Manual Code Input (e.g., Push Button) Patents (Class 307/10.4)
  • Patent number: 11321576
    Abstract: A distributed biometric vehicle entry system is configured to provide personalized biometric authentication for vehicle entry. The system utilizes an authentication token private key challenge generated a biometric wireless vehicle entry keypad, or a passive device such as a smartphone or fob, such that it would be insufficient for an intruder to simply jump the circuit with an external battery. The biometric authentication may be localized to an embedded system within the biometric vehicle entry keypad, and may be self-contained from all other vehicle systems with a wireless vehicle interface and independent power supply. The vehicle may grant access responsive to receiving the authentication token (and only the authentication token) whenever a valid biometric signature is recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Van Wiemeersch, Ali Hassani
  • Patent number: 11254239
    Abstract: A vehicle power controller includes a processor capable of switching a power source of a vehicle based on whether a user rides in the vehicle, or whether a brake input occurs. The processor determines whether the user rides in the vehicle based on whether a smart key is authenticated in an interior of the vehicle, whether a door of the vehicle is opened or closed, or whether the user is seated in a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Da Ye Oh
  • Patent number: 11218230
    Abstract: A calibration system for calibrating a number of transceivers, each comprising an in-phase signal path and a quadrature signal path in receive direction and/or in transmit direction is disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Grieger, Alexandros Pollakis, Volker Aue, Jan Dohl, Ulrich Walther
  • Patent number: 11155236
    Abstract: A method of controlling and monitoring operation of a device is disclosed. The method includes communicating an authorization code via a management source to a processor having a memory. The processor is configured for regulating operation of the device, and is operatively connected to a keyless start arrangement configured to activate the device. The method additionally includes receiving the authorization code by the processor and storing the authorization code within the controller memory. Furthermore, the method includes entering an access code via a selective input, receiving the access code by the processor, and authorizing operation of the device if the access code matches the authorization code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: AHERN RENTALS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Joseph Abshire
  • Patent number: 11055941
    Abstract: An electronic control key including security check circuitry used by an inductive system to perform at least one security check to determine whether to enable authorized functions. The inductive system receives power and enables communications via an inductive link for backup operation. The security check circuitry may include battery status circuitry and distance measurement circuitry. The inductive system invokes the distance measurement circuitry to perform a secure distance check when the battery status is good, in which the inductive system enables authorized functions only when the secure distance check passes. The security check circuitry may include a motion detector for performing a motion inquiry. The motion inquiry may include detecting motion of the electronic control key or detecting a predetermined characteristic movement or a programmed motion pattern. The security check circuitry may be a button in which authorized functions are enabled only when the button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Eber, Dorian Haslinger
  • Patent number: 10692378
    Abstract: In an information collection method of the present disclosure, a processor of an information collection system acquires event sensor data and identification information from an on-vehicle terminal or a passenger terminal, the event sensor data being output, in response to an event trigger, from an on-vehicle sensor mounted on the on-vehicle terminal or a passenger sensor mounted on the passenger terminal, the identification information identifying an output source of the event sensor data, identifies the passenger terminal associated with the identification information when the identification information indicates the on-vehicle terminal, identifies the on-vehicle terminal associated with the identification information when the identification information indicates the passenger terminal, requests sensor data from the identified passenger terminal or on-vehicle terminal, acquires the sensor data from a request destination, and stores the event sensor data and the sensor data in association with each other in a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Yukie Shoda, Toru Tanigawa, Junichi Imoto, Yusuke Tsukamoto, Hidetsugu Maekawa, Tetsuji Fuchikami, Seiya Imomoto
  • Patent number: 10673621
    Abstract: A management device installed in an automobile includes an initially-delivered key storage unit for storing a plurality of initially-delivered keys corresponding to candidates of initially-delivered keys held by an ECU, a communication part for communicating with the ECU, a verification part for verifying encrypted data from the ECU with the initially-delivered key of the initially-delivered key storage unit, and a wireless communication part for receiving a new initially-delivered key held by a new ECU newly installed in the automobile from management server equipment through a wireless communication network. The initially-delivered key storage unit stores the new initially-delivered key received with the wireless communication part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: KDDI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Takemori, Hideaki Kawabata
  • Patent number: 10632854
    Abstract: A system for controlling a charging process of a vehicle. A control device that is designed for the purpose of verifying, based on theft information, whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen and to control a charging process of the vehicle in dependence on this verification. The vehicle itself includes the control device. Furthermore, a vehicle having such a control device as well as a method for controlling a charging process of a vehicle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Michael Spähn, Jens Schulz, Andreas Schlaudraff
  • Patent number: 10491422
    Abstract: A networking device includes a chassis, a port located on the chassis, a port configuration display located on the chassis, and a plurality of port configuration buttons located on the chassis. A port configuration engine is included in the chassis and is coupled to each of the port, the port configuration display, and the plurality of port configuration buttons. The port configuration engine is configured to provide a current Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) assignment for the port for display on the port configuration display. When the port configuration engine determines that a first port configuration button of the plurality of port configuration buttons has been actuated at least once, the port configuration engine modifies the current VLAN assignment for the port to provide a modified VLAN assignment for the port, and provides the modified VLAN assignment for the port for display on the port configuration display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Victor B. Teeter, Andrew Blake Berry, Dean Williams Peters
  • Patent number: 10408918
    Abstract: In a method for determining orientation of an object, raw image data of the sky is recorded using a sky polarimeter. One or more of Stokes parameters (S0, S1, S2), degree of linear polarization (DoLP), and angle of polarization (AoP) are calculated from the image data to produce a set of processed images. Last known position and time data of the object are obtained, and a known Sun azimuth and elevation are calculated using the last known position and time data. Roll and pitch of the object are found, and the roll and pitch data are used to find a zenith in the processed images. The yaw/heading of the object is determined using the difference between a polarization angle at the zenith and a calculated Sun azimuth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Michael Aycock, David B. Chenault, Arthur Lompado, J. Larry Pezzaniti
  • Patent number: 10273725
    Abstract: A powered door latch system for vehicles includes a controller configured to receive data concerning vehicle operating conditions. The door latch system also includes at least one electrically powered door latch having a powered actuator that can be actuated by the controller to unlatch the electrically powered latch. An emergency release is mechanically connected to the electrically powered latch to mechanically release the latch. The system also includes a user communication device such as a display screen that is operably connected to the controller. The user communication device provides a user with information concerning the location and/or operation of the emergency release if a predefined operating condition such as a loss of electrical power has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Robert Bruce Kleve, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Rajesh K. Patel
  • Patent number: 10242401
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to detect user proximity to a rental vehicle. The processor is also configured to instruct a user to photograph an identified portion of a vehicle. The processor is further configured to receive an image captured using a mobile device, including the processor, responsive to the instruction. Also, the processor is configured to determine if a predefined threshold correspondence between the captured image and a predefined image is met and transmit confirmation to the vehicle, responsive to the predefined threshold correspondence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Annette Lynn Huebner, Jayanthi Rao, Stuart C. Salter
  • Patent number: 10074223
    Abstract: Systems of an electrical vehicle and the operations thereof are provided. Within an autonomous vehicle fleet that can be optionally primarily used for ridesharing, how does an owner or first user of one of the vehicles prevent another customer or second user from approaching a vehicle and using it for their own purposes/trips? How does the first customer lock down the vehicle for their use exclusively? How does a user secure any personal data that they may have stored in the vehicle? As one example, software locking, portable device authentication, human identification, biometric, rolling code and/or a physical identification card can be utilized to secure and/or reserve the vehicle for the first user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Austin L. Newman
  • Patent number: 10065657
    Abstract: A method and system for applying vehicle settings to a vehicle is provided. The method and system include determining if a portable device is connected to the vehicle. The method and system also include identifying a first settings profile that is linked to the portable device upon determining that an auto-link functionality is enabled on the vehicle. The method and system further include determining if a user input is received to link a second settings profile to the portable device and identifying the second settings profile that is linked to the portable device. The method and system also include applying a settings profile to control a vehicle system during a current drive cycle of the vehicle, wherein the settings profile applied to control a vehicle system includes the first settings profile or the second settings profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Porembski, Daniel Galano
  • Patent number: 10042453
    Abstract: A semi-reflective display and a method for fabricating and assembling a semi-reflective display are presented, where the display may be comprised of visible light rectifying antenna arrays tuned to four different colors, which when forward biased may use electric power to amplify reflected colored light, and when reversed biased may generate electric power by absorbing light. TFT-tunnel diode logic may be used to control each sub-pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: NovaSolix, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence H. Cooke
  • Patent number: 9986436
    Abstract: A forced failure mode may be activated if a predetermined number of incorrect passwords are received at an apparatus. In forced failure mode, the apparatus determines if a forced failure is to be performed in response to a received password. If a forced failure is to be performed, an access failure is forced. When subsequent passwords are received the determine operation is repeated. When it is determined that a forced failure is not to be performed in response to a password entry, access may be granted if the password is correct, or denied if the password is incorrect. The apparatus may then leave forced failure mode or repeat forced failure mode. The apparatus may be configured in a mobile device and the access attempted may be unlocking of the device. The apparatus may also be configured in a network server and the access attempted may be network access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Amer Hassan
  • Patent number: 9972148
    Abstract: A key-less entry system for motor vehicle uses actuations of one or more pre-existing vehicle components accessible from outside the vehicle, such as door handles, to generate an unlock an unlock code that is stored in a control unit. The code represents a sequence of actuations of component(s). Upon leaving the vehicle, the user locks the vehicle and sets the code by actuating the components in the desired sequence. To later unlock the vehicle, the user repeats the sequence of actuations, and the control unit sends an unlock signal to one or more door latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johannes Huennekens, Gregory Foletta, Samuel Ellis
  • Patent number: 9842485
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a security system that protects a secured geographic area, a delayed alarm process executing on a processor of the security system, wherein the delayed alarm process is activated by an authorized person through a user input of the security system, a timer of the delayed alarm process that delays sending an alarm message to a predetermined destination for a predetermined time period first following activation of the delayed alarm process by the authorized person through the user input, and a cancel feature of the delayed alarm process that disables the delayed alarm process upon receipt of an instruction from the authorized person, wherein, upon expiration of the predetermined time period without receipt of a reset, the delayed alarm process sends the alarm message to the predetermined destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Nikhil Scaria, Galib Gaurav, Chaithra Mandanna.K, Sunil Parisi, Divyashree Krishnamurthy
  • Patent number: 9779899
    Abstract: A switch assembly and method for use with power equipment, the switch assembly comprises a housing assembly for having an actuator opening, the opening defining spaced first and second internal housing positions and a removably located actuator for selectively positioning within the opening of the housing assembly for altering the operation of power equipment. The switch assembly further includes a first switch corresponding to the first housing position to selectively provide power to one or more components of the power equipment and a second switch corresponding to the second housing position such that the second switch is spaced away from the first housing position, the second switch for detecting the presence and position of the actuator such to further alter the operation of power equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McMahon, Tony Aboumrad, Isaac Kirbawy
  • Patent number: 9621707
    Abstract: A system and method for discouraging the in appropriate use of a mobile device including registering a mobile device with a monitoring application running on a system coupled with a network. A mobile device is linked with the monitoring application through the network. The operational status of the mobile device is monitored to detect if a change occurs in the operational status. A change in the operational status of the mobile device is reported to the monitoring program with time information and the status change is displayed in a graphical interface, and a notification message is sent to a system user. Beacons might also be implemented to advise a device user to disable a mobile device to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: 20/20 CTE, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Way, Geoff Cornwall, Greg Neiheisel, David Pearce
  • Patent number: 9518408
    Abstract: A door latch system for doors of motor vehicles includes an input device such as a keypad and a backup electrical power supply to unlock the door latch in the event the primary power supply fails, thereby eliminating the need for a lock cylinder. The door latch system is configured to supply electrical power from the primary electrical power supply to unlock the latch upon receiving a signal from a mobile phone, and to supply electrical power from the backup electrical power supply to unlock the latch if an authorized code is input via the keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 9108605
    Abstract: An air brake security locking system retains semi-trailers in a fixed position to prevent theft and is connected to an air brake line of the semi-trailer. The system includes a battery-powered valve which isolates air lines within the braking system at a low-pressure condition, thereby maintaining continuous braking of the wheels. The system includes a locked control box to secure and protect a user interface used to activate the system by entry of a numeric code using a keypad or by using a bypass key lock. A wireless remote actuation device is also utilized to activate the system from a distance. In a deactivated state, the system allows the braking system of the semi-trailer operates as normal. In an activated state, the system securely applies the spring brake units of the semi-trailer preventing movement and possible theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventors: Gordon Farnum, Brent Rogers
  • Patent number: 8957760
    Abstract: In a vehicle theft preventing device that is used in a chargeable vehicle, a prohibition request signal, that requests the prohibition of execution of vehicle function is transmitted from a terminal to the vehicle when power is received by the vehicle. The vehicle theft preventing device disallows authentication using a key when the prohibition request signal is received from the terminal. The authentication using the key is disallowed unless the authentication is enabled by the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshifumi Nishijima, Toshiro Hikita
  • Patent number: 8872972
    Abstract: A router module is arranged in a housing of a smart television. The router module is externally connected to a modem for surfing the Internet. The router module is electrically connected to a micro processing unit of the smart television. Therefore, the smart television is connected to the Internet through the router module. A wireless transmission chip of the router module is configured to process Internet signals. An antenna module is configured to wirelessly transmit the Internet signals, so that wireless network is shared to outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Nai-Chien Chang
  • Patent number: 8829722
    Abstract: An energy storage and management system (ESMS) includes one or more energy storage devices configured to store electrical energy, a power electronic conversion system having a plurality of energy ports and including a plurality of DC electrical converters, and a controller configured to split a source current flowing from an electrical source that is connected to one of the plurality of energy ports into a first current and a second current, wherein the first and second currents flows respectively first and second of the plurality of DC converters, alter the first current and the second current by selectively turning on and turning off current flow to the first and second DC converters, and form a charging current by passing the first current and the second current simultaneously to a first of the one or more energy storage devices that is coupled to a second of the plurality of energy ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ruediger Soeren Kusch, Robert Dean King, Danijel Maricic
  • Patent number: 8548645
    Abstract: A keyless ignition start system in which authentication of a coded key fob is carried out twice, first to activate the ignition switch to allow starting the engine and second at the time when the brake pedal is depressed to put the car in a drive gear. The two step authentication prevents driving off a car which has been started without having the key fob for security purposes and also to avoid inconvenient situations that can otherwise occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Donna Long
  • Patent number: 8433456
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David G. Peterson, Brian K. Lickfelt, John Sgueglia, Trevor Scott Whitten
  • Patent number: 8417415
    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: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Phelan
  • Patent number: 8302725
    Abstract: In an apparatus for preventing theft of equipment (electric wheelchair) having a prime mover (electric motor), a prime mover controller, and an authenticator that acquires ID information from an electronic key when the key is brought close thereto by an operator, determines whether the acquired ID information corresponds with authentication ID information, and permits the controller to start the prime mover when the acquired ID information is determined to correspond with authentication ID information, the controller stores operating history of the equipment, and the authenticator acquires the history from the controller when the key is brought close thereto and transmits the acquired history to the key when the key is brought close thereto, thereby making it easy to acquire the operating history of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Yamamura, Kosei Yamashita, Yoshihisa Shinogi, Yoshinori Maekawa, Masato Takeda, Masashi Manita
  • Patent number: 8263885
    Abstract: A switch device has a slider that advances and retreats in a front-back direction, a push button that is integrally provided at a front end of the slider, a switch contact whose on and off states are switched according to an operation for pushing down the push button to cause the slider to retreat, a biasing member that biases the slider in an advancing direction in order to return the push button and the slider to a non-manipulated position, a case in which the switch contact, the biasing member, and the slider are assembled, the push button being disposed in an opening at a front end of the case, a front-portion constituent member that is attached to the case while disposed around the push button in the opening, and a coil that is wound around a bobbin formed in an outer circumference of the front-portion constituent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8169308
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Hammer, Gerhard Metz, Richard Roskosch
  • Patent number: 7952463
    Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a screen for displaying a message, a fingerprint reader provided to the screen to detect a fingerprint of a driver touching the screen with a finger, a switch having a first state for allowing engine start of a vehicle and a second state for prohibiting the engine start, and a controller for keeping the switch in the second state until receiving the fingerprint from the reader and for changing the switch to the first state upon receiving the fingerprint from the reader. The reader can detect the fingerprint of the driver without being noticed by the driver, because the message leads the driver to unquestioningly touch the screen with the finger. Even if the vehicle is stolen by the driver, the driver is identified by the detected fingerprint so that a chance of catching the driver can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Iichirou Terao
  • Patent number: 7932627
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignees: Marquardt GmbH, Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Karl Mueller, Gerd Stauss, Ralf Maier, Andreas Titze, Ralf Borngräber, Dietmar Grave, Andreas Thiele, Klaus Revermann
  • Patent number: 7817018
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Tse Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: 7777613
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Duane Fifer, Itzhack Goldberg, Julianne Frances Haugh, Boaz Mizrachi
  • Patent number: 7693656
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirokazu Sakano
  • Patent number: 7679486
    Abstract: An in-vehicle antitheft device and a central authentication device can improve a convenience of use of a user while maintaining a high security, which is a merit of a central-type authentication system. A use of a first group of vehicle functions, which has not been permitted, is permitted when an authentication by an in-vehicle local collation part is completed in agreement. A request signal of requesting a user authentication is transmitted to a central authentication device through a communication line. A use of a second group of vehicle functions, which have note been permitted, is permitted when the user authentication is completed in agreement in the central authentication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Hidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Okada
  • Patent number: 7634332
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating route for powered industrial vehicles are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a route generation module configured to determine route data based on facility layout data and historical usage data. The system also includes a PIV equipped with various sensors and a user interface module configured to allow selective access to the operative components of the PIV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: David E. Williams, Stephen J. McElroy
  • Patent number: 7613551
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushika Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Naoki Taki
  • Patent number: 7550868
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Transportation Systems SAS
    Inventors: Benoît Fumery, Pierre Capdevila
  • Patent number: 7539571
    Abstract: A non-contact neutral sensing apparatus with directional feedback in a vehicle directional control system for an agricultural or construction vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard P. Strosser, Zachary Scmook, Douglas R. Otto, David G. Lutz
  • Patent number: 7532107
    Abstract: An anti-theft system for a vehicle includes schedule taking means for taking a usage schedule of the vehicle, wherein the usage schedule of the vehicle includes a future time for the vehicle to be used next, interval calculating means for calculating an interval between a present time and the future time, and security level setting means for setting a security level of the anti-theft system based on the interval between the present time and the future time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Hara, Shogo Kameyama, Masaaki Ozaki
  • Patent number: 7388471
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an anti-theft system includes an input device and a processor having an associated memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to activate the anti-theft system in response to receiving an authorization code from the input device and, when the anti-theft system is activated, to lock the engine in response to receiving one of a user code and a master code from the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Glenn O. Scheer, Dennis P. Reiter, Kenneth Franck
  • Patent number: 7365633
    Abstract: A vehicle remote control apparatus has: A) a first transmitter for outputting an authentication request signal to a mobile device including a radio terminal assigned with an identification code special to a vehicle and outputting an authentication response signal corresponding to the identification code; B) a second transmitter for outputting an interference wave to cancel the authentication request signal at the same time as the first transmitter transmits the authentication request signal; C) a receiver for receiving the authentication response signal output from the mobile device in response to the authentication request signal, thereby checking authenticity of the authentication response signal; and D) a controller for controlling operation of an on-vehicle equipment based on the result of authentication of the authentication response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventors: Makoto Inoue, Tsutomu Maeda, Masaaki Ochi
  • Publication number: 20080048828
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a keyless operating system and method for a vehicle. The system includes a user input device for receiving a first and a second user input. A control module communicates with the user input device and is configured to receive the first user input from the user input device. The control module is further configured to determine whether the first user input corresponds to a first code and generate signals that enable vehicle entry if the first user input corresponds to the first code. The control module is also configured to receive the second user input from the user input device. The control module is configured to determine whether the second user input corresponds to a second code and generate signals that enable starting of a vehicle engine if the second user input corresponds to the second code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Buccinna
  • Patent number: 7327215
    Abstract: A keypad assembly for use on a vehicular keyless entry system comprises a selectively concealable keypad coupled to a processor and accessible from the exterior of the vehicle and through which an access code may be manually entered. A mirror assembly is mounted on an exterior surface of the vehicle and includes a base fixedly coupled to the exterior surface and a mirror compartment rotatably coupled to the base and capable of being rotated between an extended, operational position and a folded, retracted position. The keypad is mounted on the base so as to be visible and accessible when the mirror compartment is in its folded retracted position and hidden and inaccessible when the mirror compartment is in it's extended, operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Clark E. McCall, Fred W. Huntzicker
  • Patent number: 7298058
    Abstract: A remote control engine starting device includes an immobilizer and a remote engine starter for staring an engine when an engine start command is given from a remote location. The immobilizer further includes an interrogating signal outputting section, which outputs an interrogating signal when a signal related to engine starting is received, and an engine start permitting section, which gives engine start permission when a remote engine starter code that the remote engine starter outputs in response to the interrogating signal matches a remote engine starter verifying code preregistered in the immobilizer. The remote engine starter further includes an engine start signal outputting section, which outputs a signal related to engine starting, and a code outputting section, which in response to the interrogating signal, outputs the remote engine starter code preregistered in the remote engine starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Manabu Matsubara, Minoru Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7279806
    Abstract: System and method for positively identifying an operator through biometric means which shall prevent unauthorized or impaired operation of a motor vehicle by requiring the potential operator to sequentially energize several vehicle devices, within a set time period, prior to placing the vehicle ignition into a start position. The system includes a device for measuring an operator's biometric identification, and a microcontroller. Logic outputs from the sequencing mechanism and the timer mechanism are contained within the microcontroller operating as a logic decoder that is used to control the vehicle ignition circuit. The microcontroller monitors the sequence in which the vehicle's devices are energized, and if they are energized within the correct order and within the predetermined amount of time then the microcontroller will output a signal to allow the ignition circuit to close. A sensory indicator may alert the potential operator as to the condition of the microcontroller output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventors: Howard Stanley Hale, Elaine Elizabeth Futrell
  • Patent number: 7259653
    Abstract: A keyless entry device includes: a transmitter which includes an operating section relating to a door lock state for transmitting a door operation information and a specific identifying information based on an operating state of the operating section; and a receiving unit for outputting a signal to a door lock device based on the transmitted door operation information when the specific identifying information transmitted coincides with a registered identifying information stored previously; wherein a plurality of pieces of partial informations obtained by dividing the registered identifying information are sequentially received by the receiving unit to permit the information to be stored in the receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Michishige, Yoshinori Amagasa
  • Patent number: 7227447
    Abstract: A switch device is provided that ensures formation of a communicable area by a coil antenna. The switch device includes an ignition switch operated by an operator for driving an engine starter, a decorative cap arranged to surround the ignition switch and having an ornamental surface, and the coil antenna arranged adjacent to the decorative cap for transmitting a transponder-driving radio wave. The decorative cap includes a transmittable area that can transmit the transponder-driving radio wave therethrough. The transmittable area is formed in a part of the decorative cap excluding the ornamental surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Ohtaki, Takayuki Hiramitsu, Daisuke Kawamura, Tomoyuki Funayama, Koji Iwamoto