A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include a slip clutch mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a cylindrical body including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be configured to rotate about the second portion. The locking mechanism can be configured to engage based on rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a first direction, and disengage based on a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a second direction. The slip clutch mechanism can be configured to prevent the locking mechanism from further engaging from rotation in the first direction relative to the second portion based on a magnitude of force applied.

A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time. A counter inactivates the programmable key after a predetermined maximum number of activations.

A vehicle theft-prevention system can include a mobile application that can determine a location of the mobile device. One or more computing devices can be in communication with the mobile application via a network. The mobile application and the at least one computing device configured to determine that the location of the mobile device has moved outside of a geofence associated with a vehicle theft-prevention apparatus. The mobile application and the at least one computing device can cause the vehicle theft-prevention apparatus to change from an unarmed mode to an armed mode.

An access system for a vehicle is provided. The access system includes antennas and an access module. The antennas are configured to each receive a signal transmitted from a portable access device to the vehicle. The signal is transmitted on a 2.4 gigahertz frequency. The access module is configured to: downconvert the received signal to generate an in-phase signal and a quadrature phase signal; perform carrier phase based ranging including implementing a music algorithm to (i) determine a distance between the portable access device and the vehicle, and (ii) determine angles of arrival of the received signal as received at the antennas; determine a location of the portable access device relative to the vehicle based on the distance and the angles of arrival; and permit access to the vehicle based on the location.

The invention concerns an automatic access and starting system for a motor vehicle, comprising an on-board access management system and at least one identifier (3) such as an electronic key, the access management system being configured to detect and authenticate the identifier (3) when it is close to the vehicle (1), the identifier (3) being configured to emit an authentication signal in response to an interrogation signal emitted by the management and access system, the identifier (3) comprising a memory for storing an instruction relative to a command issued by the carrier of the identifier (3) if this command is issued during the phase of detection and authentication by the on-board system, the instruction being stored temporarily in order for the identifier to be able to emit a signal related to the command when the detection and authentication phase is complete.

An access system for a vehicle is provided and includes antennas and an access module. The antennas are configured to each receive a signal transmitted from a portable access device to the vehicle. One of the antennas is a circular polarized antenna. The access module is configured to: downconvert the received signal to generate an in-phase signal and a quadrature phase signal; execute a music algorithm to determine angles of arrival of the received signal as received at the antennas; determine a distance between the portable access device and the vehicle based on the angles of arrival; and permit access to the vehicle based on the distance.

An electronic device that at least semi-automatically performs car-key pairing is described. During operation, the electronic device may perform wireless pairing with a second electronic device (e.g., a vehicle), where the wireless pairing establishes a connection between the electronic device and the second electronic device. Moreover, during the wireless pairing, the electronic device may receive information associated with the car-key pairing of the electronic device and the second electronic device. Then, after the wireless pairing is completed, the electronic device may determine that the car-key pairing is supported or available based at least in part on the information. Next, the electronic device may selectively and at least semi-automatically perform the car-key pairing based at least in part on the information, where the car-key pairing enables the electronic device to function as a digital key for the second electronic device using wireless communication via the wireless pairing or another communication protocol.

A keysafe includes a housing, a door, a locking mechanism, a wireless communications interface, and an inhibitor system. The housing defines an internal compartment structured to receive a key fob for a vehicle. The door is positioned to enclose the internal compartment. The locking mechanism is positioned to selectively lock the door to prevent access to the internal compartment. The wireless communications interface is configured to facilitate wireless communication with an external device. The inhibitor system includes a coil disposed around the internal compartment, a battery disposed within the housing and coupled to the coil, and a controller. The controller is configured to energize the coil with the battery to inhibit communication between the key fob and the vehicle, receive a deactivation signal from the external device via the wireless communications interface, and de-energize the coil in response to receiving the deactivation signal to permit the communication.

A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermined period of time. A counter inactivates the programmable key after a predetermined maximum number of activations.

A retail security system that includes a locking system having locking assemblies that can be locked and unlocked directly by a consumer or clerk/employee using his or her mobile phone or other portable electronic device. Each of the locking assemblies may be configured to lock an article so that it cannot be freely accessed. The security system may include a sanitizing system that sanitizes the article after a consumer returns the article to the locking system without making a purchase. The security system may include a computer apparatus that allows an owner of the security system to access a software application that provides the owner with information/data about access to the locked articles.