Detecting Intruder Energy (e.g., Infrared, Etc.) Patents (Class 340/426.26)
  • Patent number: 11590934
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle theft prevention device. The device can include a data store including event configuration data. The device can include one or more sensors that can sense various types of measurements proximate to a vehicle. The device can include a computing device in communication with the sensors. The computing device can read measurements from the sensors and determine that a particular event has occurred. The computing device can analyze the measurements to determine the particular event occurred based on the event configuration data. When the particular event occurs, the computing device can perform one or more remedial actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Keep Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Moeller, Jonathan Manuzak, Ian Mathews, Rahul Maran, Nick Allison
  • Patent number: 11052871
    Abstract: Disclosed is a burglar sensor arrangement structure for arranging, with respect to a vehicle interior member (10), a burglar sensor configured to detect an intrusion into a vehicle interior. The burglar sensor arrangement structure comprises an ultrasonic wave generation unit (2) for generating an ultrasonic wave, and a throat portion (18) for radiating the ultrasonic wave generated in the ultrasonic wave generation unit, from a outside opening (18a) thereof into the vehicle interior, wherein the vehicle interior member is formed with a groove (20), and the outside opening of the throat portion is opened at a bottom surface of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shotaro Hirosue, Yasuhiro Ohi, Masaaki Sakiyama, Kazufumi Adachi, Yukinori Monden, Masahiro Iriguchi
  • Patent number: 10516832
    Abstract: An information communication method obtains information from a subject using a terminal device that includes an image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines. The method includes setting an exposure time of the image sensor so that a bright line corresponding to each of the plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, and obtaining identification information of the subject. In obtaining of the bright line image, an exposure time of each of the plurality of exposure lines partially overlaps with an exposure time of an adjacent one of the plurality of exposure lines. A pattern of a change in luminance of the subject is the same as a pattern of a change in luminance of another adjacent subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Patent number: 9809148
    Abstract: An exterior assembly component for a vehicle and a manufacturing method thereof, where the component is in the form of an exterior mirror, door handle, door sill, skirt or similar, the component including a light module having at least one lamp emitting visible light toward the outside, and a plug to supply the lamp with electrical energy, where the light module represents a separate component of the assembly component which can be mounted on the assembly component and wherein the plug is designed as a single part with the a case of the light module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Lennhoff
  • Patent number: 9463774
    Abstract: A system and a method of detecting an intrusion into a vehicle includes: a transmitter that transmits an ultrasonic wave signal into the vehicle when the system enters an intrusion-into-vehicle monitoring mode; a receiver that receives an ultrasonic wave signal reflected by an object inside the vehicle; and a controller that generates an intrusion warning when it is detected that a frequency level of the ultrasonic wave signal flowing in the receiver is changed, determines that a frequency synthesis is made to the ultrasonic wave signal by an external ultrasonic wave device when a changed frequency waveform having a predetermined magnitude is continuously received by the receiver, and defers generation of the intrusion warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: In Tae Chun
  • Patent number: 9409548
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection device 100 for a vehicle, which can prevent damage to the vehicle by detecting occurrence of abnormality before the vehicle is damaged, and can accurately detect abnormality inside and outside the vehicle. The detection device 100 for a vehicle of the present invention includes: a transmission antenna 1, installed inside a vehicle 50, for transmitting a radio wave; reception antennae 2, 3, 4, and 5, installed inside the vehicle 50, for receiving the radio wave; and an abnormality detection calculation section 6 that calculates a spatial feature amount P(t) based on the radio wave received by each of the reception antennae 2, 3, 4, and 5, and detects, based on the calculated spatial feature amount P(t), a motion of a person outside the vehicle 50 and a motion of a person intruding into the vehicle 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Koji Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 9296335
    Abstract: A method of providing parked vehicle protection comprises determining if a vehicle ignition is in an off position and monitoring an exterior area proximate to a vehicle with a plurality of sensors when the vehicle ignition is off to detect an object proximate to the vehicle. The ECU determines whether the object is within a first object range and provides a first external warning when the object is within the first object range and determines whether the object is within a second object range and provides a second external warning when the object is within the second object range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Conrad Tuhro, Bryan Coullard, Benjamin Mikel
  • Patent number: 8963699
    Abstract: A catalytic converter theft protection arrangement includes a metal cage rigidly attached to an underside of a vehicle such that the cage surrounds a catalytic converter of the vehicle. An electronic tamper-detecting device is disposed within the cage and transmits an alarm signal in response to detecting motion around the catalytic converter and/or vibration of the cage. A remote controller selectively activates and deactivates the electronic tamper-detecting device in response to actuation of the remote controller by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: David P. Potter
  • Patent number: 8938337
    Abstract: A laser sensor is located close to a rotation axis of a vehicle door and configured to emit a laser beam to a surface of the vehicle door and accept reflected light reflected from an obstacle for scanning a scanning plane shifted in a door-opening direction, in which the vehicle door is openable. A determination section determines whether an obstacle, which is possible to make contact with the vehicle door, exists in the door-opening direction of the vehicle door, based on a result of emission and acceptance of the laser beam of the laser sensor. An opening regulating section regulates an opening of the vehicle door in response to determination of the determination section that the obstacle exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Yohei Nakakura, Toshiyuki Konishi, Hideki Hioki, Yoshihisa Okada, Mitsuyasu Matsuura, Toshiki Isogai
  • Patent number: 8928496
    Abstract: A road safety communication device for protecting pedestrians in road traffic, which includes a transponder which is integrated into a shoe, wherein the supply of electrical power to the device is activated only in selected situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Ulrich Stählin, Sighard Schräbler, Alfred Eckert, Peter Rieth
  • Patent number: 8866909
    Abstract: The device comprises an intrusion detection module (6), an image acquisition module (14), an energy management module (13) and an autonomous power source (9), the said detection module (6) being designed to furnish a detection signal having a first predetermined state when an intrusion is detected and a second predetermined state otherwise, and the said management module (13) being designed to make the said device change over from a waiting mode to a working mode by activating the supply of the image acquisition module (14) by the said autonomous power source (9) when the said signal changes over from the second state to the first state. The method includes a step consisting in furnishing the detection signal and, when the detection signal changes over from the second state to the first predetermined state, a step consisting in making the said device change over from the waiting mode to the working mode and a step consisting in achieving image acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Bramoulle
  • Patent number: 8847731
    Abstract: A system for communicating with a vehicle includes a control module equipped with a remote keyless entry (RKE) receiver and configured to control vehicle functions in response to a RKE signal. The system includes a fob equipped with a RKE transmitter and a short range transceiver, such as BLUETOOTH™, IEEE 802.11, or near field communication (NFC). The fob transmits a RKE signal in response to receiving a message from a consumer device, such as a cellular phone, smart phone, tablet computer, or personal computer equipped with a short range transceiver, enabling the user to control the vehicle from the consumer device. The system may be configured to transmit vehicle status information to the consumer device. The control module may include a third short range transceiver that communicates with the consumer device when the distance is between the vehicle and the consumer device is less than the distance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Craig A. Tieman
  • Patent number: 8836491
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting an occupant in a vehicle capture successive images from an infrared camera that are analyzed to detect thermal characteristics of an occupant as well as movement. If an operator of the vehicle has exited the vehicle, the vehicle is deactivated, an occupant is detected, and a temperature in the cabin of the vehicle is higher or lower than desired, a report is made to the operator via a mobile phone or key fob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Mark A. Cuddihy, Tai Luu
  • Patent number: 8639209
    Abstract: Communications are established with a first base station and the communications include first validation information associated with the first base station. Second validation information is obtained and the second validation information is stored in a data structure. The second validation information is associated with a second and valid base station. The first validation information is compared to the second validation information stored in the data structure and it is determined whether the first base station is valid based upon the comparison. When the comparing indicates that the first base station is not valid, a warning is initiated to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Walby, Robert F. D'Avello, Harsha Dabholkar, James Snider
  • Patent number: 8611847
    Abstract: Location determination signals are received and a location of interest is determined from the location determination signals. A communication service is established and synchronized with a known, valid base station via a first communication channel. A value of a signal strength indicator associated with the first communication channel is monitored. When the value of the signal strength indicator falls below a threshold level, a warning message is transmitted to the known, valid base station before synchronization of the communication service is lost with the known, valid base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Snider, Robert F. D'Avello
  • Patent number: 8593250
    Abstract: The invention relates to an access control device (1) having at least one access barrier element, to which at least one read unit and/or sensor unit for acquiring legitimation and/or security features is assigned, the access barrier elements and the read and sensor units each having a data connection to a computer unit (5), which compares the acquired or read features to stored data and opens or keeps closed the access barrier according to a preset. Proceeding from the problem that in the case of access control devices (1) of this type, it is only possible to react to changed requirements or a changed security condition by cumbersome re-parameterization of the facility, an additional operating element (8), which is assigned to the computer unit (5), is proposed in the context of the invention, using which it is possible to select between various security steps by simply adjusting the operating element (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kaba Gallenschuetz GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Schorn
  • Patent number: 8443458
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for tamper detection of electronic devices (110) in closed units which is robust and low cost. The object is achieved by a method in an electronic device (110) for detecting if a cover (100) enclosing the electronic device (110) has been opened. The cover (100) comprises an enclosing assembly (250) which is adapted to fasten the cover (100) into a closed position. The electronic (device 110) comprises a non volatile memory (120). The non volatile memory (120) comprises a stored reference signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250) when the cover (100) was fastened into a closed position. The method comprises the following steps: (Creating 1003) a signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250). Comparing (1004) the created signature with the reference signature. Detecting (1007) that the cover 100 has been opened when the comparing (1004) results in a difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Dan Anders Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 8441366
    Abstract: An arrangement of a sensor device with at least one sensor for a contactless activation of at least one moving part of a vehicle, especially a vehicle hatch, the sensor being arranged on at least one support element on the vehicle, in order to permit a detection of an object in at least one detection range adjacent to the vehicle, so that activation of the hatch can be activated via the detection, where the sensor is arranged in shape-mated and/or force-fit fashion on support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Buss
  • Patent number: 8421596
    Abstract: Provided is a door lock device which is installed on a door, to enable people to facilitate to find out location of the door at dark or night and enable the door to be illuminated with a certain brightness so as to be easily viewed at indoor and outdoor sides when indoor and/or outdoor illumination is low, that is, at dark. As a result, the door lock device enables people to easily find out an entrance gate under the fire and other emergency situations. As well, people do not need to find out a particular position or particular article gropingly even in a dark indoor or outdoor. Accordingly, people may not be easily hurt. In addition, since indoor and outdoor places can be illuminated at a certain brightness, the door lock device can indicate that people exist in a warehouse or on a roof of a building even in the case that a warehouse door lock device or a roof entrance door lock device has been automatically locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Seung Kuk Choi, Myung Wha Nam
  • Patent number: 8354936
    Abstract: A capacitive passenger detector includes: a capacitive sensor having main, sub and guard electrodes; a sensor characteristic measurement unit for applying an alternating voltage signal to each electrode and for converting a current in each electrode to a voltage; and a controller. The controller defines a current in the guard electrode as a reference current when voltages of the main and guard electrodes have a same potential. The controller defines a current flowing direction of the guard electrode to be negative when the voltage of the main electrode is higher than the guard electrode. The controller defines the current flowing direction of the guard electrode to be positive when the voltage of the main electrode is lower than the guard electrode. The controller corrects the voltage of the main electrode based on the current of the guard electrode so that a corrected voltage is set to be a passenger determination data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji Ootaka
  • Patent number: 8330591
    Abstract: A system for adjusting components in an automobile to compensate for impinging sunlight includes a solar data generator configured to generate solar data concerning a current location, heading, date and time of a vehicle. A solar data calculator is coupled to the solar data generator and configured to receive solar data and determine a vehicle component affected by impinging sunlight. A body control manager is coupled to the solar data calculator and operable to control the vehicle component to compensate for impinging sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence P. Ziehr
  • Patent number: 8319620
    Abstract: Methods and devices for situation awareness facilitation for a vehicle driver are provided. A method includes receiving a first acoustic signal from outside a vehicle that the driver is in and converting the first acoustic signal into a first acoustic electronic signal; sending the first acoustic electronic signal to a processor; matching the first acoustic electronic signal by the processor to stored reference electronic signals; and sending an acoustic message associated with a matched reference electronic signal to a speaker in the cab of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Personics Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: John Usher, John P Keady
  • Patent number: 8319638
    Abstract: A motion detector and a method for detecting a tampering of the motion detector. The tampering can include a spraying or brushing of a lens of the motion detector. The motion detector comprises a lens, a single sensing section for detecting infrared signals within a protected area, and detecting vibrations on the lens in the form of acoustic signals, the vibrations and the infrared signal causing a voltage change in the single sensing section, a first and second amplifier for amplifying the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, first and second filter for filtering the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, a microcontroller for determining if the detected voltage change is consistent with a pattern that is indicative of tampering or motion and alarm generating section for generating a tamper alarm or a motion alarm based upon the determination by the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8175573
    Abstract: Jamming is detected as occurring to communications associated with at least one electronic device disposed at a vehicle. Responsive to detecting the jamming, an indication is transmitted from the vehicle to a base station informing the base station that jamming is occurring. Communications are subsequently conducted between the base station and the vehicle on at least one predetermined and prearranged communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. D'Avello, James Snider
  • Patent number: 7978057
    Abstract: There is provided an information storage apparatus capable of storing information on a parked vehicle acquired before and after detection of unusual conditions with lesser amount of power to be consumed. During halt of a vehicle, at least one of image information and sound information of the interior of the vehicle is acquired by an anti-theft device main body, and the acquired information is transmitted from the anti-theft device main body to a drive recorder at a transmission interval that varies between before and after detection of unusual vehicle conditions by the anti-theft device main body. A drive recorder main body allows a second RAM to store therein information received from an anti-theft device at a second transmission period and information received from the anti-theft device at a first transmission period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Shinichi Tanaka, Minoru Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20100231369
    Abstract: An information processing system includes an information processing device arranged in a vehicle, a portable device storing unique information, a specification information recording unit configured to record specification information having a predetermined relationship with the unique information, a first transmission unit configured to transmit a request signal requesting transmission of the unique information, a first reception unit configured to receive the unique information transmitted from the portable device, a position specifying unit configured to compare the received unique information with the specification information and specify whether or not the portable device is inside the vehicle, a detection unit configured to detect a human inside the vehicle, an alarm unit configured to set off an alarm, and an alarm control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taku Oya
  • Patent number: 7741959
    Abstract: In a control and management system for automobiles, a central processor in the system connects traditionally unrelated vehicle subsystems together to realize synergistic functions such as smart driving, automatic parking, etc. A master interface having a display is employed in the system to help a user control and manage the vehicle functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: American Calcar, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Obradovich
  • Patent number: 7714704
    Abstract: A removable video safety system for a moving vehicle comprising: a display device and a video device, both adapted to be removably mounted on the moving vehicle, and an audio device in proximity to the display device. The video device and audio device are in communication with the display device. Computer instructions and data storage in the display device instruct a processor to receive a video stream from the video device, display the video stream on the display device, prevent operation of the audio device while the display device is not displaying the video stream, and permit operation of the audio device while the display device is displaying the video stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Joshua Mellen
  • Patent number: 7642899
    Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle observation apparatus for reducing the risk of injury to law enforcement persons during vehicle stops. The invention is also a vehicle equipped with the vehicle observation apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus may include a mast being mountable to and deployable from a law enforcement vehicle, means for two-way communication and observation secured about one end of the mast, means for operating the mast, and means for operating the means for two-way communication and observation. The mast may be telescopic and adapted to be placed in at least a first position and a second position, or may be non-telescopic and in an extended position when in use. In another embodiment, the invention may be a similar apparatus wherein the mast is mountable to and deployable from a check point structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Julio Alvarado, Douglas Masztak
  • Patent number: 7598881
    Abstract: In occupant detection systems, direct connections, such as fixed or permanent connections, are provided between the antenna and measurement circuit and between the measurement circuit and wiring harness. Multiple such arrangements may be used for capacitive, electric field, or other types of occupant detection circuits. In some embodiments, the occupant detection is split between a measurement circuit and a processor. For multiple sensors, multiple measurements circuits are provided with direction connections. The processor determines the occupancy state from data from the measurement circuits. The direction connections provide separate, unitary measurement modules to be used by the occupancy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Elesys North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelvin L. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7595719
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for securing car against theft via wireless sensor, a charging circuit and chargeable battery, a CPU circuit connected to a transmission circuit, and an air pressure sensor or an infrared sensor are provided in a cigarette-lighter plug, so that the sensor detects any change of air pressure or any change of temperature in a car due to any invader, and sends a trigger signal to the CPU circuit. The signal is encoded at the CPU circuit and then transmitted via the transmission circuit to a wireless antitheft main unit mounted in the car to trigger a siren as a warning if main unit is set to active stale by external remote control transmitter. Since no wire is needed between the sensor and the main unit, a thief is prevented from locating the main unit by tracing any wire extended thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Tse Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: 7541924
    Abstract: An occupancy sensor includes an infrared sensor, a variable bandpass filter operably coupled to the infrared sensor and a controller operably coupled to the infrared sensor and the variable bandpass filter. The bandpass filter includes digital potentiometers adapted to control a gain of the bandpass filter, the tuning of the bandpass filter, and the ratio of a center frequency of the bandpass filter to a bandwidth of the bandpass filter. The controller includes a bandpass filter engine to control the variable bandpass filter, a Doppler shift engine to characterize the signals filtered by the variable bandpass filter, and an occupancy sensing engine to determine the presence or absence of the occupant within the defined region. The controller is adapted to filter the signals generated by the infrared sensor and process the filtered signals to determine the presence or absence of an occupant within a defined region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Brian Elwell
  • Patent number: 7489233
    Abstract: A pre-warn vehicle security device is for a vehicle including a data communications bus, an alert indicator, and an alarm controller. The alarm controller may interface with the data communications bus and, when in an armed mode, may cause the alert indicator to generate an alarm indication responsive to a high security threat level. More particularly, the pre-warn vehicle security device may include a pre-warn vehicle security sensor for sensing a threat level lower than the high security threat level and a pre-warn emulator. Responsive to the pre-warn vehicle security sensor, the pre-warn emulator may generate at least one signal on the data communications bus so that the alarm controller causes the alert indicator to generate an emulated pre-warn indication different from the alarm indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7471190
    Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle alarm system includes an acceleration sensor acting as a tilt sensor, a microcomputer, a first power source for supplying a first voltage to the microcomputer, and a second power source for supplying a second voltage to the acceleration sensor. The microcomputer calculates a tilt angle of a vehicle from output of the acceleration sensor and activates an alarm in accordance with the tilt angle. If the second voltage is outside a predetermined voltage range, for example, due to a reduction in battery voltage, the microcomputer temporarily stops to activate the alarm to prevent a false alarm. The microcomputer monitors the second voltage not the battery voltage. Thus, even when the second voltage is outside the threshold range, for example, due to a breakdown in the second power source, the false alarm can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Kato
  • Patent number: 7463166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling the operation of presence-detection devices and to the implementation method thereof. The inventive system comprises: external presence detection means which are used to detect objects entering a determined surveillance area outside a motor vehicle and which are powered by a power source, an electronic system, and means which are used to detect the state of a closure device belonging to a door of said vehicle and which are associated with and co-operate with the electronic system in order to control the power source. Optionally, internal presence detection means and inclination detection means, which are included in the system, can be taken into account when said control operation is being performed. The inventive system also varies the surveillance area and adapts same as a function of the inclination of the vehicle in relation to the ground plane. The invention also relates to a method which uses the inventive control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Fico Mirrors, S.A.
    Inventors: Carlos Segura Gordillo, Francesc Daura Luna, Eduard Mundet Tarrago
  • Patent number: 7408446
    Abstract: There is provided in back of the instrument panel the motion sensor that transmits the radio wave continuously or periodically and receive the radio wave reflected in the vehicle compartment. Also, there is provided the burglar horn that executes specified alarming when a specified change in the reflected radio wave received by the motion sensor occurs. Herein, the motion sensor transmits the radio wave toward the instrument panel. Thereby, the stable burglar alarm operation can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Umeo, Akihiro Furuzawa, Yasushi Hamada
  • Patent number: 7391301
    Abstract: The present invention teaches an antitheft device whereby the detection accuracy of an unauthorized intruder into a vehicle can be improved, comprising a section for judging whether or not there is an approaching object T toward a vehicle M based on information obtained from a surround monitoring sensor for monitoring the surround of the vehicle M, a section for judging whether or not the approaching object T toward the vehicle M is a suspicious person based on information obtained from a motion sensor for monitoring the periphery and/or the inside of the vehicle M when it is judged that there is an approaching object T toward the vehicle M, and a section for conducting processing such as lighting-on of an indicator when the approaching object T toward the vehicle M is judged to be a suspicious person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Yasushi Seike, Naoki Sakai, Yoshihiko Maeno, Satoru Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 7388485
    Abstract: An anti-theft device includes a sensing device for attaching to an entrance of a house building and for sensing whether the entrance of the house building is pried by an unauthorized person or not, and a counterattacking device for counterattacking the unauthorized person when the unauthorized person breaking the entrance of the house building. One or more containers may receive an attacking agent and a pumping device may pump the attacking agent out of the container via one or more nozzles which may be rotated by a rotating device, an agitating device may agitate the attacking agent received in the container. A receptacle may be attached to the house building for supporting the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Hsieh Ho Shen
  • Patent number: 7385489
    Abstract: An instrument panel assembly for a passenger compartment is provided, including an instrument panel surface, a light emitter that emits a light beam so that the light beam extends along a beam path, and a light receiver that senses the light beam and detects a desired instrument setting change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Renato B. Slave, Fabio Iwakami, Leandro Quinelato, Valter Medeiros
  • Patent number: 7362225
    Abstract: Flexible circuit material is used for positioning one or more antennas for occupant detection within a seat. The antenna and associated signal traces to an occupant detection circuit may be more easily manufactured using a flexible material while minimizing discomfort to occupants. The flexible circuit material may be folded over a spacer in order to position occupant detection sensors or antennas at different locations or depths relative to a seating surface. An occupant detection system on a printed circuit board may be connected with the flexible circuit to provide ease of manufacture and limit costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Elesys North America Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Rittmueller, Shiuh-An Shieh, J. Frederick Kirksey
  • Patent number: 7342484
    Abstract: An exterior mirror sensor system for commercial vehicles comprising an exterior mirror, a sensor for monitoring an exterior mirror zone, and an indicator for indicating objects detected in the exterior mirror zone. The sensor may be a distance sensor, a motion sensor or a heat sensor. The system may further comprise a control unit connected to the sensor and indicator for controlling the indicator. The system may further comprise a camera for recording objects in the exterior mirror zone. The control unit may actuate the indicator upon the detection of an object by the sensor. The indicator may comprise an audible indicator. The system may further comprise a data input unit for recording data detected by the sensor wherein the data input unit is connected to the control unit and receives the data detected by the sensor from the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Michael Witzke, Jörg Scholler
  • Patent number: 7259658
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of a passive infrared sensor, a passive infrared sensor 1 where an infrared sensing element 5 and an optical system 4 that sets a detection area A1 of the infrared sensing element 5 are covered with a cover 2. The passive infrared sensor 1 includes: a light emitting element 6 that emits infrared light from the inside of the cover 2 to the outside through the optical system 4; a reflective region 2b that is disposed outside the cover 2 and reflects at least some of the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 6; and a light receiving element 7 that receives the infrared light reflected by the reflective region 2b, transmitted through the optical system 4 and reaching the inside of the cover 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: OPTEX Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michinori Noguchi, Cholmin Seo
  • Patent number: 7233231
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel lock with a burglar-proof alarm device comprises a burglar-proof alarm circuit, A wireless signal detecting unit, an air pressure detecting unit; supersonic detecting unit for detecting movements of objects; an infrared receiver for receiving infrared signals from the portable alarm device. The wireless wave emitting unit includes a receiving antennal circuit, a high frequency amplifier, a band pass filter, a local oscillating circuit, a mixing circuit, a middle frequency circuit, and a second middle frequency IC; the receiving antenna circuit being for adjusting the harmonic receiving frequency for receiving high frequency signal, which is then passed through the high frequency amplifier, band pass filter, local oscillating circuit, and the mixing circuit; the local oscillator circuit having a baseband oscillating circuit, a nine-time amplifier circuit, a nine-time frequency modulating circuit for generating an oscillating frequency signal to the mixing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Chen-Kuei Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7215241
    Abstract: A communication interfering object presence detection sensor, for use with an antenna system, which initiates an alarm signal whenever a communication interfering object presence is detected by said antenna sensor for a predetermined time within proximity of said antenna. The object presence detection sensor generates an optical, RF, ultrasonic or magnetic field signal(s) around an antenna towards a preset distance from the antenna, generating antenna operation protective shield signal(s) around said antenna. Communication interfering object presence detection sensor of the present invention is responsive to the detection of object(s) presence within the pattern of said sensor-generated signals. The object detection sensor antenna of the present invention additionally transmits said alarm signals to a monitoring station containing information to both said antenna tamper condition and to said antenna location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Ohanes Ghazarian
  • Patent number: 7187272
    Abstract: A transmitter in an apparatus for monitoring a condition of a tire attached to a wheel of a vehicle is fixed to the wheel such that the transmitter faces an outer circumferential surface of a wheel rim. The transmitter includes a circuit portion that detects the condition of the tire. The transmitter includes a casing that accommodates the circuit portion, and a leg that extends from the casing toward the outer circumferential surface of the wheel rim. The extended amount of the leg is adjustable such that the leg contacts the outer circumferential surface of the wheel rim when the transmitter is fixed to the wheel. Therefore, the transmitter is mounted to the wheel such that legs of the casing abut against the wheel rim regardless of the size of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michiya Katou
  • Patent number: 7176788
    Abstract: A vehicle theft prevention system and a method thereof. The system includes an Electronic Control Unit and a vehicle information terminal. The ECU is mounted with a controller that generates a vehicle motion detection message by receiving abnormal detection signals from various sensors detecting the orientation and location of the vehicle and outputs the message through a Control Area Network communication interface. A vehicle information terminal includes a Central Processing Unit, constant voltage circuit part, and CAN communication interface. The CPU is equipped with a Global Positioning System module and mobile communication module. The system thus constructed executes a vehicle motion informing function to prevent vehicle theft even when the vehicle ignition key is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong-Rae Park
  • Patent number: 7109852
    Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a monitoring device for sensing the presence of a body within the vehicle. A transmitter is provided in the vehicle for broadcasting an intrusion signal exterior to the vehicle in response to the monitoring device sensing the presence of the body within the vehicle. A remote vehicle interface device includes a two-way transceiver and an intrusion indicator. The two-way transceiver activates the intrusion indicator in response to the intrusion signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Sunil K. Gupte, Pawel W. Sleboda
  • Patent number: 7109853
    Abstract: A vehicle safety system automatically detects the presence of a person sealed in the trunk of an automobile by sensing the CO2 respiration of the person. Visible, audio and radio alarms are generated in response to the detection of a person in the trunk. If the vehicle is stopped, the trunk will automatically open and allow the person to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Cherry Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Mattson, Kerry S. Berland, Kenneth C. Kunin
  • Patent number: 7030741
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted intrusion detection apparatus for detecting an intrusion into a vehicle based on a wave transmitted inside the vehicle and reflected from an object located inside the vehicle, wherein the vehicle-mounted intrusion detection apparatus is configured so as not to recognize the reflected wave as indicating an intrusion if an output level of the reflected wave, after reaching or exceeding a first output level, has reached or exceeded a second output level higher than the first output level within a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6940397
    Abstract: An apparatus for the recording of images from an interior of a vehicle upon detection of an intrusion allows for the arming of the vehicle when it is not in use. A locking of the vehicle's doors, a shutting off of the engine, or other methods are used to detect when the system is to be armed. The system does not record images when it is armed. It must be armed and then an intrusion must occur. Intrusion is detected by a dome light illuminating, a door lock being opened from the inside, a motion sensor detecting a presence or by other methods. When intrusion occurs with an armed system, recording of the images in the vehicle discreetly occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Benjamin E Le Mire