Abstract: A smart communication system and method are provided for illuminating an indicator on a portable device wherein at least one search signal is transmitted from at least one vehicle antenna in response to receipt of an actuation signal requesting a vehicle function be performed. A transmitted location information signal is received after the portable device receives the at least one search signal and transmits the location information signal. Whether the particular vehicle function is appropriate is determined based on the received location information signal. Both a command signal corresponding to the vehicle function and an indicator signal for illuminating the indicator on the portable device are sent when determined that the vehicle function is appropriate to perform based on the received location information signal.

Abstract: A vehicle control system that contains a control module configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device to upload and download user specific settings that may be stored on the mobile device. The mobile device may also be configured to enable the ignition system once the vehicle authenticates the mobile device and remote keyless entry system. The memory of the mobile device is read and write capable, allowing for data to be used by the control module in conjunction with several automobile systems, and allowing for data to be transferred from said systems to the portable memory device by the control module, thus facilitating vehicle operation.

Abstract: A computing device and an automobile controlling method stores identification information in an electronic tag of authorized communication devices and a memory of the computing device. The identification information of an electronic tag of a communication device is obtained and a door of an automobile is unlocked if the obtained identification information matches identification information stored in the memory.

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.

Abstract: A door lock control apparatus includes a lock switch on an exterior of a vehicle, a controller, and a check device. The controller performs a first key check in response to a lock command inputted through the lock switch. The first key check determines whether an electronic key specific to the vehicle is located outside around the vehicle based on a response from the key. The check device has previously performed a second key check, after the key has been put into a situation in which the key might have been moved from inside to outside the vehicle. The second key check determines whether the key is located inside the vehicle based on the response from the key. The check device stores a result of the second key check as a stored check record, which is then immediately available for checking when the controller responds to an inputted lock command.

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).

Abstract: A method for extending a reception range of a vehicle remote control system includes: receiving, at a repeater, a first radio frequency (RF) signal having inbound data packets indicating a vehicle function to be performed from a remote transmitter; generating, at the repeater, a second RF signal by placing outbound data packets indicating the vehicle function to be performed between the inbound data packets until reception of the first RF signal is complete; and transmitting, from the repeater, the second RF signal to a reception module of a vehicle remote control system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication system that comprises a vehicle electronic key, a vehicle telecommunication device and a portable telecommunication terminal, the electronic key including a first transmitter and the vehicle including a first receiver, the first transmitter and the first receiver being provided for carrying out the transmission of at least one information request from the electronic key to the vehicle, the vehicle telecommunication device including at least a second transmitter, the portable telecommunication terminal including at least a second receiver, the second transmitter and the second receiver being provided for carrying out the transmission of information from the vehicle to the portable telecommunication terminal, the portable telecommunication terminal being provided for displaying at least a portion of the information on a display member of the portable telecommunication terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to wireless vehicle-to-X communication by means of radio key (RKE) with a transceiver. The radio key transceiver is designed to send and receive not only data associated with the keyless driving authorization but also vehicle-to-X communication data. The radio key X communication can be used between two vehicles equipped with this radio key communication technique in order to communicate data such as positions, weather conditions or warnings quickly and reliably. This wireless communication technique using radio keys can also be used for coordinating emergency services when searching for an accident scene.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing relay attack on a passive entry system (PES) or other passive system (PS) included within a vehicle or other entity. The relay attack prevention may be based in part on an assessment of whether the fob is able to distinguish signal strength relative to messages communicated form different antennas within the vehicle and/or amongst different signal amplitude communicated from the same antenna.

Abstract: Universal garage door opener and appliance control system operable to facilitate garage door opener and appliance control with a fob or other wireless device operable to wirelessly communicate corresponding instructions to a vehicle other device for subsequent relay to the garage door opener or controlled appliance.

Abstract: An RFID tag interrogator is described. The interrogator comprises a time-out circuit and an actuatable RF signal generator for transmitting an electromagnetic signal. Upon first actuation, the RF signal generator transmits a first electromagnetic signal having a first limited total continuous transmit time that is no longer than a predetermined transmit-time. That transmission is followed by an interim period of a defined length where the time-out circuit renders the interrogator incapable of transmitting the electromagnetic signal. The interim period is followed by the RF signal generator transmitting a second electromagnetic signal having a second limited total continuous transmit time that is no longer than the predetermined transmit time. The time-out circuit prevents the first, second and subsequent transmissions of the electromagnetic signal that are each no longer than the predetermined transmit time after a prior electromagnetic signal has been transmitted until the interim period has expired.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a security system. The system may comprise at least a first handheld device, a second handheld device, a first secure entity, and a second secure entity. The first handheld device and the first secure entity are electronically pre-registered with each other, the first handheld device and the second secure entity are electronically pre-registered with each other, the second handheld device and the first secure entity are electronically pre-registered with each other, and the second handheld device and the second secure entity are electronically pre-registered with each other, with pre-registration of each respective handheld device and secure entity pair establishing a unique channel for the respective handheld device and secure entity pair.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for electronic communication between at least two communication devices. To allow reliable connection setup between the devices which are to be provided for communication at the same time as simple handling, a method according to the invention has the following steps: two communication devices intended for communication are associated with one another by means of a first coupling mechanism, and the communication between the mutually associated communication devices is performed by means of a second coupling mechanism, wherein the first coupling mechanism has a shorter range than the second coupling mechanism or is effected by means of physical contact between the communication devices.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a storage unit, a sound signal receiving unit, a remote signal generating unit, a processing unit, and a transmitting unit. The control table records RC devices, sound parameters, and control commands. Each RC device is associated with at least one sound parameter. Each sound parameter corresponds to one control command. The sound signal receiving unit receives sound signals. The processing unit determines a sound parameter according to the received sound signals, searches in the control table to determine the control command the sound parameter corresponding to according to a selected RC device, and controls the remote signal generating unit to generate a remote signal corresponding to the determined control command. The transmitting unit transmits the remote signal to the selected RC device.

Abstract: A cooking system is provided to improve the safety and the reliability of the cooking system, and the convenience of a user. The cooking system includes at least one RF tag, a cooking appliance with an RF reader detecting the RF tag approaching, and an RF tag recognition button in a manipulation unit of the cooking system. The cooking appliance initiates a predetermined mode when the RF tag is detected. The RF tag recognition button determines whether the RF reader initiates an RF tag reading operation to recognize the RF tag.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing relay attack on a passive entry system (PES) or other passive system (PS) included within a vehicle or other entity. The relay attack prevention may be based in part on an assessment of whether the fob is able to distinguish signal strength relative to messages communicated form different antennas within the vehicle and/or amongst different signal amplitude communicated from the same antenna.

Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for determining presence of a portable transmitter relative to a boundary. The presence may be determined according to whether the portable transmitter is interior or exterior to the boundary. The boundary may be defined as a wireless boundary that corresponds with an intersection or overlapping portion set by multiple antenna fields.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening indicator system comprises a base unit, a remote unit wirelessly communicating with the base unit, an on-board computer, and door opening sensors. The base unit is placed in a vehicle, is powered from a vehicle battery, and comprises a programmable CPU, a memory, a speaker, an input circuit, and an output circuit. The CPU communicates with the remote unit through the input circuit and with the computer through the output circuit. The remote unit, comprising a microphone and a recorder/player, preprograms the CPU with an individualized message. The door opening sensors are connected to the computer, and the preprogrammed individualized message is reproduced through the speaker upon opening the door.

Abstract: A keyless entry system for an automobile is described. The keyless entry system comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that has been programmed to selectively unlock an automobile when the RFID tag is within a predetermined distance and, optionally, to lock the automobile when the RFID is outside the predetermined distance. An interrogator housed on or within the automobile comprises an actuatable RF signal generator for transmitting an electromagnetic signal and a time-out circuit. Regardless whether the programmed RFID tag is detected, or not, the RF signal generator transmits a first electromagnetic signal having a first limited total continuous transmit time, followed by an interim period of a defined length where the time-out circuit renders the interrogator incapable of transmitting the electromagnetic signal, followed by the RF signal generator transmitting a second electromagnetic signal having a second limited total continuous transmit time.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether or not passive entry of a vehicle is permitted, includes allocating separate channels for each authorized key FOB for the vehicle. An indication of manual entry of the vehicle is detected. Upon such detection, a challenge from a transmitter of a passive entry system is output. The challenge is received by more than one key FOB in a vicinity of the vehicle, and outputting a respective remote keyless entry response at an assigned frequency channel for each respective key FOB. The remote keyless entry responses are received at a receiver of the passive entry system, at each respective channel allocated for the respective key FOBs. A determination is then made as to whether or not any of the respective key FOBs are assigned to authorized users of the vehicle, and if so, a vehicle door is set in an unlocked state to allow entry into the vehicle.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides a keyless entry system and associated method for fleet vehicle management. Secure keyless entry is provided to a user for a vehicle in the fleet vehicle management environment without the user having possession of a vehicle key or a vehicle key fob to gain entry to the vehicle. Additionally, in various embodiments, this technology provides a personalized, programmable access device carried by a user desiring access to a particular locked vehicle in a fleet vehicle management environment, an access control device configured to access electronically an on-board vehicle keyless entry system, and an access chip module electronically attached to the access control device and configured to activate the on-board vehicle keyless entry system and thereby unlock the particular locked vehicle. Furthermore, this technology provides a system with local management, reporting, audit trails, wireless connectivity to each access control device, and self-testing.

Abstract: A system and method for authorizing a remote device amongst multiple remote devices for passive functions, such as passive entry and passive start, includes a vehicle having a plurality of strategically located antennas, combinations of which transmit a query signal and receive query responses, a challenge antenna amongst the plurality of antennas for transmitting a challenge signal to at least one of the multiple remote devices in accordance with a challenge order, and a control unit having a controller in communication with the antennas for determining the challenge order based upon the query responses. Upon a failure, the system determines which of the remote devices to challenge next based upon the failure type and the number of retries remaining.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic portable key system including a master key and sub-key. A retainer is arranged in the vehicle to retain the sub-key. A control unit determines whether the master key or sub-key is located in a vehicle interior or exterior wireless communicatable area. When the key is located in one of the wireless communicatable areas, the control unit permits various operations of the vehicle in accordance with the communicable area in which the key is located. The control unit determines that the sub-key is in a lent state if the sub-key is removed from the retainer when the master key is located in the interior wireless communicatable area. In a state in which the sub-key is located in one of the wireless communicatable areas after removal from the retainer, the control unit limits the operations of the vehicle unless the sub-key is determined as being in the lent state.

Abstract: A system and method for authorizing a remote device amongst multiple remote devices for passive functions, such as passive entry and passive start, includes a vehicle having a plurality of strategically located antennas, combinations of which transmit a query signal and receive query responses, a challenge antenna amongst the plurality of antennas for transmitting a challenge signal to at least one of the multiple remote devices in accordance with a challenge order, and a control unit having a controller in communication with the antennas for determining the challenge order based upon the query responses. The controller can determine whether a remote device is located in an authorization zone, out of an authorization zone, or whether the remote device's location is indeterminate.

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

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

Abstract: A tire air pressure detection system and a remote key entry system have first and second receiver units, respectively. The first receiver unit has a change-over switch, which selectively outputs to a chassis ECU an output signal of either one of the first and second receiver units. Thus, the chassis ECU can receive any one of the output signals by only one interface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and methods for biometric security using hand geometry recognition biometrics in a transponder-reader system. The biometric security system also includes a hand geometry scan sensor that detects biometric samples and a device for verifying biometric samples. In one embodiment, the biometric security system includes a transponder configured with a hand geometry scan sensor. In another embodiment, the system includes a reader configured with a hand geometry scan sensor. In yet another embodiment, the present invention discloses methods for proffering and processing hand geometry scan samples to facilitate authorization of transactions.

Abstract: A keyless device of a vehicle changes a search area “A” of a vehicle exterior antenna to a search area “A2” that is smaller than a normal area “A1”, and sets an overlapped area of a search area “B” of a vehicle exterior antenna and a normal search area “B1” to correspond only to an interior of the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: In a vehicle door control system, a portable unit stores registration of an instruction of automatic door-opening to a vehicle unit, when predetermined registration processing is made on the portable unit. In response to a request signal from the vehicle unit, the portable unit transmits a response signal including an ID code and the instruction of the registered automatic door-opening operation. The vehicle unit unlocks a vehicle door without any manual door-unlocking operation by a user and automatically opens the vehicle door, when the response signal includes the instruction and the ID code matches a predetermined ID code.

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.

Abstract: An electronic key system includes a vehicle equipped with vehicle equipment, and a mobile phone having an electronic key function including ID information for the vehicle equipment. The vehicle equipment compares the ID information of the electronic key provided in the mobile phone with standard ID information of the vehicle equipment, makes the vehicle and/or the vehicle equipment perform a first operation when the ID information match and a second operation when the ID information cannot be detected. The vehicle equipment transmits history information along with the first and second operations to the mobile phone.

Abstract: A vehicle transceiver module is provided for use in a synchronous communication system including the vehicle transceiver module and one or more key fobs, each of the key fobs including a key fob transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The vehicle transceiver module includes transceiver circuitry, a controller, a storage device and power control circuitry. The transceiver circuitry receives the signal transmitted by the key fob transceiver and provides it to the controller. The controller is coupled to the transceiver for determining an offset value associated with one of the key fobs in response to an offset time duration between a reception time of the signal from the key fob and a first expected reception time of the signal from the key fob. The storage device is coupled to the controller for receiving the offset value associated with the key fob from the controller and stores the offset value along with information identifying the key fob.

Abstract: A vehicle unlocking sequence includes passively authenticating a vehicle user, granting the authenticated vehicle user access to the vehicle and setting the vehicle main switch into an on-state. A vehicle locking sequence includes passively authenticating the vehicle user, configuring the vehicle, upon a first action from the authenticated vehicle user, into a first locking mode whereby access to the vehicle is denied to a non authenticated user, or configuring the vehicle, upon a second action from the authenticated vehicle user, into a second locking mode whereby access to the vehicle is denied to a non authenticated user and the vehicle main switch is set into an off-state.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for checking the switching region of a touch-free switching system with at least one sensor and at least one signal emitter, wherein the signal emitter sends data to the sensor. An extremely flexible and practical switching region check is achieved in at least one embodiment by the fact that a change in at least one system parameter of the switching system derives at least one first piece of information on the position of the signal emitter. The method represents an inexpensive possibility for checking a switching region, which has options for the definition and allocation of the switch-on, switch-off, and hysteresis regions.

Abstract: An authentication system authenticates remotely generated optical control signals. A remote optical emitter transmits an optical control signal from a remote location. A remote authentication device collocated with the remote optical emitter receives an authentication challenge signal and transmits a compatible authentication response signal. A control optical signal processor positioned at a first location receives the optical control signal from the remote optical emitter and generates a control output signal in response to detection of a valid optical control signal. An authentication device is coupled by a real time data communications link with the optical signal processor and with the remote optical emitter.

Abstract: The portable electronic device (1) allows functions and/or data of a vehicle to be controlled and managed. In order to do this, the portable device comprises, in a casing having an upper part (10) fixed, for example, in a removable manner on a lower part (11), means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals for short range personalised communication with the vehicle. It further comprises a microprocessor unit for processing functions and/or data of the device and of the vehicle, at least one display screen (3) having a portion which is visible from outside the casing for displaying different menus or data of the device or of the vehicle, and manual control means (5, 6) for controlling the execution of functions of the microprocessor unit. A power source, such as a battery, is provided in the casing for supplying electric power to all the electronic components of the device.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a portable identification device including a portion for receiving an interrogation signal and a portion for transmitting an indication indicative signal responsive to the interrogation signal, multiple tire sensor devices each of which includes a portion for receiving an initiation signal and a portion for transmitting a condition indicative signal responsive to the initiation signal, multiple transmitting devices each of which emits the interrogation signal and the initiation signal for different conditions within a communication area, a receiving device for receiving the indication indicative signal and the condition indicative signal, and a central controller for unlocking a door lock device when the portable identification device is determined to be in an overlapped area based on a condition of the portable identification device, the overlapped area being defined between two adjacent communication areas and in which the door lock device is involved.

Abstract: An apparatus relates to an approach warning system for detecting when a person approaches an object which has a metal outer structure at least in regions.

Abstract: A system for activating electromechanical systems of a vehicle, including at least one first flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving wireless communications signals; at least one second flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving wireless communications signals from a transponder, at least one third flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for transmitting a signal when its capacitance is changed when an object is proximal to the at least one third flexible intelligent radio frequency module; at least one fourth flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving sounds external to the vehicle; and a vehicle bus in communication with the at least one first, second, third, and fourth flexible intelligent radio frequency modules.

Abstract: When a vehicle door locking operation is conducted, an in-vehicle device checks the vehicle compartment to determine whether a mobile unit exists in the vehicle compartment. When the in-vehicle device receives a response from the mobile unit indicating its presence in the compartment, the in-vehicle device receives a response from the mobile unit, prohibits the door from locking, and activates a buzzer. The mobile unit thus can be prevented from being locked in the vehicle compartment. When the mobile unit receives the search signal, it sounds its buzzer, thereby making it possible to further indicate its location within the compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote keyless FOB for manipulating functions on a vehicle comprising: a housing, where the housing includes a top side and a bottom side; a lock button, an illuminating indicator and a unlock button on the top side; a depression button on the bottom side; a back light under the indicator; and a power source within the housing. The depression button may include a plurality of LED lights. The remote keyless FOB also includes a timer that provides a means to set the illuminating indicator to a preset time period for illumination. In one exemplary embodiment, the indicator illuminates a back-lit inscription of the word “LOCKED” stamped into a plastic housing.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for determining presence of a portable transmitter relative to a boundary. The presence may be determined according to whether the portable transmitter is interior or exterior to the boundary. The boundary may be defined as a wireless boundary that corresponds with an intersection or overlapping portion set by multiple antenna fields.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a portable identification device including a portion for receiving an interrogation signal and a portion for transmitting an indication indicative signal responsive to the interrogation signal, multiple tire sensor devices each of which includes a portion for receiving an initiation signal and a portion for transmitting a condition indicative signal responsive to the initiation signal, multiple transmitting devices each of which emits the interrogation signal and the initiation signal for different conditions within a communication area, a receiving device for receiving the indication indicative signal and the condition indicative signal, and a central controller for unlocking a door lock device when the portable identification device is determined to be in an overlapped area based on a condition of the portable identification device, the overlapped area being defined between two adjacent communication areas and in which the door lock device is involved.