Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for characterizing the radio frequency (RF) functionality of a vehicle remote keyless system (RKS) by separating and precisely characterizing the individual bits of the overall RKS system in an enclosed controlled environment. More specifically, this RKS characterization system includes an enclosed testing chamber for isolating the key fob from the vehicle, and a simulation control system that manipulates RF signals between the key fob and the vehicle for controlled RF signal analysis between the components. In certain embodiments, the RKS characterization system includes an automated process for actuating the key fob. Through this process, the RKS characterization system is able to separately identify the Key Fob Factor, the Vehicle Factor, and the Person Factor, of the vehicle RKS system.

Abstract: A key fob includes a power amplifier including an output having an output impedance. A radio frequency antenna connected to the power amplifier output represents a first load impedance to the power amplifier output in a space substantially free of interference for radio frequency transmissions, and a second load impedance to the power amplifier output when a hand of a user is capacitively coupled to the antenna. The difference between the second load impedance and the output impedance of the power amplifier is less than the difference between the first load impedance and the output impedance.

Abstract: A key fob includes a power amplifier including an output having an output impedance. A radio frequency antenna connected to the power amplifier output represents a first load impedance to the power amplifier output in a space substantially free of interference for radio frequency transmissions, and a second load impedance to the power amplifier output when a hand of a user is capacitively coupled to the antenna. The difference between the second load impedance and the output impedance of the power amplifier is less than the difference between the first load impedance and the output impedance.

Abstract: A remote sensing device is utilized to activate boundary alert sensors in a vehicle to reduce current loading during a key-off condition. Communication between the remote sensing device and the vehicle is via a radio-frequency interface that is part of a remote keyless entry system. The remote sensing device transmits a signal to the vehicle when an object is detected within a predetermined range of the remote sensing device. In response to the signal, the vehicle activates one or more boundary alert sensors. The boundary alert sensors may include a camera, a radar, and an ultrasonic sensor. The remote sensing device can be configured to extend a range of the radio-frequency interface by repeating messages that it receives.

Abstract: A fob includes a case, an antenna, at least one input device, and a positioning element. The case has an interface portion and a handle portion. The antenna is disposed at the interface portion of the case. The input device is disposed on the interface portion of the case. The finger positioner orients a user's hand on the handle portion of the case away from the antenna.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a power setting of a key fob includes receiving an input signal from a sensor by a processor. The processor determines, based at least in part on the input from the sensor, that a person is holding the key fob. Based on the determination that the person is holding the key fob, the processor adjusts an initial power setting of the key fob by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A remote sensing device is utilized to activate boundary alert sensors in a vehicle to reduce current loading during a key-off condition. Communication between the remote sensing device and the vehicle is via a radio-frequency interface that is part of a remote keyless entry system. The remote sensing device transmits a signal to the vehicle when an object is detected within a predetermined range of the remote sensing device. In response to the signal, the vehicle activates one or more boundary alert sensors. The boundary alert sensors may include a camera, a radar, and an ultrasonic sensor. The remote sensing device can be configured to extend a range of the radio-frequency interface by repeating messages that it receives.

Abstract: A method comprising for adjusting a power level in a key fob includes transmitting a first output signal at a first power setting. A feedback signal is received via a feedback mechanism that indicates a first power level of the first output signal. The first output level is compared to a threshold level. A second output signal at a second power setting greater than the first power setting is transmitted if the first output power level is below the threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle inventory interface system may include a user interface configured to present a plurality of vehicle icons each representing a vehicle in a fleet, present at least one list icon associated with each vehicle icon, receive a selection of one of the list icons, and display, in response to the selection, an inventory list associated with the selected list icon and indicating whether items specified by the inventory list are present within the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of coordinating a plurality of road vehicles includes obtaining information related to a first vehicle that is relevant to a road trip with which the first vehicle and at least a second vehicle are involved, uploading the information to a server wirelessly, and downloading the information from the server wirelessly to at least one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle inventory interface system may include a user interface configured to present a plurality of vehicle icons each representing a vehicle in a fleet, present at least one list icon associated with each vehicle icon, receive a selection of one of the list icons, and display, in response to the selection, an inventory list associated with the selected list icon and indicating whether items specified by the inventory list are present within the vehicle.

Abstract: A first computer is configured to receive, from at least one second computer in a first vehicle, data relating to a gunshot. The computer is configured to then determine a location of the gunshot from the data, and to transmit a message, including the gunshot location, to at least one third computer in a second vehicle.

Abstract: A method for reducing audible noise in a vehicle audio component includes steps of: determining that the audio component is or is about to be operating in a susceptible mode wherein it is likely to receive electrical interference caused by an electrical component operating in an interfering operating state; communicating to the electrical component that the audio component is operating in the susceptible mode; and changing operation of the electrical component from the interfering operating state to a non-interfering operating state less likely to generate electrical signals causing audible noise.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a detection module including a directional antenna and signal processing logic. The detection module is located within the vehicle, arranged with respect to a driver region, and configured to detect a condition wherein a wireless phone is operated within the driver region. The detection module generates an output indicative of the detected condition. The vehicle further includes a controller configured to receive the output, and control the vehicle in response to the detected condition.

Abstract: A method of coordinating a plurality of road vehicles includes obtaining information related to a first vehicle that is relevant to a road trip with which the first vehicle and at least a second vehicle are involved, uploading the information to a server wirelessly, and downloading the information from the server wirelessly to at least one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle rental administrative system comprising a computer system configured to manage vehicle rental transactions between vehicle owners and potential Temporary Users. The system allows an owner to develop a customer profile with information related to a rentable vehicle. The customer profile may include, but not limited to, the model year of the vehicle, engine specifications, and the rental rate. The potential Temporary User may request a certain vehicle to rent, and the system may provide a list of one or more vehicles matching the request. Once the Temporary User selects a vehicle, the system may notify customer that his vehicle has been selected. The customer may either approve or deny permission to rent vehicle. If the customer approves, a rental agreement is signed and the system sends a code to both vehicle and Temporary User's mobile device for a predetermined rental period to allow keyless drive-away of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a detection module including a directional antenna and signal processing logic. The detection module is located within the vehicle, arranged with respect to a driver region, and configured to detect a condition wherein a wireless phone is operated within the driver region. The detection module generates an output indicative of the detected condition. The vehicle further includes a controller configured to receive the output, and control the vehicle in response to the detected condition.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method are provided for detecting a slip condition between a vehicle tire and a road surface, processing contemporaneous vehicle data, such as torque or brake pressure applied, to determine a force of friction, and calculating a coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction and location of the slip are broadcast to other vehicles driving in the proximity of the slip. The broadcasts may be utilized to notify drivers of slippery driving conditions at or ahead of the vehicle, and/or to limit torque and braking pressure applied to vehicle wheels to enhance traction and avoid slip.

Abstract: A method for reducing audible noise in a vehicle audio component includes steps of: determining that the audio component is or is about to be operating in a susceptible mode wherein it is likely to receive electrical interference caused by an electrical component operating in an interfering operating state; communicating to the electrical component that the audio component is operating in the susceptible mode; and changing operation of the electrical component from the interfering operating state to a non-interfering operating state less likely to generate electrical signals causing audible noise.

Abstract: An adaptive navigation system for a land vehicle is provided that incorporates learned segments of preferred routes into adaptive calculated routes. The navigation system preferably includes a global positioning system or other sources of locator system data and a data processor that may be programmed with destination data and current location data. The data storage apparatus is capable of recording current location data as the vehicle travels to a destination. The system automatically develops a database of a plurality of segments of preferred routes where those segments are different from the route normally calculated by the data processor. On future occasions when the navigation system is used, the data processor is able to incorporate segments of preferred routes in an adaptive calculated route determination when the segments are within a predetermined degree of similarity to the calculated route.