A card key for receiving specific functions from a vehicle is provided. The card key includes a card key memory configured to store authority information for controlling a specific functions of the vehicle; and a card key communication module configured to transmit a signal for receiving the specific functions to a vehicle communication module and the stored authority information. The card key communication module may be configured to receive information input to a user terminal from the user terminal. The stored authority information may be changed based on the input information.

An embodiment method of preparing for discharge of an electric latch assembly includes determining whether the electric latch assembly is in an unlocked state, in response to a determination that the electric latch assembly is in the unlocked state, monitoring a voltage of a battery, comparing the voltage of the battery with a preset reference voltage at which a mechanical redundancy (MR) mode is to be activated, and activating the MR mode by driving an MR motor installed inside the electric latch assembly in response to the voltage of the battery being less than or equal to the reference voltage.

Method and apparatus are disclosed for iris-detection alignment for vehicle entry and feature activation. An example vehicle includes a window, a camera facing the window, a puddle lamp to project an indicator pointing toward the camera, a UV source, and a controller. The controller is to project, via the UV source, a display onto the window upon detecting a user aligns with the indicator. The controller also is to provide directions to the user, via the display, to position an iris in front of the camera and activate a vehicle feature upon identifying the user via iris recognition.

A transportation vehicle having an actuator for automatically adjusting a windowpane and/or a sliding roof of the transportation vehicle; a UWB system having a UWB transceiver and a first and a second antenna, each of which sends and receives UWB pulses; and a control device connected to the UWB system and the actuator to carry out a method based on channel impulse response measurements for detecting objects in a collision region by using the first antenna and the second antenna, and to send a signal that is based on a result of the detection method to interrupt an automatic adjustment of a windowpane and/or a sliding roof of the transportation vehicle to the actuator. Also disclosed is a method and communication system for a transportation vehicle.

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.

A vehicle control system comprises a portable terminal and a vehicle including a communication device and a drive device. When the drive device is in a non-actuation state and the communication device is in an inactivated state, the vehicle changes a state of the communication device from the inactivated state to an activated state when an activation condition is satisfied. The activation condition is satisfied when a user holding legitimate qualification exists within a communication possible range. When the drive device is in the non-actuation state, the vehicle changes the state of the communication device from the activated state to the inactivated state when an activation stop condition is satisfied. The activation stop condition is satisfied when an activation period in which the communication device is in the activated state reaches a predetermined period.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include generating a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include displaying a request for entry of the temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining that an input has been received. The example method may also include determining that a mobile device is located within the vehicle or within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The example method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting based on authorization of the mobile device for a period of time subsequent to the input being received.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving, by a vehicle, a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining, that a passive entry passive start (PEPS) key fob is not present inside the vehicle. The example method may also include presenting a request for a second passcode. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode has been input. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in memory of the vehicle. The example method may also include generating, using an enhanced valet mode, a first temporary valet passcode based on the determination that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in the memory.

An article of manufacture for providing an automobile theft prevention device according to the present invention is disclosed.

A car sharing system includes a car sharing device that actuates an onboard device by performing communication with an electronic key system through ID verification when a user operates the onboard device in an authentication completion state in which key information has been authenticated through wireless communication with the portable terminal, a radio wave checker that checks radio waves transmitted from the electronic key system in accordance with a state of a vehicle power supply when the onboard device is operated with the portable terminal and a key control request corresponding to the operation with the portable terminal is transmitted from the portable terminal to the car sharing device so that the car sharing device actuates the electronic key system, and a warning controller that issues a warning indicating that one has forgotten to stop the vehicle power supply in accordance with a checking result of the radio wave checker.