Abstract: A method for correcting azimuth angle data of a navigational device, which is installed in a vehicle, includes the steps of enabling the navigational device to periodically receive a position information signal that is transmitted from a global positioning system (GPS) service provider and that contains an azimuth angle of the vehicle, obtaining velocity data of the vehicle, obtaining magnetic north data by means of an electronic compass, and enabling the navigational device to correct the azimuth angle contained in the position information based on the magnetic north data when the velocity data is lower than a reference value. A navigational device that implements the aforesaid method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An audio alarm system is adapted to be installed in a vehicle, which has a set of sensors disposed thereon. Each of the sensors detects the presence of an associated event. The audio alarm system includes a control unit configured to generate a set of control signals, each of which is generated in response to detection of the presence of the associated event by a corresponding one of the sensors. An audio processing unit has a set of alarm sound data stored therein. The alarm sound data are distinguishable from each other and correspond respectively to the control signals. In response to the control signal received from the control unit, the audio processing unit selects the corresponding one of the alarm sound data. A loudspeaker generates an audible alarm output corresponding to the alarm sound data selected by the audio processing unit.

Abstract: A safety device for a remotely-activated power supplying system of a manual transmission vehicle includes a starting safety unit connected to a main controller for detecting the presence of a safety condition, and an ignition key detector connected to the main controller for detecting if an ignition key is uprooted from a key-operated power supplying system. Thus, the main controller can be configured to activate a power supplying device to supply electric power to an ignition system when a wirelessly transmitted start signal is received by the main controller, when the safety condition is detected by the starting safety unit, and when the ignition key detector detects that the ignition key is uprooted.

Abstract: A safety device for a remotely-activated power supplying system of a manual transmission vehicle includes a starting safety unit connected to a main controller for detecting the presence of a safety condition, and an ignition key detector connected to the main controller for detecting if an ignition key is uprooted from a key-operated power supplying system. Thus, the main controller can be configured to activate a power supplying device to supply electric power to an ignition system when a wirelessly transmitted start signal is received by the main controller, when the safety condition is detected by the starting safety unit, and when the ignition key detector detects that the ignition key is uprooted.

Abstract: In a vehicle remote-control system, an anti-theft unit includes a vehicle control module, which can receive a disarm signal directly from a signal transmitting key, and which can change from an armed state, in which an inactive state of an ignition system is maintained, to a disarmed state, in which the ignition system is activated, upon receipt of the disarm signal. A starting unit includes a starting device, which generates an enable signal upon receipt of a starting control signal from a remote controller, and which controls starting operation of the ignition system when the vehicle control module is at the disarmed state and the starting device receives the starting control signal. A signal connector is enabled by the enable signal so as to relay the disarm signal from the key to the vehicle control module.

Abstract: A remote-controlled starter apparatus is used in a machine having a power supply system and a power mechanism interconnected via a power conducting line. The starter apparatus includes a starter control circuit, a current sensing circuit and a signal converting circuit. The starter control circuit starts the power mechanism upon receiving a start-initiate signal transmitted by a remote controller, and generates a signal to activate the current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit generates a sensor output corresponding to electrical current flowing through the power conducting line. The signal converting circuit is connected to the current sensing circuit and the starter control circuit, and converts the sensor output into a corresponding voltage output to enable the starter control circuit to determine whether or not the starting operation was successful, and to restart the power mechanism upon determining that the starting operation was unsuccessful.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a detector circuit cluster, an alarm circuit cluster and a host device, all connected to a common power supply line. The detector circuit cluster includes a detector circuit for detecting a current state of a respective component of the vehicle. The detector circuit can receive a status request signal and transmit a status response signal corresponding to the detected state of the respective component. The alarm circuit cluster is enabled upon receipt of an alarm enable signal for generating an alarm output. The host device can transmit the status request signal for the detector circuit, receive the status response signal from the detector circuit, and selectively transmit the alarm enable signal in accordance with the status response signal.

Abstract: A safety switch is coupled to a control line of a vehicle starting system, and includes a first electrical connector that terminates a second branch of the control line, a first resistor that connects a first branch of the control line to a first voltage source, a switch element having a first end connected to a second voltage source, and a second end terminated by a second electrical connector that mates with the first electrical connector, and a second resistor connected in parallel with the switch element. The switch element makes or breaks electrical connection between the first and second ends according to a detected position state of an engine hood of the vehicle. The starting system is enabled so as to permit remote-controlled activation of the vehicle only when a voltage drop, the magnitude of which is between the voltage outputs of the first and second voltage sources, is present at the control line.

Abstract: In a vehicle remote-control system, an anti-theft unit includes a vehicle control module, which can receive a disarm signal directly from a signal transmitting key, and which can change from an armed state, in which an inactive state of an ignition system is maintained, to a disarmed state, in which the ignition system is activated, upon receipt of the disarm signal. A starting unit includes a starting device, which generates an enable signal upon receipt of a starting control signal from a remote controller, and which controls starting operation of the ignition system when the vehicle control module is at the disarmed state and the starting device receives the starting control signal. A signal connector is enabled by the enable signal so as to relay the disarm signal from the key to the vehicle control module.

Abstract: A safety switch is coupled to a control line of a vehicle starting system, and includes a first electrical connector that terminates a second branch of the control line, a first resistor that connects a first branch of the control line to a first voltage source, a switch element having a first end connected to a second voltage source, and a second end terminated by a second electrical connector that mates with the first electrical connector, and a second resistor connected in parallel with the switch element. The switch element makes or breaks electrical connection between the first and second ends according to a detected position state of an engine hood of the vehicle. The starting system is enabled so as to permit remote-controlled activation of the vehicle only when a voltage drop, the magnitude of which is between the voltage outputs of the first and second voltage sources, is present at the control line.