Of Burglary Or Unauthorized Use Patents (Class 340/426.1)
  • Patent number: 8653953
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an odometer verification for a vehicle. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of: (a) receiving authorization from a customer to periodically store odometer information obtained from the customer's vehicle; (b) configuring at least one processing device such that it automatically stores odometer readings and associated correlation parameter values for the vehicle; (c) receiving a request for an odometer verification; (d) analyzing the odometer readings and associated correlation parameter values in response to the request; (e) determining a verification result based on the analysis; and (f) sending the verification result to a recipient in response to the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: General Motors LLC, GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William A. Biondo, George Baker, David T. Proefke, Kevin E. Fondaw, Catherine L. McCormick
  • Patent number: 8648701
    Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle includes a storage box and an anti-theft system. The storage box is openable in a vehicle horizontal direction. The anti-theft system is configured to measure position information on the vehicle and to send the position information via radio, the anti-theft system being attached to an undersurface of a ceiling of the storage box. Preferably, the anti-theft system is rotatably attached to the undersurface of the ceiling of the storage box by a hinge and the anti-theft system is attached to the tray member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hojo, Yoshiya Omuro
  • Patent number: 8643469
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a door with an integrated mechatronic closing mechanism which is equipped with a receiver device. The receiver device is designed to receive and evaluate capacitive-resistive signals that are emitted by a transmitter and are transmitted via a user's body. The closing mechanism opens or does open the door in accordance with a result of said evaluation. In said one embodiment of the invention, the closing mechanism is battery-operated and has no permanent electric connection to an object that is not located on or in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kaba AG
    Inventor: Andreas Häberli
  • Patent number: 8639209
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Walby, Robert F. D'Avello, Harsha Dabholkar, James Snider
  • Patent number: 8633812
    Abstract: An accelerator opening determining unit determines whether an accelerator opening achieved through an accelerator operation by a driver of a vehicle exceeds an upper limit value thereof. A travel distance adding-up unit adds up a travel distance within accelerator-opening upper limit value when the accelerator opening is not determined to exceed the upper limit value. When the accelerator opening is determined to exceed the upper limit value, the travel distance adding-up unit adds up a travel distance exceeding accelerator-opening upper limit value. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates the driving of the driver based on each added-up value added up by the travel distance adding-up unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignees: Fujitsu Ten Limited, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Kouei Kiyo, Shojiro Takeuchi, Naoki Miura, Masaki Nakamura, Hiroaki Sugiura, Yoshio Yamatani, Junichi Nonomura
  • Patent number: 8615347
    Abstract: An anti-theft security device for a vehicle coupling, in particular a fifth wheel coupling (1), includes a security apparatus (2) and a control apparatus (3) which are electrically connected to each other. The control device (3) is connected to at least one vehicle-side system (10a, b, c) having an emergency function. Upon the triggering of at least one emergency function of the vehicle-side system, the control apparatus (3) deactivates the control apparatus (2) directly or indirectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: José Manuel Algüera Gallego, Swen Saupe
  • Patent number: 8610537
    Abstract: A vehicle-use key for storing and for acquisition of information on a vehicle. The vehicle-use key permits an individual to use the vehicle, to prevent the key from being taken away when the vehicle is stolen and for finding the stolen vehicle. A vehicle-use key is used for starting a vehicle, and is configured to include a radio communication part (RFID) which performs communication with an external communication device. By providing the radio communication part to the vehicle-use key which an owner of a vehicle carries with him/her, information (data) can be transmitted or received between the radio communication part and the reader/writer of a PC terminal installed in a dealer or the like by radio. Thus, vehicle history data, maintenance history data and the like on a vehicle associated with the vehicle-use key can be transmitted and received and stored when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Yamagiwa
  • Patent number: 8611847
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Snider, Robert F. D'Avello
  • Patent number: 8610599
    Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system includes a communication subsystem configured to provide two-way wireless communication, and a controller mounted in a vehicle and configured to receive data indicative of a location of the vehicle and to control the communication subsystem to transmit the data indicative of the vehicle location toward a remote communication center and receive operational information transmitted from the remote communication center. The controller receives a mode change command included in the operational information and in response changes operating mode between an authorization mode, in which the controller transmits an alert signal to the remote communication center, and a tracking mode, in which the controller transmits the data indicative of vehicle location continuously at predetermined intervals regardless of the authorization signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Recovery Systems Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Bevacqua, Mark A. Osman, Steven C. Dixon
  • Patent number: 8604925
    Abstract: An asset locator device including (a) a wireless receiver capable of receiving an identifier signal transmitted from a short range wireless transmitter device; (b) a wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a message to a space based network; (c) a positioning system capable of determining the location of the locator device; (d) a vibration sensor; and (e) a controller. The controller instructs the asset locator to: (i) attempt to detect the identifier signal from the transmitter device if the vibration sensor senses vibration; and (ii) transmit a signal, including an asset location, to the space based network if: (1) the identifier signal is not detected; and (2) location fixes from the positioning system indicate a location change of the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Globalstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Monte, Michael Santiago, Robert D. Miller, David Homer Biggs, Mark Edward Sutton, Walter Debus, Robert Rouquette, Ronnie Daryl Tanner
  • Publication number: 20130293368
    Abstract: Disclosed is smart lock technology that may be installed into vehicles or homes independently. The smart lock technology can be incorporated into, attached to, or built into doors, gates, windows, walls, glasses, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Chikezie Ottah, Esom Ottah, Kenneth Ottah, Chika Ottah, Raquel Laine, Christy Ottah
  • Patent number: 8558678
    Abstract: Various embodiments may include detecting an unauthorized use of a vehicle in the absence of GPS location information. Vehicle component condition data may be received for one or more vehicle components. Historical vehicle component condition data for the one or more vehicle components may also be received. A comparison between the vehicle component condition data and the historical vehicle component condition data may be performed in order to determine if an inconsistency exists between the vehicle component condition data and the historical vehicle component condition data based on the comparison. Upon determining the inconsistency, an alert signal signifying an unauthorized use may be generated. At least one of the vehicle component condition data and the alert signal may be transmitted to a remote terminal to alert a user of the unauthorized use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Robert Bruce Kleve
  • Patent number: 8558558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a monitoring system for automatically actuated, in particular power-driven closing covers, for example boot lids of motor vehicles. The invention also relates to a method and a detection system for detecting the presence of objects per se. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions for the implementation of a reliable safety system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ident Technology AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Richter
  • Patent number: 8552845
    Abstract: A vehicle burglar alarm circuit includes a transformer having first to fourth taps, a center tap provided at a center point and output taps, wherein the number of coil turns between the first and second taps is greater than the number of coil turns between the third and fourth taps; and output taps connected with a sounding body. The circuit further includes a first and second power sources connected to the center tap, the second power source outputting a lower output voltage; a sounding body driving unit having first to fourth driving switches respectively connected to the first to fourth taps; and a controller which controls the sounding body driving unit. The first and second driving switches are alternately turned on/off when using the first power source, and the third and fourth driving switches are alternately turned on/off when using the second power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Abe, Keizo Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20130249681
    Abstract: The invention provides a theft-inhibiting carrier which includes a body 12 having a chassis 16 on which three wheels 18 20 and 22 are mounted. The carrier 10 includes theft deterrent means 12. The theft deterrent means is configured, when activated, to dismount the wheels 20, 22 from their respective axles 44 but to retain them connected to the chassis 16 by an elongate flexible tether to impede the movement of the carrier. Two containers 60, 62 are provided and contain chemicals which are fed via pistons 68 to a mixing device 76 and into a valuables receiving chamber in which they foam and set thereby encasing valuables contained therein. A pair of arms 88 are pivotally displaced from a retracted position to an extended position in which they protrude from the containers 60, 62. Sharpened teeth 94 are provided on the arms to further inhibit displacement of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: CSIR
    Inventors: Johan Olivier, Johan Lehmann, Servaas Holtzhausen, Peter Bosscha
  • Patent number: 8542116
    Abstract: A danger sensor (100) is described which features a first housing part (110), a second housing part (120), a detector unit (112) for detecting of a danger situation, wherein the detector unit (112) is arranged in or at the first housing part (110), and an electrical connection (114a, 114b) for connecting of at least one supply element (142a, 142b) which provides electric power to the detector unit (112) during operation. The first housing part (110) together with the second housing part (110) is designed so that a holding area is present between the two housing parts (110, 120) for the at least one supply element (142a, 142b), and that the volume of the holding area is variable by means of a volume adjustment element (130). Furthermore, an element (130) is described for adapting a danger sensor to different requirements regarding the power supply; also described is an arrangement for detecting of a danger situation and a method for retrofitting of the power supply to a danger sensor (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Aebersold, Wolf Liebert, Matthias Nyikos
  • Patent number: 8538331
    Abstract: An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are to make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, determine a user interface on the wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determination, and perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. If the wireless device 100 is in proximity 106 to a TV in other systems 140, automatic invocation system 198 may be used to turn on to the show that user 104 has scheduled in his calendar for this time. If no default action is available (i.e., the user 104 has no calendar entry), the viewing history or preferences of the user 104 may be used to select a channel, if viewing history and/or preferences cannot be used, the system may turn on the TV as usual. Alternatively, if user 104 has a web browser application executing on the wireless device 100 and the web browser is pointed to the URL for CNN, for example, the TV may be tuned to CNN as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LC
    Inventors: Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8525653
    Abstract: A system for protecting vehicle wheels featuring a lug nut component for threading into a wheel; a keyhole disposed in the first end of the lug nut and a threaded second hole disposed in the second end; a sliding component disposed in the first hole biased in an up position and movable to a down position when a key is inserted; a sensor configured to detect the sliding component moving to the down position; a microprocessor operatively connected to the sensor; a transmitter operatively connected to the microprocessor; a receiver operatively connected to a car alarm system, wherein when the sensor detects the sliding component moving to the down position the transmitter sends an alarm signal to the receiver to activate the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Wayne A. Bing, Candi R. Bing
  • Patent number: 8519836
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for controlling functions of a vehicular alarm. The method includes receiving one or more signals including location information, determining a location of the vehicle using the location information, setting one or more functions based on the location information, determining whether an alarm function is activated, and activating the one or more functions according to the setting upon determining that an alarm has been activated. The method may further include using GPS data or signals transmitted from one or more base stations (e.g., from cellular telephone base stations, computer networks, proprietary transmitters, etc.) to determine the position of the apparatus (e.g., installed in the vehicle). The apparatus may also inform a user of regulations relating to an area dependent upon its location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Patent number: 8519839
    Abstract: An alarm system associated with a charge cord of a plug-in vehicle is provided. The system includes a sensor configured to evaluate a status of the charge cord, including a coupled status when the charge cord is coupled to the vehicle and a decoupled status when the charge cord is not coupled to the vehicle. The system further includes an alarm interface coupled to the sensor and configured to activate an alarm when the charge cord is in the decoupled status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Andres V. Mituta
  • Patent number: 8508352
    Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a hardware continuity loop that is installable in a vehicle for preventing vehicle misappropriation. In one embodiment, the hardware continuity loop includes a plurality of cables that is operatively connected across selected components of a mobile computing platform, and a relay for controlling vehicle response to an attempted vehicle misappropriation. In another embodiment, the hardware continuity loop includes as detection circuit located in the mobile application server adapted to process a signal on sensing vehicle misappropriation, a plurality of programmable general purpose modules, and one or more low side drivers, for causing a vehicle response to attempted vehicle misappropriation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: William Von Novak, Michael Joseph Contour
  • Patent number: 8493201
    Abstract: A safety arrangement for alerting an operator of a parked vehicle having an ignition and rear doors that a rear occupant, e.g., a child, is still present in a rear of the vehicle, includes door sensors for detecting when either rear door is open or closed, an ignition sensor for detecting when the ignition is activated or deactivated, a programmed controller responsive to each door sensor and the ignition sensor, for automatically activating the arrangement when either rear door has been opened for a predetermined time period, and for generating an alert signal in response to detection that the ignition has been activated, followed by subsequent detection that the ignition has been deactivated, and an alarm responsive to generation of the alert signal for alerting the operator to remove the rear occupant from the parked vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Chaim Sinai Orbach
  • Patent number: 8493191
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 8487754
    Abstract: A vehicle parking control and enforcement system for a plurality of unmetered parking spaces is provided wherein in-ground vehicle sensors are coupled with a microcontroller or microprocessor to detect the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space, determine whether the vehicle is in violation of the parking regulations and communicate a violation to a parking authority. The in-ground vehicle sensors may also include a digital camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick L. Mitschele
  • Patent number: 8487740
    Abstract: A vehicle function restriction system for installation in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a master key allowed to activate any function of the vehicle. The system includes a valet key mounted in the vehicle and configured to dismountable from the vehicle to be lent to a person to whom the vehicle is lent. A restriction setting unit sets the vehicle in a restriction state when the valet key is dismounted from the vehicle. The restriction setting unit sets at least one restricted vehicle functions which is not activated by the valet key, in accordance with the person to whom the vehicle is lent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsuruta, Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8474569
    Abstract: A system and method for self-detecting vehicle theft is provided that includes a first antenna and a second antenna, both located on a vehicle. The first antenna transmits the signal and the second antenna receives the signal. A monitoring module in communication with the second antenna is configured to determine whether the signal has changed. A vehicle security system is configured to activate based on a change in the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Shafer Seymour, Peter Saladin
  • Patent number: 8478475
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted electronic appliance has a vehicle state detection portion which detects a vehicle being parked, a sound indication portion, and a sound indication control portion. When the vehicle state detection portion detects that the vehicle is parked, the sound indication control portion makes the sound indication portion indicate a warning to watch out for theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hongying Wang
  • Patent number: 8467933
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of performing emergency notification in a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a controller configured to receive at least one driver status signal indicative of whether the driver is one of the primary driver and the secondary driver from a key ignition device positioned on at least one of a primary key and the secondary key. The controller is configured to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is one of the primary and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is configured to selectively control the operation of performing emergency notification based on whether the driver of the vehicle is one of the primary driver and the secondary driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, John Shutko, Abraham Philip
  • Patent number: 8466788
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a device for protection against intrusions into the landing gear housings of an aircraft, including at least one sensor, for at least one housing, covering at least one housing entry area and connected to a calculator capable of processing the data from the sensor for detecting the intrusion of a target and generating intrusion occurrence information for triggering an alarm, wherein the calculator is connected to a device for providing aircraft flight phases and/or ground speed information, the device including a means adapted for changing the detection status from an active mode to an inactive mode based on the flight phases and/or ground speed information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Olivier Pujol
  • Publication number: 20130147616
    Abstract: An entryway control and monitoring system includes a remote controller to open and close an entryway and a telematics unit. The remote controller and the telematics unit are each disposed in a vehicle. The system further includes any of i) a vehicle bus that operatively connects the remote controller to the telematics unit, or ii) respective short range wireless connection units disposed in each of the remote controller and the telematics unit that selectively operatively connect the remote controller and the telematics unit. Computer readable code embedded on a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium is executable by a processor of the telematics unit to at least one of control or monitor an operation of the remote controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Craig A. Lambert, Lei Hua
  • Patent number: 8463484
    Abstract: A theft deterrent apparatus is used in a marine vessel which includes a propulsion device. The theft deterrent apparatus includes an authentication unit, a fault detection unit arranged to detect a fault of the authentication unit, and an operation control unit arranged to control operation of the propulsion device. When the authentication unit is normal, the operation control unit controls the operation of the propulsion device in accordance with an authentication result of the authentication unit. When a fault has occurred in the authentication unit, the operation control unit controls the operation of the propulsion device without referring to the authentication result of the authentication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Bamba
  • Patent number: 8461974
    Abstract: An electric circuit for controlling the access and immobilizing a vehicle has a first antenna driver (12) for driving a first antenna (19) for emitting a signal (100) in the event of identification of an ID transmitter (3) for access control of a vehicle. A second antenna driver (24) is provided for driving a second antenna (21) for emitting a signal (104) in the event of identification of an ID transmitter (3) for the immobilizer of the vehicle. In addition, the electric circuit has a receiver device (14) for receiving a signal captured by an antenna (21) for the identification of an ID transmitter (3) for the immobilizer. The first antenna driver (12) and the receiver device (14) are commonly integrated into a semiconductor chip (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Continental Automotive GmbH, Continental Automotive France
    Inventors: Ulrich Emmerling, Bernhard Förstl, Daniel Hostmann, Matthias Huschenbett, Luc Jansseune, Rupert Schuster, Roland Wagner
  • Patent number: 8461989
    Abstract: An in-container monitoring sensor system is based on an UWB radar intrusion detector positioned in a container and having a range gate set to the farthest wall of the container from the detector. Multipath reflections within the container make every point on or in the container appear to be at the range gate, allowing intrusion detection anywhere in the container. The system also includes other sensors to provide false alarm discrimination, and may include other sensors to monitor other parameters, e.g. radiation. The sensor system also includes a control subsystem for controlling system operation. Communications and information extraction capability may also be included. A method of detecting intrusion into a container uses UWB radar, and may also include false alarm discrimination. A secure container has an UWB based monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.
    Inventors: Carlos E. Romero, Peter C. Haugen, James M. Zumstein, Richard R. Leach, Jr., Mark L. Vigars
  • Patent number: 8456275
    Abstract: An electric wiring system of a motor vehicle with control devices that communicate with each other via a data bus, and with at least a first communication apparatus inside the vehicle for data exchange with a remote communication station outside the vehicle via a communication channel is provided. To make an authentication of the electric wiring system possible, the first remote communication station outside the vehicle transmits at least one cryptographic key and/or at least one certificate for storage in a first control device of the plurality of control devices via the communication channel to the communication apparatus inside the vehicle. The first control device stores the at least one key and/or the at least one certificate in coded or decoded form and the at least one key and/or the at least one certificate is/are used at least in the framework of an authentication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sebastian Zimmermann, Mikhail Smirnov
  • Patent number: 8452488
    Abstract: A memory readout system comprised of a vehicle control device and a readout device to be detachably connected to the vehicle control device. The readout device reads out dialogue information stored in a built-in nonvolatile memory in the vehicle control device when connected to the vehicle control device and a predetermined certification condition is satisfied. The vehicle control device is comprised of the built-in nonvolatile memory and a dialogue information readout unit. In particular, the nonvolatile memory has a un-rewritable area which allows a dialogue information writing, but inhibits a dialogue information deletion. The dialogue information readout unit reads out the dialogue information stored in the un-rewritable area when a password certification judges that the readout device is an authorized one, and then transfers the dialogue information to the readout device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Tadatoshi Asada, Kunihiro Abe
  • Patent number: 8451106
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Krippgans
  • Patent number: 8446266
    Abstract: An antitheft system and method capable of being more easily mounted than was conventionally done, with a detecting capability, necessary and sufficient to determine the occurrence of a theft. An RSS value r is calculated as a square-root of sum of squares by putting together each of variations in X-, Y- and Z-axes in a sensor unit 38. Then, a moving average value av obtained by averaging a predetermined number of consecutive RSS values r taken in chronological order is utilized to determine whether a theft is in process or not. Hence, even if an X-axis detector 41, a Y-axis detector 42 and a Z-axis detector 43 are not matched to longitudinal, lateral and vertical directions FR, LR and UD of a two-wheeled motor vehicle, it is possible to determine whether a theft is in process or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaharu Senno
  • Patent number: 8436721
    Abstract: A motor vehicle theft protection and disablement system that is safe, not easy to circumvent, and offers benefits to vehicle owners as an incentive for their participation. The system is for preventing vehicle theft and carjacking. The system comprises five elements, a motor vehicle, a programmable safety switch, a keypad transmitter, an automatic security switch, and at least one remote activation transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Shongkawh LLC
    Inventors: Kao Lee, Thao Lee
  • Patent number: 8432268
    Abstract: A vehicle security system for a vehicle of a type including a vehicle data communications bus connected to a plurality of vehicle devices may include at least one vehicle security sensor interfacing with the vehicle data communications bus for generating a pre-warning signal or an alarm signal, depending upon a sensed threat level. The vehicle security system may also include an alarm indicator and a vehicle security controller. The vehicle security controller may interface with the vehicle data communications bus for causing the alarm indicator to generate a pre-warning indication based upon the pre-warning signal, or for causing the alarm indicator to generate an alarm indication based upon the alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 8432296
    Abstract: At the control apparatus which is at a location external to a vehicle, a communication link is established with a transponder at the vehicle. The vehicle is located in the immediate vicinity of the location. A continued presence of the vehicle in the vicinity of the location via the communication link is monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Paun
  • Patent number: 8421633
    Abstract: An anti-theft device monitors objects having a shaft, strap, or similar element. The anti-theft device is comprised of a two components hingably connected together. The two components can move from an open position to a closed position to enclose the shaft or similar element. One component has a first latch element and contains electronics including an arming switch. When the two components are moved to the closed position, the other component changes the status of the arming switch. The other component has a second latch element which combines with the first latch element to hold the two components in the closed position. The anti-theft device may be armed or disarmed by a remote device. The latching elements may be releasably lockable and may be released by a magnet. The anti-theft device may have passcode protection capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Xiao Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 8421862
    Abstract: A drive recorder for recording video information received from an image capturing unit on a recording medium includes an acceleration sensor which outputs acceleration information representing an acceleration applied to a vehicle, and a control unit which, determines that a recording condition holds and records video information captured for a first predetermined period of time before the occurrence of the recording condition and video information captured for a second predetermined period of time after the occurrence of the recording condition on the recording medium when the acceleration information equals or exceeds a threshold, wherein after the recording condition holds, the control unit does not record newly captured video information on the recording medium when the acceleration information again becomes equal to or exceeds the threshold in less than a third predetermined period of time which is shorter than the second predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Mariko Yago, Atsushi Ishimizu, Fujio Tonokawa, Ryuichi Morimoto, Munenori Maeda, Tetsuya Uetani, Masahiro Motojima
  • Patent number: 8416067
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a fleet management system is provided for capturing, storing, and analyzing telematics data to improve fleet management operations. The fleet management system may be used, for example, by a shipping entity (e.g., a common carrier) to capture telematics data from a plurality of vehicle sensors located on various delivery vehicles and to analyze the captured telematics data. In particular, various embodiments of the fleet management system are configured to analyze engine idle data in relation to other telematics data in order to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and theft hazards in a driver's delivery process. The fleet management system may also be configured to assess various aspects of vehicle performance, such as vehicle travel delays and vehicle speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: Mark J. Davidson, John A. Olsen, III
  • Patent number: 8405492
    Abstract: An in-vehicle wireless terminal is disclosed. The in-vehicle wireless terminal includes a disconnection detection section for detecting whether an antenna is disconnected, and a determination section for determining whether the vehicle is located within a predetermined distance from a wireless base station. The in-vehicle wireless terminal further includes a control section configured to set transmission power to a maximum value to perform data transmission to the wireless base station if the disconnection detection section detects that the antenna is disconnected and if the determination section determines that the vehicle is located within the predetermined distance from the wireless base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Ryohei Matsui, Tsutomu Hayashi, Hiroyasu Ogino
  • Publication number: 20130069773
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an intelligent traffic safety system based on comprehensive state detection and decision method thereof. The intelligent traffic safety system includes a person condition detection unit, a vehicle condition detection unit, a road condition detection unit, an intelligent decision unit, a driver warning unit, a current vehicle mandatory processing unit, a barrier warning unit, a pursuer warning unit and an after-crash warning unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BEIJING ITS-STAR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Beijing Its-Star Technology Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8395489
    Abstract: A vehicle burglar alarm circuit includes a transformer including an input unit having taps and a center tap, and an output unit magnetically coupled to the input unit; a first and a second power source each having one electrode connected to the center tap to respectively output a higher voltage and a lower voltage; a driving unit including switching elements respectively having one ends connected to the taps and another ends respectively connected to the other electrodes of the power sources; a PWM controller outputting signals by which the switching elements are alternately turned on and off; and a power selecting unit for selecting one of the power sources. The PWM controller generates a first on-duty ratio when the first power source is selected and a second on-duty ratio when the second power source is selected such that the first on-duty ratio is smaller than the second on-duty ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Abe
  • Patent number: 8396662
    Abstract: Unauthorized use of fleet vehicles is detected by matching drivers' logged out times with vehicle movements for which there is no logged in driver. Allowance is made for vehicles that may be moved within permitted areas without a logged in driver. A likelihood value is assigned to each candidate driver whose logged out time corresponds to the duration of unauthorized movement of the vehicle. The likelihood value is increased if the candidate driver is the next driver to log into the vehicle after its unauthorized usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Webtech Wireless Inc.
    Inventors: Juhani Siira, Michael Scott
  • Patent number: 8384535
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of notifying drivers of the fluid level. Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and generates driver status signals. A fluid level sensing device is operable to generate a fluid level signal indicative of the fluid level. A controller is coupled to the fluid level sensing device and the key ignition device. The controller determines whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver in response to the driver status signals. The controller notifies the primary or secondary driver of the fluid level in response to the fluid level signal. The controller selectively controls the operation of notifying the primary or the secondary driver based on whether the driver is the primary or secondary driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Matthew J. Dalebout, Andrew D. Sarkisian, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Kevin Thomas Hille, Karl William Wojcik, Terry Thomas Cwik, Brian Bennie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Patent number: 8384542
    Abstract: Security systems may include sensing, networked communications, stealth, alarms, and countermeasures, any or all of which may adapt to threats. These systems may also include armor and barriers of concrete and/or steel. They can adapt to severity of threats, weather, and/or other situational aspects. They can anticipate at least some threats in order to obtain early warning and react more quickly to those threats. They can adapt by altering their configurations, including alterations in communication networking structures and methods, and changes in data-storage and processing duties at processing nodes. Defensive and/or offensive countermeasures can be employed to deter, confuse, trap, and/or disable terrorists. The systems are capable of self-maintenance, self-healing, and self-restoration as threats subside. The systems can include subsystems capable of autonomous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kontek Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Merrill, Kevin Charles Kriegel, Roger Allen Nolte, Barclay J. Tullis
  • Patent number: 8378800
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: DEI Headquarters, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson James Mackjust, Joseph Kunkel