Remote Control Patents (Class 340/426.13)
  • Patent number: 11766993
    Abstract: A power door system for a vehicle including a plurality of power-operated doors is provided. The system includes a passive remote entry device configured to emit a signal to one or more cooperating vehicle receivers and a controller configured to cause the power door system to open the at least one power-operated door when the passive remote entry device signal is received and an individual is detected in a predefined activation zone for a predetermined period of time. The system further includes a vehicle-mounted user detection device. The passive remote entry device may be selected from the group consisting of a key fob, a smart key, a key card, a cellular telephone or smartphone configured with a phone-as-a-key function, a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized cellular telephone, a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized smartphone, and a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized smartwatch. Methods for controlling a power door system for a vehicle are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, David Toppenberg
  • Patent number: 11699911
    Abstract: A wireless charger for charging a battery of a mobile device includes a housing configured to be coupled to a source of electrical energy, for receiving electrical energy the source of electrical energy and for converting at least a portion of the electrical energy to radiated electrical energy; a USB connector mounted directly to housing and configured to be plugged into an electrical socket of said source of electrical energy. A plurality of magnets are embedded or affixed to the housing and configured to magnetically attract ferromagnetic material associated with a mobile device, to hold and support the mobile device on or to a support surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Inventor: Yeoshua Sorias
  • Patent number: 11458928
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus is mounted on a vehicle to perform wireless communication with a portable terminal. The vehicle control apparatus includes a first processor and a second processor. The first processor execute a first process to determine whether or not a wireless signal is a regular wireless signal transmitted from the portable terminal. The second processor executes a second process including an authentication of the portable terminal in response to the received wireless signal being determined to be the regular wireless signal, and does not execute the second process in response to the received wireless signal being determined to be not the regular wireless signal. Herein, a power consumption when the first processor executes the first process is smaller than a power consumption when the second processor executes the second process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobuo Umegaki
  • Patent number: 11332098
    Abstract: A self-declaring electronic license plate (e-plate) system for a vehicle is disclosed. This self-declaring e-plate system includes: an input device; a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader coupled to the input device; and an RFID-enabled license plate. In some embodiments, the input device is configured to receive vehicle occupancy information and triggers the RFID reader to write the received vehicle occupancy information to the RFID-enabled license plate in response to receiving the vehicle occupancy information. The RFID reader is configured to write at least a portion of the received vehicle occupancy information to the RFID-enabled license plate. The RFID-enabled license plate is configured to provide at least a portion of the received vehicle occupancy information to an electronic toll collection (ETC) reader. In some embodiments, the received vehicle occupancy information includes a current number of occupants self-declared by a user, such as a driver or a passenger inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: NEOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Sheshi Nyalamadugu, Joe Mullis, Bobby Leanio
  • Patent number: 11321739
    Abstract: A mobile advertisement system mounted on a back window of a vehicle using suction cups is presented according to aspects of present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the mobile advertisement system connects wirelessly to a mobile advertisement server, sends its GPS location updates periodically to mobile advertisement server, receives advertisements and delivery instructions from mobile advertisement server in response to the GPS location updates sent, displays advertisements on the display screen of the mobile advertisement system according to the corresponding delivery instructions when at least one automobile is detected, and transmits delivery confirmations to mobile advertisement server after each advertisement is displayed according to the corresponding delivery instructions. A video camera detects whether there are any automobile behind, and mobile advertisement system will not display advertisements when there is no automobile behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventors: David Quan He, Ming Jiang
  • Patent number: 10939262
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system for vehicular application development is disclosed. The system includes a programmable on-board diagnostics (OBD)-connected dongle for providing computational and storage resources to a vehicle and hosting one or more applications in the vehicle. The dongle is configured to utilize one or more external devices, cloud servers, and add-on modules to provide additional resources for the applications and enable control of the applications. The dongle is implemented with a middleware that enables intended operations of the dongle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Arsalan Mosenia, Jad F. Bechara, Prateek Mittal, Mung Chiang, Tao Zhang
  • Patent number: 10789792
    Abstract: A dual mode, passcode storage, wireless secure lock is disclosed. In one embodiment, a key is provided that includes a key coil, a first key data processing device (DPD), a second key DPD, and a key radio transceiver. The first key DPD is configured to receive a first authentication code (AC) from a lock via the key coil. The first key DPD is configured to compare the first AC with data in memory of the key DPD. The first key DPD is configured to activate the second key DPD in response to response to determining the first AC compares equally to data in memory of the first key DPD. The second key DPD is configured to transmit a second AC to the lock via the key radio transceiver after the second key DPD is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics America Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Grange, Shigeru Maeta, Eugene G. Bonev
  • Patent number: 10732257
    Abstract: The vehicle includes: a plurality of vehicle antennas configured to receive a plurality of signals, respectively, from a remote control device; and a vehicle controller configured to: i) calculate an arrival distance between each of the plurality of vehicle antennas and the remote control device based on an arrival time of the plurality of signals received by the plurality of vehicle antennas, ii) extract an initial arrival pulse signal having a first reference value or higher from among at least one pulse signal contained in each of the plurality of signals, iii) extract at least one valid signal having a maximum value corresponding to a second reference value or higher from among the plurality of signals received by the plurality of vehicle antennas, iv) calculate an arrival distance of an initial arrival pulse signal contained in the at least one valid signal, and v) estimate a position of the remote control device based on the arrival distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jihye Lee, Sinjung Kim, Jongyoung Lee, Daeyeon Kim, Kangwook Kim
  • Patent number: 10625713
    Abstract: An in-vehicle device includes transmitting antennas, an in-vehicle device transmitter configured to transmit request signals from the respective transmitting antennas, an in-vehicle device receiver configured to receive, from a portable device, an answer signal that includes received signal strengths of the respective request signals, and an in-vehicle device controller configured to calculate a distance from the portable device to each of a plurality of areas, based on both the received signal strengths of the respective request signals included in the answer signal and reference values for the request signals, and to identify an area to which the portable device belongs based on the distance. In a case where there is a request signal whose received signal strength is not included in the answer signal, the in-vehicle device controller calculates the distance by utilizing a corresponding reference value for the request signal as the received signal strength of the request signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Satoshi Hayasaka, Satoshi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10627811
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for audio alerts for remote park-assist tethering. An example vehicle includes an exterior surface, a speaker, a communication node for wireless communication with a mobile device, an autonomy unit for remote parking, and a controller. The controller is to receive, via the communication node, an instruction from the mobile device to perform the remote parking and emit an alert, via the speaker, responsive to determining the mobile device is beyond a threshold range from the exterior surface while sending the instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hamid M. Golgiri, Erick Michael Lavoie, Vivekanandh Elangovan
  • Patent number: 10573302
    Abstract: A terminal includes a microphone, a display, an audio output module, a communication unit to exchange data with a server or a home appliance, and a controller to control display of a screen including information related to the home appliance and to control output of information corresponding to user voice based on the information related to the home appliance on the screen via the display or the audio output module when the user voice is received via the microphone. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience upon utilizing the home appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Juwan Lee, Daegeun Seo, Jihyun Song, Lagyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 10377035
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a self-moving robot, comprising a self-moving module and at least one of a plurality of interchangeable working modules connected to the self-moving module; the working module further comprises a second energy unit, and the first energy unit comprises a chargeable battery, providing energy for the working module or the self-moving robot. The self-moving robot executes various types of working tasks in the working area in an unattended manner by disposing a self-moving module and an interchangeable working module, and by disposing the working module into an independent energy unit, the working module is sufficient in energy and long in durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: POSITEC TECHNOLOGY (CHINA) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Mingming He, Zhendong Gao, Ka Tat Kelvin Wong, Gen Sun, Qiang Liu, Yue Rao
  • Patent number: 10377346
    Abstract: A system and method of providing one or more vehicle functions at a vehicle, the method including: when the vehicle is in a powered off state, periodically scanning for short-range wireless communication (SRWC) devices using a SRWC chipset and, as a result of the scanning, receiving a connection request from a mobile device; in response thereto, establishing a SRWC connection with the mobile device using the SRWC chipset; after establishing the SRWC connection, authorizing the mobile device to access one or more vehicle functions; then, performing an initialization suite of operations, wherein the initialization suite of operations includes initializing at least one vehicle system module, and wherein the initialization suite of operations is performed in response to a predictive user determination indicative of an imminent user interaction with the vehicle; and executing the initialization suite of operations at the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pavan K. Namineni, Donald K. Grimm, Xi Ju, Mofei Liu, Bernard Laurus
  • Patent number: 10350998
    Abstract: An apparatus for selecting an operation of a safety driving device for a vehicle includes an input unit capable of selectively controlling operations of a plurality of safety driving support devices for the vehicle, wherein input levels inputted through the input unit are differentiated to determine whether to operate each of the plurality of the safety driving support devices for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Seung Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 10291292
    Abstract: A sensor in a building HVAC system includes a transducer configured to measure a variable in the building HVAC system and to generate a sensor reading indicating a value of the measured variable. The sensor includes a communications interface configured to provide the sensor reading to a control device in the building HVAC system and a near field communication (NFC) circuit separate from the communications interface. The NFC circuit is configured to facilitate bidirectional NFC data communications between the sensor and a mobile device. The sensor includes a processing circuit having a processor and memory. The processing circuit is configured to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the sensor to the mobile device via the NFC circuit, wirelessly receive data from the mobile device via the NFC circuit, and store the data received from the mobile device in the memory of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Daniel R. Rumler, Steven L. Whitsitt, Robert K. Alexander, Christopher Merkl, Gary A. Romanowich, Bernard Clement, Kevin A. Weiss
  • Patent number: 10269246
    Abstract: A system and method of presenting vehicle information to a user at a handheld mobile device, the method including: receiving a request from a user for vehicle information; sending a vehicle information request to a remote server, wherein the vehicle information request includes a location associated with the user; receiving a vehicle information response at the handheld mobile device, wherein the vehicle information response includes information pertaining to one or more vehicles within a predetermined distance of the location associated with the user; displaying a camera feed on a visual display of the handheld mobile device; based on the information pertaining to the one or more vehicles, generating one or more graphics representing at least part of the information pertaining to the one or more vehicles; and displaying the one or more graphics over the camera feed on the visual display of the handheld mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Aditya S. Kamini, Richard Elswick, Christopher L. Oesterling, Nathaniel H. Williams
  • Patent number: 10233753
    Abstract: A method for initiating a remote operation mode of a work machine, the method including providing the work machine with a work machine-specific safety key; receiving, at a remote control station, a notification from the work machine in response to initiating the remote operation mode of the work machine by said safety key; acknowledging the work machine as being included in a safety system of the remote control station; and configuring the remote control station to start the remote operation mode of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION OY
    Inventors: Sami Hanski, Petri Nurminen, Jarkko Uotila, Lauso Cumini, Petri Mannonen, Arto Siren
  • Patent number: 10152889
    Abstract: A method implementable in a mobile device includes determining a driving or walking motion state of the mobile device associated with a user from at least a motion type of sensor on the mobile device and storing a parking location for a vehicle associated with the mobile device, received from a location type of sensor on the mobile device, when the mobile device changes from a driving state to a walking state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: ANAGOG LTD.
    Inventors: Gil Levy, Yaron Aizenbud
  • Patent number: 10152054
    Abstract: The present invention provides a receiving method, system and device for on-vehicle logistics. The method includes: receiving a first control signal from a remote terminal, and activating a camera pointing to a designated space; sending video information of the designated space to the remote terminal; receiving a second control signal from the remote terminal, and opening a predetermined space of a vehicle; and receiving a third control signal from the remote terminal, and locking the predetermined space. According to the receiving method for on-vehicle logistics of the present invention, as the vehicle is used as the receiving place for receiving articles delivered by the deliveryman, insecure factors caused when the deliveryman directly enters houses to deliver the articles are avoided, and the phenomenon that the articles cannot be received because recipients are not at receiving addresses can also be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: ZHEJIANG GEELY HOLDING GROUP CO., LTD., ZHEJIANG GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shufu Li
  • Patent number: 10142458
    Abstract: The device for jamming a cellular phone within a vehicle is configured for use with one or more personal data devices. The device for jamming a cellular phone within a vehicle partially inhibits the operation of a personal data device selected from the one or more personal data devices. By inhibiting the operation of the selected personal device is meant that the selected personal data device is only capable of hands free operation. The device for jamming a cellular phone within a vehicle comprises a safety device, an automobile, an application for the personal data device, and a blocked device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Calvin Cooksey
  • Patent number: 10103563
    Abstract: A power supply system having a wireless security module for vehicles is provided. The power supply system comprises a battery module, a power management module, an energy management module and the wireless security module. The battery module powers a starting motor of a vehicle. The power management module is used to receive a power from a power generating device. The power management module transmits the power of the power generating device into the battery module. The power management module comprises a monitoring unit and a controlling unit. The monitoring unit is used to monitor a voltage value of the battery module. When the voltage value monitored is equal to a minimum setting, the power management module is used to prevent the battery module from powering the starting motor. When the voltage value monitored is equal to a maximum setting, the power management module stops powering the battery module. The controlling unit is used to control a current value outputted from the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Chun-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 10075665
    Abstract: A companion remote control system is usable with smart devices for controlling a plurality of controlled components. An overall control system includes: a companion remote configured for remote communication, and providing command options for a user desiring to interact with a controlled component; a software application configured for running on smart devices, which typically includes a graphical interface for the user to select desired controlled component from plurality of controlled components; and a control processor capable of communicating with companion remote, smart device and controlled components. The control processor is programmed to correlate user commands received from companion remote to appropriate instructions for a specific controlled component selection received from smart device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Remote Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Demskie
  • Patent number: 9972197
    Abstract: Provided is a remote control, including: a wireless communication unit configured to be capable of sending a control signal for controlling a device by means of wireless communication; and a determining unit configured to transmit a device detection request by means of the wireless communication unit, and to identify installation locations of a plurality of devices as one or more zones, respectively, based on responses from the plurality of devices having received the device detection request, each of the responses including measurement information reflecting an installation location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Saturn Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Yoshinori Ohashi
  • Patent number: 9961184
    Abstract: A portable terminal case and a method for controlling a smart key of a portable terminal are provided. The portable terminal case may include a cover unit for covering and protecting a rear side of a portable terminal and a coupling unit for connecting with a connector exposed on a rear side of the portable terminal. A seating surface for receiving a smart key may be formed in an inner side of the cover unit and the coupling unit may include a communication port for communicating with the portable terminal and a power port for receiving power, which are electrically connected to the smart key received in the seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ga-Young Na, Heon-Tak Lee
  • Patent number: 9932014
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cellular phone (10) for remotely controlling at least one function of a security device (12) of a motor vehicle (11). The cellular phone (10) has a first transceiver unit (14), whereby a connection can be established to a cellular network (16). According to the invention, the cellular phone (10) has a second transceiver unit (18), by means of which a first radio signal (20) can be received. The cellular phone (10) can be switched into an active mode by means of the received first radio signal (20), and a second radio signal (22) with an authorization code (21) can be transmitted by means of the second transceiver unit (18) in the switched active mode in order to control the function of the security device (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: HUF HÃœLSBECK & FÃœRST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Müller
  • Patent number: 9792745
    Abstract: An on-vehicle apparatus start verifying a first code of a portable apparatus returned from the portable apparatus in response to a first signal from the on-vehicle apparatus unless a battery of the portable apparatus is not exhausted upon detection of a user's operation to unlock/lock a door beside a vehicle; verifies a second code of the portable apparatus returned from the portable apparatus in response to power supply to the portable apparatus through electromagnetic induction caused by a second signal from the on-vehicle apparatus; determines whether the user's operation has been continuously detected if the first code is not returned; ends the verification of the first code if there is no state where the user's operation has been continuously detected; and ends the verification of the first code and starts the verification of the second code if the user's operation has been continuously detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shigeki Nishiyama, Tomoyuki Funayama, Toru Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 9745942
    Abstract: A remote start system for a vehicle having an engine, and a vehicle data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle may include at least one external temperature sensor coupled to the vehicle data communications bus to sense an external vehicle temperature, and at least one internal temperature sensor coupled to the vehicle data communications bus to sense an internal vehicle temperature. The remote start system may also include a wireless remote control device and a controller coupled to the vehicle data communications bus to start the engine based upon the wireless remote control device and determine an idle time threshold based upon the external temperature. The controller may also stop the engine based upon reaching the idle time threshold or an internal vehicle temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: OMEGA PATENTS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Flick, Martin Tessier, Patrick Noel, Jean-Pierre Aubertin, Duc Minh Cong Nguyen, Cristinel Zaharia
  • Patent number: 9725927
    Abstract: A door lock system includes a knob and an apparatus that controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy. A bolt is coupled to a door, an input rod and an output rod. At least one of an interior or exterior knob is coupled to the bolt and the apparatus that controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy. An energy source is coupled to the apparatus that controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy. The mobile device provides authorization to engage the apparatus that controls transmission of displacement or rotational mechanical energy and allows a door user to manually open the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: August Home, Inc.
    Inventor: Shih Yu Thomas Cheng
  • Patent number: 9694735
    Abstract: A system, device and method for opening an electromechanical system of a vehicle. The system includes a capacitive emblem switch and a transponder, where the transponder includes an identifier of the vehicle. The capacitive emblem switch is activated when the user is in proximity of the vehicle with the transponder. The electromechanical system, such as a rear hatch of the vehicle opens when the user motions in front of the activated capacitive emblem switch. In embodiments, the capacitive emblem switch may be incorporated into a vehicle logo or a vehicle model number. In an embodiment, LED lights are used to indicate activation of the capacitive emblem switch. The LED lights may change color to indicate a completion of the method. The capacitive emblem switch may be transparent. The transponder may be a key fob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Flextronics International USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Sheehan, Kevin Roman Buermann, Bruce D. Olson
  • Patent number: 9656632
    Abstract: In a method of operating a telematics system, the presence or absence of an unauthorized access to a motor vehicle is determined by a control unit integrated in the motor vehicle. When determining the presence of an unauthorized access to the vehicle a functional unit, integrated in the motor vehicle and configured to operate an engine start of the vehicle and/or to unlock or lock the motor vehicle, is irreversibly deactivated by the control unit in response to the unauthorized access to the motor vehicle, and specified data about the unauthorized access is sent by the control unit to a vehicle-remote server of the telematics system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Tibor Levente Fülöp
  • Patent number: 9656630
    Abstract: A control method for vehicle anti-theft is provided. The control method includes as follows. Obtain a communication identification code of a smart key. Control a first wireless transmitting unit of the smart key to transmit a wireless signal containing the communication identification code. Obtain a predefined communication identification code; comparing the communication identification code with the predefined communication identification code. Obtain a control order randomly from the second storage unit when the communication identification code matches with the predefined communication identification code. Transmit a wireless signal containing the control order; setting communication parameters of the smart key according to the control order. Transmit a wireless signal containing the set communication parameters; determining whether the communication parameters match with the predefined communication parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Ko
  • Patent number: 9635745
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless remote control circuit, comprising a control module, a drive circuit connected with control module, a signal receiving circuit and an operation circuit. When the signal receiving circuit receives an operation signal, a feedback electrical signal to the control module, and the drive circuit supplies power to the control module, signal receiving circuit and operation circuit. Meanwhile, the control module sends control signals to the operation circuit according to the electrical signal. The operation circuit comprises a buck-boost circuit that controls the motor running and a switching circuit that controls switching of the light switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Zhi Bin Zhou
  • Patent number: 9626198
    Abstract: A vehicle computing device and a method of providing a user interface to a vehicle system to control at least one function of the vehicle system are provided. The vehicle computing device communicates with a mobile client device over a wireless data connection. At the vehicle computing device, control instructions are provided. The control instructions comprise instructions for displaying at least one graphical control element at the client device to control the at least one function of the vehicle system. The vehicle computing device can be configured to transmit the control instructions to the client device over the wireless data connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hess
  • Patent number: 9566903
    Abstract: In an example of a multi-vehicle user-assistance method, a central server receives a request from a mobile device. The request includes a location of the mobile device. A central processing unit of the central server identifies a location of a plurality of participating vehicles positioned within proximity of the mobile device. The participating vehicles are unassociated with the mobile device. Instructions are respectively transmitted to at least some of the participating vehicles to activate an exterior lighting component i) as the mobile device is within proximity of the at least some of the participating vehicles or ii) as part of a vehicle lighting pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Scott Calnek
  • Patent number: 9562506
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle GPS coordinates. The processor is also configured to compare the received GPS coordinates to known device coordinates. Further, the processor is configured to page a vehicle computing system, requesting connection, if the vehicle coordinates and the known device coordinates are within a predetermined proximity and connect to the vehicle upon receipt of a response message from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hadi Elzein, Jeffrey Raymond Ostrowski
  • Patent number: 9509822
    Abstract: A mobile device includes a display unit to display a screen to set the mobile device in a security mode and a condition as a safe zone in the security mode, a user interface to receive a user input to activate the mobile device, and a control unit to selectively apply the security mode in response to the user input when a current condition is identical to the set condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Seungman Kim
  • Patent number: 9501875
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring and reporting notification preferences. A processor of a vehicle determines whether any vehicle events specified in notification preferences have occurred. The notification preferences can be defined by an owner of the vehicle and specify vehicle events that the owner wants to be monitored and reported. When the processor determines that any vehicle event specified in the notification preferences has occurred, the processor can store a record of the vehicle event (and any other vehicle events that occur) in a vehicle event detection log, and then regularly or periodically generate a notification report that includes records for each of the vehicle events that are stored in the vehicle event detection log. The notification report can then be communicated to a remote computer located outside the vehicle. In addition, some vehicle events can trigger generation and communication of an alert message to the remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Danilo E. Gurovich, Keith A. Fry
  • Patent number: 9497177
    Abstract: A communications relay apparatus for relaying communications between an electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the apparatus via an in-vehicle local area network (LAN) and an external device connected to the apparatus via a communication path different from the in-vehicle LAN. In the apparatus, a data transfer unit forwards relay data received from the ECU to the communication path and forwards relay data received from the external device to the in-vehicle LAN. But the data transfer unit is inhibited from forwarding reprogramming data for reprogramming the ECU received from the external device to the in-vehicle LAN. An authentication unit authenticates a vehicle user, and when the vehicle user is successfully authenticated, then permits the data transfer unit to forward the reprogramming data to the in-vehicle LAN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouji Fujiki, Tomohisa Kishigami, Yoshinori Takai, Yasumasa Imai
  • Patent number: 9412265
    Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a new remote controlled device having a digital mark is disclosed. A digital representation of the mark is generated and sent to a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) server, along with MCDN account information. The digital mark may be used to retrieve programming codes, which are sent to client-premises equipment (CPE) at an MCDN client identified by the MCDN account information. The CPE may be instructed to reprogram the URC to control the new device using the programming codes. The digital mark may be scanned and sent to the server using wireless telephony service provided by the MCDN service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: James Pratt, Steven M. Belz, Gregory Edwards
  • Patent number: 9413549
    Abstract: A method and system for activating at least one temporarily inactive network component of a network system for a vehicle central network device of the network system is connected via signals to the network component by a path inside the network system extending at least partially across a network segment of the network system. The network segment connecting, via signals, the network component and a first activation device associated therewith to a switch device arranged in the path and to a second activation device associated therewith in an unbranched manner. The central network device responds to the first activation device by the switch device by sending a network function control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Balbierer, Josef Nöbauer, Andreas Rath
  • Patent number: 9367048
    Abstract: A vehicle controller installed in and controlling a vehicle includes an obtaining part that obtains identification information specific to the vehicle, a communicator that communicates with an information processor located outside the vehicle by transmitting and receiving information, a match judging part that makes a matching judgment on whether a plurality of the identification information obtained at different times are identical, and a judging part that judges whether to permit the control of the vehicle based on the matching judgment. The information processor also can make the matching judgment and only transmit a control command to the vehicle controller when there is a match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventors: Ryuji Nishimura, Akira Takee, Shingo Taguchi, Takeshi Sakamoto, Tetsuya Nomura, Satoshi Harumoto
  • Patent number: 9272609
    Abstract: A method for operating a convertible top of a motor vehicle. The convertible top may be a soft top which may be opened and closed in an electric or hydraulic manner using, in a non-limiting embodiment, a mobile device after the mobile device receives data relating to the monitoring of an interior space and an exterior region of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Helwich, Michael Stahmer, Berthold Klein
  • Patent number: 9140228
    Abstract: A remote start control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending through the vehicle, an engine, a transmission associated with the engine and having a selectable disengaged position based upon a disengage transmission position command on the data communications bus, and a vehicle climate control system operable based upon a climate control command on the data communications bus. The system may include a remote start transmitter to generate a remote start signal. The remote start control system may also include a vehicle remote start controller at the vehicle that may include a receiver to receive the remote start signal, and at least one processor cooperating with the receiver. The at least one processor, in response to the remote start signal may generate the disengage transmission position command on the data communications bus, generate the climate control command on the data communications bus, and start the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: OMEGA PATENTS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 9079518
    Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a seating surface adjustment mechanism provided with an actuator and moving a seating surface of a vehicle seat in an up-down direction, a seat position adjustment mechanism for moving the vehicle seat in a vehicle front-rear direction, a seat position detection portion for detecting a front-rear direction position of the vehicle seat, a vehicle egress intention detection portion for detecting an intention of an occupant of the vehicle to get off the vehicle, and a drive control portion for performing a vehicle egress seating surface control in a case where the vehicle egress intention detection portion detects the intention of the occupant to get off the vehicle, the vehicle egress seating surface control controlling the seating surface adjustment mechanism so that the seating surface is positioned at a seating surface position set to correspond to the front-rear direction position of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki Fujii, Hiroki Kino, Toshiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 9019436
    Abstract: A method and system for providing remote vision to a remote operator with respect to a plurality of machines includes a remote vision system with one or more display screens and a receiver for receiving video information and machine information from each of the one or more machines. A controller console is linked to the remote vision system and the receiver, and is configured to calculate a priority ranking of the plurality of machines based on the received machine data and to display the video information from each machine as one or more video displays on a display screen wherein at least one of the one or more video displays is modified in appearance and/or position or duration of placement based on the priority ranking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Braunstein
  • Patent number: 9007185
    Abstract: A method and apparatus teach a plurality of keys to an authorization device in a vehicle. The keys that are in a reception range of a transmission unit of the authorization device receive a test signal from the authorization device. The respective key ascertains a key-specific time window from at least one signal parameter of the test signal that is dependent on the physical location of the key, during which the respective key transmits a response signal that can be received by the transmission unit and recorded by the authorization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Tobias Ott, Patrick Sassmannshausen
  • Patent number: 9002575
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an input device for allowing entry of vehicle operator identification information, a transceiver for transmitting a message and receiving a response to the message, an interface for allowing a processor to communication with a vehicle sub-system, and a processor connected to the input device, the transceiver, and the interface, the processor for receiving the vehicle operator identification information from the input device, for generating the message comprising the vehicle operation identification information and providing the message to the transceiver, for receiving the response from the transceiver and for controlling the vehicle sub-system, via the interface, based on the response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Omnitracs, LLC
    Inventors: John Harvey, Thomas F. Doyle, Michael L. Segal
  • Patent number: 9002536
    Abstract: A mobile device enabling one or more processors to receive vehicle key security codes from a vehicle key. The mobile device may receive a signal from a transmitter associated with a vehicle key, the signal being indicative of one or more security codes associated with the vehicle key. The mobile device may store the one or more security codes in memory and configure a mobile device application to implement one or more vehicle control functions using the security codes. The mobile device may wirelessly transmit commands for implementing the one or more vehicle control functions using the security codes to a vehicle associated with the key. The wireless transmission of commands may include short range wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Anthony Hatton
  • Patent number: 8978109
    Abstract: An electronic control device for a vehicle configured to be able to rewrite a program related to vehicle control by connecting an external device with the vehicle and by accessing an in-vehicle LAN includes a portable authentication terminal separated from the external device; an in-vehicle authentication system connected with the in-vehicle LAN, configured to authenticate the portable authentication terminal and to be able to transmit a authentication result to the in-vehicle LAN; a repeater configured to relay communications between the external device and the in-vehicle LAN; and a communication authorization unit connected to the in-vehicle LAN and configured to authorize the communications between the external device and the in-vehicle LAN through the repeater if receiving the authentication result of a successful authentication of the portable authentication terminal by the in-vehicle authentication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Hirashima, Yuusuke Satoh, Katsunori Kawai, Masahiro Makino, Koutarou Hara
  • Patent number: 8963694
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for selecting a remote controlled device to be controlled from among a plurality of remote controllable devices. The system includes an electronic device having a registration interface configured to register device data corresponding to the plurality of remote controllable devices, a position locator configured to determine position data corresponding to a position of the electronic device, and an orientation interface configured to receive orientation data corresponding to an orientation of a user. A controller is configured to select the remote controlled device based on the device data, the position data, and the orientation data. The plurality of remote controllable devices each may include a respective data source configured to provide the device data, and a headset may be configured to generate the orientation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Martin Nystrom, Erik Ahlgren