Background of the present invention Generally, a remote starting and alarm system enables a driver to start engine by operating a transmitter at the outside of vehicle so that the driver can drive the vehicle as soon as he gets on the vehicle.

The conventional remote starting and alarm system comprises a main unit being installed on the vehicle for controlling the vehicle equipments and a remote controller being carried by the driver, both can communicate with each other bi-directionally or uni-directionally. The antenna locating between the remote controller and the main unit relays a signal from one to another.

If the driver controls the operation of vehicle (e. g. , remote starting) by means of the remote controller, the main unit receives a remote control signal of the remote controller via an antenna, and performs an operation corresponding to the received 5 remote control signal.

That is, when the driver pushes a button according to the predetermined ways (e. g. , long, short, once or several times), then a micro-processor in the remote controller generates the predetermined signal for remote control. The generated remote control signal is transmitted through RF circuit, and then received by the antenna. When 10 the antenna delivers the received signal to the main unit, the main unit performs the vehicle control corresponding to the received signal. The main unit transmits the result of operation to the remote controller via the antenna, if necessary.

Also, if a theft or an attempt of robbery may occur, the main unit of the conventional remote starting and alarm system generates an alarming sounds, and at the 15 same time, transmits the occurrence of theft to the remote controller in order to prevent the theft.

As described above, the conventional remote starting and alarm system relays signals between the remote controller and the main unit, but cannot provide any data about the vehicle condition or the current setup state of alarm system. Also, it is difficult 20 for the driver who lost the remote controller to change the function setup of main unit.

In addition, in the case of changing the function setup of main unit even by the remote controller, some problems in data recognition can occur due to the limitation on the effective distance for transmission and errors occurring communication.

Also, due to the simple function of the antenna in the conventional remote 5 starting and alarm system, it is cumbersome to additionally connect the main unit with a carcall sensor (i. e. , theftproof sensor) for calling a driver.

Detailed description of the invention Technical obiects 10 The technical object of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems is to provide an antenna module for remote engine starting of vehicle and method for displaying vehicle data using the antenna module, which has functions of changing function setup and displaying vehicle data.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an antenna module for 15 remote engine starting of vehicle and method for displaying vehicle data using the antenna module, which can be connected to an additional module (i. e. , carcall sensor, etc) that also can be connectable to the main unit for the purpose of reducing an install cost and maximizing an effect of purchase.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an antenna module for 20 remote engine starting of vehicle and method for displaying vehicle data using the

antenna module, which enables a driver to control the functions easily and comfortably by adding various functions to the vehicle antenna.

Technical solution To solve aforementioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle antenna being connectable to a remote starting and alarm system, wherein the remote starting and alarm system comprises a remote controller, the vehicle antenna and a main unit, wherein the vehicle antenna and the main unit are installed in a vehicle, comprising: a RF transducer for receiving a vehicle control signal from the remote controller and transmitting an operation result data from the main unit to the remote controller, an input device for inputting a driver command, wherein the driver command is one selected from a group consisting of a command for outputting vehicle condition data and a command for changing vehicle condition setup data, a display for showing a vehicle condition data corresponding to the vehicle control signal or the driver command or a vehicle condition setup data, a controller for changing the vehicle condition setup data corresponding to the vehicle control signal or the driver command, a main unit interface, being coupled to the main unit wiredly or wirelessly, for sending the changed vehicle condition setup data to the main unit, and receiving the operation result data from the main unit, and a carcall detector for detecting an impact on the vehicle or a door opening, and for requesting a predetermined anti-theft operation if the impact is larger than a predetermined magnitude.

The carcall detector comprises a sensor for detecting the impact on the vehicle or the door opening and a carcall sensitivity controller for changing the sensitivity of the sensor. In addition, if the impact is larger than the predetermined magnitude, the carcall 5 detector requests the predetermined anti-theft operation comprising at least one of a driver call, a alarm sound, alarm lighting, and the controller requests the predetermined anti-theft operation to the main unit.

The carcall detector further comprises a carcall LED for indicating the operation of carcall function.

10 The vehicle antenna of the present invention further comprises a data converter for converting the vehicle condition data or the vehicle condition setup data corresponding to the vehicle control signal or the driver command into an effect sound or a voice, and a speaker for outputting the effect sound or the voice.

Also, the vehicle antenna further comprises a storage for storing at least one of 15 a detection data being generated by the carcall detector, the vehicle condition data, the vehicle condition setup data, a driving history, and a driver's fingerprint.

Also, he vehicle antenna of claim further comprises a button cover for covering the input device, a fingerprint input part for inputting the driver's fingerprint, a 20 fingerprint identifying part for comparing the fingerprint from the fingerprint input part with the fingerprint of the storage to determine their coincidence. The button cover is open if these two fingerprints coincide with each other.

And, the vehicle condition setup data is for changing a setup data of the main unit.

5 According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle antenna being connectable to a remote starting and alarm system, wherein the remote starting and alarm system comprises a remote controller, the vehicle antenna and a main unit, wherein the vehicle antenna and the main unit are installed in a vehicle, comprising: a RF transducer for receiving a vehicle control signal from the remote 10 controller and transmitting an operation result data from the main unit to the remote controller, an input device for inputting a driver command, wherein the driver command is one selected from a group consisting of a command for outputting vehicle condition data and a command for changing vehicle condition setup data, a display for showing a vehicle condition data corresponding to the vehicle control signal or the driver 15 command or a vehicle condition setup data, a controller for changing the vehicle condition setup data corresponding to the vehicle control signal or the driver command and requesting a predetermined anti-theft operation to the main unit if an impact magnitude data being included in a detection data from a carcall detector is larger than a predetermined magnitude, a main unit interface, being coupled to the main unit wiredly 20 or wirelessly, for sending the changed vehicle condition setup data and the predetermined anti-theft operation to the main unit, and receiving the operation result data from the main unit, and a carcall detector for detecting an impact on the vehicle or a door opening, and for generating the detection data to be sent.

Also, the vehicle antenna further comprises a storage for storing at least one of 5 the detection data, the vehicle condition data, the vehicle condition setup data, a driving history, and a driver's fingerprint.

In addition, the vehicle antenna further comprises a button cover for covering the input device, a fingerprint input part for inputting the driver's fingerprint, a fingerprint identifying part for comparing the fingerprint from the fingerprint input part 10 with the fingerprint of the storage to determine their coincidence. The button cover is open if these two fingerprints coincide with each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a vehicle condition and for displaying a vehicle condition data in a vehicle remote starting and alarm system, wherein the remote starting and alarm 15 system comprises a remote controller, the vehicle antenna and a main unit, wherein the vehicle antenna comprises a display and an input device, wherein the vehicle antenna and the main unit are installed in a vehicle, comprising: analyzing a vehicle control command being included in a vehicle control signal on receiving the vehicle control signal from the remote controller, wherein the vehicle control command is one selected 20 from a group consisting of a command for displaying a vehicle condition data and a command for changing a vehicle condition setup data, displaying the vehicle condition data corresponding to the vehicle control command on the display if the vehicle control command is the command for displaying the vehicle condition data, sending a vehicle condition changing request corresponding to the vehicle control command to the main 5 unit if the vehicle control command is the command for changing the vehicle condition setup data or the command for changing the vehicle condition setup data is inputted through the input device, displaying the vehicle condition changing data corresponding to the command for changing the vehicle condition setup data on the display, and requesting a predetermined anti-theft operation to the main unit on detecting an 10 abnormal sign on the vehicle, wherein the abnormal sign is one selected from a group consisting of an impact on the vehicle and a door opening, wherein the anti-theft operation is one selected from a group consisting of a driver call, an alarm sound, an alarm lighting.

The step of requesting the anti-theft operation is performed when the abnormal 15 sign is door opening or the impact is larger than a predetermined magnitude.

Also, the method further comprises the step of storing the abnormal sign if the driver call is not performed normally, and transmitting a data relating to the abnormal signal to the remote controller or displaying on the display on receiving a request for stored record from the remote controller or the input device.

20 In addition, the method further comprises the steps of receiving an operation result data corresponding to the request for changing the vehicle condition or the anti- theft operation from the main unit, and transmitting the operation result data to the remote controller.

5 Brief description of the drawings FIG 1 is a block diagram of the remote starting and alarm system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG 2 is a block diagram of the vehicle antenna according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 10 FIG 3 and FIG 4 are flowcharts for showing the operation of the vehicle antenna according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG 5 is a front view of the vehicle antenna of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG 6 is a block diagram of the vehicle antaean according to another 15 embodiment of the present invention; and FIG 7 is a front view of the vehicle antenna according to another object of the present invention.

<A list of the numbers identifying major parts shown in the drawings> 20 120: remote controller 130: vehicle antenna

140: main unit 210 : power supply 220: input device 230 : carcall detector 240: main unit interface 250: oscillating circuit 260: display 270 : RF transducer 280: controller 510 : driver identifying device 610: fingerprint input part 620 : button cover Embodiments Hereinafter, an antenna module for remote engine starting of vehicle and method for displaying vehicle data using the antenna module will be described with accompanying drawings. In describing the accompanying drawings, same or equivalent element will be indicated by same reference number throughout whole drawings, and repeated description will be omitted. Also, although the spirit of present invention will be described with embodiments, however, it is an exemplary only, not for limit, and it is apparent to those who skilled in the art that various changes and modification can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG 1 is a block diagram of remote starting and alarm system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the remote starting and alarm system comprises a remote controller 120, a vehicle antenna 130 and a main unit 140.

The remote controller 120 is a portable device for remotely controlling a remote starting, a door lock/unlock, an alarm setup of vehicle 110 at the outside. The remote controller 120 can further comprise a display for showing setup condition data of 5 vehicle 110 being received from the main unit 140 through bi-directional communication.

The vehicle antenna 130 relays the bi-directional communication between the remote controller 120 and main unit 140. That is, the vehicle antenna 130 delivers the vehicle control signal received from the remote controller 120 by means of RF 10 transmission method to the main unit through a cable, and the operation result data from the main unit 140 to the remote controller 120 by means of RF transmission method.

Also, the vehicle antenna 130 comprises a display for showing vehicle condition data and a key button for controlling the vehicle condition (e. g. , theftproof setup, alarm setup,<BR> door unlock, open trunk, etc. ). The configuration and operation of vehicle antenna 130 15 will be described in detail with drawings.

The main unit 140 controls the condition of vehicle 110 according to the vehicle control signal from remote controller 120 via the vehicle antenna 130 or the vehicle control signal from the key button in the vehicle antenna 130. The main unit 140 will be connected temporarily to the door lock/unlock device or engine star switch to perform 20 the vehicle control operation according to the vehicle control signal. Since the connections between the main unit 140 and the vehicle devices for remote controlling are well known in the art, detailed description will be omitted here.

FIG 2 is a block diagram of the vehicle antenna according to the preferred 5 embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG 2, the vehicle antenna 130 of the present invention comprises a power supply 210, an input device 220, a carcall detector 230, a main unit interface 240, an oscillating circuit 250, a display 260, a RF transducer 270 and a controller 280.

The power supply 210 provides an electrical power to the vehicle antenna 130.

10 The power supply 210 is a battery installed in the vehicle 110 or contained in the vehicle antenna. Also, the power supply 210 can be the battery in the vehicle during driving or the self-containing battery during parking.

The input device 220 comprises at least one button for controlling to display <BR> vehicle condition data (e. g. , car temperature, remaining power of self-containing battery,<BR> 15 and so on) or changing vehicle setup condition data (e. g. , sensitivity of carcall detector, current time setting, temperature displaying way, and so on). The way of button comprised in the input device 220 will be described in detail with accompanying drawing.

The carcall detector 230 comprises a carcall LED, a carcall sensitivity 20 controller, and a sensor. The carcall function in the vehicle antenna 130 according to the present invention is to notify an occurrence of impact with more than the predetermined magnitude on vehicle 110 to the driver via the main unit 140 and at the same time to generate an alarm sound on a speaker of vehicle 110 (i. e. , antitheft function). The carcall LED in lighting mode indicates door opening (theft) or impact detection mode. Also, if 5 an impact larger than the predetermined magnitude is detected, the carcall LED lights to warn. Of course, the display 260 can perform the same function of the carcall LED, so the carcall LED can be omitted. The carcall sensitivity controller provides a means for the driver to control the sensitivity of carcall. For example, the carcall sensitivity controller can comprise two selection modes:"LOW"mode and"HIGH"mode. The 10 sensor detects the impact on vehicle or door opening. On detecting the impact or door opening, then the sensor sends a detection signal to the controller 280 so that the detection signal can be transmitted to the remote controller 120 and at the same time the carcall LED or display can perform the alarm operation. Also, the speaker being connected to the main unit 140 can generate the alarm sound. Of course, when the 15 controller 280 receives the detection signal for the impact or door opening from the sensor, the controller 280 can determine whether or not the magnitude of impact is larger than the predetermined magnitude to perform the antitheft operation (e. g., alarm sound, driver call).

The main unit interface 240 is for connecting the vehicle antenna 130 and the 20 main unit 140 in the vehicle 110 via wired or wireless way. Namely, the main unit interface 240 delivers the control signal from the remote controller 120 to the main unit 140 and receives the operation result from the main unit 140.

The oscillating circuit 250 generates an alternating current required for the operation of the controller 280. Namely, the oscillating circuit 250 generates a current 5 having a specific frequency.

The display 260 shows vehicle condition data that makes the driver to perceive the condition of the vehicle 110 at the outside of car. Vehicle condition data on the display 260 comprises vehicle temperature, a battery voltage, an engine starting, and so on. Also, selection data corresponding to the vehicle control signal from the remote 10 controller 120 (e. g. , remote starting, air conditioner starting, headlight on, and so on) and operation result can be displayed on the display 280 under the control of the controller 280.

The RF transducer 270 receives the vehicle control signal from the remote controller 120 to be sent to the controller 280, and transmits the operation result to the 15 remote controller 120 under the control of the controller 280.

The controller 280 controls the vehicle antenna 130 for communicating the vehicle control signal and the operation result, and for displaying vehicle condition data in response to the driver's command through the input device 220. In order to show vehicle condition data on the display 260, the controller 280 can receive data relating to 20 the vehicle condition from the main unit 140 or the sensor being coupled to the main unit 140 through the main unit interface 240, if necessary. Also, the controller 280 changes vehicle condition setup data in response to the vehicle control signal or the change request from the input device 220, and sends changed vehicle condition setup data to the main unit 140.

5 Although it is not shown in FIG 2, the vehicle antenna 130 can further comprise a storage device for storing changed vehicle condition setup data, and an emergency and a driving history of the vehicle 110. For example, if the vehicle 110 locates where the emergency cannot be sent to the remote controller 120, corresponding data can be sent to the remote controller 120 or displayed on the display 260 later. Also, 10 the driver can use the driving history stored in the storage device of the vehicle antenna 130 for an electrical carkeeping accounts book.

Also, the vehicle antenna 130 can further comprise a data converter for converting the vehicle control signal from the remote controller 120, vehicle condition data in response to the driver command or vehicle condition setup data into an effect 15 sound or a voice and a speaker for outputting the converted sound or voice.

FIG 3 and FIG 4 are flowcharts for showing the operation of vehicle antenna according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the vehicle antenna of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

20 Referring to FIG 3, at step 310, the vehicle antenna 130 starts its operation. The vehicle antenna 130 of the present invention performs the predetermined operations (e. g., antenna function, vehicle condition display function, carcall function, and so on) for electrical power supplied from the vehicle or the self-containing battery.

At step 315, the vehicle antenna 130 determines whether or not a vehicle 5 condition setup or display command is inputted through the input device 220. If the vehicle condition setup or display command is inputted, the vehicle antenna 130 performs the vehicle condition setup or display operation at step 320 and then goes back to step 315.

The way to display data relating to vehicle condition setup data on the display 10 260 when the driver inputs the vehicle condition setup or display command is shown in FIG 5. Of course, the following description is only example of the vehicle antenna 130 according to the present invention.

Referring to the front view of vehicle antenna 130 shown in FIG 5, the vehicle antenna 130 comprises the input device 220, the carcall sensitivity controller of carcall 15 detector 230 and the display 260.

The display 260 is for showing vehicle condition data to the driver by using plural icons, numbers and images. Plural icons can be displayed on the display 260: a carcall function operation icon 410, a vehicle impact detection icon 415, a driver call icon 420, a sound output icon 425 when receiving the vehicle control signal, a function 20 halt display icon 430, an engine starting state maintenance icon 435, an auto door lock icon 440, an auto door lock/unlock icon 445, a number displaying region 450, an engine starting state displaying region 455, a remaining battery displaying region 460, a vehicle setup change region 465, and so on. The driver can check the function that he or she selects through the icons, images on the display 260.

5 On the number displaying region 450, the time after starting engine, the time after turning engine off, the temperature inside of the car, and so on are displayed.

On the engine starting state displaying region 455, the operating state of engine is displayed through the motion of road image.

On the remaining battery displaying region 460, the battery voltage of the 10 vehicle 110 that is measured by a voltage sensor being connected to the main unit 140 is displayed.

The input device 220 comprises plural key buttons and each button is assigned to operate independent function. With the plural buttons, the driver can change the mode into an option setup mode (i. e. , setup change mode of the main unit 140), and confirm 15 the vehicle condition and driving time.

When the driver presses the first button, the vehicle temperature measured by a temperature sensor coupled to the main unit 140 is displayed on the number displaying region 450. The vehicle temperature can be displayed in °C or °F according to the driver's selection.

20 When the driver presses the second button, a backlight of the display 260 can be turned on. Of course, after the predetermined time passed, the backlight will be turned off automatically.

When the driver presses the third button, the mode of vehicle antenna 130 is changed into a mode for changing the vehicle condition setup. In this mode, the driver 5 can change the option after selecting with the first and the second buttons. Also, when the driver presses the fourth button after finishing the vehicle condition setup, then changed vehicle condition data is sent to the main unit and the mode of vehicle antenna 130 is changed back to the receiving mode.

Referring to FIG 3 again, at step 325, the vehicle antenna 130 determines 10 whether data (e. g. , vehicle control signal, operation result data, and so on) comes from the remote controller 120 or the main unit. If receiving data, the vehicle antenna 130 goes to step 330; if not, to step 360 (FIG. 4).

At step 330, the vehicle antenna 130 determines whether or not received data is a remote control signal (i. e. , the vehicle control signal from the remote controller 120).

15 In case of remote control signal, the vehicle antenna 130 examines that the code number of the remote controller 120, which is received together with the remote control signal, is valid. If invalid, the vehicle antenna 130 returns to step 315. If valid, the vehicle antenna 130 analyzes the received remote control signal and updates vehicle condition setup data to be displayed on the display 260. Since the way of updating vehicle 20 condition setup data by the vehicle antenna 130 in response to the remote control signal is very similar to the way of updating in response to the driver command from the input device 220, description about this procedure will be omitted.

At step 345, the vehicle antenna 130 sends updated vehicle condition setup data corresponding to the remote control signal from the remote controller 120 to the main 5 unit 140. Then, the vehicle antenna returns to step 315 or terminates the process.

Referring to step 330 again, if received data is not a remote control signal (i. e., operation result data from the main unit 140, a driver call, and so on), the vehicle antenna 130 goes to step 340.

At step 340, the vehicle antenna 130 analyzes received data and displays the 10 result. At step 345, the vehicle antenna 130 determines whether or not it is needed to transmit data at step 325. If it is needed to transmit data, the vehicle antenna 130 transmits data at step 355. The vehicle antenna 130 returns to step 315 or terminates the process.

Referring to FIG 4, at step 360, the vehicle antenna 130 determines whether or 15 not the carcall function has to be performed. For example, after the car is parked or the engine is stopped, the vehicle antenna 130 can perform the antenna function and the carcall function simultaneously.

In case of performing the carcall function, the vehicle antenna 130 (i. e. , the<BR> carcall detector 230 of vehicle antenna 130) detects an abnormal sign (e. g. , impact, 20 vibration, and so on) occurring on the vehicle at step 365. If there is no abnormal sign, the vehicle antenna 130 goes to step 360 (or step 315); otherwise, performs the carcall function (e. g. , alarm sound, driver call, and so on) at step 370. Then, the vehicle antenna 130 returns to step 360 (or step 315) or terminates the process.

On the other side, if the carcall function is not performed, the vehicle antenna 5 130 determines whether or not any operation command for other functions (e. g., backlight, reset driving time, and so on) is inputted. If operation command for other functions is inputted, then the vehicle antenna goes to step 380 and performs that function. Then the vehicle antenna 130 returns to step 315 or terminates the process.

10 FIG 6 is a block diagram of the vehicle antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG 7 is a front view of the vehicle antenna according to another object of the present invention.

The vehicle antenna 130 can be installed on the predetermined location at the inside of vehicle (e. g. , upper part of dash board) or at the outside of car (e. g. , A-pillar).

15 Namely, if the driver can see vehicle condition data displayed on the display 260 of vehicle antenna 130, it does not matter on where the vehicle antenna 130 is installed.

But, if the vehicle antenna 130 is installed on the outside of vehicle, anyone may push the button of input device 220 carelessly. Thus, it is needed to cover the button of input device 220 so that the driver only operates the button.

20 Referring to FIG 6 and FIG. 7, the vehicle antenna 130 of the present invention comprises the power supply 210, the input device 220, the carcall detector 230, the main unit interface 240, the oscillating circuit 250, the display 260, the RF transducer 270, the controller 280 and a driver identifying device 510.

The driver identifying device 510 comprises a fingerprint input part 610, a 5 fingerprint identifying part (not shown), and a button cover 620. As shown in FIG. 7, the button cover 620 can temporarily cover the buttons of input device 220 and the carcall sensitivity controller. The way of inputting the driver's fingerprint is well known in the art, detailed description will be omitted here.

The fingerprint identifying part compares the fingerprint inputted through the 10 fingerprint input device 610 with the predetermined fingerprint of driver stored on the storage (not shown). If these two fingerprints coincide with each other, then fingerprint identifying part sends coincidence data to the controller 280, and the controller 280 opens the button cover 620 to expose the buttons of input device 220.

Of course, if the vehicle antenna 130 is installed at the outside of vehicle, the 15 vehicle antenna 130 must be waterproof.

The accompanying drawings and the detailed description is only exemplary for explaining the present invention in detail, not for limiting the scope of the present invention as is claimed. Thus, it is apparent to those who skilled in the art that various changes and equivalent embodiments can be made. The true scope of present invention 20 must be determined by accompanying claims.

Industrial applicability As aforementioned, the present invention can provide convenience to the driver when changing the function setup of the main unit and checking vehicle data.

Also, since any module that was connected to the main unit can be connected to the vehicle antenna in the present invention, cost for installation can be reduced and more purchase effect can be expected.