SELF-CONTAINED PROXIMITY SENSORS IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION WITH VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODS OF THEIR OPERATION

Proximity sensors, e.g., Bluetooth® sensors, are installed in a vehicle. Each sensor determines estimates approximate distance from itself to a user mobile device. In response to the distance increasing above a predetermined distance departure limit, as the sensors communicate to a vehicle control system (VCS) through Bluetooth® or similar links, the VCS causes predetermined departure actions to be performed, such as locking the doors, turning off headlights, activating the vehicle's security system, and/or others. In response to the distance decreasing below a predetermined distance arrival limit, as the sensors communicate to the VCS through the link(s), the VCS causes predetermined arrival actions to be performed, such as unlocking the doors, flashing the headlights, beeping the horn, deactivating the security system, and/or others. Hysteresis may be applied to the decisions whether to perform the departure/arrival actions. 1. A system , comprising:a vehicle control system (VCS) installed in a vehicle; anda radio frequency (RF) proximity sensor installed in the vehicle;wherein;the RF proximity sensor comprises an RF transceiver configured to communicate with the VCS and one or more authorized user mobile devices that are authorized to operate the VCS, and a processing module configured to control operation of the RF transceiver of the RF proximity sensor;the RF proximity sensor is configured to estimate distances to the authorized user mobile devices by measuring strength of RF transmissions of the authorized user mobile devices received by the RF proximity sensor;at least one of the VCS and the RF proximity sensor is configured to detect departure events that occur when an authorized user mobile device of the one or more authorized user mobile devices crosses from within a predetermined distance departure limit of the vehicle to outside of the predetermined distance departure limit of the vehicle, and to perform one or more departure actions in response to each ...

REMOTE VEHICLE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION, CONTROL, AND TELEMATICS

A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the in VCS to the smartphone. 1. A mobile communication device storing machine-executable mobile installation instructions , wherein the mobile installation instructions configure the mobile communication device to:establish a communication link with a vehicle control system (VCS) that has been previously installed in a predetermined vehicle and configured for installation in the predetermined vehicle using a first set of installation parameters, wherein the communication link is at least in part a radio frequency (RF) link;obtaining from a user of the mobile communication device reconfiguration in for re-configuring the VCS, the reconfiguration information comprising one or more new installation parameters;communicating with one or more remote servers to attempt verification of validity/permission for the one or more new installation parameters; andtransmitting through the communication link the one or more new installation parameters to the VCS, in response to the verification of the validity/permission for the one or more new installation parameters, thereby causing the VCS to store the one or more new installation parameters and causing the VCS to configure itself in accordance with the one or more new installation parameters.2. ...

VEHICLE COTROL SYSTEM WITH WIRELESSLY-COUPLED UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS

A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a vehicle control system (VCS) intended to be installed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the VCS comprising a first wireless VCS radio frequency (RF) transceiver; and a wireless siren assembly RF transceiver that is configured to communicate with the first wireless VCS RF transceiver,', 'an input configured to receive a wired connection from a hood open-closed sensor of the vehicle and thereby enable the siren assembly to determine state of the hood open-closed sensor,', 'an interface to an engine control module (ECM) of the vehicle that allows the siren assembly to obtain engine speed readings of the vehicle, and', 'a sound generator;, 'a siren assembly intended to be installed in an engine compartment of the vehicle, the siren assembly comprisingwherein the siren assembly and the VCS are configured to establish a wireless RF link between the siren assembly and the VCS; and determine changes in the state of the hood open-closed sensor through the input,', 'transmit to the VCS through the wireless RF link ...

REMOTE VEHICLE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION, CONTROL, AND TELEMATICS

A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the VCS to the smartphone. 1. A vehicle control system (VCS) for installation in a vehicle , the VCS comprising:a processor and a memory module storing instructions for execution by the processor;a wireless radio frequency (RF) interface to one or more external devices, the wireless RF interface being coupled to the processor to enable the processor to communicate with the one or more external devices;an interface coupling the processor to one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle;wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to:read vehicle information from the one or more vehicle systems, the vehicle information comprising an identification of the vehicle;transmit through the wireless RF interface the vehicle information to a mobile device, thereby enabling the mobile device to obtain configuration parameters for installation of the VCS in the vehicle; 'configure the VCS in accordance with the configuration parameters.', 'receive through the wireless RF interface the configuration parameters from the mobile device; and'}2. The vehicle control system of claim 1 , wherein:the wireless RF interface comprises a Bluetooth® transceiver; andthe interface coupling the processor to the vehicle systems comprises a ...

REMOTE VEHICLE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION, CONTROL, AND TELEMATICS

A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders For display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using, the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the VCS to the smartphone. 1. A vehicle control system (VCS) , comprising:a processing module;a cellular interface coupled to the processing module;instruction storage storing machine-executable instructions, the instruction storage being, coupled to the processing module to enable the processing module to read and execute the instructions;VCS configuration storage coupled to the processing module to enable the processing module to store and read VCS configuration information; andan interface to vehicle systems coupled to the processing module to enable the processing module to access vehicle systems of a vehicle in which the VCS is installed and to read vehicle data of the vehicle;wherein, when the processing module executes the instructions, the processing module configures the VCS to:read the vehicle data from one or more of the vehicle systems,transmit using the cellular interface at least some of the vehicle. data to a user mobile device to enable the user mobile device to obtain configuration parameters for installation of the VCS in the vehicle,receive using the cellular interface the configuration parameters from the user mobile device,store the configuration parameters in the VCS configuration storage, andconfigure the VCS ...

Vehicle cotrol system with wirelessly-coupled underhood components

A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command.

VEHICLE COTROL SYSTEM WITH WIRELESSLY-COUPLED UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS

A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command. 1. A siren assembly for installation under hood of a vehicle , the siren assembly comprising:a sound generator;a backup battery configured to power the siren assembly when battery of the vehicle fails to provide power to the siren assembly;a short range radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to establish an RF communication link with a vehicle control system (VCS) installed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle;an interface to an engine computer of the vehicle, the interface being configured to enable the siren assembly to determine rotational speed of an engine of the vehicle; anda connection to hood open-closed sensor of the vehicle, to enable the siren assembly to determine when the hood of the vehicle is opened.2. The siren assembly as in claim 1 , further comprising a processing module configured to control operation of the RF transceiver to communicate with the VCS claim 1 , to sense state of the hood open-closed sensor claim 1 , and to read the rotational speed of the engine through the interface.3. The siren assembly as in ...

Self-contained proximity sensors in wireless communication with vehicle control system and methods of their operation

Proximity sensors, e.g., Bluetooth® sensors, are installed in a vehicle. Each sensor determines/estimates approximate distance from itself to a user mobile device. In response to the distance increasing above a predetermined distance departure limit, as the sensors communicate to a vehicle control system (VCS) through Bluetooth® or similar links, the VCS causes predetermined departure actions to be performed, such as locking the doors, turning off headlights, activating the vehicle's security system, and/or others. In response to the distance decreasing below a predetermined distance arrival limit, as the sensors communicate to the VCS through the link(s), the VCS causes predetermined arrival actions to be performed, such as unlocking the doors, flashing the headlights, beeping the horn, deactivating the security system, and/or others. Hysteresis may be applied to the decisions whether to perform the departure/arrival actions.

REMOTE VEHICLE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION, CONTROL, AND TELEMATICS

A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the VCS to the smartphone. 1. A mobile communication device storing machine-executable mobile installation instructions , wherein the mobile installation instructions configure the mobile communication device to:establish a communication link with a vehicle control system (VCS) installed in a vehicle, wherein the communication link is at least in part a radio frequency (RF) link;receive from the VCS vehicle information of the vehicle;transmit the vehicle information to one or more remote servers;receive from a first user of the mobile communication device one or more inputs regarding configuration of the VCS in the vehicle;receive from the one or more remote servers data for configuring the VCS for the vehicle, the data comprising one or more configuration parameters based on the one or more inputs regarding configuration of the VCS in the vehicle and the vehicle information; andtransmit to the VCS through the communication link the one or more configuration parameters.2. The mobile communication device as in claim 1 , wherein the communication link is a Bluetooth link.3. The mobile communication device as in claim 1 , wherein the vehicle information includes a vehicle identification number of the vehicle.4. The mobile communication ...

Remote vehicle system configuration, control, and telematics

A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the VCS to the smartphone.

Remote vehicle system configuration, control, and telematics

A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the VCS to the smartphone.

Self-contained proximity sensors in wireless communication with vehicle control system and methods of their operation

Proximity sensors, e.g., Bluetooth® sensors, are installed in a vehicle. Each sensor determines estimates approximate distance from itself to a user mobile device. In response to the distance increasing above a predetermined distance departure limit, as the sensors communicate to a vehicle control system (VCS) through Bluetooth® or similar links, the VCS causes predetermined departure actions to be performed, such as locking the doors, turning off headlights, activating the vehicle's security system, and/or others. In response to the distance decreasing below a predetermined distance arrival limit, as the sensors communicate to the VCS through the link(s), the VCS causes predetermined arrival actions to be performed, such as unlocking the doors, flashing the headlights, beeping the horn, deactivating the security system, and/or others. Hysteresis may be applied to the decisions whether to perform the departure/arrival actions.

Remote vehicle system configuration, control, and telematics

A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth® interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the VCS to the smartphone.

Vehicle control system with wirelessly-coupled underhood components

A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command.

Remote vehicle system configuration, control, and telematics

A vehicle control system (VCS) includes external communication interfaces, such as a Bluetooth® interface, for communicating with a user communication and control device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. The user is enabled to operate certain features of the vehicle, such as the remote start, power locks/trunk, climate control, and security features, through the smart phone. The VCS may also communicate with a remote server via the user's smartphone, for example, providing telematics data and receiving service reminders for display to the user on the smartphone, the VCS, or a display built into the vehicle. The VCS may be custom installed in the vehicle using the user's or the installer's smartphone, without a physical connection from the VCS to the smartphone.

Processing systems and methods for vending transactions

Methods for reconciling vending machine transactions occurring between consecutive settlement events and for paying suppliers of vending machine goods are disclosed. Reconciling is accomplished through obtaining a local settlement value at a processing facility representing the total value of all vending transactions that occurred at the vending machine between the consecutive settlement events, receiving an electronic settlement value at the processing facility that represents the vending transactions that occurred at the vending machine between the consecutive settlement events, and reconciling the local settlement value with the electronic settlement value.

Self-contained proximity sensors in wireless communication with vehicle control system and methods of their operation

Proximity sensors, e.g., Bluetooth® sensors, are installed in a vehicle. Each sensor determines/estimates approximate distance from itself to a user mobile device. In response to the distance increasing above a predetermined distance departure limit, as the sensors communicate to a vehicle control system (VCS) through Bluetooth® or similar links, the VCS causes predetermined departure actions to be performed, such as locking the doors, turning off headlights, activating the vehicle's security system, and/or others. In response to the distance decreasing below a predetermined distance arrival limit, as the sensors communicate to the VCS through the link(s), the VCS causes predetermined arrival actions to be performed, such as unlocking the doors, flashing the headlights, beeping the horn, deactivating the security system, and/or others. Hysteresis may be applied to the decisions whether to perform the departure/arrival actions.

Skiving-machine.