Abstract: A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the in VCS to the smartphone.

Abstract: In selected examples, a vehicle control system (VCS) includes Bluetooth beacons and an app running on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a key fob equipped with movement sensors and a Bluetooth® transceiver. Passive keyless entry capability of the system uses received signal strength indications (RSSIs) together with movement-related indications of the movement sensors to determine when the mobile device moves away from the vehicle beyond a predetermined departure distance, and/or approaches the vehicle to within a predetermined arrival distance. When the user approaches the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits an arrival notification to the VCS, which automatically performs arrival actions, e.g., unlocking doors and disarming security features of the VCS/vehicle. When the user moves away from the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits a departures notification to the VCS, which performs departure actions, e.g.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the VCS to the smartphone.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command.

Abstract: Proximity sensors, e.g., Bluetooth® sensors, are installed in a vehicle. Each sensor determines/estimates approximate distance from itself to a user mobile device. In response to the distance increasing above a predetermined distance departure limit, as the sensors communicate to a vehicle control system (VCS) through Bluetooth® or similar links, the VCS causes predetermined departure actions to be performed, such as locking the doors, turning off headlights, activating the vehicle's security system, and/or others. In response to the distance decreasing below a predetermined distance arrival limit, as the sensors communicate to the VCS through the link(s), the VCS causes predetermined arrival actions to be performed, such as unlocking the doors, flashing the headlights, beeping the horn, deactivating the security system, and/or others. Hysteresis may be applied to the decisions whether to perform the departure/arrival actions.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the VCS to the smartphone.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, provided is a system and methods for managing vehicles on a car dealer lot and for customer relation management after the time of sale of the vehicle, the system having a first mode, where the system tracks the location of vehicles on the dealer's lot so that vehicles can be easily found by make, model, trim level, price and other distinguishing vehicle features, the system further providing vehicle access authorization and reporting of any access or status change to the vehicle. In a second mode, data is collected from the vehicle data bus network regarding vehicle performance, driving behavior, history, and similar parameters and is analyzed and packaged so it may be usefully be communicated to the vehicle owner or others.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the VCS to the smartphone.

Abstract: A device installation system for providing a tool for use by installers to assist in obtaining vehicle specific information such as wiring diagrams, technical information and direct access to technical support technicians. The system further provide for testing, trouble shooting and configuration of installed vehicle devices.

Abstract: A modular headphone system and method of assembling a pair of headphones to satisfy individual personal fashion, comfort and performance preferences. The inventive headphone system is comprised of a plurality of modular interchangeable headphone components, each component being interchangeable and having a plurality of unique fashion, comfort or quality grade variations.

Abstract: A passive keyless entry system is provided comprising an access point module, a smart phone for capable of transmitting an identification and proximity signal, the passive keyless entry system allows the user to program or set the distance for activating the passive triggering of the lock mechanism using radio signal strength indication means of a smart phone. The invention further provides for setting of a parameter boundary whereby the passive keyless entry system is disabled either manually or though an automated process or whereby a user can set a perimeter around a specified point location whereby a passive keyless entry system is disabled when a smart phone is within the perimeter and enabled the passive keyless entry system when outside of the perimeter.

Abstract: A method for providing secured vehicle remote function control signals to a vehicle using a smart phone. The method provides communicating secured pairing and command signal transmissions to a vehicle remote convenience system. The method allows for the use of a smart phone to replace the factory remote fob for remotely starting the vehicle and controlling the vehicle ignition and locking systems through generating local radio frequency transmission and signal encryption that are transmitted to and authenticated at an in-vehicle transceiver.

Abstract: An automated vehicle shutdown and user notification method and device for shutting down an engine in a vehicle having a passive keyless entry and start ignition system where the engine has unintentionally been left running by the user is disclosed. In one aftermarket embodiment, the method is implemented in an aftermarket remote start interface module. The module comprises a micro-controller, a memory, a vehicle data bus connector that provides for interface through the vehicles onboard diagnostic (OBDII) port to the vehicle data bus. The system includes a remote start module having a radio frequency transceiver and a cellular telephone transceiver, and provides audible, visual and electronic notifications that the vehicle has been left running and that the engine will be shut off unless the shutdown sequence is deactivated. If the shutdown fails by any malfunction, the system will go into an alternative notice mode.