A tailgate lock controller device is wirelessly controlled. The tailgate lock is in electrical communication with the automobile's lock controller which in turn is in electrical communication with the automobile's wireless lock sensors. The key fob is in wireless communication with the wireless lock sensors and the automobile's electronic anti-theft features. The tailgate lock is also configured to be actuated by use of a traditional lock and key mechanism, as well as keypads located on the automobile.

Methods, apparatus and systems for vehicle wireless monitoring are described. In one example, a described method comprises: transmitting a first wireless signal from a first wireless device through a wireless multipath channel of a venue, the venue comprising a vehicle and an immediate vicinity of the vehicle; receiving a second wireless signal by a second wireless device in the venue through the wireless multipath channel, wherein the second wireless signal differs from the first wireless signal due to the wireless multipath channel and a modulation by an object undergoing a motion in the venue; obtaining a time series of channel information (TSCI) of the wireless multipath channel based on the second wireless signal; and performing a monitoring task by monitoring, based on the TSCI, at least one of: the vehicle, the object or the motion of the object.

Systems and methods are provided for authorizing a user to access an access-controlled environment. The system includes a system server platform that communicates with mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) and on-board vehicle computing devices accessed by users. The embodiments enable a series of operations whereby a user accessing a vehicle is prompted to biometrically authenticate using the user's smartphone or on-board vehicle computer. In addition, the system can further authorize the user and electronically facilitate access to the vehicle as well as perform other authorized operations relating to the use of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle access system integrates with various computing devices and computer-based services accessible to the user. The systems and methods also facilitate active monitoring of the vehicle occupants and environmental conditions using optical sensors and the like so as to enhance security, convenience and safety of the occupants during use of the vehicle.

A safety alert system for a specific vehicle includes an Internet-connected server executing software, a digital data repository, a profile associated with the specific vehicle and identifying the specific vehicle and comprising contact information for a person, a computerized monitoring apparatus located in the specific vehicle with a two-way Internet connection to the Internet-connected server, global positioning system (GPS) circuitry coupled, a plurality of sensors, sensing both environmental conditions and status of apparatus of the specific vehicle, and reporting to the monitoring apparatus, and at least one set of variable values stored in the digital data repository indicating an alert status. The server keeps a log of reported variable values for the specific vehicle, periodically compares the variable values reported with the at least one set of variable values indicating an alert status, and issues an alert accordingly.

Systems and methods for remotely controlling at least a first function of a security device of a vehicle, wherein a remote control device has a first radio unit, whereby a connection to a mobile radio network can be established. The system can be programmed to carry out the following steps: a) determining the position of the vehicle b) determining the position of the remote control device c) determining an actual distance between the position of the vehicle and the remote control device d) comparing the actual distance with at least one defined specified distance, wherein the first function is activated if the actual distance is less than or equal to the specified distance.

Systems and methods are provided for authorizing a user to access an access-controlled environment. The system includes a system server platform that communicates with mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) and on-board vehicle computing devices accessed by users. The embodiments enable a series of operations whereby a user accessing a vehicle is prompted to biometrically authenticate using the user's smartphone or on-board vehicle computer. In addition, the system can further authorize the user and electronically facilitate access to the vehicle as well as perform other authorized operations relating to the use of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle access system integrates with various computing devices and computer-based services accessible to the user. The systems and methods also facilitate active monitoring of the vehicle occupants and environmental conditions using optical sensors and the like so as to enhance security, convenience and safety of the occupants during use of the vehicle.

A method and apparatus for limited starting authorization are provided. The method includes: determining whether an authorized wireless device is connected to a vehicle sharing system and whether a first command is received from the authorized wireless device; in response to determining that the authorized wireless device is connected to the vehicle sharing system and that the first command is received from the authorized wireless device, setting a timer to a predetermined value, enabling an authenticating device and notifying of the enabling of the authenticating device; and in response to determining that attempted access to an unauthorized part of the vehicle has occurred, a second command is received from the authorized wireless device, or the timer has expired, disabling the authenticating device and notifying of the disabling of the authenticating device. The method may be used in by vehicle sharing system to limit access and prevent theft.

With a method for detecting a contact event on the outer shell of a vehicle, wherein at least one structure-borne sound signal is detected by means of a structure-borne sound sensor, the detected structure-borne sound signal is evaluated by an evaluation device, and wherein the vehicle comprises a number of structure-borne sound sensors, it is provided as essential to the invention that each of the structure-borne sound sensors is associated with an area of the vehicle outer shell via a structure-borne sound conducting link, that an evaluation device is used to ascertain, by which of the structure-borne sound sensors respectively, a structure-borne sound signal has been detected, that conclusions are drawn from the association of the structure-borne sound sensors as to the area of the vehicle outer shell which has been touched, and that conclusions are drawn from the area of the vehicle shell which has been touched, as to the kind of underlying contact.

A system includes a processor configured to generate a new access key, responsive to a vehicle shutdown. The processor is also configured to connect to a previously identified user wireless device. The processor is further configured to deliver the new access key to the user wireless device, responsive to connection to the wireless device and locally store a copy of the new access key in a file designated for reference for a next-access attempt.

The present disclosure relates to motor vehicles. Various embodiments may include methods and apparatuses for unlocking a motor vehicle using a motor vehicle access and/or start system. For example, a vehicle key for opening, starting, and locking a motor vehicle may include: a first transceiver communicating with the motor vehicle access and start system; a second transceiver communicating with a mobile radio terminal; and a controller which, on the basis of a code received from the mobile radio terminal and in the form of either a release code or a locking code, either releases or locks communication between the vehicle key and the motor vehicle access and start system. The communication is associated with unlocking, starting, and/or locking the motor vehicle.