Abstract: A system for operating an output device in a vehicle. The system includes a trim component and operative and initial sensors positioned at the back side of the trim component. An operative sensor provides a signal to at least one output device when an object is detected within a second sensing region adjacent the front side of the trim component. An initial sensor provides a signal to a display device for selectively displaying the location of the second sensing region, when an object is sensed within a first sensing region adjacent the front side of the trim component. Additional aspects of the invention include various systems and methods for operating the output device in a vehicle.

Abstract: A system for operating an output device in a vehicle. The system includes a trim component and operative and initial sensors positioned at the back side of the trim component. An operative sensor provides a signal to at least one output device when an object is detected within a second sensing region adjacent the front side of the trim component. An initial sensor provides a signal to a display device for selectively displaying the location of the second sensing region, when an object is sensed within a first sensing region adjacent the front side of the trim component. Additional aspects of the invention include various systems and methods for operating the output device in a vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method employ a wireless remote keyless entry device to provide entry to a remote system via the wireless device. The system provides a level of authorization and eliminates a complex integration with the remote system to which entry is sought. The remote keyless entry device preferably includes a biometric sensor for receiving a biometric input value and a database including a list of authorized users. Each authorized user has a biometric value and a set of command options associate therewith, and each command option has a command code associated therewith. The device and method allow for one-way secure communication with the remote system, and also provide added functionality and tracking features.

Abstract: A multistage vehicle security system includes a transceiver that receives a first signal sent from a transponder and a controller that processes the first signal. The controller activates low level operational features of the vehicle if the signal is associated with an authorized transponder. The system also includes an entry sensor that detects the physical presence of a user. The transponder sends a second signal to the transceiver when the presence of the user is detected. The controller processes the second signal and activates midlevel operational features of the vehicle if the second signal is associated with the authorized transponder. Once the user is inside the vehicle, a sensor detects a biometric characteristic of the user. The user obtains access to one or more high level operational features of the vehicle if the detected biometric characteristic matches that of an authorized user.

Abstract: A system and method employ a wireless remote keyless entry device to provide entry to a remote system via the wireless device. The system provides a level of authorization and eliminates a complex integration with the remote system to which entry is sought. The remote keyless entry device preferably includes a biometric sensor for receiving a biometric input value and a database including a list of authorized users. Each authorized user has a biometric value and a set of command options associate therewith, and each command option has a command code associated therewith. The device and method allow for one-way secure communication with the remote system, and also provide added functionality and tracking features.

Abstract: A multistage vehicle security system includes a transceiver that receives a first signal sent from a transponder and a controller that processes the first signal. The controller activates low level operational features of the vehicle if the signal is associated with an authorized transponder. The system also includes an entry sensor that detects the physical presence of a user. The transponder sends a second signal to the transceiver when the presence of the user is detected. The controller processes the second signal and activates midlevel operational features of the vehicle if the second signal is associated with the authorized transponder. Once the user is inside the vehicle, a sensor detects a biometric characteristic of the user. The user obtains access to one or more high level operational features of the vehicle if the detected biometric characteristic matches that of an authorized user.

Abstract: A voice-based identification system allows a user to gain access to a vehicle. The user through the use of a user interface transmits a signal based on the user's voice to an identification module residing in the vehicle. A controller analyzes the signal with an algorithm implemented in the memory of the controller to determine if the user is an authorized user.