Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for programming keys to a vehicle to establish primary keys and secondary keys to control vehicle functionality is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a key identification signal from a first key. The method further comprises generating a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a primary key and a secondary key in response to the key identification signal. The method further comprises transmitting the key status signal to a vehicle interface display. The method further comprises allowing a user to change a status of at least one of the first key and an additional key with the vehicle interface display in response to determining that the key status signal corresponds to the primary key.

Abstract: A vehicle transceiver module is provided for use in a synchronous communication system including the vehicle transceiver module and one or more key fobs, each of the key fobs including a key fob transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The vehicle transceiver module includes transceiver circuitry, a controller, a storage device and power control circuitry. The transceiver circuitry receives the signal transmitted by the key fob transceiver and provides it to the controller. The controller is coupled to the transceiver for determining an offset value associated with one of the key fobs in response to an offset time duration between a reception time of the signal from the key fob and a first expected reception time of the signal from the key fob. The storage device is coupled to the controller for receiving the offset value associated with the key fob from the controller and stores the offset value along with information identifying the key fob.

Abstract: An authentication system authenticates remotely generated optical control signals. A remote optical emitter transmits an optical control signal from a remote location. A remote authentication device collocated with the remote optical emitter receives an authentication challenge signal and transmits a compatible authentication response signal. A control optical signal processor positioned at a first location receives the optical control signal from the remote optical emitter and generates a control output signal in response to detection of a valid optical control signal. An authentication device is coupled by a real time data communications link with the optical signal processor and with the remote optical emitter.

Abstract: The portable electronic device (1) allows functions and/or data of a vehicle to be controlled and managed. In order to do this, the portable device comprises, in a casing having an upper part (10) fixed, for example, in a removable manner on a lower part (11), means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals for short range personalised communication with the vehicle. It further comprises a microprocessor unit for processing functions and/or data of the device and of the vehicle, at least one display screen (3) having a portion which is visible from outside the casing for displaying different menus or data of the device or of the vehicle, and manual control means (5, 6) for controlling the execution of functions of the microprocessor unit. A power source, such as a battery, is provided in the casing for supplying electric power to all the electronic components of the device.

Abstract: A system architecture for a motor vehicle has a control unit for identifying an authorized user and a gateway control unit for enabling at least one further data bus, and control units arranged on the at least one further data bus, following the identification of an authorized user. An external diagnostic interface contains a further identification unit and it is enabled and the data in the at least one further data bus system are thus accessible only after an authorized diagnostic tester has been identified.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide for administering a protected item. An anti-theft key encoded with a radio frequency identification of the user and biometric data of the user is provided. The anti-theft key is associated with the protected item such that the protected item is accessible with the anti-theft key.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for preventing the unauthorized use of a vehicle. A set of vehicle operating parameters is entered onto a person's driver's license, and that person registers as an authorized user of a specified vehicle. When that person enters the vehicle, the person inserts the driver's license into a card reader, and the card reader reads the operating parameters and enters those parameters onto a computing platform. The computing platform receives these operating parameters and checks to determine if the person is an authorized user of the vehicle. If the computing platform determines that the person is an authorized user, the computing platform sends the operating parameters to a control module within the vehicle. If the person then operates the vehicle, the control module controls the vehicle to maintain that operation within the operating parameters.

Abstract: A key locator includes a first and second antenna arranged in a vehicle. A first query unit transmits a challenge from the first antenna. A second query unit transmits a challenge from the second antenna to an electronic key responding to the challenge of the first query unit. A key locating unit determines the location of the electronic key in accordance with whether responses to the challenges from the first and second antennas are received from the electronic key.

Abstract: Current position of a vehicle and current time are acquired. A user recognizing unit recognizes a user. A pattern recognizing unit detects location of a portable device and movement thereof. Operation state of an engine is acquired from an engine control mechanism. Based on the information, processes are performed such as switching communication stand-by mode of the portable device to active stand-by mode, notifying the portable device of a transition of an on-board terminal to automatic locking mode, preventing needless unlocking and locking of doors, and setting warning mode of the portable device.

Abstract: A key fob with a housing into which a deadbolt key is mounted such that the shank protrudes therefrom, enabling a user to turn the housing and cause the key to lock or unlock the door. Within the keyfob are a pair of switches or other sensing means configured to close on either the turning of the housing in a first (clockwise) direction or a second (counterclockwise) direction. Based on the direction the housing is turned, either a first coded signal or a second coded signal is transmitted to a control panel. The control panel will then either arm or disarm the security system based on how it has been programmed during installation. This enables the user to easily arm the system when the door is being locked and disarm the system when the door is being unlocked without requiring a separate action on the part of the user.

Abstract: The invention provides a device, system, and method for wireless communication with a vehicle, comprising a receiver mounted in or on the vehicle for receiving data from a wireless transmitter, and a microprocessor in communication with the receiver for processing the data. The data has a format adapted to be processed by the microprocessor and is intended for receipt by all vehicles within a predetermined wireless range that have microprocessors capable of processing its standard format. The invention also provides a method for wireless communication with a vehicle, comprising transmitting data having a standard format, receiving the data having a standard format, and processing the data having a standard format. The data is intended for receipt by all vehicles within a predetermined range that have microprocessors capable of processing its standard format.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards an aftermarket automobile accessory that interfaces with vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECU's) and local networks such as Controller Area Network busses (CAN-busses) in order that a user may add performance, convenience, and safety systems to the vehicle using factory controls and displays. Various embodiments of the invention allow wireless control of cabriolet tops, automatic control of cabriolet tops, and the control of further vehicle systems.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device connected to the data communications bus. The vehicle remote control system includes a remote transmitter, and a true controller at the vehicle for controlling the vehicle device via a true command on the data communications bus, and based upon the remote transmitter. The true controller also controls the vehicle device via a respective counteracting command on the data communications bus based upon detecting a rogue controller attempt to control the at least one vehicle device via a rogue command on the data communications bus. The true controller may thus counteract a rogue controller attempt to start the engine, unlock vehicle doors, roll down windows, and/or disarm the vehicle security system, for example.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device connected to the data communications bus. The vehicle control system includes a a true controller at the vehicle for controlling the vehicle device via a true command on the data communications bus. The true controller also controls the vehicle device via a respective counteracting command on the data communications bus based upon detecting a rogue controller attempt to control the at least one vehicle device via a rogue command on the data communications bus. The true controller may thus counteract a rogue controller attempt to start the engine, unlock vehicle doors, roll down windows, and/or disarm the vehicle security system, for example.

Abstract: A passive entry and immobilizer key for vehicles comprises an integrated front-end circuit (12b) with three battery-supplied receiver channels (14, 16, 18), each connected to an associated external antenna circuit with an inductor-capacitor combination (LR, CR) having a resonant frequency in the very low frequency range. The three antennas are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration. An immobilizer transponder (22) is supplied by energy received from an external transponder antenna circuit and stored in a storage capacitor (CL). The transponder antenna circuit includes an inductor-capacitor combination (LR, CR, CL) having a resonant frequency in the low frequency range. The transponder antenna circuit shares at least one inductive component (LR) with the antenna circuit of one of the three receiver channels.

Abstract: In a system for harmonizing a motor vehicle's status information (S1) between at least two ID transmitters (5, 6, . . . ) of a vehicle-accessing device, the vehicle status (S1), together with a reference time (t1), corresponding to the vehicle status (S1), of a reference timing element of a vehicle-side control unit (2) can be sent by the unit via at least one transceiver unit (3) to at least one first mobile ID transmitter (5) over a first radio transmission (4) and stored; and the vehicle status (S1) can be sent over a second radio transmission (7) from the first ID transmitter (5) to at least one second ID transmitter (6, . . . ) and stored. This is advantageous in that an ID transmitter (6) can obtain information about the vehicle status S1 not only via the vehicle (1) itself but also via another ID transmitter (5). The invention is especially suitable for accessing and locking systems for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system can have a transmitter transmitting a signal, a receiver receiving the signal, and a control device in communication with the receiver and controlling at least one operation of the vehicle. A selected operation may be executable by the signal. The vehicle remote control system includes a microphone that can determine an ambient noise volume and an ambient noise frequency in an area around the vehicle and is in communication with the control device. Furthermore, the vehicle remote control system includes a speaker that is able to generate an answer signal to confirm that the selected operation was executed. The speaker is in communication with the control device which generates an answer signal as a function of ambient noise volume and the ambient noise frequency in the area surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: First given data is transmitted to a key (1) from a control unit (2) on a vehicle side, and the key (1) that is equipped with a transponder (10) generates, based on the transmitted first given data, second given data having a different number of bytes through a given arithmetic operation (first arithmetic operation) to transmit the second given data to the control unit (2). The control unit (2) conducts the same given arithmetic operation (first arithmetic operation) therein, and checks whether the obtained arithmetic result coincides with the second given data that has been received from the key (1) or not to permit the start of an engine. Also, the control unit (2) stores the received second given data in advance, and conducts a given arithmetic operation (second given arithmetic operation) to obtain the arithmetic result for use as the next first given data.

Abstract: A key locator apparatus is provided comprising at least one key having at least one key code, and a locator, programmed with at least one key code to be transmitted, wherein the locator sends an activation signal to the key to activate an alarm secured about the key that is activated if the transmitted key code authenticity is confirmed, thus allowing a user to find the key.

Abstract: Memory contents in an electronic key are re-programmed using a base station from a multi-byte pre-existing or default value. If writing the new secret code value is interrupted and results in a partially-written value then a first recovery code is formed comprising a leading portion having values matching a corresponding portion of the pre-existing secret code and a trailing portion having values matching a corresponding portion of the new secret code. The first recovery code is transmitted to the electronic key for comparison with the stored secret code value. The electronic key compares a received secret code value in response to the first recovery code with the stored secret code value. If the comparison detects a non-match, then interaction with the base station is suspended. If the comparison detects a match, then interaction with the base station is continued in order to accept the new secret code value after re-transmission in full from the base station.

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 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: In the mobile telephone 1 relating to the present invention, a control section 2 performs control for switching between a non-active state which refuses inputs to an application program, and an active state which permits inputs to an application program. Moreover, the control section 2 performs control for switching the execution state of the application program from the non-active state to the active state, in accordance with instructions from an input section 3. The control section 2 further performs control for switching the execution state of the application program from the non-active state to the active state, in accordance with a function contained in an application program.

Abstract: A vehicular electronic key system includes an on-board device that mutually communicates with a portable device, and operates control equipment installed on a vehicle when specific information from the portable device is authenticated. The on-board device includes a distance storage section for storing travel distances of the vehicle, and a warning section for warning that the portable device disappeared when communication was stopped between the on-board device and the portable device. The on-board device communicates with the portable device each time a predetermined distance is travelled, stores the travel distance at each communication time point into the distance storage section, and drives, upon detection that a signal transmitted from the portable device was disrupted, the warning section to warn an undetected region between the last travel distance stored immediately before the transmitted signal was disrupted and a travel distance at a time point at which the transmitted signal was disrupted.

Abstract: A system includes a controller including a housing and a mechanism for generating RF output signals. The output signal generating mechanism includes controls mated to the housing. A mechanism is included for uniquely coding the output signals so that each output signal is detected by only a corresponding object. A mechanism is included for displaying a date and time. A radio mechanism is included for tuning into a radio station and playing an audible signal. A base station is mated with a power supply source and includes a transformer and an electrical contact coupled thereto. The controller is engageable with the electrical contact for being recharged. The base station includes a bottom layer formed from rubber material for maintaining same stable during recharging conditions. The system includes objects including transceivers housed therein and a mechanism for decoding the output signals such that the objects can generate and transmit response signals.

Abstract: A method and system of providing tokens to allow a multiple vehicle programmer to program vehicle transponder keys. A token server collects payment for the number of tokens purchased and creates a token update file. The token update file loads the purchased tokens into the multiple vehicle programmer. To program a vehicle transponder key the multiple vehicle programmer checks for an unused token, if available, the unused token authorizes the programming of the vehicle programmer key. The multiple vehicle programmer marks the token as used after successfully programming the transponder key.

Abstract: An improved system and method for a personal communications server is provided. The system and method may provide seamless multi-functional wireless communications for different integrated applications desired by a user. To this end, a computing device with a telecommunications interface is provided for coupling to a mobile phone network. The computing device may be without an attached audio input and output device, but may include a network interface for coupling with an external audio input and output device to receive audio from the mobile phone network and/or to send audio to the mobile network. A computer with a network interface may also be coupled with the computing device to receive data from a mobile phone network and/or to send data to the mobile network.

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 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: It is possible to start engine economically and easily without deteriorating the theft prevention function even when an engine start key is lost. A vehicle theft prevention system includes permission tools (5C, 5D) for permitting rewrite or write-in of an ID code. The system has a start key registration function for corresponding the ID code of an engine key (5) to the ID code of an immobilizer control section (17), so that the engine key (5) functions as an engine start key (5A, 5B) when the ID code of the permission tools (5C, 5D) is correlated with the ID code recorded in the immobilizer control section (17) and matching is established. Accordingly, when the engine start key is lost or the like, a new engine start key is created for starting the engine economically and easily without requiring replacement of the entire theft prevention device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for vehicle entry control using an imaged keypad. The apparatus includes a virtual interface for entry control of a vehicle having an imaging surface that defines a field of view. The interface includes a projected keypad image on the imaging surface having at least one image of a reconfigurable key within the field of view and a gesture detector and translator having a scope of operation within the field of view. The image of the reconfigurable key may have a configuration based on a user preference.

Abstract: A smart key carried with a user is provided with switches for monitoring a vehicle in remote places, such as a departure-time monitor switch, a return-time monitor switch and an all item monitor switch. The switches are associated with monitor information indicating various vehicle states. When the departure-time monitor switch is operated, the cellular phone receives monitor information such as parking position, rainfall state, etc. useful to the user at departure time from the vehicle. Similarly, when the return-time monitor switch is operated, the cellular phone receives monitor information useful at return time such as door open/closed state and lock state. When the all item monitor switch is operated, the cellular phone receives monitor information of all monitor items.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable multi-purpose universal serial bus (USB) structure, which refers to a storage unit that can be provided inside a casing and has a USB connector exposed out of one end of the casing. The casing can be a casing for a key, a vehicle anti-theft alarm, a controller of an electric roller gate, or a receiver of an entrance guard card, thereby avoiding the user from forgetting to carry said objects when going out and therefore from incurring any inconvenience.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for wireless remote control of the operation of vehicle components such as a door lock or an entertainment system. An electronic host device, such as a PDA or a mobile telephone, is coupled to a vehicle-specific transponder, and a user interface program executed on the host device allows a user to select a desired vehicle component operating command for execution. The selected operating command is sent to the transponder for transmission to the vehicle, and a vehicle receiver forwards the selected command to the target component for execution. The transponder may contain vehicle-specific authorization information which the vehicle receiver may use to verify authorization to operate the vehicle. Additionally, information stored on the host device such as telephone numbers and addresses may be transferred via the transponder to vehicle components which may use such information for task such as navigation of initiating telephone calls.

Abstract: A communication apparatus is provided that can urge a person, such as a child, to come back home at a scheduled time. The communication apparatus can also inform another person, such as a parent of the child, about the time that the child arrives home.

Abstract: A security locker is for securing articles externally on a vehicle. The locker comprises a locker having at least one opening facing the exterior of the vehicle when the locker is fitted thereto, wherein the opening provides access to the interior of the locker. A door is moveable between an open position in which the interior of the locker is accessible through the opening from outside of the vehicle when the locker is fitted thereto, and a closed position in which the locker is inaccessible. The locker includes locking device that, when activated, locks the door in a closed position to prevent unauthorized access to the locker, and when deactivated unlocks the door to enable access to the locker. An input device is operatively connected to the locking device, wherein the locking device is accessible from outside the locked vehicle and it deactivates the locking device when an identifiable code is entered to thereby allow keyless entry to the locker.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for rendering electronic keys left behind in a vehicle temporarily inactive. The apparatus comprises a vehicle security control module in wireless communication with the electronic keys, and having operatively coupled together a receiver, a processor, non-volatile memory and a short-range transmitter. When the module receives a valid lock command from any source it sends a short-range interrogation signal to keys within the vehicle. Left-behind keys respond and send their unique ID(s) to the module's receiver. The processor obtains the unique ID(s) from the receiver and sets one or more inhibit flags in memory or equivalent to identify those keys as left-behind keys. The processor thereafter ignores commands from such left-behind keys, thereby rendering them temporarily inoperative until a valid unlock command is received form another source, whereupon the processor clears the inhibit flags from memory and restores the left-behind keys to active status.

Abstract: A remote control device for controlling a reduced operational mode of a vehicle includes a portable communication device operable to communicate with the vehicle. A detachable component is selectively coupled to the communication device. The communication device is operable to initiate a reduced operational mode for the vehicle upon detachment of the detachable component from the communication device. The portable communication device detects the input in the attached position and initiates a normal operational mode upon the detection. Detachment of the detachable component cause an input voltage to change on the portable device. The reduced operational mode includes inhibiting access to predetermined storage compartments in the vehicle such as a vehicle trunk or glove box. Vehicle speed and RPM are limited in the reduced operational mode.

Abstract: A message display system includes a main housing that is couplable to a vehicle. The main housing has bezel portion designed for encompassing a perimeter edge of a license plate. The main housing has a top display means for presenting a visual message. The top display means is medially positioned on a top portion of the main housing. A receiver portion is operationally coupled to the top display means. The receiver portion is positioned substantially within the housing. The receiver portion facilitates input of a message to be visually presented. A remote transmitter member is designed for receiving user input of a message to be visually presented. The remote transmitter member is operationally couplable to the receiver portion such that the message is communicated from the remote transmitter to the receiver portion.

Abstract: A security system in a vehicle extends its protection to installed equipment of the vehicle, such as audio components, navigation systems, and entertainment systems. The installed equipment is armed and disarmed by the security system, preventing the equipment from normal functioning after unauthorized removal. The security system further enables programming, monitoring, and diagnosing of the installed equipment through the security system's remote control, through a configuration and maintenance tool that connects to the security system, or through other items of installed equipment within the vehicle, such as a rear-seat entertainment system.

Abstract: The invention presents a method for providing activation parameters for a telematic device by receiving at least one telematic device specific activation attribute from a telematic device manufacturer at a remote activation server. Additionally, the remote activation server receives at least one mobile vehicle specific attribute from a mobile vehicle manufacturer. At least one data feed attribute is created as a function of the telematic device specific activation attribute and the mobile vehicle specific attribute, and is stored within a database in communication with the remote activation server.

Abstract: A portable remote keyless entry fob has a plurality of control elements disposed on the fob for manual activation by a user. A display is provided for displaying information to the user. An RKE transmitter wirelessly transmits RKE messages from the fob to a vehicle-mounted receiver. A wideband receiver receives RF signals broadcast by wireless devices nearby the fob and generates a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) signal in proportion to the RF signals. A controller is coupled to the plurality of control elements, the display, the RKE transmitter, and the wideband receiver wherein the controller has an RKE mode for providing a plurality of remote entry command functions. The controller has a detector mode for detecting presence of a wireless device using a comparison responsive to predetermined signal patterns and the RSSI signal. The controller generates an indication on the display when the wireless device is detected.

Abstract: A control system causes arrangements of automobile components, such as the driver's seat, the steering wheel and one or more mirrors, to be adjusted to a plurality of different memorized preferred component arrangements in response to unique component-arrangement signals respectively received from a plurality of remote control devices. The unique component-arrangement signals are transmitted by the remote control devices together with an unlock-request signal that causes a keyless-entry system to unlock one or more doors of the automobile. The control system responds to a lock-request signal that causes the keyless-entry system to lock the doors by causing the driver's seat to be adjusted to a locked position that cannot be utilized for driving the automobile. A distance measuring system separately measures the distance over which the automobile is driven while respectively in at least some of the plurality of preferred component arrangements.

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: The invention relates to an electronically tested high-security coder/decoder device, comprising a key (1) consisting of a mechanically produced code, a body with integrated interpretation and actuation unit (2) and an electronic processing device (3) connected thereto. The key (1) has at least one pressure generator and pressure sensor unit (12) with code producing pressure elements (121, 122, 12n) and with one pressure transmitting part each. The interpretation and actuation unit (2) is provided with a unit (22) that converts pressure values known as such to electrical signals, an authorization unit (23) and an exe (24). The conversion unit (22) has an input (221) and an output (22). The output (22) is connected to the input (311) of the central processing unit (31). The central processing unit (31) and the interface (32) cooperate to give the electronic processing unit (3).

Abstract: An anti-theft system for construction machines, comprising a memory which stores, as machine-side identification information, first identification information allocated construction machine by construction machine and second identification information allocated in common to plural construction machines, a first collating medium having the same identification information as the first identification information, a second collating medium having the same identification information as the second identification information, a collator which collates the identification information of the first or the second collating medium with the machine-side identification information, and an operation controller which cancels the inhibit of operation of the construction machine concerned when there is obtained a coincident collation result by the collator. With this anti-theft system, an owner of construction machines can manage the construction machines by only one type of a collating medium while preventing theft.

Abstract: This invention is related to a method and a system apparatus for replacing the conventional key with user's personal digital data which users are always carrying for the multi-way control of a vehicle for a normal driving, an abnormal driving, an anti-carjacking, a keyless ignition and a key-free valet parking, as well as the multi-way control of the keyset of a safe, a filing cabinet, a lockable door, and a military armaments according to the digital data of user's input without installing a costly PC network. Accordingly, the present invention also provides a system apparatus of the hotel door lock system which hotel guests make their own digital unlocking system utilizing their own personal card or password for replacing the existing key so that it does not need any special cards nor keys to carry extra.

Abstract: A device for initiating an opening and locking procedure of a motor vehicle. The device includes a first proximity sensor which generates an unlocking intent signal for initiating an opening procedure of a closing system of a vehicle when a user approaches the first proximity sensor. A second proximity sensor is also provided, generating a locking intent signal for initiating a locking procedure of the closing system of the vehicle when a user approaches the second proximity sensor.

Abstract: A secure, vehicle key, storage device is for a plurality of uniquely-coded vehicle keys. Each key includes a wireless transmitter. The storage device includes a housing for containing the uniquely-coded vehicle keys, and at least one access mechanism associated with the housing for selectively permitting access to at least one of the uniquely-coded vehicle keys. The device may also include a user identification input for permitting user input of the user identification. At least one wireless receiver determines the unique codes. A controller is provided for controlling the access mechanism based upon the user identification input, and for tracking the uniquely-coded vehicle keys in cooperation with the wireless receiver.

Abstract: A system for determining a total number of access devices associated with a target includes a controller and an access device. The controller may be configured to control operation of the target. The access device includes a partially restricted memory configured to store the total number of the access devices associated with the target and to provide unrestricted read access to the total number, and a restricted memory configured to store a password. A read operation of the restricted memory is restricted by an authorization code.