Abstract: An identification plate having a chip module that includes a chip, a coupling element connected to the chip, and an antenna module comprising an antenna lead. The coupling element is coupled to the antenna lead by a coupling field that creates a contactless coupling. An adjustable damping element is arranged in the proximity of the coupling element. The damping element projects into the coupling field and dampens the coupling field. In this manner, a maximum value of a transmitting and receiving range of the identification plate can be reduced.

Abstract: An information processing method includes the steps of: detecting a magnetic field variation that occurs in the vicinity of a receiving section that receives a magnetic field signal; determining whether or not a detection result satisfies a predetermined condition that is set in advance; connecting a storage section, which stores information included in the magnetic field signal received by the receiving section, to the receiving section if it is determined that the detection result does not satisfy the condition; and connecting the storage section to a reading section that reads information stored on the storage section, if it is determined that the detection result satisfies the condition.

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: Systems and methods for providing personalized information are provided. Based on an identification of a customer through the use of a card, personalized information is selectively produced and wirelessly provided to a display such as a wireless display. The identification of the customer, as well as additional information, can be provided through the use of the card, wherein functions of the card can be enabled or disabled by the customer through the use of on-card switches, buttons, slides and/or bistable domes.

Abstract: A universal system and method for controlling existing garage doors via existing garage door openers. The system includes a module operable both manually and automatically to control the existing garage door, Wifi communication circuitry to receive instructions wirelessly from a remote, circuitry for automatic and remote control of the garage door and circuitry for pushing garage door status information.

Abstract: A closing system for doors having a container provided in a handle. The container has a touch surface that is placed in a window-type recess of the handle, and a switching element that is arranged in the container can be actuated by the touch surface. The switching element is used to switch the control electronics of the closing system between two states, namely a state that prevents opening of the door and a state that allows the door to be opened.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first information processing device, a plurality of processing portions, a storage portion, and a second information processing device. The first information processing device includes a processing command transmission portion that transmits to the second information processing device, by non-contact communication, a processing command that includes one of a plurality of identification information items. Each of the processing portions is uniquely associated with one of the identification information items. The storage portion stores a correspondence information item that indicates a correspondence between one of the identification information items and one of the processing portions.

Abstract: A portable device has an opening formed in one case of a dual structure, a partitioning member for partitioning the opening, a projection formed on the partitioning member so as to project to a front surface side of the case, and at least two push buttons attached from a back surface side of the case to partitions partitioned by the partitioning member. The push button has a substantially flat plate-shaped push button portion, and a locking portion formed at an outer edge of the push button portion. The locking portion contacts an outer edge of the opening to prevent slip-out of the push button when the push button is attached to the partition from the back surface side of the case.

Abstract: A debounce strategy is disclosed for use with a switch detection circuit to validate whether the switch is properly actuated or whether interferences, switch bounce, or other interruptions are presenting indications of switch activation. The debounce strategy may be implemented in a multi-stage process so that systems relying on debounce validation can begin processing, or other so that other time depending operations begin processing, prior to completing debounce validation.

Abstract: An in-vehicle wireless system, capable of operating at least in a copy mode and a transmission mode, comprises: at least one receiving unit receiving a wireless signal transmitted from a remote control transmitter and demodulates a control code signal; and at least one transmitting unit transmitting wireless signals at a plurality of carrier frequencies; and a control unit controlling so as to obtain a control code from the control code signal and store it in the copy mode, and so as to perform transmitting the modulated wireless signals at all carrier frequencies unique to a plurality of the garage door opening-closing mechanisms or the like. The receiving unit may include a detection circuit connected to a reception antenna directly.

Abstract: A lock system that unlocks a lock with an unlock signal, prevents malfunction of locking or unlocking, and reduces power consumption of a receiving unit side that receives the unlock signal. The lock system avoids radio wave interference of the unlock signal and prevents malfunction of locking or unlocking by providing irregularity in a transmission timing of the unlock signal to a device that unlocks a lock with the unlock signal. In regard to a reception of the unlock signal, the lock system sets a receiving window by setting a reception-ON time and a reception-OFF time, and by stopping an operation of the receiving unit except during the reception-ON time, reduction of power consumption can be achieved.

Abstract: A system and method of passive approach detection is provided. The method comprises: transmitting a plurality of data signals corresponding to multiple power levels respectively from a fob device based on motion detected in the fob device; each of the plurality of data signals includes initial bytes encoded with a power level and transmitter identification (ID); receiving one or more of the plurality of data signals at a receiver based on the distance between the fob device and the receiver; filtering out signals at a secondary processor by comparing one or more of the plurality of data signals received to a predetermined list of signals valid for reception; and transmitting a wake-up signal to a primary processor based on the comparison, the wake-up signal enabling the primary processor to transition from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed, including establishing of data connections between electronic devices. One embodiment provides a method for establishing a data connection between a first and a second electronic device, wherein establishing the data connection is authorized by executing at least one action with at least one physical tool.

Abstract: A vehicle ignition system includes a fob for transmitting an identification code. The fob includes a low frequency transceiver circuit and low frequency antenna. An ignition module is provided including, a housing, switch contacts and a push button slidably mounted in the housing and arranged so that pushing of said button closes said switch contacts. A LF coil is provided and is axially stationary within the housing and is located inside of the push button. An ignition module circuit provides power to the fob and establishes low frequency communications with the fob via the LF coil. An immobilizer circuit is operatively coupled to the ignition module for permitting or preventing actuation of the ignition system in response to the low frequency communications with the fob and the ignition module.

Abstract: A vehicle authentication control device has a first, second, and third determination units, and a registration unit. When identification information unique to a vehicle is registered in both a portable device and an authentication device on the vehicle, the first determination unit matches first identification information returned from the portable device in response to a request from the authentication device and second identification information registered in the authentication device to determine whether a combination of the portable device and the authentication device is legitimate.

Abstract: A smart communication system and method for a vehicle includes a master switch for toggling smart functionality on and off. An actuation signal is received by a control unit corresponding to a particular vehicle function. The actuation signal indicates that a corresponding actuating operation is occurring. The control unit determines whether the master switch is in an ON position. A key fob of the vehicle is confirmed to be within a search field of the vehicle when the master switch is determined to be in the ON position. The particular vehicle function is actuated when the key fob is confirmed to be within the search field; otherwise, manual actuation of the particular vehicle function is required.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling power windows of a vehicle includes a receiver mounted on the vehicle for receiving an open window request signal wirelessly from a portable device, at least one exterior condition sensor mounted on the vehicle for detecting an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle, and a controller mounted on the vehicle for communicating with the receiver and the at least one exterior condition sensor. The controller commands opening of the one or more power windows when the receiver receives the open window request signal provided the at least one exterior condition sensor does not detect an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A multifunction unit for control of multimedia equipment; the unit might act as a stand-alone device or being integrated into the multimedia equipment. Different individual combinations of individual objects enable for different functional capabilities. The multifunction unit for control of multimedia equipment has access to external sources via standard network interfaces and protocols.

Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.

Abstract: A control device has a first sensor set with a first detection region, a second sensor set with a second detection region, and a control unit for controlling a predetermined operation based on a detection result by the first sensor and a detection result by the second sensor.

Abstract: A communication device is disclosed. The communication device has a first assembly including a controller, a first communication element, and a speed pay communication element. The controller is configured to use the first communication element to control an operation of a user-operated assembly. The communication device also has a second assembly including an electronics element configured to operate with a speed pay system. The second assembly is removably attachable to the first assembly. The controller, the speed pay communication element, and the electronics element are configured to operate with the speed pay system when the first assembly and the second assembly are attached to each other. The operation of the communication device with the speed pay system is disabled when the first assembly and the second assembly are detached from each other.

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: A technique for saving power in a tag that is operationally connected to an asset involves using telemetry data to enter an appropriate power state. An asset tracking system according to the technique can make use of context to better track assets to which power-saving tags are operationally connected. Secure tag configuration techniques and asset-agnostic tags are described. Location-agnostic tags are also described.

Abstract: A body-mounted electronic audio device playing prerecorded audio statements automatically issued as directed by wirelessly connected stationary computer decision-making using input from wearers and devices within the workplace environment to support to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness especially those in fast food stores.

Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.

Abstract: A transmitting antenna to transmit a request signal in a vehicle compartment is disposed off the center line of the vehicle compartment in a vehicle width direction. The output strength of the request signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna is switched in such a manner that a receivable output range of the request signal by a portable device reaches one of both doors which is equipped with one of access switches which has been operated. Accordingly, it can be properly recognized whether the portable device is located inside the vehicle compartment or outside the vehicle compartment even if the transmitter to transmit the request signal in the vehicle compartment is disposed off the center line of the vehicle compartment in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A device may receive a signal that includes information about a touch pattern on a surface of the tag, identify the touch pattern based on the received signal, validate tag-specific information in the received signal by comparing the identified touch pattern and information that is stored prior to receiving the signal, and perform an action that is specified by the tag-specific information if the tag-specific information is validated.

Abstract: A switch device has a slider that advances and retreats in a front-back direction, a push button that is integrally provided at a front end of the slider, a switch contact whose on and off states are switched according to an operation for pushing down the push button to cause the slider to retreat, a biasing member that biases the slider in an advancing direction in order to return the push button and the slider to a non-manipulated position, a case in which the switch contact, the biasing member, and the slider are assembled, the push button being disposed in an opening at a front end of the case, a front-portion constituent member that is attached to the case while disposed around the push button in the opening, and a coil that is wound around a bobbin formed in an outer circumference of the front-portion constituent member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external door handle consisting of a support (10), which is fixed to a door (11) and on which a handle (20) is mounted. In an unlocked position the handle acts on a lock and is inactive in the locked position of said lock. A capacitive sensor is provided to trigger the control of the lock, said sensor comprising an external electrode that is equipped with a sensor surface (37) and is located in the outer region of the door handle. To provide a wide range of configuration options for the location of the sensor surfaces, at least two additional internal electrodes are provided in the inner region of the external door handle, in addition to the sensor surface (37), said electrodes having active surfaces in the form of a transmission surface (36) and an excitation surface (35). An electric switching matrix (50.

Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.

Abstract: A programmable graphical display switch is described herein that provides users with a way of controlling other devices and for customizing how that control is initiated and communicated to a user.

Abstract: A sliding key fob includes a housing formed of a first housing member and a second housing member. A transmitter is disposed within the housing. A transmitter sends a first actuating signal when the first housing member is slidably moved in a first direction relative to the second housing member. The transmitter sends a second actuating signal when the first housing member is slidably moved in a second direction relative to the second housing member.

Abstract: Method for administering devices, including creating a user metric vector including a plurality of disparate user metrics, creating a plurality of user metric spaces, each user metric space including a plurality of metric ranges, and selecting, from the plurality of user metric spaces, a user metric space. Methods also include determining whether the user metric vector is outside the selected user metric space, identifying an action in dependence upon the user metric vector, if the user metric vector is outside the selected user metric space, and executing the action.

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

Abstract: A wireless communication system for a vehicle has a portable device that transmits a wireless signal and a vehicle-mounted device that receives the wireless signal from the portable device. Each time a switch in the portable device is turned on, the portable device updates a portable device rolling code and transmits a wireless signal including the portable device rolling code. The vehicle-mounted device receives the wireless signal through a receiver and authenticates the portable device through comparison between the portable device rolling code included in the wireless signal and the vehicle rolling code. The vehicle-mounted device locks or unlocks the vehicle door if the portable device is authenticated.

Abstract: A mobile communication device is equipped with hardware and/or software components to enable the device to output a data in a form of a radio frequency signal, emulating outputting of the data by either an active or a passive RFID transponder. The data may be a security key or an identifier. Emulation of an active RFID transponder includes facilitating selection of the data and instruction to output by a user. Emulation of a passive RFID transponder includes detecting for proximal presence of a RFID reader. Either case, provision of the data to the mobile communication device may include provision of associated signal attribute(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for identifying a plurality of moving tags by using a plurality of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers. The technology of the present invention efficiently identifies multiple moving tags to thereby improve the identification rate and reading speed of an RFID system and increase the throughput of the RFID system. The method for identifying a plurality of moving tags by using a plurality of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers includes the steps of: a) grouping the multiple tags into a predetermined number of tag groups; b) allocating the tag groups to the RFID readers respectively; and c) identifying tags of each allocated tag group in each RFID reader.

Abstract: A portable device includes an operating part, a circuit board, and a case body for housing the operating part and the circuit board. The circuit board has a circuit section configured to transmit a signal to an external device. A terminal electrode and a pair of switch electrodes are disposed on the circuit board. The terminal electrode supplies electricity from a power source to the circuit section. A switch element is configured to electrically couple the pair of switch electrodes in accordance with an operation of the operating part. A resin member is disposed on the circuit board in such a manner that the circuit section is covered with the resin member and the terminal electrode and the pair of switch electrodes are exposed to an outside of the resin member.

Abstract: Supervised and unsupervised seat folding of the type wherein supervised or unsupervised seating folding is permitted as function of whether a user is within a particular proximity to a seat being folded. The proximity being determined according to any number of parameters, such as but not limited whether the user is able to view the folding seat.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for remote control of a vehicle device and vehicle lockout notification are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a method of creating a secure bidirectional communication link between a remote access device and a central locking unit (CLU) of a vehicle, enabling the central locking unit to authenticate a user of the remote access device to manipulate a device of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the CLU may wait for an access attempt from a mobile device. In other embodiments, the CLU monitor vehicle conditions, detect a lockout condition, and alert the user before authenticating and granting vehicle access. Embodiments utilize private and shared key encryption methods to facilitate securely passing an access code between the CLU and the remote access device. Some embodiments authenticate the user by voice verification, while other embodiments may use personal identification numbers.

Abstract: The invention is a sliding door assembly operable move a vehicle door between an open and a closed position. The assembly includes a motor, reversibly operable to move the door towards one of the open and the closed position. A handle is mounted to the door and a handle sensor is provided, operable to detect the grasping of the handle. When the handle is grasped, a controller activates the motor to move the door when the handle sensor is triggered. Moving the door using the handle by at least a predetermined distance causes the controller to deactivate the motor, allowing manual movement of the door.

Abstract: Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. Some of these one or more switches are optionally wireless. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments, switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account.

Abstract: A remote monitoring and control system includes a monitoring and control device operated to control loads; and a load control device for controlling the loads based on the operation of the monitoring and control device. The monitoring and control device includes: a display unit for displaying an operation screen including operation keys for controlling corresponding loads; an input receiving unit for receiving an input through the displayed operation keys; a reading unit for reading out a user ID; a storage unit for storing load-identifying information identifying loads and control information having control contents of the loads; and a determining unit for searching the storage unit if a user ID is read out, and determining the load-identifying information and the control information which correspond to the user ID, and the load control device controls the loads identified based on the load-identifying information, depending on the control contents of the control information.

Abstract: An information processing method includes the steps of: detecting a magnetic field variation that occurs in the vicinity of a receiving section that receives a magnetic field signal; determining whether or not a detection result satisfies a predetermined condition that is set in advance; connecting a storage section, which stores information included in the magnetic field signal received by the receiving section, to the receiving section if it is determined that the detection result does not satisfy the condition; and connecting the storage section to a reading section that reads information stored on the storage section, if it is determined that the detection result satisfies the condition.

Abstract: There is described a remote controller for a vehicle. A storage module stores control data to be transmitted to an in-vehicle Transceiver. A transceiver switch has a transmit mode to transmit a data signal to the in-vehicle transceiver and a receive mode to listen for an acknowledgement signal from the in-vehicle transceiver. A user interface has at least one translucent key switch to contact the transceiver switch and thereby activate transmission of the data signal. A light source is provided beneath the translucent key switch to illuminate the translucent key switch when the acknowledgement signal has been received. Control circuitry is adapted to receive a command from the translucent key switch when it is depressed, retrieve the control data from the storage module, and provide the control data to the transceiver switch for transmission as the data signal, and to cause the light source to illuminate when the acknowledgement signal has been received.

Abstract: A keyless ignition module includes an actuator, antenna and control apparatus. The actuator has a front surface including a periphery extending therearound. The antenna is disposed rearward to at least some portion of the front surface and does not extend beyond the periphery of the front surface. The control apparatus includes a switch and is coupled to the antenna. The actuator being is slidably engagable with the switch such that movement of the actuator actuates the switch. The actuation of the switch causes the transmission of a control signal from the control apparatus to a vehicle controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric circuit arrangement for generating or receiving an output signal or switched condition definitive for the effective locking condition of a door system, especially a motor vehicle door system. The object of the invention is to provide a circuit arrangement with which an output signal definitive for the locking condition of a door system can be furnished, the generation of which signal takes the intentions of a user or the instantaneous situation into account in improved manner.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for tracking, counting and inventorying keys throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing through retailing to the end user. In addition, the present invention provides apparatus and methods for improving the accuracy of duplicating keys. The apparatus and methods generally rely on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, where information is stored to and collected from RFID tags that are located proximate to keys. The apparatus and methods provided for in this invention improve efficiency and accuracy in the key supply chain.

Abstract: A button assembly for exchanging data comprising a button housing assembly, a circuit board, a switch element, and an actuator member. The circuit board is arranged within the button housing assembly. The circuit board stores data. The switch element is mounted on the circuit board. The actuator member is supported on the button housing assembly. Application of a force to the actuator member causes the actuator member to engage the switch element and form an antenna circuit. The data on the circuit board can be downloaded when the antenna circuit is formed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards an aftermarket automobile accessory that interfaces with vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECU's) and local networks such as Controller Area Network busses (CAN-busses) in order that a user may add performance, convenience, and safety systems to the vehicle using factory controls and displays. Various embodiments of the invention allow wireless control of cabriolet tops, automatic control of cabriolet tops, and the control of further vehicle systems.