Antitheft Patents (Class 307/10.2)
  • Patent number: 10565409
    Abstract: A key locker sized to store a key provides selective access. A radio signal is selectively allowed to reach a radio device of the key based on an access signal and/or access data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Firstech, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lee, Jason Henry Kaminski
  • Patent number: 10562494
    Abstract: A method for authorizing the use of a motor vehicle, including a first antenna and a second antenna, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are spaced apart from each other in space, by a portable identification device that has an identification device antenna. According to the method, it is determined whether the identification device is moving toward the motor vehicle, which can be determined by the identification device repeatedly identifying the field strength of the signals emitted by the motor vehicle and examining whether the field strength is increasing. Alternatively, the identification device can repeatedly identify the angle between the signals emitted by the motor vehicle and examine whether the repeatedly identified angles are increasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Wagatha, Stefan Heinbockel, Ralf Wistorf, Fredrik Hocke
  • Patent number: 10556567
    Abstract: A watch type mobile terminal including a wrist band; a main system including a circuit board for operating the watch type mobile terminal; a main frame connected to the wrist band and encasing the main system; a fob detachably connected to the main system; and a display detachably connected to the fob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hongjo Shim, Hyunok Lee, Hyunwoo Kim, Youngho Sohn
  • Patent number: 10552646
    Abstract: Certain aspects direct to systems and methods for preventing a thin client or a zero client from unauthorized physical access. A microcontroller is provided and connected to the chassis of the thin client or zero client computing device via a first interface, such as a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) line. Whenever the chassis is physically opened, the chassis generates a signal, and sends the signal to the microcontroller via the GPIO line. Upon receiving the signal, the microcontroller determines that a physical access event occurs to the computing device. Unless the physical access event is authorized, the microcontroller may generate a log to record events for the computing device, and store the log in the storage device; and perform a self-protect action to the computing device. If network connectivity is available, the microcontroller may send the log to a server via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: AMZETTA TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Yugender P. Subramanian, Varadachari Sudan Ayanam, Samvinesh Christopher, Rajamanickem Sureshkumar
  • Patent number: 10543809
    Abstract: Various arrangements for monitoring the unauthorized use of a vehicle are presented. An in-space parking sensor may be used to detect whether a vehicle is present. An indication of a time period during which the vehicle is expected to be within the parking space may be received. Using the sensor data obtained from the parking sensor, a vehicle departure from the parking space may be detected. A determination may be made that the vehicle departure is unauthorized due to the vehicle departure occurring during the time period. An alarm indication may be output based on determining that the vehicle departure is unauthorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: DISH Network L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kate Megan Carney Landow
  • Patent number: 10477346
    Abstract: A method for passive access control including a mobile device serving as key and an interaction unit, the mobile device and the interaction unit having in each case at least one data communication facility for exchanging authorization information. Operations are provided for carrying out an electronic distance measurement between the mobile device and the interaction unit and for permitting an access and/or an interaction only if the distance of the mobile device from the interaction unit is within a permitted distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Claus-Peter Brückner
  • Patent number: 10453319
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for configuring an intrusion detection system, by receiving from a user device, a set of identity credentials, sending the set of identity credentials to an identity service to verify a user's identity that is associated with the set of credentials, receiving a result of the verification of the identity; and when verified, configuring the intrusion detection system to operate in a mode pre-selected based on the verified identity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: Graeme Jarvis, Terezinha Rumble, George C. Grammer, Michael Lamarca
  • Patent number: 10429832
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the remote control of a function of a motor vehicle by means of a vehicle-external electronic unit, in which the vehicle-external electronic unit (7) is checked during the driving event of the motor vehicle (1) in that the vehicle-external electronic unit (7) triggers an operation, the result of which is checked for correctness by a control device (3) of the motor vehicle (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Manuel Beck, Frederic Gehin, Marc Scheerle, Ullrich Pressel, Martin Anderschitz, Viktor Friesen, Andreas Hiller
  • Patent number: 10421437
    Abstract: A process for dynamic vehicular perimeter threat detection includes first identifying a vehicle destination location. Vehicular perimeter contextual parameters including an incident type, a historical crime rate, or a real-time crime rate associated with the vehicle destination location are retrieved. A perimeter distance of a sized vehicular geofence surrounding the vehicle is modified as a function of the vehicular perimeter contextual parameters. A 360 degree vehicular light imaging or radio wave distancing system physically coupled to the vehicle detects a breach of the sized vehicular geofence. One or more target electronic devices to notify of the detected breach are identified. And a notice of breach message provided to the identified one or more target electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick D. Koskan
  • Patent number: 10421432
    Abstract: A user-customizable locking assembly includes a user-customizable key, a user-customizable key receiver, and a key receiver receptacle. Each of the user-customizable key, a user-customizable key receiver, and a key receiver receptacle includes a physical unclonable function (PUF) circuit configured to provide a PUF response in response to receiving a challenge signal. The PUF circuits of the user-customizable key and a user-customizable key receiver include personalization fuses that allow a user to further personalize or change the PUF response produced by the corresponding PUF circuits. The key receiver receptacle also includes anti-theft fuses, which are activated if the user-customizable key receiver is removed from the key receiver receptacle. In use, a protected system may utilize the PUF responses from the each of the PUF circuits to authenticate the user-customizable locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Victoria C. Moore, Ned M. Smith, Digvijay A. Raorane
  • Patent number: 10421435
    Abstract: A vehicle authentication system may include a controller configured to detect a trigger event, activate at least one camera, transmit a unique identifier to a mobile device, receive an image from the at least one camera, and grant access to the vehicle in response to the image including the unique identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Sachin Pophale, Gaddam Sachin Kranthi Kumar
  • Patent number: 10356869
    Abstract: External programming of at least one processor (30) of a LED driver (10). In a normal operation mode a first control input (22B/22C) of the LED driver (10) may be provided to a first processor input of the processor and a second control input (22B/22C) of the LED driver may be provided to a second processor input of the processor (30). In a programming mode the first and second control inputs (22B, 22C) may be provided to programming inputs of the processor (30) to thereby enable programming of the processor (30) via the first and second control inputs (22B, 22C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Raman Nair Harish Gopala Pillai, Kaustuva Acharya
  • Patent number: 10315574
    Abstract: A system for controlling movement of an outside rear view mirror of a vehicle having a plurality of outside rear view mirrors, each mirror including a housing and at least one motor configured to control mirror tilt, and one motor to control an inward/outward fold of the housing. An electronic control unit processes movement commands in response to one or more switches. Each motor is connected to a shared driveline, and each motor is further connected to an associated driveline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: KELSEY-HAYES COMPANY
    Inventor: Allen Schwartz
  • Patent number: 10311663
    Abstract: A vehicle door control device controls opening/closing of door members provided in entrances of a vehicle. The vehicle door control device includes a selective instruction portion that is provided on a vehicle exterior side of each of the door members and that is configured to selectively issue a closing instruction to close the door members and a closing and locking instruction to close and lock the door members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Yamagishi, Naoki Kawashima
  • Patent number: 10306046
    Abstract: A method for external use of a device having a wireless communication interface by a program of a mobile device. External use is possible only when a key device serving as an authentication token communicates with the program. This increases the security of an entry method for a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Marek Musial
  • Patent number: 10286919
    Abstract: A vehicle having logic for processing a valet mode of the vehicle. An example of the vehicle includes a display screen of the vehicle. The display screen is configured to render information regarding operational modes of the vehicle, where one of the operational modes includes a valet mode. The vehicle includes an on-board computer including a processor for enabling the valet mode in response to input instructions received during a privileged access for a user account to enable the valet mode. The valet mode is configured to set restrictions upon systems and operation of the vehicle. The systems of the vehicle including functional inputs of the vehicle and the operation of the vehicle including at least a speed restriction. The processor is further configured to cause a notification to be rendered on the display screen to indicate that a recording of use of the vehicle will be made while the vehicle is in the valet mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Emerging Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: Angel A. Penilla, Albert S. Penilla
  • Patent number: 10269350
    Abstract: One general aspect includes a system for responsive activation of a vehicle feature for a vehicle, the system includes: an audio system configured to announce information and the vehicle feature; a memory configured to include one or more executable instructions; a controller configured to execute the executable instructions, and where the executable instructions enable the controller to: receive speech inputs from a vehicle occupant located in the vehicle, the speech inputs regarding the vehicle feature; retrieve vehicle feature information from vehicle feature information databases, in response to the received speech inputs; provide audio description information for the vehicle feature information; determine whether at least one received speech input includes a feature activation request; provide vehicle feature activation information to the vehicle feature, in response to a positive determination that the at least one received speech input includes the feature activation request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventors: Cody R. Hansen, Dustin H. Smith, Xu Fang Zhao, Gaurav Talwar
  • Patent number: 10269199
    Abstract: A method and system for providing energy efficient hands free vehicle door operation that includes receiving a first LF polling signal of a pair of LF polling signals and creating a first RF polling response message packet in response to the first LF polling signal. The method and system also include receiving a second LF polling signal of the pair of LF polling signals and creating a second RF polling response message packet in response to the second LF polling signal. The method and system further include aggregating the first RF polling response message packet and the second RF polling response message packet into an aggregated RF polling response message packet that is contained within an aggregated RF polling response signal that is transmitted from a portable device to a vehicle in response to the pair of LF polling signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian K. Lickfelt
  • Patent number: 10259465
    Abstract: A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging device in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Phelan
  • Patent number: 10259470
    Abstract: A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging module in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Phelan
  • Patent number: 10249122
    Abstract: A method for controlling access in a system comprising a portable device associated with a user and an access control device, includes the portable device and the access control device being configured to wirelessly communicate with each other, the method comprising: pairing the portable device and the access control device, upon the portable device detecting proximity to the access control device, determining at the portable device a signal strength over time of a signal received from the access control device, comparing the determined signal strength over time with a previously determined reference signal strength profile, and upon the determined signal strength over time being considered congruent with the reference signal strength profile, controlling the access control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Axis AB
    Inventors: Jan Aksamít, Petr Cernín
  • Patent number: 10250448
    Abstract: There is provided a method of communicating information from a first node to a second node, the method comprising the first node transmitting a device name for the first node; the second node detecting the device name for the first node; and the second node determining the occurrence of an event at the first node and/or information from the first node from the detected device name for the first node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Marek Brzysztof Burza
  • Patent number: 10220806
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring and alerting vehicle occupants for ignition systems. An example vehicle includes a cabin, a touchscreen within the cabin, an engine to activate responsive to the touchscreen receiving a passcode, seats within the cabin, occupancy sensor modules to detect occupancy of the seats, and a warning controller. The warning controller is to initiate a timer upon detecting, via the occupancy sensor modules, that an occupant has exited the cabin and emit an alert responsive to the timer reaching a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Erick Michael Lavoie, Aaron Matthew DeLong
  • Patent number: 10207678
    Abstract: The invention relates to an access unit for communicating with a further access unit to control access to a vehicle. The access unit comprises at least a first transmitter for transmitting a polling signal; and at least a first receiver for receiving an authentication signal from the further access unit in response to the polling signal. At least the first transmitter is a first ultra-wideband transmitter and at least the first receiver is a first ultra-wideband receiver. The invention also relates to a vehicle access system which is a combination of the access and further access units. The invention also relates to methods of operating a vehicle access system and a vehicle access unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Mohammed Khan, Howard Siswick
  • Patent number: 10182314
    Abstract: A method for passive access control including a mobile device serving as key and an interaction unit, the mobile device and the interaction unit having in each case at least one data communication facility for exchanging authorization information. Operations are provided for carrying out an electronic distance measurement between the mobile device and the interaction unit and for permitting an access and/or an interaction only if the distance of the mobile device from the interaction unit is within a permitted distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Claus-Peter Brückner
  • Patent number: 10160422
    Abstract: A device for responding to movement in or around a vehicle. In one example, the device comprises a radio frequency (RF) transmission circuit, a radio frequency (RF) transmission circuit, and a controller that is electrically coupled to the RF transmission circuit and RF reception circuit. The controller times the generation of control signals to create detection envelopes. The controller also determines motion within the detection envelopes, and generates an output based on the detection envelope that motion was determined within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: William DiPoala
  • Patent number: 10158719
    Abstract: A communication system for facilitating control over a function of a vehicle (102) comprises a base station (104) positioned in the vehicle (102) and a mobile communication unit (122). The base station (104) comprises a first transmitter for transmitting a signal to the mobile communication unit (122) and a first receiver for receiving a signal from the mobile communication unit (122). The base station (104) is further configured to cause the mobile communication unit (122) to operate in accordance with a limited-response duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Mohammed Khan, Howard Siswick
  • Patent number: 10151289
    Abstract: A remote start system is for a vehicle including an ignition switch sequentially movable to a plurality of switch positions, and a plurality of ignition switch wires coupled to the ignition switch. The remote start system may include a wiring harness having a plurality of remote start wires to be arbitrarily coupled to the plurality of ignition wires, a wireless receiver responsive to a wireless remote start signal, and a controller coupled to the wiring harness and the wireless receiver. The controller may, in a learning mode, perform a mapping of the remote start wires to the ignition wires based upon sequential movement of the ignition switch to the plurality of switch positions. The controller may, in an operating mode, selectively activate the remote start wires based upon the mapping to remote start an engine of the vehicle responsive to the wireless receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OMEGA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Hircio Javier Barrios, Michael Stephen Thompson
  • Patent number: 10137861
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a slim smart card key for a vehicle and a control method thereof, and improves assembly convenience and product durability by including including the following: a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to which a plurality of electronic components are soldered, which has a predetermined thickness, and in which a spare key receiving part and a battery receiving part are formed, wherein the spare key receiving part is formed by vertically cutting one side of the PCB and thus is vertically hollow, and the battery receiving part is formed by vertically cutting the other side of the PCB and thus is vertically hollow; a body part which has a spare key entrance hole for inserting a spare key through the spare key receiving part, and a battery entrance hole for inserting a battery through the battery receiving part, and which is injection molded to embrace the PCB while the PCB is inserted into a mold; a spare key settling part which is moved toward the spare key receiving part from above or be
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: SEOYON ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki Woong Park, Dong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10099635
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for wirelessly actuating a component of a vehicle such that it is selectively transitionable between an on condition and an off condition. The systems and devices may include a receiver and a remote transmitter. The receiver may be electrically coupled to the vehicle component within a first compartment of the vehicle and the remote transmitter may be mounted within another compartment of the vehicle that is physically isolated from the first compartment while still being wirelessly paired to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: WOLO MFG. CORP.
    Inventor: Stanley Solow
  • Patent number: 10091177
    Abstract: A technique controls access to a computerized resource of a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet, etc.). The technique involves, in response to successfully authenticating a user, unlocking access to the computerized resource of the mobile device and starting a timer which is configured to lock access to the computerized resource of the mobile device upon timer expiration. The technique further involves, after the timer is started and while access to the computerized resource of the mobile device is unlocked, receiving a sensor signal from sensor circuitry. The sensor signal indicates whether the mobile device is in a vehicle that is currently moving. The technique further involves, in response to the sensor signal indicating that the mobile device is in a vehicle that is currently moving, restarting the timer which is configured to lock access to the computerized resource of the mobile device upon timer expiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventor: Michael Trachtman
  • Patent number: 10089810
    Abstract: The solution is directed to access control systems and verifying proximity of a user to an access point that the user is wirelessly requesting access to. The proximity verification is based on placing proximity hubs adjacent to the different access points. Each proximity hub advertises a different unique identifier that changes periodically over a short-range wireless network and can be detected with a mobile device if the mobile device is physically within a short distance from the proximity hub. The unique identifier changes based on a rolling code. A user is permitted access to a restricted access point in response to the mobile device sending over a different long-range wireless network, the unique identifier advertised from a proximity hub adjacent to a desired access point and user access credentials authenticating access privileges of the user to the desired access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: OPENPATH SECURITY INC.
    Inventors: Cameron Kaye, Samy Kamkar, Robert J. Peters, Alexander A. Kazerani
  • Patent number: 10068464
    Abstract: A method for configuring a first remotely-controlled device from a plurality of remotely-controlled devices to execute a function in response to a signal from a remote-controller by executing a set of steps at the first remotely-controlled device, wherein said set of steps comprises power cycling said first remotely-controlled device, said power cycling initiating a pairing period, during said pairing period, receiving, from said remote-controller, a first signal, wherein said first signal includes a first security code, and storing said first security code, said method further comprising, after said pairing period, receiving a second signal, said second signal carrying a second security code, comparing said second security code with said first security code, and, in response to said comparison, selecting an action selected from the group consisting of ignoring said second signal and carrying out said function in response to said second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Formalighting LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Devlin
  • Patent number: 10062227
    Abstract: A vehicle inventory system may include a passive entry system configured to authenticate a key fob and including at least one antenna and a controller operably arranged with the at least one antenna. The controller causes, during a tag challenge period, the at least one antenna to transmit at least one tag challenge. The tag challenge period is initiated based on an end of a key fob challenge period. The controller further receives a tag response to the challenge indicative of a tag in the vicinity of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Kevin Thomas Hille
  • Patent number: 10053056
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-step vehicle entry authorization utilizing biometric data are disclosed. A proximity/contact sensor attached to a vehicle receives a device ID from a wearable device of a user. A biometric sensor receives biometric data of the user. A control module accesses a user database storing authorized user information and determines whether the user is authorized for the vehicle based on the device ID, the biometric data, and the user database. The control module unlocks the vehicle in response to a determination that the user is authorized for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Vikas Upmanue, Gerti Tuzi, Bilal Alasry, Scott Walenty
  • Patent number: 10027164
    Abstract: A power determining apparatus is disclosed. The power determining apparatus includes a sensor for sensing a current or voltage supplied from a commercial power source or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and a controller for analyzing a current or voltage signal sent from the sensor, and determining which one of the commercial power source and the UPS supplies power, based on results of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jinseok Hu, Shinhyun Park, Byoungsuk Choi, Heesun Kim
  • Patent number: 9988016
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for authentication of mobile devices for vehicle communication. An example mobile device for vehicle communication authentication a communication module to receive a signal from a vehicle, memory including an application for accessing digital keys, and key accessor. The example key accessor is to activate, in response to determining the application is inactive, the application utilizing the signal. The example key accessor also is to access a key via the application and send, via the communication module, the key to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thomas Bianchi, III, Kevin F. Militello, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 9975522
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator (1) includes a wireless authentication device (42) performing wireless authentication with a portable key device (41) and a vehicle body controller (39) allowing or prohibiting start of the engine (15) on the basis of authentication by the wireless authentication device (42) and an operation of a power switch (12). The wireless authentication device (42) transmits a request signal within an authenticable range and performs authentication when it receives an ID code for authentication replied from the portable key device (41) on the basis of the transmitted request signal. The vehicle body controller (39) allows start of the engine (15) by the power switch (12) when a gate lock lever (13) is switched to a lock position and the wireless authentication device (42) performs authentication by the portable key device (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuta Nakamura, Tatsuo Takishita, Masayuki Yunoue, Takuya Nomura, Keisuke Sakisaka
  • Patent number: 9975499
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes imaging apparatus comprising at least one camera. The apparatus is operable to provide a wade image to an occupant of the vehicle being an image of at least a portion of an exterior surface of the vehicle that is exposed to liquid when wading. The wade image is arranged to allow the occupant to determine whether the level of the liquid is below a prescribed level. Embodiments of the invention are advantageous over known wade aid devices such as ultrasonic sensor arrangements in that a driver is able to view directly a level of liquid such as water in which the vehicle is wading. Furthermore embodiments of the invention have a reduced settling time when switched on compared with ultrasonic sensor arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Popham, Alain Dunoyer
  • Patent number: 9950735
    Abstract: A method for managing a power-steering motor configured to supply a force to assist the movement of a steering rack involves the steering rack being mounted such as to be movable between at least a first position and a second position in order to be able to change the steering angle of a steered wheel. The method includes the steps of defining a virtual end-of-travel threshold strictly between the first position and the second position. If the rack is detected as having crossed the virtual end-of-travel threshold in a predetermined crossing direction, simulating, by the power-steering motor, an end-of-travel stop by including in the assistance instruction a resistance instruction that simulates the effect of a mechanical stop, such as a spring-damper or a mass-spring-damper, preventing the actuator member from progressing further beyond the virtual end-of-travel threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT EUROPE
    Inventors: Julien Barthomeuf, Pascal Moulaire, Pierre-Willem Pilaz
  • Patent number: 9934632
    Abstract: A system and method are provided and include a controller that controls a door lock actuator system of an autonomous vehicle. The controller is configured to receive a request for transportation from a server in communication with a smartphone. The request for transportation includes a pickup location and a unique identifier. The controller is configured to store the unique identifier received from the server as a stored unique identifier, to communicate directly with the smartphone, to receive a smartphone unique identifier from the smartphone, to compare the smartphone unique identifier with the stored unique identifier, and to control the door lock actuator system to unlock and/or open at least one door of the autonomous vehicle when the smartphone unique identifier matches the stored unique identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Reilly Patrick Mullett
  • Patent number: 9908508
    Abstract: A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging device in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Phelan
  • Patent number: 9908507
    Abstract: A system for extending a vehicular alarm system includes a base unit and a remote unit. The system is configured to extend the vehicular alarm system to an accessory or equipment secured to, carried by (e.g., outside or inside) or in proximity to an automobile and/or to equipment secured to the accessory. The base unit is configured to be carried by the automobile and to communicate with the vehicular alarm system. The base unit may be configured to mimic activation of a sensor of the vehicular alarm system in a manner that can activate the vehicular alarm system. The remote unit is configured to be carried by the accessory, and may sense removal of the accessory from the automobile, opening of the accessory and/or removal of equipment from the accessory. Methods for extending a vehicular alarm system to operate with one or more accessories are also disclosed, as are methods for detecting and providing an alarm when an accessory or equipment secured by the accessory is undesirably disturbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NERIS HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: James L. Hardy, Joseph M. Graham
  • Patent number: 9870697
    Abstract: A method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for providing collaborative area monitoring are disclosed. For example, the method monitors the area via a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises an optical sensor and a positioning sensor, detects an alarm condition, activates one of the plurality of sensors to capture information associated with the alarm condition, and sends a request for assistance to a neighboring standalone area monitor using a wireless communications protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignees: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC, AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven William Frew, Larry B. Pearson, Mark Stockert, Randolph Wohlert
  • Patent number: 9837854
    Abstract: Disclosed is an uninterruptible power supply system, including a sub power supply device configured to supply or cut off sub input power to a load device; a battery configured to supply or cut off battery input power to the load device; and an uninterruptible power supply device that is electrically connected to the sub power supply device and the battery, and when main input power is selectively received and supplied to the load device or the battery input power is selectively received and supplied to the load device, determines whether the main input power and the battery input power are within a predetermined reference main input power range and reference battery input power range, and when the main input power and the battery input power are outside of the reference main input power range and the reference battery input power range, receives the sub input power and supplies the power to the load device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: POSCO
    Inventors: Jun-Su Kim, Byeong Gwon Park, Hyun Seong Kim, Tae Yeol Kwon
  • Patent number: 9802560
    Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a regulator circuit including at least one regulator configured to supply a predetermined voltage by receiving a power supply from a main power source circuit, a functional circuit configured to operate on the voltage supplied from the regulator and perform a predetermined function, and a monitor circuit connected to at least one of the regulators and configured to monitor operation mode information inputted to the regulator. When detecting that the operation mode information contains sleep transition information to make a transition from a normal mode as a normal operation state to a sleep mode as an operation state where power consumption is smaller than that in the normal mode, the monitor circuit outputs a voltage output maintaining signal to the regulator connected to the monitor circuit to supply the voltage capable of causing the functional circuit to operate in the normal mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuo Umegaki, Susumu Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 9780874
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a light signal-based information processing method and device. The method includes: receiving trigger information; extracting corresponding information according to the trigger information; sending the extracted information in a form of a visible light signal, or receiving a visible light signal; obtaining modification of user information and user information according to the visible light signal; and modifying stored user list information according to the modification of user information and the user information, so that an authorization information list of a light signal receiving device can be modified conveniently no matter whether the light signal receiving device is fixed in a specific system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KUANG-CHI INTELLIGENT PHOTONIC TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Ruopeng Liu, Lin Luan, Min Liu
  • Patent number: 9764699
    Abstract: A vehicle communication system (100) for facilitating control over a function of a vehicle (102) comprises a base station (104) positioned in the vehicle (102) and a mobile communication unit (122). The base station (104) comprises a first transmitter for transmitting a signal to the mobile communication unit and a first receiver for receiving a signal from the mobile communication unit (122). The base station (104) is configured to receive a first request from the mobile communication unit (122), wherein the first request seeks performance of a first vehicle function, determine a position of the mobile communication unit (122) relative to the vehicle (102), compare the position of the mobile communication unit (122) relative to the vehicle (102) to a first criteria, and facilitate performance of the first vehicle function if the position of the mobile communication unit (122) relative to the vehicle (102) satisfies the first criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Howard Siswick, Mohammed Khan
  • Patent number: 9751457
    Abstract: An control system for use in a vehicle includes at least one functional unit adapted to be mounted in the vehicle, each functional unit having an alert device, connector and a remote controller configured to control a desired state of the respective alert device, and a central controller configured to sense a state of the vehicle and generate a desired state of the functional units based at least partially on the sensed state of the vehicle a functional connection between the central controller and the at least one functional unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Emergency Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Buehler, Kevin Carpenter, Kyle Israels, Michael Walma
  • Patent number: 9756132
    Abstract: A communication system for facilitating control over a function of a vehicle (102) comprises a base station (104) positioned in the vehicle (102) and a mobile communication unit (122). The base station (104) comprises a first transmitter for transmitting a signal to the mobile communication unit (122) and a first receiver for receiving a signal from the mobile communication unit (122). The base station (104) is further configured to cause the mobile communication unit (122) to operate in accordance with a limited-response duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Mohammed Khan, Howard Siswick