Abstract: An arrangement (10) for remotely controlling convenience functions at a plurality of devices (35X–35Y) includes a plurality of device-based receivers (30X–30Y) and a plurality of portable transmitters (20A–20C). Each of the plurality of receivers (30X–30Y) include the capability of receiving a remote convenience function request signal and conveying a remote convenience function request message to a device operations system (38X or 38Y) for use in performing a remotely requested convenience function. Each of the plurality of transmitters (20A–20C) include capability of being configurable to be compatible with any of the plurality of receivers (30X–30Y) for outputting a remote convenience function request signal to cause remote control performance of a function at the respective device (35X or 35Y).

Abstract: A communication system (10) has a portion (28) of a transmitter controller (14) that provides a message package. An encryption portion (36) of the controller (14) encrypts a first fraction of the message package (e.g., a first portion of the message package and a first part of a second portion of the message package) using a second fraction of the message package (e.g., a second part of the second portion of the message package) as an encryption key. Transmitter components (32 and 34) output a signal (18) that conveys the encrypted first fraction of the message package. Receiver components (56 and 58) receive the signal (18). A decryption portion (60) of a receiver/controller unit (16) decrypts the signal using a decryption key, and reassembles the message package using the decryption key as the second fraction of the message package. Preferably, the communication system (10) is a remote convenience system for remotely controlling a convenience function.

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

Abstract: A passive function control system (10) for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the system (10) are provided. The system (10) includes a vehicle based transceiver (14) for transmitting a challenge signal having a random number and an identification code. At least a portion of the random number and at least a portion of the identification code of the challenge signal are encrypted. A portable transceiver (16) receives the challenge signal and decrypts the encrypted portions of the challenge signal. The portable transceiver (16) transmits a challenge response signal having the random number only in response to a comparison of the identification code to a reference identification code indicating a match. A first controller (18) of the vehicle based transceiver (14) responds to the challenge response signal when the challenge response signal is related to the random number.

Abstract: A binary phase shift key demodulator (64) demodulates a signal conveying bits. A vector computation component (88) computes an I, Q vector associated with a reference bit and computes an I, Q vector associated with a subsequent bit. A vector comparison component (92) interprets the subsequent bit as a first binary value if the vector associated with the subsequent bit is within a first range of vector angles from the vector associated with the reference bit, and interprets the subsequent bit as a second binary value if the vector associated with the subsequent bit is outside of a second range of vector angles from the vector associated with the reference bit.

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

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for remotely controlling convenience functions at a plurality of devices (35X-35Y) includes a plurality of device-based receivers (30X-30Y) and a plurality of portable transmitters (20A-20C). Each of the plurality of receivers (30X-30Y) include the capability of receiving a remote convenience function request signal and conveying a remote convenience function request message to a device operations system (38X or 38Y) for use in performing a remotely requested convenience function. Each of the plurality of transmitters (20A-20C) include capability of being configurable to be compatible with any of the plurality of receivers (30X-30Y) for outputting a remote convenience function request signal to cause remote control performance of a function at the respective device (35X or 35Y).