Abstract: An anti-theft system for a working machine, includes: a start-operation tool to issue an order to start a prime mover; an information obtaining device to obtain first information and second information; and a controller device having: a certification storage to store certification information; a start processor to obtain the order issued by the start-operation tool and to start the prime mover when the first information obtained by the information obtaining device is related to the certification information; and a registration processor to perform a registration process for registering the second information as the certification information. The registration processor allows the registration process before starting of the prime mover, and stops allowing the registration process after the starting of the prime mover.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to track working hours of one or more crew members of a vehicle system as the vehicle system travels. The one or more processors are configured to control the vehicle system to one or more of stop movement of the vehicle system, slow movement of the vehicle system, prevent movement of the vehicle system from a stationary position, or control movement of the vehicle system to an alternative location, responsive to one or more of (i) determining that the working hours of the one or more crew members exceed a prescribed service limit, (ii) determining that the working hours are projected to exceed the prescribed service limit before the vehicle system reaches a designated location, or (iii) determining that the working hours are within a designated time window before the prescribed service limit.

Abstract: An electronic key system includes a door unit, an installed device, a portable device, at least one processor, and a storage medium storing. The storage medium stores a program that causes the processor to execute a composite authentication process and a simple authentication process. The composite authentication process permits unlocking of the door unit if all of the following conditions are satisfied: key information output from the portable device matches pre-registered key information; a user's motion matches pre-registered first motion information; and the motion matches pre-registered second motion information. The simple authentication process is executed during the time from locking of the door unit to elapse of a preset time or from locking of the door unit to when the portable device is located outside an authentication notification area. The simple authentication process permits unlocking of the door unit if the key information matches the pre-registered key information.

Abstract: A hood latch release system includes, among other things, a release member within a compartment covered by a hood, a hood latch assembly, and a release assembly having an electrically powered actuator and a mechanical actuator. The electrically powered actuator and the mechanical actuator are each configured to move one or more latches of the hood latch assembly from the latched position to the unlatched position. The system further includes a selector assembly. When a coupling member of the selector assembly is in a decoupling position, actuating the release member causes the electrically powered actuator to unlatch the primary latch, the secondary latch, or both. When the coupling member of the selector assembly is in a coupling position, actuating the release member causes the mechanical actuator to unlatch the primary latch, the secondary latch, or both.

Abstract: An information providing system for an internal combustion engine includes an internal combustion engine, which includes an electronic control type fuel injecting device, an operation permitting device, which can be removably mounted on the internal combustion engine, wherein while the operation permitting device is mounted on the internal combustion engine, which is associated with the operation permitting device in advance, the operation permitting device supplies electric power to the fuel injecting device at a start of the internal combustion engine, and an information providing device, which provides information about use of the internal combustion engine to a destination associated with a user of the operation permitting device, based on an operation history of the associated internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring an alcohol concentration, a blood alcohol concentration of a driver is rapidly and precisely measured by selecting a plurality of wavelengths based on the absorbance for blood components exerting an influence on the measurement result of the blood alcohol concentration and by measuring the blood alcohol concentration of the driver based on the absorbance detected with respect to a physical body of a user by using the plurality of selected wavelengths. Starting of the vehicle is controlled based on the blood alcohol concentration of the driver, which is measured by measuring the alcohol concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display unit for displaying at least one remaining range in a motor vehicle in accordance with the remaining energy supply in at least one drive system, such as the tank fill level in a vehicle driven by a combustion engine and/or the state of charge of the high-voltage battery in a vehicle driven by an electric motor. The display of the remaining range may be hidden even when there is a remaining energy supply if at least one defined operating condition is met. A defined operating condition allows the conclusion that a unit of the drive system is at least temporarily unavailable.

Abstract: A vehicle security system may be automatically activated when a vehicle (e.g., car or truck) is temporarily stopped. Specifically, if a car is stopped at a gas station or other type of temporary stop (e.g., where a car would not be fully closed and locked) the vehicle security system may engage (e.g., based on opening of a gas cap cover). The vehicle security system monitors for theft of contents from inside a vehicle in a temporary stopped state. Sensors monitor if a passerby reaches into an open (or partially open) window to grab a parcel, handbag, phone, etc. from inside the vehicle. In a temporary stop condition, a vehicle may not be fully locked to engage a standard anti-theft security system. If a driver's attention is diverted away from the vehicle during the temporary stopped condition a quick and quiet theft scenario (e.g., a reach and grab) may be attempted.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media are provided for collision prevention. In some embodiments, a trajectory of a vehicle with respect to an object can be determined using a trajectory prediction model and sensor data associated with the vehicle and the object. Based on the trajectory, a collision event involving the vehicle and the object can be determined and one or more collision protection devices can be activated.

Abstract: A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging module in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include at least one computing device and a cylindrical body configured to be positioned within a cup holder of a vehicle, the cylindrical body having a cup holder element on a top side. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can further include a fish-eye camera sensor on an upper portion of the body, a passive infrared sensor positioned in the body, and a plurality of legs mechanically connected to a locking mechanism and configured to extend to provide an outward force on the cup holder to prevent removal of the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus. The at least one computing device can comprise a processor and a memory and can be configured to capture a plurality of images from the fish-eye camera sensor, read a plurality of measurements from the PIR sensor, and trigger an alarm based on the plurality of images and the plurality of measurements.

Abstract: A battery device for a vehicle, which can be miniaturized while including ancillary instruments such as a relay device. The battery device is mounted in a lower portion of a vehicle, and including a battery case; a plurality of battery modules accommodated in the battery case and arranged such that at least some of the battery modules are stacked in a plurality of levels; and a first relay device that switches connection and disconnection between external electric devices and the battery modules. The first relay device is disposed on a side in a vehicle width direction of a portion where the battery modules are stacked in a plurality of levels.

Abstract: A switch is interposed between an ignition antenna associated with a vehicle ignition switch and an auxiliary antenna located spaced from the ignition switch. A reader is selectively connected through the switch to either the ignition antenna or to the auxiliary antenna, the reader configured to determine if an authorized key is present adjacent to an antenna. An authorized key is kept adjacent to the auxiliary antenna. The vehicle ignition switch can be operated either with an authorized key brought adjacent to the ignition switch and adjacent to the ignition antenna or by adjusting the switch to connect the reader to the auxiliary antenna to read the authorized key kept adjacent thereto. A controller can cause this switch to adjust from connecting the reader to the ignition antenna to connecting the reader to the auxiliary antenna, so that the controller can automatically cause vehicle ignition operation when desired.

Abstract: A reception range varying system includes a vehicle control device and a portable device. The reception range varying system determines whether a position where the portable device exists is within an execution range which enables execution of vehicle control over the portable device, or within a reception range but outside the execution range, and narrows the reception range so that the portable device is positioned outside the reception range while maintaining the reception range at a size equivalent to or larger than the execution range, on the basis that the position where the portable device exists is within the reception range but outside the execution range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to virtual code-based control system, method and program, a control device and a control signal generating means. A control method on the basis of a control signal comprising a virtual code according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a control signal receiving step for a control module receiving, from a control signal generating means, a control signal generated by means of combining a plurality of specific codes in accordance with a particular rule; a step for the control module extracting the plurality of specific codes comprised in the virtual code; and a command searching step for the control module searching for a storage location comprising a particular command on the basis of the plurality of specific codes.

Abstract: Automobile receiving and processing location finding, such as GPS, and navigation signals. Multimedia Wi-Fi and other wireless networks and 5G, 4G, 3G and 2G cellular automobile communication of voice, data photo and video camera signals. Automobile mobile networks for direct automobile to automobile communications. Receiving in an automobile a wireless modulated remote control (RC) signal, processing the received RC signal into a processed RC signal for control of operation of the automobile. Processing in an automobile a touchscreen generated signal and a sensor generated signal for control of automobile. Transmitting a signal to an emergency 911 (emergency 911 or enhanced emergency E-911) wireless service provider or to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

Abstract: A method for operating an aspect of a vehicle is provided. One example method includes providing an option for setting operations modes of the vehicle via display screen of the vehicle. The operational modes including a restricted use mode that is settable using credentials associated with a user account. The user account has the vehicle pre-associated to a user profile associated with the user account. The method includes receiving selection of the restricted use mode, the selection sets the vehicle to be operation without credentials associated with the user account. The restricted use mode includes limits that restrict access to a plurality of vehicle inputs and restricts access to a geographical zone. The method includes monitoring use data of the vehicle while in the restricted use mode. The use data is communicated to a server of a connected services provider. The use data including one or more violations detected during use of the vehicle in the restricted user mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for determining plausibility of intelligent transport system (ITS) messages via a wireless communications channel at one or more message receivers. The method includes receiving a first ITS message having a first characteristic and receiving a second associated ITS message having a second characteristic. The method uses the first characteristic and the second characteristic to satisfy at least one predetermined criterion and determines plausibility of at least one of the first ITS message, the second ITS message and a third ITS message. The characteristic includes a PHY-layer or MAC-layer characteristic. The method is used to distinguish between genuine and spoofed messages to reduce the possibility of an attack.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to track working hours of one or more members of a crew that operates a vehicle system. The working hours accumulate as the vehicle system travels on a route. The one or more processors are configured to direct a display device to present a notification message that indicates an amount of time remaining until the working hours reach a prescribed service limit for a designated time interval. The one or more processors are configured to automatically control the vehicle system to one or more of stop movement of the vehicle system, slow movement of the vehicle system, or prevent movement of the vehicle system from a stationary position responsive to determining that the working hours of the one or more members of the crew exceed the prescribed service limit.

Abstract: The application relates to methods and a driver for communication with a transponder, in particular a driver for installation in a motor vehicle and for communication with a mobile transponder for a vehicle access and/or start system of a motor vehicle, wherein the driver is designed so that, after a first transmission at a first transmission frequency and after driver-side reception of a response of a transponder at the transponder resonance frequency thereof, and after driver-side determination of the response frequency of the response using a frequency detection apparatus, said response frequency is set, in particular by changing transmission pauses, at the driver as the second transmission frequency, corresponding to the measured transponder resonance frequency, at which the driver is then intended to transmit, wherein the driver has a resonant circuit (2, 3, 4), which has a higher driver resonant frequency than the mentioned first transmission frequency and than the mentioned second transmission frequen

Abstract: A mobile terminal device is operated by a battery, performs wireless communication with a predetermined associated vehicle, and is available as an electronic key for the vehicle. The mobile terminal device includes a display unit including an electronic paper, and a terminal controller configured to display a predetermined code for unlocking the vehicle on the electronic paper when a remaining amount of the battery is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system and computer implemented method for managing a vehicle incident is disclosed. The method may include monitoring, in response to a triggering event, a first vehicle having a first vehicle state including a set of physical condition characteristics. The method may also include detecting, for the first vehicle, a vehicle incident including a change of one or more physical condition characteristics of the set of physical condition characteristics. The method may also include collecting, in response to detecting the vehicle incident for the first vehicle, incident circumstance information including a set of potential causes of the vehicle incident. In certain embodiments, the method may include providing incident data based on at least a portion of the incident circumstance information and at least a portion of the change of one or more physical condition characteristics.

Abstract: Automobile receiving, demodulating and processing signal for location finding. Processing a sensor and touchscreen generated signal for control of communication, location finding or operation of the automobile. Processing the processed digital communication signal into a further processed baseband signal and modulating and transmitting the processed baseband signal. Processing a camera generated signal into a processed camera signal and providing processed camera signal to an interface unit. Processing and modulating in an automobile a signal into a processed cross-correlated Time Constrained Signal (TCS) wave form and Long Response (LR) filtered signal. Receiving in an automobile a wireless modulated remote control (RC) signal, demodulating and processing modulated RC signal into a demodulated processed RC signal. Transmitting a signal to an emergency 911 (emergency 911 or enhanced emergency E-911) wireless service provider.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to systems and methods for securely creating passwords for performing various keyless operations upon a vehicle. In an exemplary method, a computer receives a request for creating a password for a phone-as-a-key (PaaK) device. The computer determines that the PaaK device is present inside the vehicle and that the vehicle engine has been placed in an accessory state or a run state by an authorized PaaK device located in the vehicle. The computer further determines that a passive entry passive start (PEPS) key fob is present inside the vehicle. A prompt is provided for entry of a password. The computer checks to determine if an entered password has been already assigned to another PaaK device. If unassigned, the computer links the password to the PaaK device and authorizes the entered password as a valid keyless starting password for the vehicle.

Abstract: A control device in a vehicle: determines whether the control device is detached from the vehicle; communicates with other control devices mounted in the vehicle; stores an encryption key; performs a calculation process necessary for communication; and prohibits execution of the calculation process using the encryption key when determining that the control device is detached from the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing and providing access to a vehicle for servicing the vehicle are provided. One method is provided for accessing the vehicle for servicing the vehicle. The method includes receiving, by a server, vehicle data that is used for diagnostics of the vehicle. Recommending, via the server, a service job needed for the vehicle based on the diagnostics. Receiving, by the server, approval from a user account associated with the vehicle to process the service job on the vehicle. The approval includes approval of a service provider to perform the service job on the vehicle. Generating an electronic key by the server for the vehicle for performing the service job on the vehicle by the service provider. The electronic key has a set of restrictions that limit types of access and use of the vehicle for when the service provider performs the service job on the vehicle. The method then includes sending the electronic key to the service provider.

Abstract: A device that includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the device is programmed to identify a wearable device and a set of vehicle data from a vehicle. The user device sends a human machine interface (HMI) message to the wearable device. The HMI message is based at least in part on the set of vehicle data.

Abstract: A depleted EV transmits first information including a current location of the depleted EV to a server. Each of the other vehicles transmits second information including a current location of the vehicle to the server. When the server receives from the depleted EV a help signal requesting power supply from another vehicle to the depleted EV, the server selects, from among the other vehicles, a rescue EV to supply electric power to the depleted EV, using the first information and the second information.

Abstract: A system for accessing or providing operational control of a vehicle includes initiator and sniffer devices. The initiator device includes: polarized antennas; a transmitter transmitting a first tone signal via the polarized antennas from the vehicle to a responder/portable access device; and receiver receiving a second tone signal from the responder device in response to the first tone signal. The sniffer device includes: second polarized antennas; and a second receiver receiving, via the second polarized antennas, the first tone signal from the transmitter and the second tone signal from the responder device. The sniffer device determines states of the first and second tone signals including respective phase delays. The initiator or sniffer device estimates a first distance from the vehicle to the responder device or a second distance from the responder device to the sniffer device based on the states including respective phase delays.

Abstract: Presented are traction battery pack balancing systems, methods for making/operating such systems, and multi-pack, electric-drive motor vehicles with battery pack balancing capabilities.

Abstract: A vehicle security system may be automatically activated when a vehicle (e.g., car or truck) is temporarily stopped. Specifically, if a car is stopped at a gas station or other type of temporary stop (e.g., where a car would not be fully closed and locked) the vehicle security system may engage (e.g., based on opening of a gas cap cover). The vehicle security system monitors for theft of contents from inside a vehicle in a temporary stopped state. Sensors monitor if a passerby reaches into an open (or partially open) window to grab a parcel, handbag, phone, etc. from inside the vehicle. In a temporary stop condition, a vehicle may not be fully locked to engage a standard anti-theft security system. If a driver's attention is diverted away from the vehicle during the temporary stopped condition a quick and quiet theft scenario (e.g., a reach and grab) may be attempted.

Abstract: A battery monitoring network is provided that includes a battery. The battery monitoring network also includes a battery monitoring system integrated within the battery. The battery monitoring system includes a diagnostic system configured to monitor or to store one or more battery parameters of the battery. Additionally, the battery monitoring system includes a transmitter configured to transmit data indicative of the one or more battery parameters of the battery. Furthermore, battery monitoring network includes a cloud-based computing network having a remote server configured to receive the data indicative of the one or more battery parameters of the battery. Moreover, the cloud-based computing network is configured to interface with a plurality of battery monitoring systems, and includes an internet connection.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle control system (VCS) coupled to a computer of a vehicle via a CAN bus and configured to present selectively appearance of a presence in the vehicle of a smartkey, e.g., by energizing and de-energizing an actual smartkey of the vehicle. The VCS includes a VCS and a Bluetooth® VCS transceiver. The VCS stores VCS software. The apparatus also includes a smartphone with a Bluetooth® transceiver, and storing an app. The mobile device is paired with the VCS to communicate with the VCS via a Bluetooth® link. The app configures the smartphone to receive menu selections from a user, to generate communications that identify smartkey-enabled features of the VCS that correspond to the selections, and to send to the VCS the communications through the link. The VCS software configures the VCS to receive the communications and cause the vehicle to perform actions corresponding to the communications.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling unlocking a door of an automobile includes a fob key having a door unlock input unit manipulated by a user and transmitting a door unlock signal, and a controller provided in an automobile and configured to unlock the door of the automobile when a first door unlock signal is received before the preset period of time elapses or when a second door unlock signal is received after the preset period of time elapses, whereby a door of the automobile is not allowed to be unlocked in the case where a hacking tool intercepts the door unlock signal from the fob key and transmits the same to the controller of the automobile after the preset period of time elapses.

Abstract: A VIN verification system allow an accurate detection of incorrectly entered VIN in an electronic file followed by correction of the incorrectly entered VIN. A server of the VIN verification system verify characters and letters of the VIN in the electronic file to detect data entry and/or transmission errors. The server upon determining that the characters and entered in the VIN are incorrect will then replace the characters and letters with alternate or substitute characters and letters and generate a new VIN in the electronic file. The server will reexamine the new VIN to validate the new VIN, and then transmit the electronic file to another web application for further processing.

Abstract: A vehicle security system may be automatically activated when a vehicle (e.g., car or truck) is temporarily stopped. Specifically, if a car is stopped at a gas station or other type of temporary stop (e.g., where a car would not be fully closed and locked) the vehicle security system may engage (e.g., based on opening of a gas cap cover). The vehicle security system monitors for theft of contents from inside a vehicle in a temporary stopped state. Sensors monitor if a passerby reaches into an open (or partially open) window to grab a parcel, handbag, phone, etc. from inside the vehicle. In a temporary stop condition, a vehicle may not be fully locked to engage a standard anti-theft security system. If a driver's attention is diverted away from the vehicle during the temporary stopped condition a quick and quiet theft scenario (e.g., a reach and grab) may be attempted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method of remotely managing a battery for a vehicle, in which electromagnetic waves emitted from a vehicle adjacent to a vehicle for management are rectified and are usable as operation power for monitoring a state of the battery of the vehicle for management, and a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) reader module installed in the vehicle adjacent to the vehicle for management obtains the state of the battery of the vehicle for management and then provides a terminal of an owner of the vehicle for management with the obtained state of the battery, thereby enabling the owner of the vehicle for management located at a remote place to recognize a charging/discharging state of the battery of his/her vehicle and the like in real time.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for protecting an operating system of a security system, which is stored in a working memory of a control device of a vehicle, against irregular modification.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a range-classifying-module for a radio receiver, the range-classifying-module configured to: receive a signal representative of a chirp from a transmitter, determine the presence of one or more pulses in the received signal; and classify the receiver as either proximal to or distal from the transmitter based on: one or more characteristics of the one or more pulses; in addition to a time-of-arrival of the one or more pulses.

Abstract: The solution is directed to access control systems and verifying proximity of a user to an access point that the user is wirelessly requesting access to. The proximity verification is based on placing proximity hubs adjacent to the different access points. Each proximity hub advertises a different unique identifier that changes periodically over a short-range wireless network and can be detected with a mobile device if the mobile device is physically within a short distance from the proximity hub. The unique identifier changes based on a rolling code. A user is permitted access to a restricted access point in response to the mobile device sending over a different long-range wireless network, the unique identifier advertised from a proximity hub adjacent to a desired access point and user access credentials authenticating access privileges of the user to the desired access point.

Abstract: A vehicle control device (100) includes a recognizer (130) that recognizes a surrounding situation of an automatically driven vehicle, and a driving controller (120, 160) that automatically controls acceleration/deceleration and steering of the automatically driven vehicle on the basis of a result of the surrounding situation recognized by the recognizer and also includes a situation information acquirer that acquires situation information indicating an in-vehicle situation of an automatically driven vehicle, a detector that detects a forgotten item that is left in the automatically driven vehicle on the basis of the situation information acquired by the situation information acquirer, and a controller that controls the automatically driven vehicle on the basis of a result of the detection of the detector.

Abstract: A method for authorizing the use of a motor vehicle, in particular a two-wheeled or four-wheeled motor vehicle, which has a first and a second antenna where the first antenna and the second antenna are spaced apart from each other, by a portable identification device which has an identification transmitter antenna. In order to increase the manipulation security of a known method, it is determined whether the identification device is moving toward the motor vehicle. This can on the one hand be determined in that the identification device repeatedly identifies the field strength of the signals emitted by the motor vehicle and identifies whether the field strength or field strengths is or are increasing. This can on the other hand be determined in that the identification device repeatedly determines the angle between the signals emitted by the motor vehicle and examines whether the repeatedly determined angles are increasing.

Abstract: A lighting system of a vehicle is provided herein and includes an external lighting device, one or more sensors configured to detect an object approaching the vehicle, and a controller configured to identify the object and assess a threat level thereof based on input from the one or more sensors. If the controller determines that the object is high threat, the controller operates the external lighting device to produce an illumination sequence in the direction of the object.

Abstract: A gate driver for power semiconductors is disclosed. The gate driver includes modulation to modulate signals from a controller to a radio frequency (RF) range that is much higher than frequencies associated with conducted EMI. The gate driver also includes RF transformer and tank circuit to that couples the modulated signals, filters EMI, and provides galvanic isolation. The gate driver further includes a RF demodulator and unfolder circuit for converting the RF signal into a signal appropriate for controlling the gate of a power semiconductor for switching. Additionally, the disclosed gate driver provides active gate control using programmable waveforms with values that can range over a continuous range of voltages.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bicycle security system (130). The system comprises an alarm circuit having an alarm mechanism; and a sensor for sensing the displacement of a bicycle. The sensor is in communication with the alarm mechanism for activating the alarm mechanism if the displacement of the bicycle is greater than a predetermined threshold. A power source for powering the alarm circuit is provided.

Abstract: A method for authorizing the use of a motor vehicle by a portable identification transmitter is provided. According to the method, a first vehicle antenna emits a first signal and a second vehicle antenna emits a second signal. An identification transmitter determines at least one of the spatial components of first and second electromagnetic fields, respectively, of the first and second signals. The identification transmitter transmits a measure or a value for the at least one spatial component of the first electromagnetic field, and a measure or a value for the at least one spatial component of the second electromagnetic field to the motor vehicle. A computer determines an angle between the spatial components of the first and second electromagnetic fields. The motor vehicle transmits an authorization signal for authorizing use of the motor vehicle only if the angle exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to speakers and more specifically to an array speaker for distributing music uniformly across a room. A number of audio drivers can be radially distributed within a speaker housing so that an output of the drivers is distributed evenly throughout the room. In some embodiments, the exit geometry of the audio drivers can be configured to bounce off a surface supporting the array speaker to improve the distribution of music throughout the room. The array speaker can include a number of vibration isolation elements distributed within a housing of the array speaker. The vibration isolation elements can be configured to reduce the strength of forces generated by a subwoofer of the array speaker.

Abstract: A terminal device and a locking or unlocking method for the terminal device are provided. The locking or unlocking method is used for locking or unlocking a virtual key area of a terminal device when a touch panel of the terminal device is in an unlocked state, and the method includes: receiving multiple reported virtual key press events; and determining that the received virtual key press events meet a preset locking or unlocking condition, and setting a state of the virtual key area of the terminal device to a locked state or the unlocked state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating the distance (d) between an identifier (20) fitted with a first wireless communication module (24) and a vehicle (10) fitted with a second wireless communication module (14), including the following steps: establishing a wireless connection (L) between the first wireless communication module (24) and the second wireless communication module (14); estimating said distance (d) on the basis of a propagation time of the electromagnetic signals involved in the wireless connection established (L); when the identifier (20) comes within the range of a signal (S) transmitted by the vehicle (10), evaluating said distance (d) by means of a measurement, by the identifier (20), of the strength of said transmitted signal (S). An associated electronic unit and identifier are also described.

Abstract: A parking system includes a parking lot having a parking space for parking a motor vehicle; sensors for scanning the parking lot; and a processing unit for assisting in a parking or pickup operation of the motor vehicle independently of a driver, the processing unit being designed to determine that a motor vehicle which is detected inside the parking lot with the aid of the sensors is driving outside a parking or pickup operation controlled independently of a driver, and to trigger an action in response.