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Mobile control node system and method for vehicles

  • US 8,373,581 B2
  • Filed: 06/19/2008
  • Issued: 02/12/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/19/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A vehicular locating system, comprising:

  • a first data processor and transceiver unit for mounting in a vehicle;

    a mobile device, the mobile device having a second data processor and transceiver unit for wireless bi-directional communication with the first data processor and transceiver unit, and a user interface system operatively connected to the second data processor and transceiver unit; and

    characterized in that the first data processor and transceiver unit and the second processor and transceiver unit interoperate to determine a series of estimates of a range between the vehicle and the mobile device by measuring a time of flight for radio communications between the vehicle and the mobile device, and in that the mobile device further includes a sensor for detecting travel of mobile device and a compass element for detecting a direction of movement of mobile device, the sensor and compass element being operatively connected to the second data processor and transceiver unit to produce estimates of the travel of the mobile device and wherein, as a user moves with the mobile device, at least one of the first and second data processor and transceiver units combining the determined travel of the mobile device with the series of estimates of the range between the vehicle and the mobile device to produce an estimated range and bearing from the mobile device to the vehicle.

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