Remote Control Patents (Class 340/426.13)
  • Patent number: 8378801
    Abstract: A system for determining abandonment of a child or infant in a vehicle. The system features a remote key in communication with sensors operatively connected to seatbelts in a vehicle. If a user presses the lock button on the remote key the sensors determine if any seatbelt has been left engaged. If a seatbelt is engaged an alarm is activated on the remote key. If no seatbelt is left engaged, the vehicle doors become locked. To override the alarm, and override button must be pushed on the remote key. An unlock button on the remote key unlocks the vehicle doors and the system is reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: James C. Freeman, Taryn Freeman
  • Patent number: 8378800
    Abstract: A security system is disclosed with a digital processor-based wireless remote controller that sends command to perform system operations and receive confirmation of various aspects of the system. The security system monitors environmental and vehicle system parameters and automatically provides commands or prohibits issuance of commands to operate vehicles systems based on preset environmental and vehicle system conditions. The system reports command and response status to users through the remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: DEI Headquarters, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson James Mackjust, Joseph Kunkel
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8351917
    Abstract: A method of activating a device involves establishing communication between the device and another device and receiving, at the other device, a message including activation information from a third party facility. The activation information includes a header and a mobile dialing number. The method further includes using the header to identify the message as an activation message for the device and, via the device, retrieving the identified message from the other device. The mobile dialing number is stored in a memory associated with the device, where the mobile dialing number enables the third party facility to initiate communication with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Shpetim S. Veliu, Joseph K. Medley
  • Patent number: 8346411
    Abstract: An integrated system for providing a reporting point journey log display in an aircraft and for providing the automatic transfer and installation of a reporting point journey log in a ground retention application. The integrated system includes means for procuring and aggregating reporting point on-board aircraft data from aircraft systems. Means are provided for generating a reporting point cockpit message and readback script from the aggregated reporting point onboard aircraft data. The aggregated reporting point onboard aircraft data is automatically transmitted to a receiving ground application for assembling the data into the form of a reporting point journey log. The reporting point journey log is installed into a ground storage application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Dirks, Michael J. Krenz, Kevin Delaney, James L. Scheer, Joseph M. Costello
  • Patent number: 8346432
    Abstract: A method for remotely controlling one or more vehicle components includes receiving over a telecommunications network signals originating from a remote terminal. The signals include remote operation instructions for remotely operating a vehicle entertainment system component. The remote operation instructions are executed. Operation status identifiers transmitted over a vehicle data bus are received from the vehicle entertainment system component. Based on the operation status identifiers, an operating status of the vehicle entertainment system component is determined. A return signal including an operation status message and an instruction for displaying the operation status message at the remote terminal is generated. The signal is transmitted to the remote terminal for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Robert Bruce Kleve, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Dae Wook Kwon, Paul Aldighieri
  • Patent number: 8334760
    Abstract: An antitheft device that activates in connection with tampering with a vehicle, includes an air-conditioning unit operation determining portion that determines whether an air-conditioning unit is about to be operated or is operating, and a restricting portion that performs control to prohibit or restrict activation of the antitheft device when it is determined by the air-conditioning unit operation determining portion that the air-conditioning unit is about to be operated or is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Tanaka, Takeo Endo
  • Patent number: 8325009
    Abstract: An unlocking device for automobiles that is able to be mounted on the interior of an automobile's rear window to facilitate reentry inside the automobile once a driver is locked out. The unlocking device is rectangular in shape and is mounted on the glass with suction cups. It is a stand alone module that is non evasive of the oem electronics of the automobile. The device is designed to receive dtmf tones from a cellphone operating in bluetooth mode. The device is universal in nature in that it is designed to enable unlocking for any automobile manufacturer's vehicle that uses an oem keyfob transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Albert Virgil Anderson
  • Patent number: 8326258
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling calls in a vehicle during an emergency situation that includes identifying an emergency situation and placing a voice call or a data call to the vehicle in response to the emergency situation. If the placed call cannot be connected because the vehicle has another call in progress, then an SMS message is sent to the vehicle which contains a command used by the vehicle to interrupt the in-progress call. This enables a call center or public safety personnel to obtain remote access in emergency situations, such as when the vehicle location needs to be determined or an occupant of the vehicle is contacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Laura R. Chmielewski, Daniel C. McGarry
  • Patent number: 8319605
    Abstract: A remote vehicle control system having a base transceiver mounted in a vehicle and a mobile key fob. The base transceiver utilizes an omni-directional antenna to communicate wirelessly with the key fob via the IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol. Additional antennas are mounted to the vehicle and are also tuned to communicate over the IEEE 802.15.4 bandwidth. The additional antennas have radiation patterns extending outwardly to various sides of the vehicle (e.g., driver, passenger and rear sides). The system provides remote control functions and enables passive keyless entry functions such as unlocking doors or trunk latches by detecting the presence of the key fob proximate to one or more sides of the vehicle based on the ability of the key fob to communicate over IEEE 802.15.4 via the additional antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hasib Hassan, John Lu, Brian A. Gorman, Alex Porat
  • Patent number: 8319616
    Abstract: A system and method for authorizing a remote device amongst multiple remote devices for passive functions, such as passive entry and passive start, includes a vehicle having a plurality of strategically located antennas, combinations of which transmit a query signal and receive query responses, a challenge antenna amongst the plurality of antennas for transmitting a challenge signal to at least one of the multiple remote devices in accordance with a challenge order, and a control unit having a controller in communication with the antennas for determining the challenge order based upon the query responses. The controller can determine whether a remote device is located in an authorization zone, out of an authorization zone, or whether the remote device's location is indeterminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Hilton W. Girard, III, Nikolay Yakovenko, Riad Ghabra
  • Patent number: 8299895
    Abstract: A cell phone is mated with the vehicle system and thereafter used to obtain access to the vehicle. A user who has a cell phone automatically can obtain access to the vehicle. An embodiment describes a USB key that provides access to the vehicle, and in an emergency, either a complete or partial version of the key can be downloaded from a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Harris Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Scott C. Harris
  • Patent number: 8294558
    Abstract: A remote starting ECU includes a command recognizing unit and a tuner connecting unit. The remote starting ECU starts an engine of a vehicle when the command recognizing unit receives an engine start command from a remote key or when the tuner connecting unit receives an engine start request from a remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Norio Tsuruta, Akira Takee
  • Patent number: 8284040
    Abstract: A tire air pressure detection system and a remote key entry system have first and second receiver units, respectively. The first receiver unit has a change-over switch, which selectively outputs to a chassis ECU an output signal of either one of the first and second receiver units. Thus, the chassis ECU can receive any one of the output signals by only one interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Noriaki Okada, Hiroyuki Tsuji, Kentarou Asai
  • Patent number: 8279049
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multimedia device comprising a remote control system for wirelessly controlling a multimedia appliance. In order to establish a connection between a remote control system and a multimedia appliance, the remote control system must identify itself to the multimedia appliance, by means of a hardware device, especially a SIM card. The individual user must also identify him/herself to the multimedia appliance, by means of a hardware device for detecting biometric data. The respective identification data is encoded by means of asymmetrical cryptography. During the initialization process between said two appliances, data encoded for the identification of the remote control system and each person is transmitted to the multimedia appliance and stored therein in an encoded manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: FM Marketing GmbH
    Inventor: Ferdinand Maier
  • Patent number: 8275307
    Abstract: An audio integrator monitors the outputs of a plurality of audio sources, and a controller prioritizes the audio sources. An active audio detection circuit determines when one or more of the audio sources become active. When the two or more audio sources are active simultaneously, the controller directs the highest priority audio source to one or more speakers. If a lower priority audio signal is currently playing, newly active voice communication audio, such as communications or directional information, is delayed to preserve the beginning of the message during an audio switch-over. A currently-playing, lower-priority audio signal may be decreased in volume, and a tone unique to the new audio source sounded, prior to the switching the audio to the higher-priority source. During audio input (e.g., while actuating a push-to-talk button on a microphone), all active audio sources are quieted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Marquis D. Doyle, III
  • Patent number: 8258937
    Abstract: A method of transmitting driver specific vehicle data includes entering driver specific hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) operating parameter settings for a plurality of drivers into a vehicle controller; identifying a vehicle driver; displaying driver specific HEV data within the vehicle; and configuring HEV operating parameters in accordance with the driver specific HEV operating parameter settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allen D. Dobryden, William P. Perkins, Ryan Skaff, Derek Hartl
  • Patent number: 8237554
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for programming keys to a vehicle to establish primary keys and secondary keys to control vehicle functionality is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a key identification signal from a first key. The method further comprises generating a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a primary key and a secondary key in response to the key identification signal. The method further comprises transmitting the key status signal to a vehicle interface display. The method further comprises allowing a user to change a status of at least one of the first key and an additional key with the vehicle interface display in response to determining that the key status signal corresponds to the primary key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Michael L. Gusta, Eric L. Reed
  • Patent number: 8223033
    Abstract: Described is a vehicle communication system. The system includes a display installed in, or on, a first vehicle such that the display is viewable by persons in other vehicles or pedestrians proximate the first vehicle. The display is communicatively linked to one or more vehicle systems or a vehicle controller area network whereby based on activation, engagement or utilization of a vehicle system, the display automatically displays a message associated with the activation, engagement or activation of the vehicle system. For example, if a driver of the vehicle applies the brakes, a “STOPPING” message is displayed. Messages may be pre-programmed into the system or custom created and entered by a user. The display may also be used to advertise, alert passersby to an emergency or otherwise communicate with persons in other vehicles or pedestrians.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rising Phoenix Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Greg Paterno
  • Patent number: 8222992
    Abstract: A control system has a control device for performing a control of a predetermined process, and a communication device for communicating with the control device. The control device has a first transmission unit for transmitting a request signal requesting for transmission of a response signal to the communication device, a first reception unit for receiving the response signal transmitted through a predetermined procedure from the communication device in response to the request signal transmitted by the first transmission unit, an authentication unit for performing authentication of the communication device using identification information of the communication device contained in the response signal received by the first reception unit and identification information of the communication device registered in advance, and a process executing unit for executing the predetermined process when the authentication of the communication device by the authentication unit is successful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Tadao Nishiguchi, Yutaka Yasuda, Hideo Ebizawa, Ryohei Tashiro, Masato Kashiyama
  • Patent number: 8217755
    Abstract: Doors of a vehicle, such as a delivery vehicle, are controlled based on user inputs. A user may input a vehicle exit mode and stop the vehicle. When an exit mode has been input and the stopping of the vehicle has been sensed, an exit door of the vehicle is opened, with the door being selected based upon said exit mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Unicell Limited
    Inventors: Roger J. Martin, Mark S. Mull, Richard J. Hellinga, Chris K. Derbecker, Mike A. G. Johnson, Ray J. Minato, Markus A. Hetzler, Scott J. Vader
  • Patent number: 8193945
    Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, a user interface for selecting a command associated with the one or more vehicle functions, a controller for processing the selected command, the controller having a plurality of input ports, and a switch array including a plurality of switches corresponding to the one or more vehicle functions. The plurality of switches can be divided into a first set and a second set with the first set of switches being connected across a fixed voltage and a controller input port and the second set of switches being connected across multiple controller input ports. The at least one of the controller input ports connecting the second set of switches may be temporarily configurable to an output port for determining which of the plurality of switches has been actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Neal Richard Manson, Tom Q. Tang
  • Patent number: 8193921
    Abstract: A motorcycle handlebar lock system (10) includes a control section (16) that executes a process of authenticating information necessary for driving a motorcycle (30), and a switch part (12L, 12R) for initiating the authentication process, the switch part being disposed within a grip (61 or 62) of a handlebar (31) of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Konno, Tadashi Onozuka, Yoshiaki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8179237
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus that suppresses consumption of a battery of a mobile device. A transmitting and receiving circuit transmits to a smart key a drop detection code request signal for checking whether the smart key is located within a specified range from a motorcycle at specified intervals. The transmitting and receiving circuit receives a drop detection code signal transmitted from the smart key having received the drop detection code request signal. A control section stops the transmitting and receiving circuit from making transmission of the drop detection code request signal at specified intervals when the motorcycle is substantially in a stop state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiro Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8180337
    Abstract: A method of activating a device involves establishing communication between the device and another device and receiving, at the other device, a message including activation information from a third party facility. The activation information includes a header and a mobile dialing number. The method further includes using the header to identify the message as an activation message for the device and, via the device, retrieving the identified message from the other device. The mobile dialing number is stored in a memory associated with the device, where the mobile dialing number enables the third party facility to initiate communication with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Shpetim S. Veliu, Joseph K. Medley
  • Patent number: 8175569
    Abstract: A device control is disclosed for controlling a device with a high-priority signal without interference by a low-priority signal. Panel keys, which serve as a high-priority signal receiver unit, receives a high-priority signal. A panel key signal processing unit, which is a high-priority signal processing unit, processes the signal received by the panel keys. A remote control signal receiver unit, which is a low-priority signal receiver unit, receives a low-priority signal. A remote control signal processing unit, which is a low-priority signal processing unit, processes the signal received by the remote control signal receiver unit. A remote control signal reception control unit, which is a low-priority signal processing control unit, disables the processing in the remote control signal processing unit when the panel key signal processing unit is performing the processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Viewtechnology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukinori Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8171290
    Abstract: An authentication system authenticates remotely generated optical control signals. A remote optical emitter transmits an optical control signal from a remote location. A remote authentication device collocated with the remote optical emitter receives an authentication challenge signal and transmits a compatible authentication response signal. A control optical signal processor positioned at a first location receives the optical control signal from the remote optical emitter and generates a control output signal in response to detection of a valid optical control signal. An authentication device is coupled by a real time data communications link with the optical signal processor and with the remote optical emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Tomar Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Sikora, William H. Conley, III
  • Patent number: 8134649
    Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the elimination of interference of an IR signal emitted from an IR blaster by the IR signal emitted from a remote control unit. In a preferred embodiment in which an AV device coupled to a television receives IR signals repeated and transmitted by the television over an IR blaster cable, a right hand polarizer lens is positioned on the front of the remote control unit in front of the IR emitter and a left hand polarizer lens is positioned on the AV device in front of its IR detector. In operation, the IR beam emitted from the remote control unit is right hand polarized and is blocked by the left hand polarizer lens. The IR beam emitted from the IR blaster is randomly polarized and passes through the left hand polarizer lens with only a slight attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America, Inc.
    Inventor: Harlan Rogers
  • Patent number: 8120474
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a portable identification device including a portion for receiving an interrogation signal and a portion for transmitting an indication indicative signal responsive to the interrogation signal, multiple tire sensor devices each of which includes a portion for receiving an initiation signal and a portion for transmitting a condition indicative signal responsive to the initiation signal, multiple transmitting devices each of which emits the interrogation signal and the initiation signal for different conditions within a communication area, a receiving device for receiving the indication indicative signal and the condition indicative signal, and a central controller for unlocking a door lock device when the portable identification device is determined to be in an overlapped area based on a condition of the portable identification device, the overlapped area being defined between two adjacent communication areas and in which the door lock device is involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Fujioka, Manabu Kato
  • Patent number: 8112185
    Abstract: A remote engine start confirmation and vehicle monitoring and control system includes a transmitter and a controller capable of receiving and processing transmitter signals, the controller comprising a monitoring circuit for detecting a first pulsed voltage pattern and a second pulsed voltage pattern across the battery during an engine start procedure, a signaling circuit for signaling the disengagement of the starter from the engine after a detection of the termination of the first pulsed voltage pattern and the start of the second pulsed voltage pattern, and an initiation circuit for initiating the monitoring of a vehicle condition, such as overheating or low fuel, after the detection. A method for controlling the vehicle operation includes detecting an occurrence of a vehicle condition and performing an operation based on the detection, such as terminating ignition voltage or fuel supply or notifying the operator of the vehicle condition via the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: DEI Headquarters, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony M. Wu
  • Patent number: 8102239
    Abstract: The present invention provides a smart key for vehicles and a telematics system using the same. The smart key includes a Radio Frequency (RF) Interface (I/F) unit, a smart key unit, a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), a USIM I/F unit, and a microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jae Hyun Woo
  • Patent number: 8089342
    Abstract: When a vehicle door locking operation is conducted, an in-vehicle device checks the vehicle compartment to determine whether a mobile unit exists in the vehicle compartment. When the in-vehicle device receives a response from the mobile unit indicating its presence in the compartment, the in-vehicle device receives a response from the mobile unit, prohibits the door from locking, and activates a buzzer. The mobile unit thus can be prevented from being locked in the vehicle compartment. When the mobile unit receives the search signal, it sounds its buzzer, thereby making it possible to further indicate its location within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Sugiura, Hiromichi Naitoh, Munenori Matsumoto, Noriaki Okada, Shinichirou Katou, Gorou Inoue
  • Patent number: 8077022
    Abstract: A system and method for activating electromechanical systems of a vehicle may include at least one antenna coupled to a vehicle and configured to receive wireless communications signals. At least one microphone may be coupled to the vehicle and configured to receive sounds external to the vehicle. A control unit may be in communication with the antenna(s) and be configured to receive the wireless communications signals. A voice recognition system may be in communication with the microphone(s). A transponder/keyfob may be utilized to determine when a user is locally external to the vehicle and, in response to determining that the user is locally external to the vehicle, the microphones may be polled to receive a voice command from the user to activate an electromechanical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Flextronics Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel R. Baruco, Reginald C. Grills
  • Patent number: 8050713
    Abstract: A remote control panel (RCP) is provided for controlling an operation of a radio (104, 106). The RCP (102) includes a keypad (208) configured for receiving user input commands for controlling the radio using the same keypad commands as would be used when operating the same without the RCP. The RCP also includes a display unit (206) for displaying information concerning an operational state of the radio. The RCP further includes a communication interface (212, 312-316, 320-322) configured for relaying information from the RCP to the radio located a distance away. The interface is also configured for relaying information from the radio to the RCP. The RCP includes a computer processing device configured for providing an extended capability for the radio exclusive of a predefined functional capability. The extended capability is selected from the group consisting of additional digital data processing capability, additional display capability, and additional communication capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Ransom, Thomas Warsaw, Mark Benoit
  • Patent number: 8049631
    Abstract: A system of determining an impairment level of a vehicle operator and preventing operation of the vehicle in an impaired state and method of using the same that comprises a key portion to initiate the starting of the vehicle, an electrical source to power the system, a random pattern generator, a display, a user input to allow the user to attempt to replicate the generated random pattern, a processor that compares data from the user input to the generated random pattern to determine if the input sufficiently matches the generated random pattern, and an access preventing feature disabling the key portion from starting the vehicle unless the processor determines the user input sufficiently matches the generated random pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas C. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8044771
    Abstract: A keyless entry system includes a vehicle-side device and a portable device. The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side transmission unit connected to a plural transmission antenna and transmitting a request signal, and a vehicle-side reception unit receiving and transmitting an answer signal. The portable device includes a portable device-side control unit that detects the intensity of the signals transmitted from the plural transmission antennas. The vehicle-side control unit or the portable device-side control unit calculates distances between the portable device and the respective transmission antennas based on data of the intensity of the signals transmitted from the plural transmission antennas detected by the portable device-side control unit. When an added value of the distances calculated based on two of the intensity data is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the portable device is located inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakajima, Satoshi Hayasaka
  • Patent number: 8044770
    Abstract: A keyless entry apparatus determines whether a portable apparatus is positioned inside/outside an interface of a vehicle. When an in-vehicle control unit detects that a portable apparatus is positioned in a region which is affected by crosstalk and/or in which saturation occurs, in the vicinities of some of a plurality of transmitting antennas, based on intensity data from some of the plurality of transmitting antennas, the in-vehicle control unit determines whether intensity data from the transmitting antenna is included in a data group composed of a plurality of intensity data that are transmitted from the transmitting antennas and then received by the portable apparatus when the portable apparatus is positioned along the inside of an interface. When it is determined that the intensity data is included/not included in the data group, the in-vehicle control unit determines that the portable apparatus is positioned inside/outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakajima, Satoshi Hayasaka
  • Patent number: 8040225
    Abstract: Aimed at providing an electronic authentication system for a motorcycle excellent in the handlability and operability, operations of turning an ignition knob, and of opening a accommodation lid and a fuel lid, disposed in the front portion of the vehicle, are permitted, when agreement of ID information was judged. The steering bar was made unlockable by operating the ignition knob after agreement of the ID information was judged, and the seat was made unlockable by further operating the ignition knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8021776
    Abstract: The invention relates to a maintaining and contacting device for a round cell battery and to the use of said type of maintaining and contacting device in remote control devices in order to lock and unlock motor vehicles. According to said type of devices, the battery area must be separated as much as possible from other electronic components in order to prevent destructive contact. Spring clips, which are connected to the electronic system by means of a cable and soldered connections, are used in order to make contact with the upper and lower side of the round cell battery. Leaf-spring like contact elements, which are connected to the battery area forming a non-positive fit connection with an electronic module which is to be supplied, are used in order to prevent a complex construction and in order to enable the battery area to be accessed in an easy manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Matthias Habecke
  • Patent number: 8013726
    Abstract: A disclosed example receiver for receiving transmissions and data for both a remote keyless entry (RKE) system and a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system tailors the data slice level to the characteristics unique to each of the RKE transmissions and the TPM transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Tejas B. Desai, Patricia Kachouh, Gerald Ostrander, Scott Lucy
  • Patent number: 7999655
    Abstract: A communication system that controls the disabling and enabling of a communication function in a communication portion of a portable device in accordance with whether the communication function of the portable device is disabled or enabled. The communication system includes a selection device for selecting a disablement mode, which disables automatic communication of the portable device with respect to a communication controller, and a communication mode, which enables automatic communication of the portable device. A determination unit recognizes which one of the disablement mode and the communication mode the portable device is in to determine whether to enable or disable automatic communication with respect to the portable device in accordance with the recognition. A recognition information providing device provides the determination unit with recognition information used to recognize which one of the disablement mode and the communication mode the portable device is in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Fumitaka Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7969514
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling set up of a controlling device capable of controlling a plurality of appliances, via an interactive instruction set and associated programming. The programming is accessible by a STB or other controllable appliance and is configured to appropriately display interactive instructions and prompts to a user during a user initiated set up procedure for configuration of another controllable device (e.g., DVD, VCR, DVR, etc.) available to the user. Appropriate set up data, generally in the form of command library codes, is displayed to the user by the interactive instruction set and associated programming for entry and trial by the user in set up of the desired appliance(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Lee Haughawout, Patrick H. Hayes
  • Patent number: 7965176
    Abstract: A remote controller includes a microphone, a data transmitter which transmits data corresponding to a button, and a voice transmitter which transmits voice input acquired from the microphone. The voice transmitter transmits voice based on the press of a predetermined button, and the data transmitter transmits data. An electronic device includes a voice receiver, data receiver, and processor. The processor acquires data from the data receiver. The processor determines based on data whether the voice receiver has received voice, and acquires the voice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Kuboyama
  • Patent number: 7961076
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for remote control of a vehicle device and vehicle lockout notification are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a method of creating a secure bidirectional communication link between a remote access device and a central locking unit (CLU) of a vehicle, enabling the central locking unit to authenticate a user of the remote access device to manipulate a device of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the CLU may wait for an access attempt from a mobile device. In other embodiments, the CLU monitor vehicle conditions, detect a lockout condition, and alert the user before authenticating and granting vehicle access. Embodiments utilize private and shared key encryption methods to facilitate securely passing an access code between the CLU and the remote access device. Some embodiments authenticate the user by voice verification, while other embodiments may use personal identification numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nia L. Kelley, Guillermo J. Silva
  • Patent number: 7956728
    Abstract: A sound production controller can include a horn device that performs a vibrating operation at a predetermined resonance frequency in response to a predetermined operation to produce a warning sound, an input section which receives a sound production command signal outputted in response to execution of a function that requires sound production in the vehicle other than the predetermined operation, and a sound production controller which, if the input section receives the sound production command, provides a high-frequency signal having a frequency higher than the predetermined resonance frequency to the horn device to cause the horn device to produce a sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Kousaka, Masayuki Kato
  • Patent number: 7948372
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of monitoring the position of a vehicle, vessel, rail car, barge, tanker truck that is loaded with bulk or hazardous material. A G.P.S unit is set to send a signal to a radio transmitter if the unit moves beyond a maximum permissible distance (for example, 50 feet or more). An oxygen sensor can be used to send a signal to a radio transmitter if oxygen levels fall below a selected minimum concentration. The radio transmitter can send the message to a tugboat crew, police department, fire department, company headquarters, civil defense office or other personnel if either of the unit has moved beyond the selected maximum travel distance or if oxygen levels fall below a minimum concentration. In addition to the radio transmission of oxygen concentration data and/or G.P.S position data, visible or audible alarms can be used such as strobe light, horn or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel J. Herbold
  • Publication number: 20110102164
    Abstract: A combined personal convenience and remote fob device is provided for use with a transportation vehicle. The personal convenience device includes a housing and is adapted to perform a non-transportation related convenience function. The remote fob device is supported within the housing and is capable of performing at least one of an active remote keyless entry function, an active remote start function, a passive entry function, a passive start function, and an immobilizer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Riad Ghabra
  • Patent number: 7936253
    Abstract: Source of input of an instruction to a remote controller is switched between manipulation on hand and external manipulation. A remote controller includes an instruction input portion accepting input of an instruction for controlling equipment, a supply accepting portion accepting supply of power from a cradle, a charging portion, a power storage portion, a control portion controlling an operation of the remote controller, a storage portion, an infrared light emission portion, and a display portion. The control portion includes a placement detection portion detecting whether or not the remote controller is mounted on the cradle, a selection portion switching between sources of input of the instruction from the instruction input portion based on a result of detection by the placement detection portion, and a control signal generation portion generating a control signal for controlling the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Ishimoto, Yasuo Masaki
  • Patent number: 7932811
    Abstract: A remote controller that can infer the intention of a user and that can control a plurality of devices based on the inferred intention is provided. A remote controller includes memory, a control circuit, and a transmission portion. The memory stores in advance, in association with a situation sensed by a sensor, information of a first control signal. The control circuit generates, in association with the situation sensed by the sensor and the information stored in the memory, the first control signal. The transmission portion transmits the first control signal generated by the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Tanabe, Yasuo Masaki, Masahiro Takeshita, Sadanori Murakami
  • Patent number: 7932836
    Abstract: A vehicle speed control system includes an RFID equipped vehicle having a computer system for controlling operating functions of the vehicle, a transmitting and receiving station positioned adjacent a speed control zone, capability for sending a speed control command from the transmitting and receiving station to the vehicle, cooperative components associated with the vehicle for receiving the speed control command from the transmitting and receiving station, and various elements associated with the vehicle for adjusting speed of the vehicle in response to the speed control command received from the station. The transmitting and receiving station includes electronic circuitry and related components for determining the speed of the RFID equipped vehicle as the vehicle enters the speed control zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: RFID Options, LLC
    Inventor: Hap Nguyen