Abstract: A mobile enforcement reader (MER) includes an antenna, a reader coupled to receive signals from the antenna and a control/display unit (CDU) coupled to the reader. The CDU selects a receive direction and processes signals provided thereto from the reader. When the MER and a transponder are in proximity, the MER interrogates the transponder and receives information related to toll payment. The MER allows enforcement officials to monitor payment by single occupancy vehicle (SOV) traffic for use of high occupancy traffic (HOT) lanes.

Abstract: A theft prevention system capable of preventing theft of a target object by disabling the authorized key of the target object in the case where the authorized key has been stolen. When the authorized key is lost, a mobile telephone 100 instructs a vehicle control device 300a to set a warning mode. On receipt of this warning mode instruction, the vehicle control device 300a sets warning mode, generates an electronic key, and transmits the generated electronic key to the mobile telephone 100, which receives and stores the electronic key. Once the warning mode is set in the vehicle, locking and unlocking are only possible using the electronic key. If the authorized key is found, the mobile telephone 100 instructs the vehicle control device 300a to set the normal mode. Upon receipt of this normal mode instruction, the vehicle control device 300a sets the normal mode in the vehicle. Once the normal mode is set in the vehicle, locking and unlocking are only possible using the authorized key.

Abstract: A remote unit for a keyless entry system for a vehicle. The remote unit comprising a controller configured to generate a command signal in response to a user input. The command signal comprising a first command message and a substantially similar second command message. The first command message comprises a first low data rate portion and the second command message comprises a high data rate portion. The remote unit further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit the command.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system includes a microprocessor and associated radio frequency receiver/transmitter installed within a vehicle. The microprocessor is operably connected to the engine control unit and the existing security system. The vehicle transmitter continuously transmits an interrogating signal within a given transmission field. A remote unit includes a transmitter and a receiver that are in discrete communication with the vehicle receiver and transmitter whenever the remote is within the transmission field. If the remote is outside the transmission field and is therefore unresponsive to the interrogating signal, the microprocessor initiates various security measures such as locking doors, disabling the engine and arming the security system. When the remote carrier reenters the transmission field, the interrogating signal triggers an authorized, encoded response from the remote causing the microprocessor to reverse each of the security measures to prepare the vehicle for routine operation.

Abstract: A vehicular electronic key system includes an on-board device that mutually communicates with a portable device, and operates control equipment installed on a vehicle when specific information from the portable device is authenticated. The on-board device includes a distance storage section for storing travel distances of the vehicle, and a warning section for warning that the portable device disappeared when communication was stopped between the on-board device and the portable device. The on-board device communicates with the portable device each time a predetermined distance is travelled, stores the travel distance at each communication time point into the distance storage section, and drives, upon detection that a signal transmitted from the portable device was disrupted, the warning section to warn an undetected region between the last travel distance stored immediately before the transmitted signal was disrupted and a travel distance at a time point at which the transmitted signal was disrupted.

Abstract: A combination vehicle alarm and locator device. The device includes a housing, a vehicle alarm activator positioned within the housing including a transmitter for activating an alarm system on a vehicle and an infrared transmitting device located in the housing for communicating with a Global Positioning Satellite system for determining a location of the device. A key ring selectively extends from a side of the housing. The vehicle alarm activator includes an alarm activation button extending from the housing for activating the vehicle alarm activator to transmit the infrared signal. The transmitter device includes a processor, a memory device for storing identification information concerning the device and an activation button for activating the processor to retrieve the identification information from the memory for transmission to the Global Positioning Satellite system.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking unit may include a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller. The controller may cooperate with the vehicle position determining device and the wireless communications device to send vehicle position information to a user based upon receiving an activation signal via a communications network. Furthermore, the controller may selectively cause the vehicle tracking unit to be in a low power mode to conserve power. Also, the controller may cooperate with the wireless communications device to intermittently awaken the vehicle tracking unit from the low power mode to poll the communications network to thereby determine whether the activation signal has been directed to the vehicle tracking unit.

Abstract: A remote control engine starting device includes an immobilizer and a remote engine starter for staring 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 section, 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: When an alarm switch of a transmitter is given a long press carried out for one or more seconds in a timer-reset condition, a first alarm reversal signal is transmitted simultaneously with the setting (starting) of the timer. If the alarm switch is pressed within the set time of the timer regardless of a press time period, a second alarm reversal signal is transmitted, and the timer is reset. On a receiver side, the activation and deactivation of the alarm is alternately performed upon receipt of each alarm reversal signal.

Abstract: An automotive keyless smart-start assembly 10 for use in an automobile 22 is provided including an automotive engine 18 having an operating condition and a stopped condition. An ignition controller 16, having a locked state and an unlocked state, is in communication with the automotive engine 18. A receptacle bin 20 is mounted to the automobile 22 and is in communication with the ignition controller 16. The receptacle bin 20 is movable between a closed position 34 and an open position 32. A portable electronic transmitter element 12, including a security code 14, communicates the security code 14 to the ignition controller 16 upon being positioned within the receptacle bin 20. The ignition controller 16 verifies the security code 14 and moves to the unlocked state upon verification. The receptacle bin 20 moves to the closed position 34 upon verification.

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: The present invention concerns a method for verifying a command in a vehicle remote communication system. The remote communication system includes a remote transmitter, and a vehicle body having a receiver module and a control module connected by a communication bus disposed therein. The control module is in communication with at least one vehicle system. The remote transmitter transmits an activation signal that is received and decoded by the receiver module. The receiver module transmits a first message along the communication bus that is received by the control module. The control module transmits an acknowledgment message that is received by the receiver module. The receiver module re-transmits the first message that is received by the control module. The control module then initializes a vehicle system command to the vehicle system, thereby preventing an inadvertent activation of the vehicle system.

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 for both right- and left-handed operation.

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

Abstract: A door control system for vehicles has a transmitter and a receiver for detecting an electronic key in a first predetermined area around a vehicle. A control unit controls unlocking of a vehicle door by determining whether the detected electronic key is an authorized one. The door control system also has an object sensor for detecting an object entering into a second predetermined area covering and wider than the first predetermined area. The control unit activates the transmitter and the receiver only after the object sensor detects the object in the second predetermined area, thereby reducing power consumption.

Abstract: A remote key entry system has a key unit and an answerback sound producing device. The key unit transmits a radio signal for remote-controlled locking and unlocking of a vehicle. The answerback sound producing device receives the key signal to indicate completion of correct locking or unlocking of the vehicle. The remote key entry system includes an environmental data sensing devices for obtaining data of an environment around the vehicle for control of the answerback sound. The system also has an answerback sound control device for controlling at least one of sound volume and tone of the answerback sound based on the environment data. The environmental data sensing device is an illumination sensing device for detecting environmental illuminance around the vehicle. The answerback sound control device varies the sound volume proportional to the illuminance.

Abstract: In a remote control communication system, a transmitting apparatus transmits operation information, which includes switch information indicating the type of the switch and operation duration information, to a receiving apparatus in a vehicle. If another operation is again carried out on any operation switch, the transmitting apparatus transmits present operation information with the operation information transmitted previously. A receiving apparatus transmits the operation information and reception duration information to a control apparatus in the vehicle. Similarly, if other operation information is received again, the receiving apparatus transmits the other operation information with the previous operation information.

Abstract: A vehicle theft protecting system includes a vehicle-onboard device mounted on a vehicle and a management station installed at a predetermined location, each including narrow area wireless communication unit capable of communication with encryption in a range of a predetermined distance to perform regular mutual communication to monitor each other's condition. The vehicle-onboard device and the management station effect mutual verification through the narrow area wireless communication at start of the mutual communication.

Abstract: A remote control device for controlling a reduced operational mode of a vehicle includes a portable communication device operable to communicate with the vehicle. A detachable component is selectively coupled to the communication device. The communication device is operable to initiate a reduced operational mode for the vehicle upon detachment of the detachable component from the communication device. The portable communication device detects the input in the attached position and initiates a normal operational mode upon the detection. Detachment of the detachable component cause an input voltage to change on the portable device. The reduced operational mode includes inhibiting access to predetermined storage compartments in the vehicle such as a vehicle trunk or glove box. Vehicle speed and RPM are limited in the reduced operational mode.

Abstract: A combination vehicle alarm and locator device. The device includes a housing, a vehicle alarm activator positioned within the housing including a transmitter for activating an alarm system on a vehicle and an infrared transmitting device located in the housing for communicating with a Global Positioning Satellite system for determining a location of the device. A key ring selectively extends from a side of the housing. The vehicle alarm activator includes an alarm activation button extending from the housing for activating the vehicle alarm activator to transmit the infrared signal. The transmitter device includes a processor, a memory device for storing identification information concerning the device and an activation button for activating the processor to retrieve the identification information from the memory for transmission to the Global Positioning Satellite system.

Abstract: An automobile anti-theft device disrupting normal operation of an automobile. To attain this, incorporated into an automobile is a module configured to disrupt the normal firing of the automobile's spark plugs upon actuation of a user-controlled controller. In an embodiment, the module electrically couples the automobile's coil to the automobile's distributor cap through a controller-controlled switch. In an embodiment, the module relays instruction sets to an engine control unit, upon execution of the instruction set the engine control unit disrupts spark plug firing. A method for preventing automobile theft, which incorporates into an ignition system a user-controlled module.

Abstract: A message display system includes a main housing that is couplable to a vehicle. The main housing has bezel portion designed for encompassing a perimeter edge of a license plate. The main housing has a top display means for presenting a visual message. The top display means is medially positioned on a top portion of the main housing. A receiver portion is operationally coupled to the top display means. The receiver portion is positioned substantially within the housing. The receiver portion facilitates input of a message to be visually presented. A remote transmitter member is designed for receiving user input of a message to be visually presented. The remote transmitter member is operationally couplable to the receiver portion such that the message is communicated from the remote transmitter to the receiver portion.

Abstract: A transponder system for motor vehicle, used both as a RKE system and as a kill switch type safety system, is described herein. The transponder system includes an electronic lock assembly provided with a housing, an interrogator circuit and a coil antenna. The transponder system also includes an electronic key provided with a housing made of a slightly resilient material, a transponder circuit, and a coil antenna. The key assembly may be releasably mounted to the lock assembly since the housing of the key assembly is made of a slightly resilient material. Continuous interactions between the electronic lock and the electronic key are required for the continuous operation of the engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: First through third light reception elements 111–113 receive infrared data D from an operation input transmission section 2, and output the received data to an operation input permission determination section 12a. The operation input permission determination section 12a distinguishes among the first through third infrared light reception elements 111–113, thereby determining in which space an operation input has been performed, and analyzes the description of the operation input, thereby determining whether to accept the operation input. A calculation processing section 13a performs various processes based on the description of the operation input from the operation input permission determination section 12a, a processing result of a position detection section 17, and map data stored in a map data storage section 16. A drawing processing section 14a performs a process of outputting a processing result of the calculation processing section 13a to first and second displays 3 and 4.

Abstract: A control system for vehicle devices uses an access control device to specify an identification datum, which is used by a control module to modify operation of a set of vehicle devices and functions of such devices. The control module can either disable access to the set of devices or modify operations of the vehicle devices by limiting the functionality of the selected vehicle devices. A valet using a valet key can drive the car under restrictions and a selected set of vehicle devices can be disabled during a valet's use of the vehicle.

Abstract: An antitheft device for a motor vehicle has a first receiver (2) in the motor vehicle, which is designed to receive signals in narrowband. The signals received by this receiver are evaluated in accordance with the code information contained in them. Furthermore, the antitheft device has a second broadband receiver (7) which receives signals outside the useful frequency band (3). If signals are received whose signal strength is above a threshold value (S), whose signal duration is shorter than a predefined time period (t2–t1) or whose code information corresponds largely to anticipated code information, the access to the motor vehicle, and its use, are not enabled.

Abstract: This invention provides a reversing aid to assist in indicating the proximity between a vehicle and surrounding objects. The sensors provided on the vehicle detect the proximity of an object and pass a signal to a transmitter. The transmitter provides a wireless signal to a receiver located near the driver of the vehicle to provide an indication of the distance between the vehicle and the object. By providing a wireless transmission, the reversing aid can be fitted to vehicles without the need to accommodate a signal path in the wiring loom from the rear of the vehicle to the cab of the vehicle. The transmitter is provided as a demountable apparatus so that it can be shifted to cooperate with sensors provided on a towed vehicle such as a trailer and continue to cooperate with the receiver.

Abstract: A portable remote keyless entry fob has a plurality of control elements disposed on the fob for manual activation by a user. A display is provided for displaying information to the user. An RKE transmitter wirelessly transmits RKE messages from the fob to a vehicle-mounted receiver. A wideband receiver receives RF signals broadcast by wireless devices nearby the fob and generates a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) signal in proportion to the RF signals. A controller is coupled to the plurality of control elements, the display, the RKE transmitter, and the wideband receiver wherein the controller has an RKE mode for providing a plurality of remote entry command functions. The controller has a detector mode for detecting presence of a wireless device using a comparison responsive to predetermined signal patterns and the RSSI signal. The controller generates an indication on the display when the wireless device is detected.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motorcycle includes an anti-theft locking mechanism, a remote control, a receiver that receives a locking release signal transmitted from the remote control, a controller that releases locking by the locking mechanism according to the locking release signal, and a locking release mechanism that unlocks the locking mechanism by manual operation of a dedicated key. The locking release mechanism is normally covered with a cover member of the motorcycle such that it is not easily detected by unauthorized persons.

Abstract: A remotely controllable shutoff system is operable to temporarily disable a machine, for the safety of persons and property close to the machine. The system includes a remote transmitter assembly, equipped with a shutoff actuator, and a receiver unit also including a manual reset mechanism. When a shutoff signal is generated by the transmitter, the receiver unit is capable of immobilizing the machine or a designated section thereof. Operation of the machine may be resumed only after resetting at least one manual reset mechanism on the remote transmitter and/or the receiving unit.

Abstract: This method is intended for a vehicle (2) equipped with a hands-free access system comprising a badge (4) and means of communication by electromagnetic signals between the vehicle (2) and the badge (4) making it possible to locate the badge (4) with respect to the vehicle. The hands-free access system makes it possible to operate a locking of the doors when the last door of the vehicle (2) is closed and when the badge (4) exits a first zone (Z1) delimited around the vehicle. A second zone (Z2), more extensive than the first zone (Z1), is delimited around the vehicle. A relocking is commanded when, after a locking of the doors commanded by the hands-free system, a door is opened without action of the hands-free system and then closed again, uniquely insofar as a badge (4) is located within the second zone (Z2).

Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the location of individuals, such as parolees, includes a wearable device worn by the individual and a portable device operatively coupled to the wearable device. The portable device is operatively coupled to a monitoring system through a wireless telephone network. The portable device transmits periodically encrypted location information as well as status information across the wireless network to the monitoring system. The monitoring system tracks the location of the individual and alerts the appropriate authorities when the individual violates a rule, such as a condition for parole. The portable device increases the time between transmissions when the individual is within a specified home location and reduces the time between transmissions when outside the specified location.

Abstract: A system for automatic access or driving authorization for a motor vehicle includes a first device in the form of a control device having at least two states for engaging and disengaging vehicle door locks, an immobilizer, or the like. An associated second device is provided in the form of an electronic key, an ID transmitter, a chip card or the like. Both devices have means for transmitting or receiving signals, including a coded operating signal for authenticating the second device, so that a change in the state of the first device can be implemented when the second device is authorized. Before the second device is first activated, it is in a sleep state in which operation-independent function is not permitted and energy consumption is reduced. During a first operator-dependent authentication, the second device is changed over from the sleep state into a standby state in which an operation-independent function is at least partially made possible.

Abstract: A car alarm is providing including an annunciator for providing an alarm signal from a car alarm system and n automatic dialer that provides automatic dialing capabilities to a wireless phone or pager upon initiation of said annunciator.

Abstract: The vehicle safety system which is for a vehicle equipped with a remote starter comprises a wireless transmitter located inside a closed space, adapted to emit a signal for disabling the remote starter. The system further comprises at least one wireless receiver located on board the vehicle, and being operatively connected to the remote starter. The wireless receiver, upon receipt of the signal, disables the remote starter, and thereby prevents remote starting of the vehicle.

Abstract: The occurrence of vehicle theft is more positively prevented when a door and running system of a vehicle are unlocked, by a remote controller, with different identification codes. The door of a vehicle is locked when an identification code is inputted from the remote controller, and the door cannot be unlocked as long as the same identification code is not inputted from the remote controller. The running system of the vehicle is locked when the driver of the vehicle pushes the switch of an interior device in driver-selected order. As long as the switch of the interior device is pushed in the same order, the running system can be unlocked. As a result, theft of the vehicle can be more positively prevented.

Abstract: A multistage vehicle security system includes a transceiver that receives a first signal sent from a transponder and a controller that processes the first signal. The controller activates low level operational features of the vehicle if the signal is associated with an authorized transponder. The system also includes an entry sensor that detects the physical presence of a user. The transponder sends a second signal to the transceiver when the presence of the user is detected. The controller processes the second signal and activates midlevel operational features of the vehicle if the second signal is associated with the authorized transponder. Once the user is inside the vehicle, a sensor detects a biometric characteristic of the user. The user obtains access to one or more high level operational features of the vehicle if the detected biometric characteristic matches that of an authorized user.

Abstract: A vehicle closure locking system comprising person sensing means, authorization device detection means and a controller, the sensing means being capable of determining whether a person is located in the vehicle and the authorization device detection means being capable of detecting the presence of a co-operating authorization device within the vehicle, wherein the controller is programmed to instruct the detection means and sensing means to commence detecting and sensing respectively in response to a predetermined event and is further programmed to control the locked state of vehicle closure(s) in response to signals supplied periodically by the sensing means and signals supplied periodically by the authorization device detection means.

Abstract: Anti-theft security devices for a motor vehicle, comprise portable transmitting elements, of a receiving module on board the vehicle and of elements controlling a system for interrupting at least one circuit required for operating the vehicle (ignition circuit engine, fuel intake circuit or other . . . ) when the distance between the transmitting elements and the receiving elements exceeds a certain value. The method for managing the operation of such a device consists, when resetting the affected circuit(s), following an interruption relative to accidental signal loss, in performing this resetting only very gradually.

Abstract: A vehicle entry and security system includes a key cylinder that is operated using a key. A first cable has one end attached to the key cylinder. A mechanical actuator is attached to an opposite end of the first cable. A second cable has one end attached to the mechanical actuator. A latch is connected to an opposite end of the second cable and releases a door or a trunk. The mechanical actuator triggers a switch when the key operates the key cylinder. A vehicle security system triggers an alarm when the door or trunk is opened without using a key fob. The vehicle security system monitors the state of the switch and prevents the alarm from being triggered when the switch is in a second state. When the key is operated a first number of times within a first period, the vehicle security system reprograms the key fob.

Abstract: A device for initiating an opening and locking procedure of a motor vehicle. The device includes a first proximity sensor which generates an unlocking intent signal for initiating an opening procedure of a closing system of a vehicle when a user approaches the first proximity sensor. A second proximity sensor is also provided, generating a locking intent signal for initiating a locking procedure of the closing system of the vehicle when a user approaches the second proximity sensor.

Abstract: A multistage vehicle security system includes a transceiver that receives a first signal sent from a transponder and a controller that processes the first signal. The controller activates low level operational features of the vehicle if the signal is associated with an authorized transponder. The system also includes an entry sensor that detects the physical presence of a user. The transponder sends a second signal to the transceiver when the presence of the user is detected. The controller processes the second signal and activates midlevel operational features of the vehicle if the second signal is associated with the authorized transponder. Once the user is inside the vehicle, a sensor detects a biometric characteristic of the user. The user obtains access to one or more high level operational features of the vehicle if the detected biometric characteristic matches that of an authorized user.

Abstract: The remote start control system may include at least one vehicle device associated with starting an engine of the vehicle, a remote start transmitter, a receiver at the vehicle for receiving signals from the remote start transmitter, and a vehicle remote start controller connected to the data communications bus for communicating with the at least one vehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehicle. The remote start controller is also connected to the receiver and may be responsive to signals from the remote start transmitter. The vehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehicle may include at least one controller, such as the engine management controller or the transmission controller, for example. Alternately, or additionally, the at least one vehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehicle may include at least one vehicle sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a controller (82) for receiving a control parameter. At least one tire condition sensor (26-32) senses a tire condition and transmits a tire condition signal (34) indicative of the sensed tire condition. A receiver (78) receives the tire condition signal (34) and compares the received tire condition signal (34) to a changeable threshold to output a digital signal indicative of the received tire condition signal (34). The changeable threshold changes at time intervals determined by a time constant of the receiver (78). The time constant of the receiver (78) is variable. The controller (82) is operatively connected to the receiver (78) and varies the time constant of the receiver (78) in response to the received control parameter.

Abstract: In a remote vehicle door control, a single receiver is used for both a wireless control whereby a door lock actuator is controlled according to an operating command transmitted by a wireless signal in conjunction with user operation of a communication device carried by a user, and a smart control whereby the door lock actuator is controlled automatically after completing a two-way communication process with the communication device. An arbitration means is provided to determine to which one of the wireless control and the smart control the receiver is assigned. If the receiver receives a wireless signal from the communication device, use of the receiver is assigned to the wireless control.

Abstract: A vehicle security system with a tire monitoring device comprises at least one vehicle sensor for detecting unauthorized actions, at least one sensor module, a controller and a remote unit. The sensor module is attached to a tire of a vehicle for sensing the tire conditions and transmitting a first radio frequency signal including the tire conditions. The controller is attached to the vehicle, and is used for generating a plurality of signals of security system conditions in response to the at least one vehicle sensor and for receiving and operating the first radio frequency signal including the tire condition. The controller then is used for transmitting a second radio frequency signal including the security system condition signals and the tire conditions. The remote unit receives the second radio frequency signal and generates a plurality of remote indications for showing the security system conditions and the tire conditions.

Abstract: The invention is a system for use in automobiles for preventing and frustrating carjacking attempts. The system includes a Radio Frequency Identification Tag (RFIT) kept by the user and an interrogating system on the car that periodically reads the RFIT in order to confirm that the driver does have permission of the owner to continue to drive the car. The system on the car includes a microprocessor driven transceiver controller printed circuit board. The circuit board is hard wired into a number of different control systems including the fuel delivery system, emergency lights and horn. In the event that the user has been forced out of the car, the RFIT will no longer be in proximity to the interrogating system and the proper code will no longer respond to the interrogating signal. The control system will then take steps to shut down the operation of the vehicle engine and send out audible and visual emergency signals.

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

Abstract: A battery operated portable device, or “lockator” facilitates location of a parked automobile within having an unknown or forgotten location. The lockator locks, unlocks and locates the automobile with a simplified user interface. The locator has a combined automobile door lock and unlock transmitter and GPS locator. Pressing a lock button both transmits a lock signal and substantially determines the automobile location. Pressing the unlock button transmits the unlock signal and determines the direction back to the location where the lock button was pressed. Left and right icons on the lockator direct the driver back to the vehicle. The icons blink at a rate indicative of the distance to the automobile and indicate if the driver is heading away from the automobile. Measures are take to conserve power drawn from a battery powering the lockator.