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

Abstract: A passive start and entry (PASE) system monitors a signal strength of a LF signal detected by a fob. The fob reports the signal strength back to an electronic control unit using an RF signal. The electronic control unit compares the signal strength to a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength is below the threshold, the electronic control unit determines that the fob may not be receiving the LF transmission due to interference and takes corrective action.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions within a tire (12) including a sensor assembly (14) including a pressure sensor (36), an accelerometer (34), a temperature sensor (32), and a transmitter (40) to transmit signals indicative of current tire conditions. A remote transmitter (22) for actuating a remote keyless entry system (19) emits a signal to actuate a function of the keyless entry system (19) such as unlocking doors (20) of the motor vehicle (10). A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed receiver (52) and a frequency shift keyed receiver (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system or the remote keyless entry system (19).

Abstract: A smart entry system for a vehicle includes a transmitter on a vehicle and a portable unit carried by a user. The transmitter transmits a request signal which defines a user detection area to detect whether the portable unit transmits a response signal to indicate the user. When the user enters the detection area while all the doors are locked, an unlock standby state is set. When the user touches a touch sensor of a driver-seat side door under the unlock standby state, only the driver-seat side door is first unlocked. The other doors are kept locked if the user opens the D-door by the time when T2 seconds elapse. On the other hand, all the doors are unlocked when T2 elapses while the driver-seat side door is not opened.

Abstract: A driver authorization system for a vehicle includes an on-board identification device for communicating with a mobile release device to verify usage authorization, an ignition lock, ignition key, and a control unit for activating ignition lock functions (such as starting and switching off the engine) when the ignition key is brought into a corresponding position in the ignition lock. The ignition lock functions can be activated by means of the control unit using a pushbutton (6), that can be mounted in, actuated while mounted, and removed from the ignition lock.

Abstract: A thermostatic control system having a configurable lock mechanism. The mechanism may be for preventing unauthorized or unintended operation of the thermostatic control system. The system may have a manual or an automatic lock out. If the manual or automatic lock out is not effected, the system may be configured to automatically effect a lock out after a certain period of time. To remove the lock out may require a coded entry. The lock out may be full or partial with respect to the functionality of the system. The lock out mechanism may be applicable to a wireless remote control of a thermostatic system; however, it may also be applicable, for instance, to a wall module thermostat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system (1100) to permit access and operation of a machine (100). The machine has a ignition switch arrangement (1152) actuable by at least user manipulation thereof and arranged to enable operation of the machine and at least one immobilizer arrangement (1150) connected with the ignition switch arrangement and configured to selectively inhibit or permit operation of the machine via the switch arrangement. The system comprises a proximity detection arrangement (1110, 1120) associable with the machine and adapted for detection and reading of at least one proximity identification device (1132) carried or worn by a user of the machine. A control arrangement (1122) is responsive to detection by the proximity detection arrangement of a valid device to thereby disarm the immobilizer arrangement. The proximity detection arrangement is at least operationally independent of the ignition switch arrangement and any key actuator (1400) thereof.

Abstract: A remote access control and communication gateway for a vehicle includes a vehicle function control mounted on the vehicle and having a receiver and/or transmitter for communicating with a transmitter and/or a receiver carried in a portable key fob. The transmitter generates a signal in response to a user initiated and/or a vehicle initiated and/or a passive distance threshold signal related to a particular vehicle function. A communication gateway is formed between the fob and a user consumer device to establish wireless local area network communication between the fob and the consumer device, such as cell phones, PDA's, personal computers, and home security systems, to enable the vehicle owner to access vehicle status information, command remote engine start or stop, and control vehicle access via the consumer device while maintaining the vehicle proprietary remote keyless entry access control system security.

Abstract: Medium-range and global network information and control for a vehicle is achieved with a portable wireless key fob, a user-provided nomadic device, and a vehicle-installed telematics unit including a medium-range RF transceiver and a wireless network transceiver. The fob includes a medium-range RF transceiver for bi-directional communication with the telematics unit, and a short-range wireless transceiver for bi-directional communication with the nomadic device. The fob communicates with the telematics unit in a conventional manner, and also relays information between the telematics unit and the nomadic device. If a communication initiated via the fob cannot be completed because the fob is out of range, the communication is sent to the nomadic device for network transmission to the telematics unit. If a communication initiated via the nomadic device cannot be completed due to inadequate signal reception, the communication is sent to the fob for RF transmission to the telematics unit.

Abstract: A vehicular remote locking and unlocking control apparatus includes a door locking instruction switch for outputting a door locking instruction signal, and a door unlocking instruction touch sensor for inputting a door unlocking instruction signal. The door locking instruction switch and the door unlocking instruction touch sensor are mounted on a door handle of the vehicle. After the door locking instruction signal has been output from the door locking instruction switch and until a response signal from a portable radio terminal matches an identification signal for the vehicle based on communication between the vehicle and the portable radio terminal, a monitoring unit monitors whether a door unlocking instruction signal has been input from the door unlocking instruction touch sensor. If the response signal matches the identification signal, and the door unlocking instruction signal has been input, then a door unlocking signal is output.

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 remote control transmitter configured to operate with a vehicle controller. The transmitter is operable in an active mode and a passive mode and/or in the alternative embodiment the transmitter is operable as a one-way or a two-way transmitter. The transmitter is configured to switch from one mode, such as the passive or two-way mode, to the other mode, such as active or one-way mode, in response to at least one of a user activated signal or a battery threshold signal.

Abstract: A menu is displayed on an input function installed display device such as a liquid crystal touch panel based on display information, which is generated from menu data obtained from a station, in other words from an operation target device. When a menu to be displayed is generated, such an idea is used that a displayed menu provides information most suitable for an owner by selecting and processing proper data matching personal information registered in advance in a remote controller out of the received menu data. Age, sex, settlement information or the like can be registered as personal information, some TV channels are restricted for an owner of minority, correct owner fees for transportation facilities, theaters and movie houses are displayed where age-dependent fees are adopted, and menus for restaurants are properly displayed where charges are different for different sexes. In addition, settlement can be made concurrently with ordering when settlement information such as in credit cards are stored.

Abstract: A reader/writer apparatus to communicate with an external radio communication apparatus in accordance with instructions from a controller apparatus is provided. The reader/writer apparatus includes a storage unit including one or more key storing segments to store access keys that enable communication with the radio communication apparatus; an access key searching unit configured to search for an access key stored in one of the key storing segments on the basis of key-associated information that is received from the controller apparatus and that can uniquely specify the access key; and a communication unit configured to receive instructions from the controller apparatus, generate a command corresponding to the instructions, and transmit the command to the radio communication apparatus by using the access key obtained by the access key searching unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radio frequency (RF) system and method for improving the detection efficiency of an identification system including a transponder and a reader. The system (1) comprises an interrogator reader device (3) having an interrogator coil antenna (4) and a transponder (2) having a transponder coil antenna (5) and a microchip (6) Advantageously, the interrogator reader device (3) comprises a detection portion (11) including a sensitive signal gain detector (SSGN) for detecting just the presence of the transponder coil antenna (5) in case of misplacement of the transponder or broken link between the transponder coil antenna (5) and the microchip (6). The invention allows remedying to those potentially dangerous situations that might lead to a misdetection of the transponder (2).

Abstract: An operating system for a motorized barrier includes an operator for controlling movement of the barrier between various positions. The operator may receive wireless signals from a wireless or wired wall station transmitter, a wireless keyless entry device and/or a portable remote transmitter device. The system also includes a device such as a light kit or switch that controls a load, wherein the device is capable of also receiving wireless signals to control the kit or the load. And the transmitters are capable of generating wireless signals receivable by the operator and the device for independent operation of each.

Abstract: A system for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes a locking mechanism and a door sensor. The locking mechanism sensor is disposed for sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and generating a signal indicative thereof. The door sensor disposed for sensing a condition of the door and generating a signal indicative thereof. The system further includes a processor for determining a state of the door, in response to the signals from the locking mechanism sensor and the door sensor. The state of the door is a secured state when the door sensor senses the condition of the door as closed and the locking mechanism sensor senses the condition of the locking mechanism as locked. A method for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and sensing a condition of the door.

Abstract: Passive entry sensor systems and associated sensors are disclosed. The system sensor is locatable in the handle of a door or like structure and can provide an electromagnetic radiation beam transmitted either along the length of the handle between opposite ends thereof or between the handle and the door such that the sensor can detect at least a partial interruption of the beam by a user actuating the handle. The system can include an independent optical locking switch for actuation by a user to lock the door which locking switch comprises a shutter for intercepting the beam so as to flag the sensor. The system can include a power-up switch for actuation by a user to power-up the system, back-up switches for detecting a pull on the handle, indicators for indicating system status to the user, and backlight and ground light lighting.

Abstract: Cars of a car rental system are made operable by having a renter present a digital key issued from the car rental system. The digital key specifies the starting date and time of a given rental transaction, and the identification of the car the key is for. The digital key is further signed by the car rental system for authenticity. A prospective renter makes online reservation over the Web and downloads into a portable storage device a digital key which can be used to operate the reserved car on the day the reservation is made for. On the pickup day, the renter goes to the car and inserts the portable storage device into a slot on the car. Upon successful verification of the digital key, the car is enabled and the renter can keep the car until he or she wants to return the car. The return process starts by having the renter obtain a invalidated digital key from the car. Once the rental car invalidates the digital key provided by the renter, the renter can no longer operate the rental car.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for securing a wireless fob in a vehicle. The fob has a control thereon for controlling a vehicle function. The system comprising a first vehicle region having an opening for receiving the fob. The opening is configured to render the control accessible from the exterior of the vehicle. A second vehicle region is capable of having first and second positions with respect to the first vehicle region. The opening receives the fob when the second vehicle region is in the first position. The second vehicle region prevents removal of the fob from the opening when the second vehicle region is in the second position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing communication between a key fob and a host device are provided. In one implementation, the system includes a key fob configured to operate in accordance with one of a plurality of modes, including an automatic mode and a manual mode. The system further includes a host device associated with the key fob, wherein responsive to the key fob operating in accordance with the automatic mode, the key fob is configured to page periodically, and the host device is configured to page-scan periodically to detect a page from the key fob. In one implementation, the key fob further includes a controller configured to dynamically adjust a signal strength of a communication signal between the key fob and the host device in accordance with a mode of operation selected (or desired) by the user.

Abstract: A vehicle control system has a detection section, a vehicle control unit, and a function section. The vehicle control unit has a memory section, a user condition determination section, a intention determination section, a function selection section, and a function control section. The user condition determination section determines movements and conditions of a user based on outputs of the detection section. The intention determination section determines intentions of the user based on results of the user condition determination performed by the user condition determination section and intention map data read from the memory section. The function selection section selects a function from a function section that includes multiple functions based on a result of the intention determination.

Abstract: A keyless entry device can accurately judge or determine whether a portable device exists inside or outside a vehicle. A vehicle-side controller includes a memory that stores an inside data group having a plurality of intensity information of a request signal transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas when the portable device is located along an inside of a vehicle. Also included is an outside data group having a plurality of intensity information of a request signal transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas when the portable device is located along an outside of the vehicle. The vehicle-side controller judges an area where the portable device exists from the intensity information of the request signal received from the portable device. The controller instantly judges the inside or the outside of the vehicle, when the portable device exists in an area apart from a boundary.

Abstract: An outside door handle includes a handle and a switching component which is coupled to the handle in such a manner that, when there is an opening force which acts in a correct manner on the handle in order to open it, the switching component automatically responds and generates a switching signal. Operating convenience may be achieved by a response threshold of the switching component selected to be at such a low level that the switching component responds even before the opening force overcomes a restoring force counteracting it and prestressing the handle into an unactuated starting position.

Abstract: An authorization device includes a transponder and antenna. Transmission prompts are received by the antenna and sent to the transponder. The transponder will then emit an identification signal utilized to verify and provide access to a locking device. The antenna is selectively connected to the transponder to control receipt of the transmission prompt. The example authorization device controls receipt of transmission prompts by a transponder to prevent unauthorized and undesired receipt and thereby transmission of identification and other signals.

Abstract: A device has (1) an electronic key that transmits a wireless coded signal and (2) at least one tool that can receive that signal. The coded signal is compared to a coded signal stored in said tool. If the coded signal matches the stored signal, a switch is closed for a predetermined amount of time. An on/off switch then enables the user of the tool to turn the tool on and off during the predetermined amount of time. After the predetermined amount of time, the switch is opened so that the tool can no longer be used. Opening the switch may be delayed if the tool is in use. The tool may also contain a unique identification code that can be read by various electronic means to identify the tool.

Abstract: A passive entry and/or passive go system and am associated operating method is provided. According to an embodiment of the invention, the following steps are performed in an electronic key of the passive entry and/or passive go system: generation of a reference input value, supplying the antenna circuit with the reference input value, measurement of the characteristic parameters, while the antenna circuit is supplied with the reference input value, storage of the characteristic parameters, measurement of a first output value of the antenna circuit, and determination of the field strength from the first output value and the characteristic parameters, whereby an effect of the characteristic parameters on the field strength is compensated. Use, for example, in motor vehicles.

Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers including a controller associated with at least one access barrier and a transceiver associated with the controller for transmitting and receiving operational signals. The system also includes at least one proximity device capable of communicating operational signals with the transceiver based upon a position of the proximity device with respect to the barrier, wherein the controller monitors the operational signals and controls the position of the access barrier based upon the operation signals. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. Ground loop detectors and a global positioning system may also be incorporated into the system. And the system may be used to control the directional flow of traffic on a one-way road.

Abstract: A gate control and communication system of the invention including a base unit located within a premises, a gate receiver unit positioned next to a remotely located gate, and a gate control unit located next to the gate. The base unit provides for voice communications with an individual at the gate and for issuing of commands to control the gate. The gate receiver unit includes a switching device which, in response to commands directs the opening and closing of the gate. The gate control unit includes a call button for initiating voice communication with the base unit and a keypad for entering an identification code or password. The information stored in an existing gate control unit may be cloned into an additional or replacement gate control unit by entering an appropriate identification code and command while positioning the units in range of each other.

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

Abstract: In a remote control apparatus, for achieving remote control of an on-vehicle equipment, in accordance with a request received from a terminal other than the on-vehicle equipment, wherein a request receiver portion 101 receives control content from a stationary-type terminal 301 or a portable-type terminal 302, thereby registering it into a control information DB 105, while corresponding it to ID information of a user thereof. Upon receipt of the ID information from the on-vehicle equipment 20, a control information transmitter portion 102 transmits the control information depending upon the control content, being registered in the control information DB 105 corresponding thereto, to the on-vehicle equipment 20. With this, the on-vehicle equipment 20 is controlled in accordance with the control content, which was received from the user in advance, remotely.

Abstract: The system has a uniform system architecture that is designed for an access authorization request both with and without the use of a transponder. Should a transponder be used, only a corresponding transponder must be fitted in the key that can interact with an immobilizer coil specially provided for this in a receiving unit of the motor vehicle. In this case, the corresponding system requirements have also already been taken into consideration in the system architecture. As a result, the different system requirements for access and right of use systems to a great extent provide flexibility.

Abstract: When a request to unlock a door of one side portion of a vehicle is input, an ID request signal is transmitted from a first transmitting antenna provided in the one side portion, and an alarm signal is transmitted from a second transmitting antenna provided in the other side portion of the vehicle. A portable unit sends back a portable-unit signal in dependence on the ID request signal and alarm signal. When the portable unit receives the first signal and does not receive the second signal, a door-unlocking control part unlocks the door of the one side portion in dependence on the portable-unit signal received by a receiving antenna.

Abstract: An ID code is wirelessly sent to a device, such as a keyless-entry system or a keyless-starter system mounted on an automobile, from a portable transmitter. Electronic components including an electronic circuit board, a transponder and a battery are all contained in a resin case. The resin case is composed of a front case and a rear case, both firmly connected to each other. The case cannot be opened to take away the transponder contained therein without breaking the case. If the case is forcibly opened, a trace showing such a fact is unavoidably left on the case. The battery contained in the case, however, can be replaced or unloaded without breaking the case through an opening formed exclusively for the battery.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system, includes in a passive relay enabling an electronic label (2) usually identified when proximate to a transponder (1) to be offset. The electronic label (2) is integrated in a reinforced casing. Communication between the label and the transponder (1) is set up via an antenna (4) proximate the transponder (1), an electric cable and a second antenna (5) proximate the label. The cable includes an electromechanical switch enabling a control switch (8) to interrupt or set up the radio link. The invention therefore provides a novel anti-theft system for which the installation is entirely reversible and having no damaging effect on the vehicle since it does not require disconnecting a vehicle cable and entails no splicing.

Abstract: A switch device is provided that ensures formation of a communicable area by a coil antenna. The switch device includes an ignition switch operated by an operator for driving an engine starter, a decorative cap arranged to surround the ignition switch and having an ornamental surface, and the coil antenna arranged adjacent to the decorative cap for transmitting a transponder-driving radio wave. The decorative cap includes a transmittable area that can transmit the transponder-driving radio wave therethrough. The transmittable area is formed in a part of the decorative cap excluding the ornamental surface.

Abstract: A latch communications method and system are disclosed herein, which generally includes a communications receiver and transmitter unit associated with a latch. Additionally, an interface component is provided for interfacing with the communications receiver and transmitter unit, wherein the interface component is co-located with the communications receiver and transmitter unit in association with the latch. Also, an interpreter is associated with the interface component and the communications and transmitter unit, wherein the interpreter processes information received from the communications receiver and transmitter unit in order to provide latch diagnostics and functionalities.

Abstract: A system and method according to the present invention allow two or more peer-to-peer wireless devices to automatically connect to each other with no knowledge or pre-configuration of client/server roles. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a wireless device performs inquiries at a random interval, and performs an inquiry scan and a page scan when not performing the inquiries. Upon receiving a first device address in response to one of the inquiries, the wireless device performs a first page using the device address to establish a connection. And upon receiving an inquiry during the inquiry scan, the wireless device responds with a second device address, and if a second page is received during the page scan, establishes a connection.

Abstract: The engine control apparatus includes: the stop switch body 6; the stop switch knob 3 that allows the engine to stop or to be in an idling state; the lock plate 5; the transponder 9 that can transmit a predetermined ID code; and the control section 11 that receives the ID code transmitted from the transponder 9 and that controls the engine operation based on the ID code; wherein the engine control apparatus is constituted such that, when the lock plate 5 is disengaged from the stop switch knob 3, the stop switch body 6 is activated to allow the engine to stop or to be in an idling state; and the attachment 10 incorporating the transponder 9 is provided separately from the lock plate 5 and is detachably attached to the lock plate 5.

Abstract: A door control system for vehicles has a transmitter and a receiver for detecting an electronic key in a first predetermined area around a vehicle. A control unit controls unlocking of a vehicle door by determining whether the detected electronic key is an authorized one. The door control system also has an object sensor for detecting an object entering into a second predetermined area covering and wider than the first predetermined area. The control unit activates the transmitter and the receiver only after the object sensor detects the object in the second predetermined area, thereby reducing power consumption.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motorcycle having an associated remote control, prevents accidental misplacement or accidental confinement of the remote control in a locked storage box on the motorcycle. The anti-theft device includes a main switch and a remote control holder integrated with a handlebar locking module. When an unlocking signal is transmitted from the remote control, the locking of a handlebar may be released by a handlebar locking actuator only when the remote control is inserted into the remote control holder, thereby actuating a main relay driving circuit so that power is supplied to electric equipment and the motorcycle's engine can be started.

Abstract: A switch device that occupies less space and that can be manufactured at a lower cost. The switch device includes an operation switch operated by an operator for driving an actuator and a coil antenna used to output a transponder-driving radio wave. The coil antenna is arranged adjacent to the operation switch.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted device communication controller includes a vehicle-mounted unit for communicating with ID-registered portable units, a switch-detection mechanism for detecting pressing of an operation knob, a switch-operation restriction mechanism for restricting the rotation of the knob, and a door-opening/closure detection mechanism for detecting opening and closure of a door. Signals are exchanged between the vehicle-mounted unit and each portable unit, and a portable unit having succeeded in exchanging the signals is authenticated and released from the restriction. The vehicle-mounted unit includes a sending/receiving part, a controller, an authentication part, and an ID-storage part.

Abstract: A lock is operated by a lock controller that receives identifying signals transmitted from one or more wireless key devices. Weights are assigned to the identifying signals, and the lock is operated only if the weights of the received identifying signals satisfy a condition, such as a threshold condition applied to their sum. The weights are preferably assigned by counting the number of times each identifying signal is registered in the lock controller. The count may be kept in the lock controller or in the wireless key device itself.

Abstract: A method for updating information about a subject of interest is disclosed. The method comprises assigning the subject a unique signal which signal is physically associated with the subject, identifying the unique signal, and displaying information related to the subject assigned to the unique signal soon after the signal is identified. The method is preferably used in a hospital setting. Also disclosed is a device, a system, and a control program for use in updating information. The device comprises a control logic responsive to an external stimulus, a wireless signal detection unit, and a display unit that displays information about a subject that has been identified. The control program is used with a wireless detector and comprises a feature that controls display, a feature that identifies a signal associated with a subject, and a feature that displays information in response to the identification feature. Security features can also be incorporated.

Abstract: An ID code is wirelessly sent to a device, such as a keyless-entry system or a keyless-starter system mounted on an automobile, from a portable transmitter. Electronic components including an electronic circuit board, a transponder and a battery are all contained in a resin case. A mechanical key that is to be used to open the door when the battery voltage is too low to operate the system is also contained in the case. The battery contained in the case is covered with the battery cover which is fixed to the case with screws. The battery cover is further covered with a sliding cover that slides in the same direction in which the mechanical key is taken out. The sliding cover and the mechanical key is locked in their respective positions by hooks which are released with a common lever.

Abstract: An arrangement for configuring a device of a system by transferring control information from a removable controller thereto. The controller includes an input apparatus for receiving control information for configuring the device, a memory circuitry arranged to store and retrieve control information for configuring the device, and an output apparatus for transferring to the system retrieved control information for the device. The system includes apparatus for coupling with the output apparatus of the removable controller to transfer retrieved control information therefrom, and a controller arranged to configure the device in dependence upon the transferred control information.

Abstract: A universal remote control (10) is provided for wireless remote control of one or more devices (D1 . . . Dn) equipped for remote control by respective original remote controls having visual appearances different from one another. The universal remote control (10) includes: a memory (40) that stores one or more descriptions associated with one or more original remote controls that are selectively emulated by the universal remote control (10), the descriptions including information describing the visual appearances of the original remote controls that the descriptions are associated with; and, a graphical user interface (20) upon which is displayed a representation of one of the original remote controls selected for emulation by the universal remote control (10), the representation having a visual appearance substantially the same as the original remote control being emulated.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions within a tire (12) including a sensor assembly (14) including a pressure sensor (36), an accelerometer (34), a temperature sensor (32), and a transmitter (40) to transmit signals indicative of current tire conditions. A remote transmitter (22) for actuating a remote keyless entry system (19) emits a signal to actuate a function of the keyless entry system (19) such as unlocking doors (20) of the motor vehicle (10). A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed receiver (52) and a frequency shift keyed receiver (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system or the remote keyless entry system (19).

Abstract: A method and system for controlling vehicle functions using a walkie-type cellular phone is provided. A cellular phone is used to make a walkie-talkie type connection with a device disposed within a vehicle. The cellular phone sends a message to a receiver of the device disposed with the vehicle. The message instructs the device on how to control the vehicle. The device is electrically connected to one or more vehicle controls of the vehicle.