Abstract: A method to identify a person driving a vehicle and his/hers driving style, and also to switch on the vehicle either to a driving-allowing mode or to a drive-stop mode, is provided. In the method, the vehicle includes a scanner, and the driver is provided with a data-containing card or object. According to the method, the driving style information of the driver is stored on the card or object, and on starting driving the driver inserts the card or object into the vehicle scanner. Thereafter, data received from selected vehicle controls and/or data from varying information-collecting detectors is compared with information stored on the driver's driving style card, and on basis of the comparison the control unit in the vehicle either allows driving or enters a drive-stop mode.

Abstract: In the device a controllable switch is built into the control device which enables the start authorization and by means of which the supply voltage with which this controllable switch is supplied can be switched off. To check a start authorization a diagnosis can be undertaken which is realized with known resistance elements in the voltage supply line between identification device holder and control device. This allows the voltage drops across the elements to be compared with the corresponding required values. Simple short circuiting of the starter or the ignition is thus no longer possible since this would be detected by the control device as a result of the changes in voltage drop. In addition a fault in the supply voltage or the feed lines can be definitively detected.

Abstract: A security locker is for securing articles externally on a vehicle. The locker comprises a locker having at least one opening facing the exterior of the vehicle when the locker is fitted thereto, wherein the opening provides access to the interior of the locker. A door is moveable between an open position in which the interior of the locker is accessible through the opening from outside of the vehicle when the locker is fitted thereto, and a closed position in which the locker is inaccessible. The locker includes locking device that, when activated, locks the door in a closed position to prevent unauthorized access to the locker, and when deactivated unlocks the door to enable access to the locker. An input device is operatively connected to the locking device, wherein the locking device is accessible from outside the locked vehicle and it deactivates the locking device when an identifiable code is entered to thereby allow keyless entry to the locker.

Abstract: A start control apparatus has a steering lock mechanism, which includes a lock pin and a lock control unit. The lock pin is selectively engaged and disengaged from the steering shaft. The lock control unit controls the lock pin. The start control apparatus further includes a portable communication device, a verification control unit, which communicates with the portable communication device, a power source control unit, which control power supply, an engine control unit, which controls the engine, a lock state detecting switch, which detects an engaged state and a disengaged state of the lock pin. The lock control unit and the power source control unit monitor detection signals from the lock state detecting switch. The engine is permitted to be started on condition that the control units acknowledge that the lock bar is in the disengaged state.

Abstract: The disclosed technology can be used to develop systems and perform methods in which movements (e.g., manipulations of a door handle) associated with a locking element can be detected based on a sequence of signal interruptions caused by these movements and such sequence of signal interruptions can further serve as a basis for identifying an authorized user and as a basis for actuating the locking element to enable the authorized user to gain access to a restricted-access space defined within an enclosure (e.g., an automobile, a boat, an aircraft, a building, a container, a cabinet, etc.).

Abstract: Provided is a remote control system capable of preventing a key code from being deciphered when the key code is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver to be registered. In the transmitter, in response to a specified switch operation, a k-th common key code in a table to be used for enciphering a key code is changed to a registration key code stored in advance so that a key code is enciphered through the use of the table including the registration key code. A transmission code is produced by adding a predetermined code to the enciphered key code and the transmission code signal is transmitted to the receiver. This prevents easy deciphering of the key code because the key code is transmitted in a state enciphered.

Abstract: A tailgate controlled light system for automatically illuminating the interior of a pickup box upon opening of a tailgate. The tailgate controlled light system includes a light unit attachable within a pickup box, a control switch electrically connected to the light unit and attachable within the opening of the pickup box, and an override switch electrically connected to the control switch and to the vehicle power supply. The control switch is positioned to be depressed by the tailgate when closed thereby terminating power to the light unit. When the tailgate is opened away from the control switch the light unit is activated with power. The override switch is used to terminate power to the light unit regardless of the position of the tailgate.

Abstract: An antitheft device for a motor vehicle has a first receiver (2) in the motor vehicle, which is designed to receive signals in narrowband. The signals received by this receiver are evaluated in accordance with the code information contained in them. Furthermore, the antitheft device has a second broadband receiver (7) which receives signals outside the useful frequency band (3). If signals are received whose signal strength is above a threshold value (S), whose signal duration is shorter than a predefined time period (t2–t1) or whose code information corresponds largely to anticipated code information, the access to the motor vehicle, and its use, are not enabled.

Abstract: The present invention is a keypad module for a vehicle. The keypad module includes a housing having a front side, a back side, and side members, the front side having a flange adapted for mounting to a vehicle, a plurality of buttons operatively connected to the housing and recessed in the front side, a circuit board disposed within the housing, an intelligent control mounted to the circuit board and electrically connected to the plurality of buttons, and a network transceiver electrically connected to the intelligent control, the intelligent control adapted to transmit a vehicle access message through the network transceiver. The present invention also includes a method.

Abstract: A tracking system and method for locating a vehicle and/or asset. The system includes an inertial navigation device with inertial navigation sensors mounted on the vehicle and/or asset for generating a position vector used to determine an absolute vehicle/asset location. The system also includes a radio transmitter connected to the navigation device for transmitting the position vector; and a central monitoring station for receiving the position vector transmitted by the radio transmitter.

Abstract: An engine control unit which can solve current leakage from an ignition system or the like due to attachment of water drops or the like when washing a vehicle. A power circuit receiving power supply from a battery, supplying the power to an engine control unit, and maintaining supply of a power to the engine control unit even when the power supply from the battery is stopped, a unit disconnection detecting circuit for detecting that the engine control unit is disconnected from the battery, and an EEPROM are provided, and when disconnection of the engine control unit is detected, an engine stop flag is stored in the EEPROM, and when the engine control unit is connected and a power is supplied from the battery, the engine is not permitted to start for a certain period of time if the engine stop flag is stored in the EEPROM.

Abstract: In an integrated system of alarm components used in the real estate industry, the product family consists of three primary components: a portable transmitter unit, a vehicle-mounted transceiver unit, and a house-installed receiver unit. The system is intended to enhance the personal safety of real estate professionals who venture into the field, e.g., to show vacant houses to potential buyers. The transmitter is sized to be handheld, attached with a belt clip, or carried in pocket. When a panic button on the transmitter is depressed, the transmitter sends coded radio frequency signals which will activate either or both of the vehicle-mounted transceiver and the house-installed receiver as well as other system devices within range. When the transceiver is activated, the unit's horn will sound, and the transceiver will in turn transmit a coded radio frequency signal to any one or more identified receiver units sharing the same signal code.

Abstract: A tailgate controlled light system for automatically illuminating the interior of a pickup box upon opening of a tailgate. The tailgate controlled light system includes a light unit attachable within a pickup box, a control switch electrically connected to the light unit and attachable within the opening of the pickup box, and an override switch electrically connected to the control switch and to the vehicle power supply. The control switch is positioned to be depressed by the tailgate when closed thereby terminating power to the light unit. When the tailgate is opened away from the control switch the light unit is activated with power. The override switch is used to terminate power to the light unit regardless of the position of the tailgate.

Abstract: The occurrence of vehicle theft is more positively prevented when a door and running system of a vehicle are unlocked, by a remote controller, with different identification codes. The door of a vehicle is locked when an identification code is inputted from the remote controller, and the door cannot be unlocked as long as the same identification code is not inputted from the remote controller. The running system of the vehicle is locked when the driver of the vehicle pushes the switch of an interior device in driver-selected order. As long as the switch of the interior device is pushed in the same order, the running system can be unlocked. As a result, theft of the vehicle can be more positively prevented.

Abstract: A method is provided for releasing a secret number of a theft prevention function in jet propulsion boat, which is equipped with the theft prevention function. The theft preventing function is capable of turning a power source ON by an occupant inputting the secret number. In the method, at least one of a plurality of harness connected to the theft prevention function is removed to input, a predetermined number (number for release), whereby the secret number is rendered capable of being released. Since the secret number is rendered capable of being released by removing at least one of a plurality of harnesses connected to the theft prevention function, and by inputting a predetermined number, it is possible to make forgetting the secret number and maintenance of the theft prevention function compatible.

Abstract: In an immobilizer controller, a key-side identifying information stored in a key is collated (compared) with an immobilizer-side identifying information stored in the immobilizer controller. In a shift controller, the key-side identifying information is collated with a shift-lock-side identifying information stored in the shift controller. If the identifying informations do not coincide with each other in at least one of the immobilizer controller and the shift controller, neither a fuel-injection-control permitting command nor a shift-lock-cancellation permitting command is output. An engine is maintained in its inoperative state, and a transmission is maintained in a state where rotation of a driving-torque transmitting shaft is prevented. If the identifying informations coincide with each other in the immobilizer controller, it is possible to reinforce security in comparison with the case where the fuel-injection-control permitting command and the shift-lock-cancellation permitting command are output.

Abstract: A method and system for modifying vehicle function are disclosed. Upon receiving an indication of an event initiated by an automobile user, an additional automobile feature corresponding to the event is determined. In addition, an automobile module is directed via a diagnostic port of an automobile to perform the additional feature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a keyless system for operating and accessing a vehicle such as an automobile, truck, minivan, bus, airplane, train, boat, etc. Preferably, the user's fingerprint is his or her “right of passage” into the vehicle. The system includes fingerprint triggered access to the physical inside space of a vehicle and along with other commands, preferably voice activated and/or card/card reader, control the vehicle's various systems. The system is designed to perform optimally in less than perfect environmental conditions and is preferably provided with its own source of energy. The system also includes a controller and interface in communication with a fingerprint sensor.

Abstract: A manual inputting device which includes a sun gear, three planet gears, a motor having an output shaft thereof fixed to the sun gear, a ring gear casing integrally forming a ring gear on an inner peripheral surface thereof, a carrier rotated along with revolution of the planet gears, a carrier shaft mounted on the carrier, a restricting member facing the carrier in an opposed manner while sandwiching the planet gears therebetween, a knob fixed to the carrier shaft, a code plate integrally formed with the sun gear, a light emitting section, a light receiving section, a connector for outputting detection signals generated from the light receiving section, a board connecting these components thereto, a body casing, a bracket served for fixing the motor to the body casing, and a control unit for controlling the motor in response to detection signals from the light receiving section.

Abstract: A remote door lock controlling apparatus for a vehicle performing a door lock control in response to a response signal received by a vehicle mounted receiver which is transmitted from a portable transmitter/receiver upon receiving a response demand signal from the vehicle is improved wherein the door lock control function is stopped by a request of the user or depending on the magnitude of a terminal voltage of a battery mounted in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a vehicle, where an actuation variable of an operating control element operable by the driver is measured and converted into a controlled variable, using a predetermined correlation. In this case, the correlation can be changed by the driver, using a setting mechanism.

Abstract: A control device includes a relay device coupled to a processor device, a power device coupled to the processor device and the relay device for energizing the processor device and the relay device, and a load device coupled to the relay device. A device may further be used for supplying control signals to the processor device, in order to switch on and switch off the relay device. The relay device includes two transistors coupled to the processor device, and two coils coupled to the transistors, for being actuated by the processor device with less electric power consumed.

Abstract: In the construction machinery equipped with an engine, a hydraulic control unit and a machine controller, there is provided an antitheft device for the construction machinery, which can prevent the engine from starting and the hydraulic control unit from working with reliability no matter how the starter circuit of the engine is modified. The initial state of the machine controller is so set that the fuel injection by a fuel injection unit of the engine is halted and that the operations of control units in the hydraulic control unit are halted, and an antitheft control unit is provided to release the initial state of the machine controller upon receiving a release signal from the antitheft control unit.

Abstract: A vehicle wireless transmitter system includes a portable fob and a repeater mounted in the vehicle headliner. The portable fob includes user actuated buttons and code generation circuitry for a remote keyless entry system, garage door opener system, and home security system. When the user activates the garage door opener button on the portable fob from within the vehicle, the code generated by the portable fob is repeated by the repeater mounted in the vehicle headliner and retransmitted in a more powerful signal directed through the windshield. Thus, the portable fob insures that the code generation circuitry is removed from the vehicle with the user, while the repeater insures that the transmitted signal has enough power to provide satisfactory range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural theft protection system for motor vehicles with a blocking control device (30) for releasing a motor control device (31), a code acquisition device (20, 21) that is connected to the blocking control device, and a device (32) connected to the blocking control device (30) for acquiring a vehicle use parameter (T, S), as well as with several locally fixed code takeover/output stations (10, 11), wherein the blocking control device (30) keeps the motor control device (31) in the release position only if the blocking control device (30) is fed a new release information by one of the locally fixed code takeover/output stations (10, 11), preferably at regular intervals.

Abstract: A dual mode alarm control panel includes a sensing arrangement for determining conditions of the environment in which the panel is installed. The results of the environmental assessment are used to determine an operating mode of the panel. In a first mode the panel is fully functional, and in a second mode the functions of the panel are restricted. This process assists in operating alarm control panels in an environment corresponding to the assumed design environment. In this way, non-compliance or operating alarm panels in unsuitable environments is reduced or avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine having an electronic engine controller to automatically start the engine at a programmable day/date and time include determining a current day/date and time, comparing the current day/date and time to a day/date and time previously stored in the programmable memory for automatically starting the engine, determining whether current conditions are acceptable for automatically starting the engine, and controlling the engine to automatically start the engine beginning at the programmed day/date and time. In one embodiment, a remotely located computer transmits a signal to coordinate automatic starting of a plurality of engines, such as in a truck/bus fleet, or for construction equipment at a construction site. Security features are provided to reduce the possibility of unauthorized use/theft of a vehicle or other equipment after being automatically started.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a transmitter to be carried by a user, a controller at the vehicle responsive to the transmitter, and an information display unit connected to the controller. The information display unit may include a first housing for positioning adjacent a front windshield area of the vehicle, and an indicator, such as an alphanumeric indicator, carried by the first housing and being driven by the controller. The controller is preferably switchable among a number of modes, and cooperates with the information display unit for indicating a current mode to the user. The information display unit may further include a control switch carried by the first housing. The control switch may be connected to the controller for switching the controller to a desired mode.

Abstract: A car jacking prevention system that is triggered in a number of ways and that allows a vehicle owner or driver to establish a safe distance between himself/herself and the car jacker before the car jacking prevention system triggers a number of anti-theft mechanisms. The anti-theft mechanisms include an engine cut-off mechanism, an audible alarm, a visual alarm, and a radio transmitted location system to communicate to a central location the location of the vehicle for retrieval and immediate response by police or the like. As an option, the car jacking prevention system can include a trunk activation mechanism that triggers the car jacking prevention system while simultaneously unlocking the trunk of the vehicle. Another optional mechanism is a hidden camera that, when triggered, takes multiple pictures of the car jacker while the car jacking is in progress.

Abstract: A system for restricting access to certain components of a vehicle, the vehicle having a first mode wherein access to the certain components is restricted and a second mode wherein the certain components are accessible, the vehicle having a processor programmed to place the vehicle in the first mode upon receipt of a first signal and to place the vehicle in the second mode upon receipt of a second signal, the system comprising: a remote control; and means for causing transmission to the processor of the first signal to place the system in the first mode and means for causing transmission of the second signal to the processor to place the system in the second mode. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A security system for a vehicle includes a keyboard including a start key and a washout key and adapted to receive a user code. A processor is operably coupled to the keyboard for receiving signals indicative of entry of the user code actuation of the washout key and, wherein the processor provides an output signal if the user code is entered and is followed by actuation of the start key. The processor also provides the output signal if the start key has been entered during an adjustable time period after the vehicle has been turned off. However, if the washout key is actuated, the processor does not provide the output signal upon actuation of the start key during the time period after the vehicle is turned off. A controlled device is operably connected to the processor and controls a component of the vehicle to allow the vehicle to start when the output signal from the processor is received.

Abstract: A vehicle characteristic change system including characteristic information forming device for forming a characteristic information with which characteristics of an object vehicle are changed, information entry device for entering the characteristic information into the object vehicle, characteristic change device for changing the characteristics of the object vehicle in accordance with the characteristic information formed by the characteristic information forming means. Characteristics of a vehicle can be readily changed to meet a driver's taste, driving condition, driving circumstances and the like with compact system and low cost.

Abstract: A vehicle characteristic change system includes a characteristic information forming device for forming characteristic information with which characteristics of an object vehicle are changed: information entry device is used for entering the characteristic information into the object vehicle, and a characteristic change device is used for changing the characteristics of the object vehicle in accordance with the characteristic information formed by the characteristic information forming device. Characteristics of a vehicle can be readily changed to meet preference of driver, a driver's taste, driving condition, driving circumstances and the like with a compact system and at low cost.

Abstract: An operation member containing a transmitter for an immobilizer or receiver for the immobilizer, is indicated to a user so that the user may carefully handle the operation menber. An ignition key (1) has a grip (3) and a key plate (2) protruding from the grip (3). “Immobi” is engraved on the surface of the grip (3) to thereby form a first indication portion (11). “Immobi” is an abbreviation for an English word “immobilize”. Inside the grip (3) is contained a transponder which is an immobilizer transmitter.

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking a door of a motor vehicle. The device includes a transmitting unit located on the motor vehicle and at least one transponder with an access authorization code assigned to a user. To allow flexible adjustment to different situations, the information exchanged between the transmitting unit and transponder contains not only an access authorization code but also a driving authorization code. In addition to the transponder, at least one additional storage device is provided in or on the vehicle for storing the driving authorization.