Patents by Inventor Robert Andre Lacroix
Robert Andre Lacroix has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240062598Abstract: In selected examples, a vehicle control system (VCS) includes Bluetooth beacons and an app running on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a key fob equipped with movement sensors and a Bluetooth® transceiver. Passive keyless entry capability of the system uses received signal strength indications (RSSIs) together with movement-related indications of the movement sensors to determine when the mobile device moves away from the vehicle beyond a predetermined departure distance, and/or approaches the vehicle to within a predetermined arrival distance. When the user approaches the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits an arrival notification to the VCS, which automatically performs arrival actions, e.g., unlocking doors and disarming security features of the VCS/vehicle. When the user moves away from the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits a departures notification to the VCS, which performs departure actions, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Applicant: Voxx International CorporationInventors: Aravind Warrier, Sylvain Jalbert, Robert Andre Lacroix
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Patent number: 11891016Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle control system (VCS) coupled to a computer of a vehicle via a CAN bus and configured to present selectively appearance of a presence in the vehicle of a smartkey, e.g., by energizing and de-energizing an actual smartkey of the vehicle. The VCS includes a VCS and a Bluetooth® VCS transceiver. The VCS stores VCS software. The apparatus also includes a smartphone with a Bluetooth® transceiver, and storing an app. The mobile device is paired with the VCS to communicate with the VCS via a Bluetooth® link. The app configures the smartphone to receive menu selections from a user, to generate communications that identify smartkey-enabled features of the VCS that correspond to the selections, and to send to the VCS the communications through the link. The VCS software configures the VCS to receive the communications and cause the vehicle to perform actions corresponding to the communications.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2023Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Geoff Weathersby, Robert Andre Lacroix, Elie Issa
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Patent number: 11790708Abstract: In selected examples, a vehicle control system (VCS) includes Bluetooth beacons and an app running on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a key fob equipped with movement sensors and a Bluetooth® transceiver. Passive keyless entry capability of the system uses received signal strength indications (RSSIs) together with movement-related indications of the movement sensors to determine when the mobile device moves away from the vehicle beyond a predetermined departure distance, and/or approaches the vehicle to within a predetermined arrival distance. When the user approaches the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits an arrival notification to the VCS, which automatically performs arrival actions, e.g., unlocking doors and disarming security features of the VCS/vehicle. When the user moves away from the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits a departures notification to the VCS, which performs departure actions, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Aravind Warrier, Sylvain Jalbert, Robert Andre Lacroix
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Publication number: 20230256938Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle control system (VCS) coupled to a computer of a vehicle via a CAN bus and configured to present selectively appearance of a presence in the vehicle of a smartkey, e.g., by energizing and de-energizing an actual smartkey of the vehicle. The VCS includes a VCS and a Bluetooth® VCS transceiver. The VCS stores VCS software. The apparatus also includes a smartphone with a Bluetooth® transceiver, and storing an app. The mobile device is paired with the VCS to communicate with the VCS via a Bluetooth® link. The app configures the smartphone to receive menu selections from a user, to generate communications that identify smartkey-enabled features of the VCS that correspond to the selections, and to send to the VCS the communications through the link. The VCS software configures the VCS to receive the communications and cause the vehicle to perform actions corresponding to the communications.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Geoff Weathersby, Robert Andre Lacroix, Elie Issa
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Patent number: 11603076Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle control system (VCS) coupled to a computer of a vehicle via a CAN bus and configured to present selectively appearance of a presence in the vehicle of a smartkey, e.g., by energizing and de-energizing an actual smartkey of the vehicle. The VCS includes a VCS and a Bluetooth® VCS transceiver. The VCS stores VCS software. The apparatus also includes a smartphone with a Bluetooth® transceiver, and storing an app. The mobile device is paired with the VCS to communicate with the VCS via a Bluetooth® link. The app configures the smartphone to receive menu selections from a user, to generate communications that identity smartkey-enabled features of the VCS that correspond to the selections, and to send to the VCS the communications through the link. The VCS software configures the VCS to receive the communications and cause the vehicle to perform actions corresponding to live communications.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Andre Lacroix, Geoff Weathersby, Elie Issa
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Publication number: 20210398367Abstract: In selected examples, a vehicle control system (VCS) includes Bluetooth beacons and an app running on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a key fob equipped with movement sensors and a Bluetooth® transceiver. Passive keyless entry capability of the system uses received signal strength indications (RSSIs) together with movement-related indications of the movement sensors to determine when the mobile device moves away from the vehicle beyond a predetermined departure distance, and/or approaches the vehicle to within a predetermined arrival distance. When the user approaches the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits an arrival notification to the VCS, which automatically performs arrival actions, e.g., unlocking doors and disarming security features of the VCS/vehicle. When the user moves away from the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits a departures notification to the VCS, which performs departure actions, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Applicant: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Aravind Warrier, Sylvain Jalbert, Robert Andre Lacroix
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Publication number: 20210207967Abstract: In selected embodiments, a vehicle control system (VCS) is coupled to a vehicle computer and configured to present selectively appearance of a presence in the vehicle of a smartkey, e.g., by energizing/de-energizing the smartkey. The VCS communicates with a remote vehicle control platform (VCP) configured to direct the VCS and send/receive SMS messages. An authorized user of the vehicle sends from a smartphone an SMS to the VCP, identifying the vehicle and a smartphone of another person with whom the authorized user wishes to share the vehicle. The VCP sends an SMS to the other person's smartphone, notifying the other person of the vehicle's availability. The second person replies to the VCP, requesting vehicle access. The VCP receives the reply SMS, validates the other person's smartphone, and signals the VCS to grant vehicle access. The VCS unlocks the vehicle, and energizes the smartkey, rendering the vehicle accessible.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Andre LaCroix, Geoff Weathersby, David Meunier
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Patent number: 11055936Abstract: In selected examples, a vehicle control system (VCS) includes Bluetooth beacons and an app running on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a key fob equipped with movement sensors and a Bluetooth® transceiver. Passive keyless entry capability of the system uses received signal strength indications (RSSIs) together with movement-related indications of the movement sensors to determine when the mobile device moves away from the vehicle beyond a predetermined departure distance, and/or approaches the vehicle to within a predetermined arrival distance. When the user approaches the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits an arrival notification to the VCS, which automatically performs arrival actions, e.g., unlocking doors and disarming security features of the VCS/vehicle. When the user moves away from the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits a departures notification to the VCS, which performs departure actions, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Aravind Warrier, Sylvain Jalbert, Robert Andre Lacroix
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Publication number: 20210170990Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle control system (VCS) coupled to a computer of a vehicle via a CAN bus and configured to present selectively appearance of a presence in the vehicle of a smartkey, e.g., by energizing and de-energizing an actual smartkey of the vehicle. The VCS includes a VCS and a Bluetooth® VCS transceiver. The VCS stores VCS software. The apparatus also includes a smartphone with a Bluetooth® transceiver, and storing an app. The mobile device is paired with the VCS to communicate with the VCS via a Bluetooth® link. The app configures the smartphone to receive menu selections from a user, to generate communications that identity smartkey-enabled features of the VCS that correspond to the selections, and to send to the VCS the communications through the link. The VCS software configures the VCS to receive the communications and cause the vehicle to perform actions corresponding to live communications.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2020Publication date: June 10, 2021Applicant: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Andre Lacroix, Geoff Weathersby, Elie Issa
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Patent number: 10857977Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle control system (VCS) coupled to a computer of a vehicle via a CAN bus and configured to present selectively appearance of a presence in the vehicle of a smartkey, e.g., by energizing and de-energizing an actual smartkey of the vehicle. The VCS includes a VCS and a Bluetooth® VCS transceiver. The VCS stores VCS software. The apparatus also includes a smartphone with a Bluetooth® transceiver, and storing an app. The mobile device is paired with the VCS to communicate with the VCS via a Bluetooth® link. The app configures the smartphone to receive menu selections from a user, to generate communications that identify smartkey-enabled features of the VCS that correspond to the selections, and to send to the VCS the communications through the link. The VCS software configures the VCS to receive the communications and cause the vehicle to perform actions corresponding to the communications.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Andre Lacroix, Geoff Weathersby, Elie Issa
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Publication number: 20200349781Abstract: In selected examples, a vehicle control system (VCS) includes Bluetooth beacons and an app running on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a key fob equipped with movement sensors and a Bluetooth® transceiver. Passive keyless entry capability of the system uses received signal strength indications (RSSIs) together with movement-related indications of the movement sensors to determine when the mobile device moves away from the vehicle beyond a predetermined departure distance, and/or approaches the vehicle to within a predetermined arrival distance. When the user approaches the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits an arrival notification to the VCS, which automatically performs arrival actions, e.g., unlocking doors and disarming security features of the VCS/vehicle. When the user moves away from the vehicle, the mobile device automatically transmits a departures notification to the VCS, which performs departure actions, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Applicant: DIRECTED, LLCInventors: Aravind Warrier, Sylvain Jalbert, Robert Andre Lacroix
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Patent number: 9600075Abstract: A method of generating a haptic effect on a device includes detecting a position of an object relative to the device. The method further includes, based at least on the position, determining a gesture indicated by the object, and generating the haptic effect on the device based on the determined gesture, where the haptic effect is generated without the object contacting the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Danny A. Grant, Pedro Gregorio, Robert Andre Lacroix
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Publication number: 20150054768Abstract: A method of generating a haptic effect on a device includes detecting a position of an object relative to the device. The method further includes, based at least on the position, determining a gesture indicated by the object, and generating the haptic effect on the device based on the determined gesture, where the haptic effect is generated without the object contacting the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Danny A. GRANT, Pedro GREGORIO, Robert Andre LACROIX
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Patent number: 8898564Abstract: A method of generating haptic effects on a device includes detecting the presence of an object near an input area of the device and generating a haptic effect on the device in response to the presence detection.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Danny A. Grant, Pedro Gregorio, Robert Andre Lacroix
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Patent number: 8619051Abstract: A haptic feedback system that includes a controller, a memory coupled to the controller, an actuator drive circuit coupled to the controller, and an actuator coupled to the actuator drive circuit. The memory stores at least one haptic effect that is executed by the controller in order to create a haptic effect.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Robert Andre Lacroix, Pedro Gregorio, Kollin M. Tierling
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Publication number: 20110310043Abstract: A haptic feedback system that includes a controller, a memory coupled to the controller, an actuator drive circuit coupled to the controller, and an actuator coupled to the actuator drive circuit. The memory stores at least one haptic effect that is executed by the controller in order to create a haptic effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Andre LACROIX, Pedro GREGORIO, Kollin M. TIERLING
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Publication number: 20110138277Abstract: A method of generating haptic effects on a device includes detecting the presence of an object near an input area of the device and generating a haptic effect on the device in response to the presence detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Danny A. GRANT, Pedro GREGORIO, Robert Andre LACROIX
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Publication number: 20080198139Abstract: A haptic feedback system that includes a controller, a memory coupled to the controller, an actuator drive circuit coupled to the controller, and an actuator coupled to the actuator drive circuit. The memory stores at least one haptic effect that is executed by the controller in order to create a haptic effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: Immersion CorporationInventors: Robert Andre Lacroix, Pedro Gregorio, Kollin M. Tierling