A system, method, and apparatus for disabling and/or enabling a vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention can be a method including transmitting a disable command to an electronic apparatus that is operably coupled to a vehicle. The electronic apparatus may be configured to transition the vehicle between an enabled state wherein operation of the vehicle is permitted and a disabled state wherein operation of the vehicle is prohibited. The method may further include, after the electronic apparatus receives the disable command, sending a test signal from the electronic apparatus to a remote server over a wireless network upon the vehicle being parked. When the test signal is not successfully sent to the remote server, the vehicle may remain in or be returned to the enabled state. When the test signal is successfully sent to the remote server, the vehicle may remain in or be returned to the disabled state.

Measures for use in operating a key module (100) associated with a vehicle. A proximity of the vehicle key module to a mobile telephony device (102) associated with an authorized user of the vehicle is monitored at the vehicle key module (100). In response to the monitoring indicating that a distance between the vehicle key module and the mobile telephony device (102) has exceeded a predetermined threshold distance, the vehicle key module transmits a lack of proximity alert message to the mobile telephony device. An operational status change code associated with one or more of the vehicle and the vehicle key module (100) is received by the vehicle key module (100) from the mobile telephony device (102). On the basis of the received operational status change code, an operational status change in relation to one or more of the vehicle and the vehicle key module is initiated.

The present invention relates to a method, device and system for controlling a powered vehicle. The device comprises a communications unit operable to receive a vehicle control signal from a remote computer, and a control unit operable to activate and deactivate the fuel pump such that movement of the vehicle is controlled in response to the vehicle control signal received by the communications unit so that the vehicle may be gradually stopped by incrementally cutting fuel to the vehicles pump in a safe manner. Additionally, the present invention provides a remote control disable function by cutting power to vehicle ignition. The present invention further provides a vehicle tracking functionality.

A keyless vehicle entry and start system for motor vehicles includes an input device such as a keypad and a backup electrical power supply to unlock the door latch in the event the primary power supply fails, thereby eliminating the need for a lock cylinder. The door latch system is configured to supply electrical power from the primary electrical power supply to unlock the latch upon receiving a signal from a mobile phone, and to supply electrical power from the backup electrical power supply to unlock the latch if an authorized code is input via the keypad. The system is configured to communicate with a portable wireless device such as a smartphone utilizing various frequency bands. The system permits entry and operation of a vehicle utilizing only a smartphone.

A vehicle disabling apparatus for remotely disabling a vehicle having an engine comprises a source (4) of high frequency energy for generating a high frequency signal and a modulator (1) for modulating the high frequency signal by applying an effects signals package. The effects signal package comprises a plurality of respective effects signals and each effects signal comprises a pulse train, the effects signals package being non-vehicle specific. An antenna (6) directs the effects signal package modulated signal at a remote vehicle to disrupt the vehicle engine by affecting the target vehicle engine management system.

An entry assist system for a motor vehicle includes a door, a door operation module to open and close the door and a starter actuator for starting an engine of the motor vehicle. The entry assist system further includes a control subsystem. The control subsystem includes a gesture sensor and a controller. The controller is responsive to the gesture sensor to open the door and start the engine of the motor vehicle.

A system and a method for shutting down an illegally used vehicle involves a first control device of the vehicle receiving a vehicle shutdown command and a server connected to the first control device and which transmits the vehicle shutdown command to the first control device. The first control device requests confirmation of the vehicle shutdown command in an external authorisation system before the shutdown of the vehicle and a second control device initiates the shutdown of the vehicle.

Method of selecting and stopping a vehicle using vehicle-to-vehicle communication includes selecting and suppressing a local vehicle including vehicle-to-vehicle communication comprising transmitting a vehicle-to-vehicle locating signal from a host vehicle to local vehicles to obtain a location and a direction of movement for local vehicles within a local area, selecting a local vehicle as a selected vehicle to be suppressed, and suppressing the selected vehicle using vehicle-to-vehicle communication from the host vehicle to the selected vehicle. The suppressing of the selected vehicle by the host vehicle includes providing a warning to the operator of the selected vehicle, limiting speed, along with decelerating and halting of the selected vehicle.

Method of selecting and stopping a vehicle using vehicle-to-vehicle communication includes selecting and suppressing a local vehicle including vehicle-to-vehicle communication comprising transmitting a vehicle-to-vehicle locating signal from a host vehicle to local vehicles to obtain a location and a direction of movement for local vehicles within a local area, selecting a local vehicle as a selected vehicle to be suppressed, and suppressing the selected vehicle using vehicle-to-vehicle communication from the host vehicle to the selected vehicle. The suppressing of the selected vehicle by the host vehicle includes providing a warning to the operator of the selected vehicle, limiting speed, along with decelerating and halting of the selected vehicle.

A method to authenticate operators of motor vehicles includes obtaining, based on a driver's license, operator information of an operator of a motor vehicle. The method further includes authenticating, by a Vehicle Identification and Secure Operating Program (VISOP) running on an onboard computer of the motor vehicle, the operator information with a Motor Vehicle Department (MVD). The method determines, based on the authenticating and vehicle identifying information pertaining to the motor vehicle, whether the operator is approved to operate the motor vehicle. The method performs biometric identification to verify that the driver's license matches the operator. The method prevents the motor vehicle from starting, responsive to the operator not being approved to operate the motor vehicle, and allows the motor vehicle to start, responsive to the operator being approved to operate the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can include the VMAC when wirelessly transmitting operator information and vehicle identifying information for self-reporting to a passing LEO, e.g., to Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs). This enables LEOs to make safer decisions in pulling over a potential suspect to better protect the public and themselves.