Global Journal of Technology and Optimization

Vehicle With Extended Range Remote Control Key Fob

Abstract

Ziad AlHihi

A vehicle that includes in-vehicle controller(s) coupled to an external network transceiver, and configured to register a key fob and/or a mobile device configured as a key fob. The transceiver is configured to communicate autonomously with remote servers to respond to a key fob signal received from the server, which includes an authentication code and a remote control command generated by the key fob and/or mobile device configured as the key fob. In further variations, the key fob is also configured to be paired and/or registered by an external mobile device, by the authentication code, and to generate the remote control command via the mobile device. In response to the key fob signal, the controller(s) autonomously adjust vehicle systems, such as locking or unlocking, arming and disarming a security system, adjusting cabin and/or seat temperature and configuration preferences, as well as other driver vehicle preferences.

Many types of personal, commercial, and industrial vehicles, including combustion engine and hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles, hereafter collectively referred to as "vehicles," include several types of in-vehicle computing systems, controllers, interfaces, networks, communications capabilities, and applications. Such onboard systems and applications enable vehicle operation, as well as vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure communications, and related communications and remote control capabilities that utilize key fobs and other types of mobile devices via such contemplated communications systems.

The disclosure is directed to a vehicle that includes at least one and/or one or more in-vehicle and/or onboard controller(s) that is/are coupled to an external network transceiver. The controller(s) are configured to register and/ or "pair" a key fob having an authentication code, to enable remote control of the vehicle by the key fob. The transceiver is configured to communicate autonomously with one or more remote server(s) in communication with an external network, such as the internet, and may be one or more transceivers each configured for particular communications protocols and capabilities, such as for example, Wi-Fi and cellular communications.