Denso International America, Inc.

Keiichi Aoyama

Justin McBride

Michael Wiegand

Thomas J Keeling

Christopher M Kurpinski

Tanemichi Chiba

Akio Nakano

Hiroto Uesaka

An apparatus for changing the state of a vehicle closure is disclosed. The apparatus includes a primary mobile unit, a secondary mobile unit, and a detection device. The detection device is operable to automatically detect whether the primary mobile unit is within a first range of the detection device, and whether the secondary mobile unit is within a second range of the detection device. The apparatus further includes a controller operable to change the state of the vehicle closure when the detection device detects that the secondary mobile unit is within the second range while the primary mobile unit is detected within the first range.

Apparatus for automatically changing state of vehicle closure

An apparatus for automatically initiating a plurality of vehicle functions is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mobile unit and a detection device operable to automatically detect whether the mobile unit is within a first zone. The detection device is further operable to automatically detect whether the mobile unit is within a second zone. The first zone and the second zone are outside the vehicle, and the first zone encompasses the second zone. The apparatus further includes a controller that is operable to initiate a first vehicle function when the detection device detects that the mobile unit is within the first zone. The controller is also operable to initiate a second vehicle function when the detection device detects that the mobile unit is within the second zone.

Apparatus for automatically initiating sequence of vehicle functions

An electronic key system utilizes a single switch or sensor to perform multiple functions. The function of the single switch or sensor is changed based upon a condition of a component of the vehicle when a controller verifies the presence of a mobile unit. An indicator is utilized to tell an individual what the function of the switch screen is currently.

Vehicle electronic key system

A hands-free vehicle door opener utilizes a spring-loaded mechanical pushing device, or other method, to open a vehicle door a few inches upon a laser emitting device sensing a foot in its emitted laser. The laser is emitted from the laser emitter upon the key fob of a smart key being validated by the vehicle's smart key validation system when a user approaches the vehicle with the smart key fob. When the laser beam is interrupted, a signal is sent from a smart ECU to a door lock ECU, which unlocks the vehicle door. Next, a signal is sent to a door open ECU to unlatch the vehicle door. Upon door unlatching, the spring-loaded pushing device pushes open the vehicle door. Instead of a laser emitting device being used as the sensor, a device with electrical contacts, an ultrasonic wave emitting sensing device, or other device could be used.

Hands-free vehicle door opener

A remote control device for controlling a reduced operational mode of a vehicle includes a portable communication device operable to communicate with the vehicle. A detachable component is selectively coupled to the communication device. The communication device is operable to initiate a reduced operational mode for the vehicle upon detachment of the detachable component from the communication device. The portable communication device detects the input in the attached position and initiates a normal operational mode upon the detection. Detachment of the detachable component cause an input voltage to change on the portable device. The reduced operational mode includes inhibiting access to predetermined storage compartments in the vehicle such as a vehicle trunk or glove box. Vehicle speed and RPM are limited in the reduced operational mode.

System for controlling a valet mode of a vehicle

A system for communicating user identified preferences to a vehicle includes a programming device adapted to receive input indicative of user defined vehicle settings and operable to store the input as vehicle setting data. A first portable security device is operable to transmit a first identification code. A transceiver residing in the vehicle is in data communication over a wireless communication link with each of the first portable security device and the programming device. The transceiver is operable to initiate download of the vehicle setting data to the vehicle upon receipt of the first identification code from the first portable security device.

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Novi, MI, United States of America

Keiichi Aoyama