Abstract: A system may employ one or more satellite sensors to monitor an area; detect a body or thing that should not be present in an area; formulate a response, such as documentation, notifying authorities, or deploying unmanned aerial vehicles; and execute the response. Monitoring an area can be based on a request for surveillance at the area.

Abstract: A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can a motor unit configured to rotate based on an electrical signal. A shaft of the motor unit can be coupled to a cam. The cam can move a connection plate between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When the connection plate is in the engaged position, a locking mechanism can move between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the connection plate is in the disengaged position, the locking mechanism can maintain a current position.

Abstract: A system and method of managing virtual vehicle keys includes: receiving at a central facility a request to use a vehicle; receiving an identifier of a handheld wireless device at the central facility; generating at the central facility a virtual vehicle key that permits vehicle access using the handheld wireless device; and wirelessly transmitting the virtual vehicle key to the handheld wireless device and a vehicle the handheld wireless device has authorization to access.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system including an electronic key pre-registered as a device via which a vehicle can be remote-operated, and a mobile communication device pre-registered as a device that belongs to a user of the vehicle. In the system, a vehicle-mounted authentication unit is configured to determine whether or not authentication of the electronic key and the mobile communication device has succeeded, and a vehicle-mounted allowance determination unit is configured to, if it is determined by the vehicle-mounted authentication unit that the authentication of the electronic key and the mobile communication device has succeeded, allow operation of a predetermined vehicle-mounted activation unit.

Abstract: This electronic key system includes: an electronic key which is enabled to engage in radio communication with a vehicle on condition that a vibration is detected by a vibration detection part; and the vehicle which has an on-board control part for starting an engine on condition that the radio communication with the electronic key is established, and a push switch installed in the vehicle is operated. The on-board control part causes the vehicle to be vibrated by the engine on condition that the push switch is operated.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring system is described that receives data from a particular monitoring system, receives data from multiple other monitoring systems, analyzes data received from the particular monitoring system irrespective of data received from the multiple other monitoring systems, based on the analysis, determines whether one or more events occur at the particular environment, and in response to determining that a particular event occurs at the particular environment, evaluates the particular event against a set of rules, selects, based on the evaluation results, a particular subset of the multiple other monitoring systems to serve as a cooperative monitoring network, assesses data received from the particular monitoring system with data received from the particular subset of the multiple other monitoring systems, based on the assessment, tracks, in connection with the particular event, events detected by the particular subset of the multiple other monitoring systems, and handles the particular event

Abstract: A local area security system interfaces with one or more vehicles to provide enhanced security. The vehicles have vehicle sensors which may further help determine a presence of potential threat within a vicinity of the local area security system. The multiple vehicle network may communicate with each other to expand the vicinity of the local area security system, share equipment, computing resources, and information in the determination of the presence of the potential threat. The battery powered vehicle may employ various methods to conserve battery power while coupled to the local area security system.

Abstract: A message receiving, intercepting and processing method and corresponding application and device may provide receiving a message at a message processing server, identifying the received message as including text information, identifying the intended recipient of the message as an automated response subscriber; and generating a response message on behalf of the automated response subscriber.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed for providing a notification when a vehicle has been accessed by an unauthorized person. An onboard computer system of a vehicle is activated in response to a trigger event indicating that the vehicle has been accessed. It is determined whether an authorized consumer electronics device (CED), that is associated with an authorized person, is connected to a wireless communication interface of an onboard computer system. When an authorized CED has not connected to the wireless communication interface, a notification message is communicated that indicates that the vehicle has been accessed and that an authorized CED has not connected to the wireless communication interface.

Abstract: A system and method for illuminating one or more sidestick controllers within a cockpit of an aircraft is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a sidestick controller having lighting components that display lighting behaviors representing the movement and/or control of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the system illuminates various different lighting components on a sidestick controller based on information received from aircraft control systems, cockpit lighting systems, and other systems associated with an aircraft.

Abstract: An engine starting/stopping switch device is provided that includes a switch unit that switches over switching modes in response to linear movement of a movable member, a push button that is linked to the movable member so as to drive the movable member in response to a pushing operation, and a coil antenna that outputs transponder drive radio waves for generating an electromotive force in a transponder built into a portable device, wherein the coil antenna (15) is disposed coaxially with the push button (14) so that at least part of the coil antenna (15) is inserted into the interior of the push button (14). This enables the operability of a push button to be improved and enables the size in the radial direction of the push button to be reduced.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an onboard computer (OBC) and associated circuitry capable of spoofing or mimicking a fault condition tricks an electronic control module (ECM) of an automobile or other such vehicle into implementing an engine derate procedure resulting in vehicle immobilization that is safe and that is credibly attributable to a genuine vehicle fault condition. For example, in response to an engine shutdown command, the OBC might cause a fault-spoofing engine shutdown device in one embodiment to spoof an engine overheating condition by inserting an electrical resistance in parallel with the resistance of an engine temperature sensor, thus lowering the electrical resistance of the temperature sensor as detected by the ECM.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an input device for allowing entry of vehicle operator identification information, a transceiver for transmitting a message and receiving a response to the message, an interface for allowing a processor to communication with a vehicle sub-system, and a processor connected to the input device, the transceiver, and the interface, the processor for receiving the vehicle operator identification information from the input device, for generating the message comprising the vehicle operation identification information and providing the message to the transceiver, for receiving the response from the transceiver and for controlling the vehicle sub-system, via the interface, based on the response.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a hardware continuity loop that is installable in a vehicle for preventing vehicle misappropriation. In one embodiment, the hardware continuity loop includes a plurality of cables that is operatively connected across selected components of a mobile computing platform, and a relay for controlling vehicle response to an attempted vehicle misappropriation. In another embodiment, the hardware continuity loop includes as detection circuit located in the mobile application server adapted to process a signal on sensing vehicle misappropriation, a plurality of programmable general purpose modules, and one or more low side drivers, for causing a vehicle response to attempted vehicle misappropriation.

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: An antitheft device for a vehicle includes a main ignition switch, an auxiliary ignition switch disposed at a location which is predetermined so that a driver, when seated on a driver's seat, can operate the auxiliary ignition switch and the auxiliary ignition switch is invisible in a vehicle interior, and an engine start unit including an engine start signal cutoff unit which is connected to the auxiliary ignition switch. When the main and auxiliary ignition switches are turned on, the engine start signal cutoff unit is turned on so that the engine start unit delivers an engine start signal.

Abstract: A remote starting ECU includes a command recognizing unit and a tuner connecting unit. The remote starting ECU starts an engine of a vehicle when the command recognizing unit receives an engine start command from a remote key or when the tuner connecting unit receives an engine start request from a remote controller.

Abstract: A vehicle control device simplifies input work of a password that puts a vehicle in a usable state, on an emergency occasion, in which a portable equipment (smart key) cannot be used. A system display unit flashes on an emergency occasion when a password is input without the use of the smart key. A hazard switch is operated to enter a character of the password corresponding to a number of times that the system display unit flashes.

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: A remote engine start confirmation and vehicle monitoring and control system includes a transmitter and a controller capable of receiving and processing transmitter signals, the controller comprising a monitoring circuit for detecting a first pulsed voltage pattern and a second pulsed voltage pattern across the battery during an engine start procedure, a signaling circuit for signaling the disengagement of the starter from the engine after a detection of the termination of the first pulsed voltage pattern and the start of the second pulsed voltage pattern, and an initiation circuit for initiating the monitoring of a vehicle condition, such as overheating or low fuel, after the detection. A method for controlling the vehicle operation includes detecting an occurrence of a vehicle condition and performing an operation based on the detection, such as terminating ignition voltage or fuel supply or notifying the operator of the vehicle condition via the transmitter.

Abstract: A method of locating the positions of wheels (2) of a vehicle (1) each fitted with an electronic module (3), whereby, in order to locate a wheel (2) on the one hand, the vehicle (1) is equipped with an electromagnetic emission source consisting of at least two emitting antennas (5, 6) positioned close to the wheel (2) and physically offset so that the emitting antennas present separate shadow areas along the trajectory of the electronic module (3) of the wheel and, on the other hand, a sequential switching of the emitting antennas (5, 6) is ordered.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an operational state of a vehicle having a keyless rotary ignition switch and a locking mechanism coupled to the keyless rotary ignition switch are provided. The locking mechanism is disengaged to allow the keyless rotary ignition switch to be rotated from a first position to a second position by a user when an electronic authorization is detected. The locking mechanism is engaged to prevent the keyless rotary ignition switch from being rotated from the first position to the second position by the user when no electronic authorization is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device comprising a manually activatable slide that determines the desired working position of the slide by means of a slide control system. One such slide control system consists of a cam and a rod guided in said cam. The inventive ignition device also comprises an ignition switch which is electrically connected to the motor and can be switched between different switching positions according to the translatory movement of the slide. According to the invention, the ignition switch is embodied as a rotary switch comprising an input member for switching the contacts thereof. A rotor (30) is mounted in the housing in a rotary manner and connected to the input member of the ignition switch in a rotationally fixed manner. The rotor (30) forms part of the slide control system comprising at least two lock-in positions (38.1, 38.2) for at least two stable working positions (25.1, 25.3) of the slide.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitor system tool is capable of communicating with a plurality of tire pressure monitor systems. The tool includes a storing module that stores a plurality of communication protocols that are used for enabling the tool to communicate with a tire pressure monitor system. The tool enables a user to input the parts number of a sensor used by the vehicle having a tire pressure monitor system. Based on the vehicle data input and/or the parts number, the tool determines a tire pressure monitor system installed on the vehicle using information stored by the tool. Based on the tire pressure monitor system installed on the vehicle, the tool determines a protocol used by the tire pressure monitor system to communicate with, for example, the tool and an electronic control unit of a vehicle.

Abstract: A car antitheft system includes a main controller invisibly mounted on a car, and an antitheft state indicator embedded in an engine start button of the car and electrically connected to the main controller for indicating a current antitheft state of the car. With these arrangements, the engine start button serves to start the car when the car antitheft system is released, and to indicate the current antitheft state of the car when the car antitheft system is enabled and the antitheft state indicator embedded in the engine start button is lighted, so as to warn and stop a thief from invading the car.

Abstract: A transmission ECU on a transmission side and reception ECUs on a reception side are connected through communication lines and junction connectors. A delay circuit is provided in each of the junction connectors on the side of the reception ECUs. One end of the delay circuit is connected to the communication line on the side of the transmission ECU and the other end of the same is connected to the communication line on the side of the reception ECU. The communication lines on the both ends of the delay circuit are grounded through termination resistors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to assist in providing security for vehicles with keyless ignition systems. The present invention involves receiving, via wireless communications, a signal to start an ignition of the vehicle. Upon receipt of the signal, a built-in cellular phone in the vehicle transmits a message to a server to provide a security key to the vehicle and the security key and a message to all mobile phones registered to a driver of the vehicle. The message indicates that an attempt has been made to start the vehicle. Upon receipt of the security key, the driver of the vehicle may input the security key into a key pad of the vehicle. If the security key received by the vehicle from the server matches the security key inputted by the driver of the vehicle, then the keyless ignition system may start the vehicle.

Abstract: A switch for urging a driver to perform an operation that is required when the smart ignition function is invalid. The switch is used by a driver to start the engine of a vehicle when the vehicle communicates with a portable device to verify the portable device. The portable device has an end portion. The switch includes a push button pushed by the driver. The push button includes a guide portion engaged with the end portion of the portable device.

Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device connected to the data communications bus. The vehicle remote control system includes a remote transmitter, and a true controller at the vehicle for controlling the vehicle device via a true command on the data communications bus, and based upon the remote transmitter. The true controller also controls the vehicle device via a respective counteracting command on the data communications bus based upon detecting a rogue controller attempt to control the at least one vehicle device via a rogue command on the data communications bus. The true controller may thus counteract a rogue controller attempt to start the engine, unlock vehicle doors, roll down windows, and/or disarm the vehicle security system, for example.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device connected to the data communications bus. The vehicle control system includes a a true controller at the vehicle for controlling the vehicle device via a true command on the data communications bus. The true controller also controls the vehicle device via a respective counteracting command on the data communications bus based upon detecting a rogue controller attempt to control the at least one vehicle device via a rogue command on the data communications bus. The true controller may thus counteract a rogue controller attempt to start the engine, unlock vehicle doors, roll down windows, and/or disarm the vehicle security system, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced security by incorporating RFID processing circuitry within a key switch assembly. The RFID key switch assembly includes four subassemblies; the key/tumbler assembly, rotating and stationary switch contacts, RFID Processing Circuitry and an electrical connection interface. The RFID Processing Circuitry incorporated in the key switch assembly reads RF signals transmitted from an RFID tag embedded in a key inserted into the key switch.

Abstract: A keyless ignition system for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates through a wireless link with a start/stop button. The start/stop button includes a plurality of lighting sources to selectively illuminate the start/stop button for communicating current state of a vehicle operating parameter. The lighting sources are powered by a wireless power generating device within the start/stop button.

Abstract: A start of a vehicle is made to be capable of limited in compliance with a necessity. For example, in a case where an operation mode at a time point in which a “request” from an ECU was received is a start inhibition mode, a portable electronic key forms an “answer” including a “start inhibition information”, and transmits that “answer” to the ECU by a UHF. In this case, in an ECU side, the start of the vehicle is inhibited. In contrast to this, in a case where it is a start permission mode, an “answer” not including the “start inhibition information” is formed and transmitted to the ECU. In this case, in the ECU side, the start of the vehicle is permitted. That is, by the fact that an accelerator is stepped on and the like, the vehicle starts. The present invention can be applied to a passive entry system.

Abstract: An anomaly judgment system includes an actuating switch and an anomaly judgment unit for judging anomaly of an operator detection device that is turned into an ON state when detecting an operator in a vehicle. The actuating switch is operable to be turned into an ON state by the operator. The anomaly judgment unit judges the operator detection device as anomalous when a time period during which the actuating switch is in an OFF state with the operator detection device in the ON state exceeds a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Vehicle theft deterrence is affected by requiring the entry of an enabling code to prevent disablement of vehicle operation. System operational variables may be programmed by operators. The system is substantially integrated with existing vehicle control systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to assist in providing security for vehicles with keyless ignition systems. The present invention involves receiving, via wireless communications, a signal to start an ignition of the vehicle. Upon receipt of the signal, a built-in cellular phone in the vehicle transmits a message to a server to provide a security key to the vehicle and the security key and a message to all mobile phones registered to a driver of the vehicle. The message indicates that an attempt has been made to start the vehicle. Upon receipt of the security key, the driver of the vehicle may input the security key into a key pad of the vehicle. If the security key received by the vehicle from the server matches the security key inputted by the driver of the vehicle, then the keyless ignition system may start the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a vehicle security controller for operating at least one vehicle body position actuator to reposition the vehicle body responsive to at least one vehicle security sensor. The vehicle may include the vehicle wheels, the vehicle body, and at least one vehicle body position actuator connected therebetween. A respective vehicle body position actuator may be provided for each vehicle wheel, and the controller may operate the actuators in a predetermined pattern to reposition the vehicle body in a rocking motion. Rocking of the vehicle body is more readily noticed by persons adjacent the vehicle, and the rocking produces sweeping headlight beams that also more noticeable. If the thief were to enter the vehicle, the thief's actions would be impaired by the rocking of the vehicle.

Abstract: An active keyed locking system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes a keyed actuated device (58). A position sensor (56) is coupled to the keyed device (58) and generates a position signal indicative of position of the keyed device (58). A controller (64) is electrically coupled to the position sensor (56) and enables a vehicle component in response to the position signal.

Abstract: A system and a method for data communication with a vehicle control device include a flash adapter which is inserted with a vehicle key into an ignition lock of a vehicle. Upon insertion into the ignition lock, the vehicle key is authenticated. Subsequently, a comparison between the control device data stored in the key and the vehicle can be triggered by using the flash adapter.

Abstract: A passive entry system for a vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle-based communication module mounted in the vehicle and a portable communication device. The vehicle-based communication module includes a transmitter for transmitting a challenge signal to the portable communication device when in a polling state to determine a presence of the portable communication device for allowing access to the vehicle. The portable communication device includes a receiver for receiving the challenge signal and is responsive to the challenge signal when in a response state and non-responsive to the challenge signal when in a non-response state.

Abstract: An automotive keyless smart-start assembly 10 for use in an automobile 22 is provided including an automotive engine 18 having an operating condition and a stopped condition. An ignition controller 16, having a locked state and an unlocked state, is in communication with the automotive engine 18. A receptacle bin 20 is mounted to the automobile 22 and is in communication with the ignition controller 16. The receptacle bin 20 is movable between a closed position 34 and an open position 32. A portable electronic transmitter element 12, including a security code 14, communicates the security code 14 to the ignition controller 16 upon being positioned within the receptacle bin 20. The ignition controller 16 verifies the security code 14 and moves to the unlocked state upon verification. The receptacle bin 20 moves to the closed position 34 upon verification.

Abstract: Means for disabling an automobile by causing an on-board computer to disable the ignition system thereof. A radio receiver provides a signal to the on-board computer through an existing port (e.g. diagnostic port or ignition interface port). The on-board computer disables ignition function through supplanted firmware that recognizes the status of the signal received from the radio receiver. Removal of the radio receiver also disables the ignition system. The entire system is installed during government required inspections (e.g. a smog check).

Abstract: A column shroud for covering a steering column including a shroud body. The shroud body has first and second portions connectable to one another about a steering column. The shroud body defines an opening in the first portion. An ignition receptor is accessible through the opening for receiving a pass key. The column shroud also includes a coil bobbin fixed to the shroud body adjacent to the opening. In the event of an attempted theft of the vehicle, the coil bobbin would be removed from the column in the event the shroud body is removed and the vehicle would be disabled.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly for use in a vehicle immobilizer system in accordance with the present invention includes a printed circuit board for mounting in an interior portion of the vehicle and having an aperture formed therethrough. The aperture is defined by an interior wall of the printed circuit board. An antenna trace is printed on the circuit board proximate to the interior wall defining the aperture. An ignition switch assembly extends through the aperture of the circuit board. The ignition switch is operable to receive a key having a transponder disposed thereon, and the antenna trace is operable to alternately transmit a signal to and receive a signal from the transponder when the key is positioned in the ignition switch.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system automatically detects the presence of a person sealed in the trunk of an automobile by sensing the CO2 respiration of the person. Visible, audio and radio alarms are generated in response to the detection of a person in the trunk. If the vehicle is stopped, the trunk will automatically open and allow the person to escape.

Abstract: Unit-specific identification data (IDA, IDB) of a transmission electronic control unit (5) and an engine electronic control unit (4) are stored in memories (5A, 4A), and engine start data (DES) required for starting an engine (2) are stored in the memory (4A) of the transmission electronic control unit (5). At the time of engine starting, the validity of the combination of the transmission electronic control unit (5) and the engine electronic control unit (4) is checked in the transmission electronic control unit (5) based on the identification data (IDA, IDB), and the engine start data (DES) are sent from the transmission electronic control unit (5) to the engine electronic control unit (4) in response to a request from the engine electronic control unit (4) only when validity is confirmed.

Abstract: A vehicle engine starting apparatus has an engine start switch, a display device and a microcomputer. The display device shows the location of the start switch. The microcomputer identifies a specific signal, and controls the display device in accordance with the result of the identification executed by the microcomputer.

Abstract: In a case where an intruder is detected in a house, a detection signal is outputted from a home security communication device, and is notified to a monitor center through an in-area communication management device by a wireless connection. The monitor center notifies a portable telephone owned by a resident of the house that the intruder exists in the house and also notifies houses to in the area that the intruder exists in the house.

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.