Road vehicle comprising an ignition system for the powertrain system comprising in turn a luminous device integral with the passenger compartment of the road vehicle and comprising a biometric detector configured to enable the system to identify, by means of biometric readings, a driver entitled to drive the vehicle to switch from an off configuration to an on configuration of the road vehicle and vice versa; the luminous device comprising a display device configured to at least partially assume a first colour and a second colour; wherein the display device is configured to switch from the first colour to the second colour when the movable part switches from the off configuration to the on configuration and vice versa when the movable part switches from the on configuration to the off configuration.

A vehicle mounted AC generator system having an AC generator mounted driven by the vehicle's power-take off having a secure control system. The secure control system integrates with the AC generator, the power-take off and the vehicle to enable the generator to be operated by the vehicle's engine while the cab or passenger compartment of the vehicle remains secured, thereby preventing the potential for theft or accidental input which may create a dangerous condition. The secure control system also provides monitoring of the generator's operation and emergency stop capability to shut down both the generator and the vehicle's engine in the event required.

The present concept is method of controlling a vehicle's engine idle and includes the steps of monitoring a vehicles operating parameters with a controller and comparing parameters to preselected shutdown conditions. In the event shutdown conditions are met and the key is not in the ignition, the controller warns operator of impending shutdown. The controller intercepts the ignition key signal and simulates the vehicle key to be in the run position such that vehicle functions are operable as if key is in run position. The controller shuts down engine. The method may also include the steps of: the controller intercepting the ignition key signal and simulating the vehicle key to be in the accessory position such that vehicle functions are operable as if key is in accessory position.

A locking key for changing a locked state by being inserted into a key box includes a first base including a metal complex and in which a first pattern groove is formed, and a first pattern provided in the first pattern groove and including a conductive material.

A vehicle ignition system includes an ignition cylinder housing defining an exterior portion, an interior portion and a channel extending at least partially through the interior portion. An ignition cylinder is at least partially received by and adjustable relative to the ignition cylinder housing. The ignition cylinder includes an elongate body defining an exterior portion and an interior portion. A cam member is at least partially received in the channel of the ignition cylinder housing and includes a clutch disposed adjacent to and engaging a portion of the ignition cylinder. A locking mechanism cooperates with the ignition cylinder housing and ignition cylinder includes a locking member having a projection extending therefrom that releasably engages a portion of the ignition cylinder housing when the locking mechanism is placed in the at least one second position to prevent adjustment of the ignition cylinder relative to the ignition cylinder housing.

A camera system for vehicles captures panoramic video, has a unique identifier, and has an image processor that compresses the video and detects events. It transmits compressed video with one or more of a timestamp, a unique identifier, a location, and event flags through a network (e.g., cellular) to a server. A GPS device (or the like) may be adapted to determine location. Particular embodiments process the video to detect events, and, upon detecting these events, transmit video at a high data rate while using a low data rate at other times.

An automated parking system and a method enable a driverless vehicle to autonomously travel and park in a vacant parking slot through communication with a parking infrastructure. The automated parking system and method also control the driverless vehicle to autonomously travel from a parking slot to a pickup area through communication with the parking infrastructure.

After authenticating at least one functional component which is safety-relevant and/or emission-relevant to the driving mode of the motor vehicle with regard to whether the functional component is an original component of the motor vehicle or a functional component which has been replaced without authorization and/or has been manipulated without authorization, the operation of at least one other functional component of the motor vehicle is controlled in such a manner that the functionality or at least one functionality of the at least one other functional component is selectively restricted if the authentication which has been carried out reveals that the at least one functional component which is safety-relevant and/or emission-relevant to the driving mode of the motor vehicle has been replaced without authorization and/or has been manipulated without authorization.

A steer-by-wire steering system including a feedback actuator to simulate a steering feel to a steering device and including an electric motor connected to a steering shaft to transmit a torque, and a steering lock including a latch connected to the steering shaft in a torsion-resistant manner and a lock to engage with the latch at locking positions to block a rotation of the steering shaft. If an ignition is switched-off and a movement of the steering device is detected, a position of the steering shaft and a distance between the lock and a next locking position of the latch is determined. If the distance is greater than a predefined value, a counter-torque is transmitted to the steering shaft by the feedback-actuator opposite to the movement of the steering device until the locking position reaches the lock and the lock can engage with the latch.

A system for enabling a user to start a vehicle has a SmartFuse with a terminal coupled to vehicle battery voltage and a terminal coupled to a vehicle element to be powered to start the vehicle. The SmartFuse has a microprocessor, a first data repository, a normally open electrical contact in a conductor connected in series with a fuse filament, and first wireless communication circuitry. A smartphone executing a mobile application stores a list of identities of drivers authorized to operate the vehicle. A candidate driver identifies to the mobile application which determines if the candidate driver is on the list. If so, the smartphone signals the first microprocessor in the SmartFuse to close the normally open electrical contact in the SmartFuse, enabling the vehicle to be started.