DESC:FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to communication systems and methods used in vehicle. Particularly, the disclosure relates to a key-fob based communication system for facilitating communication between the key-fob and various sub-systems associated with a vehicle.
DEFINITION(S):
Key-fob - A key fob is a type of security token, a small hardware device configured on a key-chain holding keys of a vehicle and is provided with built-in authentication mechanisms;
Induction based powering sub-system – is a system that generates power required for operating any electrically powered system by utilizing induction phenomenon, i.e. induced currents that are generated in secondary induction coil due to current flowing through the primary induction coil;
BACKGROUND
A two-wheeler vehicle such as a motorcycle or a scooter or any other two wheeled vehicle can be equipped with auxiliary sub-systems such as an immobilizer system and a vehicle locator that require wireless communication between the key-fob available with the rider of the vehicle and the auxiliary sub-systems. A transponder and an antenna are mounted on a key-fob for communicating with the auxiliary sub-systems. More specifically, as the key of the key-fob is inserted in a key hole formed on the vehicle lock cylinder, and the key is turned to the “ON” configuration, a switch is actuated for completing a circuit between the vehicle lock cylinder and the base station for facilitating communication between the base station and the key-fob. The base station communicates with the key-fob via the circuit for authorizing the key-fob and once authorization of the key-fob is done, the antenna mounted on the key-fob sets up a communication channel with an antenna mounted on a base station of the vehicle, wherein the base station signals the auxiliary sub-systems such as immobilizer and vehicle locator and controls operations of the auxiliary sub-systems.
The key-fob generally includes various elements such as a power conversion circuit, an interface circuit, the transponder and the antenna for communicating with the antenna of the base station. While the base station is communicating with most of the auxiliary sub-systems other than the immobilizer, the key-fob utilizes an inbuilt battery for powering various elements required for setting up the communication between the antenna of the key-fob and the antenna of the base. The key-fob communicate with the base station for controlling the immobilizer of the vehicle. However, the transponder used for the communication is expensive, further, the communication channel configured between the antenna of the key-fob and the antenna of the base station utilizes a 96 bit encrypted communication that is less secure, is prone to interference and disturbances and accordingly is less reliable. Further, the communication channel configured between the antenna of the key-fob and the antenna of the base station is a dedicated communication channel that cannot facilitate communication of the key-fob and the base station with any other authorized communication device(s) such as mobile phone of the rider.
Accordingly, there is a need for a communication system that configures a communication channel that eliminates the use of expensive transponders required for setting up communication between the key-fob and the base station of the vehicle, particularly between the antennae of the key-fob and the base station. Further, there is a need for a communication system that utilizes a communication that is more reliable and secure. Further, there is a need for a communication system that not only facilitates communication between the key-fob and the base station but also facilitates communication of the base station or key-fob with any other authorized communication device such as a mobile phone of the rider. Further, there is a need for a communication system that sets communication between a key-fob and a base station for controlling operation of an immobilizer as well as the auxiliary subsystems and reduces dependency on a battery.
OBJECTS:
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication system that eliminates use of expensive transponders for setting up communication between a key-fob and a base station of a vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication system that utilizes a 128 bit encrypted communication that is secure and reliable.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a communication system that not only facilitates communication between a key-fob and a base station but also facilitates communication of the base station or the key-fob with any other authorized communication device such as a mobile phone of a rider.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication system that sets communication between a key-fob and a base station for facilitating operation of an immobilizer system and/or other auxiliary subsystems of a vehicle.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, reliable, economical and efficient communication system for setting communication between a key-fob and a base station of a vehicle after authorization of the key-fob by the base station.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle communication system for setting communication between a key-fob and a base station of a vehicle that may be retrofitted to a conventional two wheeler without requiring many modifications.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost effective vehicle communication system for setting up communication between a key-fob and a base station.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle communication system that reduces battery dependency.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figure, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
A communication system for configuring communication channel between a key-fob and a vehicle is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system includes a first communication device, a second communication device and a communication network. The first communication device is configured on the key-fob. The second communication device is configured on base station of the vehicle. The communication network facilitates communication between the first and the second communication devices for authorizing the first communication device associated with the key-fob and enabling the authorized communication device to wirelessly control an immobilizer and other auxiliary sub-systems associated with the vehicle based on control signal generated by the base station. The first communication device selectively derives operating power from an induction based powering sub-system. The communication network is a short range wireless communication network.
Typically, the induction based powering sub-system includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil. The first induction coil is associated with the first communication device configured on the key-fob. The second induction coil is associated with a vehicle lock cylinder, wherein the second induction coil is functionally coupled to a battery of the vehicle and derives power there-from and further provides operating power to said first communication device via induction coupling with the first induction coil when the key-fob is in proximity with the vehicle lock cylinder.
Further, the communication system includes an interface circuit and a power conversion unit configured on the key-fob.
Still further, the communication system includes a control unit, a resonance circuit and an interface circuit configured on the base station.
Generally, the first communication device is powered by the induction based powering sub-system in case the key-fob is used for actuating the immobilizer and the first communication device is directly powered by the battery of the vehicle in case the key-fob is used for actuating auxiliary systems associated with the vehicle, thereby reducing dependency on the battery of the vehicle.
Typically, the communication network is a Bluetooth based communication.
Specifically, the communication network is a Bluetooth based 128 bit encrypted communication.

Typically, the short range wireless communication network is 128 bit encrypted communication.
Generally, the first communication device communicates with other Bluetooth® enabled devices such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
Further, the second communication further adapted to communicate with other Bluetooth® enabled devices such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The key-fob based communication system for a vehicle of the present disclosure will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a key-fob based communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the key-fob based communication system facilitates communication between the key-fob and the base station of the vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A key-fob based communication system of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration. The embodiment herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The present disclosure envisages a communication system that configures a communication channel that eliminates use of expensive transponders for setting up communication between a key-fob and the base station of the vehicle after authorization of the key-fob by the base station. The communication system of the present disclosure utilizes Bluetooth® communication between a first Bluetooth® communication device mounted on the key-fob and any other Bluetooth® communication device mounted on the base station. Such a configuration considers future developments, wherein the key-fob or the base station of the vehicle may be required to communicate with other authorized devices such as a mobile phone via Bluetooth® communication. Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a key-fob based communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the communication system of the present disclosure utilizes Bluetooth® communication between the first Bluetooth® communication device 10 mounted on the key-fob 100 and another Bluetooth® communication device 20 mounted on the base station 200 of the vehicle to facilitate Bluetooth® communication between the key-fob 100 and the base station 200 of the vehicle. The base station 200 generates signals for the wireless control of the immobilizer as well as other auxiliary sub-systems. The Bluetooth® communication between the base station 200 and the key-fob 100 resulting with the use of Bluetooth® communication device is a 128 bit encrypted communication that is secure, reliable and more efficient than the 96 bit encrypted communication that is configured between the base station and the key-fob using conventional communication systems. Further, such communication configuration eliminates the use of transponders that are expensive and not reliable. Once the key-fob 100 is authorized by the base station, communication channel or communication coupling is set up between the key-fob 100 and the base station 200 of the vehicle, the base station 200 generate signals for the wireless control of the immobilizer as well as the auxiliary sub-systems.
The key-fob based communication system facilitates communication between the key-fob 100 and the base station 200 of the vehicle. The key-fob 100 generally includes an interface circuit 02, a power conversion unit 04 and the first Bluetooth® communication device 10. The base station 200 generally includes a control unit 102, a resonance circuit 104, an interface circuit 106 and the second Bluetooth® communication device 20. These elements, particularly, the first Bluetooth® communication device 10 and the second Bluetooth® communication device 20 facilitates communication between the key-fob 100 and the base station 200 and are required to be powered for operation thereof. The first Bluetooth® communication device 10 and the second Bluetooth® communication device 20 are powered by means of a powering sub-system (not indicated in Figure). The powering sub-system includes a first induction coil 30 associated with the first Bluetooth® communication device 10 mounted on the key-fob 100 and a second induction coil 40 associated with a vehicle lock cylinder, wherein the second induction coil 40 is functionally coupled to the vehicle battery and derives power there-from and further provides operating power to the first Bluetooth® communication device 10 via induction coupling with first induction coil 30. With use of such induction based powering for powering the first Bluetooth® communication device 10 mounted on the key-fob 100 the battery dependency is reduced when the key-fob 100 is used for actuating the immobilizer. However, a battery (not shown in Figure) may be used to power the first Bluetooth® communication device 10 in case the key-fob 100 is used for actuating the auxiliary systems associated with the vehicle.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The key-fob based communication system for facilitating communication of the key-fob with various sub-systems associated with a vehicle via the base station in accordance with the present disclosure has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of:
• a communication system that eliminates use of expensive transponders for setting up communication between a key-fob and a base station of a vehicle;
• a communication system that utilizes a 128 bit encrypted communication that is secure and reliable;
• a communication system that not only facilitates communication between a key-fob and a base station but also facilitates communication of the base station or the key-fob with any other authorized communication device such as a mobile phone of a rider;
• a communication system that sets communication between a key-fob and a base station for facilitating operation of the immobilizer system and/or other auxiliary subsystems of a vehicle;
• a simple, reliable, economical and efficient communication system for setting communication between a key-fob and a base station of a vehicle after authorization of the key-fob by the base station;
• a vehicle communication system for setting communication between a key-fob and a base station of a vehicle that may be retrofitted to a conventional two wheeler without requiring many modifications; and
• a vehicle communication system that reduces battery dependency.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Wherever a range of values is specified, a value up to 10% below and above the lowest and highest numerical value respectively, of the specified range, is included in the scope of the disclosure.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. ,CLAIMS:1. A communication system for configuring communication channel between a key-fob and a vehicle, said communication system comprising:
• a first communication device configured on the key-fob;
• a second communication device configured on base station of the vehicle; and
• a communication network adapted to facilitate communication between said first and said second communication devices for authorizing said first communication device associated with said key-fob and enabling the authorized communication device to wirelessly control an immobilizer and other auxiliary sub-systems associated with the vehicle based on control signal generated by said base station,
wherein said first communication device is adapted to selectively derive operating power from an induction based powering sub-system and said communication network is a short range wireless communication network.

2. The communication system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said induction based powering sub-system comprising:
• a first induction coil associated with said first communication device configured on the key-fob; and
• a second induction coil associated with a vehicle lock cylinder, wherein said second induction coil is functionally coupled to a battery of the vehicle and derives power there-from and further provides operating power to said first communication device via induction coupling with said first induction coil when said key-fob is in proximity with said vehicle lock cylinder.

3. The communication system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an interface circuit and a power conversion unit configured on the key-fob.

4. The communication system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a control unit, a resonance circuit and an interface circuit configured on said base station.

5. The communication system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first communication device adapted to be powered by said induction based powering sub-system in case the key-fob is used for actuating said immobilizer and said first communication device adapted to be directly powered by the battery of the vehicle in case the key-fob is used for actuating auxiliary systems associated with the vehicle, thereby reducing dependency on the battery of the vehicle.

6. The communication system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication network is a Bluetooth based communication.

7. The communication system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said communication network is a Bluetooth based 128 bit encrypted communication.
8. The communication system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said short range wireless communication network is 128 bit encrypted communication.

9. The communication system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first communication device further adapted to communicate with other Bluetooth enabled devices such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets.

10. The communication system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second communication further adapted to communicate with other Bluetooth enabled devices such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets.