. For example, a Wii transmission device can be a steering wheel and the video image can be a race car, where the steering wheel is used to turn the car in the direction desired. The Wii transmission device includes an accelerometer that detects the direction and speed of motion of the device that is transmitted to a controller associated with the device. The controller then sends an appropriate signal that causes images in the video to move in a programmed manner.
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a key fob for a vehicle is disclosed that provides a certain vehicle function depending on the motion applied to the key fob. The key fob includes a switch that is pressed when the vehicle operator wishes to transmit a command. Pressing the switch causes a device, such as a camera or accelerometer, to be put in a motion detecting mode, where a subsequent motion of the key fob causes the key fob to transmit a command associated with that motion. For example, the vehicle operator can press the switch on the key fob and make an upward motion, which may cause the vehicle door locks to unlock. Likewise, pressing the switch on the key fob and making a downward motion may cause the door locks to lock.
Additional features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The following discussion of the embodiments of the invention directed to a key fob that transmits a command signal based on a motion applied to the key fob is merely exemplary in nature, and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its applications or uses. For example, although the discussion below specifically concerns a key fob for a vehicle, other devices can be based on the principals described herein, such as PDAs or cell phones.
The key fob 10 has an outer housing 30 including a front panel 12 having an integral activation button 14 that activates the key fob 10 to transmit the command. Particularly, the activation button 14 is pressed to put the key fob 10 in a motion detecting mode where the key fob 10 will now respond to a motion of the key fob 10. In one embodiment, the activation button 14 is held during the motion of the fob 10. However, this is not a requirement in that the button 14 can be pressed and released to put the key fob 10 in the motion detecting mode. The key fob 10 also includes a display 16 on the front panel 12 that provides a visual indication of the command that is activated by the motion of the key fob 10. The key fob housing 30 also includes a back panel 18 having a general triangular curvature providing an aesthetically pleasing shape. Further, the shape of the back panel 18 provides a comfortable shape for the user's hand when pressing the button 14 with the user's thumb. The key fob housing 30 also includes a side panel 20 extending around the key fob 10 between the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 18, as shown. A base portion 22 provides a rigid support for the front panel 12, the back panel 18 and the side panel 20, and includes a slot 24 for accepting a key ring.
As mentioned above, the key fob 10 transmits a command based on the motion applied to the key fob 10 after the button 14 is pressed to put the key fob 10 in the motion detecting mode. Additionally, switches can be provided on the key fob 10 for some of the major command actuations where using the motion of the fob 10 may not desirable. In this regard, a toggle switch 26 is provided in the side panel 20 where one end of the toggle switch 26 can be pressed to lock the vehicle doors and an opposite end of the toggle switch 26 can be pressed to unlock the vehicle doors. Additionally, a switch 28 can be provided in the side panel 20 at the front of the key fob 10, as shown, that activates the vehicle horn to provide an alarm or a vehicle finder.
The embodiment discussed above for the key fob 10 employs the accelerometer 44 for detecting the motion of the fob 10. However, this is merely one example of a suitable device for detecting motion. In an alternate embodiment, the accelerometer 44 can be a camera where the motion of the fob 10 is detected by images provided by the camera. Also, instead of detecting the motion of the fob 10 by a device on the fob 10, another embodiment may detect the motion of the fob 10 remotely from the fob 10, such as by a camera mounted on the vehicle. Alternatively, the key fob 10 can employ both a camera and an accelerometer to provide combined detection of the motion of the fob 10. Further, the discussion above states that the controller 46 interprets the motion of the key fob 10. In an alternate embodiment, signals from the accelerometer 44 identifying the motion can be transmitted to a remote device on the vehicle or another customer carried device where the motion is interpreted.
The system 40 includes a battery 50 that provides power to the accelerometer 44 and the controller 46, as well as other devices and components within the key fob 10. A switch 52 represents the other switches on the key fob 10, such as the switches 26 and 28, where a direct command is given to the controller 46 to transmit a particular command. The command identified either from the accelerometer 44 or the switch 52 is displayed on a display 54.
By employing a single button for the multiple operations of the key fob 10, the size of the key fob 10 can remain the same and other functions can be programmed into the controller 46, whereas otherwise, the size and configuration of the key fob would need to change because additional buttons have been added. In other words, because a single switch is used to activate several commands, the key fob 10 can be programmed to add additional functions based on different motions of the key fob 10 without changing the physical structure of the key fob 10.
The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.