Abstract:
Medium-range remote communication and control for a vehicle is achieved with a wireless vehicle telematics unit (12), a medium-range wireless portable fob (14), and an unmodified wireless personal communication device (16). The portable fob (14) includes a medium-range RF transceiver (24) for bi-directional communication with the telematics unit (12) and a short-range wireless transceiver (26) for bi-directional communication with the personal communication device (16). The fob (14) communicates with the vehicle telematics unit (12) in a conventional manner, and also relays information between the telematics unit (12) and the personal communication device (16). Communication can be initiated by the telematics unit (12) or by the operator via the fob (14) or personal communication device (16). Once communication is initiated, the fob (14) relays: (1) menu options and status information from the telematics unit (12) to the personal communication device (16); and (2) menu selections from the personal communication device (16) to the telematics unit (12). No cellular network service or special programming is required for the personal communications device (16).
Abstract:
Long-range remote communication and control of a vehicle (10) is achieved with primary and secondary cellular devices (40, 14) provided by the vehicle user. The primary cellular device (40) is retained by the user, while the secondary cellular device (14) is dedicated to the vehicle (10) and placed in a docking station (12) provided in a vehicle instrument panel or console. The vehicle docking station (12) is equipped with typical cell phone electrical interfaces (26, 28, 30, 38) to supply battery charging current and to establish a bi-directional data communication link between the secondary cellular device (14) and an on-board vehicle computer (16). The secondary cellular device (14) remains activated, and provides a low-cost remotely accessible communication link between the on-board vehicle computer (16) and the primary cellular device (40) or any other phone, provided that specified security conditions are satisfied.
Abstract:
An automotive occupant position restraint apparatus (22) senses a position of an occupant (10, 16) of a motor vehicle (14). An optical energy source (30) emits optical energy that is substantially limited to a first range of wavelengths that corresponds to an atmospheric absorption peak. An optical energy receiver (32) receives the optical energy emitted by the optical energy source after the optical energy has been reflected within a passenger compartment (42) of the motor vehicle. A range of wavelengths that the receiver is operable to receive is substantially limited to a second range of wavelengths that corresponds to the atmospheric absorption peak.
Abstract:
A wireless control apparatus includes a function control device adapted to control a function and a nomadic device. The nomadic device and the function control device communicate by a long-range communication network to control functions on the function control device in response to signals from the nomadic device. The nomadic device and the function control device can also communicate by a mid-range communication network. A portable fob transmits signals to the function control device and/or the nomadic device for controlling functions.
Abstract:
A vehicle location reminder system having a vehicle positioning system (12) operable to provide an approximate location (14) of a vehicle (16) and record the approximate location (14) of the vehicle (16). A status check system (18) monitors use of the vehicle (16) and sends a signal (20) to the vehicle positioning system (12) to record the approximate location (14) of the vehicle (16) when the vehicle (16) is no longer in use. A memory system (22) is connected to the status check system (18) and the vehicle positioning system (12), the memory system (22) being adapted to determine if the approximate location (14) of the vehicle (16), when no longer in use, is in a familiar location (24). An alert system (26) is connected to the memory system (22). The alert system (26) prompts a vehicle user to record data (27) on a mobile device (28) pertaining to the approximate location (14) of the vehicle (16) when the location of the vehicle (16), when no longer in use, is not in a familiar location (24). A replay system (25) is adapted to replay the recorded data (27).
Abstract:
A thermal-protection apparatus (10) disposed in a vehicle cabin or storage compartment includes a housing (16) enveloping a chamber (26) in which a thermally-sensitive consumer electronic device (18) is received, a thermoelectric module (20) mounted in a wall (16b) of the housing (16), and a remote electronic controller (12) and power source (14) coupled to the housing (16) via an electrical cable (24) for activating the thermoelectric module (20), and optionally the consumer electronic device (18), in a manner to prevent the temperature in the chamber (26) from exceeding a prescribed maximum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device (18) or falling below a prescribed minimum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device (18).
Abstract:
Medium-range and global network information and control for a vehicle (14) is achieved with a portable wireless key fob (16), a user-provided nomadic device (18), and a vehicle-installed telematics unit (12) including a medium-range RF transceiver (20) and a wireless network transceiver (24). The fob (16) includes a medium-range RF transceiver (22) for bi-directional communication with the telematics unit (12), and a short-range wireless transceiver (30) for bi-directional communication with the nomadic device (18). The fob (16) communicates with the telematics unit (12) in a conventional manner, and also relays information between the telematics unit (12) and the nomadic device (18). If a communication initiated via the fob (16) cannot be completed because the fob (16) is out of range, the communication is sent to the nomadic device (18) for network transmission to the telematics unit (12). If a communication initiated via the nomadic device (18) cannot be completed due to inadequate signal reception, the communication is sent to the fob (16) for RF transmission to the telematics unit (12).
Abstract:
A communications system (200) utilizing a portable communications device for controlling functions in a vehicle includes a first display (207) for controlling vehicle operating functions and a first transceiver (206) connected to the first display device (207). A multifunctional control switch (205) is connected to the first display device (207), while a second transceiver (226) is used for communicating with either the first transceiver (206) or a remote keyless entry (RKE) receiver (229) depending upon whether the second transceiver (226) is located inside or outside the vehicle. The second transceiver (226) operates to configure operational parameters of the display device (207) when those controls have not been readily integrated into the vehicle center stack.
Abstract:
Medium-range and global network information and control for a vehicle (14) is achieved with a portable wireless key fob (16), a user-provided nomadic device (18), and a vehicle-installed telematics unit (12) including a medium-range RF transceiver (20) and a wireless network transceiver (24). The fob (16) includes a medium-range RF transceiver (22) for bi-directional communication with the telematics unit (12), and a short-range wireless transceiver (30) for bi-directional communication with the nomadic device (18). The fob (16) communicates with the telematics unit (12) in a conventional manner, and also relays information between the telematics unit (12) and the nomadic device (18). If a communication initiated via the fob (16) cannot be completed because the fob (16) is out of range, the communication is sent to the nomadic device (18) for network transmission to the telematics unit (12). If a communication initiated via the nomadic device (18) cannot be completed due to inadequate signal reception, the communication is sent to the fob (16) for RF transmission to the telematics unit (12).
Abstract:
A vehicle location reminder system having a vehicle positioning system (12) operable to provide an approximate location (14) of a vehicle (16) and record the approximate location (14) of the vehicle (16). A status check system (18) monitors use of the vehicle (16) and sends a signal (20) to the vehicle positioning system (12) to record the approximate location (14) of the vehicle (16) when the vehicle (16) is no longer in use. A memory system (22) is connected to the status check system (18) and the vehicle positioning system (12), the memory system (22) being adapted to determine if the approximate location (14) of the vehicle (16), when no longer in use, is in a familiar location (24). An alert system (26) is connected to the memory system (22). The alert system (26) prompts a vehicle user to record data (27) on a mobile device (28) pertaining to the approximate location (14) of the vehicle (16) when the location of the vehicle (16), when no longer in use, is not in a familiar location (24). A replay system (25) is adapted to replay the recorded data (27).