Abstract: It is proposed to assign a mounting arm to a toll calculator which is embodied as a surface-mounted device and which is connected in an articulated fashion to the toll calculator and can be mounted on the windshield of the motor vehicle. The toll calculator itself then rests with a relatively small area on the dashboard of the motor vehicle with the intermediate connection of a preferably elastomer supporting element which is preferably coated with adhesive on two sides.

Abstract: A control system for vehicle devices uses an access control device to specify an identification datum, which is used by a control module to modify operation of a set of vehicle devices and functions of such devices. The control module can either disable access to the set of devices or modify operations of the vehicle devices by limiting the functionality of the selected vehicle devices. A valet using a valet key can drive the car under restrictions and a selected set of vehicle devices can be disabled during a valet's use of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a communication system for communicating between moving objects in which a moving object determines the peripheral state based on moving object information transmitted and received using communication between moving objects, accuracy level information regarding the apparatus provided in the transmitting moving object is included in moving object information. Further, a vehicular driving support apparatus that transmits moving object information using communication between moving objects includes accuracy level information regarding the apparatus provided in a host vehicle in moving object information.

Abstract: An antitheft device for a motor vehicle has a first receiver (2) in the motor vehicle, which is designed to receive signals in narrowband. The signals received by this receiver are evaluated in accordance with the code information contained in them. Furthermore, the antitheft device has a second broadband receiver (7) which receives signals outside the useful frequency band (3). If signals are received whose signal strength is above a threshold value (S), whose signal duration is shorter than a predefined time period (t2–t1) or whose code information corresponds largely to anticipated code information, the access to the motor vehicle, and its use, are not enabled.

Abstract: The invention provides a car-mounted imaging apparatus that renders a frame rate variable and yet does not spoil image quality and does not either invite the drop of sensitivity and deterioration of an S/N ratio. The car-mounted imaging apparatus 1 has two-dimensional imaging means (pixel unit 3, vertical scanning unit 4, horizontal scanning unit 5, output unit 7) having a large number of pixels 2 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and pixel information addition means (pixel switch control unit 8) for combining a plurality of pixels 2 and adding and extracting their pixel information. When the number of combination of the pixels 2 is changed, a frame rate becomes variable.

Abstract: A transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus for moving machinery includes a microwave transmitter disposed outside the moving machinery to fill a chamber of the moving machinery with microwave energy. The transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus also includes a transponder disposed inside the moving machinery for measuring a sensed condition of a part of the moving machinery and providing a modulated microwave signal that contains information on the sensed condition. The transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus further includes a receiver disposed outside the moving machinery to separate modulated and continuous-wave signal components of the signal and extracts information from the modulated component.

Abstract: A receiver of a tire status monitoring apparatus which can specify tire mounting positions and does not require initial registration work. The tire status monitoring apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters which are provided on the respective tires of a vehicle and transmit data indicating statuses of the respective tires. The data includes an identification code to identify each tire, and the receiver is supplied with an activation signal to activate a drive source of the vehicle. The receiver includes a reception unit which receives the data from the transmitters, and a control circuit which is connected to the reception unit and collates the identification code included in the data upon detection of the activation signal and specifies, based on the identification code, each transmitter which has transmitted the data.

Abstract: A decision aid for use in the defense of a combat ground vehicle which includes a track fusion element, a threat typing element, threat prioritization element, and a countermeasures (CM) selection element.

Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security, telemetry and control system which utilizes wireless communication between a control unit and smart relay(s) within the vehicle and also utilizes wireless communication between the vehicle and a remote base station to monitor and protect a vehicle or piece of equipment against unauthorized users and thieves.

Abstract: In a vehicular remote locking/unlocking system, when a locking or unlocking switch outputs a trigger signal, a second transmission device transmits identification information transmission disable signal, before a first transmission device transmits identification information request signal. When a portable device of the vehicular remote system receives the transmission disable signal, even if the portable device receives a subsequent request signal, transmission of identification information from the portable device is disabled for a predetermined period of time, thereby disabling operation of a door lock actuator. Since the second transmission device transmits a transmission disable signal a plurality of times in succession, the influence of noise is eliminated, thereby reliably preventing the portable transceiver within the vehicle from outputting an ID signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of identifying a vehicle that may present safety threats to security areas are provided. When a vehicle is approaching a security zone, a request for identification (ID) is issued to the vehicle's on-board computer system (OBCS). Upon receiving the ID, a comparison is made between the ID of the vehicle and a list of suspect vehicle IDs. It there is a match, the vehicle is considered to be suspect and the OBCS is instructed to take control over the vehicle.

Abstract: A wireless anti-theft device mainly includes a host having a power-supply voltage-stabilizing circuit, an anti-theft coding and CPU circuit, a host control circuit, an emitting circuit, a host receiving circuit, and an I/O socket; and a wireless siren being internally provided with a power-supply voltage-stabilizing circuit, an RF wireless receiving circuit, a decoding and CPU circuit, and an anti-theft voicing and driving circuit. The anti-theft coding and CPU circuit generates Manchester anti-theft code having a Hi-Low ratio of 1:1, so that the wireless siren could quickly and accurately analyze received data code to emit precise warning sound.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and system for authorizing use of a mobile vehicle, in which an entry signal is received and a disarm alarm prompt from an in-vehicle telematics unit is provided in response to the entry signal. A determination is made as to whether a disarm alarm response is received and an authorization procedure is initiated based on the disarm alarm response.

Abstract: A car alarm is providing including an annunciator for providing an alarm signal from a car alarm system and n automatic dialer that provides automatic dialing capabilities to a wireless phone or pager upon initiation of said annunciator.

Abstract: A vehicle light controller that facilitates recognition of a vehicle. The controller includes a portable device having a communication function. A lighting device is arranged in the vehicle and has a vehicle entering mode and a vehicle exiting mode with changeable lighting patterns. A first controller and a second controller are connected to the lighting device and communicate with the portable device. The first controller illuminates the lighting device in the vehicle entering mode when communication with the portable device is established and changes the lighting pattern of the lighting device in the vehicle entering mode when a first condition is satisfied. The second controller illuminates the lighting device in the vehicle exiting mode when communication with the portable device is established and a second condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A vehicle surveillance system includes a vehicle-installed sensor apparatus for transmitting by radio, sensor information acquired by a sensor, a communication adapter for receiving by radio the sensor information from the vehicle-installed sensor apparatus and transmitting the received sensor information onto a public network, and a surveillance server for receiving the sensor information from the communication adapter. The vehicle surveillance system further includes at least one portable surveillance remote for relaying transmission of the sensor information from the vehicle-installed sensor apparatus to the communication adapter.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for a vehicle, including: a portable transmitter-receiver adapted to communicate information wirelessly; a main controller mounted on the vehicle, the main controller adapted to communicate information wirelessly with the portable transmitter-receiver, to determine whether the portable transmitter-receiver is located within a communicatable range, and to output an enable signal when the portable transmitter-receiver is located within the communicatable range; a sub-controller mounted on the vehicle and connected to the main controller, the sub-controller adapted to enable-control of a vehicle mounted electronic device when the enable signal is input from the main controller.

Abstract: An electronically-active vehicle gear-shift knob (10) consisting of a hand-grasping section (12), an electronics enclosure (44) that is attached to an upper edge (14) of the hand-grasping section (12), and an electronics control circuit (90) consisting of a transmitting circuit (92) and a remotely located receiving circuit (94). The enclosure (44) includes a set of four pushbutton switches (92E) that are connected to the transmitting circuit (92). The closure of any one of the pushbutton switches (92E) allows the transmitting circuit (92) to produce an RF output signal (19) that is radiated via an antenna (92H) to the receiving circuit (94). The receiving circuit (94) subsequently processes the RF output signal (19) and produces an output control signal (29) that energizes an LED light corresponding to the specific pushbutton switch (92E)that has been closed.

Abstract: A system for protecting the loading space of vehicles, in particular passenger cars, with sensors for sensing loaded material in the loading space, detectors for sensing the state of protective devices in the loading space and being configured for signal generation indicative of the state of the loaded material and as a function of the sensing of loaded material and the sensing of the state of the protective devices.

Abstract: The vehicle safety system which is for a vehicle equipped with a remote starter comprises a wireless transmitter located inside a closed space, adapted to emit a signal for disabling the remote starter. The system further comprises at least one wireless receiver located on board the vehicle, and being operatively connected to the remote starter. The wireless receiver, upon receipt of the signal, disables the remote starter, and thereby prevents remote starting of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wireless communication system comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly located within the interior cabin of a vehicle, a first wireless communication link in short-range wireless communication with a personal accessory of an occupant of the vehicle and a second wireless communication link to a provider of information or service external to the vehicle. At least one manually operated control is provided at the interior rearview mirror assembly for facilitating operation of the communication system. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, preferably comprising a semitransparent reflector with a display element located behind the reflective element that is operable to display information provided by the external provider, the presence of the display element behind said reflector being preferably substantially masked from notice by a driver of the vehicle until the display element displays information.

Abstract: An anti-theft device monitors an object or person approaching a vehicle from the surrounding area of the vehicle by using a surrounding area sensing sensor when an authorized vehicle user moves away from the vehicle which causes the anti-theft device to be activated. If the anti-theft device detects the object or person, the anti-theft device activates an alarm. The anti-theft device transmits images and surrounding area details of the vehicle to the information center. If the vehicle is illegally accessed, the occurrence of any illegal activity is detected by a break-in sensor that issues a break-in alarm, simultaneously with the transmission of vehicle information to the information center, indicating the current disposition of the vehicle. Then, the information center determines that the vehicle is being illegally operated and transmits the vehicle information accumulated at that moment to a manager terminal.

Abstract: The vehicle disabling system includes a vehicle control unit for positioning in a vehicle with a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals to receive an inquiry signal and transmit an identification code upon the receipt of the inquiry signal. A central database station includes memory for storing a plurality of identification codes of vehicle control units. An authorization code is associated each identification code. A mobile law enforcement unit is positionable in a law enforcement vehicle, and includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals to transmit the inquiry signal to a vehicle control unit. The law enforcement unit receives an identification code from the vehicle control unit and transmits the identification code to central database station. The law enforcement unit transmits the stop signal with the authorization code to the vehicle control unit upon receiving the authorization code from the central database station.

Abstract: A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network comprises a personal mobility device, a computer, and an activation member. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as to engage in two-way communication with the network. The activation member is coupled to the personal mobility device. The activation member is also linked to the computer and capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer.

Abstract: An antitheft apparatus installed in a vehicle A includes determination unit for transferring data to and from at least one different vehicle B, C in a state in which it should not move and determining whether or not the vehicle A exists on the periphery of the different vehicle B, C based on the response state of the different vehicle B, C to a response request sent from the vehicle A, and emergency handling unit for determining that an emergency such as theft of the vehicle A occurs and performing predetermined emergency handling if the determination unit determines that the vehicle A does not exist on the periphery of the different vehicle B, C.

Abstract: A vehicle antenna system incorporated into at least one side-view mirror of a vehicle includes a forward directed antenna and a rearward directed antenna to transmit and receive signals over corresponding forward and rearward-directed detection fields, respectively. The antennas act as directional transmitters and/or receivers, and a processing circuit discriminates between signals from different antennas without requiring any of the antennas to transmit identification signals to the processing circuit. Signal discrimination is conducted in part by sequentially selecting each antenna to obtain a corresponding antenna signal and, if required for a particular application, comparing the obtained signal with previously obtained antenna signals. The vehicle antenna system can be used, for example, in conjunction with tire pressure sensors to detect low tire pressure in a particular tire.

Abstract: A code signal generator (3) of a system for protecting against theft remains in the motor vehicle while it is not operating, this code signal generator (3) is disabled as soon as a door of the motor vehicle is opened and closed again and/or a security device (8, 9) is locked with another authorized code signal generator (3). The disabled code signal generator (3) is enabled again only if, after the opening of a door or after the unlocking of a locking device (8, 9), another code signal generator (3) in the vicinity outside the vehicle is recognized as authorized and a request signal which is triggered manually by the user for enabling the disabled code signal generator (3) is received by the control unit (1).

Abstract: In a remote vehicle door control, a single receiver is used for both a wireless control whereby a door lock actuator is controlled according to an operating command transmitted by a wireless signal in conjunction with user operation of a communication device carried by a user, and a smart control whereby the door lock actuator is controlled automatically after completing a two-way communication process with the communication device. An arbitration means is provided to determine to which one of the wireless control and the smart control the receiver is assigned. If the receiver receives a wireless signal from the communication device, use of the receiver is assigned to the wireless control.

Abstract: A vehicle security system with a tire monitoring device comprises at least one vehicle sensor for detecting unauthorized actions, at least one sensor module, a controller and a remote unit. The sensor module is attached to a tire of a vehicle for sensing the tire conditions and transmitting a first radio frequency signal including the tire conditions. The controller is attached to the vehicle, and is used for generating a plurality of signals of security system conditions in response to the at least one vehicle sensor and for receiving and operating the first radio frequency signal including the tire condition. The controller then is used for transmitting a second radio frequency signal including the security system condition signals and the tire conditions. The remote unit receives the second radio frequency signal and generates a plurality of remote indications for showing the security system conditions and the tire conditions.

Abstract: A remotely monitorable shipping container including a shipping container body having associated therewith at least one door and at least one door latch having a latch locking element arranged for locking engagement with a door mounted locking element, at least one wireless communicator mounted in a secure location within the shipping container and being operative to wirelessly transmit information to a remote monitor regarding the status of an electronic seal mounted onto the locking element for confirming locking of the at least one door, and at least one wireless antenna mounted within a protected enclosure on the outside of the shipping container for transmitting the information from the at least one wireless communicator.

Abstract: A vehicle light controller that facilitates recognition of a vehicle. The controller includes a portable device having a communication function. A lighting device is arranged in the vehicle and has a vehicle entering mode and a vehicle exiting mode with changeable lighting patterns. A first controller and a second controller are connected to the lighting device and communicate with the portable device. The first controller illuminates the lighting device in the vehicle entering mode when communication with the portable device is established and changes the lighting pattern of the lighting device in the vehicle entering mode when a first condition is satisfied. The second controller illuminates the lighting device in the vehicle exiting mode when communication with the portable device is established and a second condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An energy exchange network provides a coupling service to users of the network. Access to a user through an access controller is controlled initially by allowing only the coupling service to communicate with the user. Several wireless communications zones are established so that the vehicle can be identified and guided to effect coupling. The coupling service effects control of the physical connection of a user vehicle to the energy exchange network. Typically, other services are subsequently provided and a service is not given more access than needed at any point in the sequence, hence a user can only respond to the service currently connected and cannot access other services. The coupling service automates connection to the energy exchange network while protecting the network against unauthorized access. A security service is associated with the coupling service to provide various levels of security for users of the coupling service.

Abstract: A sensor (36) for monitoring rotation of an object (16) about an axis (20) comprises a switch member (40) that is urged into a neutral position and is movable relative to the object (16). A direction of movement of the switch member (40) relative to the object (16) is indicative of a direction of rotation of the object (16). Inertia of the switch member (40) during initial rotation of the object (16) results in relative movement of the switch member (4) away from the neutral position. Centrifugal force during object (16) rotation further enhances the relative movement of the switch member (40). The sensor (36) also comprises a device (56) for monitoring a direction of movement of the switch member (40) and for providing a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the purpose of ensuring positioning between a fixed automatic fueling service terminal and a vehicle, such that the vehicle is identified within a close range and authorized to dock at an identified service terminal to exchange services. This is accomplished by wirelessly determining the proximity of a couplable vehicle, with respect to a docking location at the service terminal. When a vehicle is within a specified distance of an automatic fueling service terminal, known as the zone of proximity detection, the vehicle identification code and service terminal identification code are both continuously determined and passed to a multi-port station controller, for authentication of service transactions and secure service processes, including automatically fueling the vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method for emergency calling of an assistance center by a vehicle provided with an on-board system that includes a location module for estimation and recording of the location of the vehicle and a sensor for estimation of the number of passengers in the vehicle. The last location and the estimated number of passengers are memorized in a memory of a central unit. The on-board system includes a second sensor interconnected with the central unit and adapted to detect the occurrence of an accident and an on-board communication module that is also interconnected with that central unit. When an accident is detected, the central unit is adapted to communicate to the assistance center a message that includes both the last location of the vehicle and the number of passengers on-board.

Abstract: The method of making secure a hands-free access and/or starting system for a motor vehicle, the hands-free system a control unit (2) placed in the vehicle and a portable identifier (1) suitable for communicating remotely and cordlessly with the control unit in order to be authenticated, the method consists in recording (30) a first data item in the identifier by communicating with the control unit in response to detecting starting of the vehicle engine, and in recording (60) a second data item to replace the first data item in the identifier by communicating with the control unit in response to detecting normal stopping of the vehicle engine. In the case of lending of the vehicle, the borrower of the vehicle must return an identifier containing the second data item in order to prove that he left the vehicle in an authorized manner.

Abstract: An automobile vehicle equipped with a “hands-free” access and/or engine starting system controlled by a management logic subassembly and equipped with a radio receiver subassembly, which includes at the top of the vehicle's steering column a radio antenna and which converts radio signals received by said antenna into signals exploitable by said management logic subassembly to enable it, when it recognizes said signals as coming from an identification device of a predetermined user, to authorize or trigger an operation in the vehicle, said management logic subassembly, said radio receiver subassembly and said antenna being integrated in and interconnected by an electronic board, wherein this electronic board also includes a subassembly providing interfaces with “on-the-column” control and/or signaling parts mounted on the vehicle's steering column or steering wheel and/or on one or more satellite modules mounted on this steering column.

Abstract: A vehicle-based wireless communication system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an interior mirror reflective element, a housing for the reflective element and a mirror-mounted communication system. The mirror-mounted communication system preferably includes a communication data port for short-range communication with a mobile device that is a personal accessory of an occupant of the vehicle. The communication system further includes a telecommunication link from the vehicle to an external provider of information or service. In this manner, the communication system provides connectivity between a low-power mobile device and a provider of information or service that is separate from the vehicle.

Abstract: A security system which is suitable for use in a vehicle. The security system is a passive entry and passive re-mobilization system in which a security controller transmits a command signal LCs to a remote transponder, which replies with a LF response signal LRs. If an LF response signal is not received in response to the transmission of a command signal LCs, the security controller re-transmits the command signal, again as an LF command signal LCs. On determining that a command signal is a re-transmitted command signal, the remote transponder re-transmits the response signal as an UHF response signal URs.

Abstract: A method for which the speed of an automobile is determined and manipulated by the Smarti remote control system. A programmable speed monitoring device system includes a remote control unit, a receiving unit, and an operation unit connected to the automobiles standard electronic and fuel system.

Abstract: An antitheft protection system for a vehicle (10) comprises at least one transmitting and receiving unit (12) connected to the vehicle (10), at least one code transmitter (18), which can communicate with the at least one transmitting and receiving unit (12), and at least one base unit (14), which can communicate with the at least one transmitting and receiving unit (12).

Abstract: A bidirectional dialogue is carried out between a portable code emitter (15) and a base station (1) for access to a motor vehicle. Both signals are correlated with each other and the dialogue repeated at an altered carrier frequency. The distance of the code emitter (15) from the base station (11) is determined from the difference in two phase difference measurements between the sent and received signal in one station (11 or 15). Access to, or use of the motor vehicle (10) is only permitted when the code emitter (15) is within a certain distance from the motor vehicle (10).