Including Programmable Key Patents (Class 340/426.35)
  • Patent number: 11769213
    Abstract: A method of training and using a machine learning model that controls for consideration of undesired factors which might otherwise be considered by the trained model during its subsequent analyses of new data. For example, the model may be a neural network trained on a set of training images to evaluate an insurance applicant based upon an image or audio data of the insurance applicant as part of an underwriting process to determine an appropriate life or health insurance premium. The model is trained to probabilistically correlate an aspect of the applicant's appearance with a personal and/or health-related characteristic. Any undesired factors, such as age, sex, ethnicity, and/or race, are identified for exclusion. The trained model receives the image (e.g., a “selfie”) of the insurance applicant, analyzes the image without considering the identified undesired factors, and suggests the appropriate insurance premium based only on the remaining desired factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Myers, Kenneth J. Sanchez, Michael L. Bernico
  • Patent number: 11676217
    Abstract: A method of training and using a machine learning model that controls for consideration of undesired factors which might otherwise be considered by the trained model during its subsequent analyses of new data. For example, the model may be a neural network trained on a set of training images to evaluate an insurance applicant based upon an image or audio data of the insurance applicant as part of an underwriting process to determine an appropriate life or health insurance premium. The model is trained to probabilistically correlate an aspect of the applicant's appearance with a personal and/or health-related characteristic. Any undesired factors, such as age, sex, ethnicity, and/or race, are identified for exclusion. The trained model receives the image (e.g., a “selfie”) of the insurance applicant, analyzes the image without considering the identified undesired factors, and suggests the appropriate insurance premium based only on the remaining desired factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Myers, Kenneth J. Sanchez, Michael L. Bernico
  • Patent number: 11661032
    Abstract: In some implementations, a device may receive an indication of a code associated with granting authenticated access to a door. The device may transmit, to a user device, presentation information to cause an augmented reality image of an input pad to be displayed by the user device, wherein the augmented reality image is displayed over an area of an image of an exterior of the door via a user interface. The device may detect, via a camera device, one or more user inputs to the area of the exterior of the vehicle based on tracking a movement of a user. The device may identify an input code based on the one or more user inputs. The device may perform an action to cause the door to be unlocked based on the input code matching the code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Qiaochu Tang, Geoffrey Dagley, Avid Ghamsari
  • Patent number: 11630974
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, server computers, storage media, and instructions for prioritized device action triggered by device scan data are described. In one embodiment, a mobile device performs a method that involves executing a messaging application with an image capture interface and a scanning input. An associated scanning mode comprises capture of scan data from a plurality of input/output modules of the first client device, analyzes the scan data to identify one or more scan data patterns by matching at least a portion of the scan data against a set of data patterns, and selects a priority system action based on the results of the matching of the portion of the scan data against the set of data patterns. In some embodiments, the priority system action is selected based on a priority ranking for identified scan data types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Ouimet, Rong Yan, Yantao Zheng
  • Patent number: 11457141
    Abstract: Vehicle configured for reducing cost by performing a plurality of functions using a single camera, may include a camera; a at least one sensor configured to obtain location information related to a driver; a moving portion connected to the camera and configured to adjust a photographing direction of the camera; and a controller connected to the at least one sensor and the moving portion and configured to control the moving portion so that the photographing direction of the camera faces the outside of the vehicle or the inside of the vehicle according to the location information related to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyunsang Kim, Yun Sup Ann
  • Patent number: 11364917
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle, which comprises a vehicle component for performing a vehicle function, at least one camera and a controller, the vehicle component being drivable with the aid of the controller, depending on the evaluation of the visual detection of a body part of a user with the aid of the camera, for the purpose of performing the vehicle function. To implement a vehicle function to be enabled with the aid of a camera for visually detecting a body part of a user of a vehicle with little complexity, it is proposed that the camera and the controller are designed and configured to carry out a further vehicle function, and the camera is drivable with the aid of the controller, depending on a triggering signal present at the controller for performing the visual detection of the body part of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Oliver Kirsch, Tobias Heine, Joachim Olk, Oliver Klenke, Frank Schliep
  • Patent number: 11348183
    Abstract: A method of training and using a machine learning model that controls for consideration of undesired factors which might otherwise be considered by the trained model during its subsequent analyses of new data. For example, the model may be a neural network trained on a set of training images to evaluate an insurance applicant based upon an image or audio data of the insurance applicant as part of an underwriting process to determine an appropriate life or health insurance premium. The model is trained to probabilistically correlate an aspect of the applicant's appearance with a personal and/or health-related characteristic. Any undesired factors, such as age, sex, ethnicity, and/or race, are identified for exclusion. The trained model receives the image (e.g., a “selfie”) of the insurance applicant, analyzes the image without considering the identified undesired factors, and suggests the appropriate insurance premium based only on the remaining desired factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Myers, Kenneth J. Sanchez, Michael L. Bernico
  • Patent number: 11315191
    Abstract: A method of training and using a machine learning model that controls for consideration of undesired factors which might otherwise be considered by the trained model during its subsequent analyses of new data. For example, the model may be a neural network trained on a set of training images to evaluate an insurance applicant based upon an image or audio data of the insurance applicant as part of an underwriting process to determine an appropriate life or health insurance premium. The model is trained to probabilistically correlate an aspect of the applicant's appearance with a personal and/or health-related characteristic. Any undesired factors, such as age, sex, ethnicity, and/or race, are identified for exclusion. The trained model receives the image (e.g., a “selfie”) of the insurance applicant, analyzes the image without considering the identified undesired factors, and suggests the appropriate insurance premium based only on the remaining desired factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Myers, Kenneth J. Sanchez, Michael L. Bernico
  • Patent number: 11292609
    Abstract: An information projection and control system for projecting information onto a projection area provided by a vehicle door, comprising at least one control unit that generates information, for projection onto the projection area; at least one projection device that projects the generated information onto the projection area; and at least one movement sensor that detects movements in a sensing area associated with the projection area, wherein the at least one control unit is adapted to control generation of the generated information on the basis of the detected movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Waffler, Uwe Renner
  • Patent number: 11284253
    Abstract: A car sharing system includes a car share device and a communication control unit. The car share device is configured to perform wireless communication with a mobile terminal that is operable as an electronic key. The communication control unit controls the wireless communication between the mobile terminal and the car share device so that an authentication process through bidirectional communication is executed only when a communication connection establishment process is performed. After the wireless communication has been established, the communication control unit controls the wireless communication so that actuation of an on-board device is permitted in accordance with operation of the mobile terminal through unidirectional communication from the mobile terminal to the car share device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiki Hiramatsu, Masaki Hayashi, Masahiko Oya, Hidenobu Hanaki, Junji Murase, Yosuke Doi, Masaki Oshima, Yuichiro Haruna
  • Patent number: 11242032
    Abstract: In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided. In certain embodiments, a vehicle includes a sensor and a processor. The sensor is configured to at least facilitate detecting when a user is disposed within the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to at least facilitate: identifying the user; retrieving, from a memory, a sequence of inputs that is associated with the identified user as a trigger for a customized silent alarm feature for the user; monitoring for the sequence of inputs while the user is disposed within the vehicle; and providing instructions for taking an action when the sequence of inputs is detected while the user is disposed within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Gilbert-Eyres, Matthew C. Neely, Eric T. Hosey, Huong T. Chim
  • Patent number: 11227480
    Abstract: An object owner determining unit generates object owner information by determining an owner of an identified object identified by an object identification unit, out of the occupants identified by an occupant identification unit, using occupant identification information and object identification information. When getting out of an occupant is detected by the occupant identification unit, an object misplacement determining unit determines whether or not an object owned by the occupant who gets out is misplaced in the vehicle using the object owner information about the occupant who gets out. When the object misplacement determining unit determines that an object owned by the occupant who gets out is misplaced in the vehicle, the warning unit provides a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazunori Abe
  • Patent number: 11112900
    Abstract: A method for controlling an in-vehicle user interface includes: providing a vehicle window that serves as an input/output module engaged with at least one of a computing device, a camera and a multimedia device; monitoring whether a change of an air pressure at a neighboring area of the vehicle window is beyond a predetermined threshold range; sensing a touch input via the vehicle window; and generating, in response to the change of the air pressure and the touch input, a control signal of the input/output module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chung Hoon Cho, Seung Ho Jeong, Ji Won Yun, So Young Kim, Min Young Yoon
  • Patent number: 10861324
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media may be configured to facilitate cabin monitoring of a vehicle. A selection of a cabin monitoring option may be monitored. Responsive to the selection of the cabin monitoring option, one or more sensors may be controlled to monitor an interior of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Dingli
  • Patent number: 10678849
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, server computers, storage media, and instructions for prioritized device action triggered by device scan data are described. In one embodiment, a mobile device performs a method that involves executing a messaging application with an image capture interface and a scanning input. An associated scanning mode comprises capture of scan data from a plurality of input/output modules of the first client device, analyzes the scan data to identify one or more scan data patterns by matching at least a portion of the scan data against a set of data patterns, and selects a priority system action based on the results of the matching of the portion of the scan data against the set of data patterns. In some embodiments, the priority system action is selected based on a priority ranking for identified scan data types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Ouimet, Rong Yan, Yantao Zheng
  • Patent number: 10629063
    Abstract: A wireless speaker device configured for use with a wireless A/V recording and communication device, such as a doorbell. The wireless speaker device, which includes a speaker, may connect to the user's local area network (LAN), such as a Wi-Fi network. The LAN is connected to a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet and/or a public switched telephone network (PSTN). When the wireless A/V recording and communication device detects a visitor, it sends a first signal, via the LAN, to device backend server in the WAN. In response, the backend server in the WAN transmits a second signal, via the LAN, to the wireless speaker device. The second signal to the wireless speaker device includes a command for the wireless speaker device to emit a tone through its speaker. The wireless speaker device then emits a tone through its speaker to alert the user that a visitor is at the wireless A/V recording and communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Siminoff, Joshua Roth, John Modestine, Spiro Sacre, Mark Siminoff
  • Patent number: 10482226
    Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying autonomous vehicle users are described herein. An autonomous vehicle may receive a request to pick up a user at a starting location and transport the user to a destination location. Accordingly, the autonomous vehicle may travel to the starting location. Upon arriving at the starting location, the autonomous vehicle may detect whether a person approaching the vehicle is the user by detecting a biometric identifier for the person. The biometric identifier may then be compared to a biometric fingerprint for the user, and if there is a match, the autonomous vehicle may determine that the person is the user. As a result, the user may be allowed to enter the autonomous vehicle and/or the autonomous vehicle may begin travelling to the destination location. Otherwise, the person may be denied entry to the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
  • Patent number: 10429996
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to interactive projection systems. In one implementation, a system for projecting a user interface may include a film affixed to a surface; a first projector configured to project a user interface onto the film; a second projector configured to project a plurality of light beams such that the plurality of light beams form a plane above the film that does not intersect the film; and an image sensor configured to receive reflections caused by the projected plurality of light beams. The system may further include at least one processor configured to receive an indication of a reflection from the image sensor; determine a location associated with the reflection; in response to the received indication, determine a change for the user interface based on the determined location; and transmit a command to the first projector to modify the projected user interface according to the determined change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Qiaochu Tang, Stephen Michael Wylie, Geoffrey Dagley, Jason Richard Hoover
  • Patent number: 10345965
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to interactive projection systems. In one implementation, a system for projecting a user interface may include a film affixed to a surface; a first projector configured to project a user interface onto the film; a second projector configured to project a plurality of light beams such that the plurality of light beams form a plane above the film that does not intersect the film; and an image sensor configured to receive reflections caused by the projected plurality of light beams. The system may further include at least one processor configured to receive an indication of a reflection from the image sensor; determine a location associated with the reflection; in response to the received indication, determine a change for the user interface based on the determined location; and transmit a command to the first projector to modify the projected user interface according to the determined change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Qiaochu Tang, Stephen Michael Wylie, Geoffrey Dagley, Jason Richard Hoover
  • Patent number: 10300889
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for iris-detection alignment for vehicle entry and feature activation. An example vehicle includes a window, a camera facing the window, a puddle lamp to project an indicator pointing toward the camera, a UV source, and a controller. The controller is to project, via the UV source, a display onto the window upon detecting a user aligns with the indicator. The controller also is to provide directions to the user, via the display, to position an iris in front of the camera and activate a vehicle feature upon identifying the user via iris recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Ali Hassani, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 10282789
    Abstract: A method of training and using a machine learning model that controls for consideration of undesired factors which might otherwise be considered by the trained model during its subsequent analyzes of new data. For example, the model may be a neural network trained on a set of training images to evaluate an insurance applicant based upon an image or audio data of the insurance applicant as part of an underwriting process to determine an appropriate life or health insurance premium. The model is trained to probabilistically correlate an aspect of the applicant's appearance with a personal and/or health-related characteristic. Any undesired factors, such as age, sex, ethnicity, and/or race, are identified for exclusion. The trained model receives the image (e.g., a “selfie”) of the insurance applicant, analyzes the image without considering the identified undesired factors, and suggests the appropriate insurance premium based only on the remaining desired factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Myers, Kenneth J. Sanchez, Michael L. Bernico
  • Patent number: 9963108
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a vehicle control apparatus, a first portable device, and a second portable device. The first portable device transmits a first signal to the vehicle control apparatus based on the fact that a first operation by a user is performed on the second portable device. When the vehicle control apparatus receives the first signal from the first portable device, the vehicle control apparatus intermittently transmits a second signal to the first portable device. The first portable device measures a signal strength of the second signal received from the vehicle control apparatus, based on the fact that a second operation by the user is performed on the second portable device after the first operation. The vehicle control apparatus or the first portable device sets, as a distance threshold, a distance between the first portable device and the vehicle calculated from the measured signal strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Nishidai, Naoyuki Ishihara, Yosuke Tomita
  • Patent number: 9816308
    Abstract: Methods and systems for opening an access point of a vehicle. A system and a method may involve receiving wirelessly a signal from a remote controller carried by a user. The system and the method may further involve receiving audio or video data indicating the user approaching the vehicle. The system and the method may also involve determining an intention of the user to access an interior of the vehicle based on the audio or video data. The system and the method may also involve opening an access point of the vehicle responsive to the determining of the intention of the user to access the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Vincent Myers, Venkatapathi Raju Nallapa, Alexandru Mihai Gurghian
  • Patent number: 9592793
    Abstract: A method for preventing a telematics remote control vehicle from being externally hacked includes receiving a remote control command by a telematics multimedia unit (TMU). When the remote control command is received, whether the remote control command is appropriate or not is determined by the TMU. When the remote control command is appropriate the remote control command is transmitted to a corresponding device by the TMU. When the remote control command is not appropriate, an internal device related to transception of the remote control command is reset and initialized by the TMU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jeung Sik Hong
  • Patent number: 9562769
    Abstract: Methods of locating a vehicle are disclosed. Location coordinates are received at regular intervals via a handheld locator device for the current location of the handheld locator device. The handheld locator device detects the cessation of the presence of the vehicle. The location coordinates last-received before the detection of the cessation of the presence of the vehicle are stored automatically, and represent the approximate location of the parked vehicle when the cessation of the presence of the vehicle is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Harris Kohn
    Inventor: Korn Harris
  • Patent number: 9340155
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a user identification subsystem operable to detect a user and an interactive display subsystem operable to generate output for display on a vehicle window in response to detection of the user. A method of operating a system for a vehicle includes detecting a user of the vehicle and generating output for display on a vehicle window visible from at least one of outside and inside the vehicle in response to detection of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Pisz, Jason A. Schulz
  • Patent number: 9323303
    Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods systems, and program products for determining a change in a mode of transportation. A change in a mode of transportation of the mobile computing device may be determined by determining that a speed of the mobile computing device has changed. A first geographical location is stored as a geographical location of the mobile computing device that corresponds to the change in mode of transportation. A graphical indication of the first geographical location is displayed. The graphical indication of the first geographical location is different than graphical indications for one or more other geographical locations of the mobile computing device at one or more other times. The one or more other geographical locations were not determined to correspond to a change in mode of transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Casey Ho, Sharvil A. Nanavati, Scott Jenson, Jerry Morrison, Michael J. LeBeau, Sanjay Mavinkurve, Fred Gilbert, Will Dzierson
  • Patent number: 9129454
    Abstract: A passive entry system and method for determining the location of a remote transmitter positioned near a vehicle. The system and method including a transmitter configured to transmit one or more polling sequences. The polling sequences including one or more polling signals indicative of a particular side and/or door of the vehicle. The system and method further including a receiver configured to receive an acknowledgement signal from a remote transmitter in response to one or more of the polling sequences. The system and method also including a controller configured to determine if the remote transmitter is positioned near the first side or second side of the vehicle based upon the acknowledgement signal being in response to the first or second polling sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Riad Ghabra
  • Patent number: 8994495
    Abstract: Keypad indicia are integral with a window of a vehicle. The keypad indicia are formed using a ultra-violet (UV) fluorescent dye that is nearly invisible to a human eye until exposed to UV light. A UV light emitting device of the vehicle is configured for outputting UV light. The light emitting device is mounted for enabling the keypad indicia to be exposed to the outputted UV light thereby causing the keypad indicia to become readily visible by the human eye. An imaging device of the vehicle captures user interaction with the keypad indicia while the keypad indicia is exposed to the outputted UV light. The keypad interaction processor determines if a sequence of body part movements with respect to the keypad indicia that is captured by the imaging device during exposure of the keypad indicia to the outputted light corresponds to an access code of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Yitah Richard Wu, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Donald Paul Bilger, Mark George Vojtisek, Chad A. Widrick, Patrick Holub
  • Patent number: 8978109
    Abstract: An electronic control device for a vehicle configured to be able to rewrite a program related to vehicle control by connecting an external device with the vehicle and by accessing an in-vehicle LAN includes a portable authentication terminal separated from the external device; an in-vehicle authentication system connected with the in-vehicle LAN, configured to authenticate the portable authentication terminal and to be able to transmit a authentication result to the in-vehicle LAN; a repeater configured to relay communications between the external device and the in-vehicle LAN; and a communication authorization unit connected to the in-vehicle LAN and configured to authorize the communications between the external device and the in-vehicle LAN through the repeater if receiving the authentication result of a successful authentication of the portable authentication terminal by the in-vehicle authentication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Hirashima, Yuusuke Satoh, Katsunori Kawai, Masahiro Makino, Koutarou Hara
  • Patent number: 8922357
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for programming keys to a vehicle to establish primary keys and secondary keys to control vehicle functionality is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a key identification signal from a first key. The method further comprises generating a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a primary key and a secondary key in response to the key identification signal. The method further comprises transmitting the key status signal to a vehicle interface display. The method further comprises allowing a user to change a status of at least one of the first key and an additional key with the vehicle interface display in response to determining that the key status signal corresponds to the primary key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Michael L. Gusta, Eric L. Reed
  • Patent number: 8847744
    Abstract: A vehicle receiver system includes: a receiver provided in a vehicle cabin, wherein an operating mode of the receiver includes a first mode for receiving a first wireless signal transmitted from a portable key, and a second mode for receiving a second wireless signal relating to a tire air pressure, transmitted from a transmitter provided on a tire; and a key verification device that performs key verification on the portable key in the vehicle cabin on the basis of the first wireless signal. In a predetermined situation, the receiver is configured such that the operating mode of the receiver is switched between the first mode and the second mode, and proportion of a second mode operation time in which the receiver operates in the second mode is set to be greater when a vehicle speed is relatively high than when the vehicle speed is relatively low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Arinobu Kimura, Hiroki Okada, Hiroko Murakami, Noriaki Okada, Kazuhiro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8810363
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Makoto Honkawa, Keisuke Hidaka, Koji Masubuchi, Kazuto Kaneshige
  • Patent number: 8750708
    Abstract: A layout apparatus for communicating includes, but is not limited to, a structural device, a first signal adjustment device and a radio device. The structural device is designed for configuring the layout of a room, and the first signal adjustment device is adapted for the electrical-optical conversion of an antenna signal. Furthermore, the first signal adjustment device and the radio device are arranged in the structural device, and the radio device is connected to the first signal adjustment device in such a manner that the antenna signal can be transmitted and/or received as a radio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Tim Fuss, Daniel Glaser
  • Patent number: 8718864
    Abstract: A system for collecting operating data of a vehicle, including a digital tachograph that can be installed rigidly in the vehicle, and a receiver module for receiving data for controlling the tachograph. The module is removalby connected to the tachograph by way of an interface prescribed by the tachograph. At least one remote control is equipped with a transmitter for operating the tachograph the remote control being adapted to wirelessly transfer data using the receiver module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Dittmers, Dirk Gandras, Michael Gut, Reinhold Schlenker, Frank Schulz
  • Patent number: 8712892
    Abstract: A portable consumer device includes a base, and a computer readable medium on the base. The computer readable medium comprises code for an issuer verification value and a supplemental verification value. The issuer verification value is used by an issuer to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an on-line transaction and the supplemental verification value is used to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an off-line transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Visa U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Philip B. Dixon, Ayman Hammad, Khalid El-Awady
  • Patent number: 8700513
    Abstract: Transaction processing involves receiving data from an access transaction application of a portable consumer device, wherein the received data comprises data from an access transaction data string that includes a transit verification value wherein, with the exception of the transit verification value, the access transaction data string is substantially similar to a retail data string comprising retail data, wherein the access application data string is adapted for use with an access transaction processing system and the retail data string is adapted for use with a retail processing system. The transaction processing involves processing access transaction application data for selective authorization of the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Visa U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Ayman Hammad, Philip B. Dixon
  • Patent number: 8694178
    Abstract: First, “Sync+Wakeup ID” is transmitted form a first vehicle (from a first time to a second time). While a first portable device paired with the first vehicle does not respond to this, when another second portable device has an inverted code coinciding by chance, the second portable device transmits a “Welcome” response (from the second time to a fifth time). During this response, a “Who” command including proper “Sync+Wakeup ID” and “command+additional data” is transmitted, thereby allowing the first portable device to normally respond to “Who” (a sixth time).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Iwao Toki
  • Patent number: 8638202
    Abstract: A method of providing a notification following a passive, keyless start of a vehicle when a keyfob for the vehicle is not within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Where a motor is started using a passive keyless start (PKS) system having a keyfob transceiver within the keyfob and a vehicle transceiver (VT) within the vehicle, the absence of the keyfob may be determined by the failure to receive an accurate response signal from the keyfob transceiver following the transmission of a vehicle challenge signal from the vehicle transceiver. Upon this determination, a notification may be provided directly or indirectly to the vehicle user via a wireless carrier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Christopher L. Oesterling
  • Patent number: 8618908
    Abstract: In one embodiment, providing an endpoint access to a locked target includes receiving a virtual key at a grantee endpoint through a wireless link. The virtual key results from a permission from a grantor endpoint, and is operable to unlock a physical lock of the target. The virtual key is wirelessly transmitted to a management system of the target to unlock the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, Ramanathan T. Jagadeesan, Bich T. Nguyen, Gregory D. Pelton, Labhesh Patel
  • Patent number: 8610574
    Abstract: An item storage facility that includes a resident programmable subcontroller, at least one stand, a one circuit board having a plurality of elongated openings therein supported on the stand, and a plurality of connectors resident on the circuit board and in communication with the subcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Gerald Isaac Kestenbaum
  • Patent number: 8569908
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle which has a plurality of drives, of which in particular one drive is a combustion engine and the other is an electric drive, all the drive control units, if appropriate even a transmission control unit, require enabling by an immobilizer control unit before the first control unit outputs control commands to communicate a torque request, input by a vehicle driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Johann Graf, Martin Steinbrueck
  • Patent number: 8487753
    Abstract: An anti-theft system for a vehicle featuring a first keypad device for controlling an ignition system, and a second keypad device for controlling a door lock system, the keypad devices each comprise a pre-programmed personal identification number (PIN), wherein the first keypad device functions to operatively connect the ignition system to the power system when the correct first PIN is entered and the second keypad device functions to operatively connect the door lock system to the power system when the correct second PIN is entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Otis Watts
  • Patent number: 8487740
    Abstract: A vehicle function restriction system for installation in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a master key allowed to activate any function of the vehicle. The system includes a valet key mounted in the vehicle and configured to dismountable from the vehicle to be lent to a person to whom the vehicle is lent. A restriction setting unit sets the vehicle in a restriction state when the valet key is dismounted from the vehicle. The restriction setting unit sets at least one restricted vehicle functions which is not activated by the valet key, in accordance with the person to whom the vehicle is lent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsuruta, Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8407470
    Abstract: A control device being a control device communicating with a controlled device to control the controlled device includes: a first memory to store first authentication information for authenticating the controlled device; a second memory to store second authentication information for making the controlled device authenticate itself; a determination unit to compare third authentication information sent from the controlled device for specifying the controlled device with the first authentication information; a calculator to perform calculation processing on the first authentication information or the third authentication information using the second authentication information to generate a calculated value; a transmitter to transmit, when the determination unit determines that the first authentication information and the third authentication information are the same, the calculated value to the controlled device; and a memory controller to update the first authentication information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nakanishi, Takafumi Sakamoto, Keisuke Mera, Toshiyuki Umeda, Shoji Otaka, Yusuke Doi
  • Patent number: 8400285
    Abstract: A key locator includes a first and second antenna arranged in a vehicle. A first query unit transmits a challenge from the first antenna. A second query unit transmits a challenge from the second antenna to an electronic key responding to the challenge of the first query unit. A key locating unit determines the location of the electronic key in accordance with whether responses to the challenges from the first and second antennas are received from the electronic key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shinya Saguchi
  • Patent number: 8386349
    Abstract: A portable consumer device includes a base, and a computer readable medium on the base. The computer readable medium comprises code for an issuer verification value and a supplemental verification value. The issuer verification value is used by an issuer to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an on-line transaction and the supplemental verification value is used to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an off-line transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Visa U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Philip B. Dixon, Ayman Hammad, Khalid El-Awady
  • Patent number: 8346639
    Abstract: Transaction processing involves receiving data from an access transaction application of a portable consumer device, wherein the received data comprises data from an access transaction data string that includes a transit verification value wherein, with the exception of the transit verification value, the access transaction data string is substantially similar to a retail data string comprising retail data, wherein the access application data string is adapted for use with an access transaction processing system and the retail data string is adapted for use with a retail processing system. The transaction processing involves processing access transaction application data for selective authorization of the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Visa U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Ayman Hammad, Philip B. Dixon
  • Patent number: 8311517
    Abstract: An improved system and method for a personal communications server is provided. The system and method may provide seamless multi-functional wireless communications for different integrated applications desired by a user. To this end, a computing device with a telecommunications interface is provided for coupling to a mobile phone network. The computing device may be without an attached audio input and output device, but may include a network interface for coupling with an external audio input and output device to receive audio from the mobile phone network and/or to send audio to the mobile network. A computer with a network interface may also be coupled with the computing device to receive data from a mobile phone network and/or to send data to the mobile network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Richard I. Brass, David B. Wecker
  • Patent number: 8258937
    Abstract: A method of transmitting driver specific vehicle data includes entering driver specific hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) operating parameter settings for a plurality of drivers into a vehicle controller; identifying a vehicle driver; displaying driver specific HEV data within the vehicle; and configuring HEV operating parameters in accordance with the driver specific HEV operating parameter settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allen D. Dobryden, William P. Perkins, Ryan Skaff, Derek Hartl