Continental Automotive Systems Us, Inc.

Siemens Vdo Automotive Corporation

Continental Automotive Gmbh

Continental Automotive Systems Corporation

Gerald L Ostrander

Patricia Kachouh

Josef Baumgartner

Tejas Bhupendra Desai

Brian James Marlett

Scott James Lucy

Brian Farrell

Frank Buccinna

David Reimus

Brian Keith Morrison

Patrick A Banas

James Poirier

Patricia Abi-Nader Kachouh

Jacob G Epp

Joseph R Thompson, Jr

A method of controlling the signal sensitivity of a receiver module of a remote signal communication system includes initializing a PASE function and actuating a switch from a first position to a second position. The second position represents an open switch wherein either an external antenna or a LNA circuit or both are shut off. The switch is returned to a first position in response to completion of a PASE command.

Signal sensitivity control during passive authentication

A disclosed example receiver for receiving transmissions and data for both a remote keyless entry (RKE) system and a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system tailors the data slice level to the characteristics unique to each of the RKE transmissions and the TPM transmissions.

Adaptive switching receiver slice level

A receiver receives transmission containing information from different vehicle systems and determines an origin of that transmission according to the length of the transmission.

Multiple protocol reception and differentiation

An example receiver/transmitter for a passive start and entry system switches between amplitude shift keyed modulation and frequency shift keyed modulation to maintain clear uninterrupted and dependable communication with a remote transmitter in the presence of interfering signals. The receiver/transmitter is switched to receive incoming FSK signals in response to the RSSI becoming saturated by undesired signals. The switch to FSK signal modulation occurs by signaling the remote transmitter to change over and begin sending FSK modulated signals. The FSK modulated signals are then received without significant interference.

Transmitter modulation switching

A passive start and entry (PASE) system monitors a signal strength of a LF signal detected by a fob. The fob reports the signal strength back to an electronic control unit using an RF signal. The electronic control unit compares the signal strength to a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength is below the threshold, the electronic control unit determines that the fob may not be receiving the LF transmission due to interference and takes corrective action.

Method to report LF remote signal strength via a RF link to an electronic control unit

To eliminate any mis-learning of a sensor code in a factory environment due to adjacent vehicles, a vehicle ID is sent to a sensor transmitter by an initiation signal. When the sensor transmitter transmits its sensor identification signal to the vehicle control in a 'learn' mode, the vehicle ID received in the initiation signal is carried with a combined signal. The vehicle control receives the combined signal, and if the received vehicle identification code in the signal matches an expected vehicle identification code, then the control learns the sensor identification. If the expected vehicle identification code does not match the received vehicle identification code, then the control may ignore the particular sensor identification code. This invention thus eliminates any tendency to have an adjacent vehicle inadvertently 'teach' its sensor IDs to the control associated with the adjacent vehicle.

System and method for identifying source of RF transmission

A transmitter identification code is designed such that the code varies as the code is assigned. In one embodiment the code will include information with regard to the date and time that the code is initially determined. In a second embodiment the code is provided by incrementing a counter, and then modifying that counter information such that the final code is non-sequential.

Remote entry transmitter with transmission identification codes

A remote memory preference system for a passenger vehicle is disclosed. The remote memory preference system utilizes existing passive or active remote entry devices. Memory preference settings include driver's seat position, mirror positions and radio station presets. Once these settings are adjusted by a primary vehicle user, they are stored in a memory location in the vehicle either automatically or when a memory button on the remote entry device is depressed by the user. Settings may then be later recalled either automatically by activating the remote entry device or when a recall button on the remote entry device is depressed by the user. The system may also employ a shift register system, which would automatically store current and previous memory preference settings.

Growing community of inventors

Davison, MI, United States of America

Gerald L Ostrander