Abstract: A keyless entry system for a vehicle comprises a portable remote unit and a vehicle-mounted base unit supporting two-way communications. The remote unit includes a first transceiver and a control and is operative to transmit a command signal to the base unit in response to actuation of the control by a user. The base unit comprises a second transceiver and a control circuit, which controls a function in a vehicle. The base unit outputs control signals to control a vehicle function in response to receipt of commands from the remote unit. The base unit also transmits an acknowledgement signal to the remote unit responsive to the command signal.

Abstract: A keyless entry system for use with a key for operation within the key receptacle to start an engine. The key is arranged to transmit a first ID code specified therefor when the key is operated within the key receptacle to start the engine. The transmitted first ID code is compared with a second ID code registered in an antitheft control unit. The engine is permitted to start if the transmitted first ID code is identical with the registered second ID code. A mobile transmitter is used for transmitting a third ID code specified therefor along with a command for vehicle door lock/unlock remote control. The transmitted third ID code is compared with a fourth ID code registered in a keyless entry control unit. The remote control specified by the transmitted command is permitted if the transmitted third ID code is identical with the registered fourth ID code. The keyless entry control unit registers the fourth ID code therein based on the transmitted first ID code.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle wherein a personal identification unit is carried by an authorized operator of said motor vehicle and includes means for identifying its location in the vicinity of the motor vehicle. A vehicle control unit mounted onto the motor vehicle, has a first and second condition with means for allowing operation of the motor vehicle when the control unit is in the first condition and means for inhibiting operation of the motor vehicle when said control unit is in the second condition and means for shifting the control unit into the second condition at a time subsequent to removal of the identification device from the vicinity of the motor vehicle and/or upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition of movement of the vehicle subsequent to removal of the identification device from the vicinity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A keyhole is formed on an operating knob installed on the front surface of a rotary switch. The rotary switch can therefore be operated by inserting into the keyhole an electronic key having a long and narrow shape and then turning the operating knob. As a result, operations for an engine start using the electronic key are the same as those using a conventional key.

Abstract: A movable-vehicle security system includes a facial-recognition system including a scanner such as a television or infrared camera directed at the face of a person in the driver's seat, which system produces output control signals that are applied to enable or disable operation of the vehicle, with or without a key or other supplemental security system. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a camera mounted on the “third taillight” assembly (which is preferably mounted below the roof and inside the rear window), directed at the rear-view mirror, and coupled to a facial-recognition computer, which in turn is coupled (with appropriate security precautions) to an enabling element for the vehicle, such as a starter motor. In a further embodiment, the system can be coupled to various elements of the motive system to create an auto-starting car.

Abstract: An alternative arrangement for a passive entry and ignition system for a vehicle is disclosed. The passive system uses an electronically coded card or ‘smart card’ that electronically conveys identifying information to a single on board antenna. The single on board antenna is integrated into the roof panel of the vehicle using conventional wire or flat cable technology. The single antenna communicates to a vehicle control unit to enable actuation of various predetermined mechanical systems of a vehicle such as the vehicle entry system or the vehicle ignition system. In an alternative embodiment, the single on board antenna is integrated in an existing occupant detection mat located in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

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 motor vehicle is provided with a usage authorization checking device that detects biometric data of a person with a biometric sensor configuration. If the usage authorization check, performed with biometrically detected data, is positive, the vehicle can be put into operation by performing a predetermined actuation without actuating a separate ignition or starter switch. A separate ignition or starter switch is eliminated. The driving motor can be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The predetermined actuation can include movement of an accelerator pedal, a transmission shift lever, a clutch pedal and a brake pedal. The biometric sensor configuration can also include connections to a driving motor start-up device and a shut-off device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle security system, in which the vehicle security system comprises a control unit having a central processor or microprocessor, a receiver connected to the microprocessor for receiving signals from a remote transmitter. The control unit has an input interface and an output interface. The input interface is connected to various sensors, and the output interface is connected to the vehicle security devices. A PWM interior light delay is disposed between the door sensors and the input interface to provide a voltage pulse signal with width modulation for a vehicle interior lights such that the interior lights are extinguished gradually for a predetermined time. The user can selectively set the vehicle security system whether the vehicle is provided with the PWM interior light delay.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for a vehicle includes a first control unit (an ammobilizer) that makes a collation of a key code of an individual key inserted in an ignition key with a reference key code representative of an intrinsic key exclusive to an engine of the vehicle stored in an EEPROM, stores data of a result of the collation, agreement or disagreement between the two key codes, in a B/URAM, and provides a second control unit for controlling engine operation with an instruction, an approval instruction for permitting the engine to operate or a refusal instruction for prohibit the engine from operating, according to the collation result that is stored in the B/URAM.

Abstract: An in-vehicle key check system has a security ECU, a transmitter and a receiver for communication with a portable electronic key. The ECU communicates with the electronic key each time a key check condition is satisfied, and checks whether the electronic key is an authorized one based on response signals from the electronic key. The check result indicating that the electronic key is the authorized one is stored in a memory. This check result is erased when a predetermined time elapses or when the electronic key is likely to be taken out from the vehicle. When another check condition is satisfied, the ECU refers to the memory and skips the key check operation if the previous check result is stored in the memory.

Abstract: A cipher type anti-theft system for cars using an in-car wiring to transmit a cipher mainly includes an encoder/transmitter and at least one decoder cut-off relay. The encoder/transmitter generates a cipher and converts the cipher from digits to analog signals for loading onto the in-car wiring. The at least one decoder cut-off relay may be installed at any point on any power supply circuit needed to start the car. When the at least one decoder cut-off relay receives a correct cipher, it can decode the cipher and make the power supply circuit to allow start of the car. The encoder/transmitter and the decoder cut-off relay can be installed in the car without producing additional (or direct) wiring and are therefore not easily found from outside. The encoder/transmitter may be an independent and portable unit associated with certain in-car equipment, such as a cigarette lighter, and uses the cigarette lighter holder, for example, as an interface to receive and transmit the cipher.

Abstract: An on-vehicle apparatus communicates with an electronic key by wireless communication. The one-vehicle apparatus decides to unlock a vehicular door according to an identification result between first ID of the electronic key and unlock-operation ID of the on-vehicle apparatus, and decides to start an engine of the vehicle according to an identification result between second ID of the electronic key and engine-starting ID of the on-vehicle apparatus. The on-vehicle apparatus commands the electronic key to output third ID shorter in data length than the second ID, when the first ID corresponds with the unlock-operation ID. The on-vehicle apparatus permits starting the engine when the third ID corresponds with compacted data of the engine-starting ID.

Abstract: In an engine control apparatus, a control program is stored in a non-volatile rewritable memory such as EEPROM. The control program is rewritten by a rewriting tool. Specifically, a key identification code is retrieved from a vehicle key, and compared with a key reference code stored in the memory. If the compared codes are the same, a program identification code is retrieved from the rewriting tool, and compared with a program reference code stored in the memory. If the compared codes are the same, a new control program is transmitted from the rewriting tool to the memory to rewrite the control program with the new control program.

Abstract: A keyhole is formed on an operating knob installed on the front surface of a rotary switch. The rotary switch can therefore be operated by inserting into the keyhole an electronic key having a long and narrow shape and then turning the operating knob. As a result, operations for an engine start using the electronic key are the same as those using a conventional key.

Abstract: An anti-theft apparatus (10) for use on a vehicle includes a torque sensor (16) for sensing applied steering torque and providing a signal (24) indicative thereof. A power assist motor (22) steerably connected to steerable wheels (20) of the vehicle. A detector (62) detects whether the vehicle has an authorized user. A controller (26) controls the power assist motor (22) in response to the steering torque signal (24). The controller (26) controls the power assist motor (22) in a first mode responsive to the sensed applied steering torque signal (24) when the detector (62) detects that the vehicle has an authorized user and in a second mode responsive to the sensed applied steering torque signal (24) when the detector (62) detects that the vehicle does not have an authorized user. The detector (62) detects an authorized user by sensing vehicle ignition using an authorized key or authorized entry to the vehicle's interior.

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: The present invention simplifies assembly of a vehicle starting device and facilitates arrangement design. A vehicle starting device 3 has a card receiving portion 4 and a main mechanism 5 connected with each other integrally. The card receiving portion 4 includes an inclinable inner case 7 in which an integrated circuit (IC) card is inserted. The card receiving portion 4 also includes a roller 9 and a release mechanism 16 for releasing the IC card. The roller 9 is lifted by the insertion of the IC card. The release mechanism 16 releases the IC card from the card receiving portion 4. The main mechanism 5 has a knob 23 and a steering shaft lock 33. A card release prevention mechanism 24, an ejector lever 25 for actuating the release mechanism 16, and a cooperative unlocking mechanism 30 are provided between the main mechanism 5 and the card receiving portion 4.

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

Abstract: A power window regulator is disclosed comprising a regulator computer having a processor and a memory connected to a switch and/or main automotive computer and to a plurality of window processors connected to a window sensor and a window drive unit.

Abstract: In this vehicle, equipped with a recognition device (1) capable of remotely exchanging data with an identification member (11) worn or carried by a user to allow access to the vehicle when the identification member has been authenticated by the recognition device, the latter being connected to a pair of lateral antennas (2, 3) each having, when powered at nominal power, a zone of coverage encompassing the interior of the vehicle and extending laterally on both sides thereof to allow a dialog between the recognition device and the identification member when the latter is located in the zone of coverage of at least one of the antennas, the recognition device (1) is capable, in response to action by the user on an external member placed on one side of the vehicle, of causing the antenna located on the same side as the external member to be powered at nominal power and of causing the antenna located on the opposite side of the vehicle to be powered at a reduced power so that the latter antenna has a reduced zone

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 device with a key-actuated closing cylinder and a switch triggers, when a key is turned therein, a particular electric function in a motor vehicle. In order to achieve a particularly compact and reliable device, at least two sensors are arranged inside the cylinder housing of the closing cylinder in zones that are mutually offset in the longitudinal direction. The sensor outputs are connected to a common evaluation device. The cylinder core has in corresponding axial zones several permanent magnets at particular points of its periphery. These points are selected so that the evaluation device detects different codes at the sensor outputs in the different working positions of the cylinder core and clearly identifies with these codes the corresponding working positions. The evaluation device thus acts as an electronic switch which on the basis of the sensed code triggers the electric function that corresponds to the momentary working position.

Abstract: A vehicle has a steering wheel for steering the vehicle. The vehicle further has a transponder communication device for contactless communication with a transponder. The transponder communication device detects first control information that is stored in the transponder, compares the first control information with second control information that is stored in the transponder communication device, and generates a vehicle control signal if the first control information corresponds to the second control information. The transponder communication device receives the first control information in a transponder signal. The vehicle has a coil responsive to said transponder signal. The steering wheel has a peripheral ring portion. The coil is included within the peripheral ring portion of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A system operable with a passive anti theft security system having a first coil connected to a passive anti theft controller for transmitting a first signal to a first transponder having a third coil and a first code therein, said first transponder responsive to said signal transmitting said first code to said first coil, the system comprising a second transponder having a second code and a fourth coil with two terminal ends wound about said third coil of said second transponder; and a relay selectively shorting or opening said terminal ends of said fourth coil to selectively enable and disable said second transponder.

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 system for restricting use of a vehicle by a selected vehicle operator to permitted time intervals and permitted vehicle travel corridors. If a driver is seated behind the driver's wheel, the system requires that the driver provide one or more samples of an ident indicium, such as a fingerprint, facial scan, retinal scan, voice sample or blood sample analysis, to identify the driver, or of a personal identification indicium contained on a token or card, or of personal information entered using a data entry device (e.g., keypad). When this indicium is satisfactorily presented and analyzed, the system allows operation of the vehicle (including selected vehicle accessories) but further determines (i) whether the present time and/or accumulated vehicle operation time and/or mileage is within a permitted time interval or accumulated time and/or mileage range and (ii) whether the vehicle present location and/or speed are within permitted ranges corresponding to the permitted time interval.

Abstract: A security alarm system which may be selectively armed or disarmed when monitoring a protected premises is described which utilizes the position of a deadbolt to determine whether the security system should be armed or disarmed. The security system comprises (i) an entry door for permitting ingress to the protected premises from the outside of the entry door and egress from the protected premises from the inside of the entry door; (ii) a lock for selectively locking and unlocking the entry door; and (iii) a switch having a first state indicative of the lock being in a locked position and a second state indicative of the lock being in an unlocked position wherein, when the switch is in its first state, the security system is armed and, when the switch is in its second state, the security system is disarmed. Sensing means are also provided to determine if the lock was engaged from inside or outside the protected premises.

Abstract: A first challenge signal whose reception power is measured in a portable code transmitter is transmitted by a vehicle-mounted transmission unit. Subsequently, a second challenge signal is transmitted under changed transmission conditions, and the reception power of the second challenge signal is also measured. Doors are unlocked, or the internal combustion engine is started only if the received power levels are also different. Otherwise, one or more challenge signals are transmitted once more under changed transmission conditions.

Abstract: A number (n) of keys is assigned to an anti-theft system. In order to initialize the anti-theft system, at least the number minus one (n−1) keys must be present so that new coding data can be formed using the previous coding data. During the initialization, the number of all the authorized keys is written into each key. If the vehicle is stolen, the insurer of the vehicle can thus compare the number of authorized keys with the keys that are actually submitted.

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: The device comprises electronic means (2, 3) for querying a transmitter-receiver circuit (1) carried by a person wishing to open the said door, for recognising a predetermined code sent in reply by the said circuit and for subsequently commanding the removal of a locking pin (10) from a catch (11) of a door latch (8) forming part of the lock, and means for the activating of the electronic means (2, 3) by the said person. The said activating means (13) are designed for operating a dialogue between the said electronic means (2, 3) and the circuit (1) and the optional unlocking of the door latch (8) of the lock before the said person's action on the handle (6) causes the door to be blocked by the friction of the pin (10) in the said catch (11) of the door striker (8).

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.