Abstract: The auxiliary control system contains at least a first interaction device and a second interaction device that are capable of mutually detecting the presence of each other by a wireless means. The first interaction device is carried by a driver of a motor vehicle having a built-in anti-theft system, and the second interaction device is tapped into a Main Body ECU in parallel with the original control interface of the built-in anti-theft system. As such, when the driver carrying the first interaction device enters into or moves out of an effective sensing range from the motor vehicle, the second interaction device would detect the presence or absence of the first interaction device. The second interaction device then issues appropriate deactivating or activating signals to the Main Body ECU which in turn disarms or arms the various anti-theft means of the motor vehicle.

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.

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.

Abstract: Aimed at providing an electronic authentication system for a motorcycle excellent in the handlability and operability, operations of turning an ignition knob, and of opening a accommodation lid and a fuel lid, disposed in the front portion of the vehicle, are permitted, when agreement of ID information was judged. The steering bar was made unlockable by operating the ignition knob after agreement of the ID information was judged, and the seat was made unlockable by further operating the ignition knob.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods which allow a spotter external to a vehicle to provide signals to a driver of the vehicle in order to facilitate safe backup operations of the vehicle are disclosed. A wireless transmitter, in wireless communication with a receiver positioned within the vehicle, is operated by the spotter. An indicator, also in communication with the receiver, is configured to provide a plurality of audible and/or visible signals perceivable by the driver in response to a wireless signal received by the receiver from the transmitter. The audible and/or visible signals may comprise selected patterned tones and lights which inform the driver whether they should proceed to backup the vehicle or stop the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved motion sensing and alarm technique and apparatus for monitoring unauthorized movement of vehicles or the like and notifying the owner thereof, wherein the motion sensors in the vehicle are microprocessor controlled to be automatically armed when the owner is not in the vicinity of the vehicle, but disarmed or de-activated in the presence of the owner and the owner's radio-coded identification transmitter associated with the owner's key fob, and with energy saving features as well.

Abstract: A sound production controller can include a horn device that performs a vibrating operation at a predetermined resonance frequency in response to a predetermined operation to produce a warning sound, an input section which receives a sound production command signal outputted in response to execution of a function that requires sound production in the vehicle other than the predetermined operation, and a sound production controller which, if the input section receives the sound production command, provides a high-frequency signal having a frequency higher than the predetermined resonance frequency to the horn device to cause the horn device to produce a sound.

Abstract: A system and method for remote activation of a device includes, in one embodiment, receiving a signal indicative of a range from the device, comparing the range to a threshold, selecting a first transmission protocol when the range exceeds the threshold, selecting a second transmission protocol when the range fails to exceed the threshold, and transmitting a command signal according to the selected first or second transmission protocol.

Abstract: A vehicular audio/visual system that receives a transmitted electric wave of video or sound, and that outputs the electric wave by switching to an output mode corresponding to user's instruction from among output modes corresponding to multiple types of media includes: a positional information detecting unit that detects positional information of a vehicle; a receiving area storage unit that stores at least one of an area in which the electric wave can be received and an area in which it is difficult to receive the electric wave; a receiving area determination unit that refers to the receiving area storage unit on the basis of the detected positional information and determines whether the electric wave can be received; an output mode switching unit that prohibits an output mode that outputs the electric wave as video or music from being entered when it is determined that the electric wave cannot be received.

Abstract: An RFID equipped vehicle includes a computer system for controlling operating functions of the vehicle, an RFID fob for use by an operator of the vehicle, an RFID emitter for use by a passenger of the vehicle, and logic means associated with the computer system for determining when the RFID fob of the operator is out of range of the vehicle and the passenger RFID emitter is within range of the vehicle so that the computer system may notify the operator that the passenger has remained in the vehicle.

Abstract: To ensure a perform authentication based on a request signal Sr which is the authorized radio signal even under a bad radio environment in which radio noise comes continuously. A portable device receives a request signal Sr transmitted from a vehicle-mounted device and transmits an answer signal including a receiving-sensitivity changing switch for changing a receiving sensitivity of a receiving circuit which receives the request signal Sr. As a result, even if the authentication cannot be carried out with normal receiving sensitivity due to the influence of the continuous radio noise, by changing the receiving sensitivity to low sensitivity, and by bringing the portable device physically close to a transmission source of the request signal which is the authorized radio signal, it is possible to dramatically increase the probability that the authentication based on the authorized radio signal can be carried out.

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

Abstract: A system for the capturing and relay of sounds from a moving object is described. A plurality of microphone units are positioned at various locations on the moving object to capture sounds. Signals are generated based on captured sounds and transmitted from the moving object to a central receiving station. The central receiving station then takes the signals received and processes such signals for transmission to a communications network for broadcasting the sounds to an audience.

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

Abstract: A transmission ECU on a transmission side and reception ECUs on a reception side are connected through communication lines and junction connectors. A delay circuit is provided in each of the junction connectors on the side of the reception ECUs. One end of the delay circuit is connected to the communication line on the side of the transmission ECU and the other end of the same is connected to the communication line on the side of the reception ECU. The communication lines on the both ends of the delay circuit are grounded through termination resistors.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for an apparatus and method for input/output management in a mobile environment. One embodiment includes a mobile unit comprising at least one processor, a data bus interface and a computer readable memory persistently storing a unique hardware identification. The mobile unit can receive a wireless signal and, based on the wireless signal, communicate a set of data across the data bus. The persistent unique hardware identification of the mobile unit is used to restrict access to data received at the mobile unit via the wireless signal.

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

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

Abstract: A sound production controller can include a horn device that performs a vibrating operation at a predetermined resonance frequency in response to a predetermined operation to produce a warning sound, an input section which receives a sound production command signal outputted in response to execution of a function that requires sound production in the vehicle other than the predetermined operation, and a sound production controller which, if the input section receives the sound production command, provides a high-frequency signal having a frequency higher than the predetermined resonance frequency to the horn device to cause the horn device to produce a sound.

Abstract: A vehicle equipment control system locks vehicle doors by any one of auto-lock and trigger lock systems. In the auto-lock system, a wide communication area is set that covers an entire vehicle compartment is set. In the trigger lock system, a narrow communication area is set that disables the communication with a portable unit carried by a user near a vehicle. When no response signal is received from the portable unit in the respective communication areas, the respective vehicle doors are locked. Accordingly, even when any one of the auto-lock and trigger lock systems is used, the portable unit is prevented from being left in the compartment, and the respective vehicle doors can be locked.

Abstract: A smart entry system includes a vehicle-side unit and a plurality of portable devices. Each of the portable devices has a discrimination code different from each other. When a first portable device is locked in a vehicle compartment, the discrimination code of the first portable device is stored in the vehicle-side unit. When the vehicle is parked in a state where all of the doors are locked, the vehicle-side unit transmits a request signal to an exterior communication area provided at an outside of the vehicle, and when the vehicle-side unit receives a response signal from a second portable device and the discrimination code of the second portable device is different from the discrimination code of the first portable device stored in the vehicle-side unit, the vehicle-side unit permits an unlock of the doors of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a system for harmonizing a motor vehicle's status information (S1) between at least two ID transmitters (5, 6, . . . ) of a vehicle-accessing device, the vehicle status (S1), together with a reference time (t1), corresponding to the vehicle status (S1), of a reference timing element of a vehicle-side control unit (2) can be sent by the unit via at least one transceiver unit (3) to at least one first mobile ID transmitter (5) over a first radio transmission (4) and stored; and the vehicle status (S1) can be sent over a second radio transmission (7) from the first ID transmitter (5) to at least one second ID transmitter (6, . . . ) and stored. This is advantageous in that an ID transmitter (6) can obtain information about the vehicle status S1 not only via the vehicle (1) itself but also via another ID transmitter (5). The invention is especially suitable for accessing and locking systems for motor vehicles.

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

Abstract: A security system in a vehicle extends its protection to installed equipment of the vehicle, such as audio components and navigation systems. The installed equipment is armed and disarmed by the security system remote control, preventing the equipment from normal functioning after unauthorized removal. The security system further enables programming, monitoring, and diagnosing of the installed equipment through the security system remote control.

Abstract: A digital processor-based remote controller of a wireless remote control system includes a small number of manual input devices, such as keys and scroll wheels, and a graphical user interface. The remote controller can have a single scroll wheel with internal push-to-activate switch, and a small display. This configuration minimizes the size of the remote controller, while allowing for a large number of different control commands to be transmitted to the controlled system. In addition, the remote controller can be configured by the user of both right- and left-handed operation.

Abstract: Each of a portable device and an in-vehicle unit is provided with respective GPS receivers to determine a portable device position and a vehicle position. The portable device transmits a response signal including the portable device position in response to a request signal of the in-vehicle unit. The in-vehicle unit, only in a case where it is determined that the portable device position included in the response signal is within a predetermined area around the vehicle position, performs control of a lock/unlock state of a vehicle door in accordance with the identification result of the ID code included in the response signal. Accordingly, it is surely prevented that the door is remotely controlled by the portable device at far distances from the vehicle.

Abstract: After a door of a vehicle is locked, a touch switch and a lock switch is disabled for a predetermined time period. A predetermined operation of a holder of a handheld unit to a door handle during the predetermined time period causes a device mounted in the vehicle to perform a certain function other than unlocking the door. Thus the predetermined operation solely to the door handle after the door of the vehicle is locked can serve as an instruction for the device mounted in the vehicle to execute the certain function.

Abstract: A remote locator (RL) continuously transmits multi-frame pings in a slow ping mode. The user activates a transponder/micro-transponder (MT) to receive at least a portion of the multi-frame ping and transmits a reply to the RL. The RL calculates a distance between the RL and the MT using the time-of-flight between the transmission of the ping and the receipt of the corresponding reply. The RL continues to send pings to the MT, where the ping includes distance measurements encoded therein. The user initiates sending a message from the MT to the RL to change to a fast ping mode, where the RL transmits pings at an increased rate. The MT includes a compass to captures readings while receiving and replying to pings. The MT determines a directional location for the RL with the collected measurements and received information and can provide a distance and directional readout to the user.

Abstract: An anti-carjacking system includes a transmitter programmed to receive a selected vehicle identification number or other code for use with a car assigned with that particular number or code. The system further includes a receiver associated with the computer system of the car so identified by the selected vehicle identification number and means for disabling normal driving operation of the car. There is further provided means for sending a disable command from the transmitter to the receiver so that the particular car with the selected vehicle identification number is rendered non-operational. The system may be implemented in various embodiments including a modified car radio system and a RFID embedded license plate configuration. Methods related to vehicle operation and occupant safety are also provided.

Abstract: A remote controller for automobile trunk is disclosed, wherein a frequency receiving host device is coupled to a device or component of an anti-burglary host device that is originally installed in an automobile by an automobile maker. The frequency receiving host device is connected by a cable to a driving motor for a trunk of the automobile and is set to receive the frequency of a user-operated remote-control transmitter originally provided by the automobile maker. The frequency receiving host device, after detecting a releasing operation initiated by a signal transmitted from the remote-control transmitter to the anti-burglary host device to release an anti-burglary system of the automobile, receives a continuously transmitted signal from the remote-control transmitter, which signal extends for a predetermined period of time, and consequently the frequency receiving host device issues a control signal through the cable to the trunk driving motor to open the trunk lid.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system can have a transmitter transmitting a signal, a receiver receiving the signal, and a control device in communication with the receiver and controlling at least one operation of the vehicle. A selected operation may be executable by the signal. The vehicle remote control system includes a microphone that can determine an ambient noise volume and an ambient noise frequency in an area around the vehicle and is in communication with the control device. Furthermore, the vehicle remote control system includes a speaker that is able to generate an answer signal to confirm that the selected operation was executed. The speaker is in communication with the control device which generates an answer signal as a function of ambient noise volume and the ambient noise frequency in the area surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle security control system receives from a separated communication device a demand signal to prohibit or permit engine operation via an immobilizer. The vehicle control device includes a display for displaying information on the engine operation, a communication unit for receiving the demand signal from the separated communication device and a remote security ECU for providing a control signal according to the demand signal, an immobilizer ECU for setting or unsetting the immobilizer according to the control signal. The immobilizer ECU prohibits the display from displaying the information on the engine operation when the immobilizer ECU unsets the immobilizer even when the separated communication device provides the demand signal to prohibit engine operation.

Abstract: Method, fob, and system suitable for use in directing a user to the vehicle. The direction being determined as a function of GPS coordinates determined with GPS units on a fob and vehicle. The GPS unit being activated in coordination with each other such that the GPS coordinates associated with the same are commonly inaccurate.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preventing vehicle theft and carjackings. There is provided a method comprising generating an immobilization profile based on the received current vehicle data, and sending the immobilization profile to the vehicle over a wireless communication network. There is also provided a method generally comprising determining current vehicle data regarding vehicle dynamics and driving conditions, obtaining an immobilization profile based on the received current vehicle data, and adjusting vehicle throttle and/or braking (e.g., friction-type braking, engine braking, etc.) so that vehicle speed approximates the immobilization profile. In one embodiment, the above described methods further comprise communicating with the vehicle operator prior to implementing vehicle immobilization profiles.

Abstract: A remote control engine starting device includes an immobilizer and a remote engine starter for starting an engine when an engine start command is given from a remote location. The immobilizer further includes an interrogating signal outputting section, which outputs an interrogating signal when a signal related to engine starting is received, and an engine start permitting section, which gives engine start permission when a remote engine starter code that the remote engine starter outputs in response to the interrogating signal matches a remote engine starter verifying code preregistered in the immobilizer. The remote engine starter further includes an engine start signal outputting sections which outputs a signal related to engine starting and a code outputting section, which in response to the interrogating signal, outputs the remote engine starter code preregistered in the remote engine starter.

Abstract: A remote operation system includes responders that detect the pressure of tires of a vehicle, an interrogator that is provided in a main body of the vehicle and communicates with the responders so as to process pressure data, a plurality of antennas that are provided in the vicinities of the tires, respectively, and are connected to the interrogator, and a portable transmitter for a remote operation that communicates with the interrogator and unlocks the doors of the vehicle. The interrogator has a reception intensity detector that detects an intensity of a received signal from the transmitter received by each antenna. When each antenna receives an unlock signal to be transmitted from the transmitter, a door closest to one of the antennas which receives a signal having the highest reception intensity is unlocked.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle of a type including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle and connecting a plurality of vehicle devices within the vehicle may include a remote transmitter and a vehicle remote function controller being responsive to the remote transmitter. The vehicle remote function controller m ay include a controller data link interface. The remote control system may include a multi-controller data bus adaptor for adapting the vehicle remote function controller to communicate via the data communications bus and may include an adaptor data link interface coupled to the controller data link interface. The multi-controller data bus adaptor may be operable with a given set of controller codes for the vehicle remote controller from among a plurality of different sets of controller codes for a plurality of different vehicle function controllers.

Abstract: A function operation warning device according to the invention includes a receiving portion that receives a control signal transmitted from an external remote transmitter; a definition portion that stores information that is used to determine whether an audible warning is generated in response to the control signal; an audible warning setting portion that stores settings concerning at least one of enable/disable of generation of the audible warning and a sound volume; a warning determination portion that determines, using the definition portion, whether the audible warning is generated, when the control signal is received; and a warning generation portion that generates the audible warning at a predetermined sound volume regardless of the settings stored in the audible warning setting portion, when the audible warning is generated as a result of determination made by the warning determination portion.

Abstract: A vehicle safety lighting and signaling system includes a transmitting unit and multiple remote receiving units, each having a lighting and audible element, and that receive signals from the transmitting unit and selectively activates its signaling elements according to a predetermined signal response directed by the transmitting unit. The receiving unit includes a central processor that selectively decodes transmitted signals received from the transmitting unit and provides signals to a driver circuit that activate a visual signal, and audible signal, or both. A receiving unit may have an integral base affixed to an adjustable band, clothing or motorcycle, and that receiving unit is detachable from the base for charging and/or programming. The remote receiving units may include a band that is expandable for positioning about a cycle riders' arm or leg, and includes one or more lighting elements responsive to receiving a predetermined signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an antitheft apparatus mounted on a vehicle for protecting the vehicle from theft. The vehicle has a remote control device that controls a vehicle component of the vehicle in accordance with a control signal transmitted from a terminal. The antitheft apparatus includes an intruder detection part for detecting intrusion of an intruder, and an intrusion detection control part for controlling the detecting function of the intruder detection part during a period when the vehicle component is being controlled by the remote control device.

Abstract: A method for improving the reception performance of a remote signal communication system includes communicating a signal from a proximate communication device to an electronic control module, communicating a first portion of the signal to a first input capture of the electronic control module, and communicating a second portion of the signal to a second input capture of the electronic control module.

Abstract: A portable unit locating system is incorporated in a vehicle equipment control system including a portable unit and an in-vehicle unit, which communicate each other for controlling vehicle equipment such as doors. The in-vehicle unit includes inside transmitters, a receiver, a comparison ECU and a display. The transmitters transmit respective request signals in a vehicle compartment. The comparison ECU determines whether any response signal has been received from the portable unit in response the request signals, while gradually varying output levels of the request signals. The comparison ECU then specifies a location of the portable unit based on a change in determination results. The display visually or audibly notifies the specified location of the portable unit to a vehicle user.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system can have a transmitter transmitting a signal, a receiver receiving the signal, and a control device in communication with the receiver and controlling at least one operation of the vehicle. A selected operation may be executable by the signal. The vehicle remote control system includes a microphone that can determine an ambient noise volume and an ambient noise frequency in an area around the vehicle and is in communication with the control device. Furthermore, the vehicle remote control system includes a speaker that is able to generate an answer signal to confirm that the selected operation was executed. The speaker is in communication with the control device which generates an answer signal as a function of ambient noise volume and the ambient noise frequency in the area surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A theft prevention apparatus of a leisure vehicle including a portable device configured to transmit a user identification code by radio, a communication device that is equipped in the leisure vehicle and is configured to receive the user identification code, an electric power supply loaded in the leisure vehicle, a hand-operated switch that is disposed on a power line coupling the electric power supply to the communication device and is configured to turn to an on-state or an off-state to or not to permit the electric power to be supplied from the electric power supply to the communication device; and a controller configured to determine whether or not the user identification code received from the communication device matches the correct user identification code and to enable the leisure vehicle to be steered when it is determined that the received user identification code matches the correct user identification code.

Abstract: An auto anti-theft system with door-mount wireless remote-control pushbutton includes a main controller installed in a car for controlling the operation of the anti-theft system; a remote controller being carried by a user for code matching; and a small-size wireless remote-control pushbutton, which includes a coupling section for mounting the pushbutton to a car of any version or brand on or near a car door, such as on a door handle, a keyhole, a door surface, or a door window. The wireless remote-control pushbutton, the main controller, and the remote controller cooperate with one another to provide the functions of releasing and enabling the anti-theft system directly beside the car without pressing the remote controller button, making the anti-theft system a humanized design.

Abstract: A smart key system for a vehicle determines that a mobile communicator is not in the passenger compartment and that an in-trunk communicator communicates with the mobile communicator when the trunk gets locked. Then the smart key system executes a recovery process for the mobile communicator locked in the trunk.

Abstract: A communication apparatus for a vehicle can achieve an inexpensive technique for determining whether a portable unit exists inside or outside the vehicle without depending upon LF band radio waves through contactless communication using high frequency band radio waves by separating a reader function of a reader/writer into the portable unit and an on-board unit. The apparatus includes at least one ID transmitter installed on a vehicle and sends a transmitter ID possessed by itself in response to reception of a radio wave, an on-board unit installed on the vehicle for radiating a radio wave to the ID transmitter, a portable unit that receives the transmitter ID sent by the ID transmitter, and an ID communication section for sending the transmitter ID from the portable unit 3 to the on-board unit. The on-board unit determines the position of the portable unit based on the transmitter ID received from the portable unit.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first device which generates and/or transmits a first signal and which is associated with a web site and located remote from a premises or vehicle. The first signal is transmitted in response to a second signal transmitted from a second device located remote from the first device and remote from the premises or vehicle. The first device determines whether an action or an operation associated with the second signal is authorized or allowed and, if so, transmits the first signal to a third device located at the premises. The second signal is transmitted via the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. The third device generates and/or transmits a third signal for activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, and/or controlling an operation of, a system, device, equipment, equipment system, component, and appliance, of the premises or vehicle.

Abstract: An entry control system includes a portable device carried by a vehicle user and a biometric sensor attached to a vehicle door. The biometric sensor includes a CCD camera and a shutter. The shutter is moved to uncover the CCD camera only when the portable device is validated. After the biometric sensor detects the biometric information based on a finger print image of the user, the shutter is moved again to cover the CCD camera. Each time the shutter moves, a brush cleans the CCD camera. The vehicle door is enabled to be opened only when the user is validated based on the biometric information.