JPH0255498A - Electronic apparatus for indicating parking time of automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To inform the driver who is at a distance from a parked vehicle of its parking time by providing a receiver having an electronic digital timer whose display can be viewed from outside the vehicle and a small-sized transmitter having an electronic digital hour and minute counter with a divisional display. CONSTITUTION: The driver who bears a transmitter gets out of the vehicle, displays 'in parking' P on a display 6 on the reverse of the rearview mirror, and also shows the starting time of this operation on a display 6 through an electronic timer. The circuit of the transmitter is so constituted as to indicate the end of a registered parking time by sounding an alarm signal tone through an acoustic indicator 22. Once the engine of the vehicle is started after the parking, a switch for on/off operation of the control circuit 27 of a receiver operates and the indications on the displays 5 and 6 are erased.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to an electronic device for displaying the parking time of a motor vehicle, especially in areas where a so-called parking time disc Φ indicator or the like is required. Pertains to electronic devices used when parking. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device of the type mentioned above, which is adapted to inform the parking time not only of a parked vehicle but also of a driver located at a distance from the parked vehicle.

[Structure of the Invention] A device according to the present invention is composed of a remote control device. This remote control device is equipped with a receiver equipped with an electronic digital clock, which is located inside the vehicle and whose display is clearly visible from the outside, and an electronic digital hour and minute counter with a split-display display. The device has a small transmitter, for example, a pocket-sized transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter circuits are configured so that the time display of the electronic digital clock can be visually checked by a control member installed in the transmitter. simultaneously blocking the split-display display and preferably also visibly illuminating the parking display (letters and/or codes); and in conjunction with these operations, the transmitter's electronic digital hour and minute counter. It is configured to start.

The transmitter and the corresponding receiver include, for example, wireless transmission,
Wireless transmission systems such as infrared transmission or ultrasonic transmission can be used.

Preferably, according to the invention, the electronic hour and minute counter circuit of the transmitter is capable of emitting an intermittent acoustic signal to inform the user that the parking time has been exceeded and/or to alert the user of the exceedance of the permitted parking time. An audible warning signal may also be issued to indicate that an overage is expected. The permitted parking time can be input into the transmitter.

The electronic digital hour and minute counter of the transmitter can be reset to zero by a control member provided on the transmitter. The time displayed on the receiver's split-display display is rendered invisible (turned off) by the starter control for the motor vehicle's engine. To explain in more detail,
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, upon actuation of the controller to start the vehicle engine, the receiver circuit is preconditioned and the transmitter's hour/minute counter reset controller causes the electronic clock display to start. You can turn off the light or turn off the display.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the receiver is integrated into a rearview mirror inside the vehicle. The electronic digital clock display is located behind the rearview mirror and is visible through the windshield.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmitter and the receiver can be used as a radio management device with one or more types of functionality that is installed in a vehicle. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the invention,
The receiver circuit is configured to control the electric actuator of the car door, and the transmitter has two controllers, one for locking said door and one for unlocking said door. We are prepared.

These and other features of the invention, as well as the advantages derived from them, will be explained in detail with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These examples are not intended to limit the invention.

[Example] In the figure, 1 indicates an automobile equipped with a device according to the present invention. This device consists of a remote control device using a receiver 2 and a transmitter 3 paired with the receiver. This remote control device is
It can be operated using various transmission systems such as, for example, wireless systems, ultrasound systems, infrared systems, etc.

The receiver 2 is built into a rearview mirror 4 inside the automobile 1, and is equipped with an electronic digital clock. A dial or display 5 of this electronic digital clock is attached to the back side of the rearview mirror 4 and can be viewed from the outside through the windshield of the automobile 1. The display 5 of the electronic digital clock installed on the back side of the rearview mirror 4 inside the vehicle can be constructed of any suitable type, especially a type that can be read without trouble even when exposed to sunlight. Two pushbuttons 105 and 205 are arranged below the display 5 for managing the hours and minutes of the electronic digital clock. In addition to the display 5 of the electronic digital clock, the receiver @ 2 is the car 1
The vehicle is equipped with a display 6 that shows the parking status of the vehicle. This display 6 is also installed on the back side of the rearview mirror 4, and can display, for example, characters or codes such as "Waiting" or "Parking." The receiver 2 may be equipped with a suitable antenna 7.

In the illustrated embodiment, the door locks of the motor vehicle 1 are locked and unlocked in a known manner by an electric actuator 8, for example via a relay controlled by the circuitry of the receiver 2 via a respective control exchanger 9; and/or opened and closed. Of course, the receiver 2, the actuator 8 for the door lock of the automobile l, and the control exchanger 9 include:
Electric power is supplied from the battery 10 of the vehicle 1. In addition to the control exchange 9 opening and closing the doors of the motor vehicle I, said receiver can simultaneously control the anti-theft device indicated at 17.

The transmitter 3 is a small transmitter, in particular a pocket-sized transmitter, and can also be configured, for example, in the form of a key chain or the like. The transmitter 3 receives power from an internally built-in cell battery (not shown) and emits high-frequency, low-output signals in accordance with each control function. This low power signal is suitably modulated, for example by a coded wave velocity. The transmitter 3 is equipped with an electronic digital hour and minute counter with a dial or display 15 for each function. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmitter 3 also has six control keys 11, 12.13.14.18.
and 19. The key 11 has the function of unlocking or opening the door of the automobile 1 and at the same time disabling the anti-theft device. The key 12 has the function of locking or closing the vehicle door and activating the theft prevention device. key 1
The key 3 serves to activate the device at the beginning of the parking time of the motor vehicle I, and the key 14 serves to restore the inactive device at the end of the parking time. Keys 18 and 19 are
Preferably, the keys are of a type that can only be operated with a sharp object such as a pencil, and these keys have the role of inputting the hours and minutes of the digital clock of the receiver 2.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the circuit of the transmitter 3.

This circuit is constituted by a microprocessor 20 that receives power from a cell battery 21. This microprocessor includes a pushbutton controller 1 as described above.
1.12.13.14 and 18.19 are fitted and adapted to control the hour Φ minute counter and display 15 as well as the acoustic indicator 22. A specific example of the display 15 is an LED display, but a liquid crystal display or a similar display is preferable.

The control signals generated by actuating keys 11, 12, 13, 14 and 18, 19 are transmitted through a microprocessor 20 to a code modulator 23 and then via a transmitting device 24, preferably a low power UHF transmitter to a receiver. 2 can be conveyed.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the opposing circuitry of the receiver 2. The receiver 2 comprises a receiving device 25 with an antenna 7, in particular a UHF radio receiving device. This receiving device 25 is configured to transmit a received signal, for example, the wave velocity of an encoded pulse, to a control circuit 27 via a detector/code decoder 26. The control circuit 27 includes a microprocessor 28 and a pilot control circuit 29. This pilot control circuit 29 is connected at its output end 29' to the control exchanger 9 for opening and closing the door, to the control exchanger of the anti-theft device 17, or to other devices if necessary. The control circuit 27 connects the output terminal 30 to the battery 1 of the automobile 1.
0, and another output 31 is provided to eliminate the "park" function of the device.

The control circuit 27 also includes a digital clock connected to the control circuit, specifically a timer circuit having a 24-hour measurement function. This control circuit 27 also includes a push button 105 for inputting the time and time, as schematically shown in FIG.
．． 205, an attached display 5, and a display 6 showing the parking state. These displays 5
and 6, for example, an LED display is used, and it is preferable to use a high-contrast liquid crystal that does not cause any adverse effects even when exposed to sunlight.

In the circuit of the receiver 2 and the transmitter 3 described above, under normal conditions, the displays 5 and 6 of the receiver 2 are off, that is, there is no display on the display, and the hour and minute counters of the transmitter 3 are inactive. It is configured to be in a state.

When parking the car 1 in an area that requires a parking time disc indicator, the driver gets out of the car 1 with the transmitter 3 in his possession and presses the key 13 to turn on the receiver located behind the rearview mirror 4 inside the car. 2. Two displays5.
6 switches are turned on. As a result of this operation, the characters "waiting" or "parking" or an abbreviation are displayed on the display 6, and the start time of this operation is displayed on the display 5 by an electronic clock. However, this time displayed on the display 5 is blocked, ie the electronic circuit of the electronic clock does not count the time, but the time when the device is activated, ie the time when parking begins, is displayed.

At the same time as the key 13 is actuated, the hour/minute counter of the transmitter 3 is also activated to display to the bearer the elapsed time from the start of the parking period.

The driver can lock the door when leaving the car. That is, the key 12 of the transmitter 3 can be operated to lock the doors of the vehicle and activate the theft prevention device 17. The transmitter circuitry can also be configured to periodically emit a sound to alert the wearer of the passage of time. In certain preferred embodiments, the transmitter circuitry is configured to pre-announce the end of the registered parking period by emitting an audible warning signal from the acoustic indicator 22. For example, in the case of a normal parking time of 60 minutes, a warning signal sound is emitted when 45 minutes have elapsed, and the warning signal sound is further emitted repeatedly when 55 minutes have elapsed when an emergency is required.

After parking the vehicle, the driver operates the key 11 of the transmitter 3 to unlock the door in order to enter the vehicle, and the anti-theft device is deactivated. Also, by operating the key 14, the hour/minute counter is reset to zero.

When the engine of the vehicle 1 starts, a switch connected to the output end 31 that performs important operations on the control circuit 27 of the receiver 2 operates (see Fig. 6), erases the display 5 of the electronic clock, and stops the vehicle. Display 6 showing the status
The display is also erased. In the modified example, starting the car's engine causes the control circuit 27 of the receiver 2 to return to its initial operating conditions, operating the same transmitter key 14 that is used to reset the hour and minute counters to zero. It is also possible to erase the two displays 5 and 6 by doing so.

To set the parking time on the electronic digital clock of the receiver 2, the user can use either the keys 105, 205 of the receiver 2 or the keys 18 and 19 of the transmitter 3. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, key 105.1
8 is used to enter the hours and keys 205.19 are used to enter the minutes. However, these features will not work if the display is showing the parking start time, i.e. if the device is in the "parked" state.

As the time is set, the hour and minute numbers entered appear on the display, and this display automatically disappears if keys 105, 205 or 18, 19 are not operated within 5 seconds.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described heretofore. Various changes and modifications may be made in the embodiments, especially in the structure and the actual circuit design of the receiver 2 and transmitter 3. For example, the transmitter 3 may be provided with means for entering or changing a predetermined parking time, such as the parking time agreed upon in the area requiring the disc fist indicator. Also, instead of incorporating the receiver 2 and the two displays 5 (for electronic clocks) and the display 6 (for use when parking) into the rearview mirror inside the car, parts other than the rearview mirror, i.e., optional products installed in the car, etc. It can be attached to any of the parts that are originally attached to the car. For example, FIG.
It shows. The disk 16 may be provided with suitable attachment means (the shape of the disk body may be other than that shown). This installation can be done by attaching the disc to the inside of the windshield or other parts of the car near the windshield, with the two displays 5 and 6 visible from the outside, and displaying the parking/time display. It can be used as an official disc indicator or something similar. All of the foregoing is intended to be within the principles of the invention and the scope of the claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of the incorporation of the device according to the invention in an accessory element of a motor vehicle. FIG. 2 is a rear view of a rearview mirror in a vehicle, in which the receiver of the device according to the invention is installed. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the transmitter of the device according to the invention. FIG. 4 shows the receiver of the device according to the invention housed inside a disc-shaped member. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the circuitry of the transmitter of the device according to the invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the circuitry of the receiver of the device according to the invention. 1 ・ 2 ・ 3 ・ 4 ・ 5. 7 ・ e 10 ・ 11. 15 ・ 20, 23 ・ 24 ・ 27, ・Automobile・Receiver・Transmitter・Rearview mirror inside the car・Display・Receiver antenna Electric actuator・Control exchanger Battery 2.13.14.18.19・・・Key・Display 8・・Microprocessor・Acoustic indicator・Coding modulator・Transmission device 9・・Control circuit

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A receiver (2) equipped with an electronic digital clock that is placed inside an automobile (1) and whose display (5) can be viewed from the outside, and a split display display. It consists of a remote control device with a small transmitter (3) equipped with an electronic digital hour and minute counter (15), a receiver (2) and a transmitter (3).
) allows the time display of the electronic digital clock of the receiver (2) to be viewed by means of a control member (13) provided in the transmitter, simultaneously blocks the split-display display, and in conjunction with these operations, the circuit of the transmitter ( 3) An electronic device for displaying the parking time of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it is configured to start the electronic digital hour and minute counter of item 3). 2. The receiver (2) further includes a display (6) that indicates the parking status by corresponding characters and/or codes.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a display (5) of the electronic watch and that this display is activated simultaneously with the display (5) of the electronic watch by means of a corresponding control (13) on the transmitter (3). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic hour/minute counter circuit of the transmitter (3) emits an acoustic signal at intervals from the installed acoustic alarm means (22). . 4. From claim 1, wherein the transmitter (3) has means for inputting the required parking time, and the transmitter emits a warning signal indicating in advance the end of this input time. 3. The device according to any one of 3. 5. Claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the electronic digital hour and minute counter of the transmitter (3) can be reset to zero by a controller (14) provided on the transmitter (3).
A device according to any one of the following. 6. The time displayed on the split-display display (5) of the receiver (2) is made invisible by the starter controller for the engine of the vehicle (1) and the control output (31) of the receiver (2) 6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the starter switch is connected to a starter switch. 7. The operation of the controller to start the engine of the motor vehicle (1) reactivates the circuit of the receiver (2), the display (5) of the electronic clock is cleared by the controller and the said transmitter (3) is activated again. 6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hour/minute counter can be reset to zero. 8. The receiver (2) is installed in the rearview mirror (4) inside the car (1), and the electronic clock display (5) and the display (6) showing the parking status are installed in the rearview mirror (4). 8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is installed on the back side and is visible through the windshield. 9. From claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transmitter (3) and the receiver (2) are configured to allow remote control of one or more types of functions related to the motor vehicle (1). 8. The device according to any one of 8. 10. The receiver (2) controls the electric actuator (8) for locking and unlocking the door of the automobile (1), and the control pilot circuit (29) is connected to the control output terminal (2).
9'), and the transmitter (3) has corresponding control means (
11, 12). The device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises: 11, 12). 11. The receiver (2) activates the automobile theft prevention device (17) based on each opening/closing command for the door of the automobile (1).
11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the device controls activation and inactivation of the device. 12. The transmitter (3) has a microprocessor (20) powered by a cell battery (21), which microprocessor has a control key (13) for activating the parking function and a control key (13) for operating the hours and minutes. a control key (14) for resetting the counter to zero and a control key (11) for opening or unlocking the door and disabling the anti-theft device (17);
A control key (12) that closes or locks the door and activates the anti-theft device (17), and a timer on the clock of the receiver (2), which does not function if the device is in the "parked" state.・Two control keys (18, 19) for inputting minutes
and when the microprocessor has a display (15) coupled to the microprocessor.
It is equipped with a minute counter and an acoustic indicator (22), and the signal emitted by the microprocessor (20) is encoded in a code modulator (23) and transmitted by a transmitting circuit (
24), in particular transmitted to the receiver (2) by a low-power UHF radio transmitter.
A device according to any one of the following. 13. The receiver (2) has an antenna (7) coupled to a control circuit (27) by a detector/decoder (26).
The control circuit consists of a radio receiver (25), in particular a UHF radio receiver, with a microprocessor (25), in particular a UHF radio receiver.
8) and one or more control pilot circuits (29) with control outputs (29'), and the control circuit (27) is coupled to this control circuit and has a corresponding display ( 5) and an electronic digital clock with a display (6) indicating the parking status, and this control circuit (27) is connected to the vehicle (1) through an output section (30).
13. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is supplied with power from a battery (10) of the device and is provided with a control input (31) for putting the device into an inoperative state. 14. The receiver (2) displays the time and time on the digital clock, respectively.
14. According to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it has two keys (105, 205) for entering the minutes, these keys being inoperative if the device is in the "parked" state. Device. 15. The receiver (2) and the electronic clock as well as the parking status display (5, 6) are integrated in a suitable part (16), which can be fixed or removable with a parking time display. 15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it can be used as a disc.