Transmitter And Receiver In Vehicle Patents (Class 340/426.16)
  • Patent number: 11608028
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling power modes of a vehicle and for providing passive entry to the vehicle. Responsive to a determination that a device is within a first distance from the vehicle, a wake-up action of the vehicle is initiated. The wake-up action includes a central controller transitioning one or more electronic control units (ECUs) or at least one program module from a first state to a second state. Responsive to a determination that the device is within a second distance from the vehicle, a welcome action of the vehicle is initiated. The welcome action includes the central controller causing the one or more ECUs or the at least one program module of the vehicle to execute an action associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: RIVIAN IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Kent, Akash Sridhara Acharya, Leonid Kokhnovych, Hyundoo Shin, Thomas Rocroi, Nicolas Viglucci
  • Patent number: 11535116
    Abstract: An Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system and method is disclosed. The system includes EV with a battery, charge control device, a portable transponder, a charging station with energy management device, a cable, a transmitter. The vehicle ID and SoC information is received from the vehicle, and the information is transmitted to the internet server along with charging station ID. The portable transponder is registered with the internet server which includes transponder ID and associated vehicles or vehicle IDs. Once the request for payment authorization is received from the charging station by the server, the server verifies the information and approves or denies the request. Upon approval of the request, the charging can commence. The portable transponder can be used for charging a second vehicle, as long as the second vehicle is also registered with the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventor: Massoud Mike Heidary
  • Patent number: 11288938
    Abstract: A fusion splicer is capable of sensing whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state in cooperation with a theft sensing device. The fusion splicer includes an authentication processing unit that authenticates the theft sensing device, a storage unit that stores identification information of the theft sensing device subjected to authentication processing, a decision unit that decides whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state based on a communication condition with respect to the theft sensing device, a locking unit that locks at least a part of functions of the fusion splicer when it is decided that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state, a releasing unit that temporarily releases the locked function of the fusion splicer, and an input unit that receives an input of a release ID for releasing the locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: SEI OPTIFRONTIER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Ooki, Takahiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11214231
    Abstract: A recovery system and method with repeating communication functionality includes a station configured to send a first message and at least a first remote transmitting unit responsive to the central station and configured to transmit a second message to a locating unit. At least a second remote transmitting unit includes a receiver which receives the second message, a controller configured to process the second message, and a transmitter for transmitting a third message to the locating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: CalAmp Wireless Networks Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Justice, George Liu, Ira Cohen
  • Patent number: 11062380
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for capturing an image of a vehicle for which roadside assistance is being requested are provided. The image may be captured by a mobile device and the mobile device may geotag location information to the image. The image and associated geotag location information may then be processed to determine a location of the vehicle and a roadside assistance issue for which service is being requested. The image may be further analyzed to determine a context including, a make, model and/or year of the vehicle, whether special equipment is needed to service the vehicle, whether the vehicle is located in a particular situation (e.g., within a structure, in a ditch, or the like). The information obtained from the image may be used to determine a type of service to provide to the vehicle and to identify one or more service providers to dispatch to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Ryan M. Briggs, Robert H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10846428
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer-readable storage medium having instructions for processing data captured by a motor vehicle. In a first operation, a datum captured by a motor vehicle is received. Subsequently, location-oriented or time-oriented masking is applied to the received datum. Alternatively or additionally, the received datum is separated from other data captured by the motor vehicle. The masked or separated datum is forwarded for evaluation. The location-oriented or time-oriented masking or the separating of the received datum from other data captured by the motor vehicle is effected inside the motor vehicle or in a reception system with a connection to the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Stephan Max, Toralf Hessel
  • Patent number: 10815694
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a tamper-evident cargo container seal bolt lock are disclosed herein. The device can include a bolt member having a conductive medium running the axial length of the bolt, and a receiving member for locking the bolt into place. A battery-driven sensory circuit including a memory means, a processor, and a timing circuit can be disposed within the receiving member such that a continuous circuit is formed from one circuit pin over the conductive medium through the length of the bolt and back to a second pin. The sensory circuit is configured to sense whether the circuit has been interrupted (e.g., if the bolt has been cut). In the event of an interruption, the circuit can record the time and/or date in memory. This information can then be transmitted to an RFID reader/interrogator if a dispute arises as to when the lock had been broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: NEOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Joe Mullis, James Robert Kruest
  • Patent number: 10723314
    Abstract: A vehicle alarm system comprising a primary device and at least one secondary device. The primary device is adapted to be connected to the vehicle and the secondary device is adapted to not be connected to the vehicle but adapted to be arranged in the vehicle, wherein the secondary device is adapted to take the role of the primary device if the primary device is disabled or removed from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: NIDA TECH SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Håkan Dackefjord, Warwick Taws
  • Patent number: 10701202
    Abstract: One method includes identifying driving conditions associated with a current location of a mobile communication device, receiving a notification to be output on the device, preventing the device from outputting the notification in response to identifying a first driving condition, and outputting the notification on the device in response to identifying a second driving condition. A second method includes identifying one or more driving conditions associated with a current location of a mobile communication device and calculating a driving hazard score as a function of the identified one or more driving conditions. The second method further includes receiving a notification to be output on the device, preventing the device from outputting the notification in response to the driving hazard score exceeding a first threshold value, and outputting the notification on the device in response to the driving hazard score being less than a second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: LENOVO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: John S. Crowe, Gary D. Cudak, Jennifer J. Lee-Baron, Nathan J. Peterson, Amy L. Rose, Bryan L. Young
  • Patent number: 10549720
    Abstract: A recovery system and method with repeating communication functionality includes a station configured to send a first message and at least a first remote transmitting unit responsive to the central station and configured to transmit a second message to a locating unit. At least a second remote transmitting unit includes a receiver which receives the second message, a controller configured to process the second message, and a transmitter for transmitting a third message to the locating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: CalAmp Wireless Networks Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Justice, George Liu, Ira Cohen
  • Patent number: 10515525
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the opening of a container, the method comprising the steps of: putting a monitoring device into a closed mode of operation (11) when detection means detect that the container is closed, in which mode a communications module sends closed messages at a first status repetition rate; when the detection means detect that the container is open, putting the monitoring device into a warning mode of operation (12) in which the communications module sends open messages at a second status repetition rate; and when the monitoring device is in the warning mode of operation (12) and the communications module receives an opening validated message, putting the monitoring device in an opening validated mode of operation (13) in which the communications module sends open messages at a third status repetition rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventors: Emmanuel Couturier, Nicolas Fanton, Pierre-Jean Tine
  • Patent number: 10476712
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to accelerating ramp-down of a modulated signal. In one embodiment, an antenna driver signal is defined and asserted to accelerate ramp-down. The accelerating ramp-down driver signal may include a series of sinusoidal-like pulses asserted at a driver output. The sinusoidal-like pulse may be synchronized by phase to a declining antenna current. Signal properties—such as phase, amplitude, delay, shape and frequency—of the sinusoidal-like pulse may be adopted to affect the ramp-down of the modulated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Werner Blatz, Thomas Janz, Robert Dvorszky
  • Patent number: 10445817
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for capturing an image of a vehicle for which roadside assistance is being requested are provided. The image may be captured by a mobile device and the mobile device may geotag location information to the image. The image and associated geotag location information may then be processed to determine a location of the vehicle and a roadside assistance issue for which service is being requested. The image may be further analyzed to determine a context including, a make, model and/or year of the vehicle, whether special equipment is needed to service the vehicle, whether the vehicle is located in a particular situation (e.g., within a structure, in a ditch, or the like). The information obtained from the image may be used to determine a type of service to provide to the vehicle and to identify one or more service providers to dispatch to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Ryan M. Briggs, Robert H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10313864
    Abstract: A cell broadcast emergency services delivery mechanism for vehicular Internet of Things (IoT) communication is provided. A method can comprise receiving, from a federal emergency management agency device, first data representing federal management emergency event data, aggregating second data representing an emergency event associated with a vehicle with the first data to form third data, based on the emergency event data and the third data, determining a commonality between the first data and the second data, in response to determining the commonality between the first data and the second data, generating metadata, and broadcasting the metadata to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Rajendra Prasad Kodaypak, Reza Hussaini
  • Patent number: 10286874
    Abstract: A recovery system and method with repeating communication functionality includes a station configured to send a first message and at least a first remote transmitting unit responsive to the central station and configured to transmit a second message to a locating unit. At least a second remote transmitting unit includes a receiver which receives the second message, a controller configured to process the second message, and a transmitter for transmitting a third message to the locating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: LoJack Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Justice, George Liu, Ira Cohen
  • Patent number: 10279757
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting a configuration data set in a control device of a motor vehicle. The configuration data set is to be installed reliably in the control device. According to the disclosure, an energy requirement of all vehicle components required for the adjustment of the configuration data set is predicted, a currently available remaining energy of an energy storage device of the motor vehicle is determined, and during a parked phase of the motor vehicle, when the drive motor is switched off, a trigger signal for adjusting the configuration data set is transmitted to the vehicle components if the currently remaining energy is greater than the predicted energy requirement. A control apparatus for carrying out the method and a motor vehicle having the control apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Florian Netter
  • Patent number: 10275960
    Abstract: At the time of setting authority, a management apparatus stores a database in which authority information corresponding to authority to physically drive a drive apparatus, which is a tangible object, using a terminal apparatus, and registration identification information corresponding to a subject that is given the authority are associated, and outputs information representing any of the registration identification information; and a permission apparatus receives and stores the information. At the time of exercising the authority, the terminal apparatus outputs information representing identification information, and the permission apparatus receives the information and, when the identification information corresponds to registration identification information comprised in setting information, outputs information representing authority exercise information required to exercise the authority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Fuji, Tomohide Yamamoto, Tetsutaro Kobayashi, Reo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10110857
    Abstract: An intelligent monitoring device and method is provided in this invention. In the intelligent monitoring device, a video capture unit collects video information using a camera in real time; an audio processing unit is collects audio information using a pickup in real time; an audio/video analysis unit performs a recognition analysis on the video information and the audio information collected in real time and sends an analysis result to a control unit; according to the analysis result sent from the audio/video analysis unit, if a monitored value that is greater than a corresponding threshold value exists in the video information or audio information collected in real time, the control unit triggers a speaker to issue an alarm through the audio processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: BEIJING SINONET SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Honggui Qu, Chao Zhou
  • Patent number: 10024971
    Abstract: A locatable object includes a microprocessor for operating the object, and a memory for storing at least a first position and a second position. The locatable object also includes an instrument recovery system integrated into the object. The instrument recovery system further includes a receiver for determining the location of an object, and a communications device for communicating at least the second position to another system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Walter Fields, Donald Michael Shields
  • Patent number: 9953470
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for detecting execution of driving maneuvers based on pre-determined driving maneuver profiles. Some or all of the system may be installed in a vehicle and/or be otherwise coupled with a vehicle. In some implementations, the system may detect execution of driving maneuvers by the vehicle based on pre-determined driving maneuver profiles. The system may include one or more sensors configured to generate output signals conveying information related to the vehicle. In some implementations, the system may detect execution of the driving maneuvers by the vehicle based on a comparison of the information conveyed by the output signals from the sensors to criteria included in the pre-determined driving maneuver profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SmartDrive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Palmer, Slaven Sljivar
  • Patent number: 9855917
    Abstract: A communication apparatus for communicating with both of a vehicle control device, which performs vehicle control preliminary set in a vehicle when authentication with an authentication device carried by a user is successful, and a portable device, which functions as the authentication device, the communication apparatus also functioning as the authentication device, the communication apparatus includes: a to-portable-device communicator that performs wireless communication with the portable device when performing authentication with the vehicle control device; and an authenticator that performs authentication with the vehicle control device when wireless communication with the portable device is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Katou, Munenori Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9615163
    Abstract: A loudspeaker port may include tunable physical components to tune the port to different frequencies to improve speaker efficiency at those frequencies. The ports may be activated by at least partly opening associated shutters, or disabled by closing the associated shutters. Activated ports may enhance speaker efficiency in a frequency range. However, activated ports may also introduce sound artifacts, thereby reducing sound quality. Therefore, the ports may be disabled when appropriate to reduce their negative impact to sound quality. A Digital Signal Processor (DSP) may determine the frequency components of a played sound to determine when to open the ports and how to tune the ports. Accordingly, a loudspeaker may benefit from the improved efficiency facilitated by the ports while also avoiding typical drawbacks created by the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramez Nachman, Mohammed Aftab Alam
  • Patent number: 9607282
    Abstract: A multi-mode asset tracking and monitoring system and method is provided that enables comprehensive reporting of asset position, status, and alerts. In one embodiment, the multi-mode system and method is based on the addition of a local network monitoring system to a wide area satellite network monitoring system. In this example, the local network monitoring system would add container presence and status monitoring in crowded environments (e.g., within a port facility, on-board a ship, etc.), while the wide area satellite network monitoring system would provide tracking and monitoring coverage when the container is in dispersed environments. Both the local and wide area monitoring systems work together to provide end-to-end container tracking and monitoring to thereby ensure continuous container tracking and monitoring from container loading to container unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SkyBitz, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Brosius, III
  • Patent number: 9601015
    Abstract: A method and system are provided in which maintenance vehicles collect information from sensors and operators, forward the collected information to a server, and, in response, receive maps and operator instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rennie, Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 9071085
    Abstract: A wireless power transmitter and receiver using an in-band communication and a method thereof are provided. In one embodiment, a wireless power transmitter using an in-band communication may include: a source resonance unit including a source resonator that is configured to transmit wireless power to one or more in-band resonators; a source controller configured to control a resonance frequency and an impedance of the source resonator, to detect an in-band resonator located in a location corresponding to a wireless power receiver among the in-band resonators, and to generate a control signal of the detected in-band resonator; and an in-band resonance unit configured to receive and demodulate identification information associated with the wireless power receiver via the one or more in-band resonators, and to transmit the wireless power and transmission data via the in-band resonator corresponding to the wireless power receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nam Yun Kim, Sang Wook Kwon
  • Patent number: 9043076
    Abstract: An approach is provided to automate predictive vehicle maintenance. In the approach, a vehicle's information handling system receives vehicle data transmissions from a number of other vehicles in geographic proximity to the vehicle. Both the vehicle and the other vehicles correspond to various vehicle types that are used to identify those other vehicles that are similar to the vehicle. The sets of received vehicle data transmissions that are received to similar vehicles are analyzed with respect to a plurality of vehicle maintenance data corresponding to the vehicle. The analysis of the vehicle data transmissions resulting in predictive vehicle maintenance recommendations pertaining to the first vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Akram Bou-Ghannam, Michael J. Dockter
  • Patent number: 9035755
    Abstract: A method and system are provided in which maintenance vehicles collect information from sensors and operators, forward the collected information to a server, and, in response, receive maps and operator instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rennie, Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 9007195
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Riad Ghabra
  • Patent number: 8995914
    Abstract: A vehicle portable device has a wireless communication part that conducts wireless communication with a vehicle, a short-range wireless communication part that conducts short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal, a vehicle information acquisition part that acquires vehicle information on the vehicle, wherein the vehicle information is transmitted from the vehicle by wireless communication, a transmission intensity setting part that sets transmission intensity, with which the vehicle information is transmitted to the mobile terminal, according to a content of the vehicle information, and a transmission controller that performs control such that the vehicle information is transmitted to the mobile terminal with the set transmission intensity by short-range wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Nishidai
  • 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: 8965599
    Abstract: A passive entry passive start (PEPS) vehicle security system configured to activate a vehicle function when an activation signal is received. The system includes a nomadic device configured to detect a change of a magnetic field relative to the nomadic device, and emit an activation signal only if the change corresponds to walking by an operator carrying the nomadic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Hawes, Todd P. Oman
  • Patent number: 8948926
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8941478
    Abstract: A vehicle system for determining that at least one mobile electronic device is generally stationary and is potentially forgotten is provided. The system includes a vehicle data bus and a control module. The vehicle data bus transmits a signal indicating at least one trigger event. The trigger event indicates a vehicle exit condition. The control module is in communication with the mobile electronic device and the vehicle bus. The control module is in communication with the mobile device through a data connection to receive information. The control module includes control logic for receiving the trigger signal from the vehicle data bus. The control module includes control logic for determining if the mobile electronic device has moved based on information received from the data connection. The control module includes control logic for determining if the mobile electronic device is generally stationary if the trigger signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sanjeev C. Mirle, Eric S. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8907773
    Abstract: An image display apparatus capable of allowing a user to stably and conveniently check an image provided from a mobile terminal while driving a vehicle, by extracting a text corresponding to a screen image provided from the mobile terminal, by converting the extracted text into an audio signal according to a vehicle speed, and then by outputting the audio signal. The image display apparatus mounted to a vehicle includes a communication unit configured to receive an image from a mobile terminal, a display unit configured to display the received image, a controller configured to acquire a text corresponding to the displayed image, to acquire a vehicle speed, and to convert the acquired text into an audio signal when the speed exceeds a threshold speed, and an audio output unit configured to output the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sungha Choi
  • Patent number: 8907770
    Abstract: A method of controlling vehicle functions is provided that includes receiving at a service provider, security data from a vehicle function system. The security data is related to a security code required to activate one or more functions controlled by the vehicle function system. The method also includes receiving a vehicle function request at the service provider from a remote device. The vehicle function request indicates a request to activate a particular function of a vehicle. In addition, the method includes sending a vehicle function command from the service provider to a mobile wireless device. The vehicle function command is adapted to cause the mobile wireless device to transmit a wireless signal to activate the particular function of the vehicle and the vehicle function command includes the security code or authentication information related to the security code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: James Huffman, Todd W. Jones, Darren Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8886406
    Abstract: A corner unit guidance control system for use with a corner unit that is part of a center pivot irrigation system includes an antenna, a receiver, and a controller. The antenna may be located along a vertical axis through the center of a wheel of the corner unit and may be operable to receive signals from at least one external positional information source. The receiver may be in communication with the antenna and operable to process the signals to produce position data corresponding to a current position of the wheel. The controller may be in communication with the receiver and may be programmed to steer the wheel to a heading corresponding to a difference between the current position of the wheel and a point along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: John Grabow
  • Patent number: 8860570
    Abstract: A system for sensing, analyzing and reporting a collision event experienced by a person or object sensor module designed to a person or object, module angular velocities over time and a processor for analyzing the sensed velocities, calculating properties of angular velocities, such as jerk and jolt, comparing these properties with threshold values selected to correlate to predicted severities of injury to the person or object, transmitting information regarding these properties to communication device user-designated persons. Also provided are group tracking and communication devices for use by monitors to manage multiple persons equipped with sensor modules. The sensor modules and group tracking and communication devices are designed to be portable, attachable and detachable so that they can be attached to different types of gear used by persons engaging in different activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: SenseTech, LLC
    Inventors: Biju Thomas, Timothy Bauer
  • Patent number: 8847731
    Abstract: A system for communicating with a vehicle includes a control module equipped with a remote keyless entry (RKE) receiver and configured to control vehicle functions in response to a RKE signal. The system includes a fob equipped with a RKE transmitter and a short range transceiver, such as BLUETOOTH™, IEEE 802.11, or near field communication (NFC). The fob transmits a RKE signal in response to receiving a message from a consumer device, such as a cellular phone, smart phone, tablet computer, or personal computer equipped with a short range transceiver, enabling the user to control the vehicle from the consumer device. The system may be configured to transmit vehicle status information to the consumer device. The control module may include a third short range transceiver that communicates with the consumer device when the distance is between the vehicle and the consumer device is less than the distance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Craig A. Tieman
  • Patent number: 8849663
    Abstract: A system and method may be provided to segment and/or classify an audio signal from transformed audio information. Transformed audio information representing a sound may be obtained. The transformed audio information may specify magnitude of a coefficient related to energy amplitude as a function of frequency for the audio signal and time. Features associated with the audio signal may be obtained from the transformed audio information. Individual ones of the features may be associated with a feature score relative to a predetermined speaker model. An aggregate score may be obtained based on the feature scores according to a weighting scheme. The weighting scheme may be associated with a noise and/or SNR estimation. The aggregate score may be used for segmentation to identify portions of the audio signal containing speech of one or more different speakers. For classification, the aggregate score may be used to determine a likely speaker model to identify a source of the sound in the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Intellisis Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Bradley, Robert N. Hilton, Daniel S. Goldin, Nicholas K. Fisher, Derrick R. Roos, Eric Wiewiora
  • Patent number: 8842021
    Abstract: A system and method for warning of emergency vehicles includes a computing device that receives location data from a transmitter associated with a first vehicle based on a warning system of the first vehicle being activated. The computing device transmits vehicle notification data to a second vehicle based on the location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Behm, William B. Huber, Alfred J. Noll, Raul A. Pelaez
  • Patent number: 8841993
    Abstract: Controller for a motor vehicle for wireless communication with a least one peripheral unit with a least one receiver unit (1) for receiving radio signals for standard applications and at least one receiver unit (2) for receiving radio signals for long-range applications which are emitted by the peripheral unit at different frequencies for the standard applications and the long-range applications. With a least one antenna (ANT1) for one of the two receiver units (1, 2) respectively and with a control unit (4) for controlling the two receiver units (1, 2) as well as for evaluating signals from the two receiver units (1, 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Aunkofer, Thomas Reisinger
  • Patent number: 8816835
    Abstract: An immobilizer device is configured for communicating with a base station. The immobilizer device includes an antenna circuit including three orthogonally-oriented antennas configured to receive a signal from a field generated by a base station. A power circuit is configured to draw power via the field on each of the antennas, and a communications circuit is configured to communicate with the base station via any of the antennas. The strength of the signals received via the antennas is evaluated and used to select one of the antennas for use in data communications and, if appropriate, as a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Robert Kofler
  • Patent number: 8811900
    Abstract: A module executed on a mobile communications device (MCD) to automatically pair the MCD with a vehicle. The module determines whether the MCD's short range communication technology, e.g., Bluetooth® technology is enabled. If not, the module turns on the MCD's short range communication technology. The module also determines whether the MCD is in a discovery mode, which is the mode of the MCD that enables the MCD to pair. If not, the module turns on the MCD's discovery mode. The module then automatically pairs the MCD and the vehicle. In an embodiment the automatic pairing includes setting the vehicle's hands free telephone module to a discovery mode, if the short range communications from the MCD and HFT are being seen by each other than a personal identification number (PIN) is obtained. In an embodiment the PIN is not entered by a user of the MCD or vehicle, but is automatically determined. The MCD and HFT are then securely paired using conventional pairing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David Michael Kirsch, Eric Shigeru Ohki
  • Patent number: 8803672
    Abstract: A vehicle messaging method (600) and system (100) can include any number of data sources (101-103), an interface (104) that formats messages and addresses from the data sources, and a corresponding number of messaging servers (111-113) that receive targeted messages intended for a predetermined subset of subscribers associated with a vehicle identification number (VIN). Each messaging server can include a corresponding controller (121-123) programmed to assign (604) targeted messages to a predetermined channel and encode (606) the addresses of the targeted messages to the predetermined subset of subscribers using a VIN or portion thereof. The controller can be further programmed to transfer (608) the targeted messages and addresses to a satellite uplink (107) and satellite (110) via a messaging uplink interface (106) for retransmission and reception by a plurality of selective call receivers 109 addressable individually using a predetermined VIN or portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Sirius XM Radio Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rindsberg, Paul Marko
  • Patent number: 8736438
    Abstract: In general, this disclosure discloses techniques for using a computing device as a smart vehicle key. The computing device may send a validation request signal to a vehicle via a first short-range communication protocol. After to sending the validation request signal, the computing device may establish a secure connection with the vehicle over a second short-range communication protocol. The computing device may send via the secure connection an ignition signal to the vehicle that activates an ignition system operable to activate a motor of the vehicle. The computing device may periodically send via the secure connection a keep-alive message to the vehicle as the motor of the vehicle is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Vasquez, Vinson Mok
  • Patent number: 8725596
    Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • Patent number: 8718864
    Abstract: A system for collecting operating data of a vehicle, including a digital tachograph that can be installed rigidly in the vehicle, and a receiver module for receiving data for controlling the tachograph. The module is removalby connected to the tachograph by way of an interface prescribed by the tachograph. At least one remote control is equipped with a transmitter for operating the tachograph the remote control being adapted to wirelessly transfer data using the receiver module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Dittmers, Dirk Gandras, Michael Gut, Reinhold Schlenker, Frank Schulz
  • Patent number: 8633836
    Abstract: A vehicle locator includes a base unit mounted within a vehicle including a wireless, radio frequency (RF) receiver, a microcomputer with flash memory and a speaker. A remote unit having a radio frequency transmitter and a voice transmission means is in wireless communication with the base unit receiver and the associated computer/flash memory. Accordingly, a user can remotely record a desired message onto the microcomputer by simply depressing a record button on the remote unit and speaking into a microphone adjacent thereto. The RF receiver and associated electronics are also electrically connected to the door lock/unlock mechanism that is actuated by the standard keyless vehicle remote. Accordingly, when a vehicle driver remotely locks or unlocks the vehicle doors, the prerecorded message is emitted thereby uniquely identifying the vehicle and allowing the driver to quickly ascertain its location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Lavonnia Ball
  • Patent number: 8594654
    Abstract: A system for using at least one mobile terminal in a motor vehicle, such as a passenger automobile or a two-wheeled vehicle in particular, having at least one mobile terminal, a display device situated in the vehicle, an operating device provided in the vehicle, and a communication interface between the vehicle and the mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal and/or a terminal integration device provided in the vehicle be provided with a terminal sequence controller, which calls up an operating and/or display interface on the vehicle display device for operating functions and/or software applications of the mobile terminal and is operated via the vehicle operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Daniel Weyl, Karl-Ernst Steinberg
  • Patent number: 8587403
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing relay attack on a passive entry system (PES) or other passive system (PS) included within a vehicle or other entity. The relay attack prevention may be based in part on an assessment of whether the fob is able to distinguish signal strength relative to messages communicated form different antennas within the vehicle and/or amongst different signal amplitude communicated from the same antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Nikolay Yakovenko, Hilton W. Girard