A sensing device can include an accelerometer, a transceiver, and a computing device in communication with the accelerometer and transceiver. The computing device can transmit a first set of signals at a first power level to a remote device. The computing device can determine, via the accelerometer, a movement of the sensing device. The computing device can increase a power level for transmission from the first power level to a second power level in response to the movement. The computing device can transmit future signals at the second power level to the remote device.

A system and method for wirelessly generating a roster of drivers and passengers in transportation vehicles. A driver's or passenger's smartphone can communicate using short-range communications with the vehicle, or a smartphone in the vehicle, so that the ID associated with the phone can be linked to a vehicle ID, date and time stamped, and stored in a log or database. Any unauthorized person can be refused admittance (by not permitting the vehicle to start or otherwise being denied the right to be a driver or passenger). A downloaded application is used for this purpose. The invention also can include a secure, remote database as well as a mobile device such as a smartphone running the application, a wireless receiver/transmitter in the vehicle, and a wireless communication network such as a cellular network.

Disclosed is an authentication reader intended to be installed on a motor vehicle opening element, the reader including a microcontroller, at least one transmitter, at least one matching circuit and a single antenna, called “primary” antenna, characterized by a working frequency. The matching circuit includes switching element able to switch the matching circuit between a first mode, in which the matching circuit makes it possible to match the primary antenna to a secondary antenna of an authentication device whose resonant frequency is lower than the working frequency, and a second mode, in which the matching circuit makes it possible to match the primary antenna to a secondary antenna of an authentication device whose resonant frequency is higher than the working frequency.

A method is for activating a vehicle function, wherein a controller for activating the vehicle function checks an access authorization of the mobile device and activates the vehicle function only if the authorization is acceptable. The method includes: a) the controller sending a request to the mobile device demanding transmission of the authorization for a vehicle function, b) the mobile device receiving the request from the controller and sending the authorization to the controller, c) the controller checking the authorization and activates the vehicle function if the authorization is acceptable, d) the mobile device sending the authorization only if the device was previously actuated for the purpose of authorization and thus was authorized to send the authorization, e) and the controller activating the vehicle function only if a signal of a sensor device actuatable by the user has previously been received by the controller.

The method of proximity detection between a first and a second device (DVC1, DVC2), carried out by the first device (DVC1), comprises the steps of collecting a first information on exposure of the first device (DVC1) to electromagnetic waves; receiving a second information on exposure of the second device (DVC2) to electromagnetic waves from the second device (DVC2); determining a matching information between the first information on exposure and the second information on exposure and detecting either proximity or non-proximity between the first and the second device (DVC1, DVC2) based on the matching information.

A central locking system for locking a vehicle includes a central locking unit and at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle lock is connected to the central locking unit and arranged to be regulated by the central locking unit between a locked and unlocked position. A mobile device is configured to wirelessly connect to the central locking unit and to control the central locking unit to regulate the vehicle lock between the locked and unlocked position. The central locking system includes at least one remote lock of the remote unit for locking a remote unit configured to be detachably connected to the vehicle, wherein the remote lock of the remote unit is configured to be connected to the central locking unit and arranged to be regulated by the central locking unit between a locked and unlocked position.

A mobile device for an authentication system that performs authentication to control an authentication target with code verification via near field wireless communication, includes: an acceleration sensor; a communication portion that performs the near field wireless communication with an antenna of the authentication target; a reception stop portion that stops reception operation of the communication portion; a fault detection portion that detects a failure in the acceleration sensor; and an operation change portion that prevents the reception stop portion from stopping the reception operation.

A tire anti-theft system includes a transmitter attached to a tire and configured to transmit tire ID information; a first database configured to store vehicle ID information and tire ID information of a tire mounted on the vehicle; a second database configured to store the tire ID information and tire status information indicating whether or not the tire identified with the tire ID information is stolen tire; and a vehicle control apparatus, in which the vehicle control apparatus includes a reader configured to perform near field communication with the transmitter attached to the tire mounted on a vehicle to be controlled and acquire the tire ID information, and a controller configured to, in a case where the reader acquires the tire ID information, restrict operation of the vehicle to be controlled if information indicating that the tire is stolen tire is stored in association with the tire ID information.

A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include at least one computing device coupled to at least one sensor and a wireless transceiver. The at least one sensor configured to sense measurements proximate to a vehicle. The at least one computing device can be configured to read a plurality of first measurements of the at least one sensor at a predetermined frequency, where the at least one sensor is located in a first position of the vehicle. The at least one computing device can be configured to receive a plurality of second measurements from at least one additional theft-prevention apparatus, where the at least one additional theft-prevention apparatus is located at a second position in the vehicle. The at least one computing device can determine that a person has entered the vehicle based on at least one of: the plurality of first measurements and the plurality of second measurements.

This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle including a heater for an exterior interface. An example assembly includes a human-machine interface adjacent an exterior of the motor vehicle, and a heater configured to selectively thermally condition the human-machine interface. The heater includes a conductive polymer. A method is also disclosed.