Abstract: A passive entry system for a vehicle includes a portable fob and a communication and control unit disposed on the vehicle, the communication and control unit configured to control a function of the vehicle. The portable fob and the communication and control unit are configured to communicate ultra-wideband (UWB) signals therebetween. When the function of the vehicle is triggered, the communication and control unit initiates a double-sided UWB ranging session with the portable fob where (i) the portable fob determines a first distance between the portable fob and the communication and control unit, and (ii) the communication and control unit determines a second distance between the portable fob and the communication and control unit. The communication and control unit is configured to prevent control of the function of the vehicle if a final distance, determined from the first and second distances, is greater than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A passive entry system for a vehicle includes a portable fob and a communication and control unit disposed on the vehicle, the communication and control unit configured to control a function of the vehicle. The portable fob and the communication and control unit are configured to communicate ultra-wideband (UWB) signals therebetween. When the function of the vehicle is triggered, the communication and control unit initiates a double-sided UWB ranging session with the portable fob where (i) the portable fob determines a first distance between the portable fob and the communication and control unit, and (ii) the communication and control unit determines a second distance between the portable fob and the communication and control unit. The communication and control unit is configured to prevent control of the function of the vehicle if a final distance, determined from the first and second distances, is greater than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A passive entry system of a vehicle includes relay attack prevention. The passive entry system includes a control module in the vehicle, at least one antenna at the vehicle and a key fob. A predetermined number of signals are transmitted via the at least one antenna with each signal having a different power strength. The key fob is determines a power strength of each signal that the key fob receives and generates a measurement report to transmit to the control module. The control module is configured to determine whether the measurement report contains received signal strength indicators for at least half of the predetermined number of signals and whether the received signal strength indicator for each signal contained in the measurement report correlates to the power strength of that signal as transmitted by the at least one antenna.

Abstract: A system for remote testing of a plurality of vehicles on a test track includes a plurality of guide wires and position transponders embedded in the track. Each vehicle to be tested includes an onboard vehicle controller (VCON) which in turn includes various servo components for operating the steering wheel, shift lever, brake and accelerator pedals of the vehicle. A base computer receives desired missions from an operating computer, and the base computer loads a respective mission into each VCON via an rf link. Then, the base computer monitors the vehicles for proper, safe operation. The VCONs execute the missions loaded by the base station and periodically report their status to the base computer.

Abstract: A right inductive coil is coupled to a vehicle at a first location offset from the vehicle's centerline for generating a first signal in response to an electromagnetic signal in a guide wire beneath the vehicle. Similarly, a left inductive coil coupled to the vehicle opposite the right coil relative to the centerline for generating a second signal in response to an electromagnetic signal in the guide wire. A signal comparator receives the signals and generates a guidance signal representative of the combination of the signals. Also, a position antenna is movably mounted in the vertical dimension on the vehicle for generating query pulses and detecting echo pulses from transponders embedded in a test track.

Abstract: A spread spectrum rf communication system relays mission signals from a base computer to each of a plurality of vehicle controllers (VCONs) that are positioned in the passenger compartments of respective vehicles on a test track. The VCONs are coupled to the operating controls of the vehicles for moving the controls in response to mission signals from the base station. Also, the VCONs communicate status reports via the communication system to the base station, so that the base station coordinates the control of the vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely operating an ignition switch mounted on the steering column of an automobile includes a motor mounted on the floor or other surface of the automobile away from the steering column, such that the steering column does not bear the weight of the motor. A drive cable is connected to the motor, and the drive cable is also connected to a coupling which is mounted on the steering column and which is connected to the ignition switch. The coupling translates rotational motion of the drive cable 90.degree., so that the coupling and drive cable do not unduly project straight out from the steering column and hence do not interfere with other components, e.g., shift levers, that are mounted on the steering column. A position sensor generates a signal representative of the position of the ignition switch, and the signal is received by a controller. In turn, the controller activates the motor as necessary to establish and/or maintain a desired position of the ignition switch.