Abstract: A wireless key includes a receiver circuit that operates with a built-in battery, and receives a polling radio wave for wireless key search and authentication from a vehicle, and a transmitter circuit that transmits a lock operation radio wave to a door based on the manipulation on a manipulation device. The wireless key is capable of changing over operation mode between a power saving mode that permits the operation of transmitting the lock operation radio wave by the transmitter circuit and stops the operation of receiving the polling radio wave by the receiving circuit, and a full power mode that permits the operation of transmitting the lock operation radio wave by the transmitter circuit and continues the reception by the receiver circuit.

Abstract: A human body detecting device for a vehicle includes a sensor electrode provided in a door handle arranged on outside of a vehicle door, the sensor electrode changing the electrostatic capacitance in response to an approach of human body and a determining circuit for judging whether a human body approaches or not based on the change of the electrostatic capacitance of the sensor electrode. The human body detecting device further includes an auxiliary electrode coupled capacitance-wise with the sensor electrode.

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: Provided is a system and method for detecting the presence of an intruder in a vehicle using sensors to measure the change in distance between a portion of the vehicle and the ground. Distance sensors may be placed in a plurality of locations along the vehicle, preferably under the hood where the sensors have a clear line of sight to the ground. A computer is provided to receive the measurements from the sensors to compute a base distance which represents the weight of the vehicle with no intruder. The sensors continue to measure the distance to the ground and the computer subsequently computes a present distance and compares said present distance to said base distance. The computer activates an alarm when the present distance is lesser than the base distance by a predetermined value.

Abstract: An audio signal system for a vehicle remote locking mechanism provides an audio signal that is more intricate than a simple, sounding of the vehicle's horn or beep tone. Preferably, the audio signal may be varied among many possible sounds by the operator. More preferably, the system includes a digital audio source with a signal amplifier and loudspeaker. Most preferably, the digital audio source is programmable with recorded sounds that can be transferred from a remote bank of digital sounds, for example by being downloaded from an internet website.

Abstract: In a vehicle outer handle system including a circuit board which includes an electric part and which is contained in an operating handle, the operating handle is die-formed of a synthetic resin in such a manner that a protecting means covering the circuit board is mold-coupled to the operating handle. Thus, a special water-proofing counter measure is not required, leading to a reduction in number of operating steps and a reduction in number of parts. Further, the generation of an abnormal sound during operation of the operating handle is prevented.

Abstract: A remote controller for automobile trunk is disclosed, wherein a frequency receiving host device is coupled to a device or component of an anti-burglary host device that is originally installed in an automobile by an automobile maker. The frequency receiving host device is connected by a cable to a driving motor for a trunk of the automobile and is set to receive the frequency of a user-operated remote-control transmitter originally provided by the automobile maker. The frequency receiving host device, after detecting a releasing operation initiated by a signal transmitted from the remote-control transmitter to the anti-burglary host device to release an anti-burglary system of the automobile, receives a continuously transmitted signal from the remote-control transmitter, which signal extends for a predetermined period of time, and consequently the frequency receiving host device issues a control signal through the cable to the trunk driving motor to open the trunk lid.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data for a security device, in particular for access authorization systems and/or driving authorization systems of a motor vehicle, in which data are transmitted over the air from a transmitter unit to a receiver unit. In a method in which, despite contactless interrogation of the identification signal transmitter, an authorizing access information item cannot be obtained by a third party, the data are transmitted, after capacitive coupling of the transmitter unit and receiver unit, from the transmitter to the receiver using a signal which is generated by a capacitive alternating field.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and system (100) for providing a passenger profile. The method can include the steps of receiving (212) one or more passengers having mobile units (112) in a vehicle (110) in which at least some of the mobile units have been programmed with passenger profiles and receiving (214) the passenger profiles from the mobile units. The method can also include the step of informing (216) at least the driver of the vehicle of the passenger profiles once the passenger profiles are received. As an example, setting one or more parameters of the vehicle can be based on the received passenger profiles. In addition, setting the parameters of the vehicle based on the received passenger profiles may restrict the operation of the vehicle in a predefined manner.

Abstract: A microcomputer executes initialization, which causes a memory of the microcomputer to store operational information of a window glass of a door therein in a state where no previous information is stored in the memory. The microcomputer cancels the initialization when an open state signal, which indicates an open state of the door, is outputted from a courtesy switch and/or a door closure. The microcomputer executes the initialization only when a close state signal, which indicates a close state of the door, is outputted from the courtesy switch and/or the door closure.

Abstract: A vehicle theft deterrent system includes a smart card key system. The theft deterrent system is adapted to output a warning sound from a buzzer upon detection of a vibration of a predetermined value or larger by a vibration sensor. The buzzer prevented from operating at a time of unlocking a seat or unlocking a fuel lid. When an on-board device detects that a seat unlocking switch, for example, has been operated and upon success of mutual authentication after communication with a portable electronic key, the on-board device switches the state of operation of a buzzer into a non-operable state. Therefore, when a user who carries a regular portable electronic key does not want operation of the buzzer, the buzzer can be positively switched to the non-operable state.

Abstract: On condition that a holder of a portable device has manipulated an ignition switch, a main control ECU discriminates the open/closed state of a luggage compartment door. When the luggage compartment door is in the closed state, the main control ECU instructs a rear transmitter to transmit a first request signal. When the luggage compartment door is in the open state, the main control ECU instructs the rear transmitter to transmit a second request signal. A portable ECU discriminates the request signal received by a receiver. When the received request signal has been determined to be the second request signal, the portable ECU adjusts the transmission output of a response signal which is to be transmitted from a transmitter, to a second transmission output which is lower than an ordinary output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling the operation of presence-detection devices and to the implementation method thereof. The inventive system comprises: external presence detection means which are used to detect objects entering a determined surveillance area outside a motor vehicle and which are powered by a power source, an electronic system, and means which are used to detect the state of a closure device belonging to a door of said vehicle and which are associated with and co-operate with the electronic system in order to control the power source. Optionally, internal presence detection means and inclination detection means, which are included in the system, can be taken into account when said control operation is being performed. The inventive system also varies the surveillance area and adapts same as a function of the inclination of the vehicle in relation to the ground plane. The invention also relates to a method which uses the inventive control system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for pre-cooling the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle. The vehicle includes at least one electrically actuatable window and a HVAC system having at least a controller, a blower, a passenger compartment temperature sensor, and a HVAC ducting leading to the passenger compartment. The controller and the blower are connected to a vehicle battery. The method includes determining the passenger compartment temperature and comparing the temperature to a first predetermined value; cycling an blower inlet to an outside air intake position and operating the blower to provide pressurized air to the passenger compartment if the passenger compartment temperature is greater than the first predetermined value; opening the vehicle windows; comparing the passenger compartment temperature to a second predetermined value; and stopping operation of the blower when the passenger compartment temperature drops below the second predetermined value.

Abstract: Passive entry sensor systems and associated sensors are disclosed. The system sensor is locatable in the handle of a door and can provide an electromagnetic radiation beam transmitted either along the length of the handle between opposite ends thereof or between the handle and the door such that the sensor can detect at least a partial interruption of the beam by a user actuating the handle. The system can include an independent optical locking switch for actuation by a user to lock the door which locking switch comprises a shutter for intercepting the beam so as to flag the sensor. The system can include a power-up switch for actuation by a user to power-up the system, back-up switches for detecting a pull on the handle, indicators for indicating system status to the user, and backlight and ground light lighting.

Abstract: An antitheft device for a vehicle includes a controller. The vehicle has a security mechanism, a warning device, a first opening/closing object, a second opening/closing object, and a portable unit. The portable unit transmits a signal to perform a security set of the security mechanism when the portable unit is operated. The controller is configured to cause the warning device at a predetermined time to warn the user that the security set is unable to be performed, if the portable unit is operated while the first opening/closing object and the second opening/closing object are opened.

Abstract: A theft prevention apparatus of a leisure vehicle including a portable device configured to transmit a user identification code by radio, a communication device that is equipped in the leisure vehicle and is configured to receive the user identification code, an electric power supply loaded in the leisure vehicle, a hand-operated switch that is disposed on a power line coupling the electric power supply to the communication device and is configured to turn to an on-state or an off-state to or not to permit the electric power to be supplied from the electric power supply to the communication device; and a controller configured to determine whether or not the user identification code received from the communication device matches the correct user identification code and to enable the leisure vehicle to be steered when it is determined that the received user identification code matches the correct user identification code.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detecting the presence of a user, in particular in relation to a motor vehicle door. The inventive system comprises: a handle (1) which is mounted on the door, and a presence sensing device comprising a control module, a sending electrode (7) and a reference electrode (6), each of said electrodes being connected to the control module and being disposed, at least in part, at the handle. The inventive system can be used to connect the aforementioned electrodes electromagnetically to one another in order to define a user presence detection zone. The detection of the user in said zone enables at least one given vehicle function to be controlled. According to the invention, the system also comprises means of creating at least one user presence non-detection zoned (10) through the local modification of the presence detection zone.

Abstract: A smart key system for a vehicle determines that a mobile communicator is not in the passenger compartment and that an in-trunk communicator communicates with the mobile communicator when the trunk gets locked. Then the smart key system executes a recovery process for the mobile communicator locked in the trunk.

Abstract: A vehicle grab handle is provided to assist entry into the vehicle, such as an RV, semi tractors, emergency vehicles, utility vehicles, construction equipment and agriculture equipment and other vehicles. The handle includes a pair of spaced apart end bases and a grab bar extending between the bases. A keypad is provided in one of the bases to provide keyless entry into the vehicle or other controls of the vehicle. An LED is provided in the opposite end base so as to illuminate the grab bar. Multiple LEDs having different colors may be provided, with electrical circuitry connected to the door lock and to a vehicle alarm so that solid or blinking lights and different colored lights provide a visual display corresponding to the locked or unlocked status of the door, the activated or deactivated status of the alarm, or status of other vehicle accessories including diagnostics.

Abstract: A security device for a vehicle having doors that can be locked and unlocked by using a mechanical key or an electronic portable unit, which transmits a signal of door unlock instruction. When the doors are unlocked, a monitoring state is reset and an alarm is unset, and it is checked if the doors are unlocked by using the mechanical key or by using the signal transmitted from the portable unit. If it is determined that the doors are unlocked by using the mechanical key, the user is informed of this fact.

Abstract: A vehicle surrounding monitoring system includes an image-capturing portion, a storage portion, a display-image generation portion, and a display portion. The image-capturing portion captures the image of at least a portion of the area surrounding the vehicle. The storage portion stores the image captured by the image-capturing portion. The display-image generation portion generates a synthesized image for display using a latest image that is captured by the image-capturing portion, and a previous image that is captured before the latest image is captured. The synthesized image is displayed on the display portion. The display-image generation portion decreases the level of visibility of an image region relating to the previous image, according to an elapsed time after the previous image is captured.

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: The present invention is a hand held portable remote such as a key fob that allows a user to interact with the security system using a flat panel touch-pad. The touch-pad input allows a user to rapidly select and control a large number of security functions, such as Arm, Disarm, Panic, garage door open, lamp on/off, and lamp dimming control, etc. The security device comprises a housing, a wireless communication port for interface with the security system, a touch-pad input device, and processing circuitry. In order to operate the security device, the user generates a user input by creating a contact motion on the touch-pad input device with a fingertip. The contact motion may consist of a swiping motion, a tapping, or a circular motion. In order to distinguish the contact motion clearly, when the fingertip contact comprises a wider than normal contact, it causes the processing circuitry to not generate an output signal.

Abstract: In a parking assist control apparatus for assisting a driver with parking a vehicle, when a brake control ECU detects that a door is open based on a detection signal from a door open/close sensor during parking assist control, the brake control ECU determines whether the open door is a door other than the driver side door. If the open door is a door other than the driver side door, the vehicle is automatically stopped, thus enabling occupant safety to be ensured.

Abstract: A control device is provided for activating and deactivating a child safety lock function of rear doors of a motor vehicle. The control device includes a safety lock device connected to rear inside door handles of the rear doors. The control device also includes a central control unit for controlling the safety lock device between a first operating position that defines a normal operating mode, in which the safety lock device allows the rear doors to be opened using both the rear inside door handles and the rear outside door handles, and a second operating position that defines a safety lock mode, in which the safety lock device does not allow the rear doors to be opened using the rear inside door handles. A selector device is included for manually selecting between the normal operating mode and the safety lock mode.

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: 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: Various systems, methods, and computer programs are used to operate a vehicle having a power door. The power door may be opened in response to a user instruction when a vehicle speed value is below a predetermined vehicle speed value. When an alarm system for the vehicle is in an armed state, a signal representative of a synthetic vehicle speed value that is above the predetermined vehicle speed value is generated to prevent the power door from opening.

Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus for a vehicle door includes: a door handle secured to an outer surface of the vehicle door, the door handle being manipulated by a user for opening and closing the vehicle door; an operation detecting portion for checking whether the door handle is manipulated to open or close the vehicle door, the operation detecting portion being provided in the door handle; a controller establishing locking and unlocking conditions of the vehicle door on the basis of user's intensions; and a light emitting device provided in the door handle, the light emitting device being driven by the controller to emit light beams to and away from the outer surface of the vehicle door depending on the respective conditions of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A system for emergency opening of vehicle doors, especially to open from inside the door(s) blocked or jammed during a traffic accident, consisting of pneumatic servomotor or servomotors (1) as the door-opening executing element. The servomotor (1) supplied from pyrotechnical charge/cartridge (2) or pyrotechnical charges or cartridges (2) and (3), through the firing unit (8) controlled by a set of sensors (5), (6), and (7), of the first firing stage or by pressure sensor (9) of the second stage of firing, whereas the servomotor emptying is executed by an electrovalve (10).

Abstract: An automotive burglar alarm unit has an intrusion or equivalent security sensor. The burglar alarm unit can operate in an alarm set state for generating alarm, with a security sensor OFF mode for invalidating a signal of the security sensor. A user can use a portable phone to transmit a sensor ON signal via an information center. When the burglar alarm unit receives the sensor ON signal, the burglar alarm unit shifts into an alarm set state of security sensor ON mode so that the burglar alarm unit can generate alarm in response to a signal of the security sensor. Furthermore, the user can transmit a sensor OFF signal. In response to the sensor OFF signal, the burglar alarm unit shifts into an alarm set state of security sensor OFF mode so that no alarm is generated based on the signal of the security sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle has a reference receiver installed at an outer edge position of a desired detection area in a compartment to receive a signal transmitted from a transmitter in the compartment. The level of signal transmission output of the transmitter is adjusted based on the reception result of the reference receiver. It becomes possible to adjust the signal transmission output of the transmitter in the compartment so as to obtain a desired detection area at all times irrespective of change of the detection area reached by the request signal from the transmitter determined by the compartment or irrespective of variation in the electromagnetic wave environment in which the vehicle is placed.

Abstract: A seat folding apparatus is provided with a passive Rf frequency link that requires that a person be within a certain limited distance from the vehicle to operate the seat folding mechanism. A foreign object detection system, such as a plurality of weight sensors, is provided in the seat to detect foreign objects on the seat.

Abstract: To prevent a vehicle from being stolen or improperly utilized when the registered user is not in the vicinity of the vehicle under the condition that its engine is in an idling state, an anti-theft apparatus according to the present invention comprises an immobilizer provided in the vehicle, and designed to control a gear shifter not to allow the gear shifter to be shifted from a neutral state or a parking state when the person is identified as the unregistered user under the condition that the vehicle is in the stopped state.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bus system having at least three users in a vehicle having a drive unit and a lockable vehicle interior; of the at least three users of the bus system, precisely one first user being formed as the superordinate user and initiating each data transmission on the bus system; at least one second user being formed as an element of a locking system in a vehicle, and at least one third user being arranged outside of the lockable vehicle interior, wherein the first user monitors the data transmission such that in at least one specific operating state of the vehicle and/or the bus system, the first user, for each data transmission on the bus system that was not initiated by it, introduces measures to prevent transmission of the data.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle with a window pane, especially a front window, a rear window, a side window or a roof window, for covering of the internal space of the vehicle. The transparency of the window pane is adjustable, and the vehicle includes a control for automatic adjustment of the transparency of the window pane as a function of an operating state of the vehicle.

Abstract: The wireless anti-lockout system automatically unlocks a driver's side door when the driver locks the car keys within the car. The anti-lockout system includes door-lock and trunk-lock sensors, a key chain transponder, transponder sensors and an occupant presence sensor. When the doors and trunk are locked, the key chain transponder is detected in the car, and an occupant is not detected, signals are sent to a microprocessor, which alerts a door lock control to unlock the driver's side door and activates an alarm. Additional sensors may be added. The system may include a transmission sensor and a driver detection sensor, so that when a driver is not detected, or when the transmission gear is in park or neutral, in addition to the other three signal conditions, the door lock control unlocks the driver's side door and an alarm is activated.

Abstract: A communications system in a first vehicle sends departing information indicating that the first vehicle is about to depart from a parking space along with the vehicle information of the first vehicle when a door is unlocked, a key is inserted, and an engine is started. When the sent departing information is received by a communications system in a different second vehicle that is searching a parking space, the sent vehicle information of the first vehicle is shown in a display device in the second vehicle. The vehicle information includes the number of the license plate, the vehicle kind, the vehicle color, and the vehicle class. The driver of the second vehicle can easily determine whether a nearby vehicle where an occupant is present is the first vehicle that sends the departing information.

Abstract: A power window system includes an occupant existence determination unit and a power supply unit. The occupant existence determination unit determines whether an occupant is in the compartment or outside the passenger compartment, by receiving a signal from a portable device held by the occupant. The power supply unit supplies a power to a window driving unit when the occupant existence determination unit determines that the occupant is in the compartment and when the vehicle ignition key is in an OFF state.

Abstract: Diagnostic data associated with a latch can be generated in response to automatically analyzing the latch. A graphical user interface is provided for graphically displaying the diagnostic data within a display area thereof. Additionally, a communications link between the graphical user interface and the latch can be implemented over which latch operational and functionality feedback information is communicated to the latch, in response to user input provided to the graphical user interface. The latch can be automatically analyzed in response to user input provided through the graphical user interface. Additionally, the latch can be automatically analyzed during latch operations thereof.

Abstract: A noncontacting short-range communication device for a slide door for excellently performing bidirectional data communication by electromagnetic induction coupling between the side of a vehicle body and the side of the slide door is provided. Data are transmitted and received between the first communication unit 31 connected to the first antenna member 17 and the second communication unit 41 connected to the second antenna member 18 by the electromagnetic induction coupling of the first and second antenna members 17, 18. Each of the first and second communication units 31, 41 includes a microcomputer 34, 44 and a data communication circuit 33, 43 for performing semi-duplex bidirectional communication.

Abstract: A vehicular burglar-proof system includes (i) a plurality of alarm unit, (ii) a detection unit for detecting movement, opening, and closing of a movable body, and (iii) a control unit connected to the plurality of alarm unit and the detection unit. A predetermined operation of the movable body allows the control unit to turn off the plurality of alarm unit or change the alarm unit into a predetermined alarming state. This structure can provide a user-friendly vehicular burglar-proof system in which an alarming state can easily be selected according to the use.

Abstract: A capacitive proximity switch for detecting the change in the capacitance relative to a setpoint capacitance by the approach or retreat of an object in the sensitive area of a proximity switch, especially for use in the door handle of a motor vehicle, provides reliable error detection and error suppression at a fundamentally high sensitivity of the capacitive proximity switch by utilizing an evaluation unit that evaluates a measured value of the change in capacitance over time and depending on the time behavior of the measured value activates changes the operating threshold from a first threshold (which can be caused by a false object coming into or out of the sensitive area of the proximity switch) to a higher second threshold which can be reached only at a relatively greater change in capacitance caused by a target object coming into or out of the sensitive area of the proximity switch.

Abstract: A controller enabling switching between a smart function and an immobilizer function without using a key cylinder or a slot. The controller includes a verification ECU for transmitting a request signal to a first area and transmitting a transponder drive radio wave to a second area. The portable device transmits an ID code signal in response to the request signal or the transponder drive radio wave. The verification ECU enables the starting of an engine when the ID code transmitted from the portable device matches an ID code of the controller. The verification ECU transmits the drive radio wave when a driver operates a switch in a state in which the starting of the engine is not enabled after the request signal is transmitted.

Abstract: A start control apparatus has a steering lock mechanism, which includes a lock pin and a lock control unit. The lock pin is selectively engaged and disengaged from the steering shaft. The lock control unit controls the lock pin. The start control apparatus further includes a portable communication device, a verification control unit, which communicates with the portable communication device, a power source control unit, which control power supply, an engine control unit, which controls the engine, a lock state detecting switch, which detects an engaged state and a disengaged state of the lock pin. The lock control unit and the power source control unit monitor detection signals from the lock state detecting switch. The engine is permitted to be started on condition that the control units acknowledge that the lock bar is in the disengaged state.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle for receiving and transmitting wireless transmitted radio data that is emitted from outside a vehicle, the system having an antenna for receiving the radio data, a first module disposed within the vehicle, a second module and a transmission line for transmitting the radio data substantially within the vehicle, the antenna of the system being connected to a receiver disposed within the second module such that the radio data is transmittable from the second module to the first module through the transmission line, and the antenna being formed by an electrical line that also forms the ground connection of the second module.

Abstract: A passive keyless entry device is constructed by a car mounting device mounted to an automobile, a portable device and transmitter-receivers for monitoring a tire pneumatic pressure. The car mounting device has a low frequency signal transmitting section for transmitting a request signal to the portable device and the transmitter-receivers for monitoring the tire pneumatic pressure, a receiving section for a keyless entry for receiving an answer signal responsive to the request signal from the portable device, a receiving section for monitoring the tire pneumatic pressure for receiving the answer signal responsive to the request signal from the transmitter-receivers for monitoring the tire pneumatic pressure, and a controller for forming the request signal and controlling the operation of a door lock mechanism in response to the answer signal and displaying tire pneumatic pressure information.

Abstract: An automobile theft deterrent system for providing still video images and continuously recorded video images of activities within the automobile and scenes external to the automobile. The system has a front video camera mounted in the front portion of the automobile, preferably against the rear surface of the rearview mirror, and an overhead video camera mounted on the automobile interior top surface, preferably adjacent to the overhead light. The front video camera points in the forward direction to outside of the automobile. The overhead video camera points downwardly from behind the one way mirror surface of the rear view mirror to view activities within the automobile. The images from both cameras are transmitted to a hand-held receiver device held by the automobile owner. The receiver has a viewing screen which enables the owner to view the images from the camera.