Including Keyless Entry Patents (Class 340/426.36)
  • Patent number: 10328898
    Abstract: Systems and methods for vehicle passive entry/passive start (PEPS) are provided. A communication gateway establishes a Bluetooth low energy communication connection with a portable device. A localization module determines a portable device location based on two-way ranging using impulse radio ultra-side band. The PEPS system performs vehicle functions, such as unlocking a door or trunk, allowing the vehicle to be started, or activating wireless charging, based on the portable device location. Another system includes at least one low frequency (LF) antenna configured to transmit a wireless charging ping signal within a predetermined range to a portable device configured for wireless charging. A communication gateway authenticates the portable device based on a response to the ping signal by the portable device. A PEPS performs vehicle functions, such as unlocking a door or trunk, or allowing the vehicle to be started, in response to authenticating the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyle Golsch, Steven Sute
  • Patent number: 10311661
    Abstract: The present invention relates essentially to a device for controlling locking/unlocking and/or starting of a vehicle (V) comprising a first communication device (COM1) mounted in the vehicle (V), said first communication device (COM1) being linked to the control unit (ECU) of the vehicle (V), and a second communication device (COM2) disposed in a mobile apparatus (SP), the first communication device (COM1) and the second communication device (COM2) being able to communicate with one another according to a first mode of communication so as to carry out an authentication of the mobile apparatus (SP) by the vehicle (V), said authentication authorizing the locking/unlocking and/or starting of the vehicle (V), characterized in that the first communication device (COM1) and the second communication device (COM2) are able to communicate also according to a second mode of communication, so as to determine data representative of the position of the mobile apparatus (SP) with respect to the vehicle (V), and in that the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: VALEO COMFORT AND DRIVING ASSISTANCE
    Inventors: Eric Menard, Fabienne Masson, Eric Leconte
  • Patent number: 10229309
    Abstract: A biometric recognition system for a vehicle includes a support portion, a vein reader sensor disposed on the support portion, and a control member configured to control a function of the vehicle. The control member has a top surface and a bottom surface and defines an opening extending through the control member from the top surface to the bottom surface. The control member is moveable relative to the support portion to a first position. The opening is aligned with the vein reader sensor and the top surface is a first distance from the vein reader sensor when the control member is in the first position. The first distance is configured to optimize biometric verification of an operator's hand gripping the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: DURA OPERATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Cumhur Unveren, Thomas Farges
  • Patent number: 10137857
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for unlocking a vehicle. An example vehicle includes an ultraviolet keypad coupled to a window. The vehicle also includes a camera directed at the window, configured to capture a key press of the ultraviolet keypad and an iris of a person outside the vehicle. And the vehicle further includes a processor configured to detect the key press and iris, unlock the vehicle based on the detected key press, and modify a vehicle setting based on a profile corresponding to the detected iris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adil Nizam Siddiqui, Jonathan Diedrich, Ali Hassani, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 10074001
    Abstract: Devices with a fingerprint sensor paired with a handle or a hand support. The fingerprint sensor is arranged in the vicinity of the handle or the hand support surface at a distance from the handle or hand support surface such that when an index, and/or middle, and/or ring, and/or little finger of a hand grips the handle or an index, and/or middle, and/or ring, and/or little finger of a hand is placed on the support surface, the thumb the hand can be placed on the fingerprint sensor such that a longitudinal axis of the thumb substantially coincides with a main axis of the fingerprint sensor. The thumb is placed either next to the handle and thus on the fingerprint sensor or the fingerprint sensor is arranged on a housing side of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: NOVOMATIC AG
    Inventor: Alois Homer
  • Patent number: 10030590
    Abstract: A method for reprogramming an automotive device writes a programming sequence to a transponder read/write memory, interfaces the transponder with at least one vehicle system while the at least one vehicle system is installed in a vehicle, and transfers the programming sequence to the at least one vehicle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jurgen Christian Hagedorn Maillard, Irving Morales Rodriguez, Luis Roberto Togo Peraza, Jorge Benitez Sosa, Alberto Navarro Hurtado
  • Patent number: 10008058
    Abstract: The integrated garage door opener controller in a vehicle, i.e., a garage door controller embedded in a vehicle, is prevented from operating pending receipt of a personal identification number (PIN) into a display device. In an alternate embodiment, the embedded garage door controller is enabled by information from occupant sensors, which indicate whether a driver or other person in the vehicle previously used the vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, an alarm is transmitted to a telematics service provider after a predetermined number of attempts to unlock the system have been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Piche, Robert Allen Gee
  • Patent number: 9988014
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle remote keyless entry system that can control functions of a vehicle can include a transceiver, a processor based controller, and a remote device. The controller is configured to predefine one or more substantially concentric radio frequency authorization zones around the controller that includes at least a first zone and a second zone, a boundary of the second zone being predefined as closer around the controller than a boundary of the first zone. The controller is configured to instruct the transceiver to transmit a polling signal, which can be received by the remote device within the one or more concentric authorization zones, with different polling intervals for each of the first zone and the second zone. The controller selectively enables one or more of the vehicle functions when the controller determines the remote device is located outside of the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bharath Kumar Parasurama, Brian Karl Lickfelt
  • Patent number: 9963109
    Abstract: A passive entry system for an automotive vehicle that is configured to prevent relay attacks by analyzing magnet vectors and angles created by a plurality of antennas mounted on the vehicle is disclosed. A vehicle including a control unit configured to broadcast a wake-up signal to prompt a fob to power-up if the fob is in a low-power consumption mode and to transmit signals through a plurality of antennas coupled to the vehicle is provided, along with a fob configured to recognize the wake-up signal and to generate a response signal for the control unit in response to recognize the wake-up signal. The fob includes a controller that is programmed to receive signals transmitted from each of the plurality of antennas coupled to the vehicle, retrieve constant values from stored a memory, and calculate a magnetic integrity defining the relative position of each of the plurality of antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: HUF NORTH AMERICA AUTOMOTIVE PARTS MFG. CORP.
    Inventors: Yi Luo, John Nantz
  • Patent number: 9932013
    Abstract: A first device for use to gain access to a vehicle or to a controlled access item or area, wherein access is controlled by a second device. The first device for carrying on a person of a user and paired with the second device. The first device comprises components having a primary function not related to gaining access; a limited range transmitter for transmitting a signal to the second device, the second device receiving the signal and determining whether the signal was transmitted from the first device; responsive to determining that the signal was transmitted from the first device, the second device for issuing a control signal permitting the user to gain access to the vehicle or to the controlled access item or area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher J. Hall
  • Patent number: 9840230
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a restricted mode is provided. The apparatus includes a controller that is configured to receive a first input from a primary driver corresponding to a request to change a vehicle from a fully operational mode to a restricted mode for a secondary driver. The controller is further configured to initiate a first timer for preventing the vehicle from exiting from the restricted mode to the fully operational mode if an occupant communication device belonging to the primary driver is detected by the vehicle prior to the first timer expiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Eric L. Reed
  • Patent number: 9825991
    Abstract: The systems, methods and apparatuses described herein provide an apparatus configured for preventing relay attacks on a communication link between the apparatus and a communication partner. The apparatus may comprise a communication port, a timer and a processor. The processor may be configured to generate a request, transmit the request through the communication link using the communication port and start counting time using the timer, receive a response via the communication port and stop the timer, receive authentication data via the communication port, authenticate the authentication data, compare the counted time with a predefined threshold, compare a first field within the request with a second field within the response and determine whether there is a relay attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: OLogN Technologies AG
    Inventors: Dmytro Ivanchykhin, Sergey Ignatchenko
  • Patent number: 9805532
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a plurality of LF transmitters transmitting response request signals that reach an area around a vehicle and an interior of a vehicle chamber, and a UHF receiver receiving a signal transmitted from a portable machine. The portable machine includes an LF receiver receiving the response request signal and a UHF transmitter transmitting a response signal. The LF receiver in the portable machine has a reception region in which the response request signals transmitted from at least two of the LF transmitters are receivable when the portable machine approaches the vehicle. Door locking/unlocking is permitted if the LF receiver in the portable machine receives the response request signals transmitted from at least two of the LF transmitters within a predetermined time period. In contrast, door locking/unlocking is inhibited if the LF receiver receives the response request signal transmitted from one of the LF transmitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya Hamada, Takahiro Inaguma, Yosuke Tomita, Tetsuo Nishidai, Yuki Tokuyama
  • Patent number: 9697345
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus with fingerprint sensing function, a driving circuit, and a method for driving the electronic apparatus are provided. The electronic apparatus includes: a first fingerprint sensor adapted to perform fingerprint sensing; a second fingerprint sensor adapted to perform fingerprint sensing; and a driving circuit. The driving circuit provides a first fingerprint detection signal to the first fingerprint sensor for performing fingerprint detection, and determines whether to control the electronic apparatus to perform a first function, based on fingerprint detection information from the first fingerprint sensor; and provides a second fingerprint detection signal to the second fingerprint sensor for performing fingerprint detection, and determines whether to control the electronic apparatus to perform a second function, based on fingerprint detection information from the second fingerprint sensor. With above technical solution, security for usage of the electronic apparatus is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: FOCALTECH ELECTRONICS, LTD.
    Inventors: Lianghua Mo, Zhi Liu, Jie Liu
  • Patent number: 9691187
    Abstract: A control system for vehicle hiring includes a control device and a wireless smart key. The control device includes a first microprogram control unit. The wireless smart key includes a second microprogram control unit, a positive electrode and a negative electrode both electronically coupled to the second microprogram control unit. When the first microprogram control unit receives a first sensing signal or a second sensing signal, the first microprogram control unit is electronically coupled to the positive electrode and the negative electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: E-In Wu
  • Patent number: 9643570
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for detecting an operating state of a vehicle engine, for example, in order to arm or disarm a vehicle alarm system. The system comprises: an input coupled to a power line of a vehicle; means to filter out relatively high frequency transient noise components of a signal received from the power line; a first detector for receiving the filtered signal and detecting when transient noise associated with the power line rises above a first threshold and generating a first detection signal in response thereto; a second detector for receiving the filtered signal and detecting when the transient noise falls below a second threshold, which is lower than the first threshold, and generating a second detection signal in response thereto; and means for generating a first output signal in response to the first detection signal and a second output signal in response to the second detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TRACKER NETWORK (UK) LIMITED
    Inventor: Roderick Whitlock
  • Patent number: 9580045
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for an electronic override of the brake shift interlock in a motor vehicle can provide for the vehicle to be manually pushed while it is parked without keys. A timed window is initiated upon detection of a parked state of the vehicle with its transmission in a park position and ignition key removable or removed. Selection of an out-of-park position is inhibited. The invention monitors activation of the brake pedal during the timed window. Override of the brake shift interlock is enabled while the brake pedal is activated during the timed window, thereby allowing selection of an out-of-park shifter position. The timed window ends after a predetermined time or event (e.g., after the driver's door is opened) to inhibit any further shifter movement from the park position until the next ignition key-cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick K. Holub, John R. Van Wiemeersch, Steven Y. Schondorf, George F. MacDonald, Johannes Huennekens, Graham Mace
  • Patent number: 9566945
    Abstract: A system includes a remote control unit, such as a fob, and a base station at a target, such as a vehicle. The control unit and the base station are configured to communicate authorization signals and time-of-flight (ToF) ranging signals concurrently between one another. The base station is further configured to confirm from the authorization signals whether the control unit is authorized for controlling a target function and to confirm from the ToF ranging signals whether the control unit is within range of the target. The base station is further configured to prevent the target function from being controlled by the control unit when the control unit is not within range of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Stephen Humphrey, Keith A. Christenson, Jason Summerford
  • Patent number: 9524596
    Abstract: There is provided a keyless entry control system for a plurality of outboard motors attached to a body of a ship. A plurality of engine control modules are provided in the plurality of outboard motors. A detector is connected to all of the plurality of engine control modules. In response to a detection result of the detector, use permission authentication on the plurality of engine control modules is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiya Kataoka
  • Patent number: 9507335
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a barrier operator system in which a remotely located transceiver type controller is in wireless communication with a transceiver type adapter connected to a barrier operator, and in electronic communication with the barrier operator's microcontroller. The controller is operable to wirelessly transmit door operator status inquiries to the adapter. This may be effected automatically in connection with the transmission and receipt by the adapter of door toggle commands or separate and apart from same. The status information is wirelessly transmitted by the adapter in broadcast form without source or destination address to the remote device in a signal that is non-addressed broadcast door operator (and, indirectly, door) status information by relying upon the receipt of the message by the remote within the specific time limit of the reception window of the remote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Wilder, Mark Kenneth Siegesmund, Leroy G. Krupke
  • Patent number: 9496751
    Abstract: A vehicle may include an electric machine, a traction battery, and a solar panel array. The vehicle may further include circuitry electrically connected with the battery and array. The circuitry may include at least one switch configured to close when activated by a calibrated maximum holding power to permit energy to flow from the array to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fazal Urrahman Syed, Venkatapathi Raju Nallapa, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar, Michael Edward Loftus, Shane Schulze, Robert K. Taenaka, Donald Charles Franks, Ming Lang Kuang, Venkateswa Anand Sankaran
  • Patent number: 9461762
    Abstract: A method and system for compensating for a time discrepancy. A first and a second vehicle-to-X communication system resort to an external time base. The first vehicle-to-X communication system determines a first internal time base from the external time base and the second vehicle-to-X communication system determines a second internal time base from the external time base. The first vehicle-to-X communication system sends vehicle-to-X data and the second vehicle-to-X communication system receives vehicle-to-X data. The vehicle-to-X data to be sent include a time stamp generated from the first internal time base and captured ambient sensor data include a first time stamp generated from the second internal time base. Alignment of the captured ambient sensor data with the received vehicle-to-X data is used to determine the time discrepancy between the first internal time base and the second internal time base and to compensate for it using a correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventor: Ulrich Stählin
  • Patent number: 9437249
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an optical disc drive and a feeding base. The feeding base is coupled to a spindle motor base and a stepping motor base. Main and sub-shafts for guiding inner and outer circumferential movements of an optical pickup unit are mounted on the feed base. The feeding base is made of a steel plate of a rectangular rim shape having an empty center corresponding to a space in which the optical pickup unit moves, the feeding base includes two guides for guiding the coupling location of the spindle motor base, and at least one guide of the two guides is formed by protruding the steel plate to form a funnel shape such that the side cross section of the at least one guide may have a slope section corresponding to a cone and a straight-line section corresponding to a cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI-LG DATA STORAGE KOREA, INC.
    Inventor: Taehyung Kim
  • Patent number: 9378603
    Abstract: A keyless entry system includes an on-vehicle unit which is mounted in a vehicle, and a mobile device which is able to perform radio communication with the on-vehicle unit. The keyless entry system controls on-vehicle equipment mounted in the vehicle through radio communication between the on-vehicle unit and the mobile device. The on-vehicle unit has a plurality of LF transmission antennas (transmission antennas) for radio-transmitting a signal to the mobile device, and at least one of the plurality of LF transmission antennas is arranged in the vehicle interior of a door of the vehicle and is attached such that radiating magnetic flux passes through the window of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Seino
  • Patent number: 9359790
    Abstract: An electronic key, e.g., a wireless key for a vehicle, is disclosed. The key has a housing with a housing wall having a semi-transparent display section. An information symbol for representing information to be displayed to a user is further provided. The display section has a housing wall section with reduced wall thickness, wherein a light-impermeable layer, in which recesses representing the information symbol are produced, is applied to an inner side of the housing. The combination of a housing wall section of reduced thickness and the light-impermeable layer on the inner side of the housing as an information symbol provided in the display section creates an information symbol that may be very sharp and bright when backlit and, due to the semitransparent formation of the display section, is not visible when not backlit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Stetter, Rolf Friedrich
  • Patent number: 9352723
    Abstract: A theft prevention device includes an FI-ECU that controls starting of an engine, a BCM that performs first code authentication between the BCM and the FI-ECU, a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage supplied from a power supply to the FI-ECU or the BCM, and a control unit that performs second code authentication with the BCM and controls a device VSA that is different from the FI-ECU. The BCM performs authentication with the control unit only when the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit indicates a predetermined value or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naoto Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9151089
    Abstract: In a vehicle door assembly, controllers processes signals from an extension force sensor and a retraction force sensor to control a door handle. As a motor retracts the handle, a swing arm in the vehicle door presses against the retraction force sensor causing the handle controller to stop the motor. Pushing on the retracted handle presses the swing arm against the retraction force sensor a second time causing the controllers to operate the motor and extend the handle. As the handle extends, the swing arm presses against the extension force sensor and the handle controller stops the motor as the handle is fully extended. Subsequently, a hand pulling on the door handle presses the swing arm against the extension force sensor a second time causing the controllers to unlatch a latch holding the vehicle door shut, and thereby allow the vehicle door to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Joris Aerts, Adam S. Kilgore, Brenda Cucci, Ian Craven
  • Patent number: 9142069
    Abstract: The disclosure describes various systems and methods for access control. One such method includes providing an access control module that is capable of operating at least a first frequency and a second frequency. The method further includes interacting with a first credential utilizing the first frequency and granting access via an access point based at least in part on the interaction with the first credential, and interacting with a second credential utilizing the second frequency and granting access via the access point based at least in part on the interaction with the second credential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: XCEEDID CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael T. Conlin, Jean-Hugues Wendling
  • Patent number: 9047494
    Abstract: Operation of a device may be enabled or disabled by an instruction that may be given in a variety of ways. For example, a device (e.g., a car) may be equipped with a mechanism that disables (“kills”) and/or enables (“unkills”) some or all of the functionality of the car upon receipt of an appropriate instruction. The instruction could be given remotely. For example, the instruction could be given remotely from a wireless telephone by sending appropriate messages through a network. An instruction to re-enable operation of the device could also be given remotely. The honoring of kill and/or unkill instructions could be predicated on some type of authentication, such as the identity of the device from which the instruction is issued, a password, a biometric identification, the location from which the instruction is issued, or some other factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association
    Inventor: Arthur Quentin Smith
  • Patent number: 9035757
    Abstract: A communication system has a first communication device, and a second communication device that conducts wireless communication the first communication device. The first communication device has a first transmitter that transmits a signal to the second communication device while modulating the signal, and a first transmission controller that controls the first transmitter. The second communication device has a first receiver that receives the signal from the first communication device and demodulates the received signal. The first transmission controller performs control so as to change a modulation method in midstream when a predetermined first signal is modulated and transmitted. The first receiver changes a demodulation method according to the change of the modulation method of the first signal in midstream when the first signal is received and demodulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Nishidai, Kazunobu Kamisawa, Yosuke Tomita
  • Patent number: 9035761
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a car using a car key, a selected function is received from a function menu displayed on an operation interface of a display device of the car key. System data about the car is acquired from a management unit of the car, and devices of the car are controlled using the management unit, according to the selected function. The system data about the car or status of the devices of the car is displayed on the operation interface of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Chih Yu
  • Patent number: 9000892
    Abstract: A method of detecting an RFID tag includes transmitting a bait RFID read signal at a bait power level and a simulated response signal at a simulated-response power level. A selected reader frequency is monitored for a selected detection time. A skimmer is determined to be present if a skimmer RFID read signal is detected during that time. If a skimmer is not determined to be present, multiple read signals are transmitted sequentially, each signal at a respective read power level. At least one of the read power levels is lower than the bait power level, at least one of the read power levels is lower than the simulated-response power level, and at least two of the read power levels are different from each other. A selected response frequency for a tag is monitored for a response from an RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark P. Hinman, James Alan Katerberg
  • Patent number: 9002540
    Abstract: A method for operating an authorization device for keyless entry and starting of a vehicle with a portable ID transmitter that has a motion sensor. A wireless communication link for interchanging data messages can be set up between the authorization device and the ID transmitter. Keyless entry to the vehicle is permissible only when an instant of last movement of the ID transmitter, as captured by the motion sensor, is within a stipulated interval of time. The authorization device permits keyless starting of the vehicle only when keyless entry to the vehicle has previously been permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Ingo Ledendecker
  • Publication number: 20150091713
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for vehicle theft detection are described herein. In an embodiment, a driver of the vehicle is identified with an onboard system. The onboard system then determines whether the driver is an authorized operator of the vehicle, where the determination based on sensor data collected from a sensor installed in the vehicle. When the driver is not an authorized operator of the vehicle, a security recovery process is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Tobias Kohlenberg, Dave Paul Singh, Dominic Fulginiti, Mahendra Tadi Tadikonda
  • 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: 8972079
    Abstract: When vehicle position information at a time of parking start is available, a remote starter transmits the vehicle position information at the time of parking start to an information processor. When the vehicle position information at the time of parking start is unavailable, the remote starter transmits the vehicle position information obtained just before the vehicle position information becomes unavailable, as the vehicle position information at the time of parking start to the information processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Mitsuru Ohta, Junko Haruna
  • Patent number: 8957762
    Abstract: An intermediary between a remote control device and a remotely controllable device implements identification and/or authentication. The intermediary is, e.g., a node or set of nodes within a head end of a cable network service provider. A remote control device at a customer premise sends a command intended to control a remotely controllably device which is also located at the same customer premise. The customer premise includes a network interface, e.g., a cable modem, which has associated identification information. The command and the associated network interface identification information are communicated to the intermediary, e.g., via a cable modem. The intermediary accesses a subscriber record corresponding to the location based on the network interface identification information. The intermediary identifies the device to be controlled, e.g., a particular set top box and/or authenticates the remote control device. A command is sent via the network to the device to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Scott Ramsdell
  • Patent number: 8930045
    Abstract: A passive entry passive start (PEPS) vehicle security system configured to thwart a relay attack on the system. The system includes one or more ultra wideband transceivers (UWBX) installed on a vehicle and configured to transmit a request pulse at a request time. A mobile UWBX, possibly installed in a nomadic device such as a smart phone, is configured to transmit a reply pulse in response to the request pulse. A controller is configured to determine a distance between each UWBX and the mobile UWBX based on a time interval between the request time and a time that corresponds to when the reply pulse is received by the each UWBX. The controller may also be configured to unlock doors of the vehicle only if the distance is less than an unlock threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Oman, Kevin J. Hawes
  • 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: 8907762
    Abstract: An electronic key system that performs ID verification communication to verify an ID of an electronic key. The ID verification communication is started by transmission of a wireless signal from a vehicle and performed between the vehicle and the electronic key. The electronic key system determines the location of the electronic key in accordance with the received signal strength of a radio wave used for the ID verification communication. A signal strength measurement circuit measures a first signal strength, which is the received signal strength when a signal from the electronic key is received, and a second signal strength, which is the received signal strength of the radio wave during a vacant time when the electronic key is performing the ID verification communication. A control unit controls operation of the electronic key in accordance with a measurement result of the first and second signal strengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masayuki Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8884740
    Abstract: A method for activating a function of a vehicle, which is associated with a key which wirelessly interchanges data with the vehicle, is carried out with the aid of a telecommunications device which is different from the key. However, the telecommunications device attempts to communicate with the key in order to make the method safe. During communication with the key, an item of information is obtained and is compared with an item of comparative information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Heiko Kuebler, Eckart Donner
  • Patent number: 8874324
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular unit (10) comprising a sensor device (11) for actuating a movable part (1, 33), in particular a flap (1) of a motor vehicle. Said unit comprises a support element (12), on which the sensor device (11) comprising at least one sensor (21, 22, 23) is situated, in order to detect (3) an object (4) in a detection region (5, 6, 40) that borders the motor vehicle (2), the detection operation (3) initiating the actuation of the movable part (1, 33). According to the invention, the modular unit (10) is designed as an individual module (10) that is easily fitted in such a way that said unit (10) can be fixed to the motor vehicle (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Eggers, Wolfgang Buss, Norbert Heller
  • Patent number: 8847731
    Abstract: A system for communicating with a vehicle includes a control module equipped with a remote keyless entry (RKE) receiver and configured to control vehicle functions in response to a RKE signal. The system includes a fob equipped with a RKE transmitter and a short range transceiver, such as BLUETOOTH™, IEEE 802.11, or near field communication (NFC). The fob transmits a RKE signal in response to receiving a message from a consumer device, such as a cellular phone, smart phone, tablet computer, or personal computer equipped with a short range transceiver, enabling the user to control the vehicle from the consumer device. The system may be configured to transmit vehicle status information to the consumer device. The control module may include a third short range transceiver that communicates with the consumer device when the distance is between the vehicle and the consumer device is less than the distance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Craig A. Tieman
  • Patent number: 8836477
    Abstract: A portable communication machine includes RF data generating means, RF wireless transmitting means for transmitting transmission data as an RF signal, RF wireless receiving means for receiving an RF signal transmitted from a vehicle-mounted machine, RF data analyzing means for analyzing received data, key operating means for instructing to control a vehicle by a user, storing means for storing control data of a vehicle-mounted information apparatus, attachable/detachable external apparatus communicating means, and controlling means for controlling the RF data generating means, the RF data analyzing means, the key operating means and the external apparatus communicating means, and is used along with an external apparatus and the vehicle-mounted information apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Masanobu Hiramine
  • Patent number: 8823469
    Abstract: A SAW filter includes at least four electrically interconnected DMS tracks. First and second tracks of the at least four DMS tracks are connected in parallel in opposite directions to form a first filter element. The first and second tracks have two resonant frequencies that are offset from one another from track to track within the first filter element such that they define a common passband by virtue of a lower-frequency resonance of the first track being in phase at the same frequency as a higher-frequency resonance of the second track. Third and fourth tracks of the at least four DMS tracks can be connected in a similar fashion to form a second filter element. The passbands of the first and second filter elements are offset from one another and each comprise one of two channels of a two-channel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Epcos AG
    Inventor: Thomas Telgmann
  • 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: 8797144
    Abstract: An RFID reader system has an RFID tag and an RFID reader. The tag authorizes the RFID reader by receiving a plurality of successively-transmitted initial RFID read signals and determining respective initial-read signal power levels of the received initial RFID read signals. Using the determined initial-read signal power levels, a controller automatically selects an authorization sequence. A plurality of successively-transmitted authorization RFID signals are received sequentially, and respective authorization-signal power levels of the received authorization RFID read signals are determined. The determined authorization-signal power levels are automatically compared to the authorization sequence using the controller, so that the RFID reader is authorized if the determined authorization-signal power levels correspond to the authorization sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark P. Hinman, James Alan Katerberg
  • Patent number: 8773240
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting an identification object in an area (ZO) around an antenna device. The invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps in which: a calibration signal (S_CAL) is emitted in the direction of the antenna device in order to determine a control power (PR); a functional signal (S_FONC) corresponding to the control power (PR) is emitted in the direction of the antenna device, such that the antenna device emits a predetermined magnetic field; the magnetic field (Br) received by the identification object, corresponding to the emitted magnetic field, is measured and compared with a nominal magnetic field (B0); and, depending on the result of said comparison, it is determined if the identification object is located inside the area (ZO) around the antenna device. The invention is suitable for motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Eric Leconte, Stéphane Violleau
  • Patent number: 8773248
    Abstract: A vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle has a search signal transmission unit that transmits a search signal for searching a position of a portable device, which remotely operates the control device, a determination unit that determines a bright and dark state of outside of the vehicle, and a storage unit that stores a determination result of the determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Ebizawa, Hideyuki Ohara
  • Patent number: RE45166
    Abstract: Vehicle information (e.g., status information, calibratable parameters, or diagnostic data) is transmitted from a base station mounted in a vehicle to a portable RKE fob via a radio-frequency signal within a specified average field strength limit. A multi-byte vehicle message is formed and then coded into a multi-bit coded message. The multi-bit coded message is framed into a plurality of packets. The radio-frequency signal is wirelessly transmitted from the base station with a plurality of spaced packet windows having a predetermined duty cycle, each packet window including a respective one of the plurality of packets. The radio-frequency signal within each of the packet windows has a predetermined field strength greater than the average field strength limit and a substantially zero field strength between the packet windows. The predetermined duty cycle results in an actual average field strength for transmitting all of the packets not exceeding the average field strength limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Yi Luo, Riad Ghabra, Qingfeng (Tom) Tang