Abstract: In some examples, a system receives data relating to an environment of a vehicle. Based on the received data, the system initiates a vehicle preparation action by actuating an adjustable component of the vehicle, the vehicle preparation action to ready the vehicle for a user prior to operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are a drunk driving prevention system and a drunk driving prevention method using the system that includes a sensor module measuring the alcohol content in exhaled breath of a driver at the time of breath-checking of the driver and a control module configured to check an intoxication state of the driver based on the alcohol content measured by the sensor module to determine whether or not a breath-checking is complete and block an engine start when the breath-checking fails, wherein the control module includes a bypass control unit switching a vehicle into a drivable state when the breath-checking fails.

Abstract: An active vehicle defense system is presented, in which a chemical agent, repellant to humans and/or animals, is stored in the system, and directed to a housing on the exterior of a vehicle by an inlet channel. Within the housing, the inlet channel subdivides into a plurality of lateral channels, each terminating in an orifice, or spray point. A controller allows flows of the chemical agent to be turned on, off, and varied, as well as for relative differentials in flow volume and spray patterns as dispensed by the device, including allowing a 360-degree pattern of defensive spray to be established around a vehicle.

Abstract: A method performed by an electronic device is described. The method includes obtaining sensor data corresponding to multiple occupants from an interior of a vehicle. The method also includes obtaining, by a processor, at least one occupant status for at least one of the occupants based on a first portion of the sensor data. The method further includes identifying, by the processor, at least one vehicle operation in response to the at least one occupant status. The method additionally includes determining, by the processor, based at least on a second portion of the sensor data, whether to perform the at least one vehicle operation. The method also includes performing the at least one vehicle operation in a case that it is determined to perform the at least one vehicle operation.

Abstract: A method for verifying the parking brake force in a vehicle includes comparing a travel of a brake booster with a reference travel. The method further includes producing an error signal in case of a predetermined deviation between the travel of the brake booster and the reference travel. The vehicle includes a hydraulic vehicle brake with a brake booster and an electromechanical brake mechanism with an electric brake motor for producing a braking force to displace a brake piston.

Abstract: A driver assistance apparatus and method for a driver assistance apparatus for verifying the safe operation of the apparatus. It is important to verify that operating instructions that dictate the operation of a driver assistance system are verified. The apparatus includes a safety electronic control unit and the safety electronic control unit includes operating instructions stored thereon that dictate the operation of the safety electronic control unit. The safety electronic control unit further includes a verified hash storage for storing a verified hash value of at least a portion of the operating instructions. The safety electronic control unit is configured to implement a verification routine, which includes calculating, using a hash function, a test hash value of the at least a portion of the operating instructions; comparing the test hash value with the verified hash value, and if the test hash value is not equal to the verified hash value, performing a safety routine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the start-up time of a driver information system in a vehicle comprising providing a driver information system having an operating mode, a standby mode, and a hibernation mode. The driver information system is operated with operating power in the operating mode, is not supplied with operating power in the hibernation mode, and is operated with reduced operating power in the standby mode. A seat occupancy detection device is provided for detecting seat occupancy of at least one vehicle seat. An activation system is provided for activating and operating the driver information system in the operating mode at least when the activation system is active; and changing the driver information system from the operating mode to the standby mode when the activation system is switched off and when seat occupancy is detected at the same time.

Abstract: A vehicle including a first member rotatably supporting a rear wheel, a second member disposed in front of the first member, and a coupling member disposed between the first member and the second member and fixed to the first member and the second member to support the first member and the second member swingably in a left-right direction about an axial line in a front-rear direction. The coupling member is provided so that a position of the post-swing ground contact point is closer to the axial line than a position of the post-swing ground contact point in the left-right direction before the first member swings, the ground contact point being a center in an area on a surface of the rear wheel in contact with a road surface, the post-swing ground contact point being the ground contact point after the first member swings about the axial line.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein integrate security and/or recording mechanisms into unmanned vehicle interdiction devices to prevent unauthorized use and to record information related to operation of the unmanned vehicle interdiction device, identification of an unmanned vehicle, location of the unmanned vehicle, and operation of the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A method performed by an electronic device is described. The method includes obtaining sensor data corresponding to multiple occupants from an interior of a vehicle. The method also includes obtaining, by a processor, at least one occupant status for at least one of the occupants based on a first portion of the sensor data. The method further includes identifying, by the processor, at least one vehicle operation in response to the at least one occupant status. The method additionally includes determining, by the processor, based at least on a second portion of the sensor data, whether to perform the at least one vehicle operation. The method also includes performing the at least one vehicle operation in a case that it is determined to perform the at least one vehicle operation.

Abstract: A system for controlling the locking of accessories by a vehicle includes a vehicle door, a door lock, and an input device configured to receive user input including an unlock request. The system further includes an accessory lock configured to alternate between a locked accessory state and an unlocked accessory state. The system further includes a network access device. The system further includes an ECU designed to determine a door unlock event in response to the input device receiving the unlock request and to control the door lock to alternate from the locked door state to the unlocked door state in response to determining the door unlock event. The ECU is further designed to control the network access device to instruct the accessory lock to alternate from the locked accessory state to the unlocked accessory state in response to determining the door unlock event.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steering wheel support assembly that includes a trim component that defines a trough. The vehicle further includes a steering wheel operably coupled to the steering wheel support assembly and operable to pivot about a first axis from a steering wheel use position to a steering wheel stowed position. In the steering wheel use position, the steering wheel is operable to rotate about a second axis to steer the vehicle. In the steering wheel stowed position, a portion of the steering wheel is received within the trough defined by the trim component.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the interior of a vehicle including emitting electromagnetic waves of at least one frequency or at least one frequency band towards at least one seat arranged in the interior of the vehicle by means of an electromagnetic radiator, receiving reflected electromagnetic waves by means of a sensor, detecting a living object on the seat from the received reflected electromagnetic waves by means of a detection device, determining a volume of the detected object from the received reflected electromagnetic waves by means of the detection device, determining a weight characteristic of the detected object on the basis of the determined volume of the object by means of the detection device, outputting a detection signal representing the weight characteristic by way of the detection device, and actuating a safety system to make the interior safe in accordance with the detection signal.

Abstract: A method of asset access control includes: storing, at an access control server: an asset record corresponding to a physical asset and containing an asset identifier corresponding to the asset; and an account record corresponding to a user of the physical asset and containing an account identifier; receiving, at the access control server from a client computing device, an authorization request containing the asset identifier and the account identifier; determining, based on a comparison between the asset record and the account record, whether to authorize the request; when the determination is affirmative, transmitting an instruction to a collector device mounted on the physical asset to permit subsequent access to the asset.

Abstract: A method of asset access control includes: storing, at an access control server: an asset record corresponding to a physical asset and containing an asset identifier corresponding to the asset; and an account record corresponding to a user of the physical asset and containing an account identifier; receiving, at the access control server from a client computing device, an authorization request containing the asset identifier and the account identifier; determining, based on a comparison between the asset record and the account record, whether to authorize the request; when the determination is affirmative, transmitting an instruction to a collector device mounted on the physical asset to permit subsequent access to the asset.

Abstract: A control system for a steering wheel includes a steering wheel switchable between a rotational condition and a non-rotational condition. The control system also includes a steering gear operatively coupled to a plurality of road wheels of a vehicle, the steering wheel and the steering gear electrically coupled to each other. The control system further includes a controller in operative communication with the steering wheel and the steering gear, the controller configured to control the steering gear independent of the steering wheel when the vehicle is in an autonomous vehicle driving condition, the steering wheel being in a retracted position during the autonomous vehicle driving condition.

Abstract: A step apparatus for a vehicle and a vehicle are provided. The step apparatus for the vehicle includes: a step; a lifting device including an arm assembly, the arm assembly including a plurality of pairs of arms, each pair of arms including a first arm and a second arm; and a driver pivotably connected to a first end of the first arm and a first end of the second arm of each pair of arms. A second end of the second arm of each pair of arms is pivotably connected to the step, a second end of the first arm of each pair of arms is pivotably connected to the vehicle, and the driver is configured to drive the arm assembly to be unfolded and folded to adjust a level of the step.

Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft. Also included is a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft. Further included is an energy absorbing mechanism operatively engaged with at least one of the steering column shaft and the steering input device. Yet further included is a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position. Also included is at least one signal indicating whether the steering column shaft is in the retracted position or the driving position, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, directional control of a vehicle is automated and the energy absorbing mechanism is in a non-operational state, and when the steering column shaft is returned to the driving position as indicated by the at least one signal, the energy absorbing mechanism is in an operational state.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein can include a digital assistant application that receives sensor signals from sensors installed in a vehicle and determines an entry event into the vehicle. The digital assistant application can receive, responsive to the entry event into the vehicle, a plurality authentication input signals from a plurality of sensors associated with the vehicle. The digital assistant application can determine a plurality of authentication states based on the plurality of authentication input signals and a plurality of authentication credentials. The digital assistant application can identify an access permission level of a plurality of access permission levels based at least in part on the plurality of identifies authentication states. The digital assistant application can identify, responsive to the access permission level, a subset of a set of functionalities available via the vehicle, and provide vehicular access to the subset of functionalities.

Abstract: A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include a wireless transceiver, a plurality of sensors configured to sense measurements proximate to a vehicle, and at least one computing device coupled to the plurality of sensors and the wireless transceiver. The at least one computing device can be configured to receive, via the wireless transceiver, an indication to enter an armed mode from an unarmed mode. In response to entering the armed mode, the at least one computing device can set a configuration of at least one property of a subset of the plurality of sensors. The at least one computing device can receive, via the wireless transceiver, a second indication to enter a special mode from the armed mode. In response to entering the special mode, the at least one computing device can alter the configuration of the at least one property of the subset of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A motor vehicle management system provides theft prevention based on contextual information. The motor vehicle management platform includes sensing equipment that can provide input data to determine a context of the vehicle and an operator of the vehicle. The context can include location information of the motor vehicle and an identity of the operator of the motor vehicle. Based on permissions for the operator, the system can determine if a context of the vehicle violates permissions for the identified operator.

Abstract: Various aspects of a device and method to manage interaction with one or more control circuits in a vehicle and one or more wearable devices are disclosed herein. The device comprises one or more circuits configured to receive a first set of input values from the one or more wearable devices associated with a first user. The one or more wearable devices are communicatively coupled to the device used in the vehicle. A second set of input values is received from one or more vehicle sensors embedded in the vehicle. An operating mode of the device is determined based on the received first set of input values and the second set of input values. One or more functions of the vehicle are controlled based on the determined operating mode of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an authentication system (10) for a vehicle (100), in particular a motor vehicle (100), for storing an ID-transmitter (80) in the vehicle (100) with an outer housing (11) in which the ID-transmitter (80) can be stored. In this case it is provided that an electronic security unit is provided to monitor at least the secure storage of the ID-transmitter (80) within the outer housing (11).

Abstract: A method for detecting non-approved parts in a vehicle includes generating a plurality of component identifiers (IDs) for a plurality of components, wherein each component ID identifies a unique component of the plurality of components. The component IDs are stored to a decentralized database. A vehicle identifier (ID) that uniquely identifies a vehicle is generated and stored to the decentralized database. Component IDs associated with components of the vehicle that are stored in the decentralized data base are associated with the vehicle ID. The method includes subsequently, determining that a component of the vehicle has been replaced with a replacement component and searching the decentralized database for a component ID associated with the replacement component.

Abstract: A computer device associated with a vehicle pairs during an initial/setup pairing process with a UE device according to a wireless protocol. The devices exchange and store cryptographic information during pairing. Later, either device may detect/discover that the other is currently in its presence. Presence discovery may trigger the vehicle device to generate and broadcast an operational request message based on the cryptographic information, such as a public key of the UE, stored in the vehicle device. The UE receives the request, and transmits in response a vehicle operation permission message that it generates based on user input and cryptographic information, such as a public key of the vehicle device, stored by the UE during initial/setup pairing. The operational request message may be transmitted as an audio signal and received by a microphone of the UE. The vehicle device receives the permission message and generates an operation instruction based thereon.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method are disclosed. In the method, it is checked whether a person stayed in a building or part of the building for less or no longer than a predefined duration to perform an action and/or only stayed in a predefined region of a building or part of the building. The building is accessible via an entrance securable with respect to unauthorised entry. Also, embodiments of a method are disclosed in which it is checked whether a person stayed in the building for less or no longer than a predefined duration to perform an action. Embodiments of a method are also disclosed in which information to unlock or indicative of a successful unlocking of an entrance securable with respect to unauthorised entry is received, and one or a plurality of signals which allow a position in the building to be deduced are provided.

Abstract: A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include a locking mechanism configured to engage to secure the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus into a vehicle and disengage to unsecure the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus from the vehicle. The vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include a clutch mechanism configured to prevent the locking mechanism from further engaging based on a magnitude of force applied. The clutch mechanism can include a first portion configured to rotate about an axis and comprising at least one aperture, a second portion configured to rotate about the axis and comprising a track, and at least one article configured to pass through the at least one aperture and travel along the track.

Abstract: A diagnostic method, in particular to determine the leak tightness of at least one seal and/or one valve, for at least one component of a vehicle, wherein a piston cylinder unit, whose piston is driven by an electromotive drive, forms a pressure supply unit, wherein a control unit identifies the piston position and/or piston movement of the piston by means of at least one sensor and the pressure generated by the pressure supply unit or the motor current flowing through the drive by means of at least one sensor. During the diagnostic method, the control unit may be used to measure quantities relating to piston movement/position, pressure, and/or pressure variation.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering shaft operatively coupled to a steering device, the steering shaft and the steering device having corresponding rotation with each other. Also included is an anti-rotation assembly selectively engaged with a surface of the steering shaft to maintain the steering shaft and the steering device in a stationary condition when the steering shaft is rotationally decoupled from road wheels operatively coupled to the steering shaft.

Abstract: There is provided a housing device configured to store an electronic key configured to perform wireless communication with an in-vehicle device, the housing device comprising: a housing formed by using a material that shields a first signal of a first frequency band transmitted by the in-vehicle device; a trigger signal reception antenna configured to receive a trigger signal transmitted by a portable device; and an actuator disposed inside the housing, and configured to operate an operation section installed in the electronic key based on the trigger signal, wherein the housing includes a passage structure that allows a second signal of a second frequency band to pass outside, the second signal being transmitted by the electronic key, and having a shorter wavelength than a wavelength of the first signal, and the second signal is used to control a control target device installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for operating a mobile radio module of a telephony controller for a means of transport includes receiving a predefined deactivation command using the telephony controller via a wireless interface. In response thereto, the method also includes deactivating the mobile radio module.

Abstract: A method for access to a vehicle includes receiving data from an identification device related to at least one device environment sensor of the identification device. At least one pattern associated with the received data is identified. An environment of the identification device based on feedback from the at least one device environment sensor is determined. The environment to the at least one pattern is compared. In response to the comparing step, access to the vehicle is allowed or denied.

Abstract: A battery and supercapacitor system of a vehicle includes a lithium ion battery (LIB) disposed within a housing. The LIB includes: an electrolyte including lithium; and first and second electrodes disposed in the electrolyte. A supercapacitor is disposed within the housing and includes: the electrolyte; and third and fourth electrodes disposed in the electrolyte.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly includes a battery pack having a plurality of battery cells and an elongated terminal connector. Each battery cell having at least one terminal. The elongated terminal connector having at least one keyed slot corresponding to each of the at least one terminal. Each keyed slot having a first opening and a second opening. A first width of the first opening is greater than a second width of the second opening. The elongated terminal connector is configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position each terminal of the at least one terminal is positioned within the second opening to engage each terminal with the elongated terminal connector. In the disengaged position each terminal of the at least one terminal is positioned within the first opening to disengaged each terminal from the elongated terminal connector.

Abstract: An engine starting device includes: a portable unit including a transmitting unit capable of transmitting an ID code inherent to a vehicle; a control unit having a substrate on which a receiving unit receiving the ID code, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the received ID code is a pre-registered legitimate ID are formed; a main body part including an operation knob rotationally operated between an off position and an on position, and fixed between a bar-shaped handle and a speed meter of the vehicle; and a regulation unit configured to regulate a rotational operation of the operation knob, and to release a rotation-regulated state of the operation knob on condition that the received ID code is determined as a legitimate ID. The main body part, the control unit and the regulation unit are integrally formed to configure an integral unit.

Abstract: A vehicle camera system for integration into a vehicle may include a PCB or other controller. At least one camera may interface with the controller. The at least one camera may be integrated into the vehicle in at least one selected location or position on the vehicle. A motion sensor may interface with the controller. The motion sensor may be configured to detect motion of an object and/or a person approaching the vehicle and responsively activate the at least one camera to capture at least one image of an offending person and/or vehicle in the case of a collision or damage to the vehicle.

Abstract: The weight sensor vehicle security device comprises a vehicle and a security circuit. The security circuit measures the weight of the operator. The operator enters a security code into the security circuit. The operator then enters a security code. The security circuit compares the measured weight of the operator to a weight of the operator that is associated and stored with the security code. If the measured and stored weights match, the security system enables the operation of the vehicle. After the vehicle travels a previously determined distance, the security circuit repeats the procedure. If the measured and stored weights do not match, the security system disables the operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a bicycle lock and a processor. The processor is programmed to receive a bicycle slot reservation message, assign the bicycle slot reservation message to a bicycle slot of an autonomous bus, command the bicycle lock associated with the bicycle slot to an unlocked position, detect a bicycle placed in the bicycle slot, and command the bicycle lock to a locked position.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus can include: a first antenna configured to receive a first plurality of signals including a signal in one frequency band as a signal in a fundamental frequency band and a signal in another frequency band as a signal in a harmonic frequency band; a second antenna configured to receive a second plurality of signals including a signal in the other frequency band as a signal in the fundamental frequency band and a signal in the one frequency band as a signal in the harmonic frequency band; and a controller configured to combine a signal from the first plurality of signals in a frequency band that is selected by a user with a signal from the second plurality of signals in the frequency band that is selected by the user.

Abstract: Managing vehicle operations according to driver behavior by: defining a multi-dimensional preemptive driver daily behavior (PDDB) data structure; defining a PDDB abnormal behavior criteria; and defining a PDDB abnormal behavior algorithm. Further, by: collecting PDDB data; acquiring a PDDB assessment according to the PDDB analysis; and preemptively communicating driver vehicle-access instructions according to the PDDB assessment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling illumination of a monitored area, by detecting sound (202) originating from an area to be monitored, and analysing the sound to recognise one or more target sounds (222) corresponding to unwanted behaviours such as offensive shouting, chanting or singing. The location of target sounds is determined (224) based on the received sound, and the determined location is exposed to adverse lighting (212), such as over or under exposure, or flickering or flashing effects, which are irritating or uncomfortable.

Abstract: A vehicular security system includes an alert device disposed in a vehicle equipped with the vehicular security system. Responsive to detection of a vehicle security threat, the alert device transmits a signal to a receiver remote from the vehicle. A jammer detector is disposed at the vehicle and operable to determine jamming of the signal transmitted by the alert device. Responsive to determination by the jammer detector of jamming of transmission of the signal transmitted by the alert device, the vehicular security system at least temporarily disables at least one vehicle access function to reduce likelihood of a break in of the vehicle while the signal transmitted by the alert device is being jammed.

Abstract: Implementations provide techniques for remote starter adapter for use with a communication device. In one implementation, a system comprising a memory and an adapter coupled, operatively coupled to the memory, having an interface to connect to a remote starter. The adapter is to receive, via a wireless connection, a probe request from a communication device, the probe request comprising a command data structure. It is determined whether to change a status of an indicator based on the command data structure. Responsive to changing the statue of the indicator, a signal associated with the adapter is generated. Thereupon, the signal is transmitted, via the interface, to an input circuit to activate the remote starter.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat movable from an upright position to a folded position. The vehicle includes a steering wheel in front of the seat. The vehicle includes a lockout box supported by the seat and positioned to restrict access to the steering wheel when the seat is in the folded position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and classifying sounds around a vehicle via neural network machine learning are described. The method involves an audio recognition system that may determine the origin of the sounds being inside or outside of a vehicle and classify the sounds into different categories such as adult, child, or animal sounds. The audio recognition system may communicate with a plurality of sensors in and around the vehicle to obtain information of conditions of the vehicle. Based on information of the sounds and conditions of the vehicles, the audio recognition system may determine whether an occupant or the vehicle is at risk and send alert messages or issue warning signals.

Abstract: Secure and automated vehicular control using automatic authentication is disclosed herein. An example system includes a processor; and memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in memory to automatically track a signal associated with a vehicle in motion, automatically track a signal associated with a mobile device in motion, determine that the vehicle and the mobile device are moving in sync, and automatically authenticate a user associated with the mobile device to the vehicle.

Abstract: A controller is integrated into a vehicle with the controller coupled to a fob detector and also coupled to a vehicle disabler and/or other vehicle subsystems. Examples of vehicle disablers include a brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI), a transmission shift interlock (TSI) and an air brake or electric parking brake of the vehicle. The fob detector can be provided along with the controller and separate from a mechanical key ignition of the vehicle, or can be a fob detector associated with a keyless ignition of the vehicle. A mobile fob is used as part of the system, carried on the person of an authorized driver of the vehicle. This fob can be provided separately along with the controller, or can be a fob associated with a keyless entry of the vehicle. The controller causes the vehicle disabler or other vehicle subsystems to adjust performance based on fob presence or absence.

Abstract: An electronic system including a mobile device that communicates with a reader device. In one embodiment, the mobile device may be configured as a mobile phone and the reader device may be configured as an electronic reader associated with an electronic lock. One or more devices in the system may determine the position of the mobile device in relation to the reader device, and cause an electronic lock or another type of access control device to perform a selected function based at least in part on the position of the mobile device in relation to the reader device.

Abstract: A locking system for use with a vehicle that has cabin doors and a tailgate. The locking system includes a first locking mechanism associated with the cabin doors, and a second locking mechanism associated with the tailgate, wherein the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are selectively lockable and unlockable. A lock controller is in communication with the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism. The lock controller is operable in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. When in the first operating mode, the lock controller is configured to selectively lock and unlock the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism synchronously. When in the second operating mode, the lock controller is configured to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism independently of the second locking mechanism.

Abstract: What is presented is a power-transfer system that provides resonant inductive power from a first object to a second object, which is adjacent to the first object. The system includes a first transformer portion that is positioned on the first object and having a first core portion. The first core portion includes a transmit unit configured to transfer an electromagnetic field to the second transformer portion. The first core portion also includes first circuitry that allows the transmit unit to transfer the electromagnetic field. The second transformer portion is positioned on the second object and has a second core portion. The second core portion includes a receiver unit configured to receive the electromagnetic field. The second core portion also includes second circuitry that allows the transmit unit to transfer the electromagnetic field.