Abstract: Establishing geo-fence boundaries and collecting data. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: detecting a vehicle is located within a first political boundary; establishing a first geo-fence boundary for the vehicle corresponding to the first political boundary, the establishing responsive to detecting the vehicle is within the first political boundary; collecting data regarding the vehicle movement within the first geo-fence boundary; and detecting the vehicle has departed the first geo-fence boundary.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an error in the installation of an electrical component in a vehicle having a vehicle bus is disclosed herein. The system includes, but is not limited to a vehicle communication interface that is configured to be communicatively coupled with the vehicle bus and to detect a first power state of the vehicle. The system further includes an aftermarket telematics unit that is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle and to wirelessly communicate with the vehicle communication interface. The vehicle communication interface is further configured to detect a second power state of the aftermarket telematics unit, to compare the first power state with the second power state, and to alert a third party when the first power state and the second power state do not correspond with one another.

Abstract: An asset's TCU, or a mobile device coupled thereto, receives and stores geographical boundary definitions to a memory. A processor uses the boundary definition to determine an initial-location boundary based on the definition and the current location of the TCU at the time it received the boundary request message. As the TCU's GPS unit generates location information, the processor retrieves the initial-location boundary definition from the memory and compares the current location from the GPS receiver to it according to an algorithm. If the processor determines that the current location of the vehicle has crossed the boundary, the processor generates an alert message, which may be an e-mail, SMS, telephonic, interne, IM, or other electronic message indicating that an asset crossed the boundary, and sends it wirelessly using a transceiver to a central computer for further processing, or directly to another device, according to a notification destination identifier.

Abstract: A method of providing a notification following a passive, keyless start of a vehicle when a keyfob for the vehicle is not within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Where a motor is started using a passive keyless start (PKS) system having a keyfob transceiver within the keyfob and a vehicle transceiver (VT) within the vehicle, the absence of the keyfob may be determined by the failure to receive an accurate response signal from the keyfob transceiver following the transmission of a vehicle challenge signal from the vehicle transceiver. Upon this determination, a notification may be provided directly or indirectly to the vehicle user via a wireless carrier system.

Abstract: Communications are established with a first base station and the communications include first validation information associated with the first base station. Second validation information is obtained and the second validation information is stored in a data structure. The second validation information is associated with a second and valid base station. The first validation information is compared to the second validation information stored in the data structure and it is determined whether the first base station is valid based upon the comparison. When the comparing indicates that the first base station is not valid, a warning is initiated to a user.

Abstract: Location determination signals are received and a location of interest is determined from the location determination signals. A communication service is established and synchronized with a known, valid base station via a first communication channel. A value of a signal strength indicator associated with the first communication channel is monitored. When the value of the signal strength indicator falls below a threshold level, a warning message is transmitted to the known, valid base station before synchronization of the communication service is lost with the known, valid base station.

Abstract: Establishing geo-fence Boundaries. At least some embodiments involve detecting a vehicle has been in a collision, establishing a geo-fence boundary for the vehicle responsive to the detecting, monitoring a movement of the vehicle with respect to the geo-fence boundary, and issuing an alert if movement of the vehicle outside the geo-fence boundary is indicative of improperly departing a scene of the collision.

Abstract: A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An observation system for a vehicle is provided. The observation system includes an observation apparatus and a server. The observation apparatus includes a location identification unit producing a location information and a movement identification unit producing a movement information. The observation apparatus transmits a first movement warning message including the location information to the server when the movement information matches a burglar model, and transmits a second movement warning message to the server when the movement information matches a suspicious burglar model. The server compares a vehicle information with an advanced burglar model in response to the second movement warning message. The disclosure further provides an observation apparatus and a server for the observation system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for synchronizing data received at a central location that has been collected at plural remote locations and separately transmitted to the central location. A plurality of remote sensors is provided and configured to be simultaneously triggered to begin a data collection sequence and to subsequently transmit the collected data along with remote sensor identification data and timing information to the central location. Timing information may include a specifically transmitted time reference or may be derived based on successive transmissions from the individual remote sensors.

Abstract: A method of providing a notification following a passive, keyless start of a vehicle when a keyfob for the vehicle is not within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Where a motor is started using a passive keyless start (PKS) system having a keyfob transceiver within the keyfob and a vehicle transceiver (VT) within the vehicle, the absence of the keyfob may be determined by the failure to receive an accurate response signal from the keyfob transceiver following the transmission of a vehicle challenge signal from the vehicle transceiver. Upon this determination, a notification may be provided directly or indirectly to the vehicle user via a wireless carrier system.

Abstract: A vehicle theft prevention service method and system is capable of estimating theft of a vehicle even in the case where such a two-wheeled vehicle can be moved without start-up to be stolen and a vehicle theft prevention service method and system where a user is informed of location of a vehicle at the time of estimating theft of the vehicle, so that it is possible to accurately determine the theft based on the location of the vehicle at the time of estimating the theft of the vehicle. The vehicle theft prevention service system includes an electronic key and a theft monitoring device. The theft monitoring device is installed in a vehicle and determines that the vehicle is in a theft-estimated state and transmits an alarm message if a sensed acceleration value obtained by sensing a movement of the vehicle is a predetermined value or more. The electronic key outputs an alarm if the alarm message is received. Herein, the external apparatus may be a user terminal or a server.

Abstract: A burglar proof system for a vehicle is provided. The burglar proof system includes an observation module, a portable dashboard, a dashboard docking station, and an engine control module. When the portable dashboard is connected to the dashboard docking station, the authenticity of a portable dashboard is determined. The engine control module can only operate when the portable dashboard identification is validated. The dashboard docking station transmits a validation failure warning message to a server if a portable dashboard is not authenticated. When the portable dashboard is not coupled with the dashboard docking station, the engine control module is disabled, and the observation module transmits locational information to the server in response to any movement of the vehicle determined according to onboard sensors. The disclosure further provides a burglar proof method for a vehicle.

Abstract: A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle security device to be installed in a vehicle of a type including a vehicle audio entertainment system being configurable via a vehicle data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle may include an audio entertainment system content interface. The audio interface may be selectively operable to communicate audio content relating to a vehicle security breach condition to the vehicle audio entertainment system. The device may also include a controller coupled to the audio entertainment system content interface for detecting a vehicle security breach condition. The controller may also be for configuring the vehicle audio entertainment system, via the vehicle data communications bus, so that the audio content related to the vehicle security breach condition plays through the vehicle audio entertainment system based upon detecting the vehicle security breach condition.

Abstract: A method for identifying the position of a stolen vehicle is provided that includes the steps of detecting the start of an engine of the vehicle, retrieving vehicle identification information, establishing a connection to an external database of stolen vehicles, transmitting the retrieved vehicle identification information via a wireless communication system to the database and verifying whether the identified vehicle is in the database of stolen vehicles. If the identified vehicle is in the list of stolen vehicles, the position of the vehicle is then determined.

Abstract: System for providing a hazardous materials hazardous material alert. The system includes a method for transmitting a hazardous material alert for use with a vehicle that is transporting hazardous material. The method comprises steps of detecting a hazard event, and transmitting the hazardous material alert in response to the hazard event, wherein the hazardous material alert includes information relating to the hazardous material.

Abstract: A universal mobile communication system for wireless and wired sensor networking. The system is based on a sensor network comprising both hardware (wireless and/or wire-line sensor nodes) and software (universal mobile communication system logic, communication portal, etc.). The system of the instant invention may also comprise mobile communications devices (MCD), and in certain embodiments, the universal mobile communication system for wireless and wire lined sensor networking may comprise: a MCD; a set sensor node; a backend server; a short messaging service (SMS) server; and a communication portal.

Abstract: A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging device in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver.

Abstract: A wireless communications device includes a location-dependent alarm which a user can set to be triggered at a target location. A GPS receiver embedded in the wireless device provides position data representative of the current location. When the current location matches the target location, the alarm is triggered. This enables the user to set the alarm to wake him upon arrival at a particular location, e.g. a specific station on a commuter train. In another example, the wireless device can wake the user at one time of morning if the user is sleeping in one location and at a second time if the user is sleeping in a second location.

Abstract: A security system is disclosed with a digital processor-based wireless remote controller that sends command to perform system operations and receive confirmation of various aspects of the system. The security system monitors environmental and vehicle system parameters and automatically provides commands or prohibits issuance of commands to operate vehicles systems based on preset environmental and vehicle system conditions. The system reports command and response status to users through the remote controller.

Abstract: In a mobile control node system and method for a vehicle (630), the mobile control node (624) can interact, via a bi-directional radio link (642), with a transceiver processor unit (628) in the vehicle. The transceiver processor unit (628) is connected to a vehicle control system (120) and allows the mobile control node (624) to function as an input and output node on a vehicle control network (632), allowing remote control of the vehicle and providing functions such as remote or passive keyless entry. Additionally, the system provides a vehicle location function wherein the range and bearing between the mobile control node (624) and the vehicle (630) can be determined and displayed on the mobile control node (624).

Abstract: A car alert device featuring a microprocessor operatively connected to a transmitter; a body controller operatively connected to the microprocessor, the body controller is configured to detect if a window is open, if an interior light is on, if the headlights are on, if a door is unlocked, or if the alarm system is activated; wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive input signals from the body controller when the body controller detects the window is open or the interior light is on or the headlights are on or the door is unlocked or the alarm system is activated, wherein upon receipt of the input signals the microprocessor sends output commands to the transmitter to cause the transmitter to send alert messages to the cellular phone of the user.

Abstract: A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An electromechanical parking brake for a motor vehicle is provided. The electromechanical parking brake includes an operating element that operates a wheel brake, a central control unit that provides an electric supply to the operating element via at least one supply line, an electric actuating unit for interrupting the supply to the operating element, and a control line that connects the central control unit with the electric actuating unit. The operating element and the electric actuating unit are arranged at the motor vehicle in a manner protected against external manual access. The central control unit controls the electric actuating unit via the control line in order to interrupt the supply to the operating element or to reestablish the supply to the operating element. The central control unit also monitors the control line to detect a manipulation of the control line.

Abstract: A hand held wireless apparatus (Key Fob) that is configured and is in sync with your anti-theft vehicular alarm system and your cell phone to “Alert” the person carrying the hand held wireless device called a “Key Fob” that your vehicle's alarm system has been dis-armed, though a unique signal back to my “Key Fob” from my vehicle's anti-theft alarm, simultaneously sending an “Alert” through FCC approved frequencies and GSM and GPS Capable DSP and Digital Text Messages to your Cell Phone to “Alert” the holder of the wireless device. Thus taking the guess work out of the safety of your vehicle and possibly preventing a theft.

Abstract: A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A signal lamp control system for one rear side of a vehicle receives a signal or voltage from the vehicle (near side signal) originally intended to turn on all signal lamps on that side. Responsive to that signal, the signal lamp control system either turns on all signal lamps on that side or sequentially turns on the signal lamps on that side, depending on a status of a signal or voltage from the vehicle (far side signal) originally intended to control the signal lamps on the opposite rear side of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the signal lamp control system has knowledge of the state of the other side before the near side signal transitions on. This distinguishes between near-side signal activation (alone), brake activation, brake activation with near-side signal activation and hazard warning activation.

Abstract: An alarm sound activated module is to improve exist security alarm systems by providing a convenient and low cost way of instant alarm remote notifications for almost all exist alarm systems without such functions yet through the use of general available communication devices and networks. Said alarm sound module is capable of detecting exist alarm sound, sending corresponding signal to a near by communication device for establishing a path through available communication networks to notify a remote user of an alarm event. Said alarm systems can be any of existing type capable of generating alarm sound in the case of an alarm event and requiring not any specific connection and modification with said alarm sound activated module. Said communication devices can be any commonly available type without the need of any or with minimum modification to support said alarm remote notifications.

Abstract: A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus that suppresses consumption of a battery of a mobile device. A transmitting and receiving circuit transmits to a smart key a drop detection code request signal for checking whether the smart key is located within a specified range from a motorcycle at specified intervals. The transmitting and receiving circuit receives a drop detection code signal transmitted from the smart key having received the drop detection code request signal. A control section stops the transmitting and receiving circuit from making transmission of the drop detection code request signal at specified intervals when the motorcycle is substantially in a stop state.

Abstract: Jamming is detected as occurring to communications associated with at least one electronic device disposed at a vehicle. Responsive to detecting the jamming, an indication is transmitted from the vehicle to a base station informing the base station that jamming is occurring. Communications are subsequently conducted between the base station and the vehicle on at least one predetermined and prearranged communication channel.

Abstract: A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for detecting and responding to a potential theft of a display device and/or vehicle diagnostic device in a modular vehicle diagnostic system. Display devices and/or vehicle diagnostic devices may monitor a status of a wireless communications link between them and, responsive to detecting a break in the link, execute one or more anti-theft responses. Furthermore, a display device may maintain a whitelist and/or be in communications with an authentication and anti-theft server, and may determine whether to execute an anti-theft response and/or accept a connection request from a new vehicle diagnostic device based on the whitelist contents and/or based on a response from the server. Anti-theft responses may include sounding an alarm, ceasing function and/or locking up, reporting a potential theft, transmitting a location of the potentially stolen device, or other responses.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide novel systems and methods for providing on call real-time remote legal services by utilizing wireless audio and video components that also allow for two-way communication. The embodiments enable an individual to have access to legal representation and consult with legal counsel at the time an incident occurs.

Abstract: A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling, by an outside entity, one or more devices associated with a location. A representative embodiment of the system architecture comprises an internal computer system through which a device may be remotely controlled by the outside entity during a communication session between the outside entity and the internal computer system through an external computer network. The external computer network can be the Internet. When the outside entity is requested to control the device, the outside entity's identity information is authenticated before the communication session is established. In a preferred embodiment, the internal computer system is protected by a firewall. The firewall allows the outside entity to access the internal computer system to control the device if the outside entity can provide proper identity information. The identity information of the outside entity may be a password that is recognized by the firewall.

Abstract: Vehicle including a first substructure and a second substructure arranged such that an interior space is defined by or between the first and second substructures, and an arrangement for determining whether an object is present in the interior space. The arrangement includes ultrasonic transducers arranged on the second substructure and to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the first substructure and receive any waves reflected by objects in the interior space and a processor coupled to the ultrasonic transducers and arranged to determine whether an object is present in the interior space based on reception of waves by the ultrasonic transducers. If the vehicle is an automobile and the interior space is the passenger compartment therein, the first substructure can be the passenger seat and the second substructure can be the A-pillar, in which case, the processor determines the presence or absence of a passenger in the passenger seat.

Abstract: A method for selectively monitoring one or more vehicle systems is disclosed. The method includes recognizing, at the vehicle, an activation device that is configured to trigger predetermined setting(s) for the one or more vehicle systems. The telematics unit transmits to a secure server a signal indicative of the fact that the activation device is in use. Access to the secure server for monitoring the one or more vehicle systems via an Internet-enabled program is selectively enabled. A system for monitoring one or more vehicle systems is also disclosed. Further, a method for controlling vehicle system parameters is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A vehicle location reminder system having a vehicle positioning system operable to provide an approximate location of a vehicle and record the approximate location of the vehicle. A status check system monitors use of the vehicle and sends a signal to the vehicle positioning system to record the approximate location of the vehicle when the vehicle is no longer in use. A memory system is connected to the status check system and the vehicle positioning system, the memory system being adapted to determine if the approximate location of the vehicle, when no longer in use, is in a familiar location. An alert system is connected to the memory system. The alert system prompts a vehicle user to record data on a mobile device pertaining to the approximate location of the vehicle when the location of the vehicle, when no longer in use, is not in a familiar location. A replay system is adapted to replay the recorded data.

Abstract: A tamper-proof electronic security seal which includes a bolt and a locking element and an electronic seal element. The bolt has a head and a hollow shank extending therefrom having a longitudinal bore formed therein. The shank is dimensioned to pass through a lock hasp and has a free end formed for locking engagement with the locking element. The electronic seal element is formed for mechanical connection to the bolt head, and includes an electrical power source, a control unit, communications means responsive to the control unit and a sensor adapted for insertion into the longitudinal bore of the shank, and connected to the control unit. In response to a severing of the shank and the sensor inserted therein, the control unit is operative to activate the communications means to emit an alarm signal.

Abstract: A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: In an in-vehicle theft call apparatus, when a relevant vehicle is in a non-stopped state, an electric power supply from an in-vehicle battery is maintained to both a Cellular wireless section and a PCS wireless section. Thus, a wide range wireless communication area can be secured. In contrast, when the vehicle is in a stopped state, an electric power supply from the in-vehicle battery is maintained to only one of the Cellular wireless section and the PCS wireless section while being interrupted to the other. Thus, a communication signal can be transmitted appropriately in an event of call state; further, power consumption can be improved.

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: 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 cellular alarm notification signal is received wirelessly from an alarming vehicle, and a position of a cellular transceiver of the alarming vehicle is requested and provided to police, security, emergency personnel, and/or surveillance cameras. A vehicle alarm notification is sent directly to the owner of a particular vehicle immediately upon alarm, or to the police, or to building security to dispatch an investigative team, or to a building surveillance company to activate or monitor a relevant security camera. In addition to the alarming status of the vehicle, the cellular alarm notification cellular call may provide a position of the alarming vehicle to the notified party, obtained through appropriate location services provided in a wireless system to satisfy requirements for responding in a personal emergency to a requesting public safety access point (PSAP).

Abstract: A passenger vehicle safety system is provided which comprises a violation system, a warning system or an inside system. The violation system collects evidence of traffic violation occurring in a vicinity of a passenger vehicle. The warning system provides a warning to individuals outside and in the vicinity of the passenger vehicle. The intra-vehicle system collects images of persons inside, or in the vicinity of, the passenger vehicle, so as to allow the passenger vehicle's driver or one or more individuals located at a remote location, some distance from the passenger, to monitor activity in and around the passenger vehicle. Information captured by the inside system can be viewed in real time, as the information is being collected, or some time later, or both.

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 method for providing menu tree assistance includes receiving a voice request from a user via a telematics unit and a wireless network and determining a voice menu tree based on the voice request. The method further includes receiving at least one response based on the voice menu tree, determining a failure or confirmation based on the at least one response and converting the response to data based on the determined confirmation. The method further includes recording the response based on the determined failure and providing the recorded response and data to an advisor at a call center. A system and a computer readable medium including computer program code are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided a communications system between a vehicle, a home and a center, a vehicle information communicating apparatus and an indoor information processing apparatus which imposes no limitation on communicating time enables bulk communication. The communications system comprises an on-board server and DSRC on-board equipment which are installed on the vehicle 10 and includes a DSRC base station 23 residing outside the vehicle which can communicate with the DSRC on-board equipment and a PC or a home server 22 residing indoors which is connected to the DSRC base station 23, the communication system having a detection apparatus installed on the vehicle and/or an indoor detection apparatus for detecting the state of the vehicle 10 and a communication activating apparatus for activating the communication of information between the on-board server and the PC or the home server 22 using the detection result of either or both of the detection apparatus.