Coded Record Input (e.g., Ic Card) Patents (Class 307/10.5)
  • Patent number: 11958562
    Abstract: A drive activation control unit in a control apparatus of a motorcycle controls a drive apparatus. An identification signal transmission unit intermittently transmits an identification signal without any operation by an operator who carries a portable terminal. A response signal reception unit receives a response signal transmitted from the portable terminal in response to the identification signal. In response to reception of the response signal, a request signal transmission unit makes a request of the portable terminal for key information. The key-information signal reception unit receives a key information signal including the key information. A drive-activation permission determination unit determines whether or not to permit activation of a drive control unit based on the key information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kotaro Onishi
  • Patent number: 11827176
    Abstract: An electronic door locking system of a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising at least one receiver for the transmission signals of an electronic key, at least one control device for mechanically locking and unlocking at least one motor vehicle door, at least one contact element, accessible from outside the motor vehicle, for connecting an external voltage source, wherein the at least one control device for mechanically locking and unlocking at least one motor vehicle door and/or at least one additional control device has an emergency power supply algorithm, wherein the electronic door locking system is designed to detect an emergency power supply mode and to activate the emergency power supply algorithm, wherein the emergency power supply algorithm is designed to deactivate at least one function of a normal mode and/or, in the case of a function, to access previously defined data of deactivated components or to ignore said data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Martin Wagener, Claus-Peter Brückner
  • Patent number: 11450162
    Abstract: A door locking/opening system includes multiple doors, each configured with a door ID number, a handle, a lock and an I/O controller, the I/O controller controls the corresponding door; multiple door controllers, each door controller connects the I/O controller of the respective door and controls the corresponding door; multiple sensors, each sensor connects the respective door controller and communicates with the corresponding door; a door controller unit, connected with the respective door controller via a decentralized network and controlling the multiple door controllers; the multiple door controllers are digitally connected and communicating with each other via the decentralized network; each door controller contains its local logbook of own activities and a configuration file of the complete door locking and/or opening system, and each door controller configurated to update and synchronize the configuration file with each other in a rotating cycle based on the door ID numbers in an ascending order, begi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Kübler
  • Patent number: 11381965
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method for an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises the steps of: registering user information and user customized setting information to a security server; detecting a relevant vehicle; and performing authentication in the security server by means of the user information if the relevant vehicle is detected, wherein, if the authentication is valid, the user customized setting information registered to the security server is transmitted to the relevant vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and other embodiments are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sungmin Jo, Ho Yang, Kwanghoon Han
  • Patent number: 11194350
    Abstract: A sensor of a vehicle receives an identification of a device coupled to an individual via a wireless communications protocol established between the device and the sensor. A computational device on the vehicle processes the identification to uniquely identify the individual. The computational device controls movements of the vehicle to maintain a computed distance at which the vehicle follows the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Manesh C. Nambiar, Rashmi Khanna
  • Patent number: 11127230
    Abstract: The present invention provides a service and supporting technology for backing up and restoring or replacing OEM vehicle keys. The system works by storing a copy of the data from an OEM key along with other information necessary to replace the OEM key in a key bank. The data collected is processed and stored such that a customer can order a universal replacement from the key bank programmed with the stored data to emulate the prior paired OEM key. No further pairing or programming is required by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: IKEYLESS, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Charles Johnson, Michael Calvin McCoy, Dave King
  • Patent number: 11078691
    Abstract: A vehicle door handle is provided that includes a deployable handle body located on a door, keypad contacts on an outer side of the handle body, an actuator configured to deploy the handle to a deployed position, a plurality of proximity sensors located on the handle body and generating activation fields, and a controller processing signals generated by the sensors to determine an input command for controlling the actuator and to determine a keypad input. The controller may sense ice on the handle and determine ice thickness and may control the actuator to break the ice based on the ice thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, David Brian Glickman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Kosta Papanikolaou
  • Patent number: 11078685
    Abstract: A lock system for a vehicle includes an electronic control module, an actuator in communication with the electronic control module, a lock member movable between an unlocked position and a locked position by the actuator, a sensor for sensing at least one of a current and a voltage supplied from the electronic control module to the actuator, and a processor configured to execute lock verification logic to determine whether the lock member moved from the unlocked position to the locked position based on the at least one of the current and the voltage sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Malek Jaradi
  • Patent number: 11021892
    Abstract: An apparatus has a housing with an elongate axis partially defining an interior chamber. A face plate is connected to the housing and defines a deadbolt opening. A circuit board disposed within the interior chamber has a first portion and second portion communicatively connected via a flexible ribbon. A battery holder is connected to the first portion. A sensor is connected to the second portion and is disposed proximate the deadbolt opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Amesbury Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Tagtow, Michael Lee Anderson, Tracy Lammers, Bruce Hagemeyer, Douglas John Criddle
  • Patent number: 10821538
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for using a welding or cutting system that uses a physical key to lock or unlock welding parameters or operations. The key can be used to lock, unlock, store and track welding or cutting information and can be customized as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Cross, Michael Relko
  • Patent number: 10726291
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an image recognition method and system based on deep learning. The image recognition method trains a recognizing engine for high resolution images and a recognizing engine for low resolution image separately. The two recognizing engines generate two independent feature groups specifically for high resolution and low resolution images respectively. A categorizing engine categorizes a testing image to a high resolution mode or a low resolution mode, and then the testing image is recognized by the appropriate recognizing engine. Therefore, the present disclosure increases the accuracy of image recognition under various conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventor: Guo-Zhen Wang
  • Patent number: 10696249
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a wearable device comprising one or more sensors is presented that receives one or more physiological parameters of a user sensed by the one or more sensors and causes adjustment of one or more vehicle parameters based on the one or more physiological parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Adrienne Heinrich, Ronaldus Maria Aarts
  • Patent number: 10645596
    Abstract: A passive entry passive start (PEPS) method for preventing relay attack includes detecting a distance of a wireless device to a vehicle based on a time of flight of an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal between the wireless device and a base station at the vehicle. The method further includes enabling by the base station a function of the vehicle only when the distance of the wireless device to the vehicle is within a zone of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Keith A. Christenson
  • Patent number: 10616855
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for locating a mobile terminal, in particular a mobile radio terminal for a cellular mobile radio network by way of an apparatus of a motor vehicle. The mobile terminal sets up a connection to at least one first receiver, while the mobile terminal does not set up a connection to the at least one further one of the receivers at least for this locating operation. Both the at least one first receiver and at least one of the further ones of the receivers each determine a field strength of at least one radio signal transmitted by the mobile terminal or a first receiver. The field strengths thus determined are used to locate to locate the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hermann, Michael Schmeisser
  • Patent number: 10387967
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a computer implemented system and method for automatically generating insurance policy related data. The system and method may determine a vehicle operator and generate empirical vehicle operator identity data. The system and method may further acquire empirical vehicle operation data related to the actual vehicle operator, and correlate the empirical vehicle operator identity data and the empirical vehicle operation data to generate vehicle insurance policy related data. The system and method may further include processing one or more insurance options, including underwriting and pricing, based at least in part on the vehicle insurance policy related data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory L. Hayward, Scott T. Christensen, Christopher E. Gay, Steven C. Cielocha, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 10339739
    Abstract: A vehicle key programming system and method for chip reading and writing, key and remote programming and remote frequency testing. The system tracks programming usage when not connected to system servers and reports such usage upon connection. Immobilizer algorithms are used to program and such algorithms are optimized with each attempted use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SmartBox Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Ornis Mala
  • Patent number: 10249123
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes one or more vehicle processors programmed to: provide a user interface to program a first wireless device as a new vehicle key and to delete a second wireless device as an existing vehicle key. The one or more vehicle processors may be further programmed to wirelessly transmit vehicle key security codes from the vehicle to the first device to program the first device. The one or more vehicle processors may be further programmed to display one or more programmed devices including the second device via a user interface for user selection to delete the second device as an existing vehicle key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Anthony Hatton
  • Patent number: 10157508
    Abstract: The disclosure provides method and device for providing alert information on a vehicle and storage medium. The method includes analyzing user behavior data of a certain period of time in association with a user terminal to obtain vehicle restriction dates during the certain period of time, determining a vehicle restriction pattern based on the vehicle restriction dates, determining a new vehicle restriction date based on the vehicle restriction pattern, and providing the alert information on the vehicle to the user terminal based on the new vehicle restriction date. In the disclosure, a user terminal analyzes user behavior data automatically and acquires a user restriction pattern, and derives a vehicle restriction date according to the user restriction pattern and intelligently alerts the user to vehicle restriction when the above vehicle restriction date is upcoming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Xiaomi Inc.
    Inventors: Sen Ma, Ming Liu, Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 10090619
    Abstract: A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Albert J. Golko, Mathias W. Schmidt, Eric S. Jol, Jahan Minoo, Ian Spraggs, Cameron Frazier, Fletcher Rothkopf, Jonathan Aase, Wendell Sander, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Patent number: 9972153
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle, a vehicle communications platform (VCP), and an in-vehicle biometric system. The VCP is programmed to recognize a sequence of events. The sequence of events includes a transmission of the vehicle shifting from drive to park, an engine of the vehicle is on, and the transmission of the vehicle shifting back from park to drive. The VCP is further programmed to, in response to the sequence of events, monitor a distance that the vehicle travels or monitor a time since an occurrence of the sequence of events, and to instruct the in-vehicle biometric system to enter an authentication mode after a set time has passed since the occurrence of the sequence of events or after the vehicle has traveled a set distance since the occurrence of the sequence of events. The in-vehicle biometric system is responsive to instructions from the VCP and initiates an authentication routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. Frye, Paul H. Pebbles, Dwight D. Brown, Jessica M. Bala
  • Patent number: 9953210
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods provide for improved facial detection and facial recognition in vehicle interior inspections. In various embodiments, one or more high-resolution cameras having one or more lens and filter attachments operate in conjunction with one or more auxiliary illumination devices and a related computer system. According to various embodiments, an auxiliary illumination device can be synchronized to one or more cameras, and configured to supply auxiliary illumination to facilitate capture of accurate and usable images. The filter(s) and advanced image processing solutions assist with facial detection and identifying individuals inside a vehicle, removing light glare and undesired reflections from a window surface, and capturing an image through a tinted window, among other things. Further, embodiments can compare a captured image to an authenticated image from a database, in order to confirm the identity of a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Rozploch, Diego Garrido, Marc Hansen
  • Patent number: 9896062
    Abstract: In system and methods for theft prevention or mitigation, driver-related data associated with one or more authorized drivers of an insured vehicle may be collected over time. The authorized drivers and the insured vehicle may be covered by an insurance policy issued by an insurance provider. Based upon the collected driver-related data, a database associated with the authorized drivers may be built. Current driver-related data associated with an individual currently driving, attempting to start, or sitting in a seat of the insured vehicle may be collected. It may be determined, using both the database and the current driver-related data, that the individual is not among the authorized drivers. A disablement of an operation of the insured vehicle may be caused, and/or the individual may be caused to be prevented from starting or otherwise operating the insured vehicle, to facilitate preventing or mitigating theft of the insured vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann, Douglas Albert Graff
  • Patent number: 9865020
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a computer implemented system and method for automatically generating insurance policy related data. The system and method may determine a vehicle operator and generate empirical vehicle operator identity data. The system and method may further acquire empirical vehicle operation data related to the actual vehicle operator, and correlate the empirical vehicle operator identity data and the empirical vehicle operation data to generate vehicle insurance policy related data. The system and method may further include processing one or more insurance options, including underwriting and pricing, based at least in part on the vehicle insurance policy related data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Hayward, Scott T. Christensen, Christopher E. Gay, Steven C. Cielocha, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 9850690
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock status system is provided. That system includes a door lock actuator, a door lock status indicator for indicating lock status of the multiple motor vehicle doors, and a controller. The controller is connected to the door lock actuator and the door lock status indicator. Further, the controller is configured to provide a door open signal, an all doors closed and locked signal and a failure to lock signal. A related method of indicating door lock status of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: George Anthony Bernwanger, Jr., Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Pawan Gupta, John Thomas Ricks, Rajesh K. Patel
  • Patent number: 9783159
    Abstract: In system and methods for theft prevention or mitigation, driver-related data associated with one or more authorized drivers of an insured vehicle may be collected over time. The authorized drivers and the insured vehicle may be covered by an insurance policy issued by an insurance provider. Based upon the collected driver-related data, a database associated with the authorized drivers may be built. Current driver-related data associated with an individual currently driving, attempting to start, or sitting in a seat of the insured vehicle may be collected. It may be determined, using both the database and the current driver-related data, that the individual is not among the authorized drivers. A disablement of an operation of the insured vehicle may be caused, and/or the individual may be caused to be prevented from starting or otherwise operating the insured vehicle, to facilitate preventing or mitigating theft of the insured vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Potter, Mark E. Clauss, Dustin Ryan Carter, Douglas Albert Graff, Megan Michal Baumann, Atlanta Bonnom, Craig Cope, Jennifer Luella Lawyer, Curtis Simpson, Nathan W. Baumann
  • Patent number: 9779458
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a computer implemented system and method for automatically generating insurance policy related data. The system and method may determine a vehicle operator and generate empirical vehicle operator identity data. The system and method may further acquire empirical vehicle operation data related to the actual vehicle operator, and correlate the empirical vehicle operator identity data and the empirical vehicle operation data to generate vehicle insurance policy related data. The system and method may further include processing one or more insurance options, including underwriting and pricing, based at least in part on the vehicle insurance policy related data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Hayward, Scott T. Christensen, Christopher E. Gay, Steven Cielocha, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 9688245
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for disabling and/or enabling a vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention can be a method including transmitting a disable command to an electronic apparatus that is operably coupled to a vehicle. The electronic apparatus may be configured to transition the vehicle between an enabled state wherein operation of the vehicle is permitted and a disabled state wherein operation of the vehicle is prohibited. The method may further include, after the electronic apparatus receives the disable command, sending a test signal from the electronic apparatus to a remote server over a wireless network upon the vehicle being parked. When the test signal is not successfully sent to the remote server, the vehicle may remain in or be returned to the enabled state. When the test signal is successfully sent to the remote server, the vehicle may remain in or be returned to the disabled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Meir Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9502756
    Abstract: An antenna driving device includes an antenna driving circuit arranged to generate driving current of a transmission antenna, a power supply circuit arranged to generate an output voltage from an input voltage so as to supply the output voltage to the antenna driving circuit, and a logic circuit arranged to control the antenna driving circuit and the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit has a function of temporarily disabling current feedback control so as to perform voltage feedback control using a reference value just before halting the drive of the transmission antenna when the power supply circuit restarts to drive the transmission antenna, or has a function of performing variable control of a reference value for current feedback control in accordance with a rising edge of the driving current when the power supply circuit restarts to drive the transmission antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Takahashi, Masaki Omi, Muga Imamura, Yohei Okuno
  • Patent number: 9495854
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, an alarming unit, and a controlling unit. The RFID reader is buried in a predetermined area and reads identification information of an item. The controlling unit is coupled between the RFID reader and the alarming unit, the controlling unit receives the identification information from RFID reader and controls the alarming unit according to the identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zong-Yuan Sun, Da-Hua Xiao
  • Patent number: 9488982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for automatically adjusting a vehicle feature of a vehicle, where the system includes a first sensor, an onboard computer, a camera, a mirror, a controller; an actuator; and an algorithm. The algorithm instructs the onboard computer in steps for adjusting one or more vehicle features. The first sensor and the controller are in electronic communication with the onboard computer and the controller is in electronic communication with one or more actuators that connect to and adjust the various vehicle features. The onboard computer includes or accesses a database that correlates users, features, and vehicle feature settings. Such vehicle features include seat position and camera viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Michael H Gurin
  • Patent number: 9475496
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one autonomous driving sensor configured to monitor at least one condition while operating in an autonomous mode. The vehicle further includes a processing device configured to identify at least one occupant, select a profile associated with the occupant, and autonomously operate at least one subsystem according to the selected profile and the at least condition monitored by the at least one autonomous driving sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Douglas Scott Rhode, John Shutko, Eric Hongtei Tseng
  • Patent number: 9456468
    Abstract: A trailer electronic braking system comprising a braking device capable of generating a braking force on a wheel on the trailer. The braking force is applied to brake cylinders and is controllable by a braking ECU, which braking ECU is connected to a standards compliant communication bus on the trailer. The ECU is adapted to receive data inputs from sensors, on the trailer. The system further includes an arrangement to interface to trailer electronics and a communications interface having a 802.11 wireless card adapted to transmit an SSID. The braking system is adapted to transmit a trailer identifier comprising the SSID. The trailer identifier can be paired with a further device previously provided with the trailer identifier. The braking system enables the SSID to be changed to a second SSID when a pre-determined condition is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles Limited
    Inventor: Matthew Fry
  • Patent number: 9443432
    Abstract: An improved method for asset management is described. The method includes receiving information from a remote reporting device in close proximity to an asset, the information including a first unique identifier associated with the asset and a second unique identifier associated with a user of the asset. The method further includes associating the asset with the user based on the information. Additionally, the method includes monitoring use of the asset and maintaining a record of the use by the user based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Joyce Tam
  • Patent number: 9384612
    Abstract: A method for distributing a sequence of access codes to a plurality of users, comprising comprises storing a set of sequences of access codes, wherein each sequence of access codes of the set can be programmed for use by a remote access device with an access system of a specific type. A same sequence of access codes is provided to both a first remote access device of a first user and to a second remote access device of a second user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Secured Mobility, LLC
    Inventor: Emmanuel Enrique Lopez
  • Patent number: 9376090
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for authenticating a driver (2) in a motor vehicle (1) by means of a recognition device (10) disposed in the motor vehicle (1) for collecting actual data (50) of the driver (2) which are transmitted during the authentication to a checking device (20) disposed in an external station (3) outside the motor vehicle (1), wherein the checking device (20) compares the actual data (50) with the target data (60) and in the event of conformity of the actual data (50) with the target data (60) an enabling signal (70) is sent from the external station (3) to the motor vehicle (1), thus enabling the driver (2) to start the motor vehicle (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sven Gennermann
  • Patent number: 9296394
    Abstract: An engine non-stop warning apparatus for a vehicle provided with an engine stop control section configured to stop an engine on condition that a stop switch is continuously pressed for a specified time duration during operation of the engine includes an engine stop determination section configured to determine whether or not the engine is going to stop or stopping by the lapse of the specified time duration after the stop switch is pressed during the operation of the engine, and an engine non-stop warning section configured to warn a vehicle user that the engine is not stopping in a case the engine stop determination section determines that the engine is not going to stop or stopping by the lapse of the specified time duration after the stop switch is pressed during the operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Taoka, Akemi Toyoda
  • Patent number: 9286167
    Abstract: In a case where an identification information item determination section (411) determines that a first identification information item indicates a non-replacement part, a first backup section (412) backs up the first identification information item in a backup memory (420). In a case where a confirmation section (413) determines that the first identification information item is not backed up in the backup memory (420), a second backup section (414) backs up the first identification information item in the backup memory (420). In a case where the confirmation section (413) determines that the first identification information item is backed up in the backup memory (420), a storage process section (415) updates the first identification information item stored in a communication section-side memory (430) with a second identification information item stored in the backup memory (420).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kuroyama, Kazunori Kurimoto, Masao Nonaka, Michihiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9055058
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are a method and apparatus for serial device registration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Feitian Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhou Lu, Huazhang Yu
  • Patent number: 8994228
    Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method are provided having wrong touch feedback. The switch includes a plurality of proximity switches each including proximity sensors providing a sense activation field. Control circuitry processes the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation, detects an allowed activation of one of the proximity switches and further detects an attempted activation that is not allowed. The switch further includes an output coupled to a device to perform a function when an allowed activation is detected. The switch includes one or more user perceived feedback devices for generating user perceived feedback when an attempted activation that is not allowed is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Jeffrey Singer
  • Patent number: 8884740
    Abstract: A method for activating a function of a vehicle, which is associated with a key which wirelessly interchanges data with the vehicle, is carried out with the aid of a telecommunications device which is different from the key. However, the telecommunications device attempts to communicate with the key in order to make the method safe. During communication with the key, an item of information is obtained and is compared with an item of comparative information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Heiko Kuebler, Eckart Donner
  • Patent number: 8810363
    Abstract: An engine starting/stopping switch device is provided that includes a switch unit that switches over switching modes in response to linear movement of a movable member, a push button that is linked to the movable member so as to drive the movable member in response to a pushing operation, and a coil antenna that outputs transponder drive radio waves for generating an electromotive force in a transponder built into a portable device, wherein the coil antenna (15) is disposed coaxially with the push button (14) so that at least part of the coil antenna (15) is inserted into the interior of the push button (14). This enables the operability of a push button to be improved and enables the size in the radial direction of the push button to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Makoto Honkawa, Keisuke Hidaka, Koji Masubuchi, Kazuto Kaneshige
  • Patent number: 8779893
    Abstract: The system for controlling vehicle ignition provides three separate levels of access to prevent unauthorized users from actuating ignition of a vehicle. The system includes a radio frequency identification tag having permanent computer readable memory and volatile computer readable memory associated therewith. The radio frequency identification tag is preferably embedded within a vehicle key. A predetermined permanently assigned authentication code is stored in the permanent computer readable memory and a variable time stamp is stored in the volatile computer readable memory. The permanently assigned authentication code and the variable time stamp are transmitted upon activation of the radio frequency identification tag. Vehicle ignition occurs only upon the mechanical operation of the key in a conventional ignition switch and matching of both the permanently assigned authentication code and the variable time stamp with codes and stamps stored in vehicle memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Muhammad Wasim Raed, Abdelhafid Bouhraoua
  • Patent number: 8610537
    Abstract: A vehicle-use key for storing and for acquisition of information on a vehicle. The vehicle-use key permits an individual to use the vehicle, to prevent the key from being taken away when the vehicle is stolen and for finding the stolen vehicle. A vehicle-use key is used for starting a vehicle, and is configured to include a radio communication part (RFID) which performs communication with an external communication device. By providing the radio communication part to the vehicle-use key which an owner of a vehicle carries with him/her, information (data) can be transmitted or received between the radio communication part and the reader/writer of a PC terminal installed in a dealer or the like by radio. Thus, vehicle history data, maintenance history data and the like on a vehicle associated with the vehicle-use key can be transmitted and received and stored when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Yamagiwa
  • Patent number: 8522740
    Abstract: In a system, a setting unit sets historical information in response to a manual transient operation. The manual transient operation triggers automatic start of the engine. The historical information represents that the manual transient operation has existed. A validation unit has a first identifier uniquely identifying the vehicle. The validation unit carries out validation communications, in at least one of direct and indirect procedures, with a communication device storing therein a second identifier of the vehicle. The communication device is used by a user of the vehicle. The validation communications use the first and second identifiers. The validation unit validates whether the user is certificated based on the validation communication result. An engine starting unit automatically starts the engine when the historical information has been set by the setting unit and when it is determined that the user of the vehicle is certificated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Ando
  • Patent number: 8514053
    Abstract: An anti-theft system for a vehicle that registers ID information at the time of replacement of a lock controller. A portable device, such as a key, has exclusive ID information. A lock controller locks or unlocks a control target device according to an authentication result of the portable device. An auxiliary controller transmits and receives data to and from the lock controller and stores the ID information of the portable device as backup data. The lock controller receives the ID information from the auxiliary controller, and transmits a response requiring signal for searching the portable device which has the ID information received from the auxiliary controller and is present within a predetermined detection range. Then, the lock controller stores the ID information of the portable device which has transmitted a response signal to the response requiring signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sachio Ito
  • Patent number: 8493175
    Abstract: A vehicle authentication control device has a first, second, and third determination units, and a registration unit. When identification information unique to a vehicle is registered in both a portable device and an authentication device on the vehicle, the first determination unit matches first identification information returned from the portable device in response to a request from the authentication device and second identification information registered in the authentication device to determine whether a combination of the portable device and the authentication device is legitimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Sakuma, Tomoko Onoda
  • Patent number: 8482382
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian K. Lickfelt, Dave G. Peterson, Hideaki Arai
  • 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: 8410918
    Abstract: A vehicle door opening indicator system comprises a base unit, a remote unit wirelessly communicating with the base unit, an on-board computer, and door opening sensors. The base unit is placed in a vehicle, is powered from a vehicle battery, and comprises a programmable CPU, a memory, a speaker, an input circuit, and an output circuit. The CPU communicates with the remote unit through the input circuit and with the computer through the output circuit. The remote unit, comprising a microphone and a recorder/player, preprograms the CPU with an individualized message. The door opening sensors are connected to the computer, and the preprogrammed individualized message is reproduced through the speaker upon opening the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: John G. Stroud
  • Patent number: 8354919
    Abstract: A system for activating and deactivating a remotely controlled vehicle starter includes a handheld mobile communication device having at least a speaker mounted therein and a wireless transmitter having at least a start switch mounted therein. A first wire connects a negative voltage supply path to the speaker circuit with a negative voltage supply path to the start switch circuit. A variable resistor is provided and has a pair of end terminals. There is a second wire having each of a first end thereof electrically connected to a positive voltage supply path to the speaker circuit and an opposed second end thereof electrically connected to one terminal end of the variable resistor. A third wire is also provided to connect an opposed end terminal of the variable resistor to a positive voltage supply path to the start switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Jose L. Gallarzo