Abstract: A Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) method is described. The method includes obtaining, via a BLE receiver of a key fob, a first BLE wakeup signal from a vehicle. In response to obtaining the first wakeup signal, the method includes activating a BLE transceiver of the key fob. Upon activation of the BLE transceiver, the method includes activating a UWB transceiver of the key fob via the BLE transceiver. When the UWB transceiver is activated, the method includes receiving a challenge signal from the vehicle via the UWB transceiver. Upon receiving the challenge signal, the method includes transmitting a response to the challenge signal via the UWB transceiver. Based on the response to the challenge signal, the method includes receiving a success signal from the vehicle. Upon receiving the success signal, the method includes deactivating BLE transceiver and the UWB transceiver.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include generating a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include displaying a request for entry of the temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining that an input has been received. The example method may also include determining that a mobile device is located within the vehicle or within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The example method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting based on authorization of the mobile device for a period of time subsequent to the input being received.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) reader module is provided for mounting over a metal panel of a vehicle. A housing of the module is configured to mount adjacent the metal panel. The housing contains a planar array of non-magnetic RF filter elements in the housing proximate to the metal panel. The housing contains a planar antenna coil configured to couple with an external NFC device carried by a user, wherein the array of RF filter elements is disposed between the planar antenna coil and the metal panel to magnetically decouple the planar antenna coil from the metal panel. The housing further contains receiver circuitry configured to decode NFC signals from the external NFC device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request to enter a valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include enabling the valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include disabling, based on the valet mode of the vehicle being enabled, a secure idle mode of the vehicle, wherein the secure idle mode of the vehicle includes locking a gear shifter of the vehicle in a park position when an occupant of the vehicle is outside of a cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving, by a vehicle, a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining, that a passive entry passive start (PEPS) key fob is not present inside the vehicle. The example method may also include presenting a request for a second passcode. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode has been input. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in memory of the vehicle. The example method may also include generating, using an enhanced valet mode, a first temporary valet passcode based on the determination that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in the memory.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include generating a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include displaying a request for entry of the temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining that an input has been received. The example method may also include determining that a mobile device is located within the vehicle or within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The example method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting based on authorization of the mobile device for a period of time subsequent to the input being received.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) reader module is provided for mounting over a metal panel of a vehicle. A housing of the module is configured to mount adjacent the metal panel. The housing contains a planar array of non-magnetic RF filter elements in the housing proximate to the metal panel. The housing contains a planar antenna coil configured to couple with an external NFC device carried by a user, wherein the array of RF filter elements is disposed between the planar antenna coil and the metal panel to magnetically decouple the planar antenna coil from the metal panel. The housing further contains receiver circuitry configured to decode NFC signals from the external NFC device.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for reducing power consumption in a smart key of a vehicle. In an exemplary method, an accelerometer in the smart key detects that the smart key is moving. For example, an individual may be carrying the smart key in his/her pocket and walking towards the vehicle. However, an RF transceiver circuit of the smart key may be out of range of a communication system in the vehicle. A processor in the smart key may place some circuits, such as a wakeup receiver, in a power-down condition, based on detecting the moving state of the smart key and a lack of communications between the Bluetooth® transceiver circuit and the communication system of the vehicle. The wakeup receiver typically has a smaller operating range than the RF transceiver circuit and is therefore unnecessary when the smart key is far from the vehicle.

Abstract: Biometric user authenticating keys for vehicles and methods of use are provided herein. An example method includes obtaining biometric information of a user from a biometric reader incorporated into the device or communicatively coupled with the device, authenticating an identity of the user based on the biometric information, selecting a mode of operation for the vehicle based on the biometric information. The mode of operation can specify vehicle privileges for the user. The method can include transmitting a signal to a vehicle controller of a vehicle to request access to the vehicle or start an engine of the vehicle after the identity of the user has been authenticated.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a keypad including a near-field communication (NFC) sensor, and a processor. The processor is programmed to operate in a normal mode of operation, in which remote keyless entry (RKE) or passive-entry passive-start (PEPS) functions are allowed; operate in a privacy mode of operation, in which the RKE or PEPS functions are disallowed; responsive to detection of an authorized access device via the NFC sensor while in the normal mode, and to receipt of a lock command within a predetermined time from the detection of the access device, transition from the normal mode to the privacy mode; and responsive to detection of the authorized access device via the NFC sensor while in the privacy mode, transition from the privacy mode to the normal mode.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a keypad including a near-field communication (NFC) sensor, and a processor.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to place a vehicle into a valet mode, restricting vehicle usage. The processor is also configured to determine that a valet lag, having a wireless connection to the vehicle, is in motion, while the vehicle is in valet mode and activate an external indicator usable to find the vehicle, responsive to the tag motion.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to place a vehicle into a valet mode, restricting vehicle usage. The processor is also configured to determine that a valet tag, having a wireless connection to the vehicle, is in motion, while the vehicle is in valet mode and activate an external indicator usable to find the vehicle, responsive to the tag motion.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to place a vehicle into a valet mode, restricting vehicle usage. The processor is also configured to determine that a valet tag, having a wireless connection to the vehicle, is in motion, while the vehicle is in valet mode and activate an external indicator usable to find the vehicle, responsive to the tag motion.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to place a vehicle into a valet mode, restricting vehicle usage. The processor is also configured to determine that a valet lag, having a wireless connection to the vehicle, is in motion, while the vehicle is in valet mode and activate an external indicator usable to find the vehicle, responsive to the tag motion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for phone-as-a-key localization based on object detection. An example disclosed vehicle includes sensors, wireless nodes, and a phone key unit. The example sensors detect objects around the vehicle. The example wireless nodes receive RSSI values from a mobile device. The example phone key unit determines a quantity of the objects around the vehicle. The example phone key unit also determines a first RSSI threshold based on the quantity. Additionally, in response to an average of a portion of the RSSI values satisfying the first RSSI threshold, the phone key unit primes a door of the vehicle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for phone-as-a-key localization based on object detection. An example disclosed vehicle includes sensors, wireless nodes, and a phone key unit. The example sensors detect objects around the vehicle. The example wireless nodes receive RSSI values from a mobile device. The example phone key unit determines a quantity of the objects around the vehicle. The example phone key unit also determines a first RSSI threshold based on the quantity. Additionally, in response to an average of a portion of the RSSI values satisfying the first RSSI threshold, the phone key unit primes a door of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive door panel fastener assembly is provided including a substrate and a doghouse structure molded thereon. The doghouse structure includes a doghouse floor, a doghouse ceiling, a first doghouse sidewall having a first forward end and a first rearward end, a second doghouse sidewall having a second forward end and a second rearward end, a doghouse endwall, and a doghouse insertion opening. A pin chamber is formed through the doghouse ceiling. An entrance slot is formed in the doghouse ceiling to provide a path from the doghouse insertion opening to the pin chamber. The entrance slot has a first slot side and a second slot side. A first flexible arm has a first fixed end and a first free end. The first flexible arm is flexible in response to an inward force and is rigid in response to an outward force.

Abstract: A fold-up tray for use in a vehicle is provided. The tray includes a top surface, a first section, a second section and a hinge. The first section includes a first portion of the top surface. The second section includes a second portion of the top surface. The hinge connects the first section and the second section, thereby affording an increased working surface when both portions of the tray are unfolded while also providing a stowable working surface when both portions of the tray are folded. In one embodiment, the hinge is a living hinge.

Abstract: An automotive door panel fastener assembly is provided including a substrate and a doghouse structure molded thereon. The doghouse structure includes a doghouse floor, a doghouse ceiling, a first doghouse sidewall having a first forward end and a first rearward end, a second doghouse sidewall having a second forward end and a second rearward end, a doghouse endwall, and a doghouse insertion opening. A pin chamber is formed through the doghouse ceiling. An entrance slot is formed in the doghouse ceiling to provide a path from the doghouse insertion opening to the pin chamber. The entrance slot has a first slot side and a second slot side. A first flexible arm has a first fixed end and a first free end. The first flexible arm is flexible in response to an inward force and is rigid in response to an outward force.