Abstract: An on-board unit for a vehicle is disclosed. The unit includes a primary communication system, the primary communication system being adapted to communicate with a remote location, and being further adapted to detect a stolen condition or receive an indication of a stolen condition. The unit also includes a process for determining whether communication with a central location can be effected. A secondary communication system is provided, the secondary communication system transmitting a signal including an identification of the on-board unit when communication with the central location cannot be effected. This signal is received by a receiver, which is in direct or indirect communication with the central location, so that the central location can take the appropriate steps to recover the vehicle which includes the on-board unit that is emitting the signal.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door locking system and a door handle are proposed. In order to prevent unlocking or opening of an electrically triggered motor vehicle door lock by unintentional actuation of a first actuating means, a second actuating means is employed and required to be activated in combination with the first actuation means for unlocking or opening of the motor vehicle door lock, and thus unlocking or opening the assigned motor vehicle.

Abstract: Latch control methods and systems include a latch that receives power from a motor associated with an H-bridge circuit. A sensor can be provided for monitoring the latch, wherein the sensor obtains latch feedback data from the latch. A microcontroller controls the latch based on the latch feedback data, by controlling an interaction of the H-bridge circuit and the motor with the latch. Additionally, a microprocessor processes instructions for controlling the interaction of the H-bridge circuit and the motor with the latch. Such instructions can be implemented as Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control instructions.

Abstract: Taking as a starting point known security apparatuses and their methods for distance-dependent initiation of functions in or at an object, the reliability of distance measurements is essentially increased by carrying out a series of distance measurements, an associated quality value (G) being calculated by a mathematical function in each case for the measuring results (M1–M5, R1, R2) of said distance measurements. Only those measured values which fall below a certain quality value (Krit) as a threshold value are generally accepted for an analysis in respect of initiating a distance-related function. Developments provide for selecting measured values beforehand with reference to a level measurement, in order to further increase the reliability, or applying methods of statistical analysis subsequently.

Abstract: A device includes a base secured in a car, a stopping block displaceable on the base, an actuating member for displacing the stopping block with, and a lock block secured around a steel rope of a control of a hood of the car, which control can be used to pull the steel rope for making the hood become openable; the stopping block has a big hole, and an horizontal slot communicating with the big hole and as high as center of the hole; the rope is passed through the stopping block with the lock block arranged behind the stopping block; the lock block can't pass through the slot; the stopping block is displaceable to such position as to exactly face the lock block at the slot, preventing the rope from being displaced; thus, thieves can't open the hood to cut off the power to the alarm for stopping sounding of the alarm.

Abstract: A remote control lock operation system for a vehicle capable of unlocking a mechanical locking mechanism for mechanically disabling traveling of the vehicle by a infrared signal, without using the key. Components of the system include a handheld remote control transmitter, a receiver, a mechanical locking mechanism, a lock actuator and control unit, and wiring sections for connecting the lock actuator and the receiver to the control unit mounted in a common module housing contained on the vehicle body. The main components of the system, including the wiring section leading to the lock actuator, are unitized and integrate into the common module housing in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the lock. Also provided is a mobile communication terminal having an infrared transmitting port, and a method for using of the terminal.

Abstract: A security system for a goods-carrying compartment such as of a vehicle is arranged to indicate the sealed status of an access door 40 to the compartment. Following loading of the compartment, the system is used to seal the door closed by passing a security cable 34 through components 46, 50 of a lock mechanism associated with that door. The cable 34 is re-entered into the system housing 30 and then, using a key inserted into a security switch 14, the system is activated to show proper sealing. An interrogation switch 12 may be pressed to illuminate LED 22 if the door 40 has not been opened following sealing or LED 24 if the door has been opened and not properly re-sealed with a key. Two different keys may be provided, one for use with the initial sealing of the compartment and the other for re-sealing by an authorized person such as a driver, so long as the compartment was opened for a legitimate purpose on route between dispatch and the ultimate destination.

Abstract: A door position sensing system includes a door claw having first and second magnets mounted thereon, and a Hall sensor mounted so as to sense the magnetic fields of the first and second magnets. The first magnet is mounted in a door half-latch position, and the second magnet is mounted in a door full-latch position. A processor is responsive to the Hall sensor to provide outputs indicating the half-latch and full-latch positions of a door. The processor may also be arranged to indicate a door open position when neither magnet is near the sensor.

Abstract: A security system and method for monitoring a security status of fixed and mobile assets. The security system comprises an agent connected with the asset. The agent monitors a security of the asset and transmits the data to a master control unit. The master control unit retransmits the security status to a global operations center for processing the security status to detect a security threat. In response to a security threat, the global operations center generates an output. Periodic reports are generated and transmitted to the customer, and the customer is billed at intervals. For mobile assets, the security system also tracks a location of the asset as the asset is transported between a shipper's loading dock and a designated distribution center, including an origination port and a destination port. For fixed agents, the security system includes an interface for interfacing an existing security device to the master control unit and for controlling the existing security system.

Abstract: An alarm system module for an automobile includes: a logic circuit; an actual vehicle speed value input configured to receive an actual vehicle speed value from the automobile; a state selection input configured to receive a state selection instruction from a user; and a synthetic vehicle speed value output configured to output a synthetic vehicle speed value to the automobile. The logic circuit is configured so that, when the alarm system module is in the disarmed state, the synthetic vehicle speed value is approximately equal to the actual vehicle speed value, and when the alarm system module is in the armed state, the synthetic vehicle speed value is greater than a threshold value of approximately 2.5 km/hr.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft entry system includes a keypad, a first and second indicator lights, and a theft deterrent module disposed in the vehicle. The theft deterrent module asserts the first indicator light and receives a PIN from the keypad. An access control module comparing the PIN to a list of codes. If the PIN matches a restricted code the access control module sends a restricted access code to the theft deterrent module, if the PIN matches an unrestricted code of the list of codes the access control module sends an unrestricted access code to the theft deterrent module, and if the PIN matches none of the list of codes the access control module sends a deny access code to the theft deterrent module. The theft deterrent module receives the access code and asserts the first indicator light and outputs deny data to control substantially a function of the vehicle if the access code is the deny access code.

Abstract: When the connection of a cable to a control interface is confirmed, and thereafter a write command is received, a data write process is executed to renew contents of a conversion table stored in a memory based on link data attached to the write command. Furthermore, when a read command is received, a data read process is executed to retrieve the contents of the conversion table stored in the memory and thereafter to transmit the retrieved data to an external device through the control interface. Then, when disconnection of the cable is detected, the processes, each of which is executed according to the corresponding command transmitted from the external device, are bypassed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a door handle, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one presence sensor having at least one electrode for detecting the presence of a user at said handle, wherein it comprises conducting means having at least one proximal end directly or indirectly connected by capacitive coupling to said detection electrode and at least one distal end emerging in electrical insulation on the outer surface of the handle so as to create at least one new zone for detecting the presence of a user. The invention also relates to a hands-free access system for a motor vehicle comprising such a door handle.

Abstract: A door lock apparatus for a vehicle includes an outside switch provided outside of a vehicle for detecting an opening operation of a door from the outside of the vehicle, an actuator for releasing an engagement of a latch mechanism of the door, a control device electrically connected to the outside switch for driving the actuator in response to the opening operation of the door being detected by the outside switch, and a detecting device for detecting an impact added to the vehicle. When the detecting device detects the impact added to the vehicle, the control device disables the opening operation of the door being detected by the outside switch within a first predetermined time from the detection of the impact.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling the doors of an automotive vehicle with a reduced number of transmitters to be held and a reduced number of buttons of the transmitters is disclosed. The transmitter has a lock button and an unlock button. Upon depression of the lock button or the unlock button, a corresponding demand signal is transmitted repeatedly. The demand signal includes an ID code, a button code and a time code. The button code indicates the identification of the lock button or the unlock button. The time code indicates whether a button has been kept depressed for at least a predetermined length of time or the number of times the button is depressed. The receiver controls the door lock/unlock operation and the door open/close operation based on the button code and the time code. The time code can be replaced with a number-of-times code indicating the number of times a button is depressed.

Abstract: A method for identifying and authorizing unlocking or starting of a motor vehicle for a hands-free access system includes a central unit exchanging identification messages with identification units according to a communication procedure.

Abstract: A contact detecting device includes a flexible piezoelectric sensor of a cable shape, a resilient member including a hollow portion having a free end to allow the hollow portion to be opened, a sensor holding portion for holding therein the piezoelectric sensor. The hollow portion is provided with a support for maintaining a hollow state thereof.

Abstract: A fingerprint enrollment and verification module is connected to the electrical circuit of a vehicle to prevent operation of the vehicle by unauthorized users. The module has a sensor that creates a template of a fingerprint when a finger is placed on the module. The module has a flash memory to store enrolled templates and a verification step. After a fingerprint has been enrolled in the module, any operation of that vehicle is possible only after the user's fingerprint is verified to match the enrolled template.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically locks the doors of a vehicle based on mutual communications between a portable unit and a vehicle-side control unit. After the doors are closed and locked after all the passengers get off the vehicle, the user of a portable unit unlocks the doors in order to allow a person without the portable unit to fetch something left in the vehicle. After the person opens a door, takes whatever he or she needs, and closes the door, the doors are automatically locked. When a door sensor is operated to unlock the doors, and one of the doors is opened, a memory means stores information indicating that the portable unit is present in a predetermined range outside of the vehicle. If the memory means stores information that the doors are unlocked, then the doors are automatically locked.

Abstract: The occurrence of vehicle theft is more positively prevented when a door and running system of a vehicle are unlocked, by a remote controller, with different identification codes. The door of a vehicle is locked when an identification code is inputted from the remote controller, and the door cannot be unlocked as long as the same identification code is not inputted from the remote controller. The running system of the vehicle is locked when the driver of the vehicle pushes the switch of an interior device in driver-selected order. As long as the switch of the interior device is pushed in the same order, the running system can be unlocked. As a result, theft of the vehicle can be more positively prevented.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle comprising an access and starting system without manual intervention comprising first means (1) for determining the presence or the absence of an identifier in at least in watching zone outside the vehicle and second means (2) for determining whether the doors are opened or closed and third means (3) for determining whether the motor vehicle engine is running or cut off. The method consists in automatically locking the motor vehicle on successively detecting the following conditions: a door is opened, the engine is not running and all the doors are closed, there is no identifier in the monitoring zone at a time (t), there is an identifier in the monitoring zone at a time (t?1) preceding the time (t) at which the absence of the identifier has been detected.

Abstract: A device for initiating an opening and locking procedure of a motor vehicle. The device includes a first proximity sensor which generates an unlocking intent signal for initiating an opening procedure of a closing system of a vehicle when a user approaches the first proximity sensor. A second proximity sensor is also provided, generating a locking intent signal for initiating a locking procedure of the closing system of the vehicle when a user approaches the second proximity sensor.

Abstract: In a vehicle passive entry system, a countermeasure system and method include a remote unit for receiving a passive entry challenge signal, determining if the passive entry challenge signal is valid, and transmitting a vehicle access signal for use in actuating a door look mechanism to permit access to the vehicle if the passive entry challenge signal is determined valid. The remote unit includes an indicator for use in generating an alert if the passive entry challenge signal is determined valid, and a switch for use in manually disabling transmission of the vehicle access signal. The countermeasure system further includes a passive entry control module for mounting in the vehicle, the control module including a transceiver for transmitting the passive entry challenge signal and for receiving the vehicle access signal.

Abstract: A vehicle security system is for a vehicle having a door lock circuit including a door lock switch, and a door lock controller responsive to the door lock switch. The security system includes a security controller for operating the door lock controller, and a multi-vehicle compatible interface module for interfacing to the door lock circuit of a given vehicle from among a plurality of different vehicles. In particular, the vehicle may include a single-wire door lock circuit having at least one of a lock resistance and an unlock resistance associated with a door switch. The multi-vehicle compatible interface module may include a circuit board carrying at least one variable resistor that is settable to match the lock/unlock resistance and thereby permit the security controller to operate the door lock controller.

Abstract: A key fob for use in accessing first and second motor vehicles includes a portable housing defining a hole for receiving a key chain and first and second motor vehicle selector buttons connected to integrated circuit logic within the housing and accessible through the housing. The fob further includes at least one function selector button connected to the integrated circuit logic and accessible through the housing. The integrated circuit logic is configured to select the first or second motor vehicle upon activation of the first or second motor vehicle selector buttons respectively. The integrated circuit logic controls a lock of the selected motor vehicle upon activation of the function selector button.

Abstract: The invention is for a vandal resistant latch/starter-interlock assembly for a bus door. In the assembly of the invention, the alarm and the starter-interlock are part of the same assembly. The assembly includes box through which a modified latch bolt extends laterally. The latch bolt is locked by a vandal lock. When unlocked, the latch bolt slides or moves to allow the door to be opened. The alarm and starter-interlock are activated after unlocking the vandal lock. Typically, the alarm is activated when the latch bolt is moved, usually by moving a door latch. While the starter-interlock can also be activated by moving the latch bolt, it is preferably activated by unlocking the vandal lock.

Abstract: A modulated input signal is filtered to reduce noise. The state of the input signal controls the state of a switch. Depending upon its state, the switch connects one of two circuits to a gate. The gate receives the input signal and it passes or blocks the signal depending upon the state of the signal received from the switched circuits. When it is passing the input signal, the output of the gate is equivalent to the input signal. When it is blocking the input signal, the output of the gate is set to a default state. The default state is independent of the input signal. One of the switched circuits gradually modifies the signal provided by the gate to allow the input signal to pass through. The other switched circuit gradually modifies the signal provided to the gate to block the input signal.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a door lock apparatus for locking and unlocking vehicle doors, a door status detector for detecting opening and closing movement of the vehicle doors, an alarm actuator for generating an alarm-actuating signal, and an alarm unit for generating an alarm output. A controller is responsive to the alarm-actuating signal from the alarm actuator so as to control the door lock apparatus to ensure that the vehicle doors are locked, activate the alarm unit to generate the alarm output, and to subsequently control the door lock apparatus to unlock the vehicle doors after a predetermined time period has elapsed since activation of the alarm unit. The controller subsequently terminates activation of the alarm unit upon detection by the door, status detector of opening and closing movement of the vehicle doors, indicative of a condition that a passenger has alighted the vehicle.

Abstract: A closing device for a vehicle door lock is actuated by a hand lever. The lock can be switched between a secured, inoperative position of the hand lever and an operative position in which the lock can be opened by the hand lever. An electric control device arranged within the vehicle effects via an antenna of a vehicle-correlated transmission and reception unit a data request directed to a data carrier external to the vehicle held by a vehicle user. The data carrier has a transmission and reception unit transmitting a data reply via the antenna of the vehicle-correlated transmission and reception unit to the control device which, for a positive identification of the data carrier, triggers securing, respectively, release of the lock. The antenna of the transmission and reception unit is arranged in the hand lever in addition to at least some further components of the transmission and reception unit.

Abstract: A vehicle security system is for a vehicle having a door lock circuit including a door lock switch, and a door lock controller responsive to the door lock switch. The security system includes a security controller for operating the door lock controller, and a multi-vehicle compatible interface module for interfacing to the door lock circuit of a given vehicle from among a plurality of different vehicles. In particular, the vehicle may include a single-wire door lock circuit having at least one of a lock resistance and an unlock resistance associated with a door switch. The multi-vehicle compatible interface module may include a circuit board carrying at least one variable resistor that is settable to match the lock/unlock resistance and thereby permit the security controller to operate the door lock controller.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes at least one vehicle sensor, a remote transmitter to be carried by a user, and a controller positioned in the vehicle. The controller may be switchable to at least one of an armed mode and a disarmed mode based upon the remote transmitter, and the controller may cause a light indicator circuit of the vehicle to selectively supply power to at least one vehicle light bulb upon switching to at least one of the armed and disarmed modes. The vehicle security system may also include a strobe light device at the vehicle and electrically connected to the light indicator circuit for providing a confirmation indication to the user that the controller has been switched to at least one of the armed and disarmed modes. This may be done based upon a leading or trailing edge of the power supplied by the light indicator circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a vehicle security sensor and associated sensor bus interface, an alarm indicator and associated alarm indicator bus interface, and an alarm controller and associated alarm controller bus interface for interfacing the alarm controller. The vehicle security system is for a vehicle of a type including a data communications bus connecting a plurality of vehicle devices. The security system preferably further includes a desired signal enabling circuit for enabling the alarm controller to operate using a set of desired signals for a desired vehicle from among a plurality of possible sets of signals for different vehicles.

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.