Abstract: A transmitter identification code is designed such that the code varies as the code is assigned. In one embodiment the code will include information with regard to the date and time that the code is initially determined. In a second embodiment the code is provided by incrementing a counter, and then modifying that counter information such that the final code is non-sequential.

Abstract: A method for awakening a drowsy driver includes monitoring the drowsiness level of the driver and alerting the driver. The driver is alerted by regulating the temperature in the vehicle interior, releasing oxygen in the vehicle interior, and adjusting the positioning of a window and/or sunroof to vent fresh cooler air into the vehicle. The window and/or sunroof are opened proportionally to the drowsiness level of the driver. The wind entering the vehicle also creates an audible alert which assists in awakening the driver.

Abstract: A method for awakening a drowsy driver includes monitoring the drowsiness level of the driver and alerting the driver. The driver is alerted by regulating the temperature in the vehicle interior, releasing oxygen in the vehicle interior, and adjusting the positioning of a window and/or sunroof to vent fresh cooler air into the vehicle. The window and/or sunroof are opened proportionally to the drowsiness level of the driver. The wind entering the vehicle also creates an audible alert which assists in awakening the driver.

Abstract: A system for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle having a passive entry system uses a bi-directional radio frequency, or RF-RF, signal. When using a RF-RF signal system, the signal from vehicle to a driver's ID device is non-directional and not significantly distance limited. Consequently, a thief may be able to activate the entry system and gain access to the vehicle when the driver's ID device is simply within range. The inventive passive entry system interrogates the ID device periodically following parking and locking of the vehicle. The signal strength levels received by the vehicle from the ID device are stored and a signal strength threshold level is computed. Upon a request for entry to the vehicle, a current signal strength level is compared to the signal strength threshold level. Based on that comparison, it is determined whether the request is valid or unauthorized. If the request for entry is deemed unauthorized, then access to the vehicle is not granted.

Abstract: A system for preventing unauthorized operation of a vehicle having a passive entry/start system that uses a bidirectional radio frequency, or RF-RF, signal is disclosed. When using a RF-RF signal system, the signal from vehicle to a driver's ID device is non-directional and not significantly distance limited. Consequently, a thief can activated the entry/start system and gain access to the vehicle when the driver's ID device is simply within range. The inventive passive entry/start system requests a response or a series of responses from a valid nearby driver ID device following startup of the vehicle. A series of valid responses from the ID device is a condition for keeping the vehicle running. In the event that the ID device is not detected after vehicle startup, then it is assumed that the vehicle is being operated by an unauthorized driver and the engine would be shut down before the vehicle was driven very far.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic control system includes a processor, a reprogrammable memory, and a wireless receiver. The reprogrammable memory includes an EEPROM, flash non-volatile memory, and/or other memory which can be reprogrammed to remotely upgrade instruction sets, such as configuration data, operational instructions, or the like which control vehicle performance. These upgrades are remotely achieved by wirelessly transmitting an updated instruction set to the reprogrammable memory through the receiver. The updated instruction set replaces the previous instruction set currently programmed in the reprogrammable memory, such that vehicle performance is improved.

Abstract: A system for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle having a passive entry system uses a bi-directional radio frequency, or RF-RF, signal. When using a RF-RF signal system, the signal from vehicle to a driver's ID device is non-directional and not significantly distance limited. Consequently, a thief may be able to activate the entry system and gain access to the vehicle when the driver's ID device is simply within range. The inventive passive entry system interrogates the ID device periodically following parking and locking of the vehicle. The signal strength levels received by the vehicle from the ID device are stored and a signal strength threshold level is computed. Upon a request for entry to the vehicle, a current signal strength level is compared to the signal strength threshold level. Based on that comparison, it is determined whether the request is valid or unauthorized. If the request for entry is deemed unauthorized, then access to the vehicle is not granted.

Abstract: An improved immobilizer system for a vehicle utilizes the immobilizer key to provide a signal to the immobilizer control that is utilized to control a vehicle function in addition to the immobilizer. In one embodiment the additional function is the detection of a key in the ignition. Thus, should a vehicle door open, or some other change in status occur, the control determines whether the key is still in the ignition. If so, a warning signal is sent. Other uses of determining whether a key is still in the ignition will also come within the scope of this embodiment. In a second feature, the identification code on the key is utilized to provide an indication of a particular user such that a memory position can be recalled based upon the particular user.

Abstract: A transmitter identification code is designed such that the code varies as the code is assigned. In one embodiment the code will include information with regard to the date and time that the code is initially determined. In a second embodiment the code is provided by incrementing a counter, and then modifying that counter information such that the final code is non-sequential.

Abstract: The electronic security system comprises two sets of transmitters and receivers. A first transmitter generates an energy carrying signal for a first receiver in communication with the first transmitter. A memory unit is at least partially powered by the energy carrying signal received by the first receiver. The memory unit stores a key code and a second transmitter in communication with the memory unit generates a key code carrying signal. A second receiver in communication with the second transmitter receives the key code carrying signal. The energy carrying signal is of a different frequency than the key code carrying signal to permit simultaneous transmission of both signals for faster transmission and increased security of the system. Ultimately, an evaluation unit in communication with the second receiver compares the key code with an unlocking code to determine if the key code matches the unlocking code.