Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.

Abstract: In a method for operating a heads-up display system of a vehicle, the roadway state of the roadway to be traveled by the vehicle is checked using at least one suitable sensor, and a warning message is displayed at a location on the windshield in the case of detection of a critical roadway state, the location of the warning message corresponding to the dangerous, driving area of the roadway as viewed from the driver's perspective.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic circuit for detecting, identifying, and/or activating a digital device, including a touch-and-hold connector configured to hold an object of interest, the digital device coupled to the touch-and-hold connector, for example, wherein the digital device has a unique digital registration number, a microcontroller that reads the unique digital registration number of the digital device, a storage receptacle configured to selectively receive the touch-and-hold connector, a light-emitting source coupled to the storage receptacle and associated with the touch-and-hold connector, and an electrical power source.

Abstract: An antifraud device for a vehicle has a tank with a filler provided with a removable cap. The device comprises a first sensor, for detecting a movement of the cap with respect to the filler, and second sensor, configured for detecting at least one of the level and a qualitative characteristic of the contents of the tank. A control unit generates first information being indicative of detections made by the first sensor, and second information being indicative of detections made by the second sensor, and stores the information in a correlated form. The device is further arranged for making explicit the first information and the second information in a correlated form, in order to identify one or more of the following conditions: removal of at least part of the contents of the tank; dilution or alteration of the contents of the tank; replacement of at least part of the contents of the tank; effective removal of the cap following upon a movement thereof in the filler.

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: An editable instrument assembly (100) for a vehicle. The editable instrument assembly includes a plurality of lenses (110), each lens having an icon (112) disposed thereon and a lens frame (108). The lens frame is adapted to removably receive each of the plurality of lenses. The editable instrument assembly also includes an instrument panel (102) comprising a lens frame receiving assembly (160) for removably and slidably receiving the lens frame with the plurality of lenses.

Abstract: A method of comparing voice samples to reduce false alarms by receiving a first voice sample, generating a model of the first voice sample, reordering the first voice sample, generating a model of the reordered first voice sample; receiving a second voice sample; generating a model of the second voice sample; reordering the second voice sample, generating a model of the reordered second voice sample, comparing at least one pairings of the models, and determining if the first voice sample matches the second voice sample if the model comparisons are within a user-definable threshold.

Abstract: An antitheft apparatus for a vehicle has an inertia sensor, which is also used for an anti-lock braking system. An electronic control unit receives output signals from the inertia sensor and determines a possible vehicle theft when a detected vehicle condition (for example, vehicle acceleration) is larger than a threshold value.

Abstract: An alarm device for a vehicle includes state information obtaining unit, alarm information obtaining unit, alarming unit, and controlling unit. The state information obtaining obtains as state information at least one of information of an occupant, information of the vehicle, and information of a surrounding of the vehicle. The alarm information obtaining unit obtains alarm information. The alarming unit informs the occupant of the alarm information. The controlling unit determines an expiration time of the alarm information based on the state information obtained by the state information obtaining unit when the controlling unit receives the alarm information from the alarm information obtaining unit, wherein the control unit causes the alarming unit to inform the occupant of the alarm information while the expiration time is valid.

Abstract: A tilt sensor, height sensors and tire pressure sensors sense a behavior of a parked vehicle and output an angle signal, a height signal and a pressure signal, respectively. These sensor signals are obtained by a sensor signal obtaining section. An initial value setting section sets an initial sensor signal of each of the tilt sensor, the height sensors and the tire pressure sensors as an initial value of that sensor. Then, a comparing section compares each initial value with the current sensor signal. Based on a result of the comparison, a determining section determines whether the vehicle is stolen.

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: The anti-theft device contains a control circuit housed in a casing. The control circuit contains a microprocessor, a memory, a detection unit, a radio unit, and a GPS unit, and is connected to a supersonic sensor, a microwave sensor, an air-pressure sensor, and one ore more image capturing elements. When the motor vehicle is broken in, the control circuit detects such an event by evaluating the multiple signals collected by the sensors, and by processing the images captured by the image capturing elements. The control circuit then dials a preset numbers and plays a pre-recorded voice message asking for help. In the mean time, the continuous images captured by the image capturing elements are delivered a predetermined mobile phone or a computer so that the owner of the motor vehicle or some other people could monitor what is happening at the scene.

Abstract: A control method for a portable computer, which has a basic input output system (BIOS) and a storage module stored a plurality of data, includes the steps of enabling a burglarproof status, detecting a displacing signal to determine whether the portable computer has displacement under the burglarproof status, enabling an alert status if the portable computer has displacement, and stopping the access of the data stored in the storage module and informing the alert status to the BIOS.

Abstract: A security alarm system for a vehicle having an alert device, the alert device including an audible alert device, and the security alarm system comprising an intrusion detector for detecting an intrusion event on the vehicle; and an alert controller for controlling the alert device, wherein the alert controller generates an activate instruction to activate the alert device responsive to the intrusion event detected by the intrusion detector and generates a deactivate instruction to deactivate at least the audible alert device after a first predetermined time interval from the generation of the activate instruction, and wherein the alert controller further prevents a generation of an activate instruction of at least the audible alert device during at least a second predetermined time interval after the generation of the deactivate instruction.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a motor vehicle seat belt includes a housing, a control module, a jaw and a clamp. The jaw and the clamp are connected by a hinge. Gripping elements on the bottom of the housing and the top of the clamp allow the securing device to be attached to the seat belt when it is in extended position, providing extra slack in the belt to allow a person to secure an individual sitting in an auxiliary seat to be secured to a motor vehicle seat by means of the motor vehicle seat belt system. Audible and visible indicators are incorporated to let the person know that the apparatus is still in place and should be removed after the auxiliary seat has been attached to the seat belt, thereby securing the individual in the auxiliary seat.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle alarm system includes an acceleration sensor acting as a tilt sensor, a microcomputer, a first power source for supplying a first voltage to the microcomputer, and a second power source for supplying a second voltage to the acceleration sensor. The microcomputer calculates a tilt angle of a vehicle from output of the acceleration sensor and activates an alarm in accordance with the tilt angle. If the second voltage is outside a predetermined voltage range, for example, due to a reduction in battery voltage, the microcomputer temporarily stops to activate the alarm to prevent a false alarm. The microcomputer monitors the second voltage not the battery voltage. Thus, even when the second voltage is outside the threshold range, for example, due to a breakdown in the second power source, the false alarm can be prevented.

Abstract: A processing apparatus is mounted on a to-be-equipped body, transmits/receives signals to/from a portable transmitter portably carried by a user, and activates one of functions provided in the to-be-equipped body in accordance with instruction information included in an instruction signal transmitted from the portable transmitter. The processing apparatus includes a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, a judgment unit, a control unit, and an adjustment unit. The receiving unit receives the instruction signal transmitted from the portable transmitter. The transmitting unit transmits a response signal. The judgment unit judges whether or not an acknowledgement signal has been received from the portable transmitter. The control unit activates a function to be activated by the instruction information when the judgment unit concludes that the acknowledgement signal has been received.

Abstract: A remotely monitorable shipping container including a shipping container body having associated therewith at least one door (10) and at least one door latch having a latch locking element arranged for locking engagement (17) with a door mounted locking element, at least one wireless communicator mounted in a secure location within the shipping container and being operative to wirelessly transmit information to a remote monitor regarding the status of an electronic seal mounted onto the locking element for confirming locking of the at least one door, and at least one wireless antenna mounted within a protected enclosure on the outside of the shipping container for transmitting the information from the at least one wireless communicator.

Abstract: A control/evaluation system for a set of sensors, in particular in motor vehicles, has a plurality of areas, each of which has at least one controller and a plurality of sensor devices connected thereto; the controllers may be connected to each other for a common application function.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the surroundings of a vehicle, having sensors for detecting characteristics of the surroundings and means for processing the detected information. The sensors are optical sensors, at least two sensors are provided, the sensors operate in the wide-angle range, and the means for processing the detected information deliver spatial information.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a sensor arrangement for monitoring some of the outside area around the motor vehicle for the presence of a user's limb or part of an object, where the sensor arrangement is installed and aligned such that a simple movement of the body, e.g. lifting and/or turning the leg or foot, is enough to move some of a leg or foot of a user standing next to the motor vehicle into the part of the outside area around the motor vehicle monitored by the sensor arrangement.

Abstract: An exterior mirror sensor system for commercial vehicles comprising an exterior mirror, a sensor for monitoring an exterior mirror zone, and an indicator for indicating objects detected in the exterior mirror zone. The sensor may be a distance sensor, a motion sensor or a heat sensor. The system may further comprise a control unit connected to the sensor and indicator for controlling the indicator. The system may further comprise a camera for recording objects in the exterior mirror zone. The control unit may actuate the indicator upon the detection of an object by the sensor. The indicator may comprise an audible indicator. The system may further comprise a data input unit for recording data detected by the sensor wherein the data input unit is connected to the control unit and receives the data detected by the sensor from the control unit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a control for comfortable operation of at least one motor vehicle component by a passenger of the vehicle, the control having a sensor surface arrangement (12g) for detecting the presence and/or movement of the hand or part of the hand of the passenger in a detection area of the sensor surface arrangement (12g). The sensor surface arrangement (12g) provides an electrical trigger signal based on detection of the presence and/or movement of at least part of the hand for triggering the vehicle component(s).

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

Abstract: In a wireless access control system, a method and system for providing indications of the state of a Wireless Access Point Module (WAPM) to an observer using at least one indicator mounted on the WAPM. The WAPM preferably provides indications of the version number of the software installed on the WAPM. Additionally, the WAPM may communicate with a WPIM. The WAPM may indicate that it is attempting to establish communication with said WPIM, is engaged in an error test with said WPIM, or has lost communication with said WPIM, for example.

Abstract: The inventive dummy load is mounted on the input power cables of a traffic signal while managing the heat load generated by either a resistive and/or capacitive load. Using the inventive dummy load, there is no thermal path back to the light emitting diode (LED) board. The inventive dummy load may be easly installed, removed, or replaced. The dummy load can be retrofit to adapt to a new controller, either by adding to or replacing the dummy load after initial installation or by removing part or all of the dummy load. There is no need to breach the sealed lamp to adjust the dummy load. Thus, field-adjustments can be made. Further, the number of parts required to manufacture lamps for a variety of retrofit applications are reduced, which in turn reduces the cost and complexity of the lamp.

Abstract: An antitheft apparatus includes a control section. When a status change from a closed state to an open state of a luggage door caused by regular means is detected in an arming state being ready to output an alarm, the control section shifts a status from the arming state to a disarmed state being not ready to output an alarm; when a status change from the open state to the closed state of the luggage door is detected in the disarmed state, the control section shifts the status from the disarmed state to the arming state after a predetermined length of preparatory period; and when an arming command to shift the status from the disarmed state to the arming state is given within the length of preparatory period, the control section shifts the status from the disarmed state to the arming state.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated apparatus and method for inspection of a container adapted to hold a pressurized gas. The integrated apparatus comprises (i) an imaging device configured to obtain image data corresponding to the container and to transmit the image data to a central station, (ii) a sound detecting device configured to obtain acoustic data corresponding to the container and to transmit the acoustic data to the central station, (iii) optionally an odor detecting device configured to obtain odor data corresponding to the container contents and to transmit the odor data to the central station, (iv) wired or wireless electronic circuits in communication between each device and the central station for transmitting signals, the signals including the data, to the central station, and (v) the central station configured to receive the data transmitted by each device.

Abstract: A multimedia racing experience system is provided including a plurality of input devices, such as cameras, microphones, and telemetry sensors. All input devices communicate with an on-vehicle processing unit for multiplexing the input data into a data stream. The data stream is then transferred to a central location for display or recording on playback media.

Abstract: The concept herein is focused on a portable structure, generally in the form of a portable mat or other similar member, that can be moved or transported from place to place to be used in a temporary manner and placed on the ground for use in the process of facilitating the implementation of field exercise tests of individuals who are suspected of criminal or other activity such as driving under the influence of alcohol, such mat comprising in general a flat flexible mat-like member that can be placed flush against the ground for temporary use, such mat having an upper surface with demarcations thereon for guiding a person walking over the upper surface of the mat.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel lock with a burglar-proof alarm device comprises a burglar-proof alarm circuit, A wireless signal detecting unit, an air pressure detecting unit; supersonic detecting unit for detecting movements of objects; an infrared receiver for receiving infrared signals from the portable alarm device. The wireless wave emitting unit includes a receiving antennal circuit, a high frequency amplifier, a band pass filter, a local oscillating circuit, a mixing circuit, a middle frequency circuit, and a second middle frequency IC; the receiving antenna circuit being for adjusting the harmonic receiving frequency for receiving high frequency signal, which is then passed through the high frequency amplifier, band pass filter, local oscillating circuit, and the mixing circuit; the local oscillator circuit having a baseband oscillating circuit, a nine-time amplifier circuit, a nine-time frequency modulating circuit for generating an oscillating frequency signal to the mixing circuit.

Abstract: An IG key monitor sends out an anti-theft instruction to a GAIN switching part, in case that an IG key SW (ignition key switch) was turned to an OFF state. The GAIN switching part receives the anti-theft instruction from the IG key monitor, and then, switches detection sensitivity of an acceleration sensor to second detection sensitivity (which is detection sensitivity available for inclination judgment of a vehicle, and for example, is approximately ±2 G). An inclination judgment part judges whether or not a vehicle is inclined on the basis of a detection result of the acceleration sensor whose detection sensitivity was switched as described above, and outputs an anti-theft alarm through an alarm part, in case that an output of the acceleration sensor exceeds 0.1 G.

Abstract: A communication and control system for use by the disabled and their caretakers. The system has at least two communication modules, each module having a processing unit which has a unique identification code. Each communication module also has a unique hierarchical address corresponding to the identification code, the address defining the physical location of the module. The hierarchical address represents at least two physical domains. Each commnunication module further includes a processing unit having coupled to it one or both of a signal receiver and a signal transmitter, and at least one transducer for detecting a physical parameter and for broadcasting packets of data indicative of the status of a module or for controlling a remote module.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for recognizing the movement of a motor vehicle as well as a process for using an acceleration sensor in a device for blocking the starting of a motor vehicle. Reliable information is obtained on whether or not the motor vehicle was moved. In the process for recognizing the movement of a motor vehicle, the accelerating forces acting on the motor vehicle are measured for this purpose as time-dependent functions and are subjected to a discrete Fourier analysis. If the majority of the frequencies determined is below a preset limit frequency, e.g., 0.3 Hz, movement of the motor vehicle is assumed, and an irrelevant vibration is otherwise assumed. An acceleration sensor is used in a device for blocking the starting of a motor vehicle and/or to demonstrate an inadmissible circumventing of the blocking.

Abstract: An antitheft device is provided, whereby a person who attempts to commit a theft of a vehicle can be captured, having an improved crime prevention performance to thefts of vehicles, electrical equipment mounted on vehicles, money and articles left inside vehicles and the like. The antitheft device includes an expansible body system to expand an expansible body for blocking the motion of an intruder in a prescribed space inside a vehicle, which emits a substance to be a base of foaming polystyrene inside the vehicle and applies steam to the substance so that the foaming polystyrene blocks the motion of an intruder, when the presence of the intruder inside the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing an indication to a person external to a vehicle, of an occupant inside the vehicle. The method comprises determining whether a first object in the vehicle is an occupant, based, in part, on a weight of the first object; sensing whether an ignition of the vehicle is in an off position; detecting whether a first door coupled to the vehicle has been opened and closed, if the vehicle ignition is in an off position; if the first door has been opened and closed and an occupant is in the vehicle, measuring a first time (T1) from an instant the first door is closed to an instant after the first door is closed; and activating the alert, if T1 is greater than a predetermined threshold time (Tthreshold).

Abstract: An air pressure induction type vehicle anti-thief device includes an on-vehicle main unit installed in a motor vehicle adapted to detect variation of air pressure in the inside chamber of the motor vehicle through an air pressure sensor and to drive an alarm to output an alarm signal when the amount of variation of transient variation of air pressure surpassed a predetermined safety air pressure value.

Abstract: A digital signal path selector is disclosed in its simplest form for selectively connecting two input terminals to two output terminals. Both input terminals and output terminals are laid out on a control panel, on which there are also provided two input select pushbuttons, positioned one adjacent each input terminal, and two output select pushbuttons positioned one adjacent each output terminal. The input select pushbuttons and the output select pushbuttons are arranged so close to one another that any one input select pushbutton and any one output select pushbutton are capable of concurrent depression with the thumb and forefinger of one hand in order to specify one associated input terminal and one associated output terminal for creation of a signal path therebetween.

Abstract: A decision aid for use in the defense of a combat ground vehicle which includes a track fusion element, a threat typing element, threat prioritization element, and a countermeasures (CM) selection element.

Abstract: A collision and theft alert system comprising several components in combination. First provided is a vehicle having a keypad and a power source. A processor is operatively coupled to the power source and to the keypad and is capable of receiving an incoming signal and sending an outgoing signal. The processor can activate an emergency distress call with GPS location. The processor also is operatively coupled to and activates at least one strobe light, which is operatively coupled to the vehicle. The strobe light has a non-deployed state and a deployed state.

Abstract: An RF generating system operates with high efficiency to supply RF output power to a plasma load. The RF generating system is capable of modulating the RF output power at frequencies up to the frequency of the RF output power while maintaining high efficiency operation. Broadband frequency modulation of the RF output power suppresses instabilities thereby minimizing unstable behavior of the plasma load.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically switching on and/or off the illumination of a vehicle. Faulty switching is reduced by adapting the threshold value for switching on the illumination by averaging the measured brightness value(s) according to the driving speed and using switching-off conditions which, inter alia, consider the surrounding brightness.

Abstract: An anti-theft device monitors an object or person approaching a vehicle from the surrounding area of the vehicle by using a surrounding area sensing sensor when an authorized vehicle user moves away from the vehicle which causes the anti-theft device to be activated. If the anti-theft device detects the object or person, the anti-theft device activates an alarm. The anti-theft device transmits images and surrounding area details of the vehicle to the information center. If the vehicle is illegally accessed, the occurrence of any illegal activity is detected by a break-in sensor that issues a break-in alarm, simultaneously with the transmission of vehicle information to the information center, indicating the current disposition of the vehicle. Then, the information center determines that the vehicle is being illegally operated and transmits the vehicle information accumulated at that moment to a manager terminal.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (12) for a spare tire of a vehicle (10) includes an indicator (52) and a timer (44) that generates a first time signal corresponding to the time the spare tire is used as a rolling tire and a second time signal corresponding to a time the spare tire is stowed. The temperature sensor (34) generates a temperature profile and a controller (22) that is coupled to the indicator, the timer, and the temperature sensor generates a spare tire warning signal in response to the temperature profile, the first time signal, and the second time signal.

Abstract: A system and method for managing user preference settings in a vehicle includes an electronic control unit having a microcontroller and memory. The electronic control unit controls vehicle accessory devices. A data controller is in communication with the microcontroller of the electronic control unit for receiving the user preference data to control the accessory devices. The keyless receiver is in communication with the microcontroller of the electronic control unit for receiving a control signal from a key fob. A PDA including a processor, memory, and transceiver in electrical communication can be used to transmit the user preference data to the data controller. The preference data is transmitted to the memory of the electronic control unit, which executes an algorithm to control the accessory devices according to the user preference data.

Abstract: A multiple dimension vector-based occupancy sensor. One or more sensors (for example, ultrasonic and/or infrared sensors) are used to produce one or more occupancy estimator vectors. The individual dimensions of the one or more occupancy estimator vectors are combined using a fusion based detection algorithm to produce a combined estimator signal. The combined estimator is then used to switch electrical loads when the combined estimator signal is above a predetermined threshold. The result is an occupancy sensor that has a very high probability of occupancy detection and a low probability of false tripping.

Abstract: A burglarproof and event-recording apparatus for a vehicle comprises at least one camera arranged on the vehicle to surveil an environmental image for the vehicle and store the image to an image-storing and logic-controlling unit until an alarm flag is set to 1 by the image-storing and logic-controlling unit. The apparatus will raise alarm and set the alarm flag to 1 once the vehicle is intruded. At this time, the image is stored in a currently-used memory block of the image-storing and logic-controlling unit and the intrusion condition is formed to the vehicle owner.

Abstract: Warning apparatus for an automotive vehicle, operable to generate a warning signal when a distance between the vehicle and an object in front of the vehicle is shorter than a predetermined threshold value, the apparatus including a characteristic-value storage portion which stores at least one characteristic-value relationship between at least two of a plurality of brake operating characteristic values relating to a braking operation by an operator of the vehicle to brake the vehicle, and a threshold-value determining portion operable to determine the threshold value of the distance, on the basis of at least one of an estimated braking state of the vehicle estimated on the basis of the characteristic-value relationship stored in the characteristic-value storage portion, a running-state quantity indicative of a running state of the vehicle, and a moving-state quantity indicative of a moving state of the object.

Abstract: A passenger compartment monitoring and control system provides for remote control of an undesirable condition inside a vehicle. The passenger compartment monitoring and control system includes an undesirable condition sensor disposed in the interior of the car that detects the undesirable condition. In response to a signal from the sensor, a controller contained within the vehicle and operably coupled to the sensor generates at least one control signal based on the comparison. A wireless communication device operably coupled to the controller then transmits a wireless signal in response to the at least one control signal. The transmitted wireless signal may be received by a vehicle operator's mobile station or by a call center, which are each capable of then engaging in remedial actions to remotely ameliorate the undesirable condition.