Transmitter And Receiver In Vehicle Patents (Class 340/426.16)
  • Patent number: 8550364
    Abstract: A card key includes a circuit board and a plate-shaped key body. The circuit board is mounted with electronic parts that configure an electronic circuit for performing radio communication with an on-vehicle device. The key body is mounted with the circuit board which is covered with a resin material. The key body has a principal front surface on the side of which the electronic parts are mounted, and has a main body recess sunk to a predetermined depth level from the principal front surface and a key component accommodating recess further sunk to a level deeper than the main body recess and opened in a bottom surface of the main body recess. The key body forms an outline of the card key together with a sheet body fitted to the main body recess. The key component accommodating portion is formed between the sheet body and the key component accommodating recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Sugimoto, Mitsuru Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8543155
    Abstract: A first roadside equipment operates as a transmitting/receiving mode in a control channel interval of an Nth synchronization interval so as to support a handover. In this instance, a second roadside equipment neighboring to the first roadside equipment operates as a receiving mode in the control channel interval of the Nth synchronization interval. The first roadside equipment operates as the receiving mode in a control channel interval of an (N+1)th synchronization interval. In this instance, the second roadside equipment operates as the transmitting/receiving mode in the control channel interval of the (N+1)th synchronization interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sangwoo Lee, Hyun Kyun Choi, Hyun Seo Oh
  • Patent number: 8531269
    Abstract: An automatic locking apparatus which is installed in a vehicle, communicates with a portable-unit in areas inside/outside the vehicle, and automatically locks doors, based on whether a response-signal is received from the portable-unit and opening/closing of the doors. The apparatus includes a door-opening/closing-detecting-unit, an inside-of-vehicle-determining-unit forming a communication-area inside the vehicle when one door changes from the opened-state to the closed-state, and determining whether the response-signal is received, an outside-of-vehicle-determining-unit forming a communication-area outside the vehicle when the response-signal is not received, and determining whether the response-signal is received, a locking-control-unit automatically locking the doors when the response-signal is received, when all the doors are closed and presence-of-reception is changed to absence-of-reception, and a storing-unit storing history-information indicating that the response-signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Nagao, Kazunari Nakamura, Hironori Mitsubayashi, Mitsuru Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8531280
    Abstract: A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product. The detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual's from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. The detection system can be interconnected to surveillance towers scanning detector cases disposed at seaport docks, freight depots and rail terminals for monitoring containers being prepared for shipment or sitting on docks for long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Golden
  • Patent number: 8497769
    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: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rennie, Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 8493192
    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: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Robert Kofler
  • Patent number: 8494439
    Abstract: A method of operating a personal electronic device and an in-vehicle infotainment system includes running an application on one of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system. It is sensed that the personal electronic device has been, or soon will be, moved into or out of a proximity of the in-vehicle infotainment system. Information regarding a state of the one of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system is transferred to the other of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system. An application is selected for the other of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system. The selected application is used to replicate the state of the one of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system on the other of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Faenger
  • Patent number: 8482383
    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: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Nikolay Yakovenko, Hilton W. Girard
  • Patent number: 8461974
    Abstract: An electric circuit for controlling the access and immobilizing a vehicle has a first antenna driver (12) for driving a first antenna (19) for emitting a signal (100) in the event of identification of an ID transmitter (3) for access control of a vehicle. A second antenna driver (24) is provided for driving a second antenna (21) for emitting a signal (104) in the event of identification of an ID transmitter (3) for the immobilizer of the vehicle. In addition, the electric circuit has a receiver device (14) for receiving a signal captured by an antenna (21) for the identification of an ID transmitter (3) for the immobilizer. The first antenna driver (12) and the receiver device (14) are commonly integrated into a semiconductor chip (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Continental Automotive GmbH, Continental Automotive France
    Inventors: Ulrich Emmerling, Bernhard Förstl, Daniel Hostmann, Matthias Huschenbett, Luc Jansseune, Rupert Schuster, Roland Wagner
  • Patent number: 8446262
    Abstract: A remote control system includes a receiver equipped in a device and a remote controller. The receiver includes a positioning unit to acquire current position information of the receiver. The controller includes a positioning unit to acquire current position information of the remote controller. The current position information of the remote controller and a control signal is transmitted to the receiver. The receiver further includes a processor to control the device to execute an operation corresponding to the control signal based on the current position information of the remote controller and the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chong-Qing Dai
  • Patent number: 8421589
    Abstract: A communications system utilizing a portable communications device for controlling functions in a vehicle includes a first display for controlling vehicle operating functions and a first transceiver connected to the first display device. A multifunctional control switch is connected to the first display device, while a second transceiver is used for communicating with either the first transceiver or a remote keyless entry (RKE) receiver depending upon whether the second transceiver is located inside or outside the vehicle. The second transceiver operates to configure operational parameters of the display device when those controls have not been readily integrated into the vehicle center stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michel F. Sultan, Todd P. Oman, Dale L. Partin, Paul J. Ainslie
  • Patent number: 8410929
    Abstract: A remote starting system for an engine of a vehicle includes a remote start handheld unit. A remote start controller may be positioned at the vehicle for starting the engine based upon the remote start handheld unit and causing the engine to run for a run time period before shutting off the vehicle engine. The remote start controller is resettable based upon the remote start handheld unit to cause the engine to run for an additional run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine. The remote start handheld unit includes an audible indicator for providing an audible indication to a user prior to expiration of the run time period to permit a user to use the remote start handheld unit to reset the run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Flick, Michael Stephen Thompson
  • Patent number: 8400303
    Abstract: An information processing system includes an information processing device arranged in a vehicle, a portable device storing unique information, a specification information recording unit configured to record specification information having a predetermined relationship with the unique information, a first transmission unit configured to transmit a request signal requesting transmission of the unique information, a first reception unit configured to receive the unique information transmitted from the portable device, a position specifying unit configured to compare the received unique information with the specification information and specify whether or not the portable device is inside the vehicle, a detection unit configured to detect a human inside the vehicle, an alarm unit configured to set off an alarm, and an alarm control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taku Oya
  • Patent number: 8364136
    Abstract: A mobile system and method of operation thereof, comprising a radio frequency system, adapted to derive information relating to a position within an environment, based on communications with at least one terrestrial or extraterrestrial transmitter, and remotely transmit to and receive radio frequency information-bearing communications; a memory adapted to store at least a vehicle itinerary or position-related information; a controller, receiving the derived information and controlling a communication of the information-bearing communications relating to at least the stored itinerary or position related information; and a user interface, having a functionality defined by the controller, adapted to interface a user for receipt or presentation of information relating at least one of the itinerary or position-related information and the communicated information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Steven M Hoffberg, Linda I Hoffberg-Borghesani
  • 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: 8350670
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides a keyless entry system and associated method for fleet vehicle management. Secure keyless entry is provided to a user for a vehicle in the fleet vehicle management environment without the user having possession of a vehicle key or a vehicle key fob to gain entry to the vehicle. Additionally, in various embodiments, this technology provides a personalized, programmable access device carried by a user desiring access to a particular locked vehicle in a fleet vehicle management environment, an access control device configured to access electronically an on-board vehicle keyless entry system, and an access chip module electronically attached to the access control device and configured to activate the on-board vehicle keyless entry system and thereby unlock the particular locked vehicle. Furthermore, this technology provides a system with local management, reporting, audit trails, wireless connectivity to each access control device, and self-testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Michael P. Kelly, Paul H. Kakemoto, Jorge C. Almirall
  • 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: 8334761
    Abstract: A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product whereupon light alarm indicators (color coded) on the detector case light up when a specific compound or agent is detected whereupon the detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual's from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. An authorized individual resets the detection system, and the system's power source is electrical, battery or computer generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Larry Golden
  • Patent number: 8330594
    Abstract: A tire pressure measuring system (TPMS) for transmitting pressure information from a tire to a vehicle body has a complicated structure when a plurality kinds of transmission data exist. A sensor unit receives a transmission electromagnetic field from a sensor control unit, and rectify-detects the received field. The counter of the sensor unit determines a rotation cycle of a tire, based on the signal obtained by the rectification detection, then switches the switch in conjunction with the rotation cycle, and sequentially sends the plurality of transmission data items for every tire rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohisa Suzuki, Eiji Akama, Kazuo Hasegawa
  • 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: 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: 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: 8289128
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a controller, a plurality of sensors, a plurality of alarms, and a plurality of input/output devices. Each input/output device is connected between the controller and a sensor or an alarm. Each input/output device includes an input circuit, an output circuit, and a connector. The input circuit and the output circuit are connected between the controller and the connector. The connector is further selectively connected to a sensor or an alarm and a DC power in series. The controller controls a status of the input circuit and the output circuit. When the connector is connected to the alarm, the input circuit does not operate. The controller outputs a motion signal to the alarm via the output circuit. When the connector is connected to the sensor, the output circuit does not operate. The sensor outputs a detection signal to the controller via the input circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8284037
    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: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rennie, Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 8270940
    Abstract: The present invention presents a method for creating a relation between mobiles and a vehicle of a wireless communications network. The vehicle is equipped with an on-board device with wireless communication capability. The present invention also presents an on-board device and a road user server to be used in such wireless communications network. Mobiles in the vehicle are triggered to report their location to the network. When the vehicle reports its location an association between the vehicle and the mobiles having same location information is performed. The triggering signal is sent on control channels triggering all mobiles, including mobiles in idle mode. Profiles of mobile users in a vehicle, based on location information and mobile identities, are retrieved and stored in lists which are forwarded to fore example hospitals and fire departments when an accident occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Johan Bolin
  • Patent number: 8258948
    Abstract: A remote starting system for an engine of a vehicle includes a remote start handheld unit. A remote start controller may be positioned at the vehicle for starting the engine based upon the remote start handheld unit and causing the engine to run for a run time period before shutting off the vehicle engine. The remote start controller is resettable based upon the remote start handheld unit to cause the engine to run for an additional run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine. The remote start handheld unit includes a tactile indicator for providing a tactile indication to a user prior to expiration of the run time period to permit a user to use the remote start handheld unit to reset the run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Flick, Michael Stephen Thompson
  • Patent number: 8253534
    Abstract: In a vehicle door control system, a portable unit stores registration of an instruction of automatic door-opening to a vehicle unit, when predetermined registration processing is made on the portable unit. In response to a request signal from the vehicle unit, the portable unit transmits a response signal including an ID code and the instruction of the registered automatic door-opening operation. The vehicle unit unlocks a vehicle door without any manual door-unlocking operation by a user and automatically opens the vehicle door, when the response signal includes the instruction and the ID code matches a predetermined ID code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakazawa, Kazuya Takasaki
  • Patent number: 8209093
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are instruction systems for a vehicle. One system comprises a condition sensor configured to detect and generate an output indicative of at least one vehicle condition, a user interface device and a position sensing system configured to detect and generate an output indicative of a user's position relative to a vehicle component. Each instruction is associated with a state of the at least one vehicle condition and the user's position relative to the vehicle component. A controller is programmed and configured to select one of the plurality of instructions based upon the vehicle condition as indicated by the condition sensor output and the user's position as indicated by the position sensing system. The instructions are provided to the user through the user interface device. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott E. Hill
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120105219
    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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Kofler
  • Patent number: 8169186
    Abstract: A system and method for charging an electric vehicle includes identifying vehicle information corresponding to the electric vehicle based on an electronic image of the electric vehicle, retrieving from an electronically stored local database a location of a charging port on the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information, robotically moving a charging connector according to the retrieved location to engage the charging port of the electric vehicle, querying the local database to determine whether a current time corresponds to an energy efficient usage time based on energy efficient usage data received from a power grid, and initiating a charging process upon determining that the current time corresponds to the energy efficient usage time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Interim Designs Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Haddad, Daniel B. Lysak
  • Patent number: 8164421
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a confirmation signal indicating that a vehicle function has been activated. The apparatus comprises an annunciator for generating the confirmation signal. A processor is coupled to the annunciator and is configured to store an annunciation profile that characterizes the confirmation signal as a function of at least one condition, and command the annunciator to generate the confirmation signal in accordance with the profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Clark E. McCall, David T. Proefke, William A. Biondo
  • Patent number: 8155827
    Abstract: An on-vehicle control unit includes a memory storing a first data group having signal strength information of a plurality of request signals transmitted from a plurality of transmitting antennas before and after movement of a movable object when a portable device is placed along an inner surface of a vehicle and a second data group having signal strength information of the plurality of request signals transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas before and after the movement of the movable object when the portable device is placed along an outer surface of the vehicle. The on-vehicle control unit determines which of the first and second data groups request signal strength information received from the portable device closely resembles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakajima, Satoshi Hayasaka, Suichi Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 8138949
    Abstract: In an electronic toll collection system, card data of a payment card is stored in an on-board unit mounted in a vehicle. Toll data necessary for a toll collection transaction including the card data is copied from the on-board unit to a cellular phone. A user passes the cellular phone to a tollgate attendant, and the toll data is moved to a toll collection unit installed at a tollgate. The toll collection unit calculates a toll fee based on the toll data and generates a delete command and road use data. When the tollgate attendant passes a portable terminal of the toll collection unit to the user, the delete command and the road use data are copied to the on-board unit. The toll data is deleted from the on-board unit by the delete command, and the road use data is reported to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Fumito Tsuzuki, Osamu Eguchi, Yoshihide Kayo, Shouichirou Hanai
  • Patent number: 8130076
    Abstract: A keyless entry device can accurately judge or determine whether a portable device exists inside or outside a vehicle. A vehicle-side controller includes a memory that stores an inside data group having a plurality of intensity information of a request signal transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas when the portable device is located along an inside of a vehicle. Also included is an outside data group having a plurality of intensity information of a request signal transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas when the portable device is located along an outside of the vehicle. The vehicle-side controller judges an area where the portable device exists from the intensity information of the request signal received from the portable device. The controller instantly judges the inside or the outside of the vehicle, when the portable device exists in an area apart from a boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakajima, Satoshi Hayasaka, Akiyuki Takoshima
  • Patent number: 8120473
    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: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rennie, Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 8115609
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure access to data, to application and to systems and for providing an alarm to users upon detecting that a monitored device is not within a desired proximity using a multi-function BLUETOOTH apparatus are described. The multi-function BLUETOOTH apparatus can also provide voice and location functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Nissaf Ketari
  • Patent number: 8112061
    Abstract: The present invention presents a method for creating a relation between mobiles and a vehicle of a wireless communications network. The vehicle is equipped with an on-board device with wireless communication capability. The present invention also presents an on-board device and a road user server to be used in such wireless communications network. Mobiles in the vehicle are triggered to report their location to the network. When the vehicle reports its location an association between the vehicle and the mobiles having same location information is performed. The triggering signal is sent on control channels triggering all mobiles, including mobiles in idle mode. Profiles of mobile users in a vehicle, based on location information and mobile identities, are retrieved and stored in lists which are forwarded to fore example hospitals and fire departments when an accident occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Johan Bolin
  • Patent number: 8106752
    Abstract: A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product whereupon light alarm indicators (color coded) on the detector case light up when a specific compound or agent is detected whereupon the detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual's from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. An authorized individual resets the detection system, and the system's power source is electrical, battery or computer generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Larry Golden
  • Patent number: 8094007
    Abstract: A security system, such as in a home or other building, includes a broadcast band RF transmitter for transmitting an audio message that can be received by a user on a common home or car radio, for example. The audio message may be provided in response to a command that is transmitted to the security system by a user from a wireless key fob or the like. The user command may instruct the security system to arm or disarm itself, for instance. The audio message, which can be received on a selected channel on a car's radio receiver, informs the user that the command has been executed. The audio message may include a voice message such as “system armed” or “system disarmed”, a musical passage, a beep, chirp, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Hinkson, Kenneth L. Addy, Alfred M. Lizza
  • 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: 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: 8044768
    Abstract: A keyless entry system includes a vehicle-side device and a portable device including a portable device electrode. The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side controller and a vehicle-side electrode that is disposed in a position where communication with the portable device is performed via a human body when a person is getting off a vehicle. When the person carrying the portable device is getting off the vehicle, an electric field is induced by the portable device electrode in the human body. The vehicle-side controller performs authentication of the portable device upon detection of the electric field by the vehicle-side electrode. The vehicle-side controller determines the portable device has been left in the vehicle if the vehicle-side controller has no history of authentication or cannot perform authentication upon detection of the person's action of getting off the vehicle. A predetermined operation is performed based on this determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Nakasato, Yuya Kikuchi
  • 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: 8035498
    Abstract: A system with a self-powered sending unit communicating with a receiving unit. The sending unit interacts with a magnet attached to a rotating or moving member. The sending unit includes an inductor that intercepts the magnetic field from the magnet. The magnetic interaction with the sending unit generates power that is stored for later use by a transmitter. The magnetic interaction also provides a trigger for the transmitter that causes the transmitter to send a signal using the stored energy. In one embodiment, the signal includes a identification code that uniquely identifies the sending unit. A receiving unit includes a receiver responsive to the transmitted signal and, in one embodiment, a display of the measured parameter that is projected by a heads-up display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Terry Pennisi
  • Patent number: 8031060
    Abstract: A mobile system and method of operation thereof, comprising a radio frequency system, adapted to derive information relating to a position within an environment, based on communications with at least one terrestrial or extraterrestrial transmitter, and remotely transmit to and receive radio frequency information-bearing communications; a memory adapted to store at least a vehicle itinerary or position-related information; a controller, receiving the derived information and controlling a communication of the information-bearing communications relating to at least the stored itinerary or position related information; and a user interface, having a functionality defined by the controller, adapted to interface a user for receipt or presentation of information relating at least one of the itinerary or position-related information and the communicated information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventors: Steven M. Hoffberg, Linda I. Hoffberg-Borghesani
  • Patent number: 8005473
    Abstract: A control module for a wireless communication system in a vehicle having a plurality of operational settings includes a memory, a control circuit and a radio frequency transceiver. The memory is configured to store a plurality of performance characteristics associated with at least one mobile wireless communication device. The control circuit is coupled to the memory and is configured to retrieve at least one performance characteristic for a mobile wireless communication device associated with a vehicle occupant and used in conjunction with the wireless communication system. The control circuit is further configured to adjust at least one operational setting of the wireless communication system based on the at least one performance characteristics of the mobile wireless communication device. The radio frequency transceiver is coupled to the control circuit and is configured to communicate with the mobile wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Mark L. Zeinstra, Michael A. Supanich, Walter M. Eadelman
  • Patent number: RE43891
    Abstract: A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product whereupon light alarm indicators (color coded) on the detector case light up when a specific compound or agent is detected whereupon the detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual's from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. An authorized individual resets the detection system, and the system's power source is electrical, battery or computer generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Golden
  • Patent number: RE43990
    Abstract: A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product whereupon light alarm indicators (color coded) on the detector case light up when a specific compound or agent is detected whereupon the detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual's from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. An authorized individual resets the detection system, and the system's power source is electrical, battery or computer generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Golden