A communication apparatus executes authentication via wireless communication with a mobile device and, based on an authentication process, controls execution of a vehicle operation requested by a user. The communication apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect closure of a door of a vehicle, an authentication processing unit configured to determine, in response to detection of the closure of the door by the detection unit, whether a specific mobile device is inside the vehicle by executing a first authentication process corresponding to a vehicle operation for which a highest security is set, among a plurality of vehicle operations that can be requested by the user, and an execution unit configured to execute, when the authentication processing unit has determined that the specific mobile device is inside the vehicle, a requested vehicle operation requestable from an inside of the vehicle and included in the plurality of vehicle operations.

A vehicle includes a gateway controller configured to interface a diagnostic port to a vehicle communication network. In response to a perimeter alarm system being in an armed state, transfer of messages from the diagnostic port to the vehicle communication network is inhibited. A change session diagnostic request received from the diagnostic port is transferred to the vehicle communication network in response to vehicle speed being less than a threshold and an ignition switch begin in a run position. The transfer of the change session diagnostic request is otherwise inhibited unless intended for a module designated for reprogramming keys.

A high-tech pickup truck bed cover is disclosed. The cover provides a protective covering for a pickup truck's cargo bed and preferably includes safety lighting and a backup camera.

A communication apparatus executes authentication via wireless communication with a mobile device and, based on an authentication process, controls execution of a vehicle operation requested by a user. The communication apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect closure of a door of a vehicle, an authentication processing unit configured to determine, in response to detection of the closure of the door by the detection unit, whether a specific mobile device is inside the vehicle by executing a first authentication process corresponding to a vehicle operation for which a highest security is set, among a plurality of vehicle operations that can be requested by the user, and an execution unit configured to execute, when the authentication processing unit has determined that the specific mobile device is inside the vehicle, a requested vehicle operation requestable from an inside of the vehicle and included in the plurality of vehicle operations.

The present invention relates generally to a covert recording alarm apparatus for vehicles that includes one or more sensors strategically placed within the vehicle, e.g. in the car lock knob that are configured for detecting any instrument, added weight or pressure being applied to a vehicle's entry points. If any such force is detected, the apparatus' sensor(s) trigger an the image capturing mechanism to begin taking pictures and videos of the theft activity which is transmitted as an alert to legal authorities, a monitoring service and/or the owner/operator's mobile phone where it is published and displayed as a video, text or email such that the appropriate action can be taken.

A program and a control device capable of calibrating a detection value of a sensor that detects contact with a steering wheel are provided. The program in accordance with the present invention is characterized by causing a computer to execute processing of distinguishing whether or not a user is on a driver's seat of a vehicle; acquiring, from a sensor (21) that converts contact with a steering wheel (2) into an electric signal for detection, a detection value of the detected electric signal; determining whether or not a difference between the detection value acquired when it has been distinguished that the user is not on the driver's seat, and a reference value is equal to or larger than a threshold value; and setting the detection value as the reference value when it has been determined that the difference is not equal to or larger than the threshold value.

Cargo anti-theft systems, apparatus, and related methods. Anti-theft controllers of embodiments are configured to sense the openings of cargo switches and to electronically operate locks responsive thereto. Moreover, the switches are mechanically coupled to the access points in manners such that the access points cannot be opened without opening the switches. Some controllers are configured to output signals indicative of openings of the switches while some are configured to unlock the locks only in pre-selected geo-zones. The pre-selected voltages, moreover, can differ from 12 VDC and can be user-selected. Furthermore, controllers can be configured to sense (modifiable) PINs associated with openings of the cargo switches. The controllers can include a coupler which securely couples it to the vehicle. It can also be configured to sense a position of the lock. Such controllers, furthermore, can be configured to lock the lock responsive to the lock position and/or can comprise a battery.

A safety alarm system for a vehicle including: a sensor module configured to output an open signal when a vehicle door is opened; an image photographing module configured to output first and second vehicle surrounding image obtained by sequentially photographing a vehicle surrounding area; and a control module configured to detect whether a moving object is located within a predetermined vehicle safety area in the first and second images input by operating the image photographing module at the time of inputting the open signal and generating a safety alarm when the moving object is detected.

A tire theft alarming system includes a vehicular device mounted to a vehicle and a mobile device carried by a user of the vehicle. When a main power supply of the vehicle is in an OFF state, the vehicular device transmits a radio wave including a first alarm based on having a variation in air pressure or acceleration of a tire, which is mounted to the vehicle, detected by a sensor transmitter for detecting and transmitting the air pressure of the tire or the acceleration applied to the tire. The mobile device carries out a warning notification to a user based on having reception of a radio wave including a first alarm transmitted by the vehicular device.

A vehicle security system may be automatically activated when a vehicle (e.g., car or truck) is temporarily stopped. Specifically, if a car is stopped at a gas station or other type of temporary stop (e.g., where a car would not be fully closed and locked) the vehicle security system may engage (e.g., based on opening of a gas cap cover). The vehicle security system monitors for theft of contents from inside a vehicle in a temporary stopped state. Sensors monitor if a passerby reaches into an open (or partially open) window to grab a parcel, handbag, phone, etc. from inside the vehicle. In a temporary stop condition, a vehicle may not be fully locked to engage a standard anti-theft security system. If a driver's attention is diverted away from the vehicle during the temporary stopped condition a quick and quiet theft scenario (e.g., a reach and grab) may be attempted.