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Dual purpose wireless device, wherein vehicle controls depend on device location

  • US 8,421,589 B2
  • Filed: 01/27/2009
  • Issued: 04/16/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/27/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A communications system utilizing a dual mode device for controlling functions in a vehicle, said system comprising:

  • a first wireless transceiver configured to be installed in the vehicle;

    a dual mode device equipped with a second wireless transceiver configured to communicate with the first wireless transceiver, said dual mode device configured to be portable with respect to the vehicle; and

    a controller configured to be installed in the vehicle and coupled to the first wireless transceiver, said controller configured to control a first predetermined set of vehicle functions only in the case in which the controller determines that the dual mode device is located outside the vehicle, and configured to control a second predetermined set of vehicle functions distinct from the first predetermined set of vehicle functions only in the case in which the controller determines that the dual mode device is located inside the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the dual mode device is located outside the vehicle only in the case in which the first wireless transceiver is communicating with the second wireless transceiver and the vehicle is not moving, and wherein the controller is configured to determine that the dual mode device is located inside the vehicle only in the case in which the first wireless transceiver is communicating with the second wireless transceiver and the vehicle is moving.

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