Patent · US Active

Keyless entry touch pad system and method

US7733332B2 · kind B2 · utility

30Cited by
11References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 22, 2005
Grant dateJun 8, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 18, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH03K2017/9602
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A keyless entry touch pad system for a vehicle includes a substrate with a plurality of touch zones disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the opposite surface. An inner electrode of each pattern is aligned with one of the touch zones. Each pattern is electrically coupled to an integrated control circuit, which outputs a signal to and energizes the electrodes of the pattern such that electric fields emanates therefrom. The electrode patterns may be capacitively coupled to the integrated control circuit. When the electric field of the inner electrode is disturbed by a stimulus proximate the corresponding touch zone, the component is activated. Upon activation of the components in a predetermined sequence, a controller causes the vehicle door to unlock. A method of unlocking a vehicle is also disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.