Abstract: An OBD module for communicating with a vehicle radio/infotainment system. The OBD module includes a controller, a data bus interface that is configured to draw power from and electronically communicate with a vehicle OBD-II data port and a digital interface connector. The OBD module can be formed from two separate components, including a transceiver module and an interface module, that are in communication with each other. The transceiver module can be located remotely from the interface module. The OBD module can include a graphic equalizer to enhance the sound quality of the input source. The OBD module can also be configured to interrupt playback to play a substitute message as is desired.

Abstract: A self-powered wireless fuse switch is disclosed that is a plug-in replacement for a fuse found in the electrical system of vehicles. The self-powered wireless fuse adds remote-controlled switching capabilities for short and long-range control of power to subsystems of a vehicle electrical system. The wireless fuse switch includes an internal transceiver that receives commands from a remote control unit and controls the position of an internal relay. The wireless control module interfaces with a fuse socket of the vehicle to selectively allow or interrupt power from the vehicle to the subsystem of the vehicle electrical system. The wireless fuse switch includes either a two-blade or three-blade harness assembly that allows the wireless fuse switch to be received within the fuse socket of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wireless lock module is disclosed that is operable to control the ability to open a hood of a vehicle. The wireless lock module includes a transceiver that receives wireless control commands from a control device, such as a smartphone. Upon receiving the control commands, the transceiver communicate with a controller contained within the wireless lock module. The controller, in turn, controls the operation of an actuator to selectively move a locking device into position to either permit opening of the vehicle hood or restrict opening of the vehicle hood. The locking device can include a jam block that is positioned to selectively allow a hood latch to rotate between an engaged position and a release position. The wireless lock module can include an internal power supply such that the entire wireless lock module is a self-contained device that can be positioned within the engine compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-powered wireless fuse switch is disclosed that is a plug-in replacement for a fuse found in the electrical system of vehicles. The self-powered wireless fuse adds remote-controlled switching capabilities for short and long-range control of power to subsystems of a vehicle electrical system. The wireless fuse switch includes an internal transceiver that receives commands from a remote control unit and controls the position of an internal relay. The wireless control module interfaces with a fuse socket of the vehicle to selectively allow or interrupt power from the vehicle to the subsystem of the vehicle electrical system. The wireless fuse switch includes either a two-blade or three-blade harness assembly that allows the wireless fuse switch to be received within the fuse socket of the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining bearing and distance measurements between a mobile device and an object using Rf based measurements. The mobile device communicates with a control in the object to determine the relative bearing between the mobile device and the object with respect to magnetic north and, optionally, the distance between the mobile device and the object. An indicator on the mobile device aid in directing s the user of the mobile device toward the object as the mobile device is moved relative to the object. The mobile device can be a key fob and the object can be a vehicle.

Abstract: A remote keyless entry (RKE) system for a vehicle. The system includes a RKE receiver configured to be installed on a vehicle, and a nomadic device equipped with an RKE transmitter configured to transmit autonomously a RKE message repetitiously in response to an initiation command. The nomadic device is able to be pre-armed the nomadic device while outside of the communication range of the vehicle to transmit periodically, repeatedly, or continuously the RKE message. Then, an operator can put the nomadic device in a pocket and proceed to within the communication range and, for example, have the trunk open without having to manually operate the nomadic device while within the communication range.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling communication modes of a personal communication device traveling in a vehicle. The system includes a communication center configured to provide communication services, a personal communication device (PCD) configured to communicate with the communication center, and a controller installed in a vehicle. The communication center is configured to selectively disable any of the PCD communication modes when the PCD is residing or traveling in the vehicle. Which communication modes are disabled may be based on a customer profile. The system and method provide a way for a parent to limit the communication modes of PCD used by their child, especially when the child is traveling in and presumably operating a particular vehicle such as the family car. The system and method may also be used by employers to limit the PCD communication modes available to employees operating company vehicles.

Abstract: A plug-in vehicle security system that includes a plug-in wireless relay module and a plug-in telematics device. The relay module includes a relay switch and a wireless receiver coupled to the relay switch in a manner effective to influence operation of the relay switch based on reception of an authorization signal. The telematics device includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the authorization signal in response to a network signal. The telematics device also includes a network transceiver configured to receive the network signal from a communication network. A plug-in vehicle security system is advantageous because installation costs are reduced by reducing the time and installation expertise necessary to do the installation. Such a system will be particularly attractive to vehicle rental fleet operators.

Abstract: A thermal-protection apparatus disposed in a vehicle cabin or storage compartment includes a housing enveloping a chamber in which a thermally-sensitive consumer electronic device is received, a thermoelectric module mounted in a wall of the housing, and a remote electronic controller and power source coupled to the housing via an electrical cable for activating the thermoelectric module, and optionally the consumer electronic device, in a manner to prevent the temperature in the chamber from exceeding a prescribed maximum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device or falling below a prescribed minimum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device.

Abstract: A system, controller, and method for displaying an image corresponding to a field of view about a vehicle. The controller stores images from a camera, and outputs a processed signal to display to a vehicle operator stored images from a time period prior to the controller receiving an operator input signal. A vehicle equipped so will allow a vehicle operator actuate the operator input device in order to review images and thereby verify that another vehicle or a pedestrian has moved away from the vehicle.

Abstract: Long-range remote communication and control of a vehicle is achieved with primary and secondary cellular devices provided by the vehicle user. The primary cellular device is retained by the user, while the secondary cellular device is dedicated to the vehicle and placed in a docking station provided in a vehicle instrument panel or console. The vehicle docking station is equipped with typical cell phone electrical interfaces to supply battery charging current and to establish a bi-directional data communication link between the secondary cellular device and an on-board vehicle computer. The secondary cellular device remains activated, and provides a low-cost remotely accessible communication link between the on-board vehicle computer and the primary cellular device or any other phone, provided that specified security conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A communication system and method to allow authorized access to a vehicle. The system communicates with an internet server and a mobile communication device such as a smart phone or RFID transponder to determine if a person attempting to access the vehicle is authorized. The system includes an in-vehicle security module configured to be installed on the vehicle and to receive an authorization signal from the internet server. The in-vehicle security module includes a keyless entry transmitter configured to communicate with a keyless entry system of the vehicle effective to allow access to the vehicle if the authorization signal is received. By using a keyless entry transmitter to operate the vehicle's security system, the communication system is easy to install as opposed to systems that require a wired interface with the vehicle. Such a system is useful for unattended operation of vehicle rental fleets or employee vehicle fleets.

Abstract: A communication system, an in-vehicle communication module, and a method for operating a keyless entry receiver in a vehicle to recognize a keyless entry transmitter. An internet server is used to store programming data for operating the keyless entry receiver to recognize the keyless entry transmitter. An in-vehicle communication module is used to communicate with a diagnostic bus of the vehicle to determine a vehicle identity, communicate with the internet server to download programming data corresponding to the vehicle identity, operate the keyless entry receiver into a learn mode via the diagnostic bus and in accordance with the programming data, and operate a keyless entry transmitter to transmit a keyless entry signal effective for the keyless entry receiver to recognize the keyless entry transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling communication modes of a personal communication device traveling in a vehicle. The system includes a communication center configured to provide communication services, a personal communication device (PCD) configured to communicate with the communication center, and a controller installed in a vehicle. The communication center is configured to selectively disable any of the PCD communication modes when the PCD is residing or traveling in the vehicle. Which communication modes are disabled may be based on a customer profile. The system and method provide a way for a parent to limit the communication modes of PCD used by their child, especially when the child is traveling in and presumably operating a particular vehicle such as the family car. The system and method may also be used by employers to limit the PCD communication modes available to employees operating company vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle security system for securing a vehicle equipped to determine that a valid radio frequency identification tag is proximate to the vehicle when there is an attempt to start the vehicle. The system includes an authorization device configured to determine that vehicle operation has been authorized, and an interference device configured to receive an authorization signal from the authorization device. The interference device is configured to interfere with the determination that a valid radio frequency identification tag is proximate to the vehicle when the authorization signal does not indicate that vehicle operation has been authorized. The system is readily installed in a vehicle as no electrical connections are required, except for an optional power connection.

Abstract: A system and in-vehicle communication module for relaying a remote keyless entry command from a cellular network to a vehicle keyless entry receiver. The module include a cellular network receiver configured to receive a remote keyless entry command from a cellular network; and a keyless entry transmitter located in the vehicle and in communication with the cellular network receiver. The keyless entry transmitter is configured to transmit a remote keyless entry signal to a vehicle keyless entry receiver in the vehicle in order to execute a vehicle operation. By sending a remote keyless entry signal to a vehicle remote keyless entry system, installation and engineering costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle security system for a vehicle equipped with a passive keyless entry/passive start (PEPS) security system including a nomadic device configured to determine a present location of the nomadic device (e.g. key fob, smart phone), and a controller configured to control a security-status based on the present location. The controller determines the security status based on the proximity of the nomadic device in order to thwart theft of the vehicle using a relay attack.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining bearing and distance measurements between a mobile device and an object using Rf based measurements. The mobile device communicates with a control in the object to determine the relative bearing between the mobile device and the object with respect to magnetic north and, optionally, the distance between the mobile device and the object. An indicator on the mobile device aid in directing s the user of the mobile device toward the object as the mobile device is moved relative to the object. The mobile device can be a key fob and the object can be a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining bearing and distance measurements between a mobile device and an object using Rf based measurements. The mobile device communicates with a control in the object to determine the relative bearing between the mobile device and the object with respect to magnetic north and, optionally, the distance between the mobile device and the object. An indicator on the mobile device aid in directing s the user of the mobile device toward the object as the mobile device is moved relative to the object. The mobile device can be a key fob and the object can be a vehicle.