Abstract: A method and device for triggering, via an RFID reader (5) endowed with a transmitting antenna (6), a procedure for actuating an element for locking/unlocking the access doors (2) of a motor vehicle (1). A coil (7) is arranged in the vicinity and in the field of action of the transmitting antenna (6), and: the RFID reader (5) is commanded so as to control the successive transmission of electromagnetic pulses of the same power, upon each pulse, a value representative of the electrical voltage at the terminals of the coil (7) is measured, and the procedure for actuating the locking/unlocking element is triggered in the event of a variation in the measured values greater than a determined value.

Abstract: A sensor system utilizing adaptively selected carrier frequencies is disclosed. The system includes a system bus, a bus master, and a sensor. The system bus is configured to transfer power and data. The bus master is coupled to the system bus and is configured to provide power to the bus and receive data from the bus. The sensor is coupled to the system bus and is configured to transfer data on the bus using an adaptively selected carrier frequency.

Abstract: There is a system for queue-based processing of RFID locating and sequencing at a site comprising one or more queues that are maintained and updated as locating and sequencing occurs, to ensure that out of sequence, or other complex processing, does not render inaccurate the locating and sequencing.

Abstract: A vehicle door open/close operation apparatus is provided in which a design cover can be opened by a manual operation and can close at least part of an opening provided in a door, and a latch release is operated by a latch device due to the operation of an operating member in a state in which the design cover is open, wherein displacement of the design cover from a closed position toward an open position is detected by a detection switch, and a control unit carries out the user authentication in response to detection of displacement of the design cover by the detection switch. This enables the necessity for carrying out an operation of the operating member again to be avoided even if the operating member is operated quickly, thus enabling the door to be opened smoothly.

Abstract: An electronic key system enabling to improve security against vehicle theft is provided. A smart ECU acquires encrypted data from an electronic key. When all identification data stored in a memory and a memory of an electronic component embedding connector correspond to the identification data transmitted from the electronic key, the smart ECU cancels security and permits operations of a door lock driving unit, a steering lock driving unit, and an engine control unit.

Abstract: An original generator generates a sequence of access values that are stored into a longer range communication device. A short range communication device, which can be the original generator, uses short range communication during a programming process to transmit an identification number to enable subsequence access from the longer range communication device using the sequence of access values.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for biometric acquisition are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor is configured to detect a biometric signature of a subject. The sensor is configured to be mounted to a surface. Various sensors are disclosed as being operative with the biometric acquisition apparatus. A vehicle with a mounted biometric acquisition apparatus is disclosed. A method for identification of suspects is also disclosed.

Abstract: A capture and control device adapted for mounting to the front end of a law enforcement vehicle so as to restrain a suspect vehicle from fleeing and including at least one hook adapted to fit into undercarriage areas of the suspect vehicle.

Abstract: A device may store and transmit data collected from sensors within a vehicle. The device may include at least one communication interface; a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor, coupled to the at least one communication interface and the memory. The processor may be configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may cause the processor to receive an initiation signal from an on-board interface associated with a vehicle, establish communications with the on-board interface and at least one vehicle sensor in response to the initiation signal, receive a first data stream from the at least one vehicle sensor, generate a second data stream from the least one internal sensor, combine the first data stream and the second data stream into a combined stream, store the combined stream in the memory, and wirelessly transmit the combined stream to a remote storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A vehicular electric lock device is provided in which a magnet is provided in a slider which is operated linearly in response to rotation of an electric motor and is operatively linked to a lock member, and a magnetic sensor detects by means of a magnetic field of the magnet that the lock member is in at least one of a lock position and a unlock position, wherein the slider comprises a screw-fitting member that is formed from a ferromagnetic material having rigidity and has a threaded shaft screwed thereinto and a magnet retaining member that is formed from a paramagnetic material, covers the screw-fitting member and retains the magnet, and the magnet retaining member is coupled to the screw-fitting member while preventing a relative movement in the direction along an axis of the threaded shaft and relative rotation around the axis of the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle may be configured to determine a characteristic of a software program operating on the vehicle. The characteristic may be provided to an insurer, and the insurer may determine a property of an insurance policy based on the characteristic. The characteristic may be, for example, a feature, a setting, and/or a version of the software program. The insurer may indicate to a vehicle operator and/or owner how changing the characteristic may affect the property of the insurance policy. The insurance policy may be formalized and agreed to by the insurer and/or the insured. The vehicle may also or instead save pre-collision status data, such adjustable parameters, internal variables, dynamic decisions, and/or identification of a software program, when a collision is detected. The pre-collision status data may be used to diagnose problems with the software program, determine fault, and/or determine future properties of insurance policies.

Abstract: A driver reminder system to remind at least the driver of a vehicle, prior to leaving such vehicle, that there is at least one other occupant in the vehicle. The system couples to after-market and OEM vehicle alarm systems to provide vehicle alerting of a child left in the vehicle.

Abstract: A transfer seat base for a vehicle having a floor includes a rail frame configured for connection to a vehicle floor; a carriage frame mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the rail frame and including a top plate for receipt of a seat mountable thereto, a lift assembly for enabling selective vertical movement of the top plate relative to the rail frame, and a rotation assembly for enabling selective rotation of the top plate relative to the rail frame; a motive mechanism for selectively moving the carriage frame along the rail frame between a forward driving position and a rearward occupant transfer position; a pedal guard assembly including a base plate connected to the carriage frame, a guard plate hingedly connected to the base plate to pivot between a down, rest position and an up, guard position and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the guard plate in the up, rest position.

Abstract: In a method for operating a vehicle (1) which can be driven with an electric motor (2) and in which the electric motor (2) is supplied with electric current from an energy store (3), a state of charge of the energy store (3) and/or a remaining distance that can be traveled with the energy stored in the energy store (3) is stored in a memory device (4). After the switching off the electric motor (2), the state of charge of the energy store (3) and/or the remaining distance that can still be traveled by the vehicle with the energy stored in the energy store (3) is transmitted to a mobile terminal (6).

Abstract: An air brake system is equipped with a service brakes and a parking brake. A control valve for the parking brake vents air therefrom to apply the parking brake. The system is configured to apply indications of driver presence and absence to effect automatic control of the parking brake control valve, including automatically applying the parking brake upon an indication of driver absence and preventing release of the parking brake without an indication of driver presence. The driver absence indication can include the combination open driver's door and an empty driver's seat. The driver presence indication can include authorized driver identification through entry of a code or other authorization mechanism, as well as a requirement that the service brakes be applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high voltage system of an electric vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a high voltage system of an electric system which makes it possible to remove a sub-battery conventionally required in such systems by allowing a high voltage battery to function as the sub-battery. The high voltage system includes a high voltage battery, in which a cell and/or a module of the high voltage battery is connected to low voltage electric equipment through an NC relay, such that power of the cell and/or the module of the high voltage battery is supplied to the low voltage electric equipment at ignition-off.

Abstract: Controls for improved drivability of a vehicle equipped with start/stop logic are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment is a method comprising operating a vehicle system including an internal combustion engine and a controller configured to conditionally stop and re-start the engine. The controller tracks the distance that the vehicle has traveled since the most recent vehicle stop and determines a time limit as a function of that distance. The controller further tracks the time that an engine stop request condition has been true, evaluates that time relative to the time limit, and selectably enables or disables an engine stop based upon the relationship between said time and said time limit.

Abstract: A system for selecting a transmission range in a vehicle includes a plurality of range selection buttons configured to individually select corresponding ones of a plurality of ranges. A plurality of sensing circuits are configured to generate sense signals based on positions of corresponding ones of the plurality of range selection buttons. A park range selection button is configured to select a park range. A park sensing circuit is configured to generate sense signals based on a position of the park range selection button. A button state module is configured to output state signals corresponding to the plurality of range selection buttons based on the sense signals from the plurality of sensing circuits. A control module is configured to select a range based on the sense signals from the park sensing circuit and the state signals from the button state module.

Abstract: An electronic key registration system includes an electronic key device having a key ID. A controller having a first piece of information is arranged in a communication subject. A registration tool having a second piece of information is configured to write the key ID to the controller. The controller compares, before electronic key registration, the first piece of information and the second piece of information. The controller permits electronic key registration when the comparison indicates that the first piece of information and the second piece of information conform to each other and prohibits the electronic key registration when the comparison indicates that the first piece of information and the second piece of information do not conform to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device which provides a safety measure to vehicles by utilizing the dead man (tether) switch, or other electrical connection, in combination with a valve and actuator, to keep oil from leaking out of the lubrication system of the vehicle in a rollover situation.

Abstract: A vehicle has a security and anti-theft system that senses movement of the vehicle in a forward or backward direction when the vehicle is in a locked state, such as by detecting wheel rotation. Upon this detection, the security system signals the motor to counteract the wheel movement by rotating one or more wheels in the opposite direction of the direction of wheel rotation detected until the wheel rotation is no longer detected. The security and anti-theft system may determine whether the vehicle is in a locked state by detecting whether a key is present and/or by one or more communications received by an external wireless device.

Abstract: A guidance device for teaching a vehicle operating method, includes an operation receiving unit configured to receive an operation of starting or stopping an engine, or to receive an operation of starting or stopping a travelling system including at least an electronic motor; a power control unit configured to control a defined power mode according to the operation received by the operation receiving unit and a state of a vehicle; a stop detecting unit configured to detect stopping of the engine or stopping of the travelling system while the vehicle is travelling; a stop factor determining unit configured to determine whether a factor of the stopping of the engine or the stopping of the travelling system is a man-caused operation based on the power mode; and a guidance unit configured to change a guidance content according to whether the factor is the man-caused operation.

Abstract: A method of controlling and monitoring operation of a device is disclosed. The method includes communicating an authorization code via a management source to a processor having a memory. The processor is configured for regulating operation of the device, and is operatively connected to a keyless start arrangement configured to activate the device. The method additionally includes receiving the authorization code by the processor and storing the authorization code within the controller memory. Furthermore, the method includes entering an access code via a selective input, receiving the access code by the processor, and authorizing operation of the device if the access code matches the authorization code.

Abstract: An EPB control device controlling an electric actuator driving an EPB, wherein the device performs control to reach a lock position, a release position and a standby position between the lock position and the release position. In the lock position, a friction-applying member is thereby pressed against a friction-applied member by the EPB by actuating the electric actuator and a predetermined braking force is generated. In the release position, the friction-applying member is separated from the friction-applied member when the EPB is not actuated. In the standby position, a transition to the lock position is performed in a shorter time than when the EPB is actuated from the release position by the actuation of the electric actuator. The device controls, when a starting operation to start moving a vehicle is performed, the electric actuator such that the standby position is reached.

Abstract: A system for providing operational access to equipment or vehicles is disclosed wherein digital access codes are assigned and transported over-the-air governing a vehicle's or equipment's use. The access codes can be generated in connection with comparison of entered and stored biometric data and/or entered code from a keypad. Various security protocols can be used to ensure the secure dispatch and delivery of code information.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a motor vehicle to simulate fuel loss to encourage early refueling to prevent stranding. The apparatus may cause stumbling and hesitation by interrupting various engine management systems to simulate low fuel in the tank by cutting either spark or fuel momentarily or applying the brakes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to various systems, methods, and embodiments resulting from the realization that the number of persons who are using a Wi-Fi computer network in a closed environment, e.g. a moving vehicle, can be verified to confirm that it coincides with the number of persons allowed pursuant to a license, by providing a system and method for determining the number of persons accessing a computer network in a closed environment, e.g. a moving vehicle and controlling the access based on that determination.

Abstract: A vehicle including an active front steer system including a locking mechanism having a solenoid actuated locking pin and a spring for biasing the pin toward an extended or locked position for engaging a locking disc of the active front steer system wherein the active front steer system further includes a current sensor for sensing the motion of the pin of the solenoid when the engine of the vehicle is shut down and pulse width modulated current to the solenoid is reduced and when the pin movement is sensed, the pulse width modulated current is increased (fed forward duty cycle) to reduce the movement of the pin to reduce the noise made when the metal pin makes when contacting the metal locking disc. The end of the pin and/or the locking disc may also include an insulating material to further reduce any remaining noise made when the metal pin makes when contacting the metal locking disc.

Abstract: A vehicle including an active front steer system including a locking mechanism having a solenoid actuated locking pin and a spring for biasing the pin toward an extended or locked position for engaging a locking disc of the active front steer system wherein the active front steer system further includes a current sensor for sensing the motion of the pin of the solenoid when the engine of the vehicle is shut down and pulse width modulated current to the solenoid is reduced and when the pin movement is sensed, the pulse width modulated current is increased (fed forward duty cycle) to reduce the movement of the pin to reduce the noise made when the metal pin makes when contacting the metal locking disc. The end of the pin and/or the locking disc may also include an insulating material to further reduce any remaining noise made when the metal pin makes when contacting the metal locking disc.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device (60) contains: a case body (132); a lid member (156) for closing the opening (167) of the case body; a substrate (67) which is inserted in a removable manner into the case body (132) from the opening thereof and on which electronic components are mounted; a sub-battery (88) for supplying power to the substrate (67); and a sealing member (157) which is fitted into the opening (167) of the case body and has a substrate pressing part (203) for preventing the substrate from being extracted and a sub-battery pressing part (204) for preventing the sub-battery (88) from being extracted.

Abstract: An electric vehicle may include a first drive axle to drive a first wheel of the electric vehicle, a first electric motor mounted directly on the first drive axle, a power supply such as a battery to power the first electric motor, and a controller to control the electric motor. The electric vehicle may include a second drive axle to drive a second wheel and a second electric motor mounted on the second drive axle. The electric motor may be only mounted on the first drive axle. The battery may be formed from an array of batteries.

Abstract: An antitheft device for the steering column of a motor vehicle, in which a movable indexer includes a return spring for returning the movable indexer such that the indexer engages with at least one profile of a cam of the antitheft device, and in which the return spring of the indexer and a return spring of a bolt of the antitheft device are separate.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for adjusting a position of at least one component of a vehicle for a user of the vehicle. A user is identified with a user key associated with the user. The user key and a vehicle identifier associated with the vehicle are transmitted to a server remote from the vehicle. At least one user setting for the vehicle is received from the remote server, with the at least one user setting relating to the user key, the vehicle identifier, and the position of the at least one component. A vehicle system setting is updated with the at least one user setting so as to adjust the position of the at least one component based on the at least one user setting when the vehicle system setting does not correspond with the at least one user setting.

Abstract: A device with an electronic brake system (EBS) and a brake assembly is provided for protecting against unauthorized removal of a trailer where a control device can activate and deactivate a protection state of the electronic brake system. When the electronic brake system is activated, protection can be provided by the brake assembly, which can brake the trailer if unauthorized removal is attempted.

Abstract: A portable communication machine includes RF data generating means, RF wireless transmitting means for transmitting transmission data as an RF signal, RF wireless receiving means for receiving an RF signal transmitted from a vehicle-mounted machine, RF data analyzing means for analyzing received data, key operating means for instructing to control a vehicle by a user, storing means for storing control data of a vehicle-mounted information apparatus, attachable/detachable external apparatus communicating means, and controlling means for controlling the RF data generating means, the RF data analyzing means, the key operating means and the external apparatus communicating means, and is used along with an external apparatus and the vehicle-mounted information apparatus.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes an electric motor, a homing control section, a distance determination section, and a forbiddance section. The electric motor moves a control object equipped to a vehicle at least between two positions. The homing control section executes a homing control for controlling the electric motor to move the control object so that the control object press-contacts a stopper wall when an initialization condition is satisfied. The distance determination section determines whether a user of the vehicle is apart from the vehicle at a distance greater than a predetermined distance. The forbiddance section forbids the homing control during a period, which starts at a time of the homing control execution and ends at a time when the user of the vehicle is apart from the vehicle farther than the predetermined distance, even when the initialization condition is satisfied during the period.

Abstract: A security system with a steering wheel adjacent to a seat with a seat back which can swing forward to a predetermined position. The seat can also slide longitudinally between a rearward and forward position. The system includes a headrest mounted on the seat back to reiprocate between a retracted position and a locking position. With the seat back in the predetermined position and the seat in the forward position, the headrest is movable from said retracted position forward and down to the locking position to capture the steering wheel between the headrest and the seat back.

Abstract: Restricted operating modes are provided for a motor vehicle when driven by a secondary driver (such as a less experienced driver). A seat occupancy sensor detects the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. A controller includes a memory storing rules defining a restricted operating mode containing a plurality of limitations to be applied to operation of various vehicle accessories in conjunction with the secondary driver. The controller selectively controls the operation of at least one of the accessories according to one of the rules in response to simultaneously detecting the secondary driver and the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. Use of the rules may also depend on whether the rear seat passenger has an unbuckled seat belt.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device (60) contains: a case body (132); a lid member (156) for closing the opening (167) of the case body; a substrate (67) which is inserted in a removable manner into the case body (132) from the opening thereof and on which electronic components are mounted; a sub-battery (88) for supplying power to the substrate (67); and a sealing member (157) which is fitted into the opening (187) of the case body and has a substrate pressing part (203) for preventing the substrate from being extracted and a sub-battery pressing part (204) for preventing the sub-battery (88) from being extracted.

Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antitheft device for the steering column of a motor vehicle, in which a movable indexer (60) includes a return spring (62) for returning the movable indexer (60) such that said indexer engages with at least one profile (23) of a cam of the antitheft device, and in which the return spring (62) of the indexer (60) and a return spring (40) of a bolt (30) of the antitheft device arc separate.

Abstract: An anti-theft guard for a vehicle component includes a housing adapted to substantially enclose a vehicle component which is to be protected from theft and an attachment mechanism carried by the housing and adapted for attachment to a structural element of the vehicle. The anti-theft guard is forming including a cavity for covering/receiving the vehicle component. The guard includes a plurality of mounting wings extending outward from an edge formed about a periphery of the cavity, wherein the mounting wings are provided to secure the anti-theft guard to the structural element of the vehicle. A suggested application of the anti-theft guard is a cover placed over an electronic control module of a diesel engine.

Abstract: A motor vehicle outside door handle with a wall surrounding an interior space, a first sensor electrode of a first capacitive sensor for triggering a final locking operation, a second sensor electrode of a second capacitive sensor for triggering a locking operation, and an evaluation circuit, which is connected to the first sensor electrode. The second sensor electrode is arranged in the interior space. The first sensor electrode, the second sensor electrode and the evaluation circuit are accommodated in a single sensor module which can be inserted into the interior space. The sensor module has a flat plastic trough which has a bottom wall and is open on one side. A printed circuit board provided with connecting cables is placed into the plastic trough filled with a plastics compound. The sensor electrodes are formed by metal-coated layers of the printed circuit board or by metal bodies mounted on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Motor vehicles assembled using a cutaway truck chassis may contain one or more batteries. These batteries may be accessible presenting potential for harm. The tamper resistant compartment for a battery in a passenger vehicle reduces access and visual interest that some may have in the batteries, while simultaneously providing easy access to mechanics. The tamper resistant compartment encompasses a box that is securely mounted to the chassis. The batteries inside the box may be connected to a remote battery stud and a battery shut-off switch. A movable panel integrated to the vehicle body serves as a covering and a door integrated to the movable panel provides access to the remote battery stud and battery shut-off switch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for electronic communication between at least two communication devices. To allow reliable connection setup between the devices which are to be provided for communication at the same time as simple handling, a method according to the invention has the following steps: two communication devices intended for communication are associated with one another by means of a first coupling mechanism, and the communication between the mutually associated communication devices is performed by means of a second coupling mechanism, wherein the first coupling mechanism has a shorter range than the second coupling mechanism or is effected by means of physical contact between the communication devices.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more settings of a vehicle using a device comprising an electronic circuit is disclosed. The electronic circuit is configured to obtain a position of a passenger within the vehicle, identify said passenger, obtain information comprising one or more setting preferences for said passenger use the position and at least one of the information to determine whether one or more settings need to be changed, and change the one or more settings based on the position and identity of the passenger. The electronic circuit is also configured to identifying a driver, compare the identity of the driver with a predetermined list of drivers of the vehicle, and change a plurality of operational parameters based on the identity of the driver.

Abstract: In an apparatus for preventing theft of equipment such as outboard motor having a prime mover (engine), a prime mover controller and an authenticator (26) that acquires ID information from an electronic key when the key is brought close thereto by an operator and gives a permission to the prime mover controller to start the prime mover when acquired ID information is determined to correspond with authentication ID information, the permission was given is stored, and the authenticator determines whether the information is stored each time when activated (S12), and gives the permission to the prime mover controller immediately when it is determined that it is stored (S32), thereby enabling to easily restart the prime mover without authentication operation.

Abstract: A system and method for self-detecting vehicle theft is provided that includes a first antenna and a second antenna, both located on a vehicle. The first antenna transmits the signal and the second antenna receives the signal. A monitoring module in communication with the second antenna is configured to determine whether the signal has changed. A vehicle security system is configured to activate based on a change in the signal.

Abstract: When a driver of a vehicle brings his/her detection part close to a case, a sensor detects a pulse of the driver at the detection part with an optical method, and takes an image of the detection part. An individual certification means determines whether the driver of the vehicle is an authorized person or not based on the image of the detection part taken by the sensor. An alcohol concentration determiner calculates an index value of a blood alcohol concentration of the driver based on the pulse detected at the detection part by the sensor, and determines whether the index value exceeds a criterial value of a drinking assessment. When it is determined that the driver of the vehicle is an authorized person and the index value does not exceed the criterial value of the drinking assessment, a permission means permits the driver to start an engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle immobilization system has an electronically controlled locking mechanism which requires interconnection with an electrical supply for it to be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking mechanism remains in the state to which it is switched when disconnected from the electrical supply. The immobilization system includes control means which operates to connect the locking mechanism to the electrical supply to switch it from one state to the other, and to disconnect the locking mechanism from the electrical supply when the vehicle engine is running or the vehicle is moving. The immobilization system also includes means to prevent cranking of the engine when the locking mechanism is in it's locked state.