Antitheft Patents (Class 307/10.2)
  • Patent number: 9738257
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an interior of a vehicle, comprising an identification device adapted to be carried by an individual, a vehicular unit adapted for mounting within the vehicle, and a controller adapted for remote wireless communication with the unit. The unit will activate a camera and a microphone when a person is detected within the vehicle. The unit will search for the identification device and, if the identification device is not detected, the unit will activate an alarm. If the identification device is detected, the unit will compare an access code from the identification device with authorized access codes. If the access code is not found within the authorized access codes, the unit will activate an alarm. The controller is operable to display images, broadcast sounds, and display the alarm status from the unit to a user in possession of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: CRIDER BUSH, LLC
    Inventors: Grant W. Crider, Erik D. Arendall, Kenneth M. Bush
  • Patent number: 9734971
    Abstract: A battery safety device for a vehicle and a method of detecting failure thereof is installed between a high-voltage battery mounted on the vehicle and a power line. The device includes a first main relay connected to a positive terminal of the battery in series, and a second main relay connected to a negative terminal of the battery in series. A capacitor is connected in parallel to the first main relay and connected to the positive terminal of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jang Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 9728018
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to dynamically configure a passive entry, passive start system to issue passive and active commands upon authentication of a remote keyless fob with a body control module in a given vehicle selected from a fleet of vehicles. In particular, a UID secret key data field is generated in the FOB data store using a fleet secret key data field and a vehicle secret key field retrieved from the BCM data store. A wakeup pattern data field stored in the FOB data store is generated with a fleet wakeup pattern data field and a master wakeup pattern data field retrieved from the BCM data store such that an approach wakeup pattern data field stored in the BCM data field is written to an approach wakeup pattern data field in the FOB data store when the remote fob is authenticated with the body control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David T. Proefke, Ron Y. Asmar, Thomas E. Utter, Aaron P. Creguer
  • Patent number: 9729836
    Abstract: A feature extracting unit obtains sensor data from a plurality of sensors to calculate each feature. When an event determining unit determines the occurrence of an event based on each feature, a display data constructor generates remote-controller display data for displaying the event, and controls a remote-controller display device to display the remote-controller display data. When a user decision is input from a user input IF based on this display, a control unit controls the sensors to be turned ON or OFF. When an infrared sensor detects an abnormality, a microwave sensor whose power consumption is small after the infrared sensor is turned ON. When the microwave sensor detects an abnormality, a video camera and a microphone are turned ON, and the microwave sensor is turned OFF. A communication unit wirelessly transmits an image signal captured by the video camera and an audio signal processed by the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Naoki Kobayashi, Yasuhiro Fujimori, Yasuaki Takahashi, Koji Ohta, Naoki Takeda
  • Patent number: 9685013
    Abstract: System and method for authenticating components of a vehicle are described. In an embodiment, a method for authenticating components of a vehicle involves transmitting an interrogation signal to tags attached to the components of the vehicle from an authentication base station in response to a trigger event, comparing an authentication code received from each of responding tags with an authentication code key at the authentication base station to authenticate the responding tags, and transmitting a disengage signal to an immobilizer installed in the vehicle from the authentication base station to enable the vehicle if all the tags have been authenticated. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Mukesh B. Nair
  • Patent number: 9666005
    Abstract: A system and method for using a portable device to communicate with a vehicle to authorize one or more vehicle operations. The portable device may authorize the vehicle to unlock/lock doors, start the vehicle engine, or mobilize the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The vehicle may include a vehicle transmitter system with one or more transmitters disposed at various locations on the vehicle, and the portable device may be configured to monitor a communication strength between the portable device and the one or more transmitters of the transmitter system. Based on the monitored signal strength, the portable device may determine location information about itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: InfiniteKey, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Ellis, Eric Smith, Aaron Day, Kurt Dykema, Warren E. Guthrie, Brent Bouws, David L. Klamer, Kent D. Pilcher
  • Patent number: 9656629
    Abstract: An access system for a vehicle may include a controller. The controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request by causing a compartment closure to unlock for a predetermined time. Or the controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request and a vehicle operation signal indicative of a vehicle secure state by causing a compartment closure to unlock for a predetermined time. Upon expiration of the predetermined time, the controller may cause the compartment closure to lock. The controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlatch signal indicative of an unlatch request during the predetermined time by causing the compartment closure to unlatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Arie Groeneveld, Daniel M. King, Steven Skikun, Robert Kern, William Michael Gardner, Steven Erno, Patricia Seashore
  • Patent number: 9652904
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for data recording and analyzing operational data and methods for making and using the same. The apparatus can monitor and record data generated by a plurality of operational and extended sensors each positioned on a moving platform. The data recording and analysis system can analyze the sensor data during movement and, by performing a statistical analysis of the operational data, can advantageously adjust one or more selected performance capabilities of the platform. The performance envelope of a platform can be increased or decreased according to the experience of an operator. The recorded data can be transmitted at any suitable time, including during and/or after travel. The apparatus provides redundant storage capability and the ability to store information on removable media to enable sharing of data. Thereby, the system, apparatus and method advantageously can optimize the operator's overall experience controlling a platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Renli Shi, Jianyu Song, Xi Chen
  • Patent number: 9651850
    Abstract: A telescoping monopod apparatus including a holder configured to hold an image acquisition module having a field of vision, and a support holding a mirror to be in proximity to a lens of the image acquisition module, the mirror is configured to enable the image acquisition module to capture an image outside the field of vision, and a body housing a control component and an electronic component configured to actuate the telescoping monopod apparatus and the support. The body is operatively connected to the holder. A tracking method including receiving an input from a user, detecting, by an image acquisition module, a feature, and adjusting a mirror to track the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Intellectual Fortress, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Hwading Chu, Xiran Wang, Yangyang Chen
  • Patent number: 9639087
    Abstract: An emergency landing procedure that includes a sequence of control settings is continuously generated. An aircraft is landed, including by using the sequence of control settings and a set of one or more inertial sensors to control an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Johnson Cutler
  • Patent number: 9642089
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide multifunctional device that provides two or more of the following functions: a) EKey; b) Ecall capability; c) Body Electric Field measurement; d) Body proximity measurement; e) External Electric Field measurement; f) One or two way voice announcement; g) Motion sensor. Some embodiments provide an Ekey that operates from battery energy and energy harvested by one or more of the following transducers: a) Photo voltaic cell; b) Radio Frequency antenna; c) Mechanical vibration, flexing; c) thermo-electric transducer. Some embodiments provide a planar Ekey encapsulated in an insulator matrix and comprising: a) antenna realized on a flat substrate; b) Electronic circuits realized on a flat substrate that provided interconnection to electronic components and is parallel to antenna plane; b) A conformal shaped ES device that conforms above the electronic components. Other features are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SecureALL Corporation
    Inventors: Arun Kumar Sharma, Michael Wurm, Richard Schaffzin, Prajakta Setty
  • Patent number: 9613475
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to detecting interactions with signals, such as by an attacker attempting to gain access to a vehicle. Signal waveforms used for authentication are evaluated, for communications between respective circuits. Possible interaction by a third circuit is analyzed by detecting variations in characteristics of a leading portion of a data symbol relative to known characteristics of the leading portion of the data signal. A condition indicative of whether the signal waveform has been interacted with and retransmitted is determined, based on the detected variations. For instance, if the variations are indicative of a known type of variation induced by interaction and retransmission, such interaction and transmission can be detected. Where the determined condition is not deemed an attack, an output signal that provides vehicle access is generated based on the determined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Zoran Zivkovic, Liang Li
  • Patent number: 9606523
    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: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Raman Nair Harish Gopala Pillai, Kaustuva Acharya
  • Patent number: 9595147
    Abstract: A vehicle input device for reducing the number of input operation keys of input operation devices that are arranged in a vehicle to control an operation of a large number of controlled apparatuses arranged in the vehicle is provided. An entry key for unlocking or locking a vehicle door is positioned to be movable in a specific input operation direction with respect to a housing fixed inside the vehicle. When the entry key is moved in the input operation direction, the movement is detected, whereby the entry key itself is used as an input operation key for controlling the operation of the controlled apparatuses arranged in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: SMK Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuo Hara, Masaki Tsuchiya, Toshiyuki Wakabayashi, Kensaku Mizumoto, Manabu Tago
  • Patent number: 9576406
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a vibration sensor and a circuit. The vibration sensor provides an indication of vibration sensed in a motorized vehicle. The circuit determines a remedial action to be taken for the motorized vehicle based at least in part on the sensed vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventor: Joseph Oliver Cunnings
  • Patent number: 9561779
    Abstract: A method for starting a motor vehicle includes recognizing an engine on event of the motor vehicle at a powertrain control module in communication with a vehicle bus system operatively disposed in the motor vehicle. In response to recognizing the engine on event, an authentication request is transmitted from a verification module to a device having an electronic pattern-entry user interface. The method further includes receiving an entered pattern entered on the electronic pattern-entry user interface, and recognizing, by an authentication system, that the entered pattern is an authenticated pattern. In response to the recognizing that the entered pattern is the authenticated pattern, an authenticated engagement command is transmitted to the powertrain control module to instruct the powertrain control module to enter into an engaged state, the engaged state electrically enabling the powertrain control module to provide tractive power to a vehicle drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Abuzafor M. Rasal
  • Patent number: 9563990
    Abstract: The invention relates to an access unit (5; 23) for communicating with a further access unit (5; 23) to control access to a vehicle (3). The access unit (5; 23) comprises at least a first transmitter (11; 25) for transmitting a polling signal; and at least a first receiver (11; 25) for receiving an authentication signal from the further access unit (5; 23) in response to the polling signal. At least the first transmitter (11; 25) is a first ultra-wideband transmitter and at least the first receiver (11; 25) is a first ultra-wide-band receiver. The invention also relates to a vehicle access system (1) which is a combination of the access and further access units (5; 23). The invention also relates to methods of operating a vehicle access system (1) and a vehicle access unit (5; 23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Mohammed Khan, Howard Siswick
  • Patent number: 9530293
    Abstract: An acoustic glass breakage detector including a pulsating current-powered microphone and operable for generating pulsed signal data corresponding to sound waves detected thereby, a sample and hold circuit operable for converting the pulsed signal data into a voltage level signal and storing the voltage level signal, a sound frequency band pass amplifier operable for ascertaining whether the voltage level signal corresponds to an explosion-like sound typical of an initial glass-breakage sound, a flex wave band pass amplifier operable for ascertaining whether the voltage level signal corresponds to a flex wave typical of an initial glass-breakage sound, and circuitry operable, responsive to ascertaining that the voltage level signal corresponds to an explosion-like sound typical of an initial glass-breakage event and that the voltage level signal corresponds to a flex wave typical of an initial glass-breakage sound, for ascertaining that the pulsed signal data is indicative of a glass-breakage event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Boris Zhevelev
  • Patent number: 9524034
    Abstract: A communication control system for a vehicle having a steering member, having a controller and at least one switch carried on the steering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Act-IP
    Inventor: Mouhamad Ahmad Naboulsi
  • Patent number: 9520007
    Abstract: A lockout system that includes a lock portion and a key portion that removably cooperate with one another to allow selective interference with a throw lever associated with operation of an electrical panel. The lock portion and key portion each include a guide arrangement and an electrical interface that cooperate with one another. The guide arrangements cooperate with one another to align the electrical interfaces of the respective key and lock portions. The lock portion includes a movable lock arm that selectively interferes with motion of the throw lever. The position of the lock arm relative to the throw lever can be manipulated when the electrical interfaces of the key portion and the lock portion are engaged with one another. Preferably, the lock and key interface includes an RFID protocol associated with authorizing respective key portions to communicate with respective lock portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: James C. Stippich
  • Patent number: 9509096
    Abstract: A manual service disconnect for a battery system includes a disconnect header having a housing defining a receptacle, a high current terminal connector within the receptacle, a high voltage interlock (HVIL) connector within the receptacle and a control device terminal connector within the receptacle. A disconnect plug is removably coupled to the disconnect header. The disconnect plug has a high current fuse electrically connected to the high current terminal connector and a HVIL shunt terminal electrically connected to the HVIL connector. A current power control device is received in the receptacle and is electrically connected to the control device terminal connector. The current power control device is exposed for servicing when the disconnect plug is removed from the disconnect header and the current power control device is inaccessible when the disconnect plug is coupled to the disconnect header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Weiping Zhao, James Aric Boyer
  • Patent number: 9509496
    Abstract: An electronic key registration system includes an electronic key device that stores a key ID and a first piece of information. A controller is arranged in a communication subject. A registration tool writes the key ID to the controller and stores a second piece of information. Encrypted communication between the communication subject and the electronic key device is enabled after the key ID and a corresponding encryption key are written to the controller. An information center, which communicates with the registration tool, receives and compares the first and second pieces of information. The registration tool is permitted to write the key ID when receiving a signal from the information center indicating that the first and second pieces of information conform to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Daisuke Kawamura, Yuki Nawa
  • Patent number: 9495857
    Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus communicably connected to a mobile device and located in a vehicle includes a display screen displaying data related to applications of the mobile device in communication with the mobile device; a memory storing an application record including identification informations of the applications, each application being associated with one or more mobile device models; a communication unit operable to receive model information data from the mobile device; and a control unit. The control unit i) receives a signal indicating a vehicle speed; ii) retrieves, from the memory, the identification informations of the applications included in the application record based on the model information data; and iii) controls the display of the data related to predetermined applications for which identification informations were retrieved from the memory on the display screen when the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Martin Nike
  • Patent number: 9497186
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to securing the privacy of knowledge used to authenticate a user (i.e., Proof of Knowledge (PoK) test(s)). In some embodiments, a client device is operable to receive a first encryption key and encrypted test(s) from a PoK server. The client device also receives a second encryption key from a Relying Party (RP) server. The client device can decrypt the encrypted test(s) by using the first encryption key and the second encryption key to thereby render decrypted test(s). The client device is further operable to obtain answer(s) for the decrypted test(s), send a communication to the PoK server based on the answer(s), and receive a communication from the RP server that authorizes a user of the client device to access service(s) administered by the RP server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Antique Books, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Thibadeau, Sr., Justin D. Donnell
  • Patent number: 9493149
    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: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Phelan
  • Patent number: 9489789
    Abstract: A method for registering an electronic key includes storing an electronic key ID and an encryption code in a controller to register the electronic key to the controller, and associating a communication subject ID, which is unique to a communication subject, with a controller ID, which is unique to the controller storing the electronic key ID and the encryption code, and the electronic key ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Daisuke Kawamura, Hiroaki Iwashita, Masaki Hayashi, Masaki Oshima, Tetsuya Egawa, Kazunori Arakawa
  • Patent number: 9475462
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an interior of a vehicle, comprising an identification device adapted to be carried by an individual, a vehicular unit adapted for mounting within the vehicle, and a controller adapted for remote wireless communication with the unit. The unit will activate a camera and a microphone when a person is detected within the vehicle. The unit will search for the identification device and, if the identification device is not detected, the unit will activate an alarm. If the identification device is detected, the unit will compare an access code from the identification device with authorized access codes. If the access code is not found within the authorized access codes, the unit will activate an alarm. The controller is operable to display images, broadcast sounds, and display the alarm status from the unit to a user in possession of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Grant W. Crider, Erik D. Arendall, Kenneth M. Bush
  • Patent number: 9452734
    Abstract: An anticrime system using the panic function of a vehicle enables a person to utilize the panic function of another person's vehicle so as to make a criminal fall into a panic state when the criminal commits a crime in an area such as an alley, a residential street, or a main street side around which vehicles are usually parked, so that a victim may quickly escape from the criminal scene and notify the surrounding people of the criminal scene and circumstances to request help, thus preventing a crime from occurring. To this end, the panic function of a vehicle is operated only by the owner to be utilized by another person, so as to readily constitute an anticrime system with reduced cost by means of a plurality of vehicles parked almost everywhere in a city.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Taeseung Jeong
  • Patent number: 9449447
    Abstract: A control method for anti-theft is provided. The method is running to a vehicle. The control method includes: allocating a calculation factor dynamically; calculating a high-frequency compensation value according to the calculation factor; adding the high-frequency compensation value to a frequency value of the high-frequency signal to obtain a first frequency value of the high-frequency signal; switching a high-frequency receive unit to a new channel being able to receive a high-frequency signal having a frequency value that is equal to the first frequency value of the high-frequency signal; receiving a high-frequency signal when a frequency value of the high-frequency signal is equal to the first frequency value of the high-frequency signal; and unlocking the vehicle according to the high-frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAU PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Po-Hsien Liu, Yu-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 9450911
    Abstract: A system and method for managing a vehicle Ethernet communication network are disclosed. More specifically, each unit in a vehicle Ethernet communication network is configured to initially enter a power-on (PowerOn) mode when is applied to each unit of the vehicle to initialize operational programs. Once powered on, each unit enters a normal mode in which a node for each unit participates in a network to request the network. Subsequently, each unit enters a sleep indication (SleepInd) mode where other nodes are not requested even though the network has already been requested by the other nodes. A communication mode is then terminated at each unit and each unit enters a wait bus sleep (WaitBusSleep) mode in which all nodes connected to the network are no longer in communication and are waiting to switch to sleep mode. Finally, each unit is powered off to prevent communication between units in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sang Ho Cha, Dong Ok Kim, Jin Hwa Yun, Yong Ho Noh
  • Patent number: 9405342
    Abstract: To overcome potential problems associated with overflowing counters/timers, embodiments of the present invention include a ping timer and a pong timer offset from each other, and a time checker that accesses at any one timer either the ping timer or the pong timer to determine whether a time interval has passed. Upon passage of the time interval, the time checker switches access from the ping timer to the pong timer before the ping timer reaches an overflow state, thereby avoiding problems associated with counter/timer overflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Schneider Electric IT Corporation
    Inventor: Dao-Yi Zhu
  • Patent number: 9407436
    Abstract: An immobilizer ECU generates an encryption key using key generating logic, from a SEED code included in an ID code signal sent from an electronic key, and registers the encryption key to the immobilizer ECU. The immobilizer ECU receives an instruction from a registration and deletion tool and sends, to the electronic key, a deletion request signal that requests the deletion of the SEED code. The electronic key deletes the SEED code from the electronic key if a deletion request signal has been received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Daisuke Kawamura, Hideki Kawai, Tetsuya Egawa, Hiroaki Iwashita, Toshihiro Nagae, Takeo Endo
  • Patent number: 9396596
    Abstract: Provided are a smartkey system and an operating method thereof. The smartkey system reflects an intensity of RF noise, which is detected in a zone having strong RF noise, in a fob indoor/outdoor position determination reference, and thus can prevent a determination error in which the presence of a fob is determined despite there being no fob registered in a vehicle, and prevent an operational reaction to a user's request from becoming slow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Hee Park
  • Patent number: 9392091
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hands-free system for a vehicle includes connecting with a cellular phone through local area communication. A call conversation state is entered when a hands-free function activates. A call termination command is received from a driver. A call termination message is transmitted to the connected cellular phone. When a success message is not received from the connected cellular phone in response to the call termination message, the call termination message is retransmitted by a preset number of times until the success message is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hyun Woo Choi
  • Patent number: 9363907
    Abstract: Provided is an in-vehicle electronic apparatus including a main body that includes a panel attaching/detaching part, and a panel that is attached to and detached from the panel attaching/detaching part. The panel attaching/detaching part is provided with a lock mechanism and a holding lever, the lock mechanism being arranged to lock the panel to the main body, the holding lever being rotatable and being arranged to hold the panel when the holding lever is rotated to a holding position. The panel is moved in a predetermined direction with respect to the main body such that locking of the panel to the main body by the lock mechanism is released. When the panel is moved in the predetermined direction such that the locking is released, the holding lever is rotated to the holding position due to inertia such that the panel is held by the holding lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Asaya Hondo, Hideki Itoh, Hisahiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9324220
    Abstract: A theft detection device, configured to be coupled to a product, includes a light sensor, a motion sensor, an emitter configured to emit a signal, and a controller coupled to the light sensor, the motion sensor, and the emitter. The controller is configured to determine a light level sensed by the light sensor. The controller is also configured to determine, via the motion sensor, whether the theft detection device is in motion. Further, the controller is configured to operate the emitter based on the sensed motion of the theft detection device and the light level sensed by the light sensor. The controller is further configured to deactivate the theft protection device when the light sensor detects a coded light sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Valiulis
  • Patent number: 9316034
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock control device post-installed on a vehicle includes an unlocking relay having a fixed contact connectable to either one of an unlocking signal lead wire and a neutral lead wire via a first interrupt connection terminal and a movable contact connectable to the other of the unlocking signal lead wire and the neutral lead wire via a second interrupt connection terminal, an unlocking concealed switch mountable on vehicle body exterior, and an unlocking relay control unit connectable to a vehicle permanent power supply and connected to the concealed switch. The relay control unit controls the relay so that the movable contact is connected to the fixed contact when the concealed switch is manually operated. The interrupt connection terminals include metal needles thrust into the signal lead wire and the neutral lead wire to be connectable to the unlocking signal lead wire and the neutral lead wire, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Beat-Sonic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Totani
  • Patent number: 9298575
    Abstract: A system for drive event capturing based on geolocation comprises an interface and a processor. The interface receives driving data from one or more onboard sensors of a vehicle, and the processor is configured to capturing a drive event based on a geolocation of the vehicle. The capturing of the drive event includes causing storage of driving data associated with the drive event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Lytx, Inc.
    Inventors: Roni Tamari, Joshua Donald Botnen
  • Patent number: 9290137
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply circuit for vehicles, which can continuously supply a constant voltage without a complicated circuit configuration, even during a time when a surge voltage is applied (abnormal voltage time). The power supply circuit is provided with: a constant voltage circuit, which is connected to a battery mounted in a vehicle, and which outputs a predetermined voltage; a surge cut circuit, which is provided with a Zener diode and a transistor for protecting the constant voltage circuit; and a switching circuit, which is disposed between the constant voltage circuit and the surge cut circuit, and which performs on/off switching of output to the constant voltage circuit. The power supply circuit is also provided with a feedback line that connects the connecting line (output line) of the switching circuit and the Zener diode to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: NIPPON SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuyuki Ooya
  • Patent number: 9290981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement for the motorized adjustment of a closure element of a motor vehicle, wherein the drive arrangement, in the installed state, is coupled in drive terms to the closure element. It is proposed for the drive arrangement to have at least one drive, which is intended for generating drive movements and in or on which is arranged an acoustic indicator for supplying acoustic feedback to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Hallstadt
    Inventors: Thomas Weingaertner, Carsten Abert, Marcus Klopp, Robert Neundorf, Holger Wuerstlein, Christian Herrmann, Thorsten Kuhnen
  • Patent number: 9290095
    Abstract: The invention comprises a personal identification device used in function of a peripheral device and/or for communication with an external network. In one embodiment, a non-removable personal identification device communicates presence of a specific individual to a peripheral device, such as an ignition interlock device, a tracking system, and/or a communication system or person, such as a police network, an enforcement agency, a regulatory network, a supervisor, and/or a parent or guardian. For example, information related to the peripheral device reliant in part on the presence of the personal identification device is communicated with the remote system. Optionally, any information associated with the personal identification device and/or the peripheral device is maintained in a secure format warranting true information, usable in a legal setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Michael D. Roth
  • Patent number: 9199610
    Abstract: In an in-vehicle device control system, an in-vehicle device is controlled based on a checkup result of checkup operation, in which a checkup about a portable device is performed by mutual communication of transmitting a request signal from a vehicle-side unit mounted on a vehicle and transmitting in return a response signal from the portable device in response to the request signal. If the checkup is unsuccessful, the mutual communication is performed again by switching the communication frequency to perform the checkup again. When a user operates a door lock sensor, the vehicle-side unit performs an exterior checkup first. If the checkup is successful, a communication frequency, by which the checkup was performed successfully, is stored in a memory. The vehicle-side unit sets the communication frequency stored in the memory as a communication frequency, which is to be designated to the portable device, for performing an interior checkup next time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakashima, Hiroko Murakami, Hiroki Okada, Arinobu Kimura
  • Patent number: 9196102
    Abstract: A method for operating a starting system for a car includes detecting locking of the car, checking whether a portable code transmitter of the starting system is inside a monitoring region, deactivating a starting device of the starting system if the portable code transmitter is not inside the monitoring region, receiving an unlocking signal and identity signal from the portable code transmitter by the starting system on the car, checking whether identity data received with the identity signal matches identity data stored in the starting system, and activating the starting device if the identity data matches the identity data stored in the starting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Ulf Warschat, Tobias Ott, Patrick Sassmannshausen
  • Patent number: 9193354
    Abstract: When driving support control starts, a control start condition is examined. It is examined whether or not all determination items set for the control start condition are OK, (whether the control start condition is established). If at least one of the determination items is NG, the determination condition is determined not to be established and the determination items determined to be NG are extracted. The determination item due to which a driver suspects that a fault has occurred is selected from the extracted determination items on the basis of a vehicle speed and a duration time in which the determination item is determined to be NG. The selected item is stored as an NG code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hajime Oyama
  • Patent number: 9187060
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an interior of a vehicle, comprising an identification device adapted to be carried by an individual, a vehicular unit adapted for mounting within the vehicle, and a controller adapted for remote wireless communication with the unit. The unit will activate a camera and a microphone when a person is detected within the vehicle. The unit will search for the identification device and, if the identification device is not detected, the unit will activate an alarm. If the identification device is detected, the unit will compare an access code from the identification device with authorized access codes. If the access code is not found within the authorized access codes, the unit will activate an alarm. The controller is operable to display images, broadcast sounds, and display the alarm status from the unit to a user in possession of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventors: Grant W. Crider, Erik D. Arendall, Kenneth M. Bush
  • Patent number: 9099000
    Abstract: A method of providing a mobile device alert to a vehicle operator, where the method may provide an alert in the event that a mobile phone or other such device is not detected. In an exemplary embodiment, the method detects operation of a vehicle, such as when the ignition is started. Then, the method attempts detection of a mobile phone or other such wireless device associated with an operator of the vehicle. If the method determines that the attempted detection failed, then an alert is presented within the vehicle to help prevent the vehicle operator from leaving in the vehicle without his or her mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventor: Nicole L. Schalk
  • Patent number: 9080355
    Abstract: Described herein is a circuit arrangement for a motor vehicle door having a detent mechanism which keeps the motor vehicle door in the closed position and opens it and at least one operating element, for example, an outer door handle and/or inner door handle, wherein an electric drive, for example, an electric motor, drives the detent mechanism, and the motor can be connected by means of a control module. In one embodiment, at least one electrical switching element is arranged in the circuit of the motor. In another embodiment, when the operating element is operated, the electrical circuit of the motor can be completed by means of the electrical switching element. Also described is a method for actuating a detent mechanism in a motor vehicle door and a controller for a detent mechanism which keeps a motor vehicle door in the closed position or opens it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Simon Brose, Klaus Dünne, Rainer Wirths
  • Patent number: 9070232
    Abstract: A wireless communication system for a vehicle has a portable device that transmits a wireless signal and a vehicle-mounted device that receives the wireless signal from the portable device. Each time a switch in the portable device is turned on, the portable device updates a portable device rolling code and transmits a wireless signal including the portable device rolling code. The vehicle-mounted device receives the wireless signal through a receiver and authenticates the portable device through comparison between the portable device rolling code included in the wireless signal and the vehicle rolling code. The vehicle-mounted device locks or unlocks the vehicle door if the portable device is authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masanori Kosugi
  • Publication number: 20150145327
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle component support, in particular a motor vehicle door lock (1), and to a method for the production thereof. Said motor vehicle component support is equipped with a strip conductor structure (3) composed of several strip conductors (7). According to the invention, the strip conductor structure (3) comprises at least two conductor strip sub-structures (3a, 3b) which are electrically interconnected by means of at least one connecting element (8) which is applied later.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Kiekert Aktiensellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Barmscheidt, Carsten Fuchs
  • Patent number: 9035488
    Abstract: An electric steering wheel lock device includes a control circuit that starts and stops supplying power to a motor that actuates a lock mechanism to lock and unlock a movable member of a vehicle steering mechanism. The control circuit changes contact states of first and second relays to switch a supplying direction of the power. A drive restriction unit stops and starts supplying power to a drive circuit for the motor. The control circuit changes contact states of the first and second relays when the drive restriction unit stops supplying power to the drive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Hisashi Kato