Patent ID: 7504931
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A portable control device configured to provide an operator with control of an operation of a vehicle, comprising: an input configured to receive an action of the operator that is indicative of the operation to be performed by the vehicle; a transmitter configured to send a first signal via an at least partly wireless connection with the vehicle that at least partially embodies a command for the action of the operator received by the input; a receiver configured to receive a second signal via the at least partly wireless connection with the vehicle that at least partially embodies feedback from a sensor of the vehicle indicative of the operation resulting from the command at least partially embodied by the first signal sent by the transmitter; and a light bar configured to present information to the operator on the operation based at least in part on the feedback in the second signal received by the receiver; wherein the portable control device is a keyfob, and wherein the vehicle emits a temperature signal indicative of temperature associated with the vehicle, and wherein the portable electronic device further comprises a processor operatively coupled to the receiver and to the light bar, the processor configured to: (i) receive the temperature signal via the receiver, and (ii) adjust the illumination of the light bar in accordance with the temperature signal.