FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION (See section 10, rule 13)
“AN ELECTRONIC KEY”
MINDA CORPORATION LIMITED, of E-5/2, Chakan Industrial Area, Phase-III, M.I.D.C., Nanekarwadi,Tal: Khed, Dist.Pune-410 501, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention.

“AN ELECTRONIC KEY”
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally key fob for a vehicle and, more
particularly, to an electronic key.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The information in this section merely provide background information
related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
[0003] Modern vehicles typically include a key fob or an electronic key that wirelessly transmits RF command signals to a vehicle controller to perform a certain vehicle function, such as lock the doors, unlock the doors, open the trunk, open the hatch and start the engine, etc.
[0004] A key fob is basically a radio signal transmitting circuit which receive required power for signal transmitting operations from its internal battery. Usually, a key fob battery will last around three to four years before it needs to be replaced. Not having a fully functional key fob can lead to a lot of frustration and stress to an owner of the vehicle. For example, a person cannot enter into his/her vehicle. Other problem is getting a battery replaced which can impose difficulty on part of an inexperienced vehicle owner.
[0005] This is because most of the automobile manufacturers seal the battery inside the remote-control key/Key Fob (for example, with screws) and it can’t be opened generally with ease. In such cases, specific equipment/tool(s) is needed to open a key fob. In other scenarios, there are chances that key fob will snap apart during opening process. Therefore, battery replacement is inconvenient most of the times.

[0006] At present, there are key fobs available in the market which include rechargeable battery inside them. Thus, whenever the key fob is not functional due to the low/dead battery, the battery can be recharged. However, just like non-rechargeable battery of key fobs, eventually the rechargeable battery will have to be replaced some day or the other in order to keep key fobs functional. Therefore, the owner may face the above discussed issues during the replacement.
[0007] Thus, the key fob batteries, replacement features and related technologies available in this field so far are not suitable enough for easy operation of battery replacement procedures.
[0008] Therefore, there is need of the art that overcomes above mentioned problems and provide a chargeable key fob which does not require battery replacement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided by the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the disclosure.
[00010] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[00011] In an aspect, the present invention provides, an electronic key. The electronic key comprising an ultracapacitor (103) to provide power for operating the

electronic key; a regulator unit (102) configured to regulate an input voltage required for charging the ultracapacitor (103); a voltage monitoring unit (106) configured to: monitor an output voltage from the regulator unit (102); and monitor charging levels of the ultracapacitor; and a control unit (104) coupled to the ultracapacitor (102) and voltage monitoring unit (106), the control unit (104) configured to: control charging of the ultracapacitor (103); and initiate operation of the electronic key.
[00012] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic key which further comprises a communication port configured to connect the electronic key with one or more electronic devices, for charging the ultracapacitor.
[00013] In another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic key, wherein the regulator unit (102) is configured to regulate the input voltage by converting the input voltage to an appropriate voltage required for charging of the ultracapacitor.
[00014] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic key wherein the voltage monitoring unit (106) is further configured to provide an information regarding the output voltage from the regulator unit (102) and charging levels of the ultracapacitor, to the control unit (104).
[00015] In another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic key, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to determine a charging level of ultracapacitor (103) based on the information.
[00016] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic key, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to: signal the regulator unit (102) to stop charging the ultracapacitor (103) if the charging level of ultracapacitor (103) exceeds a predetermined level considered as maximum charge level; and

simultaneously turn off an indicator (105) indicating a low charge status of the ultracapacitor, the indictor (105) being coupled with the control unit (104).
[00017] In another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic key, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to: signal the regulator unit (102) to charge the ultracapacitor (103) if the charging level of ultracapacitor (103) is less than a predetermined level considered as low charge level; and simultaneously turn on the indicator (105) to indicate the low charge status of the ultracapacitor.
[00018] In another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic key, wherein the operation of the electronic key comprises transmitting a signal to a vehicle controller to perform a vehicle function that comprises locking doors of the vehicle, unlocking doors of the vehicle, open trunk, open hatch start engine.
[00019] In an aspect, the present invention provides a method performed at an electronic key. The method comprising: providing power to the electronic key by an ultracapacitor (103); regulating, by a regulator unit (102), an input voltage required for charging the ultracapacitor (103); monitoring, by a voltage monitoring unit (106), an output voltage from the regulator unit (102); monitoring, by the voltage monitoring unit (106), charging levels of the ultracapacitor (103); controlling, by a control unit (104), charging of the ultracapacitor (103); initiating, by the control unit (104), operation of the electronic key.
[00020] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method, further comprising connecting the electronic key with one or more electronic devices via a communication port, for charging the ultracapacitor.

[00021] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method, wherein regulating the input voltage comprises converting the input voltage to an appropriate voltage required for charging of the ultracapacitor.
[00022] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method, further comprising providing an information regarding the output voltage from the regulator unit (102) and charging levels of the ultracapacitor, to the control unit (104).
[00023] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method, further comprising determining a charging level of ultracapacitor (103) based on the information.
[00024] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method, further comprising: signaling the regulator unit (102) to stop charging the ultracapacitor (103) if the charging level of ultracapacitor (103) exceeds a predetermined level considered as maximum charge level; and simultaneously turning off an indicator (105) indicating a low charge status of the ultracapacitor, the indictor (105) being coupled with the control unit (104).
[00025] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method, further comprising signaling the regulator unit (102) to charge the ultracapacitor (103) if the charging level of ultracapacitor (103) is less than a predetermined level considered as low charge level; and simultaneously turning on the indicator (105) to indicate the low charge status of the ultracapacitor.
[00026] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method, wherein the operation of the electronic key comprises transmitting a signal to a vehicle controller to perform a vehicle function that comprises locking doors of the vehicle, unlocking doors of the vehicle, open trunk, open hatch start engine.

[00027] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00028] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Reference numerals have been used to refer to identical or similar functionally similar elements. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention wherein:
[00029] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic key according to an aspect of the present invention.
[00030] Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a control unit of the electronic key according to an aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00031] Referring now to the drawings, there is shown an illustrative embodiment of the invention “an electronic key”. It should be understood that the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms; specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It will be appreciated as the description proceeds that the invention may be realized in different embodiments.

[00032] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus or device. It could be noted with respect to the present disclosure that the terms like “supercapacitor”, “ultracapacitor”, are interchangeably used throughout the description and refer to same supercapacitor as described herein. Similarly, the terms like “an electronic key”, “the key”, “key fob”, “chargeable key fob” are interchangeably used throughout the description and refer to the same electronic key as described herein.
[00033] According to an aspect of the present invention, a chargeable key fob or an electronic key is provided, in which the battery system is completely replaced by a “supercapacitor” or “ultracapacitor” and a USB port for charging the supercapacitor. Thus, the electronic key will draw power from the ultracapacitor to perform its functions.
[00034] In operation, when key fob provides a low battery indication, the ultracapacitor inside the key fob can be charged by plugging the key fob in a USB socket provided in the vehicle.
[00035] A super capacitor/ultracapacitor is known for its high energy storing capacity which is much higher than other capacitors but having lower voltage limits. These capabilities of supercapacitor help it to bridge the gap between electrolytic capacitor and rechargeable batteries. These capacitors typically store 10 to 100 times more energy per unit volume or mass than electrolytic capacitors, can accept and deliver charge much faster than batteries, and tolerate many more charge and

discharge cycles than rechargeable batteries. Thus, use of supercapacitor in the key fob makes the key fob/electronic key remain functional for life- time without need of any replacement or maintenance.
[00036] Thus, electronic key according to the present invention allows a vehicle owner to use the key fob lifelong without being concerned for its battery replacement requirements which is required in currently available non-rechargeable/rechargeable battery based key fobs. The user can recharge the key fob embedded with USB chargeable port at any time when required. Moreover, the present invention will eliminate the requirements of battery change, opening the key fob for replacing dead battery and any other problems related to key fob battery replacements. The present invention achieves these advantage(s) in a manner as described below.
[00037] The key fob of the present invention utilizes the property of the supercapacitor for higher energy storage and fast charging operations. The operation of the chargeable key fob will now be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1.
[00038] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of electronic key 100. Broadly, the electronic key 100 comprises a USB socket 101, a switching regulator/convertor and charger 102, a supercapacitor 103, a control unit 104, a low battery indicator 105, and a battery voltage monitoring unit 106. The control unit 104 further comprises a RF (Radio Frequency) transmitter 104a, a LF (Low Frequency) receiver 104b and a microcontroller 104c. Each of these components are interconnected with each other to achieve the desired operation of key fob 100.
[00039] In operation, when a user of the key presses a button on the key fob, the control unit 104 is powered up by the supercapacitor/ultracapacitor 103. The control unit 104 then sends a data stream to the RF transmitter 104a as RF signal. The data stream contains command and for security, rolling codes, that tells a vehicle what function it should perform. A remote keyless system’s receiver in the vehicle

captures the RF signal, extracts it and performs requested function of the vehicle (lock the doors, unlock the doors, open the trunk, etc.).
[00040] In one of the exemplary embodiments, after a considerable time of usage of the electronic key 100, a charging level of the ultracapacitor 103 falls below a specified limit or a predetermined limit (as set by manufacturer) which is considered as low charging level. In this case, the battery voltage monitoring unit 106 signals the same to the control unit 104. The battery voltage monitoring unit 106 is responsible for monitoring an output voltage from the switching regulator 102 and also monitors status of charging levels of the supercapacitor 103. The control unit 104 than signals the low battery indicator 105 to turn on.
[00041] When a low battery indication 105 is turned on, the vehicle owner plugs in the electronic key in a USB socket provided in the vehicle. Internally, a USB port or socket 101 is coupled to the switching regulator 102 which is responsible for charging the ultracapacitor 103. In one of the exemplary embodiments, the electronic key 100 is connected to an electronic device or the USB socket of the vehicle through a USB cable for charging or communication purposes.
[00042] The function of the switching regulator 102 is to bias the ultracapacitor 103 for proper working. In an exemplary embodiment, the switching regulator 102 may convert the input voltage to an appropriate voltage that is required to charge the ultracapacitor 103. The switching regulator 102 is also connected to the battery voltage monitoring unit 106.
[00043] In another exemplary embodiment, over a period of charging, the charging level of the ultracapacitor 103 may exceed a certain level or predetermined level (as set by the manufacturer) which is specified as maximum charging level for the ultracapacitor 103. The battery voltage monitoring unit 106 signals the same to the control unit 104. The control unit 104 will then signal the switching regulator

102 to stop charging ultracapacitor 105. Simultaneously, the control unit 104 will signal the low battery indictor 105 to turn off.
[00044] Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a control unit 200 of the electronic key according to an aspect of the present invention.
[00045] In one of the exemplary embodiments, the control unit 200 comprises RF transmitter and receiver 201, a microcontroller 202, a memory 203 and modules 407. As an example, the data may be stored in a memory 203 configured for the electronic key. In one embodiment, the data may include all the data related to processing of the electronic key. In some embodiments, the data may be stored in the memory 203 in form of various data structures.
[00046] In one example, the modules 204 may be stored within the memory 203. In another example, the modules 204 communicatively coupled to the microcontroller 202, may also be present outside the memory 203 as shown in Fig. 2 and implemented as hardware. As used herein, the microcontroller 202 may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), a controller that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
[00047] In some examples, the modules 204 may comprise a charging status module 204a and other modules 204b.
[00048] In operation, when a user of the key presses a button on the key fob, the control unit 200 is powered up. The control unit 200 then sends a data stream through the RF transmitter 201 as RF signal. The data stream contains command and for security, rolling codes, that tells a vehicle what function it should perform. A remote keyless system’s receiver in the vehicle captures the RF signal, extracts it

and performs requested function of the vehicle (lock the doors, unlock the doors, open the trunk, etc.).
In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 200 controls the charging and discharging of ultracapacitor 103 of the electronic key 100 based on the charging status module 204a.
[00049] Accordingly, from the above disclosure, it may be worth noted that the present invention “an electronic key” allows a vehicle owner to get lifetime charging capabilities for the key fob and eliminates the requirement of changing or replacing the battery of the key fob after a certain time of use and thus saving user’s time and money for battery replacing purposes. This will also reduce additional burden of maintenance of key fob on the manufacturer of the vehicles as well.
[00050] The foregoing description of the various embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, and instead the claims should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
[00051] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is apparent that variations and modifications will occur without departing the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the present disclosure covers any and all modifications, variations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed above.

We claim:
1. An electronic key comprising:
an ultracapacitor (103) to provide power for operating the electronic key; a regulator unit (102) configured to regulate an input voltage required for charging the ultracapacitor (103);
a voltage monitoring unit (106) configured to:
monitor an output voltage from the regulator unit (102); and
monitor charging levels of the ultracapacitor; and a control unit (104) coupled to the ultracapacitor (102) and voltage monitoring unit (106), the control unit (104) configured to:
control charging of the ultracapacitor (103); and
initiate an operation of the electronic key.
2. The electronic key as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a communication port configured to connect the electronic key with one or more electronic devices, for charging the ultracapacitor.
3. The electronic key as claimed in claim 1, wherein the regulator unit (102) is configured to regulate the input voltage by converting the input voltage to an appropriate voltage required for charging of the ultracapacitor.
4. The electronic key as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage monitoring unit (106) is further configured to provide an information regarding the output voltage from the regulator unit (102) and charging levels of the ultracapacitor, to the control unit (104).
5. The electronic key as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to determine a charging level of ultracapacitor (103) based on the information.

6. The electronic key as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (104) is
configured to:
signal the regulator unit (102) to stop charging the ultracapacitor (103) if the charging level of ultracapacitor (103) exceeds a predetermined level considered as maximum charge level; and
simultaneously turn off an indicator (105) indicating a low charge status of the ultracapacitor, the indictor (105) being coupled with the control unit (104).
7. The electronic key as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (104) is
configured to:
signal the regulator unit (102) to charge the ultracapacitor (103) if the charging level of ultracapacitor (103) is less than a predetermined level considered as low charge level; and
simultaneously turn on the indicator (105) to indicate the low charge status of the ultracapacitor.
8. The electronic key as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operation of the electronic
key comprises transmitting a signal to a vehicle controller to perform a vehicle function
that comprises locking doors of the vehicle, unlocking doors of the vehicle, open trunk,
open hatch start engine.
9. A method performed at an electronic key comprising:
providing power to the electronic key by an ultracapacitor (103);
regulating, by a regulator unit (102), an input voltage required for charging the
ultracapacitor (103);
monitoring, by a voltage monitoring unit (106), an output voltage from the regulator unit (102);
monitoring, by the voltage monitoring unit (106), charging levels of the ultracapacitor (103);
controlling, by a control unit (104), charging of the ultracapacitor (103);

initiating, by the control unit (104), an operation of the electronic key.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising connecting the electronic key with one or more electronic devices via a communication port, for charging the ultracapacitor.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein regulating the input voltage comprises converting the input voltage to an appropriate voltage required for charging of the ultracapacitor.
12. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising providing an information regarding the output voltage from the regulator unit (102) and charging levels of the ultracapacitor, to the control unit (104).
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising determining a charging level of ultracapacitor (103) based on the information.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:
signaling the regulator unit (102) to stop charging the ultracapacitor (103) if the charging level of ultracapacitor (103) exceeds a predetermined level considered as maximum charge level; and
simultaneously turning off an indicator (105) indicating a low charge status of the ultracapacitor, the indictor (105) being coupled with the control unit (104).
15. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:
signaling the regulator unit (102) to charge the ultracapacitor (103) if the charging level of ultracapacitor (103) is less than a predetermined level considered as low charge level; and
simultaneously turning on the indicator (105) to indicate the low charge status of the ultracapacitor.

16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the operation of the electronic key comprises transmitting a signal to a vehicle controller to perform a vehicle function that comprises locking doors of the vehicle, unlocking doors of the vehicle, open trunk, open hatch start engine.