Prince Corporation

Johnson Controls Technology Company

Kurt A Dykema

Steven L Geerlings

Todd R Witkowski

Mark Lewis Zeinstra

Paul C Duckworth

James R Geschke

Mark Daniel Matlin

Robert F Buege

Kenneth R Zurawski

Floyd J Peplinski

Mark D Matlin

The data storing method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a data encoded signal; (b) sampling the received data encoded signal at a first sampling rate; (c) counting the number of consecutive samples at a first logic level; (d) storing the number of samples counted in step (c) in a first portion of a memory template; (e) counting the number of consecutive samples at a second logic level; (f) comparing the number of samples counted in step (e) to a threshold value; (g) changing the sampling rate at which the received data encoded signal is sampled and counting the number of consecutive samples at the second logic level if the number of samples counted in step (e) exceeds the threshold value; and (h) storing in the memory template, the number of samples counted in step (e) if the threshold was not exceeded, or the number of samples counted in step (g) if the threshold value was exceeded. The apparatus includes a processor programmed to perform the above steps. The method is well-suited for use in a trainable transmitter.

Method and apparatus for storing a data encoded signal

A trainable transmitter is described that is capable of learning and replicating both AM and FM signals. The trainable transmitter also has the capacity to learn and replicate RF signals in both the 27 MHz to 40 MHz and the 250 MHz to 450 MHz frequency bands commonly used in European garage door openers. The trainable transmitter allows an individual to input an identification of the country in which the trainable transmitter will be operated such that the trainable transmitter may then transmit the learned signals at the maximum levels permitted for the identified county.

Trainable RF transmitter having expanded learning capabilities

A latching circuit is coupled to the vehicle's power supply and to a trainable transmitter microprocessor such that upon initial training, the latch is set to maintain a logic level signal to the microprocessor for enabling the microprocessor once initially trained. If, however, the power is removed from the latch circuit and reapplied, as may occur if the trainable transmitter is removed from the vehicle, the latch circuit will provide a different logic level signal to the microprocessor either disabling the transmit function for the microprocessor or erasing the code stored in the nonvolatile memory. The trainable transmitter, thus, will not be useful unless retrained utilizing the homeowner's original transmitter. The invention, the latch circuit includes a pair of MOSFETs with a very low current drain coupled in a flip-flop configuration such that their operational state will reverse once set upon removal and reapplication of power.

Trainable transmitter security circuit

A trainable transmitter for learning the characteristics of a received RF signal and for transmitting a coded RF signal having the learned characteristics to a receiver for remote activation of a device, such as a garage door opener. The trainable transmitter includes a tunable RF circuit and a controller coupled to the RF circuit for selectively tuning the RF circuit during a training sequence. To provide a user with an early indication that a valid RF signal is being received at the initiation of the training sequence, the control circuit quickly sweeps the frequency at which the RF circuit is tuned from the lowest frequency to the highest frequency of a frequency range in which the carrier frequency of a valid RF signal would fall. If a signal is not detected during this initial fast scanning procedure, the training sequence is terminated and the user is so informed.

Fast scan trainable transmitter

A trainable transceiver for learning and transmitting an activation signal that includes an RF carrier frequency modulated with a code for remotely actuating a device, such as a garage door opener. The trainable transceiver includes a frequency table including a list of frequencies for remote transmitters known to transmit for only a short duration and the trainable transceiver first reads the short duration frequencies from the frequency table. The trainable transceiver may additionally include a prompting circuit for prompting an operator to cause a remote transmitter to retransmit its activation signal if the activation signal ceases before training is complete.

Trainable transceiver and method for learning an activation signal that

A trainable transceiver for learning and transmitting an activation signal that includes an RF carrier frequency modulated with a code for remotely actuating a device, such as a garage door opener. In one embodiment, the trainable transceiver preferably includes a controller, a signal generator, and a dynamically tunable antenna having a variable impedance that may be selectively controlled in accordance with a carrier frequency of a received or transmitted activation signal. In another embodiment, the trainable transceiver preferably includes a phase-locked loop circuit for providing a frequency control voltage to a signal generator to selectively adjust the carrier frequency of the signal generator. In yet another embodiment, the trainable transceiver includes an amplifying circuit for selectively controlling the gain of a modulated radio frequency carrier signal received from the signal generator and for transmitting an amplified output signal to the remotely actuated device. In a further embodiment, the trainable transceiver includes a frequency table including a list of frequencies for remote transmitters known to transmit for only a short duration and the trainable transceiver first reads the short duration frequencies from the frequency table. Some embodiments will include one or more of these various features.

Trainable RF transceiver

A trainable transceiver for learning and transmitting an activation signal that includes a rolling or other variable code for remotely actuating a device, such as a garage door opener. The trainable transceiver preferably includes a receiver, a signal generator, and a controller operating in a learning mode or in an operating mode. In the learning mode the controller recognizes the presence of a variable code, identifies a prestored cryptographic algorithm related to the cryptographic algorithm used by the remote transmitter to generate the variable code, and stores data identifying the cryptographic algorithm and last transmitted code of the activation signal. In the operating mode, the controller generates output data representing a next sequential code of the variable code using the identified cryptographic algorithm and the data representing the last transmitted code. The signal generator receives the output data from the controller and for transmits a modulated signal, which corresponds to a received activation signal and includes a variable code recognizable by a receiver of a remotely actuated device.

Trainable transceiver capable of learning variable codes

A wireless system for monitoring vehicle parameters, such as tire pressure, using radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted from transmitters close in proximity to an associated parameter sensor, to a centrally located receiver. The transmitted RF signals from the transmitters may be distinguished by the frequency of the respective transmitted RF signals. To detect the presence of an RF signal having a particular frequency, the wireless vehicle parameter monitoring system of one embodiment includes a digitally controlled tuner or a plurality of parallel bandpass filters, which pass different ranges of frequencies corresponding to the frequencies of the RF signals output from the transmitters. In this manner, RF signals transmitted from different tires may be distinguished based upon the frequency of the transmitted signal. The receiver of this system may be implemented in the receiver of a trainable transmitter such that a dedicated receiver need not be provided.

Wireless vehicle parameter monitoring system

A trainable transceiver provides an integrated trainable transmitter and control system receiver for a vehicle electrical system. The transceiver includes an input circuit and an output circuit coupled to a controller. The transceiver also includes an interface connected between the controller and the vehicle's electrical system. The input circuit which receives RF signals includes an amplitude control for adjusting the reception range of the transceiver. The transceiver also disconnects the output circuit from the antenna in a remote control training mode or a transmitter signal detection mode. The transceiver is manually controlled to enter the remote control training mode and a transmission mode for controlling a remote device. The transceiver automatically enters the transmitter signal detection mode on a periodic basis.

Trainable transmitter with transmit/receive switch

Vehicle control system with trainable transceiver

Trainable transmitter with interrupt signal generator

A vehicle accessory includes a trainable transmitter for duplicating the signal of an existing remote control. In one embodiment, the system includes a variable frequency generator having a frequency control input and an output. In one embodiment, also, the transmitter includes a switch for selectively disabling the variable frequency generator. According to another embodiment, the transmitter is trained by adjusting the frequency of the signal output by the variable frequency generator until it matches a signal transmitted by an existing remote control for a garage door opening mechanism. According to another embodiment, a variable attenuator is controlled to adjust the magnitude of the output signal of the variable frequency generator in inverse relationship to the duty cycle of output signals therefrom.

Vehicle accessory trainable transmitter

A transmitter includes an attenuator for adjusting the level of an output signal as a function of the pulse width and frequency of the output signal. The transmitter also includes receiver components which are disabled when the transmitter is transmitting.

Growing community of inventors

Holland, MI, United States of America

Kurt A Dykema