Abstract: For use in a tire pressure monitoring system, an initiator generator includes an oscillator/divider configured to generate an output signal in response to a switched, regulated voltage. The output signal has a fundamental frequency and a gating frequency.

Abstract: In a vehicle passive entry system, a countermeasure system and method include a remote unit for receiving a passive entry challenge signal, determining if the passive entry challenge signal is valid, and transmitting a vehicle access signal for use in actuating a door look mechanism to permit access to the vehicle if the passive entry challenge signal is determined valid. The remote unit includes an indicator for use in generating an alert if the passive entry challenge signal is determined valid, and a switch for use in manually disabling transmission of the vehicle access signal. The countermeasure system further includes a passive entry control module for mounting in the vehicle, the control module including a transceiver for transmitting the passive entry challenge signal and for receiving the vehicle access signal.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system responsive to radio frequency (RF) signals is positioned within a vehicle passenger compartment. The system includes a module disposed within a headrest of the seat for receiving RF signals. The seat is separated from an interior boundary that defines the vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of tire pressure in a vehicle having front tires including a right tire and a left tire, and rear tires including a right tire and a left tire, a system and method are provided for automatically identifying tire location. A transmitters mounted in each tire transmits tire information signals conveying tire pressure data and associated tire rotation direction data. A vehicle mounted receiver has a location a first distance from the front tires and a second distance from the rear tires, the first distance being different from the second. A vehicle mounted controller in communication with the receiver determines whether pressure data is associated with a front tire or a rear tire based on the strength of the tire information signal, and whether pressure data is associated with a right tire or a left tire based on the associated rotation direction data.

Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of tire pressure in a vehicle having front tires including a right tire and a left tire, and rear tires including a right tire and a left tire, a system and method are provided for automatically identifying tire location. A transmitters mounted in each tire transmits tire information signals conveying tire pressure data, and associated tire temperature data and tire rotation direction data. A vehicle mounted controller determines whether pressure data conveyed by tire information signals is associated with a front tire or a rear tire based on the associated temperature data, and whether pressure data is associated with a right tire or a left tire based on the associated rotation direction data.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle location information or confirmation of remote entry system operation to a user. In one embodiment, a vehicle transceiver receives a wireless vehicle device function signal, and a vehicle controller generates a vehicle device control signal for use in operating a vehicle device in response. The vehicle controller also confirms operation of the vehicle device, and the vehicle transceiver transmits a wireless vehicle device function confirmation signal. A remote unit includes a transceiver for operation by the user for transmitting the vehicle device function signal and for receiving the vehicle device function confirmation signal. The remote unit also includes an indicator for providing an indication to the user confirming operation of the vehicle device, and a storage device for storing retrievable data representing the indication confirming operation of the vehicle device.

Abstract: A system for controlling a magnetic field strength includes a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field for receipt by a responsive device and a controller in communication with the magnetic field generator for determining a strength of the magnetic field to a level sufficient for use in controlling the responsive device.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle location information or confirmation of remote entry system operation to a user. In one embodiment, a vehicle transceiver receives a wireless vehicle device function signal, and a vehicle controller generates a vehicle device control signal for use in operating a vehicle device in response. The vehicle controller also confirms operation of the vehicle device, and the vehicle transceiver transmits a wireless vehicle device function confirmation signal. A remote unit includes a transceiver for operation by the user for transmitting the vehicle device function signal and for receiving the vehicle device function confirmation signal. The remote unit also includes an indicator for providing an indication to the user confirming operation of the vehicle device, and a storage device for storing retrievable data representing the indication confirming operation of the vehicle device.

Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure, a system and method for automatically identifying tire location. A tire pressure monitor mounted in each tire includes a sensor for sensing tire pressure, a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed tire pressure, and a magnetic switch for actuating the transmitter. An electromagnets is mounted on the vehicle in proximity to each tire location and generates a magnetic field causing the magnetic switch to actuate the transmitter of the associated tire pressure monitor. A controller mounted on the vehicle is provided in communication with the electromagnets, processes the tire pressure signals from the transmitters, and conveys tire pressure and location information to a user. The controller energizes the electromagnets so that each received tire pressure signal is automatically associated with a specific tire location.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vehicle tire pressure. A tire pressure monitor for each tire includes a pressure sensor for sensing tire pressure and a transmitter for transmitting a tire pressure signal representative of the sensed tire pressure. A receiver for mounting on the vehicle receives the tire pressure signals, and includes an antenna to be located at a vehicle site. Each tire pressure signal has an amplitude and, for each tire location, the amplitude has a unique pattern over time for the antenna site. A controller for mounting on the vehicle communicates with the receiver and collects and processes the tire pressure signals to automatically identify the tire location associated with each tire pressure signal based on the unique amplitude patterns. The controller further generates control signals for use in conveying tire pressure and location information to a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: Tire over- or under-inflation can create problems in vehicle operation. To limit the effects of out-of-range tire pressure, vehicle speed is automatically controlled if the vehicle speed is not appropriate for either or both of measured tire air pressure and measured tire temperature.

Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure, a system and method for identifying tire location. A tire pressure monitor for each tire includes a sensor for sensing tire pressure, a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed tire pressure, and a sensor for sensing an impact to the tire and for actuating the transmitter to transmit a tire pressure signal in response. A receiver for mounting on the vehicle receives the tire pressure signals. A controller for mounting on the vehicle communicates with the receiver and is for use in conveying tire pressure and location information to a user. When the vehicle is stationary, each tire is struck in a preselected sequence so that each received tire pressure signal is automatically associated with one of the plurality of tire locations.

Abstract: In a vehicle passive entry system, a countermeasure system and method include a remote unit for receiving a passive entry challenge signal, determining if the passive entry challenge signal is valid, and transmitting a vehicle access signal for use in actuating a door look mechanism to permit access to the vehicle if the passive entry challenge signal is determined valid. The remote unit includes an indicator for use in generating an alert if the passive entry challenge signal is determined valid, and a switch for use in manually disabling transmission of the vehicle access signal. The countermeasure system further includes a passive entry control module for mounting in the vehicle, the control module including a transceiver for transmitting the passive entry challenge signal and for receiving the vehicle access signal.

Abstract: A system and method for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure include monitors in each tire to transmit signals representative of tire pressure and receive control signals for use in regulating transmission of the tire pressure signals. A vehicle receiver receives the tire pressure signals and passive entry signals transmitted by a remote passive entry device. A vehicle transmitter transmits the control signals for use in regulating transmission of the tire pressure signals. A controller on-board the vehicle in communication with the receiver and transmitter conveys tire pressure information to a vehicle occupant based on the tire pressure signals, determines whether the vehicle is occupied based on the passive entry signal, and generates a control signal operative to halt transmission of the tire pressure signals when the vehicle is unoccupied.

Abstract: A combined vehicle remote access, tire monitoring and vehicle immobilization system and method including a tire monitor for monitoring a tire parameter, the monitor including a transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency tire data signal, a vehicle access transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency vehicle access signal, and a vehicle activation transponder for receiving an interrogation signal and transmitting a vehicle activation signal for use in vehicle immobilization. The system and method further include a control module having a receiver and a controller for receiving and processing the tire data, vehicle access, and vehicle activation signals, and generating a display signal to display the information represented by the tire data signal, a vehicle access control signal to perform the vehicle access function, and a vehicle immobilization control signal to immobilize the vehicle if the controller fails to authenticate the vehicle activation signal.

Abstract: A remote access device which may comprise an antenna having a first inductor with a first axis, a second inductor with a second axis, and a third inductor with a third axis, where the first, second and third axes may be oriented substantially perpendicular to each other, respectively, such that the first inductor generates a first magnetic field associated with a first plane, the second inductor generates a second magnetic field associated with a second plane different than the first plane, and the third inductor generates a third magnetic field associated with a third plane different than the first and second planes. The remote access device preferably includes a single form for the first, second and third inductors, where the first, second and third inductors are each wound on the form.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an in-vehicle entertainment system in a vehicle having a remote keyless entry system. A receiver to be mounted on-board the vehicle is provided in communication with a vehicle access device associated with the remote keyless entry system and receives a radio frequency vehicle access signal for use in controlling a vehicle access function. The receiver is further provided in communication with the in-vehicle entertainment system and receives a radio frequency command signal for use in controlling the in-vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: In a vehicle passive entry system including a remote transceiver, a system and method for detecting the location of the remote transceiver relative to the vehicle. An exterior vehicle antenna is provided for use in transmitting a first signal for receipt by the remote transceiver, and an interior vehicle antenna is provided for use in transmitting a second signal for receipt by the remote transceiver. A controller is provided on board the remote transceiver for determining a signal strength of the first signal, determining a signal strength of the second signal, and determining whether the remote transceiver is located inside or outside the vehicle based on the signal strengths of the first and second signals.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of tire pressure in a vehicle having multiple tires, where each tire has an associated wheel well. The system includes a tire monitor mounted in one of the tires that includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of a sensed tire pressure, and a receiver for receiving an initiation signal. An initiator mounted on-board the vehicle associated with the tire is for use in generating a low frequency initiation signal for receipt by the receiver to cause the transmitter to transmit a tire pressure signal. An antenna in communication with the initiator transmits the low frequency initiation signal. The antenna includes a multi-turn loop on a surface of the wheel well associated with the tire such that the low frequency initiation signal transmitted by the antenna is received by the receiver for any tire position.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure includes monitors mounted in the tires, each including a tire pressure sensor, a transmitter for transmitting a tire pressure signal, a battery for the transmitter, and a receiver for receiving an initiation signal. Initiators are mounted on-board the vehicle, each initiator associated with one of the tire monitors. Each initiator is for use in generating a low frequency initiation signal for receipt by a tire receiver to cause the transmitter to transmit a tire pressure signal. A vehicle mounted controller activates the initiators in order to generate the low frequency initiation signals, and processes the tire pressure signals to convey tire pressure information to a user. The controller further activates the initiators in order to generate a low frequency electromagnetic field for use in recharging the batteries in the tire monitors.