Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an electronic control unit that can be adjusted or changed to operate in different manners for different circumstances. The apparatus includes an electronic control unit (ECU) for operation of a plurality of electronic components, such as latch motors. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of inputs configured to receive a connection from a plurality of handle sensors, and a plurality of outputs configured to connect to the plurality of latch motors. The ECU also comprises a conversion loop with a receptacle and a receptacle circuit. The receptacle circuit can be configured as either an open or closed circuit, and the receptacle circuit is accessible via the receptacle. The ECU is configured to operate in either a first mode or a second mode depending on whether the receptacle circuit is open or closed.

Abstract: A driver identification system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a driver's side front door. The driver identification system includes at least one remote device, and a control module. The remote device is activated to send an authentication signal. The control module is in selective communication with the at least one remote device. The control module receives a signal indicating that the driver's side front door of the vehicle is opened. The control module includes control logic for sending an inquiry signal if the signal indicating the driver's side front door is opened is received by the control module. The inquiry signal is configured for activating the at least one remote device to send the authentication signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for sending an encrypted command message from a remote keyless entry device to a receiver in a motor vehicle. The method comprises defining a key generating key within the remote keyless entry device, and using that key generating key to generate a working key. The working key is transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the receiver during a training session without transmitting the key generating key. The working key is modified each time the remote keyless entry device is placed in the training mode. After the training session, a message encrypted with the working key can be transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the motor vehicle receiver where the encrypted message is decrypted with the working key.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining pressure within a tire mounted to a vehicle, wherein the tire is coupled to a tire pressure monitoring system including a sensor coupled to a transmitter, the sensor configured to sense tire pressure and the transmitter configured to transmit the sensed tire pressure to a receiver. First, a first tire pressure is sensed. Then, a calculation is made as to whether the sensed first tire pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure threshold, equal to the predetermined pressure threshold, or less than the predetermined pressure threshold. Next, an indication is provided external to the vehicle that the sensed first tire pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure range, within the predetermined pressure range, or less than the predetermined pressure range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for rendering electronic keys left behind in a vehicle temporarily inactive. The apparatus comprises a vehicle security control module in wireless communication with the electronic keys, and having operatively coupled together a receiver, a processor, non-volatile memory and a short-range transmitter. When the module receives a valid lock command from any source it sends a short-range interrogation signal to keys within the vehicle. Left-behind keys respond and send their unique ID(s) to the module's receiver. The processor obtains the unique ID(s) from the receiver and sets one or more inhibit flags in memory or equivalent to identify those keys as left-behind keys. The processor thereafter ignores commands from such left-behind keys, thereby rendering them temporarily inoperative until a valid unlock command is received form another source, whereupon the processor clears the inhibit flags from memory and restores the left-behind keys to active status.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for an adaptive vehicle locking system. The system includes a plurality of vehicle door locks, each configured to lock and unlock in response to a first signal, a plurality of sensors each configured to sense opening and closing of an associated vehicle door and to send second signals in response to opening and closing of the associated vehicle door, and a lock requester configured to send a third signal. A control module that includes a memory for storing a history of the second signals and a timer adaptively settable in response to the history of the second signals is configured to receive the second signals from the plurality of sensors and the third signal from the lock requester. The control module is also configured to send a first signal to the plurality of vehicle door locks causing the vehicle door locks to lock in response to timing out of the timer following receipt of the third signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting when a spare wheel (SP) is used to replace a previously rolling wheel on a vehicle, where each wheel can transmit wheel ID and motion status signals. The apparatus comprises a receiver, a memory for storing information relating wheel ID and location, a processor coupled to the receiver and memory for analyzing the wheel signals to determine if the SP is rolling, and a timer coupled to the processor that measures how long the SP has been rolling. When the SP has been rolling for predetermined time T, the processor looks at the motion status signals from remaining wheels to determine which is stopped, and then modifies the information stored in the memory to associate the SP ID with the wheel location formerly occupied by the now stopped wheel and associate the stopped-wheel ID with the storage location for the spare.

Abstract: A vehicle-motion based vehicle theft detection device uses preexisting vehicle motion sensors in combination with an engine immobilizer system to detect and deter potential vehicle theft. Depending on whether or not a valid ignition key is in use, the engine immobilizer system sends signals to an electronic module to enter either a “disarmed” or “armed” state. When a vehicle sensor relays a signal to an electronic module, the electronic module determines, based on this signal, if the vehicle is in motion. If a valid key is in use, the electronic module is in a disarmed state and takes no further action, as the motor vehicle is authorized for motion. If, however, a valid key is not in use, the electronic module is in an armed state, and activates the vehicle alarm system which, in turn, may activate an audible or visual alarm, activate a remote notification device, generate a tracking signal, and/or store evidence of unauthorized vehicle motion in memory.

Abstract: A vehicle-motion based vehicle theft detection device uses preexisting vehicle motion sensors in combination with an engine immobilizer system to detect and deter potential vehicle theft. Depending on whether or not a valid ignition key is in use, the engine immobilizer system sends signals to an electronic module to enter either a “disarmed” or “armed” state. When a vehicle sensor relays a signal to an electronic module, the electronic module determines, based on this signal, if the vehicle is in motion. If a valid key is in use, the electronic module is in a disarmed state and takes no further action, as the motor vehicle is authorized for motion. If, however, a valid key is not in use, the electronic module is in an armed state, and activates the vehicle alarm system which, in turn, may activate an audible or visual alarm, activate a remote notification device, generate a tracking signal, and/or store evidence of unauthorized vehicle motion in memory.

Abstract: A vehicle access system that includes an electronic key ensures that the vehicle transmission is in a proper condition before power to the selected vehicle components is turned off. A control panel within the vehicle allows a driver to activate a switch indicating a desire to turn off the vehicle engine. A controller first determines whether a valid authentication code is received from a passive signaling device. Once validation is complete, the controller turns off the engine. Next, the controller determines that the vehicle is in the appropriate gear. If the transmission must be switched to the appropriate gear, the controller provides an indication to the driver that the transmission must be switched before the power to the accessory components will be turned off.

Abstract: An ignition switch sensor having a plurality of contacts arranged on a sensor to make intermittent contact with a movable contact and generate a first plurality of outputs corresponding to the position of the movable contact relative to the plurality of contacts. A power mode module receives the first plurality of outputs and compares the outputs to data stored within the memory of the module and provides a second plurality outputs according to the value of the first plurality of outputs. A theft resistor may be integrated into the ignition switch sensor circuitry to facilitate protection from tampering and unauthorized starting of the vehicle's engine.

Abstract: A so-called “smart card” system is provided with controls which ensure that a request for change in status of a vehicle is not inconsistent with the presence or lack thereof of an appropriate card in the vehicle. As an example, prior to stopping ignition upon the request for stopping ignition, a sensor will look for the presence of a valid card within the vehicle cab. If no valid card is identified, then a warning signal is sent to the operator that no card is within the cab. This will prevent the operator from stopping the vehicle in the event that any appropriate cards have left the vehicle. The operator will thus be saved the inconvenience of having to walk to a location to get another card. In another example, should the request be for locking of the vehicle driver door, the presence of a valid card within the vehicle would be made known to the operator. In this way, the operator will be less likely to lock the card within the vehicle.