Abstract: A system and methodology for determining the alertness of a driver of a motor vehicle including sensing at least one first movement characteristic of at least a first part of a motor vehicle, sensing at least one second movement characteristic of at least a second part of the motor vehicle, employing at least one time relationship between the at least one first movement characteristic and the at least one second movement characteristic in order to sense and to distinguish between driver initiated movements and non-driver initiated movements and determining the alertness of the driver of the motor vehicle based on at least one relationship between the driver initiated movements and the non-driver initiated movements.

Abstract: A sensor (36) for monitoring rotation of an object (16) about an axis (20) comprises a switch member (40) that is urged into a neutral position and is movable relative to the object (16). A direction of movement of the switch member (40) relative to the object (16) is indicative of a direction of rotation of the object (16). Inertia of the switch member (40) during initial rotation of the object (16) results in relative movement of the switch member (4) away from the neutral position. Centrifugal force during object (16) rotation further enhances the relative movement of the switch member (40). The sensor (36) also comprises a device (56) for monitoring a direction of movement of the switch member (40) and for providing a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A commander transmits a command signal that includes a channel code set by a channel code setting switch. When receiving the transmission command signal from the commander, a transmitter transmits a response signal that contains the channel code contained in the command signal and a unique ID code of the transmitter. When receiving the response signal from the transmitter, a receiver stores the ID code contained in the response signal in the memory if the channel code contained in the response signal is related to a channel code set by a channel code setting switch. As a result, the ID codes of the transmitter is correctly registered in the receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a key ring fob comprising a lock status indicator able to indicate if a lock is locked or unlocked. The lock status indicator may indicate if the last action performed on the lock was a locking or an unlocking action.

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: In a vehicle anti-theft matching system, password matching is effected only when a mismatch between a current vehicle position acquired from a car navigation system 1 and an authorized storage area registered in a position registration section 11 beforehand has existed for a period of time exceeding a given period. When the vehicle is returned to the authorized storage area within a given period of time, the vehicle is deemed to remain unstolen. Thus, password matching is not performed. Labor imposed on an authorized owner when his/her vehicle is driven in a normal state can be mitigated as compared with the case of a related-art system which always performs matching for identifying an authorized owner.

Abstract: A method of confirming a lock button pressed condition for a remote device associated with a vehicle remote keyless entry system. The method includes setting a counter to zero then, continuously monitoring the remote device for a remote device button activation. If a lock button activation is detected, the counter is increment by one. Otherwise, if an unlock button activation is detected, the counter is reset to zero. An indicator on the remote device is activated, in response to detection of either a lock button or unlock button activation, when the counter is greater than one. In one embodiment, the indicator is an LED which is activated only when, upon detecting a lock button activation, a lock button activation was immediately previously detected. If at any time after initial lock button activation, the unlock button is activated, the LED indicator will not illuminate.

Abstract: In the event of an accident or another traumatic event to a vehicle, a wireless vehicle location and emergency notification system is provided for determining the location and sensing the condition of a vehicle, comparing this information to established parameters, and transmitting such information to a base station in the event the sensed condition or determined location is outside the established parameters. The base station may then alert local emergency services if necessary. The system utilizes a global positioning receiver for determining the location of the vehicle and sensors for monitoring vehicle conditions such as vehicle attitude, deceleration, shock, temperature and passenger compartment audio. The location and condition information is communicated to a data processor which compares this data to established parameters and recently stored location and condition data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for a vehicle status reporting system for allowing a user to define when a user will receive a vehicle status report about the status of a mobile vehicle, in relation to a location, for establishing a communication link between the system and the user, and for delivering the status report during the communication link, the status report indicating occurrence of one or more events.