Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle which has a plurality of drives, of which in particular one drive is a combustion engine and the other is an electric drive, all the drive control units, if appropriate even a transmission control unit, require enabling by an immobilizer control unit before the first control unit outputs control commands to communicate a torque request, input by a vehicle driver.

Abstract: A smart communication system and method for a vehicle includes a master switch for toggling smart functionality on and off. An actuation signal is received by a control unit corresponding to a particular vehicle function. The actuation signal indicates that a corresponding actuating operation is occurring. The control unit determines whether the master switch is in an ON position. A key fob of the vehicle is confirmed to be within a search field of the vehicle when the master switch is determined to be in the ON position. The particular vehicle function is actuated when the key fob is confirmed to be within the search field; otherwise, manual actuation of the particular vehicle function is required.

Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling power windows of a vehicle includes a receiver mounted on the vehicle for receiving an open window request signal wirelessly from a portable device, at least one exterior condition sensor mounted on the vehicle for detecting an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle, and a controller mounted on the vehicle for communicating with the receiver and the at least one exterior condition sensor. The controller commands opening of the one or more power windows when the receiver receives the open window request signal provided the at least one exterior condition sensor does not detect an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A remote control method for remotely controlling the operation of equipment furnished in a vehicle in response to a remote control request generated by a remote controller is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) acquiring vehicle status information from the vehicle; (b) determining whether to operate particular vehicle equipment designated by the remote control request based on the vehicle status information; and (c) regulating the remote control request based on the determination result representing acceptability of remote-control operation of the requested vehicle equipment.

Abstract: A starting system for an internal combustion engine includes a starter motor configured to transfer torque to the engine during an engine starting event, a low-voltage power bus including a first bus segment and a second bus segment, a controllable isolation circuit including a first state wherein the first and second bus segments are electrically coupled and a second state wherein the first and second bus segments are electrically isolated, a low-voltage battery and the starter motor electrically coupled to the first bus segment, an accessory power module and a power supply for a control module electrically coupled to the second bus segment; and the control module configured to control the isolation circuit to the second state to electrically isolate the first bus segment from the second bus segment during the engine starting event.

Abstract: An electromechanical parking brake for a motor vehicle is provided. The electromechanical parking brake includes an operating element that operates a wheel brake, a central control unit that provides an electric supply to the operating element via at least one supply line, an electric actuating unit for interrupting the supply to the operating element, and a control line that connects the central control unit with the electric actuating unit. The operating element and the electric actuating unit are arranged at the motor vehicle in a manner protected against external manual access. The central control unit controls the electric actuating unit via the control line in order to interrupt the supply to the operating element or to reestablish the supply to the operating element. The central control unit also monitors the control line to detect a manipulation of the control line.

Abstract: In an apparatus for preventing theft of equipment having a prime mover, an prime mover controller, and an authenticator that acquires ID information from an electronic key when the key is brought close thereto by an operator, and permits the prime mover controller to start the prime mover when the acquired ID information is determined to correspond with authentication ID information, data indicating a number of times the key is updated is included in the ID information, and the authenticator determines whether the number of times indicated in the data is greater than that in the authentication ID information, and when the number of times indicated in the data is greater than that in the authentication ID information, updates the authentication ID information such that it is equal to the number of times indicated in the data, thereby enabling to easily update authentication ID information of the equipment.

Abstract: A remote starting ECU includes a command recognizing unit and a tuner connecting unit. The remote starting ECU starts an engine of a vehicle when the command recognizing unit receives an engine start command from a remote key or when the tuner connecting unit receives an engine start request from a remote controller.

Abstract: A remote starting system for an engine of a vehicle includes a remote start handheld unit. A remote start controller may be positioned at the vehicle for starting the engine based upon the remote start handheld unit and causing the engine to run for a run time period before shutting off the vehicle engine. The remote start controller is resettable based upon the remote start handheld unit to cause the engine to run for an additional run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine. The remote start handheld unit includes a tactile indicator for providing a tactile indication to a user prior to expiration of the run time period to permit a user to use the remote start handheld unit to reset the run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine.

Abstract: An electric wiring system of a motor vehicle with several control devices that communicate with each other via a data bus, and with an immobilizer is provided. In order to create an electric wiring system of a motor vehicle that includes an immobilizer with high reliability the immobilizer includes at least a first and a second control device from the plurality of control devices and an authentication apparatus, in particular an authentication control device. The authentication information of the plurality of control devices is supplied via the data bus to the authentication apparatus. The authentication cancels the immobilizer of the vehicle when the authentication information transmitted from the first and the second control device corresponds to the authentication information expected for the particular control devices.

Abstract: A key system includes a first authentication part configured to perform first authentication for determining whether or not a unique key code of a key is registered in the operation subject and to permit an operation subject to operate in a state in which a first group of functions is operative when the first authentication generates an affirmative result. A wireless signal receiver is configured to receive a medium code unique to a portable communicable data medium through wireless communication. A second authentication part is configured to perform second authentication for determining whether or not the medium code received by the wireless signal receiver is registered in the operation subject. A condition-imposing part is configured to limit operative functions of the operation subject to a second group of functions that is more limited than the first group of functions when at least either one of the first authentication and the second authentication generates a negative result.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle which includes: 1) first storage means for storing vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle; 2) second storage means for storing immobilizer identification information unique to the vehicle; 3) command receiving means for receiving, from an external control apparatus, an update command that commands the electronic control apparatus to update the vehicle identification information stored in the first storage means; and 4) information handling means for handling all the information stored in the first and second storage means. Moreover, in the electronic control apparatus, upon receipt of the update command by the command receiving means, the information handling means updates the immobilizer identification information stored in the second storage means as well as the vehicle identification information stored in the first storage means.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for checking the switching region of a touch-free switching system with at least one sensor and at least one signal emitter, wherein the signal emitter sends data to the sensor. An extremely flexible and practical switching region check is achieved in at least one embodiment by the fact that a change in at least one system parameter of the switching system derives at least one first piece of information on the position of the signal emitter. The method represents an inexpensive possibility for checking a switching region, which has options for the definition and allocation of the switch-on, switch-off, and hysteresis regions.

Abstract: A drive authorization system for an electric drive includes a predefined number of field coils and a rotationally movable element. An evaluation and control unit for operation of the electric drive determines the current position of the movable element from several items of positional information, which can be made available by a predefined number of angle of rotation sensors. To implement an electronic immobilization function, positions, the number of the active rotation angle sensors, or both those positions and that number are made encodable. The evaluation and control unit decodes the encoded positional information of the active rotation angle sensors in order to determine the current position of the movable element. Operation of the electric drive is possible only after successful decoding of the positional information.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having at least one data communications bus; at least one firewall in communication with the at least one data communications bus, wherein the at least one firewall creates at least two data communications buses from the at least one data communications bus; at least one vehicle device in communication with at least one of the at least two data communications buses; wherein the at least one vehicle device is in communication with at least one firewall; and at least one firewalled controller in communication with at least one firewall.

Abstract: An engine start system for use with a ground engaging vehicle, the system including an input device, a processing circuit, a display and an engine controller unit. The input device produces a signal when depressed, the signal initiates the application of electrical power to the engine start system. The processing circuit is activated by the application of electrical power thereto. The display is communicatively coupled with the processing circuit. The input device produces another signal when depressed. The other signal is detected by the processing circuit and the processing circuit, in response to the other signal, sends either a PIN request notice to the display or a start signal to the engine controller unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle control device data transfer system and process. In particular, it relates to such a system and process for the transfer of data, subject to the risk of tampering, from a central data-processing device (12) at the motor vehicle manufacturer's to a motor vehicle data-processing device (5), such as an electronic drive engine control device, in which tamper-free data transfer is guaranteed. In this connection, an authentication enquiry value is generated by the vehicle data-processing device (5) and transferred to the central data-processing device (12) by means of a mobile data-processing device (9). This generates an authentication response value, which is transferred back by the same route with release data.

Abstract: A contactless switch includes an angularly and/or axially adjustable rotor, by which at least one main magnet is directly or indirectly adjustable. The magnetic field of the at least one main magnet influences at least two magnetic field sensors, which issue signals that correlate with a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field, and/or an alteration in the magnetic field strength and/or a polarization of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A remote control method for remotely controlling the operation of equipment furnished in a vehicle in response to a remote control request generated by a remote controller is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) acquiring vehicle status information from the vehicle; (b) determining whether to operate particular vehicle equipment designated by the remote control request based on the vehicle status information; and (c) regulating the remote control request based on the determination result representing acceptability of remote-control operation of the requested vehicle equipment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an operational state of a vehicle having a keyless rotary ignition switch and a locking mechanism coupled to the keyless rotary ignition switch are provided. The locking mechanism is disengaged to allow the keyless rotary ignition switch to be rotated from a first position to a second position by a user when an electronic authorization is detected. The locking mechanism is engaged to prevent the keyless rotary ignition switch from being rotated from the first position to the second position by the user when no electronic authorization is detected.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor-driven steering lock apparatus which can improve a reliability of locking and unlocking operations, with a simple circuit structure. A power supply line from a battery and a driving means are connected by a switching means only at a time when a feed signal from a host first control means to a drive control means (CPU), a power supply-enabling signal from the host first control means and a power supply-enabling signal from a host second control means are input to the switching means.

Abstract: The security system provides an aircraft security system capable of protecting both single and multiple engine aircraft. Variations of the present system prevent unauthorized starting of protected aircraft and activate an alarm when engine starting it is attempted. Embodiments of the system draw no power from the aircraft when the security system is armed and in no way interferes with the normal starting or operation of the aircraft when the system is disarmed. Embodiments of the present system can activate an alarm when an aircraft's doors or panels are opened. Embodiments of the present invention can activate an alarm when installed equipment or other devices are tampered with or removed from their housings.

Abstract: An electric steering lock for a drive authorization system in a motor vehicle, including a movable locking element which, according to a first position, can be brought into locking engagement with a latched-in position on the steering shaft in the steering wheel column and, according to a second position, can be brought out of locking engagement with said position. The steering lock also has a drive for moving the locking element between the two positions, and electronics for controlling the drive. The system may have an associated second device in the form of an electronic key, an identification (ID) transmitter, a chip card or the like, with the result that, when the second device is authorized, the drive can be controlled into the respective position by the electronics. The electronics generate those signals which are used to trigger functions which can otherwise be effected by an electric ignition lock.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device comprising a manually activatable slide that determines the desired working position of the slide by means of a slide control system. One such slide control system consists of a cam and a rod guided in said cam. The inventive ignition device also comprises an ignition switch which is electrically connected to the motor and can be switched between different switching positions according to the translatory movement of the slide. According to the invention, the ignition switch is embodied as a rotary switch comprising an input member for switching the contacts thereof. A rotor (30) is mounted in the housing in a rotary manner and connected to the input member of the ignition switch in a rotationally fixed manner. The rotor (30) forms part of the slide control system comprising at least two lock-in positions (38.1, 38.2) for at least two stable working positions (25.1, 25.3) of the slide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key-less ignition system for a vehicle. The system allows a user to automatically start the engine of a vehicle via a push button and a remote passive transponder. The system finds particular application in conjunction with smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the system is used in connection with an anti-theft device, such as a wheel lock. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the key-less ignition system is used in connection with a records management system, whereby service technicians can remotely retrieve maintenance records relating to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of controlling a control system for a vehicle comprising: providing at least one data communications bus; providing at least one firewall in communication with at least one data communications bus, wherein the at least one firewall creates at least two data communications bus from the at least one data communications bus; providing at least one vehicle device in communication with at least one of at least two data communications bus; providing at least one vehicle device in communication with at least one firewall; and providing at least one firewalled controller in communication with at least one firewall, wherein the firewalled controller transmits a directive to the firewall and the firewall transmits the directive through the at least two data communications bus which controls the at least one vehicle device.

Abstract: A motorcycle with reduced fuel consumption. A centrifugal clutch intermittently transfers torque from an engine to a drive wheel in accordance with engine speed. A brake lock switch regulates the engine speed. When the brake lock switch is off, engine start inhibition control is executed. When the brake lock switch is on, engine speed regulation control is executed to prevent engagement of the centrifugal clutch.

Abstract: The security system provides an aircraft security system capable of protecting both single and multiple engine aircraft. Variations of the present system prevent unauthorized starting of protected aircraft and activate an alarm when engine starting it is attempted. Embodiments of the system draw no power from the aircraft when the security system is armed and in no way interferes with the normal starting or operation of the aircraft when the system is disarmed. Embodiments of the present system can activate an alarm when an aircraft's doors or panels are opened. Embodiments of the present invention can activate an alarm when installed equipment or other devices are tampered with or removed from their housings.

Abstract: A key-operated lock device having a lock, a key operable to actuate said lock, an electronic system commanded by said key, an electric power supply communicating electric power necessary to operate said electronic system, and a detection system for detecting the presence or absence of said key. The detection device is operable to command the connection with the electric power supply of said electronic system only if the key is present in, or close to, the lock.

Abstract: An immobilizer device for a vehicle includes a key which has a transponder, an engine ECU, and an immobilizer ECU which receives a first identification information transmitted from the key and inputs the identification information to the engine ECU via a first identification information transmitting device. The immobilizer ECU includes a second identification information transmitting device which inputs second, different identification information to the engine ECU. The engine ECU includes a first and second identification information authentication devices which respectively authenticate the first identification information and the second identification information based on first and second comparison data set in the engine ECU. The engine ECU allows an engine to start when the first and second identification information are appropriately authenticated. The first identification information is based on random numbers generated by the engine ECU.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for tracking, counting and inventorying keys throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing through retailing to the end user. In addition, the present invention provides apparatus and methods for improving the accuracy of duplicating keys. The apparatus and methods generally rely on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, where information is stored to and collected from RFID tags that are located proximate to keys. The apparatus and methods provided for in this invention improve efficiency and accuracy in the key supply chain.

Abstract: A car antitheft system includes a main controller invisibly mounted on a car, and an antitheft state indicator embedded in an engine start button of the car and electrically connected to the main controller for indicating a current antitheft state of the car. With these arrangements, the engine start button serves to start the car when the car antitheft system is released, and to indicate the current antitheft state of the car when the car antitheft system is enabled and the antitheft state indicator embedded in the engine start button is lighted, so as to warn and stop a thief from invading the car.

Abstract: The present invention is provided to suppress an increase of communication cost, immediately detect theft and illegal use of a moving object, and immediately deal with the theft and illegal use. A moving object monitoring device 10 is installed in a moving object 1, and transmits moving object information 15 of the moving object 1 to a managing server 4 which controls the moving object 1. The moving object monitoring device 10 includes a control unit 11 which transmits the moving object information 15 such that a transmission interval is shorter when a startup lock function for prohibiting the startup of the moving object is on than a transmission interval when the startup lock function is deactivated.

Abstract: A vehicle antitheft system and method detects the starting of a vehicle and starts a first timer. If the first timer times out without the system having detected a first predetermined sequence, the system actuates a vehicle system warning signal and starts a second timer. If the second timer times out without detecting a second predetermined sequence, which may be the same as or different from the first predetermined sequence, the system disables the vehicle. The system may send vehicle location information to a monitoring service or the like. The vehicle remains disabled until the antitheft system is reset.

Abstract: A theft prevention apparatus for a leisure vehicle including a portable device, a lock device, a lock operation stopper member, a pull-out operation stopper member, a lock operation restricting actuator, a pull-out operation restricting actuator, and a controller including a memory, a receiver, and a processing unit configured to control the lock operation restricting actuator to cause a lock operation stopper member to be moved from the position where a protruded operation and a retracted operation of a lock bar are disabled to the position where the protruded operation and the retracted operation are enabled and to control the pull-out operation restricting actuator to cause a pull-out operation stopper member to be moved from the position where a pull-out operation of the mechanical key is disabled to the position where the pull-out operation of the mechanical key is enabled, when the user identification codes match.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced security by incorporating RFID processing circuitry within a key switch assembly. The RFID key switch assembly includes four subassemblies; the key/tumbler assembly, rotating and stationary switch contacts, RFID Processing Circuitry and an electrical connection interface. The RFID Processing Circuitry incorporated in the key switch assembly reads RF signals transmitted from an RFID tag embedded in a key inserted into the key switch.

Abstract: A vehicle equipment control system locks vehicle doors by any one of auto-lock and trigger lock systems. In the auto-lock system, a wide communication area is set that covers an entire vehicle compartment is set. In the trigger lock system, a narrow communication area is set that disables the communication with a portable unit carried by a user near a vehicle. When no response signal is received from the portable unit in the respective communication areas, the respective vehicle doors are locked. Accordingly, even when any one of the auto-lock and trigger lock systems is used, the portable unit is prevented from being left in the compartment, and the respective vehicle doors can be locked.

Abstract: In a navigation apparatus in a vehicle, a user designates a validating route, which is stored in a memory device. A control unit invalidates a predetermined function of the navigation apparatus at a start-up, which is for the first time after an in-vehicle battery is connected or which results from turning on of a power source. Use of the navigation apparatus by the user is thereby disturbed. When the control unit determines that a route, which the vehicle has traveled through, is included in the previously designated validating route stored in the memory device, the control unit re-validates the invalidated predetermined function.

Abstract: A keyless ignition system for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates through a wireless link with a start/stop button. The start/stop button includes a plurality of lighting sources to selectively illuminate the start/stop button for communicating current state of a vehicle operating parameter. The lighting sources are powered by a wireless power generating device within the start/stop button.

Abstract: A starting button apparatus for a vehicle includes a switch body, an antenna coil, a reciprocation housing, and a rotation housing. The switch body includes a key hole therein, into which a key fob is inserted, and a starting button mounted thereto. The antenna coil is provided to the switch body to allow power to be applied to the key fob inserted into the key hole. The reciprocation housing is secured to an outer surface of the starting button and has a first inclined guide. The rotation housing is fitted around the reciprocation housing and has a second inclined guide which is slidably engaged with the first inclined guide so as to push the starting button when the inserted key fob is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention is a warning system for alerting a driver and others to ensure an examination is made of a school or day care bus or van is thoroughly examined for remaining occupants following a transportation run.

Abstract: A vehicle remote operation device of optimized fail-safe function is disclosed that directs a vehicle to execute operations in response to a remote operation request made by a user of the vehicle. The vehicle remote operation device has a fail-safe control unit that changes a fail-safe criterion in execution of the remote operation according to a distance between the user and the vehicle. Preferably, the fail-safe criterion is moderated when the distance between the user and the vehicle is short. Alternatively, instead of measuring the distance between the user and the vehicle, a Smart Entry System is used to detect a key carried by the user to determine whether the user is near the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle disable system including an onboard computer linked to a throttle control relay. The onboard computer is capable of communicating to a remote control center by way of telecommunications link. If certain security protocols are breached, the control center communicates a shutdown command to the vehicle by way of the telecommunications link and the vehicle initiates a shutdown procedure for incapacitating the vehicle throttle controls.

Abstract: An electronic steering lock includes a power supply control unit and a locking assembly. The power supply control unit provides a supply voltage for locking the assembly via a ground supply line and a voltage supply line. The locking assembly is only supplied with a supply voltage and ground when a voltage with respect to ground is present on an ignition supply line, which is indicative of the ignition being switched off. The locking assembly includes a locking motor supplied with voltage and ground, whereby the ground supply of the locking motor is provided via a ground supply switching device. The locking assembly further includes a control circuit which controls the ground supply switching device. The control circuit produces a control signal which opens the ground supply switching device when the voltage on the additional input connection is indicative of the ignition being switched on.

Abstract: A driving authorization system comprises an electronic immobilizer function which is coupled to a rotary shaft sensor. The rotary shaft sensor senses the position and/or rotational speed of the rotary shaft by means of a pickup wheel arranged on a rotary shaft, and transmits that information to a vehicle control unit which enables the electronic immobilizer function. According to the invention, the pickup wheel comprises a predefined number of teeth which are arranged distributed along the circumference of the pickup wheel according to a code, and an encoded rotational speed signal which is picked up by the rotary shaft sensor and can be decoded by the vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit enables the immobilizer function only after successful decoding of the encoded rotational speed signal. A synchronization time for detecting a specific position of the rotary shaft is part of the encoded rotational speed signal.

Abstract: A moving body starting system includes: a moving-body-mounted unit mounted in a moving body moved by an engine; a portable unit carried by a user performing radio communication with the mounted unit; an operation switch provided on a moving body side and outputting an operation signal to the mounted unit upon user's operation; a steering unlocking unit unlocking a steering lock mechanism provided on the moving body side; and a moving body power supply control unit provided on the moving body side to perform control on power supply to an engine control device of the moving body, in which the mounted unit includes: an authentication unit performing an authentication processing by radio communication with the portable unit; and an operation control unit, after the authentication, causing at least one of the unlocking unit and the power supply control unit to perform a predetermined processing base on the input operation signal.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a compact device for despatching a command. For this purpose, the invention proposes a novel type of output stage. A secure verification device of the despatching of a binary command signal from at least one conductor has an input terminal and an output terminal. Means of insertion despatch a verification message on said conductor. At least one optical coupler has an emission diode coupled to the conductor so as to copy the verification message when the binary signal is in a first state and not to copy it when it is in a second state different from the first state.

Abstract: A vehicle security control system receives from a separated communication device a demand signal to prohibit or permit engine operation via an immobilizer. The vehicle control device includes a display for displaying information on the engine operation, a communication unit for receiving the demand signal from the separated communication device and a remote security ECU for providing a control signal according to the demand signal, an immobilizer ECU for setting or unsetting the immobilizer according to the control signal. The immobilizer ECU prohibits the display from displaying the information on the engine operation when the immobilizer ECU unsets the immobilizer even when the separated communication device provides the demand signal to prohibit engine operation.

Abstract: A vehicle security control apparatus has a connecting portion within a vehicle for receiving a switch device and a determination backup device. The determination backup device determines whether to permit or prohibit use of the vehicle by performing a code comparison with the switch device connected to the connecting portion if a determiner is unable to determine whether to permit or prohibit the use of the vehicle. Therefore, the apparatus is able to permit use of the vehicle even if the battery of a portable device is depleted or radio interference occurs.