Vehicle Door Patents (Class 340/5.72)
  • Patent number: 9536365
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a keyless go system, and at least one key fob, said keyless go system being operatively connected to a locking/unlocking subsystem and an engine start subsystem, said vehicle further comprising at least one LF transmitter, at least one LF receiver, at least one HF transmitter and at least one HF receiver, said vehicle further comprising an aftermarket keyless go system interfacing with said keyless go system, wherein at least one of said at least one key fob is embedded into said vehicle, and wherein when a user sends a lock/unlock command, or a start command with a portable device, said aftermarket keyless go system interacts with said embedded key fob to selectively enable and disable low frequency communication between said embedded key fob and said keyless go system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: LIGHTWAVE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Jack Wisnia
  • Patent number: 9487102
    Abstract: A charging method of a green car includes confirming a reference of a charging reservation time input to a controller. A wake-up time is set based on the reference confirmed in the step of confirming the reservation reference. A charging starts after a vehicle wakes up at the time of reaching the wake-up time set in the step of setting the wake-up time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Cho, Tae Hyuck Kim
  • Patent number: 9483892
    Abstract: A smart key apparatus and a method of processing a signal from the smart key apparatus is provided and the smart key apparatus includes a plurality of antennas that receive a Low Frequency (LF) signal from a vehicle via a plurality of reception axes. In addition, an LF reception controller receives the LF signal via a reception antenna which is determined by sequentially verifying a reception level according to a set order of the plurality of antennas when receiving the LF signal and determines an antenna having a highest reception level as a reception antenna by comparing a reception level that corresponds to a plurality of antennas respectively. A signal processing unit processes the LF signal received via the reception antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Denso Korea Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Jun Lee, Gweon Yang
  • Patent number: 9478087
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for communications between a vehicle and a remote device using a first vehicle communications module that communicates via a first communication channel. One exemplary method involves transmitting, by a second vehicle communications module via a second communication channel, an indication of an operating state of the first communications module, receiving, by the first communications module via the first communication channel, an acknowledgment responsive to the indication from the remote device, and changing the operating state of the first communications module in response to receiving the acknowledgment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David T. Proefke, Aaron P. Creguer
  • Patent number: 9428127
    Abstract: A mobile computing device is operated to control a vehicle. A digital key for accessing a vehicle is stored for accessing the vehicle. Profile information is associated with the digital key for configuring operation and/or use of a vehicle. The profile information may include one or more outside parameters for implementing one or more pre-entry vehicle configurations. When one or more proximity conditions are detected as being satisfied as between the mobile computing device and the vehicle, a communication is sent to the vehicle in order to cause the vehicle to implement one or more pre-entry vehicle configurations. The communication can be based on the digital key and may specify the one or more outside parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Rotem Cooper, Frank Lane, Sunvir Gujral, Paul Jacobs, Ravinder Chandhok, Liat Ben-Zur, Sandeep Sharma
  • Patent number: 9397763
    Abstract: A management data region including a plurality of pulse-like signals is included in a series of pulse-like signals output from the master station to the common data signal line, and different from a control/monitoring data region including data of a control data signal and data of a monitoring data signal. Further, when data corresponding to a signal level of an input part is larger than a lower limit threshold value and smaller than an upper limit threshold value, an abnormal state is determined to have occurred, a low sensitivity state of a signal of an input part is detected based on the determination result of the abnormal state, and a signal configuring data indicating the low sensitivity state is superimposed on the management data region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ANYWIRE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Nishikido, Youichi Hoshi, Shotaro Kusumoto
  • Patent number: 9384606
    Abstract: A passive keyless system includes an in-vehicle control unit, an in-vehicle transmitter wirelessly sending a request signal, a portable device that is activated by a battery, has a standby function of receiving a request signal, and sends an ID signal when the request signal is received, and an in-vehicle receiver receiving the ID signal. The in-vehicle control unit allows various operations of the vehicle when an authentication of the ID signal received by the in-vehicle receiver is established. When a remaining amount value of the battery is less than a reference value, the portable device can stop the standby function, can restore the standby function according to an operation using the portable device, and can stop the standby function again after the standby function is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 9371056
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for an additional electronic immobilizer (10) having a door-opener and theft-alarm function for a vehicle, comprising: a) a micro-controller; b) a mobile radio interface (1); c) a second interface (2) to a central locking system for doors of the vehicle; d) a near-field radio interface (3) such as RFID or NFC; e) a smart relay interface (4) for transmitting a control signal (S1) for a smart relay (8) and for receiving a receiving signal (S2) of the smart relay (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: OLIVER LUNSTEDT
    Inventor: Oliver Lunstedt
  • Patent number: 9333831
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inside ventilation system of a vehicle for a driver or an occupant to achieve a more comfortable inside environment in the summer or winter. The inside ventilation system includes a control unit configured to receive an operating signal from a smart key, sense an inside temperature of the vehicle when the operating signal is transferred and judging whether the inside temperature is deviated from a required temperature range; a comparison process of comparing the inside temperature and a battery temperature when the inside temperature is deviated from the required temperature range; and a control process of controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) and an operation of a battery operated fan by comparing the inside temperature and the battery temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hae Kyu Lim, Yoon Cheol Jeon, Yong Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 9336420
    Abstract: A remote access system includes an RFID reader and a credential having a cellular phone interface and an nfc interface. The credential is operable to receive authorization information and to communicate with the RFID reader. A server is operable to receive an authorization request for the credential and to access the credential to provide the authorization information. An RFID reader authorization application is included in the credential. The credential is operable to transfer the RFID authorization code to the RFID reader via the nfc interface over an nfc communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: XceedID Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Menzel
  • Patent number: 9211903
    Abstract: A smart stroller includes at least one armrest, a processor, a flexible touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an automatic brake unit. The flexible touch sensor detects whether the at least one armrest is grasping by a person; if no, the processor controls the acceleration sensor to detect whether the smart stroller is moving. If the processor determines that the armrest is not grasped by the person and the smart stroller is moving, the processor control the at least one automatic brake unit to block the smart strolling to stop the smart stroller from moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo
  • Patent number: 9170982
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a fingerprinting application. Data and optionally additional metadata for an operational automobile are captured by an application executed on a mobile device inside the automobile. An fingerprinting application matches the data to known data profiles to confirm the identity or type of the automobile. Diagnostics of the automobile can be determined by variations in the data with respect to a defined standard. The data can include one or more of audio data, accelerometer data, vibration, data and orientation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Vehcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick T. Blumer, Joseph R. Fuller
  • Patent number: 9162685
    Abstract: A method for operating a function in a motor vehicle employs a sensor arrangement with at least two spaced sensors for detecting operations caused by a user. Signals of a first sensor are monitored until a first characteristic signal answer is detected. A user-carried identification device is queried to verify authorization to access the requested function. Signals of a second sensor are monitored to determine an operation caused by approaching the second sensor. Signals from the first and second sensors are monitored for a predetermined time period t1. If the signals indicate a continued operation of the two sensors during t1, an expiration of t1 is signaled to the user. Signals of the first sensor are monitored for a predetermined time period t2. If the signal of the first sensor indicates a cancellation of the operation within t2, the function of the motor vehicle is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mirko Schindler, Peter Van Gastel, Bernd Gerdes
  • Patent number: 9151640
    Abstract: A capacitive sensing system are configured to sense a capacitance value and convert the sensed capacitance value to a digital format. The capacitive sensing system provides good selectivity and immunity to noise and interference, which can be further enhanced by enabling spread spectrum excitation. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensing system utilizes a sinusoidal excitation signal that results in low electromagnetic emissions, limited to narrow frequency band. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensing system is configured to operate in a spread spectrum mode, in which the majority of the excitation signal power is carried in the assigned bandwidth. The excitation frequency and the bandwidth of the spread spectrum excitation signal are programmable in a wide range, which allows for avoiding frequency conflicts in the operating environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerzy A. Teterwak, Paul W. Kalthoff
  • Patent number: 9102338
    Abstract: An onboard communication system for a locomotive consist is disclosed. The communication system may have first and second locomotive communication subsystems. The first communication subsystem may be located on a first locomotive. Each communication subsystem may have a messaging unit communicatively connected to a radio. The first messaging unit may be communicatively connected to the second messaging unit. The second messaging unit may be configured to receive a data communication from the second radio and send the data communication to the first messaging unit. The first messaging unit may be configured to receive the data communication from the second messaging unit, receive a copy of the data communication from the first radio, determine that the data communications are duplicate copies of one another, and send one of the data communications to a locomotive control system based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Alan Fanara
  • Patent number: 9076274
    Abstract: A door courtesy switch abnormality detection apparatus used in an on-vehicle system in which a door unlocked status is formed based on a wireless signal transmitted from an electronic key is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to generate information representing an abnormality in the door courtesy switch, if the electronic key in a cabin of a vehicle is detected by a antenna having the detection area thereof within the cabin of the vehicle in a situation where an ON/OFF signal of the door courtesy switch is not inverted after the door unlock operation is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masachika Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20150145648
    Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for authenticating access to a vehicle, where vehicle events, such as a door lock condition or an operating condition of the vehicle, are reported to an authentication network. Vehicle events are compared to a vehicle schedule to determine if the vehicle events comply with the schedule using authentication rules. If the events are not compliant, an authentication request signal, requiring a predetermined authentication response, is transmitted to the vehicle. Access to the vehicle may be denied until a match to the predetermined authentication response is received. Authentication may include the use of a portable device, which may act as an intermediary between the vehicle and the authentication system. Vehicle events may further be reported to the portable device. Authentication rules may be updated automatically based on further incoming vehicle events, or may be updated manually using a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicants: AUDI AG, Wolkswagen AG
    Inventor: Dominic WINKELMAN
  • Patent number: 9041512
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic key in which a waterproof rubber can be prevented from getting damaged at the time of assembling various parts into an upper case. This electronic key includes: upper case (10) and lower case (20) that fit together and seal the interior thereof; inner case (30) covered by upper case (10) and lower case (20) and having, on the lower-surface side thereof, battery (39) that drives an electronic circuit performing communication with the exterior; waterproof rubber (40) covering the upper-surface side of inner case (30); upper-case projection (18) that projects from the inner wall of upper case (10); and waterproof-rubber outer-wall recess (45) that is recessed in the outer wall surface of waterproof rubber (40) and receives upper-case projection (18). A space is provided between upper-case projection (18) and waterproof-rubber outer-wall recess (45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Nakabayashi, Koichi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20150137943
    Abstract: A system for controlling an access authorisation and/or driving authorisation for a vehicle includes at least one mobile communication device and a control unit in the vehicle that receives and checks authorisation data sent from the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device has a data carrier for storing the authorisation data. The data carrier has at least one protected storage region for the storage of the authorisation data. A database server transfers encrypted authorisation data to the data carrier for storage in the protected storage region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Gerhard Nagel, Santiago Pena Brossa, Markus Ruther, Marc Scheerle, Holger Schoepges, Sylvain Subileau, Andreas Mueller
  • Patent number: 9035761
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a car using a car key, a selected function is received from a function menu displayed on an operation interface of a display device of the car key. System data about the car is acquired from a management unit of the car, and devices of the car are controlled using the management unit, according to the selected function. The system data about the car or status of the devices of the car is displayed on the operation interface of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Chih Yu
  • Patent number: 9033379
    Abstract: A door handle device for a vehicle includes a door handle configured to be supported by a door panel, the door handle including a first handle case arranged to have a void relative to the door panel, a second handle case fixed to the first handle case at a side opposite from the door panel, and a lock command detection sensor including a lock detection signal processing circuit fixed to an inner side of the first handle case, a circuit connection portion electrically connected to the lock detection signal processing circuit, and a lock detection electrode assembled on the second handle case in a state to be arranged along an inner surface of the second handle case, the lock detection electrode being electrically connected to the circuit connection portion in a state where the second handle case is fixed to the first handle case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignees: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masashi Tateishi, Eiji Mushiake, Hiroki Okada, Ryuta Atsumi, Shigeki Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 9035757
    Abstract: A communication system has a first communication device, and a second communication device that conducts wireless communication the first communication device. The first communication device has a first transmitter that transmits a signal to the second communication device while modulating the signal, and a first transmission controller that controls the first transmitter. The second communication device has a first receiver that receives the signal from the first communication device and demodulates the received signal. The first transmission controller performs control so as to change a modulation method in midstream when a predetermined first signal is modulated and transmitted. The first receiver changes a demodulation method according to the change of the modulation method of the first signal in midstream when the first signal is received and demodulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Nishidai, Kazunobu Kamisawa, Yosuke Tomita
  • Patent number: 9031712
    Abstract: Certain embodiments herein relate to enabling remote activation of a vehicle's functions or features via multiple networks that may connect the vehicle to a user device operated by a user. A user may utilize the user device to send action codes to a vehicle that, when received and processed by the vehicle, may cause the vehicle to perform one or more functions corresponding to the action codes, in some examples, such functionality may be implemented for stolen vehicle tracking and parental controls. Various devices and/or program code in a vehicle may configured to detect and communicate multiple networks, such as Bluetooth®, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) network, a WiFi Direct network, a cellular network (including third generation and fourth generation), a radio network, a satellite, etc. As described herein, program code may run as firmware and processors and memory devices, for example, may operate out of band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Lonny Baskin, Ariel Malamud
  • Patent number: 9024721
    Abstract: An apparatus for changing the state of a vehicle closure is disclosed. The apparatus includes a primary mobile unit, a secondary mobile unit, and a detection device. The detection device is operable to automatically detect whether the primary mobile unit is within a first range of the detection device, and whether the secondary mobile unit is within a second range of the detection device. The apparatus further includes a controller operable to change the state of the vehicle closure when the detection device detects that the secondary mobile unit is within the second range while the primary mobile unit is detected within the first range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin P. McBride, Thomas J. Keeling, Keiichi Aoyama, Tanemichi Chiba, Michael A. Wiegand, Christopher M. Kurpinski
  • Publication number: 20150116081
    Abstract: System and method for authenticating components of a vehicle are described. In an embodiment, a method for authenticating components of a vehicle involves transmitting an interrogation signal to tags attached to the components of the vehicle from an authentication base station in response to a trigger event, comparing an authentication code received from each of responding tags with an authentication code key at the authentication base station to authenticate the responding tags, and transmitting a disengage signal to an immobilizer installed in the vehicle from the authentication base station to enable the vehicle if all the tags have been authenticated. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Mukesh B. Nair
  • Publication number: 20150116085
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for hand-free opening and/or closing of a vehicle door. The method includes the steps of detecting when an authorized person is in the vicinity of a vehicle door, opening that vehicle door after the authorized person has been in the vicinity of the vehicle door for a least a first time interval, the opening being performed automatically and without action by the authorized person, and providing a perceptible warning of impending opening of the vehicle door, the warning being provided after the authorized person has been detected in the vicinity of the vehicle door and before the vehicle door is opened. An analogous door closing process is performed when the authorized person leaves the vicinity of the vehicle door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: David L. Juzswik
  • Patent number: 9000889
    Abstract: Method for determining spurious contacts on a contact detection sensor for a handle of an automobile door, the sensor defining a locking area and being connected to an onboard electronic locking and unlocking system, includes: a) detecting a contact on the locking area when, for an engagement time of the locking mechanism, the number of charge transfers from the sensor is less than a threshold number of charge transfers, b) evaluating the number of charge transfers, starting from the time of the minimum value of the number of measured charge transfers and for an evaluation time in order to distinguish detections of contacts made by the user from detections of spurious contacts, c) if the contact detections are spurious, matching the threshold number of charge transfers in order to be able to detect any next contact originating from the user on the locking area in the presence of spurious contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Baudru, Maxime Cordier, Olivier Elie, Xavier Hourne
  • Publication number: 20150091698
    Abstract: An electric vehicle and method for controlling an electric vehicle are disclosed. The electric vehicle includes a battery management system, a wireless communicating module, and a control module. The battery management system is configured for monitoring and managing a battery in the electric vehicle. The wireless communicating module coupled to the battery management system, is configured for establishing a wireless link with a portable device and for receiving an instruction associated with an access credential from the portable device through the wireless link. The control module coupled with the wireless communicating module, is configured for determining whether the access credential provides a right to control the electric vehicle based on the instruction received by the wireless communicating module and for controlling the electric vehicle according to the instruction from the portable device if the access credential provides the right to control the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: O2Micro Inc.
    Inventor: Sterling Du
  • Patent number: 8994495
    Abstract: Keypad indicia are integral with a window of a vehicle. The keypad indicia are formed using a ultra-violet (UV) fluorescent dye that is nearly invisible to a human eye until exposed to UV light. A UV light emitting device of the vehicle is configured for outputting UV light. The light emitting device is mounted for enabling the keypad indicia to be exposed to the outputted UV light thereby causing the keypad indicia to become readily visible by the human eye. An imaging device of the vehicle captures user interaction with the keypad indicia while the keypad indicia is exposed to the outputted UV light. The keypad interaction processor determines if a sequence of body part movements with respect to the keypad indicia that is captured by the imaging device during exposure of the keypad indicia to the outputted light corresponds to an access code of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Yitah Richard Wu, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Donald Paul Bilger, Mark George Vojtisek, Chad A. Widrick, Patrick Holub
  • Patent number: 8988189
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a smart key system for door lock of a vehicle configured with at least two modes, the method including selecting one of a first mode and a second mode, detecting an ON/OFF state of an engine of the vehicle and a key signal of a smart key, activating a door lock function performed outside of the vehicle, if it is confirmed through the key signal that the smart key is present outside of the vehicle, in case the first mode is selected, and deactivating a door lock function performed outside of the vehicle, if it is confirmed through the key signal that the smart key is present inside the vehicle or the engine is running, in case the second mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyunki Kim
  • Publication number: 20150077225
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for communications between a vehicle and a remote device using a first vehicle communications module that communicates via a first communication channel. One exemplary method involves transmitting, by a second vehicle communications module via a second communication channel, an indication of an operating state of the first communications module, receiving, by the first communications module via the first communication channel, an acknowledgment responsive to the indication from the remote device, and changing the operating state of the first communications module in response to receiving the acknowledgment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: DAVID T. PROEFKE, AARON P. CREGUER
  • Publication number: 20150077227
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly includes a first proximity sensor on a first side of a door handle and a second proximity sensor on a second side of the door handle. The assembly also includes a latch operative to latch the door closed and to unlatch the door to allow the door to open. The assembly further includes control circuitry for activating the latch to unlatch the door based on an object such as an operator's hand sensed with both the first and second proximity sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Yun Shin Lee, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Publication number: 20150077226
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle based transmitter/receiver system including transmitting a first signal portion at a first baud rate and second signal portion at a second baud rate where the first baud rate is faster than the second baud rate, the first signal portion including a wake-up portion, and controlling the receiver to periodically wake up to receive the first signal portion and stay awake to receive the second signal portion only if the wake-up portion of the received signal is valid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Xing Ping Lin
  • Patent number: 8983534
    Abstract: A mobile telephone capable of controlling a remote keyless system is provided. The mobile telephone is loaded with an executable program that enables the mobile telephone to control the remote keyless system using frequencies and systems already used by the remote keyless system. The complex functionality a mobile telephone allows the executable program to fully control remote keyless systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Dipam Patel
  • Publication number: 20150070136
    Abstract: A keyless entry system including multiple portable devices and an in-vehicle device controlling smart lock and smart unlock of a vehicle door is disclosed. The in-vehicle device includes an vehicle-cabin-inside portable determination section, which when locking the vehicle door by the auto-lock function, determines whether or not there is the portable device located inside the vehicle cabin, and a disabled state release section that releases the disabled states of all of the portable devices when the vehicle-cabin-inside portable determination section determines that there is no portable device located inside the vehicle cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuuto Kameyama, Tomoyuki Funayama, Shoji Kakinuma
  • Publication number: 20150070135
    Abstract: A security system and security devices, optionally for a vehicle. The security system comprising a control unit, a locking system, a primary key and a secondary key, the primary key and the secondary key each normally operable to activate and deactivate the locking system and upon operation of the secondary key to activate the locking system, at least some or all of the functionality of the primary key is caused to be disabled and/or the control unit is caused to temporarily ignore command signals transmitted by the primary key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventor: Gary Ford
  • Patent number: 8976014
    Abstract: A control module provides for immobilization of a vehicle. The control module includes an intelligent control disposed within a housing of the control module, a plurality of discrete inputs and a plurality of discrete outputs operatively connected to the intelligent control, at least one network interface operatively connected to the intelligent control, at least one user interface operatively connected to the intelligent control, and software stored for execution by the intelligent control, the software providing instructions to control functions of a vehicle associated with the control module, the functions including vehicle immobilization functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Trimark Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Magner, Anita L. Reichling
  • Patent number: 8972098
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, executable by a vehicle computing system (VCS), includes determining that a connection between a wireless device and a VCS has been lost. The method further includes determining if a driver is present in the vehicle, upon a lost link detection. The method additionally includes waiting until an enter-event occurs and then attempting to re-establish a connection between the wireless device and the VCS. This last step may be conditional upon a determination that a driver is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Doron M. Elliott
  • Patent number: 8970346
    Abstract: A method of controlling the signal sensitivity of a receiver module of a remote signal communication system includes initializing a PASE function and actuating a switch from a first position to a second position. The second position represents an open switch wherein either an external antenna or a LNA circuit or both are shut off. The switch is returned to a first position in response to completion of a PASE command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Gerald L. Ostrander, Brian J. Marlett, Patricia Abi-Nader Kachouh
  • Publication number: 20150054618
    Abstract: A smart entry system comprises a communication section and a control device. Upon determination that a mobile device has continued to be present within a first transmission area for a predetermined time or over, the control device lowers first transmitter power output of a first electromagnetic wave to be transmitted from the communication section to second transmitter power output of the first electromagnetic wave so that the first transmission area is narrowed to a second transmission area until no more response is received from the mobile device. Then, the communication section not only transmits the first electromagnetic wave having the second transmitter power output and generating the second transmission area but also transmits, with a second cyclic period longer than the first cyclic period, a second electromagnetic wave, the second electromagnetic wave has the first transmitter power output and generates the first transmission area which is not narrowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Katsuyasu Yamane, Masayuki Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20150054617
    Abstract: A device (D?) for detecting the presence of a user includes: an electrode (12?), electrode control elements (13), and a low frequency antenna (11). The electrode (12?) is formed by a plurality of structural units (MA . . . MI), each structural unit (MA . . . MI) including: a conductive segment (A . . . I) defined by dimensions (Lx, lx, ex) and electrically connected at least to a conductive connection (CXY) defined by a position of connection with respect to the conductive segment (A . . . I). The structural units (MA . . . MI) are electrically interconnected by the conductive connections (CXY). At least two consecutive structural units (MA . . . MI) differ by: the dimensions (Lx, lx, ex) of the conductive segment (A . . . I) and/or the position of the conductive connection (CXY).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicants: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GmbH, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventors: Alain FONTANET, Xavier HOURNE, Cyril ROBIN
  • Patent number: 8957758
    Abstract: A cleaning appliance is provided including at least one authorization carrier with an access authorization which is provided thereon and is required for accessing the cleaning appliance, just one receptacle in which the at least one authorization carrier is positionable, and a detection unit, situated at the receptacle, for contact-based detection of the access authorization of an authorization carrier positioned in the receptacle, the detection unit having at least one detection contact element which contacts the access authorization. To provide a cleaning appliance of this type which is usable with greater versatility, it is proposed that the cleaning appliance include two or more authorization carriers with access authorizations provided thereon which are linked to different authorization profiles, wherein a range of functions dependent on the authorization profile linked to an access authorization can be provided to an operator by the cleaning appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Nonnenmann, Michael Schuetz, Rainer Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20150042454
    Abstract: Provided is a smart key system using movement pattern recognition of a mobile terminal includes a mobile terminal configured to continuously transmit position information generated when a position is moved according to manipulation of a user, and a control module configured to acquire a movement pattern of the mobile terminal using the position information received from the mobile terminal and unlock a door of a vehicle when the acquired movement pattern is matched with a previously stored preset pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Gwon LEE
  • Publication number: 20150035647
    Abstract: An antenna core includes a laminate of a plurality of Co-based amorphous magnetic alloy thin strips in which a length ratio of a long axis to a short axis is greater than 1. 60% or more of the Co-based amorphous magnetic alloy thin strips in terms of the number of the thin strips as percentage have a line-shaped mark formed along the long axis on at least one surface thereof. An antenna includes the antenna core and a winding wound around the antenna core along the long axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Materials Co.,Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao SAITO, Katsuhiko YAMADA, Kazumi SAKAI
  • Publication number: 20150035646
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for simplifying wireless connection and data sharing. In order to simply implement a complicated and difficult function related to vehicle wireless connection via NFC, the apparatus recognizes proximity or contact to a mobile device, transmits head unit wireless connection information to the mobile device, receives connection information from the mobile device, performs connection to the mobile device in an OBB scheme on the basis of the received connection information, and provides an NFC-linked service when the connection to the mobile device is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO.,LTD.
    Inventor: Il Seok Han
  • Patent number: 8947202
    Abstract: A primary portable device can access a vehicle by transmitting an activation message including a vehicle access credential to the vehicle. The primary portable device can additionally enable a secondary portable device to access the vehicle by transmitting the vehicle access credential to the secondary portable device. The connections between the primary portable device, secondary portable device, and vehicle can be based on a short-range wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth LE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Tucker, Emily C. Schubert, Jesse L. Dorogusker, Joakim Linde, Stephen Chick
  • Patent number: 8947203
    Abstract: An aftermarket, sound activated, wireless, vehicle door unlocking device comprising a sound sensor, processor, memory, and an RF transmitter, transponder, or transceiver capable of generating an unlocking signal, and method of using the device. The device may be easily installed by unskilled users without modifying the vehicle wires or structure. The operator of the device will program the device with an unlocking sound sequence, and the RF unlocking codes needed to unlock the vehicle door. The device continually monitors the sensor for unlocking sounds, and delivers a door unlocking signal when this sound is detected. Various embodiments, including embedded RF key embodiments, solar powered embodiments, and alternative ways of programming the device are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: John Clinton Kolar
  • Publication number: 20150028995
    Abstract: A method for activating a remote device is provided. In response to a determination that a remote device is within a first mode signal range of a vehicle and the remote device is moving, the method activates a second mode communication module of the remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: NEERAJ R. GAUTAMA, DANIEL G. FOISY, ISMAIL HAMIEH, JONATHAN L. OAKES
  • Patent number: 8937528
    Abstract: An apparatus for managing biometric information for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprising a first key, a second key, and a vehicle controller. The first and the second key each for transmitting an access signal to the vehicle. The vehicle controller for receiving the access signal from one of the first key and the second key to enable operation of the vehicle. The vehicle controller being operably coupled to a biometric database for storing first data indicative of an administrator and second data indicative of at least one of a member and biometric information for the member. The vehicle controller being configured to receive the access signal from each of the first key and the second key and to determine that a user is the administrator in response to receiving the access signal from each of the first key and the second key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Maria Eugenia Protopapas
  • Patent number: 8938565
    Abstract: A multi layer data link communication system for a vehicle having a remote starter/alarm system, a vehicle computer and an OEM security interface. The system includes a multi-functional data bus interface module for sending control commands to the vehicle computer. The system also includes a transponder bypass module in communication with the OEM security interface and the multi-functional data bus interface module for transmitting and receiving authorization commands from the OEM security interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Fortin Auto Radio Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Aubertin, Martin Tessier, Patrick Noël