The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 01, 2008
Filed:
Dec. 01, 2004
Bernhard Schambeck, Menlo Park, CA (US);
John Ananny, San Francisco, CA (US);
Dietmar Fuchs, Menlo Park, CA (US);
Greg Simon, San Francisco, CA (US);
Bernhard Schambeck, Menlo Park, CA (US);
John Ananny, San Francisco, CA (US);
Dietmar Fuchs, Menlo Park, CA (US);
Greg Simon, San Francisco, CA (US);
Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Munich, DE;
Abstract
A modular vehicle key device system for controlling vehicle access and operation. The device is formed by joining at least two separable modules, a first key device module containing vehicle access and/or operation authorizing elements, such as a keyless entry transmitter and/or an ignition key, and a module for off-vehicle storage of personal adjustment settings and/or other data. With each use of the modular key device, the data in the storage module is transferred to the vehicle to ensure the operator's settings and information are always present. Separating the storage module from the key device module allows others to operate the vehicle while ensuring the operator's personal data cannot be lost. Separation also enables easy transfer of an operator's settings to a like vehicle. Other embodiments allow the operator to allow vehicle operation by others, such as valets, while limiting use of individual vehicle components, such as radios.