Abstract: A system and method for identifying a person as an authorized driver of a vehicle based on settings of the vehicle. The system includes a sensor for detecting a presence of a driver in the vehicle. The system also includes one or more control modules corresponding to the parameters of the vehicle. The parameters can be controlled by the control modules. The system also includes a driver ID controller coupled to the control modules and the sensor. The driver ID controller is configured to recognize the driver as an authorized driver based on inputs from the sensor and the control modules. The driver ID controller can also command the control units to adjust the parameters to predefined one or more attributes corresponding to the authorized driver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which automates the radio cover assembly of the Scion tC automobile. The apparatus mounts to the radio cover frame and contains a motor, a linkage system, and a microcontroller. The radio cover can automatically move from an opened to closed position and visa-versa.

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

Abstract: A communication device is held in a controlled condition when the communication device is in a process of an emergency operation. The emergency operation of the communication device including a response operation in response to an incoming call that is transmitted from an emergency service center in exchange for an emergency signal from the communication device completes even when an external device provides a reset cause for the communication device in the process of the emergency operation due to provision of a control signal for controlling the controlled condition.

Abstract: A vehicle display system includes a plurality of sensors mounted to a vehicle for sensing vehicle operating conditions and a vehicle display controller in communication with the sensors. The controller is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the sensors and prioritizing vehicle operating conditions indicated by received signals according to predetermined criteria. The system further includes a display screen adapted to display warning signals according to signals received from the vehicle display controller. The display screen arranges the displayed warning signals according to one of a plurality of display masks. The display mask is determined by the number of displayed warning signals. The display mask has a first warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities greater than a predetermined level and a second warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities less than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A rail vehicle includes an underbody which is subjected to thrown up ballast when the rail vehicle is operating on a ballasted section of track. In at least one embodiment, the underbody is equipped with at least one acoustic signal pickup which acoustically senses ballast stones striking the underbody; a signal processing device is provided to which a signal is fed from the at least one acoustic signal pickup and which processes the signal in such a way that a thrown up ballast signal is generated which represents the impacting of ballast stones on the underbody; and the thrown up ballast signal from the signal processing device is included in a mode of operation of the rail vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for destroying, on site, electronic and electric equipment and media and the information contained thereon. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing information stored on electronic and electric equipment and media by degaussing and shredding the physical hardware containing the information. Each of the degausser and the shredder are contained within a mobile vehicle such that the scrap electronic and electric equipment and media may be destroyed and stored within targeted receptacles. Moreover, the mobile vehicle of the present invention is adapted to move from one location to another such that the method of destroying the electronic and electric equipment and media may be utilized on-site at the facility of a business owner, thereby, eliminating any risk associated with compromising the confidentiality of the information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing distinctive alerts in a security alarm system for a vehicle. A plurality of distinctive alarm sounds are provided from which the user can select one that he or she prefers. The number of alarm sounds is large enough so that it is unlikely that vehicles that are in close physical proximity to each other will employ the same alarm sound. Thus, with respect to any one user, the selected alarm sound will be distinctive to that user. Accordingly, when an automobile alarm sound is heard, the user can associate the alarm with his or her vehicle. The user may also receive a text message or call to his or her cell phone or land line phone.

Abstract: A movable-vehicle security system includes a facial-recognition system including a scanner such as a television or infrared camera directed at the face of a person in the driver's seat, which system produces output control signals that are applied to enable or disable operation of the vehicle, with or without a key or other supplemental security system. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a camera mounted on the “third taillight” assembly (which is preferably mounted below the roof and inside the rear window), directed at the rear-view mirror, and coupled to a facial-recognition computer, which in turn is coupled (with appropriate security precautions) to an enabling element for the vehicle, such as a starter motor. In a further embodiment, the system can be coupled to various elements of the motive system to create an auto-starting car.

Abstract: A battery charging system includes: an electric vehicle; a network termination unit connectable to the electric vehicle through a power line cable for supplying electric power to the electric vehicle; and a first server that transmits a control signal indicative of permission or forbiddance of power supply from the network termination unit to the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle through the network termination unit. The electric vehicle transmits identification information for identifying the electric vehicle and the user thereof to the first server through the network termination unit. The network termination unit transmits position information concerning the position of the network termination unit to the first server. The first server determines permission or forbiddance of the power supply based on the identification information and the position information.

Abstract: Vehicular theft preventing device includes: an operation switch for switching between different displays on a display section, the operation switch being constructed to function also as a setting switch operable to set the preventing device in an alert mode; a main switch for turning on/off a power supply; and a control section for controlling the display section and an alarm unit, the controlling section setting the preventing device in the alert mode upon fulfillment of a condition that the operation switch has been operated while the main switch is in an OFF state.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for securing car against theft via wireless sensor, a charging circuit and chargeable battery, a CPU circuit connected to a transmission circuit, and an air pressure sensor or an infrared sensor are provided in a cigarette-lighter plug, so that the sensor detects any change of air pressure or any change of temperature in a car due to any invader, and sends a trigger signal to the CPU circuit. The signal is encoded at the CPU circuit and then transmitted via the transmission circuit to a wireless antitheft main unit mounted in the car to trigger a siren as a warning if main unit is set to active stale by external remote control transmitter. Since no wire is needed between the sensor and the main unit, a thief is prevented from locating the main unit by tracing any wire extended thereto.

Abstract: An antitheft system includes a main controller mounted in a car for controlling an overall operation of the antitheft system, and a wireless keypad provided on a front side with numbered keys, and on a rear side with a clip. The wireless keypad may be attached to a car door edge of all versions of different brands of cars via the clip without the risk of separating from the door easily. The wireless keypad also allows a user to enter and transmit a code to the main controller to release or enable the antitheft system just beside the car, and is therefore a humanized design.

Abstract: A theft-prevention and tracking system and method for semi truck trailers or other vehicles. One or more status indicators, such as location, indication of unauthorized tampering, disconnection of the trailer from the truck, etc. communicate an alarm to a remote monitoring and dispatch center. A stolen vehicle can be remotely stopped at the command and control of the remote monitoring and dispatch center. Upon occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as stopping and blowing off the air from the brake system, the vehicle's brakes remain locked until entry of an authorization code or otherwise receiving authorization to proceed from the remote monitoring and dispatch center.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a communication system are provided for secure communication of at least one of multiple components of a vehicle with at least one external communication partner via a wireless communication link, the multiple components in each case including at least one communication module for data exchange. The method includes exchange of data packets between a transceiver device of the vehicle and an external transceiver station, a communication status of the wireless communication link being ascertained and a data exchange between the at least one component and/or the external communication partner on the one hand, and the others of the multiple components on the other hand and/or an access of the at least one component and/or of the external communication partner to the others of the multiple components being enabled or disabled as a function of the communication status. The device and the communication system are provided for implementing the method.

Abstract: A method for verifying authenticity of a vehicle, including programming a device to sequentially change a device element to an altered device element according to a change device element algorithm, and attaching the device to the vehicle. The method also includes generating the altered device element, and verifying that the altered device element matches an expected device element generated by the algorithm.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protection of a movable asset, particularly a motorvehicle (100), against unauthorized use with the following steps: cryptographic identity verification and/or cryptographic authentication of the vehicle with an external computer system (108), verification whether a blocking is stored for the motorvehicle, transmission of a signal from the computer system to the vehicle in order to allow use of the motorvehicle if no blocking is stored for the motorvehicle.

Abstract: An automobile steering wheel lock with an alarm includes a lock having a lock core with a chamber containing an alarm and at least one light hole. The alarm consists of a circuit board, a battery, a buzzer and a touch switch. The circuit board capable of sending signals has a warning light and a high-density LED light. Also, a help-signaling device is installed at a conspicuous location of a car and provided with at least one lamp panel. Each lamp panel is provided with a wireless receiver for receiving signals from the alarm and formed of luminescent lamps or LED lamps to show help signals. So, should the buzzer be moved by a burglar, it would sound immediately, spontaneously activating the high-density LED light to radiate toward the driver's seat and the lamp panel lit, achieving multiple anti-theft effects.

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.

Abstract: A driver authorization system for a vehicle includes an on-board identification device for communicating with a mobile release device to verify usage authorization, an ignition lock, ignition key, and a control unit for activating ignition lock functions (such as starting and switching off the engine) when the ignition key is brought into a corresponding position in the ignition lock. The ignition lock functions can be activated by means of the control unit using a pushbutton (6), that can be mounted in, actuated while mounted, and removed from the ignition lock.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying primary and second drivers about a status of a safety restraint in a vehicle is provided. A primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to the primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on each of the primary key and secondary keys. The key ignition device is adapted to generate driver status signals indicative of whether the driver the primary driver or the secondary driver. A controller is adapted to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary driver or the secondary driver based on the driver status signals. The controller is further adapted to generate restraint status signals indicative of the status of the safety restraint. The controller is further adapted to selectively control the operation of generating the restraint signals based on whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver.

Abstract: A tamper detection system for a control module of a vehicle comprises first nonvolatile memory that stores N rewriteable components including at least one of calibration and software that is used to operate a controlled device of the vehicle, wherein N is an integer greater than zero. The N rewriteable components include an embedded part number (EPN) and an embedded verification number (EVN). Second nonvolatile memory includes a history buffer. A tampering detection module includes a calculated verification number (CVN) generator that generates a CVN for at least one of the N rewriteable components and that stores the CVN in the history buffer. A locking module selectively locks the history buffer under certain conditions.

Abstract: A security system includes a position detecting device, a sensing device, and a notifying device. The position detecting device detects a position of a vehicle. The sensing device senses a moving object that moves around the vehicle. The sensing device is mounted in the vehicle. The notifying device provides a notification when the position of the vehicle, which is detected by the position detecting device, indicates that the vehicle is parked at a predetermined position, and when the sensing means senses that the moving object is located in a predetermined range from the vehicle.

Abstract: In a vehicle anti-theft system, a vehicle-mounted mainframe downloads a sole identification code, serving as a control identification code, and transfers the sole identification code into a part as a part identification code. The vehicle-mounted mainframe determines if the control identification code is obtained when the vehicle is activated. If yes, the vehicle-mounted mainframe sends a request command to the part to obtain the part identification code. The vehicle-mounted mainframe determines if the part identification code meets with the control identification code. If yes, the vehicle-mounted mainframe produces a normal operation signal to enter a normal operational mode and feedbacks the identification code to the customer service center. The customer service center checks with a database for stolen events.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety/security method and device for two-wheeled vehicles and similar. The inventive device comprises a processor which is connected to a geographic positioning centre (CL) and to a communication unit (UT) with a cellular telephone system which can communicate with a party. The aforementioned processor is also connected to a start/stop sensor (M/A), a movement sensor (AC) and an inclinometer (CV) and to means of identifying the vehicle and/or the driver. The processor is programmed so as to: centralise and store the data originating from the above-mentioned sensors; select a device state from numerous pre-determined states including one or more sensitive states; and, when a sensitive state has been selected, compose and transmit a message containing data relating to said state, vehicle and/or driver identification data and geographic positioning data.

Abstract: A burglar-proof GPS vehicle terminal with functions of independent monitoring and resetting uses a phone book function of the SIM card without needing any input interface. A built-in ball vibration sensor is used to determine whether the vehicle owner is within the vehicle. The terminal entering into a power saving mode automatically and entering into a burglar proof mode according to the setting of parameters. The GPS vehicle terminal has functions of independent monitoring and resetting satellite positioning and receiving module, the microprocessor, the burglar proof interface, and the mobile communication module. A reset control switch serves to control the reset function so that when the external power source or internal power source is turned off, they can restore automatically.

Abstract: A personal security system (PSS) for use by an operator of a vehicle. The vehicle includes communication logic to communicate with a central station via a communication channel. The personal security system comprises timing logic that operates to measure a predetermined time period in response to receiving an actuation signal. The timing logic outputs a completion signal at the end of the predetermined time period. The personal security system also comprises message logic coupled to the timing logic that operates to generate a distress message in response to receiving the completion signal. The distress message is transmitted to the central station by the communication logic using the communication channel.

Abstract: A vehicle antitheft system and method detects the starting of a vehicle and starts a first timer. If the first timer times out without the system having detected a first predetermined sequence, the system actuates a vehicle system warning signal and starts a second timer. If the second timer times out without detecting a second predetermined sequence, which may be the same as or different from the first predetermined sequence, the system disables the vehicle. The system may send vehicle location information to a monitoring service or the like. The vehicle remains disabled until the antitheft system is reset.

Abstract: In response to a request signal transmitted from the vehicle through operation of an activating switch, a portable device sends a code signal. The code signal is identified by a code identification component. If authentication of the code signal is successful, a control unit issues a release signal to unlock a steering lock and power is supplied from the control unit to an engine ECU so that the engine can be started.

Abstract: An antitheft apparatus for a vehicle includes a theft behavior sensing device and a paint injecting device. The theft behavior sensing device senses a theft behavior to the vehicle. The paint injecting device injects paint toward at least one of an exterior and an interior of a cabin of the vehicle when the theft behavior sensing device senses the theft behavior.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus is detachably installed to a vehicle and is lockable to implement activation lock of the navigation apparatus. The navigation apparatus stores all of manufacturer serial numbers of wireless IC tags and an ID code. Each IC tag stores the ID code and is attached to a corresponding one of portable items, such as a driver's license, a cellular phone, a wallet and a commutation pass, which are generally used daily. In the navigation system, the manufacturer serial numbers are registered in such a manner that each of manufacturer serial numbers is linked with an icon of a corresponding one of the portable items. When the ID code of the IC tag, which is attached to the corresponding portable item carried by a vehicle occupant, is determined to be valid, the activation lock of the navigation apparatus is released.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for securing a vehicle against theft. According to the invention, at least one essential operating element (2) of the vehicle can be switched between three operating states A, B and C. An external authorization device (3) switches the operating element into the unlimited operating state A. If a defined action (20) is carried out, for example the driver's door is opened, the operating element is switched into the operating state B for a defined period of time. If authorization information is transmitted during this time, the operating element is switched back to the operating state A. Otherwise, once this period of time has expired, the operating element is switched into the non-operational operating state C.

Abstract: A car authentication system using telematics and a smart card includes a part unit, a communication unit, and a database server. The part unit includes parts that are provided with respective unique identification numbers and operate in cooperation with one another through CAN communication. The communication unit is provided in a car, is provided with a smart card to provide user information, and is connected to the part unit. The database server stores user information of registered cars and enables telematics communication with the car so that it can compare the user information from the smart card with the stored user information. Based on the comparison, the respective parts can be activated or deactivated.

Abstract: Image and sound information are acquired from a camera and a microphone and the information is stored into a second RAM for a first time period from detection of occurrence of an abnormal condition of a vehicle by a sensor. When occurrence of an abnormal condition of the vehicle has been detected by the sensor during the first time period from the detection of occurrence of an abnormal condition of the vehicle, image and sound information is acquired from the camera and the microphone and the information is stored into the second RAM for a second time period from the previous detection of occurrence of an abnormal condition of the vehicle, and the image and sound information stored into the second RAM for the second time period Tb are stored into a nonvolatile ROM.

Abstract: A theft prevention system for protecting portable electronic devices is disclosed. An acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of a portable electronic device, and a controller analyzes this acceleration to determine whether a theft condition is present. If so, an alarm can be initiated. The theft prevention system can include a filter for attenuating irrelevant acceleration frequencies and isolating those representative of theft, and comparison hardware/software for determining whether the detected acceleration matches a known acceleration profile characteristic of theft. Various parameters of the theft prevention system can also be set by a user through mechanisms such as a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A vehicle surveillance and control system is provided which has a camera for creating video data and a transmitter coupled to the camera for transmitting the video data to a receiver. The surveillance system can also have a microphone for providing audio data for transmission. The receiver is then coupled to a recorder and possibly a monitor. If the operator of the vehicle is not authorized to operate the vehicle (a thief) or to perform an activity (operation of the vehicle recklessly or while intoxicated) then the activities of the operator can be recorded or monitored and the data can be utilized to convict, penalize, or fine an individual or to implement remote control of the vehicle. The camera can also monitor activity outside the vehicle such as a hit and run, a parking lot impact or theft of a tire. In one embodiment, the receiver can be coupled to a monitor and the video data can be viewed in real-time.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system using a vehicle and preventing access to a vehicle system and to a vehicle garage may entail monitoring a security condition of the vehicle with a vehicle electronic control unit (“ECU”). Upon detecting an unsecure condition, such as a vibration, an alarm may sound and then the ECU may deactivate a vehicle system, such as a navigation system, to prevent access to personal or business addresses. Further, devices such as garage door openers in the vehicle and an in-garage, garage door opener may be disabled by satellite, cell tower, wire or direct wireless communication between the ECU and the device to be disabled. Silencing the vehicle alarm and reactivating all garage door openers and the navigation system may be accomplished by turning a key within an exterior vehicle lock or entering a code into the navigation system.

Abstract: A modular vehicle key device system for controlling vehicle access and operation. The device is formed by joining at least two separable modules, a first key device module containing vehicle access and/or operation authorizing elements, such as a keyless entry transmitter and/or an ignition key, and a module for off-vehicle storage of personal adjustment settings and/or other data. With each use of the modular key device, the data in the storage module is transferred to the vehicle to ensure the operator's settings and information are always present. Separating the storage module from the key device module allows others to operate the vehicle while ensuring the operator's personal data cannot be lost. Separation also enables easy transfer of an operator's settings to a like vehicle. Other embodiments allow the operator to allow vehicle operation by others, such as valets, while limiting use of individual vehicle components, such as radios.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an automated recall notification including receiving a recall communication instruction at a telematics unit from a call center via a wireless connection, initiating a service call to the call center from the telematics unit based on the recall communication instruction and responsive to a mobile vehicle operation, receiving a recall notification at the telematics unit, and sending a recall alert to a subscriber based on the received recall notification. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for providing an automated recall notification.

Abstract: A method for an emergency call from a vehicle to an alarm centre, including receiving a wireless initiation signal from a portable alarm unit, evaluating the initiation signal, and sending, based on the result of the evaluation, a wireless alarm signal from a vehicle communication system arranged in the vehicle to the alarm centre. If the owner of the vehicle or some other person gets into an emergency, for instance is assaulted, in the immediate surroundings of the vehicle, it is thus possible to send an alarm signal to an alarm centre via the vehicle without first entering it. The personal safety for the individual is therefore increased. In addition, in the case of an assault, the perpetrator can be frightened away by sound and/or light signals emitted by the vehicle.

Abstract: In an anti-theft system for a vehicle, a tilt signal generating device outputs a tilt signal based on a tilt of the vehicle. A characteristic sensing device receives the tilt signal and detects a characteristic of the tilt signal. A computing device computes a change of a parameter based on the characteristic of the tilt signal. A state estimating device estimates a parking state of the vehicle based on the change of the parameter. A determination rule setting device sets a determination rule based on an estimation result of the state estimating device. A determining device generates an operational signal when the determining device determines that there is fear of theft by comparing the tilt and the determination rule. A warning device informs the fear of the theft of the vehicle based on the operational signal.

Abstract: The present invention describes a car anti-theft system. Specifically, the present invention has an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) patterned onto a visible surface of a vehicle. Vehicle theft is recognized when an unauthorized driver fails to enter a predetermined code, resulting in lighting of OLED. Lighted OLED may be seen by passers-by who may then alert police that a car is in the process of being stolen. Alternatively and additionally, OLED's may be integrated into primary car alarm systems so as to add an additional, visual, layer of car protection.

Abstract: A trailer/cargo alarm detects the proximity of trailer or cargo attached to a vehicle with an alarm system. If the trailer/cargo is moved out of proximity of the vehicle, the alarm system issues an alert. The proximity of the trailer or cargo may be detected, for example, by detecting the presence of the trailer lighting within the vehicle's electrical circuit, by dedicated hardwired sensors, or wireless detection apparatus.

Abstract: A radio communication module to be installed on a license plate of a vehicle has a module body and a removal protector. The module body is provided with a memory device, which stores a vehicle information, and a radio communication portion, which transmits and receives an electromagnetic wave to exchange the vehicle information with an outer apparatus. The removal protector is for protecting the module body from a detachment from the license plate to prevent the vehicle information from being used by a third person.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for a vehicle includes schedule taking means for taking a usage schedule of the vehicle, wherein the usage schedule of the vehicle includes a future time for the vehicle to be used next, interval calculating means for calculating an interval between a present time and the future time, and security level setting means for setting a security level of the anti-theft system based on the interval between the present time and the future time.

Abstract: A vehicle theft detection device includes an inclination detection unit and an operation control unit. The inclination detection unit detects an inclination of a vehicle. The operation control unit detects theft using an output of the inclination detection unit. If it is determined that the vehicle is in a situation where the vehicle will sway during parking, the operation control unit reports information concerning setting of security to a user.

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 voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror assembly may include a microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output indicative of these audio signals. The microphone may provide sound capture for a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and/or an emergency communication system. The system may include a control that is responsive to the output from the microphone and that distinguishes vocal signals from non-vocal signals present in the output. The microphone may provide sound capture for at least one accessory of the equipped vehicle, and the accessory may be responsive to a vocal signal captured by the microphone. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include at least one accessory, such as an antenna, a video device, a security system status indicator, a tire pressure indicator display and/or a loudspeaker.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a motor vehicle identity anti-fake apparatus and method. The motor vehicle identity includes a microcomputer (1), communicators (2), member anti-fake apparatus (3) and information displays (4). The motor vehicle identity anti-fake apparatus is installed on vehicle license and members of the vehicle. The apparatus monitors, analyzes and judges the vehicle and the license plate and certificates thereof automatically under the control of the preloaded software or the wireless management of the administrative institution, and provide information of the self-detection to outside. The present invention is used for anti-fake of motor-vehicle-identity-status and provides to the enforcement organ for recognizing the legal status of motor-vehicle-identity.