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).

Abstract: Current position of a vehicle and current time are acquired. A user recognizing unit recognizes a user. A pattern recognizing unit detects location of a portable device and movement thereof. Operation state of an engine is acquired from an engine control mechanism. Based on the information, processes are performed such as switching communication stand-by mode of the portable device to active stand-by mode, notifying the portable device of a transition of an on-board terminal to automatic locking mode, preventing needless unlocking and locking of doors, and setting warning mode of the portable device.

Abstract: A system is provided which is capable of controlling one or more parameters of a vehicle, such as vehicle speed or engine RPM. The system involves communication between a transmitter and a controller. The transmitter has memory containing information that corresponds to a vehicle parameter setting. The information is operatively transmitted from the transmitter to the controller. Once the controller receives the information, the vehicle parameter setting is identified by the controller. When the setting is identified, the controller may adjust at least one mechanism on the vehicle so as modify the vehicle parameter accordingly. One scenario in which the parameter modification is generally provided is if the controller determines that the vehicle parameter is exceeding the identified setting, which corresponds to the vehicle being operated at a level higher than that intended for the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A system for activating an appliance responsive to one of many transmission schemes includes a transmitter, memory holding data describing the transmission schemes, and a controller in communication with the transmitter and the memory. The controller is operable to store a fixed code. If a fixed code is stored, then the controller transmits a sequence of fixed code activation schemes, based on the fixed code and data held in the memory, until input indicating activation of the appliance is received. If no fixed code is stored, then the controller transmits a sequence of rolling code activation schemes, based on data held in the memory, until input indicating activation of the appliance is received. The controller stores in the memory an indication as to which activation scheme activated the appliance based on the received input. The controller generates an activation signal based on the stored indication and a received activation input.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device connected to the data communications bus. The vehicle remote control system includes a remote transmitter, and a true controller at the vehicle for controlling the vehicle device via a true command on the data communications bus, and based upon the remote transmitter. The true controller also controls the vehicle device via a respective counteracting command on the data communications bus based upon detecting a rogue controller attempt to control the at least one vehicle device via a rogue command on the data communications bus. The true controller may thus counteract a rogue controller attempt to start the engine, unlock vehicle doors, roll down windows, and/or disarm the vehicle security system, for example.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device connected to the data communications bus. The vehicle control system includes a a true controller at the vehicle for controlling the vehicle device via a true command on the data communications bus. The true controller also controls the vehicle device via a respective counteracting command on the data communications bus based upon detecting a rogue controller attempt to control the at least one vehicle device via a rogue command on the data communications bus. The true controller may thus counteract a rogue controller attempt to start the engine, unlock vehicle doors, roll down windows, and/or disarm the vehicle security system, for example.

Abstract: A self learning data module system includes a microprocessor with non-volatile memory adapted to removably attach to a vehicle equipment control network. Software extracts operational codes from the vehicle equipment control network upon activation of vehicle equipment such as door locks or arming of alarm systems. The software assigns each of the operational codes to a predetermined command codes and stores the assigned pairs in memory. An attached system with remote control is adapted to send and receive the command codes. The microprocessor transmits each of the operational codes to the network upon receipt of a command code from the attached system. Attached systems include vehicle alarms, remote starting systems, vehicle control systems, vehicle function communication systems, and cellular communications systems.

Abstract: A control unit having a microprocessor and at least one electronic memory for storing a program-controlled sequence control for a motor vehicle and a first electronic interface for transmitting the program code of the sequence control from an external data transmission device into the memory and also having a second electronic interface are provided. To prevent manipulation of the contents of the memory, the first electronic interface is irreversibly deactivated after its initial use.

Abstract: An onboard-equipment control apparatus controls activation of an onboard apparatus such as an air conditioner and termination of the operation of the onboard apparatus in order to prevent an onboard battery from running out of residual electric charge in advance. Upon detection of a state in which an onboard radio apparatus is not capable of receiving a termination command from a cellular phone or the cellular phone is not capable of transmitting a termination command to the onboard radio apparatus while the air conditioner is in operation, the onboard-equipment control apparatus forcibly terminates the operation of the air conditioner even before a termination condition is satisfied. Thus, the onboard battery can be prevented in advance from running out of accumulated electric charge required for operating the activated air conditioner thereafter.

Abstract: An antitheft apparatus includes a control section. When a status change from a closed state to an open state of a luggage door caused by regular means is detected in an arming state being ready to output an alarm, the control section shifts a status from the arming state to a disarmed state being not ready to output an alarm; when a status change from the open state to the closed state of the luggage door is detected in the disarmed state, the control section shifts the status from the disarmed state to the arming state after a predetermined length of preparatory period; and when an arming command to shift the status from the disarmed state to the arming state is given within the length of preparatory period, the control section shifts the status from the disarmed state to the arming state.

Abstract: A method is provided for configuring an operation mode of a passive entry system of a vehicle. A configuration mode of a vehicle based communication module is enabled by depressing a predetermined combination of actuation buttons on a portable communication device to broadcast a configuration mode command signal. A passive entry configuration is selected by depressing a respective actuation button on the portable communication device when in the configuration mode. The portable communication device broadcasts a corresponding command signal to the vehicle based communication module identifying the selection. The corresponding command signal is received from the portable communication device and the selected passive entry configuration is adopted in response thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle security system for a vehicle of a type including a vehicle data communications bus connected to a plurality of vehicle devices may include at least one vehicle security sensor interfacing with the vehicle data communications bus for generating a pre-warning signal or an alarm signal, depending upon a sensed threat level. The vehicle security system may also include an alarm indicator and a vehicle security controller. The vehicle security controller may interface with the vehicle data communications bus for causing the alarm indicator to generate a pre-warning indication based upon the pre-warning signal, or for causing the alarm indicator to generate an alarm indication based upon the alarm signal.

Abstract: A theft prevention system for protecting portable electronic devices is disclosed. An acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of a portable electronic device, and a controller analyzes this acceleration to determine whether a theft condition is present. If so, an alarm can be initiated. The theft prevention system can include a filter for attenuating irrelevant acceleration frequencies and isolating those representative of theft, and comparison hardware/software for determining whether the detected acceleration matches a known acceleration profile characteristic of theft. Various parameters of the theft prevention system can also be set by a user through mechanisms such as a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A vehicle security system for improving security. A portable device generates a wireless signal containing a first ID code. A verification device stores a second ID code and a first control ID code, receives the wireless signal from the portable device and performs verification with the first and the second ID codes. A controller stores a second control ID code, receives the first control ID code from the verification device, and performs verification with the first and the second control ID codes. The controller controls a control subject such as a door lock when verification of the first and second ID codes and verification of the first and second control ID codes are established. When a deletion operation is performed, the second ID code is deleted from the verification device and the first or second control ID code is invalidated.

Abstract: A pre-warn vehicle security device is for a vehicle including a data communications bus, an alert indicator, and an alarm controller interfacing with the data communications bus. The alarm controller may cause the alert indicator to generate an alarm indication responsive to a high security threat level. More particularly, the pre-warn vehicle security device may include a housing and a multi-stage sensor carried by the housing. The multi-stage sensor may sense the high security threat level and communicate the sensed high security threat level to the alarm controller via the data communications bus. It may also sense a low security threat level lower than the high security threat level. Moreover, the pre-warn vehicle security device may also include a pre-warn indicator carried by the housing and connected to the multi-stage sensor for generating a pre-warn indication responsive to the sensed low security threat level.

Abstract: A remote control includes energy harvesting that provides power in addition to a battery. The energy harvesting and the battery may be switchably used to power transmit operations, receive operation, and/or display operations. The remote control may be used as part of an automotive vehicle remote keyless entry system in which vehicle status is displayed by the remote control.

Abstract: A security system for remotely locking and unlocking closure members of a motor vehicle 10 is disclosed in which a hand gesture recognition device is associated with a keyless entry system having a security device 23 and a portable unit 19. The hand gesture recognition device includes at least one sensitised area 25 for detecting a hand gesture, an input/output device positioned in the passenger compartment for selecting or creating at least one pattern gesture which can be recognised by the sensitised area 25 and a gesture recognition module for transmitting an authorised code signal to the security device 23 upon recognition of the selected or created gesture over the sensitised area. Such a gesture pattern can easily be modified from the I/O device by the user and ensure an improved security to a conventional keyless entry system.

Abstract: In a method of securing car against theft, a status LED light set is incorporated in a remote controller for an antitheft main unit mounted on the car. The method includes the step of providing the remote controller with a CPU circuit; a transmission circuit for transmitting codes to remotely actuate or release an actuated status of the antitheft main unit; a button set for setting a security code for actuating the antitheft status and inputting a PIN (personal identification number) code for releasing the antitheft status; a status LED light set for indicating an actual status of the antitheft main unit; and a power supply circuit; so that the remote controller not only remotely controls the antitheft main unit, but also indicates the actual status of the antitheft main unit.

Abstract: An antitheft system includes a main controller mounted in a car for controlling an overall operation of the antitheft system, and a wireless keypad provided on a front side with numbered keys, and on a rear side with a clip. The wireless keypad may be attached to a car door edge of all versions of different brands of cars via the clip without the risk of separating from the door easily. The wireless keypad also allows a user to enter and transmit a code to the main controller to release or enable the antitheft system just beside the car, and is therefore a humanized design.

Abstract: An installation and maintenance method for maintaining a control module for remote starter and alarm system for vehicles includes the steps of plugging in a signal converter onto the control module, establishing an electronic connection between the control module and a first information processing device, obtaining a control information for the control module, and applying the control information on the control module. The signal converter includes a serial to wireless converter and the first information processing device includes a personal digital assistant (PDA). The method can further includes the steps of establishing a connection between the first information processing device and a second information processing device through a communication network and downloading an information from the second information processing device. A remote installation and maintenance system includes an information processing device, a communication network, and a server.

Abstract: A method and system of providing tokens to allow a multiple vehicle programmer to program vehicle transponder keys. A token server collects payment for the number of tokens purchased and creates a token update file. The token update file loads the purchased tokens into the multiple vehicle programmer. To program a vehicle transponder key the multiple vehicle programmer checks for an unused token, if available, the unused token authorizes the programming of the vehicle programmer key. The multiple vehicle programmer marks the token as used after successfully programming the transponder key.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling remotely controlled components of a plurality of vehicles in response to a short range common signal emitted by a transmitter that can operate the components only during specified time periods. A transmitter can be programmed to provide a relatively long range customer signal that can operate the components at any time. The system and method are operative on a mutually exclusive basis wherein the remotely controlled components only respond to the common signal or the customer signal.

Abstract: A smart key carried with a user is provided with switches for monitoring a vehicle in remote places, such as a departure-time monitor switch, a return-time monitor switch and an all item monitor switch. The switches are associated with monitor information indicating various vehicle states. When the departure-time monitor switch is operated, the cellular phone receives monitor information such as parking position, rainfall state, etc. useful to the user at departure time from the vehicle. Similarly, when the return-time monitor switch is operated, the cellular phone receives monitor information useful at return time such as door open/closed state and lock state. When the all item monitor switch is operated, the cellular phone receives monitor information of all monitor items.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for wireless remote control of the operation of vehicle components such as a door lock or an entertainment system. An electronic host device, such as a PDA or a mobile telephone, is coupled to a vehicle-specific transponder, and a user interface program executed on the host device allows a user to select a desired vehicle component operating command for execution. The selected operating command is sent to the transponder for transmission to the vehicle, and a vehicle receiver forwards the selected command to the target component for execution. The transponder may contain vehicle-specific authorization information which the vehicle receiver may use to verify authorization to operate the vehicle. Additionally, information stored on the host device such as telephone numbers and addresses may be transferred via the transponder to vehicle components which may use such information for task such as navigation of initiating telephone calls.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of operating a telematics unit in a mobile vehicle. A command signal may be received in response to a radio button activation, a cellular programming mode may be activated in response to the command signal, a mobile phone identification number may be received in response to a radio button activation, and an operations mode may be activated in response to the received mobile phone identification number.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle. The system has a fob with a microphone for receiving audible commands and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting the commands at a radio frequency via a fob antenna. A receiver for positioning in the vehicle has an antenna for receiving the commands at the radio frequency, a demodulator for recovering the commands, a processor for decoding the recovered commands according to vehicle configuration information, and a network interface for controlling a vehicle system in accordance with the recovered commands and the vehicle configuration information.

Abstract: Operational states of one or more operators employed in a vehicle are detected to generate operational information corresponding to the detected operational states. Also, one or more traveling states of the vehicle are detected to generate traveling information corresponding to the detected traveling states. There is provided a table storing correspondency between various operational and traveling information and various sound control information, and sound control information corresponding to generated operational or traveling information is obtained with reference to the table. Sound signal is generated on the basis of the obtained sound control information to auditorily inform a user of the vehicle of the operational or traveling state of the vehicle. Contents of the table may be changed as desired by the user. There may be provided a plurality of tables so that the user can select any one of the tables.

Abstract: A system for customizing vehicle settings includes a control unit adapted to communicate with a vehicle input source and a vehicle auxiliary device. The system further includes a data storage device in communication with the control unit for storing and retrieving audio electronic data for customizing sounds related to the actuation of the vehicle input source. The data storage device is further capable of storing and retrieving non-audio electronic data for customizing settings for the vehicle auxiliary device. The control unit is adapted to communicate with at least one input device for uploading the audio and non-audio data stored in the data storage device data.

Abstract: A remote control device is located in an environment proximate to conditions to be monitored and actions to be implemented. The remote control device is able to receive and transmit wireless text based communications. A user employing a wireless communication device that supports text based messaging can transmit a control message containing a predetermined command to the remote control device. After preferably authenticating the user, the remote control device initiates a predetermined action based on receipt of a corresponding command.

Abstract: A security system in a vehicle extends its protection to installed equipment of the vehicle, such as audio components, navigation systems, and entertainment systems. The installed equipment is armed and disarmed by the security system, preventing the equipment from normal functioning after unauthorized removal. The security system further enables programming, monitoring, and diagnosing of the installed equipment through the security system's remote control, through a configuration and maintenance tool that connects to the security system, or through other items of installed equipment within the vehicle, such as a rear-seat entertainment system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and control system (100) for alerting a user of a mobile communication device (110). The method includes the steps of receiving (216) a communication request at the mobile communication device in a vehicle (114), detecting (224) whether a predetermined vehicle condition is present in response to the receipt of the communication request, assigning (226) a predetermined alert mode based on the presence of a predetermined vehicle condition and alerting (234) a user of the mobile communication device of the communication request in accordance with the assigned predetermined alert mode.

Abstract: A control system causes arrangements of automobile components, such as the driver's seat, the steering wheel and one or more mirrors, to be adjusted to a plurality of different memorized preferred component arrangements in response to unique component-arrangement signals respectively received from a plurality of remote control devices. The unique component-arrangement signals are transmitted by the remote control devices together with an unlock-request signal that causes a keyless-entry system to unlock one or more doors of the automobile. The control system responds to a lock-request signal that causes the keyless-entry system to lock the doors by causing the driver's seat to be adjusted to a locked position that cannot be utilized for driving the automobile. A distance measuring system separately measures the distance over which the automobile is driven while respectively in at least some of the plurality of preferred component arrangements.

Abstract: A mirror arrangement for a vehicle having a functional device, control apparatus, and a mode switch located in a mirror housing is provided. An activation device is provided to activate the mode switch for maintenance of the functional device. Various embodiments and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A security system of a construction machine of the present invention has a construction machine, a base station and a communication device. The construction machine comprises a data sending and receiving portion for sending first information, a storage portion for storing received information, and a control portion for controlling an operation of the construction machine. The base station receives the first information from the data sending and receiving portion of the construction machine and sends second information to the construction machine and manages the construction machine. It is configured so that the communication device is connected to the base station through a communication network and can send third information to the construction machine through the base station.

Abstract: A decision aid for use in the defense of a combat ground vehicle which includes a track fusion element, a threat typing element, threat prioritization element, and a countermeasures (CM) selection element.

Abstract: A memory rewriting apparatus can rewrite control programs for a vehicle mounted ECU through communications reliably and easily. A transmission and reception circuit communicates with a data communications device that sends program data. An ID check circuit checks based on an ID check code attached to the data whether a subject vehicle on which the apparatus is installed is a vehicle to be rewritten. A communications condition determination device determines whether the communications condition is suitable for communications. A control part (MPU) controls writing program data into a memory of the vehicle mounted ECU. The control part notifies the non-completion of rewriting to the data communications device when determined, before and during data rewriting, that the communications condition is unsuitable, and it also notifies the completion of rewriting to the data communications device after the rewriting of the data has been completed, when determined that the communications condition is suitable.

Abstract: A customerized driving environment setting system in which a portable memory card having multiple setting data stored therein is insertable into a card reader/writer on a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle wireless download device is controlled to download updated data from a remote customs service center wirelessly for updating the setting data of the portable memory card. Accessing of the card reader/writer to the portable memory card enables the user to set the accessories of the motor vehicle subject to the setting data of the portable memory card quickly, and to update the setting data of the portable memory card wirelessly. The user can carry the portable memory card to the repair shop, information station, and home computer to update the setting data anytime and anywhere.

Abstract: A key fob for use in accessing first and second motor vehicles includes a portable housing defining a hole for receiving a key chain and first and second motor vehicle selector buttons connected to integrated circuit logic within the housing and accessible through the housing. The fob further includes at least one function selector button connected to the integrated circuit logic and accessible through the housing. The integrated circuit logic is configured to select the first or second motor vehicle upon activation of the first or second motor vehicle selector buttons respectively. The integrated circuit logic controls a lock of the selected motor vehicle upon activation of the function selector button.

Abstract: A control system includes a transmitter, a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter, and a multi-vehicle compatible controller cooperating with the transmitter and receiver. The multi-vehicle compatible controller is for storing a set of device codes for a given vehicle device for a plurality of different vehicles, for reading a device code from a data communications bus, and for determining a match between a read device code and the stored device codes to thereby provide compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles. Such an arrangement provides for a relatively simple and straightforward approach to interface with a vehicle having a data communications bus. The multi-vehicle compatible controller may include a memory for the stored device codes, and a processor cooperating with the memory for determining the match between the read device code and the stored device codes.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting a driver of an automobile to a traffic condition. The system comprises at least one camera having a field of view and facing in the forward direction of the automobile. The camera captures images of the field of view in front of the automobile. A control unit receives images of the field of view from the camera and identifies objects therein of a predetermined type. The control unit analyzes the object images of at least one predetermined type to determine whether one or more of the identified objects present a condition that requires the driver's response. A display receives control signals from the control unit regarding the one or more of the objects that present a condition that requires the driver's response. The display displays an image of the object to the driver that is positioned and scaled so that it overlays the actual object as seen by the driver, the displayed image of the object enhancing a feature of the actual object to alert the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle security system for performing selectable vehicle security functions that are programmable in a wireless manner. The system has a microcontroller controlling a vehicle security interface including at least a siren control unit and a vehicle head/signal light controlling unit. A physically independent remote programming unit is used for transmitting function-programming information to the microcontroller, and a radio receiver is connected to the microcontroller for receiving function-programming information transmitted by the remote programming unit. The remote programming unit includes a switch array for setting up a security function code pattern representing the selected security functions. The remote programming unit also includes a radio transmitter for sending, in an electromagnetic transmission, the function-programming command in a signal string representing the security function code pattern to the microcontroller.