A method and apparatus to recognize transported passengers and goods are disclosed herein. One example includes an apparatus comprising a processor unit on a vehicular entity, a communication component coupled to the processor unit, and a memory portion associated to the processor unit and structured to store information and data received through the communication component about at least one of passengers, luggage and/or goods on the vehicular entity, with the communication component being activated by a presence of the at least one of the passengers, luggage and/or goods on the vehicular entity.

A method for detecting theft of a vehicle, includes the following steps: detecting a vehicle movement by an inductive vehicle charging system, checking the authorization for a detected vehicle movement, and outputting a message signal if an unauthorized vehicle movement is detected. The checking of the authorization for a detected vehicle movement is started after the start of a vehicle charging process.

A method for detecting theft of a vehicle, includes the following steps: detecting a vehicle movement by an inductive vehicle charging system, checking the authorization for a detected vehicle movement, and outputting a message signal if an unauthorized vehicle movement is detected. The checking of the authorization for a detected vehicle movement is started after the start of a vehicle charging process.

A driver assistance system uses a wireless authentication functionality to perform authentication using key information through wireless communication between a portable terminal that obtains the key information required to operate a vehicle through network communication and an authentication device arranged in the vehicle. The authentication device actuates the vehicle through an electronic key system of the vehicle when the authentication is accomplished. A determination unit of the driver assistance system receives operation information based on a vehicle operation performed by a driver who is driving the vehicle, performs an abnormality determination that checks whether the vehicle operation is abnormal from the operation information, and performs a predetermined action when the vehicle operation is determined as being abnormal. The determination unit uses the wireless authentication functionality to execute at least part of a series of processes of the abnormality determination and the predetermined action.

A driver assistance system uses a wireless authentication functionality to perform authentication using key information through wireless communication between a portable terminal that obtains the key information required to operate a vehicle through network communication and an authentication device arranged in the vehicle. The authentication device actuates the vehicle through an electronic key system of the vehicle when the authentication is accomplished. A determination unit of the driver assistance system receives operation information based on a vehicle operation performed by a driver who is driving the vehicle, performs an abnormality determination that checks whether the vehicle operation is abnormal from the operation information, and performs a predetermined action when the vehicle operation is determined as being abnormal. The determination unit uses the wireless authentication functionality to execute at least part of a series of processes of the abnormality determination and the predetermined action.

A system includes a vehicle cover, a mechanical tensioning device, a memory device, storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute instructions to perform the steps of a method to secure a vehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may include attachment means to attach the device to a wheel of the vehicle and means to attach a security cable of the vehicle cover integrated into a bottom edge of the vehicle cover to the mechanical tensioning device. The mechanical tensioning device may include a rotational reel connected to either a tensioning motor or a tensioning crank and optionally including either a mechanical bi-stable device or one or more sensors configured to monitor the tension of the security cable when engaged to the mechanical tensioning device. The processor may monitor for a change in tension and execute one or more security measures in response.

A system includes a vehicle cover, a mechanical tensioning device, a memory device, storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute instructions to perform the steps of a method to secure a vehicle. The mechanical tensioning device may include attachment means to attach the device to a wheel of the vehicle and means to attach a security cable of the vehicle cover integrated into a bottom edge of the vehicle cover to the mechanical tensioning device. The mechanical tensioning device may include a rotational reel connected to either a tensioning motor or a tensioning crank and optionally including either a mechanical bi-stable device or one or more sensors configured to monitor the tension of the security cable when engaged to the mechanical tensioning device. The processor may monitor for a change in tension and execute one or more security measures in response.

A vehicle theft alarm assembly includes a vehicle theft alarm that is integrated into a vehicle to sense impact on the vehicle. A key fob is provided that can be carried by a user and the key fob is in wireless communication with the vehicle theft alarm. The key fob emits an alert when the vehicle theft alarm is turned on to alert the user when the user is not close enough to the vehicle to hear the vehicle theft alarm. A personal electronic device is provided that can be employed by the user and the personal electronic device is in wireless communication with the vehicle theft alarm. The personal electronic device produces an alert when the vehicle theft alarm is turned on. In this way the personal electronic device can alert the user when the user is not close enough to the vehicle to hear the vehicle theft alarm.

A vehicle theft alarm assembly includes a vehicle theft alarm that is integrated into a vehicle to sense impact on the vehicle. A key fob is provided that can be carried by a user and the key fob is in wireless communication with the vehicle theft alarm. The key fob emits an alert when the vehicle theft alarm is turned on to alert the user when the user is not close enough to the vehicle to hear the vehicle theft alarm. A personal electronic device is provided that can be employed by the user and the personal electronic device is in wireless communication with the vehicle theft alarm. The personal electronic device produces an alert when the vehicle theft alarm is turned on. In this way the personal electronic device can alert the user when the user is not close enough to the vehicle to hear the vehicle theft alarm.

A vehicle-mounted device includes vehicle information detecting unit for detecting an on/off state of vehicle power, relay input/output unit for controlling an external relay configured to make a switch between a starting-disabled state and a starting-enabled state of a vehicle, and vehicle information-associated control unit for controlling the external relay based on a relay control command. The vehicle information-associated control unit controls the external relay based on an elapsed time since a change in the on/off state of vehicle power detected by the vehicle information detecting unit.