Abstract: A smart key system for a vehicle determines that a mobile communicator is not in the passenger compartment and that an in-trunk communicator communicates with the mobile communicator when the trunk gets locked. Then the smart key system executes a recovery process for the mobile communicator locked in the trunk.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first device which generates and/or transmits a first signal and which is associated with a web site and located remote from a premises or vehicle. The first signal is transmitted in response to a second signal transmitted from a second device located remote from the first device and remote from the premises or vehicle. The first device determines whether an action or an operation associated with the second signal is authorized or allowed and, if so, transmits the first signal to a third device located at the premises. The second signal is transmitted via the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. The third device generates and/or transmits a third signal for activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and/or controlling an operation of, a system, device, equipment, equipment system, component, and appliance, of the premises or vehicle.

Abstract: A lock and key system is configured to sense an operational signature generated by an object placed into a keyway in the system. The system is further configured to compare the operational signature with a reference signature, and to generate an alarm when the operational signature differs from the reference signature by a threshold.

Abstract: An on-vehicle controller performs smart control for transmitting a transmission request signal to a predetermined area and for unlocking a door of a vehicle based on a return signal transmitted by a portable device receiving the transmission request signal, security control for providing a warning if improper conduct to the vehicle is detected, remote keyless entry control for locking or unlocking the door according to a manual operation signal, which is transmitted from the portable device according to button manipulation thereof, and immobilizer control for permitting an engine start if an identification code transmitted from a transponder of the portable device coincides with an identification code stored in the vehicle. If a mode switch is switched to an off position, the controller is switched to a power-saving mode for performing only the immobilizer control.

Abstract: An entry control system includes a portable device carried by a vehicle user and a biometric sensor attached to a vehicle door. The biometric sensor includes a CCD camera and a shutter. The shutter is moved to uncover the CCD camera only when the portable device is validated. After the biometric sensor detects the biometric information based on a finger print image of the user, the shutter is moved again to cover the CCD camera. Each time the shutter moves, a brush cleans the CCD camera. The vehicle door is enabled to be opened only when the user is validated based on the biometric information.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an anti-theft system includes an input device and a processor having an associated memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to activate the anti-theft system in response to receiving an authorization code from the input device and, when the anti-theft system is activated, to lock the engine in response to receiving one of a user code and a master code from the input device.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft method for use in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an ignition, a starter, fuel injectors, a memory, engine controller, and a real clock time function in the engine controller, said engine controller being configured to operate the engine in a plurality of different modes including a theft protection mode, comprises; a) comparing a lock window definition time with an engine controller real clock time; b) operating the engine in a theft protection mode when the real clock time matches the lock window definition time; c) determining whether the engine is running, and; d) controlling the operation of the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle antitheft device prevents an erroneous activation of a theft preventing function due to an activation of a system, which is capable of starting an engine in a state where a key is not inserted in an ignition key cylinder. A power source control device causes a starter motor to start the engine when the key is inserted into the ignition key cylinder or an authentication collation through a radio communication is completed. The vehicle antitheft device activates an alarm when an IG signal from the power source control device becomes an ON signal in an uninserted state of the key into the ignition key cylinder. A push start switch, which is push-operated at a time of an engine start, is connected to the power source control device and the vehicle antitheft device.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic key system that may be lent to a third person without having to worry about how the key would be used. The key system includes a portable key and a control unit installed in a vehicle. When the vehicle owner does not want the third person to use a certain accessory, the owner registers a restriction code in the key. The restriction code is registered only when a fingerprint input from an input device matches the owner's fingerprint that is pre-registered in the key. The registration of the restriction code prohibits operation of the accessory.

Abstract: An example receiver/transmitter for a passive start and entry system switches between amplitude shift keyed modulation and frequency shift keyed modulation to maintain clear uninterrupted and dependable communication with a remote transmitter in the presence of interfering signals. The receiver/transmitter is switched to receive incoming FSK signals in response to the RSSI becoming saturated by undesired signals. The switch to FSK signal modulation occurs by signaling the remote transmitter to change over and begin sending FSK modulated signals. The FSK modulated signals are then received without significant interference.

Abstract: During traveling a vehicle, an on-vehicle unit control circuit 22 transmits regularly a mobile unit verification encryption code stored in a storage part 23 of an on-vehicle unit 2 to a mobile unit 1; a transmission circuit 10 of the mobile unit 1 replies a response signal to the on-vehicle unit 2 every time the verification code is received; and the control circuit 22 of the on-vehicle unit 2 updates and stores vehicle environmental information in the storage part 23 upon receiving the response signal, and if the on-vehicle unit 2 cannot receive any response signal from the mobile unit 1, a driver is notified with display lamp 53, hazard lamp 54, or alarm buzzer 55 that the response signal has not been received.

Abstract: A smart-key-start-up device for an automobile includes a control module configured to receive signals about an operation state of the automobile; a lock-preventing circuit controlled by the control module; a knob housing; a user-operable start-up knob disposed in the knob housing; and a slidable projection on the start-up knob, controlled by the lock prevention circuit based on the operation state of the automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control apparatus has: A) a first transmitter for outputting an authentication request signal to a mobile device including a radio terminal assigned with an identification code special to a vehicle and outputting an authentication response signal corresponding to the identification code; B) a second transmitter for outputting an interference wave to cancel the authentication request signal at the same time as the first transmitter transmits the authentication request signal; C) a receiver for receiving the authentication response signal output from the mobile device in response to the authentication request signal, thereby checking authenticity of the authentication response signal; and D) a controller for controlling operation of an on-vehicle equipment based on the result of authentication of the authentication response signal.

Abstract: An easy-to-use remote keyless entry system is provided. To execute 2-way long distance communication at a low output and within a short time, transmission is effected while a data rate of a terminal board is changed. To reduce battery consumption in a system capable of setting an automatic output mode, the operation mode is shifted to the automatic output mode when an automatic output mode button is pushed or when a door lock release button of an operation button, etc, is kept pushed for a predetermined time. To execute a reserved operation at a reserved time, a storage circuit for storing reservation is provided to the terminal board.

Abstract: A control device is provided for activating and deactivating a child safety lock function of rear doors of a motor vehicle. The control device includes a safety lock device connected to rear inside door handles of the rear doors. The control device also includes a central control unit for controlling the safety lock device between a first operating position that defines a normal operating mode, in which the safety lock device allows the rear doors to be opened using both the rear inside door handles and the rear outside door handles, and a second operating position that defines a safety lock mode, in which the safety lock device does not allow the rear doors to be opened using the rear inside door handles. A selector device is included for manually selecting between the normal operating mode and the safety lock mode.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a control member for a valve for controlling a vehicle brake function, and an electrically operable lockout for the control member. An electronic reader associated with the lockout is operable in response to communication with a personal data device to control operation of the lockout. The reader may be used to effect credential verification of a vehicle driver and enable other functions.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and computer programs are used to operate a vehicle having a power door. The power door may be opened in response to a user instruction when a vehicle speed value is below a predetermined vehicle speed value. When an alarm system for the vehicle is in an armed state, a signal representative of a synthetic vehicle speed value that is above the predetermined vehicle speed value is generated to prevent the power door from opening.

Abstract: A radio frequency (“RF”) electronic lock and a method of its operation are described. Also described is a programming key which may be used in connection with such a lock. It has several embodiments, including without limitations a mortise cylinder lock, a padlock, and a lever lock.

Abstract: A door lock control device prevents deterioration in anti-theft property of a vehicle by restricting unjust cancellation of a locked state of a door of the vehicle. In-vehicle operation detecting means detects a predetermined operation performed in a compartment of the vehicle. Locked state canceling means cancels the locked state of the door when the predetermined operation is detected by the in-vehicle operation detecting means. Unjust act detecting means detects an unjust act applied to the vehicle. Locked state cancellation prohibiting means prohibits cancellation of the locked state by the locked state canceling means after the unjust act is detected by the unjust act detecting means.

Abstract: An electric steering lock device is configured with a control unit to operate a steering column lock between a steering locked state and a steering unlocked state. The electric steering lock device has a locking limit switch that turns on when a locking member reaches the locking stop position, and turns off when an unlocking command for the locking member is outputted. An unlocking limit switch of the electric steering lock device turns on when the locking member reaches the unlocking stop position, and turns off when a locking command for the locking member is outputted. The electric steering lock control unit determines that the locking limit switch or the unlocking limit switch has malfunctioned based on the state of the locking member.

Abstract: A security system having security devices with hierarchical levels of access provided to coded keys which may be hand held transmitter units, is disclosed. The levels of access are master which is restricted to the manufacturer, seller and installer, supervisor which can be allocated to a site, and user which is usually specific to one security device only. The security devices can be programmed to be responsive to all of the supervisor coded keys and/or user coded keys, or a user coded key only. The security system can be used in a method of securing all vehicles at a car sales, where all of the vehicles can have their security devices programmed to be responsive to supervisor coded keys specific to the car sales site. When a vehicle is sold, its security device can be reprogrammed to be responsive to specific user coded keys only.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for occupant protection in a motor vehicle and for anti-theft protection of the motor vehicle, comprising an airbag (3), which may be inflated with gas by means of a filling device, a transceiver (5), for electromagnetic waves (6) and an occupant protection analytical unit (81) connected thereto. An occupant protection interrogation unit (41) is arranged on the inflatable airbag (3), which is wirelessly interrogated by the transceiver (5). Information on the degree and/or speed of unfolding of the airbag is thus provided to the occupant protection analytical unit (81). The transceiver (5) may furthermore wirelessly interrogate a portable anti-theft interrogation unit (42), for example, a chipcard and hence provide an anti-theft analytical unit (82) with information about the authorisation of the anti-theft interrogation unit (42) and/or the separation of the anti-theft interrogation unit (42) from the transceiver (5) based on the returned signal.

Abstract: An engine starting apparatus with an antitheft function enables rapid and secure starting of a kick-started engine. The engine starting apparatus includes an immobilizer CPU and an ignition CPU, which cooperate to enable authorized engine startup and to prevent unauthorized access. The immobilizer CPU outputs a permission signal if an authentication code from the outside corresponds to a reference code in a vehicle, but outputs an inhibition signal if the authentication code and the reference code fail to correspond. When a starting pedal is kicked, the ignition CPU begins to energize the engine's ignition system, in response to a predetermined engine starting instruction, before the input reference code is verified. If proper authentication is verified by the permission signal, the ignition CPU continues to allow normal engine starting procedure. If the inhibition signal is received from the immobilizer CPU, the ignition CPU interrupts the normal procedure and inhibits engine starting.

Abstract: The driver certifying system according to the present invention comprises an iris pattern acquiring means 11 for acquiring iris pattern of a driver who sits on a driver's seat of a vehicle, a driver certifying means 12 for certifying whether or not the driver is an authentic driver by comparing the iris pattern with registered iris pattern of the authentic driver, and a function activating means 13 for activating at least one function equipped in the vehicle, when the driver is certified as the authentic driver.

Abstract: A vehicle-use electronic key system includes a control unit mounted on a real car, and an electronic key for sending a response signal on receiving a request signal sent from the control unit via a transmission antenna, the antenna being installed near the middle of the real car. Specifically, when a line segment (wheel base) connecting the center of a front wheel to the center of a rear wheel is assumed, the transmission antenna is installed in any location within a range from the upper part to the lower part of the real car within a range from a ¼ point to a ¾ point of the wheel base with the center of the front wheel as a reference.

Abstract: A multi-functional fob provides at least one of the features selected from a programmable lock/unlock button; a voice activated button; an ice-scraper; a credit card strip; and a rechargeable interface. One or a combination of the features may be integrated into a single fob. A fob-retaining device may be provided. Each fob function may be integrated into an electronic device such as a PDA, a cellular phone, a two-way radio, a wristwatch, a voice recorder, an audio player, a video player, or a multi-communication signal fob repeater. Optionally, the fob may have a compass and a timer. Additionally, a multi-functional fob communication system is provided to provide remote communications between a receiver in a fob-activated device and a remote electronic fob device.

Abstract: A passive entry and/or passive go system and am associated operating method is provided. According to an embodiment of the invention, the following steps are performed in an electronic key of the passive entry and/or passive go system: generation of a reference input value, supplying the antenna circuit with the reference input value, measurement of the characteristic parameters, while the antenna circuit is supplied with the reference input value, storage of the characteristic parameters, measurement of a first output value of the antenna circuit, and determination of the field strength from the first output value and the characteristic parameters, whereby an effect of the characteristic parameters on the field strength is compensated. Use, for example, in motor vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle security apparatus includes an immobilizer ECU, a remote security ECU, a display, an operation unit, and a power supply control unit. The immobilizer ECU controls a drive prohibition and drive permission for an engine based on an identification signal transmitted from a key and/or a remote setting signal and a remote unsetting signal output from the remote security ECU. When a remote setting signal has been transmitted to set an immobilizer, the power supply control unit causes a power supply transition to an accessory-on state or an ignition-on state when an authorized identification signal from the key is transmitted. Thus, the remote immobilizer is enabled to be unset by the display and the operation unit.

Abstract: An anti-theft apparatus including a first memory, which stores an ID code registered in a portable device, a GPS receiver, which determines the present position of the vehicle, a second memory, which stores a predetermined registered position, and a control circuit, which enables registration of the ID code to the first memory when the present position of the vehicle matches the registered position stored in the second memory.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle given to a third party. The system includes a system controller; a mode-indicating device coupled to the system controller; and an authenticator coupled to the system controller. Here, the system controller is adapted to communicate a driving restriction to the vehicle upon an activation of the mode-indicating device by an authorized driver and until a deactivation of the mode-indicating device by the authorized driver, the system controller is adapted to restrict the activation and the deactivation of the mode-indicating device unless the authorized driver has been authenticated by the authenticator, and the driving restriction includes a limit selected from the group consisting of a limit in number of starts, a limit in speed, a limit in acceleration, a limit in number of minutes, a limit in distance, a limit in gears, a limit in locations, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bus system having at least three users in a vehicle having a drive unit and a lockable vehicle interior; of the at least three users of the bus system, precisely one first user being formed as the superordinate user and initiating each data transmission on the bus system; at least one second user being formed as an element of a locking system in a vehicle, and at least one third user being arranged outside of the lockable vehicle interior, wherein the first user monitors the data transmission such that in at least one specific operating state of the vehicle and/or the bus system, the first user, for each data transmission on the bus system that was not initiated by it, introduces measures to prevent transmission of the data.

Abstract: A motorcar burglar proof system comprised of a mechanism to lock up the steering wheel, an image retrieve device, and a built in control circuit; an IC chip integrated by the control circuit recording physical features of the genuine driver to compare with the image retrieved so to release the steering wheel if fits; if not, the steering wheel remaining to be locked up, the image being saved, and the alarm being activated to alert the parties concerned to respond in time.

Abstract: A steering wheel lock apparatus having high reliability. The steering wheel lock apparatus (1) includes a lock pin (21), which engages a steering wheel (5), a motor (23), which moves the lock pin, and a control circuit (31), which controls the motor. The control circuit includes a power supply line (72b), which provides locking current to the motor for locking the steering wheel. A breaker circuit (61) selectively breaks the power supply line when a user operates an ignition switch knob (81) to start the vehicle.

Abstract: The system has a uniform system architecture that is designed for an access authorization request both with and without the use of a transponder. Should a transponder be used, only a corresponding transponder must be fitted in the key that can interact with an immobilizer coil specially provided for this in a receiving unit of the motor vehicle. In this case, the corresponding system requirements have also already been taken into consideration in the system architecture. As a result, the different system requirements for access and right of use systems to a great extent provide flexibility.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a motor vehicle against theft uses a vehicle control device connected by a signaling link to a first control node of a vehicle module essential to mobilization of the vehicle, the essential module further having a power node connected to a power supply source. The apparatus comprises: an enable/disable control for conditionally disabling signaling along the signaling link, a user interface code input device communicating with the enable/disable control via a secure command link, and an armored encapsulation encapsulating the disable control and the control node and physically configured to render inoperable any of the disable control, the signaling link and the control node upon being tampered with.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic key system includes a control device mounted on a vehicle and an electronic key for transmitting a response signal in response to reception of a request signal from the control device. The control device includes means for outputting a request signal to the electronic key in response to the ON operation of a main switch of the vehicle (request signal generation means, a transmission circuit, and a transmission antenna), means for detecting a response signal from the electronic key (a reception circuit and response signal matching means), and means for performing an alarm output (monitoring means, a third drive circuit, and an alarm lamp) when no response signal is detected in spite of the output of the request signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for processing a motor vehicle detection signals. It consists in taking into account data concerning the surroundings to interpret the detection signals and deliver actuating signals. The invention also concerns a device for implementing said method and an opening panel handle (1) and a vehicle comprising such a device.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge (HID) assembly comprises ballast circuits which includes a micro-controller, and an HID headlamp. In order to deter theft of the HID assembly from a vehicle, the micro-controller communicates with a vehicle computer, checks the VIN of the vehicle, and if the micro-controller does not recognize the VIN, causes the HID headlamp to operate in a flickering power output mode. The ballast circuits include a power control circuit, a lamp current regulator, a 400v regulator, a current sense circuit, a turn-on synchronization circuit, a shut down circuit, and a pulse width modulator.

Abstract: A switch device is provided that ensures formation of a communicable area by a coil antenna. The switch device includes an ignition switch operated by an operator for driving an engine starter, a decorative cap arranged to surround the ignition switch and having an ornamental surface, and the coil antenna arranged adjacent to the decorative cap for transmitting a transponder-driving radio wave. The decorative cap includes a transmittable area that can transmit the transponder-driving radio wave therethrough. The transmittable area is formed in a part of the decorative cap excluding the ornamental surface.

Abstract: An IG key monitor sends out an anti-theft instruction to a GAIN switching part, in case that an IG key SW (ignition key switch) was turned to an OFF state. The GAIN switching part receives the anti-theft instruction from the IG key monitor, and then, switches detection sensitivity of an acceleration sensor to second detection sensitivity (which is detection sensitivity available for inclination judgment of a vehicle, and for example, is approximately ±2 G). An inclination judgment part judges whether or not a vehicle is inclined on the basis of a detection result of the acceleration sensor whose detection sensitivity was switched as described above, and outputs an anti-theft alarm through an alarm part, in case that an output of the acceleration sensor exceeds 0.1 G.

Abstract: A method to identify a person driving a vehicle and his/hers driving style, and also to switch on the vehicle either to a driving-allowing mode or to a drive-stop mode, is provided. In the method, the vehicle includes a scanner, and the driver is provided with a data-containing card or object. According to the method, the driving style information of the driver is stored on the card or object, and on starting driving the driver inserts the card or object into the vehicle scanner. Thereafter, data received from selected vehicle controls and/or data from varying information-collecting detectors is compared with information stored on the driver's driving style card, and on basis of the comparison the control unit in the vehicle either allows driving or enters a drive-stop mode.

Abstract: A License Sanction Enforcement System™ technology that includes at least one sensor worn by an individual to be monitored and a data storage unit. The sensor can detect directional angle and acceleration motion. The data storage unit is coupled with the sensor and stores the angle kinematic data detected by the sensor. The device determines whether the individual is operating or has operated a motor vehicle based upon analysis of the angle and acceleration data, and creates a record in the data storage unit of each occurrence that operation of a motor vehicle is detected. Alternatively, the data storage unit may be used to store the raw detection data, which can be transferred to an external data processing device for analysis.

Abstract: A wireless security system includes a control panel, a radio frequency receiver hardwired to the control panel, a plurality of wireless sensors having a standardized data output for communicating with the radio frequency receiver as well as a proximity reader. The apparatus also includes a transmitter hardwired to the proximity reader and the transmitter is configured to communicate with the receiver. The apparatus also includes a proximity device configured to cooperate with the proximity reader. A common communications protocol is utilized by both the proximity device and the wireless sensors. The invention also includes the method for controlling a security system which includes using a common communications protocol to communicate with both the proximity reader and the wireless sensors.

Abstract: In the device a controllable switch is built into the control device which enables the start authorization and by means of which the supply voltage with which this controllable switch is supplied can be switched off. To check a start authorization a diagnosis can be undertaken which is realized with known resistance elements in the voltage supply line between identification device holder and control device. This allows the voltage drops across the elements to be compared with the corresponding required values. Simple short circuiting of the starter or the ignition is thus no longer possible since this would be detected by the control device as a result of the changes in voltage drop. In addition a fault in the supply voltage or the feed lines can be definitively detected.

Abstract: A controller for an electronic key system including a portable device and an engine. When the ID code of the portable device cannot be authenticated, the controller instructs the driver of the necessary operations. When a transmitter circuit is transmitting a request signal but a receiver circuit does not receive a signal including an ID code matching the ID code stored in a memory, an authentication ECU authenticates a transponder code of the portable device with a stored transponder code to enable the starting of the engine. The authentication ECU displays the necessary operations for performing transponder code authentication.

Abstract: A switch device that occupies less space and that can be manufactured at a lower cost. The switch device includes an operation switch operated by an operator for driving an actuator and a coil antenna used to output a transponder-driving radio wave. The coil antenna is arranged adjacent to the operation switch.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prevent a start-up locked state from being released by a third party other than a rightful driver. After a movable body 31 has been set in a state of halted operations (a start-up locked state) by a start-up lock setting unit 830, a rightful driver must contact a manager on a terminal device 11 side when this driver forgets a password or hands over to another driver. Having received contact, the manager transmits a start-up lock release command from the terminal 11 side to the movable body 31 via communication units 1 (see FIG. 1), whereby the state of halted operations (start-up locked state) in the movable body 31 is released.

Abstract: A system for preventing theft of a vehicle having at least one essential module being essential to mobilization of the vehicle. The system comprises a control apparatus for controlling operation of the at least one essential module, and at least one armored encapsulation, encapsulating the control apparatus and at least a portion of the essential module. At least one of a shape, configuration, material, size and location of the armored encapsulation within the vehicle is selected so as to prevent accessing the control apparatus without substantially damaging at least one of the armored encapsulation and the essential module, thereby preventing the mobilization of the vehicle.

Abstract: When transmitting an instruction for activating an immobilizer function to a subject vehicle, a base station also transmits a given ID code for releasing the immobilizer function. An immobilizer ECU that receives the instruction and the given ID code, prohibits an engine from being started by other than a key having the given ID code. Therefore, a regular user alone, who owns a key having the given ID code, can start the engine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a remote lock operation apparatus for a light vehicle having a bar handle and a switch case and having no cabin. One objective of the invention is to make it possible for the infrared receiver of the remote lock operation apparatus to cover a range of directivity without being influenced by the seat or the vehicle body rear portion. Another objective is to protect the infrared receiver from the weather and mischief. These objectives are achieved by having an infrared receiver provided on a switch case, with a switch operation element provided on a steering bar handle of a vehicle, thereby protecting the infrared receiver from potential damage while at the same time positioning it so that it can be easily operable by a passenger.