Patent Publication Number: US-8538331-B2

Title: Vehicle control and communication via device in proximity

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s)). 
     RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/389,669, entitled Wireless Device With An Aggregate User Interface For Controlling Other Devices, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr., as inventors, filed Mar. 24, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,725,077, which is currently, or is an application of which a currently application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date. 
     The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to the effect that the USPTO&#39;s computer programs require that patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is a continuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm. The present applicant entity has provided above a specific reference to the application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require either a serial number or any characterization, such as “continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entity understands that the USPTO&#39;s computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the present application as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter of its parent application(s). 
     All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith. 
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, the method includes but is not limited to making a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, determining a user interface on the wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determination, and performing an operation with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. 
     An embodiment provides a computer program product. In one implementation, the computer program product includes but is not limited to a signal-bearing medium bearing at least one of one or more instructions for making a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, the signal-bearing medium bearing at least one of one or more instructions for determining a user interface on the wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determination, and the signal bearing medium bearing at least one of one or more instructions for performing an operation with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. In addition to the foregoing, other computer program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. 
     An embodiment provides a system. In one implementation, the system includes but is not limited to a computing device and instructions. The instructions when executed on the computing device cause the computing device to make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, determine a user interface on the wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determination, and perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. 
     An embodiment provides a device. In one implementation, the device includes but is not limited to a device configured to make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, the device includes a user interface configured to be determined on the wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determination, and an operation configured to be performed with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. In addition to the foregoing, other device aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example of vehicle control and communication via a device in proximity in which embodiments may be implemented, perhaps in a device. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates certain alternative embodiments of the vehicle control and communication via a device in proximity of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates certain alternative embodiments of the vehicle control and communication via a device in proximity of  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 23  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 24  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 25  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 27  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a partial view of an example computer program product that includes a computer program for executing a computer process on a computing device. 
         FIG. 29  illustrates an example system in which embodiments may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     The use of the same symbols in different drawings typically indicates similar or identical items. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example wireless device  100  in which embodiments may be implemented. A wireless device  100  may include a display system  153  for displaying a variety of information, such as a user interface  155 , which may include a menu  156 . Wireless device  100  may also include a controller  160  for providing overall control of wireless device  100 , a (wireless) transceiver  157  to transmit (send) and receive signals, determination logic  154  for making various determinations, and automatic invocation system  198  for automatically invoking “default” operations with minimal or, in some cases, no user interaction, for example. Controller  160  may be, for example, a programmed controller or microprocessor, and may include hardware, software, and/or a combination of hardware and software, for example. Controller  160  may include, for example, a processor, memory, input and output, and other hardware, software, and/or firmware generally associated with a general purpose computing device. An input system  159  may include a keyboard, keypad, pointing device (e.g., mouse, pointing stick), biometric identifier, button, toggle switch, or other input device that, for example, may be used by a user to input information to wireless device  100 . Input System  159  may include non-default actions  199  which may be, for example, button or key presses, or the like that may be used to indicate that a non-default action should be invoked. 
     Wireless device  100  may also include or store proximity information  158  relating to one or more first devices  101 . Proximity information  158  may provide, for example, information relating to a location or closeness or proximity of one or more first devices  101  to the wireless device  100 . For example, proximity information  158  may identify a location of each of the first devices  101 , identify a distance (e.g., from wireless device  100 ) to one of first devices  101 , or may provide a list of which devices are in proximity (e.g., near or within a predetermined distance) to wireless device  100 , and/or may identify which of the first devices  101  are closest to wireless device  100 , identify one of the first devices  101  that has been touched by wireless device  100 , etc. 
     Wireless device  100  may be in proximity to or near one or more first devices  101 . First devices  101  may include, for example, home audio and video related systems  110 , vehicle related systems  120 , banking and financial related systems  130 , and other systems  140 . Other systems  140  may include a variety of other example wireless devices, such as a printer, television, and satellite receiver, shown here, as well as other devices such as a camera, personal computer, photo frame, personal digital assistant (PDA), or any number of first devices that may establish a wireless network connection or link with another device. Each of the first devices  101  may include a controller, a wireless transceiver, automatic invocation systems, determination or other logic, etc., as shown for wireless device  100 . Each of the first devices  101  may include one or more operations  111 ,  121 , and  131 , which may be performed on or with respect to such first devices  101 , and such operations are not shown with respect to other systems  140 , but they are included in those systems as well. 
     First devices  101  shown in  FIG. 1  provide several examples of devices but it is not an exhaustive list, and may also include any device or part of a device with a wireless capability (e.g., including a vehicle or car itself, or a part of the vehicle, for example). Each of the first devices may be a wireless device. Alternatively, each of the first devices  101  may not be “wireless” or “wireless capable”, but may operate or work though an intermediary wireless device (not shown) in order to communicate wirelessly with wireless device  100 . 
     The wireless device  100  may be controlled by a user  104 , for instance, to control one or more of the first devices  101 , which are in proximity  106  to wireless device  100  or nearby wireless device  100 . According to an example embodiment, proximity  106  may refer to an area that is near or in proximity to wireless device  100 . Thus, the various first devices  101  may be in proximity or near wireless device  100 . 
     In operation, the wireless device  100  may be used, for example, to control one or more first devices  101  using a variety of different techniques. When a first device is within proximity  106  or near wireless device  100 , wireless device  100  may establish a wireless link or wireless network connection with the first device, e.g., via (wireless) transceiver  157 . For example, by establishing a wireless link and communicating information with a first device, wireless device  100  may determine or make a determination that the first device is in proximity to wireless device  100 . Alternatively, wireless device  100  may determine that a first device is in proximity to wireless device  100  based on a touching or contact between the device  100  and the first device  101  (e.g., wireless device  100  touches a “hot spot” or designated area for the first device). Similarly, a first device  101  may determine that it is in proximity or near to wireless device  100 , e.g., either through a wireless communication link that is established with or contact to wireless device  100 , for example. 
     According to an example embodiment, one of the first devices  1001  and the wireless device  100  may establish a wireless connection or wireless link and may exchange data when the two devices are near each other or within a maximum distance, e.g., when the first device is within proximity  106  or near wireless device  100 . For example, when a user carrying wireless device  100  (or other device) moves toward the area generally indicated as proximity  106  in  FIG. 1 , he begins to make closure with (or move nearer to) the proximity  106 . At this point the wireless device  100 , the first devices  101 , or a combination of both may make a determination that the wireless device  100  is in proximity to one or more of the first devices  1001 . 
     Once one or more of the first devices  1001  are in proximity (e.g., near or touching) to wireless device  100 , a wireless connection or link may be established, for instance using transceiver  157  and similar transceivers on the first devices  101 . A variety of information may then be exchanged between the devices, and one or more actions or operations may be performed on the wireless device  100 , e.g., either as default actions (via automatic invocation system  198 ), or as non-default actions  199  upon a user selection, for instance. 
     According to an example embodiment, wireless device  100  may determine a user interface  155 , e.g., based on a determination that one or more first devices  101  are in proximity or near wireless device  100  or based on a determination that one or more of the first devices  101  have operations that are of particular use to the user  104 , or both, as examples. In an example embodiment, the user interface  155  may be provided or displayed on display system  153  of wireless device  100 , for example. 
     The user interface  155  may, for example, be a user interface that may provide an aggregate or cumulative interface providing one or more information elements related to one or more devices. For example, the user interface may include a list of operations associated with one or more devices that may be in proximity to wireless device  100 , or a menu  156  of elements or operations for each of a plurality of first devices  101  in proximity. The user interface  155  may change or be updated based on changing environment, e.g., a new set of operations displayed as new wireless devices come into proximity, etc. The user interface  155  may be continually updated by sorting a list of first devices  101  in proximity  106 , e.g., ordered by distance and changing the output to display system  153 . This updating of the user interface  155  may be performed, for example, in part using determination logic  154  and controller  160 , along with proximity information  158  associated with each first device. However, user interface  155  may also be centrally determined, or determined by an “observer” component (not shown) removed from the wireless device  100 , or alternatively on one or more of the first devices  101 . 
     A number of examples will now be provided, and these are only illustrative and the embodiments are not limited thereto. In one example, the user  104  may carry wireless device  100  and move toward a camera in the area generally indicated as proximity  106  (being in proximity to various first devices  101 ), the camera having a particular photo or image displayed thereon. In an example, if the user  104  is holding a wireless device  100  comprising a cellular phone with a particular contact selected, automatic invocation system  198  of the camera may send or wirelessly transmit the photo to the cellular phone, where the photo may be stored with or associated with the contact on the cellular phone. For example, this may be done automatically, e.g., without direct interaction from the user  104  other than to move toward one of the first devices  101  in the above-described state. 
     In another example, the user  104  with a PDA type wireless device  100  may move toward a printer in other systems  140 , in the area generally indicated as proximity  106  (thus, the two devices are in proximity). The printer may detect the PDA wireless device and determine that the devices are in proximity (e.g., wireless detection or contact) and may print a document displayed on the PDA. Alternatively, or in addition, a user  104  may use the input system  159  to provide additional input, e.g., by tapping on input system  159 , or selecting a key, or by reorienting the wireless device  100  (e.g., PDA in this example) to present a print dialog on the PDA or select a specific action to be performed. 
     When an MP3 player style wireless device  100  is brought into proximity  106  with a PC in first devices  101 , a menu  156  may be presented on the MP3 player with options, for example, to sync, begin playing the current song on the PC, transfer the user interface of the MP3 player (in its current state) to the PC. After a brief pause (if none of these is explicitly selected) automatic invocation system  198  may cause the MP3 player to stop playing and have the PC take over playing the current song. 
     Tapping, gesturing, or reorienting a camera style wireless device  100  when it is in proximity  106  with to a digital photo frame in first devices  101  may cause automatic invocation system  198  to put a suitably transformed, current viewfinder image to the photo frame. Double tapping, represented by non-default actions  199 , may be used to put the entire contents of the camera, a slideshow, and/or a menu  156  of transition effects choices on the camera style wireless device  100 . 
     Another example may occur when the user  104  is carrying wireless device  100  and moves toward the area generally indicated as proximity  106 . Automatic invocation system  198  may cause the display system  153  to present a menu  156  of operations supported by one or more of the first devices  101  that are in proximity  106 . The menu  156  may be used to operate the first devices  101 . For example, each of the first devices  101  are indicated as having operations  111 ,  121 , and  131  that may be performed on them. The menu  156  may be a list of these operations and selecting one of them sends a command to the first devices  101  and causes one of the first devices  101  to otherwise execute the command. 
     Another example occurs when the user  104  is carrying wireless device  100  and moves toward the area generally indicated as proximity  106 . The wireless device  100  automatically connects to a DVD in home audio and video related systems  110  and then to a CD player in home audio and video related systems  110  and then to a game system, such as an Xbox or Playstation, which may be used to determine and/or provide a user interface  155  presenting a collected user interface for all the devices in home audio and video related systems  110 . The user interface  155  may then be used to operate all of the devices in home audio and video related systems  110 . For example, a menu  156  may be provided with a “Play” operation  111  with a submenu “Play Music, Play DVD” each of which has submenus, (i.e., On Xbox, On CD player). This user interface  155  and/or menu  156  may also vanish or disappear from display system  153  after a fixed time unless the user  104  asks to keep it, for example. 
     If the wireless device  100  is in proximity  106  to a TV in other systems  140 , automatic invocation system  198  may be used to turn on to the show that user  104  has scheduled in his calendar for this time. If no default action is available (i.e., the user  104  has no calendar entry), the viewing history or preferences of the user  104  may be used to select a channel, if viewing history and/or preferences cannot be used, the system may turn on the TV as usual. Alternatively, if user  104  has a web browser application executing on the wireless device  100  and the web browser is pointed to the URL “http://www.cnn.com/, for example, the TV may be tuned to CNN as well. 
     In another example, the user  104  moves toward proximity  106  with a plurality of first devices  101 . If, for example, the user  104  uses the non-default actions  199  of input system  159  to activate an “available actions” button, a list of the first devices  101  present their operations to wireless device  100  at display system  153 . 
     First devices  101  may also indicate what direction user  104  needs to walk to approach a particular device, using at least proximity information  158 . As the user  104  gets closer to some and farther from others of the first devices  101  and their operations  111 ,  121 , and  131  reorder themselves on the user interface  155 , e.g., closest devices at the top, until the user  104  get very close at which point the options for only one (the closest) of the first devices  101  is presented on the user interface  155  on display system  153 . Thus, the user interface  155  may be continually updated using at least determination logic  154  and proximity information  158  in wireless device  100 . Finally, a user  104  of the device  100  may cause to invoke a default or non-default action (for instance by gesturing, tilting the wireless device, or otherwise indicating a default or non-default action should occur depending on the operations available). 
     In another example, the wireless device  100  may make a determination about the locations of the first devices  101 . The locations may be communicated, e.g., from the first devices  101 , to a central device (not shown) that may compute proximities and transmit to the wireless device  100 , or also to one or more of the first devices  101 . One or more of the first devices  101  may also use the location of the wireless device  100  to transmit its proximity  106  or location to it. In this example, the first devices  101  might not transmit proximity  106  or location information at all, but instead decide for itself what commands, it wants to transmit to the wireless device  100 . Alternatively, some first devices  101  might, in addition to transmitting enough location information for the wireless device  100  to determine proximity  106 , also transmit specific information (such as subsets of options or commands) based on the determination of proximity  106  from the first devices  101 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates certain alternative embodiments of the wireless device  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a wireless device  100 , including a display system  153 , a user interface  155 , and a plurality of menus  200 ,  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 , and  210 . Menus  200 - 210  may correspond, for instance to menu  156  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Menu  200  comprises a list of the first devices  101  that are in proximity with wireless device  100 . In this example that includes an audio system, a printer, a TV, a camera, a video satellite receiver, an air conditioner, the living room lighting, and a refrigerator. In this example, the audio system is the closest one of the first devices  101 , so its operations are shown in menu  202 , which include in this example, “play song”, “download audio file”, “select radio station”, and “adjust volume”. 
     Menus  204  and  206  are also shown on the user interface  155 . Menu  204  includes the first devices  101  that are near but not yet in proximity  106  with a user&#39;s wireless device  100 . In this example, the user  104  is walking toward a garage. As the user  104  walks, the garage lighting and the user&#39;s Honda Civic are nearly in proximity  106 , and represent first devices  101  that will soon probably be available and within proximity  106 . The garage lighting and Honda Civic are listed in menu  204 . The closest, default, or first device  101  deemed most important is listed in menu  206 , which is the user&#39;s Honda Civic. The user&#39;s behavior patterns may have indicated to the wireless device  100  that the Honda Civic is most important, or the user may have specified that information explicitly to wireless device  100 , or alternatively menu  206  may be based solely on proximity  106 , by listing the closest first device  101  as in menu  202 . 
     Menu  208  gives an example of a list that may form part of the user interface  155 , showing the access restrictions for devices that are in proximity  106 . In this case, the printer, TV, and camera are restricted, while the air conditioner and refrigerator are available for use. Menu  210  shows first device ownership. In menu  210 , Dad owns the printer and mom owns the TV. The camera is owned by Johnny, and the wireless network and refrigerator have unspecified ownership and/or are deemed to be owned by anyone capable of establishing a connection with them using a wireless device  100 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example wireless device  300  in which embodiments may be implemented. Alternatively, wireless device  300  may similar to or even the same as wireless device  100  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , wireless device  300  may include a display system  153  for displaying a variety of information, such as a user interface  155 , which may include a menu  156 . Wireless device  300  may also include a controller  160  for providing overall control of wireless device  300 , a communication device  349 , which includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag  302  with an antenna  340  and/or an RFID reader  304  with an antenna  342 , to transmit (send) and receive signals with other devices that communicate via RFID, determination logic  154  for making various determinations, and automatic invocation system  198  for automatically invoking operations with minimal or, in some cases, no user interaction, for example. Input System  159  may include non-default actions  199  which may be, for example, button or key presses, or the like that may be used to indicate that a non-default action should be invoked by the wireless device  300  or by another device. 
     Wireless device  300  may also include or store proximity information  158  relating to one or more first devices  101 . Proximity information  158  may provide, for example, information relating to a location or closeness or proximity of one or more of the first devices  101  to the wireless device  300 . 
     First devices  101  may include a first device  301  shown in  FIG. 3 . First device  301  may be associated with a vehicle  330 . Vehicle  330  may be any type of vehicle, such as an automobile (e.g., car, truck, bus), locomotive, plane, or other vehicle. First device  301  may include vehicle related systems  120 , which may include one or more of an information system  314 , an audio and/or video system  316 , a heating and/or air conditioning system  318 , a lighting control system  322 , a navigation system  324 , a lock system  326 , an ignition system  328 , a driver settings system  352 , a security system  320 , a communication system  348 , and a user customization system  350 , for performing operations with respect to the vehicle  330 . First device  301  may optionally include a display  355  for displaying information and/or an input device  354  for receiving input. 
     According to an example embodiment, first device  301  may include a controller  312  and a communication device  310 . The communication device  310  may include an RFID tag  308  with an antenna  336  and/or an RFID reader  306  with an antenna  338 . The RFID tag  308  further includes, a transponder  334  connected to circuitry  344 . The RFID reader  306  further includes energizer, demodulator, and decoder circuits  332  and circuits  346 . Communication devices  310  and  349  may each also include a wireless transceiver, such as transceiver  157  from  FIG. 1 . The communication device  310  may be configured to transmit (send) and receive signals with other devices that communicate via RFID, according to an example embodiment. 
     In operation, communication devices  310  and  349 , for example, may be used to establish a proximity related connection. For example, antenna  338  or  342  may be used to transmit radio-frequency (RF) signals in a relatively short range referred to generally as proximity  106 . The RF radiation or transmission may provides a medium or technique for communicating with a transponder tag (RFID tag  302  or  308 ) and (in the case of passive RFID tags) it may provide the RFID tag  302  or  308  with the energy to communicate. This is only required in passive RFID devices; since passive RFID devices do not necessarily contain batteries, and can therefore remain usable for very long periods of time. 
     The antennas  336 ,  338 ,  340 , and  342  may be affixed to a surface or may be handheld or removable, and may be a variety of different antenna types. For example, the antennas  336 ,  338 ,  340  and/or  342  may be built into a door or configured inside a dashboard to accept data from persons or objects passing through or otherwise being within the proximity  106 . 
     When an RFID tag  302  or  308  passes through the proximity  106  of one of the antennas  338  or  342 , the RFID tag may detect an activation signal from the antenna  338  or  342 . The activation signal may “wake up” the RFID tag  302  or  308 , and the RFID tag may then transmit the information on its microchip to be picked up by the antenna  338  or  342 . In addition, the RFID tag  302  or  308  may be of one of two types. 1) Active RFID tags, which typically have their own power source. An advantage of active RFID tags is that the reader can be much farther away and still receive the signal, meaning the area referred to as proximity  106  may increase for such devices. However, such active RFID devices may periodically require new batteries and/or have limited life spans. 2) Passive RFID tags, which typically do not require batteries, and can be much smaller and have a very long life span. 
     RFID tags  302  or  308  may be read in a wide variety of circumstances. The tag need not be on the surface of the object (and is therefore not subject to wear), the read time is typically less than 100 milliseconds, and large numbers of tags can be read at once rather than item by item. 
     The wireless device  300  may be controlled by a user  104 , for instance, to control one or more of the first devices  101 , which are in proximity  106  to the wireless device  300  or nearby to the wireless device  300 , such as first device  301 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , wireless device  300  may control first device  301 , including any vehicle related systems  120  within first device  301 . For example, wireless device  300  may control or perform an operation with respect to one or more of an information system  314 , an audio and/or video system  316 , a heating and/or air conditioning system  318 , a lighting control system  322 , a navigation system  324 , a lock system  326 , an ignition system  328 , a driver settings system  352 , a security system  320 , a communication system  348 , and a user customization system  350 , for performing operations with respect to the vehicle. The above systems may be activated or controlled using controller  312  in response to an explicit action by the user  104 , either through the user interface  155  of the wireless device  300 , or by the user&#39;s motions and/or gestures, or implicitly in response to a default situation where an action should be performed irrespective of the user&#39;s explicit actions. For example, a signal may be transmitted, either as a default action or in response to user input, from wireless device  300  to first device  301  to perform an operation with respect to the vehicle or control one of the vehicle related systems  120 . 
     According to an example embodiment, proximity  106  may refer to an area that is near or in proximity to the wireless device  300 . Thus, the various first devices  101 , such as first device  301 , may be in proximity or near the wireless device  300 . Proximity  106  may also be defined as a relative location, or distance between two devices (i.e., the wireless device  300  and the first device  301 ), and includes changes in distance between the devices, such as rate of closure between the two devices. The rate of closure may be affected, for example, by gestures from the user  104 , (i.e., tilting a device, moving one device closer to another device, or sequences of changes that occur within proximity  106  over time). Gesture-based actions within proximity  106  may be interpreted by the wireless device  300  or the first device  301 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , the proximity  106  may include for instance, the range of antennas  336 ,  338 ,  340 , and  342 , since an RFID communication device such as communication device  310  or  349  operates in the general range that the antennas  336 ,  338 ,  340 , and  342  are capable of reliably transmitting and receiving RF signals. Typically, this may be a fairly short range, but the range may be increased if high-frequency devices are used. 
     According to an example embodiment, the first device  301  and the wireless device  300  may establish a wireless connection or wireless link and may exchange data when the two devices are near each other or within a maximum distance, e.g., when the first device  301  is within proximity  106  or near the wireless device  300 . For example, when a user  104  carrying the wireless device  300  (or other device) moves toward the area generally indicated as proximity  106  in  FIG. 1 , he begins to make closure with (or move nearer to) the proximity  106 . At this point the wireless device  300 , the first device  301 , or a combination of both may make a determination that the wireless device  300  is in proximity to the first device  301 . 
     Once the first device  301  is in the proximity  106  of (e.g., near or touching) the wireless device  300 , a wireless connection or link may be established. A variety of information may then be exchanged between the devices, and one or more actions or operations may be performed with respect to one or more of an information system  314 , an audio and/or video system  316 , a heating and/or air conditioning system  318 , a lighting control system  322 , a navigation system  324 , a lock system  326 , an ignition system  328 , a driver settings system  352 , a security system  320 , a communication system  348 , and a user customization system  350 , e.g., either as default actions (via automatic invocation system  198 ), or as non-default actions  199  upon a user selection, for instance. 
     According to an example embodiment, the wireless device  300  may determine a user interface  155 , e.g., based on a determination that the first device  301  is in proximity or near wireless device  300  or based on a determination that the first device  301  has operations that are of particular use to the user  104 , or both, as examples. In an example embodiment, the user interface  155  may be provided or displayed on display system  153  of wireless device  300 , for example. 
     A number of examples will now be provided, and these are only illustrative and the embodiments are not limited thereto. In one example, the user  104  may carry the wireless device  300  so that a wireless link or a contact is established with the first device  301 , which in turn controls vehicle related systems  120 . Automatic invocation system  198  may be used to actuate lock system  326  in order to unlock the vehicle by default, e.g., after the wireless device  300  comes into proximity with the first device  301  (e.g., either through contact with the first device  301  or by establishing a wireless link or communication with first device  301 ). Alternatively, pressing a button, for example, in non-default actions  199  may present a menu  156  with choices (unlock, adjust seats, unlock all, start engine, turn lights on, and open windows, for example) on the wireless device  300 . Walking away from the vehicle may cause the wireless device  300  to exit proximity  106 , which may similarly invoke an action automatically via automatic invocation system  198 , for example locking the vehicle (or otherwise performing a default set of “leaving” operations that user  104  has set on the wireless device  300 ). This set of leaving actions may occur, e.g., either in response to a user selection on input system  159 , or may occur automatically when the wireless device  300  determines that it is no longer in proximity  106  to the first device  301  (or vice-versa) (e.g., wireless device  300  is no longer contacting the first device  301 , wireless device  300  is no longer near or in proximity to the first device  301 , wireless device  300  disconnects a wireless link to the first device  301 , or wireless device  300  is no longer associated with the first device  301 ). 
     The above system may operate with banking and financial related systems  130 , for example in the case of a vehicle rental activity by the user  104 . The wireless device  300  may be set by default to, e.g., via communication with first device  301 , to not only unlock the vehicle  330  and start the motor, for example, but it might also charge the user&#39;s credit card the fee required to rent the vehicle  330  as well. Such user data needed to complete the transaction may be stored in the wireless device  300 , or it may be known by the first device  301  or a third-party intermediary device as well. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an operational flow  400  representing example operations related to vehicle control and communication via a device in proximity. In  FIG. 4  and in following figures that include various examples of operational flows, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to the above-described examples of  FIGS. 1-3 , and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be understood that the operational flows may be executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or in modified versions of  FIGS. 1-3 . Also, although the various operational flows are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. 
     After a start operation, the operational flow  400  moves to a making operation  410  where a determination is made that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , controller  160  of the wireless device  300  may make a determination that the first device  301  is in proximity  106  to the wireless device  300  by detecting a touching or contact between the two wireless devices or between wireless device  300  and vehicle  330  for instance. Using communication devices  310  and  349 , which include RFID components. Alternatively, the wireless device  300  may make a determination that it is in proximity  106  or near to the first device  301  by wirelessly detecting the first device  301  and/or establishing a wireless link or connection with the first device  301 , for example. Alternatively, first device  301  may determine that it is in proximity to wireless device  300 , for example, by communication device  310  receiving and/or transmitting RFID signals with communication device  349  of wireless device  300 . 
     In another example embodiment, determination logic  154  of the wireless device  300  may make a determination that the wireless device  300  is in proximity to the first device  301 , e.g., based on device contact or based on a wireless link that may be established via communication device  349  to the first device  301 . Based on this determination, proximity information  158  may be updated to indicate that the first device  301  is in proximity  106 , e.g., identifying the device, its location or distance, etc. Alternatively, a wireless link may be established or contact detected, which may cause proximity information  158  to be updated. Determination logic  154  may then make a determination that the first device  301  is not in proximity  106  to the wireless device  300  based on this proximity information  158 , for example, and/or in combination with additional information from controller  160 . 
     Then, in a determining operation  420 , a user interface is determined on the wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. For example, controller  160  of wireless device  300  may determine a user interface  155  to be displayed on display system  153  based on received information or signals. For example, one or more information elements may be provided on display system  153 , e.g., based on vehicle related systems  120 , which may be controlled by the first device  301  when it is in proximity  106  to the wireless device  300 . The user interface  155  may be displayed on display system  153 , e.g., including a menu of operations that may be performed using the first device  301 . In addition, display system  153  may include a user interface  155  that may be formed in a variety of different ways, such as shown and described in the examples of  FIG. 1-3 , including using a menu  156 . Proximity information  158  may be used with determination logic  154  to combine a plurality of operations that are available to the first device  301  via vehicle related systems  120 , and combine or aggregate them into a single menu or a plurality of menus as a user interface  155  on display system  153  of the wireless device  300 , for example. 
     Then, in a performing operation  430 , an operation is performed with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. For example, an operation(s) may be performed related either to a local or remote transmission of the digital data, or to another type of transmission. As discussed herein, in addition to accessing, querying, recalling, or otherwise obtaining the digital data for the performing, making, or determining operations, operations may be performed related to storing, sorting, identifying, associating, or otherwise archiving the digital data to a memory, including, for example, sending and/or receiving a transmission of the digital data from a remote memory. Accordingly, any such operation(s) may involve elements including at least an operator (e.g., either human or computer) directing the operation, a transmitting computer, and/or a receiving computer, and should be understood to occur within the United States as long as at least one of these elements resides in the United States. 
     In an example embodiment, wireless device  300  may perform an operation with respect to the vehicle  330 , such as locking a door of the vehicle  330 , by transmitting a signal via communication device  349  to cause first device  301  to control one or more of the vehicle related systems  120 . This signal or command may be transmitted by wireless device  300  as a default action or in response to a user input. Alternatively, first device  301  may, based on the determination, perform an operation with respect to the vehicle  330 , such as locking a door, adjusting the heat via heating A/C system  318 , etc. 
     In an example embodiment, the performing operation  430  may include wireless device controlling first device  301  to perform a default action, which may occur via automatic invocation system  198 , without direct intervention from the user  104 . As an example, wireless device  300  may perform an operation by sending a signal via communication device  349  to control one or more of the vehicle related systems  120 . For example, in the case of information system  314 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include automatically billing the user&#39;s credit card as the user  104  enters the vehicle, in the case of a vehicle rental. In the case of audio and/or video system  316 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include, turning the radio on to a specific station at a specified volume with specified audio qualities such as tone, balance, treble, bass, and fade. In the case of heating and/or air conditioning system  318 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include, operating the air conditioning and/or heater to achieve a predetermined interior cabin temperature. In the case of lighting control system  322 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include turning on or off the interior and/or exterior lights, dimming the lights after a certain time period, or otherwise providing an interior and/or exterior lighting scenario that the user  104  desires. In the case of navigation system  324 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include, providing directions from a current location to a default or a list of default or commonly traveled locations. In the case of lock system  326 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include, actuating the lock system  326  in order to automatically unlock the doors as the user  104  becomes close to the vehicle and/or locking the vehicle as the user  104  walks away from the vehicle (e.g., locking the vehicle upon detecting that devices  300  and  301  are no longer in proximity). 
     In the case of ignition system  328 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include, engaging the ignition system when an authorized user enters the vehicle. In the case of the driver settings system  352 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include, automatically moving the seats and/or mirrors to predetermined desired positions. In the case of lock system  320 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include, automatically deactivating the alarm when the user  104  becomes close to the vehicle and/or engaging the alarm as the user  104  walks away from the vehicle. In the case of communication system  328 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include causing one or more communication devices such as cell phones, internet connections, e-mail clients, instant messenger programs, etc., to enter a ready state, to send and/or receive messages, to establish a connection, or to otherwise to be prepared to communicate. In the case of ignition system  328 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include activating the motor of the vehicle. In the case of user customization system  350 , for example, the performing operation  430  may include invoking the user customizations, which may include changing the interior layout to suit the user&#39;s preference, including, for example, the position of the controls, colors, or overall appearance of an LCD, such as display  355 , background sounds, and the like. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 5  illustrates example embodiments where the making operation  410  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  502 . 
     At the operation  502  a determination is made by the wireless device that the first device is in proximity to the wireless device. For example, wireless device  300  may determine that it is in proximity to first device  301  by wirelessly detecting RFID signals received via communication device  349  from first device  301 , and/or by establishing a wireless link, an RFID link, or other link or connection with the first device  301 , for example. Other methods known to those skilled in the art may be used including a Bluetooth connection, an 802.11(a)-(g) type connection, a satellite connection, an RF connection, an IR connection, or any other connection or communications link. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3 , controller  160  of wireless device  300  may make a determination that the first device  301  is in proximity to the wireless device  300  by detecting a touching or contact between the two wireless devices, or detecting touching or contact between wireless device  300  and vehicle  330 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6  illustrates example embodiments where the making operation  410  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  602 . 
     At the operation  602  a determination is made by the wireless device that the first device is in proximity to the wireless device based on a received wireless signal from the first device. The wireless device  300  may make a determination that it is in proximity  106  or near the first device  301  by wirelessly detecting the first device  301 , by wirelessly receiving an RFID signal via communication device  349  from first device  301 , and/or establishing a wireless link, an RFID link, or other link or connection with the first device  301 , for example. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 7  illustrates example embodiments where the making operation  410  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  702 , and/or an operation  704 . 
     At the operation  702  a touching between the wireless device and the vehicle is determined. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , controller  312  in communication device  310  of the first device  301 , or controller  160  in wireless device  300 , may make a determination that the wireless device  300  is touching the vehicle  330  by detecting a contact between the wireless device  300  and vehicle  330 , for example. Alternatively, the first device  301  may make a determination that it (or vehicle  330 ) is touching or contacting the wireless device  300  by wirelessly detecting the wireless device  300  and/or establishing a wireless link, an RFID link, or other link or connection with the wireless device  300 , for example. 
     At the operation  704  a wireless communications link is established between the first device and the wireless device in response to the determining of a touching between the wireless device and the vehicle. For example, a wireless link may be established between communication devices  310  and  349 . In one example, the RFID tag  308  may become in proximity  106  to antenna  342 , typically when the user  104  walks toward the first device  301 . RFID tag  308  may detect an activation signal from the antenna  342 . The activation signal may “wake up” the RFID tag  308  and it transmits the information on its microchip to be received up by the antenna  342 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 8  illustrates example embodiments where the making operation  410  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  802 , and/or an operation  804 . 
     At the operation  802  a first device coupled to a vehicle is determined to be in proximity to a wireless device without the wireless device touching the vehicle. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , controller  160  of wireless device  300  may make a determination that the first device  301  is in proximity without touching the vehicle  301  by receiving, for example, an RFID signal from first device  301 . 
     At the operation  804  a wireless communications link between the first device and the wireless device is established in response to the determining that a first device coupled to a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device without the wireless device touching the vehicle. For example, communication device  349  of wireless device  300  may establish a wireless communications link with communication device  310  of first device  301 . The communications link may operate, for example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , with respect to the link established between communication devices  310  and  349 . In another example, the RFID tag  302  becomes in proximity  106  to antenna  338 . RFID tag  302  detects an activation signal from the antenna  338 . The activation signal “wakes up” the RFID tag  302  and it transmits the information on its microchip to be picked up by the antenna  338 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 9  illustrates example embodiments where the making operation  410  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  902 . 
     At the operation  902  a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal is received from the first device. The RFID signal may be received, for example, at communication device  349  from communication device  310 . As another example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the RFID tag  302  becomes in proximity  106  to antenna  338 . RFID tag  302  detects an activation signal from the antenna  338 . The activation signal “wakes up” the RFID tag  302 , and it transmits the information on its microchip to be picked up by the antenna  338 . The same scenario may occur with regard to RFID tag  308  and antenna  342 . Also, or in the alternative, both scenarios may occur simultaneously or relatively simultaneously, wherein the wireless device  300  and the first device  301  are each using both an RFID reader and an RFID tag at about the same time. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 10  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  1002 . 
     At the operation  1002  a signal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device to cause the vehicle to perform a default operation in response to the receiving a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal from the first device. For example, if the user  104  carrying wireless device  300  walks toward the driver side door of the vehicle, in response to receiving an RFID signal from first device  301 , wireless device  300  may transmit a signal to the first device  301  to control the lock system  326  of the vehicle to open the lock on the driver side door. Similarly, if the user  104  walks toward the passenger side of the vehicle  330 , wireless device  300  may send a signal to first device  301  to cause all locks of the vehicle to be unlocked by lock system  326 . Likewise, if the user  104  walks toward the trunk of the vehicle  330 , the trunk lock of the vehicle might be unlocked using the lock system  326 , but not necessarily the other locks. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 11  illustrates example embodiments where the determining operation  420  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  1102 . 
     At the operation  1102  a menu of vehicle operations for the vehicle is displayed on the wireless device. In an example embodiment, display system  153  may display a menu of vehicle operations. The operations displayed on display system  153  may include, for example, operations that are capable of being performed from one or more of an information system  314 , an audio and/or video system  316 , a heating and/or air conditioning system  318 , a lighting control system  322 , a navigation system  324 , a lock system  326 , an ignition system  328 , a driver settings system  352 , a security system  320 , a communication system  348 , and/or a user customization system  350 . For example, a user sitting in the driver&#39;s seat might be an indication that an operation should be performed with respect to the lighting control system  322  (i.e., to turn on, off, or dim the lights) or the ignition system  328  to start the motor or activate the battery. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 12  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  1202 . 
     At the operation  1202  a signal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device to cause the first device to perform a first default operation with respect to the vehicle in response to the making a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device. For example, if the user  104  carrying wireless device  300  approaches the vehicle  330 , then the wireless device  300  may send a signal to control one or more vehicle related systems  120 . For example, automatic invocation system  198  of wireless device  300  may cause wireless device  300  to transmit a signal to first device  301  to cause the seats of vehicle  330  to move to a pre-determined position, the mirrors to move to appropriate the positions, and the radio stations caused to save the user&#39;s desired radio stations as pre-sets in the radio memory, etc. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 13  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  1302 . 
     At the operation  1302  a signal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device to cause the first device to actuate a door lock of the vehicle. For example, the wireless device  300  might store instructions that represent default actions in certain scenarios. If, for example, the user  104  wants only the driver door to unlock when the wireless device  300  is in proximity to first device  301 , then the wireless device  300  may transmit a signal to the first device  301  to actuate lock system  326 , which causes only the door lock of the driver door to be actuated. Similarly, if there is a change in proximity, or otherwise the relative distance between the first device  301  and the wireless device  300  increases to such an extent that it is determined that the user is exiting proximity  106 , wireless device  300  may similarly transmit a signal to first device  301  to lock the driver door. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 14  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  1402 . 
     At the operation  1402  a signal from the wireless device is transmitted to the first device to cause the first device to control an ignition system on the vehicle based on the determination. For example, communication device  349  of wireless device  300  may transmit a signal or command to first device  301  to cause ignition system  328  to start the engine for vehicle  330  based on a change in proximity, such as if the user moves toward the vehicle  330 , for example. This signal or command may be transmitted as a default action or in response to user input, for example. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 15  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  1502 . 
     At the operation  1502  a signal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device to cause the vehicle to perform an operation with respect to one or more of a security system, a lock system, an air conditioning system, a heating system, an audio system, or a video system for the vehicle based on the determination. For example, wireless device  300  may transmit a signal to cause controller  312  to control the security system  320  and the lock system  326  to deactivate the vehicle security system and unlock the vehicle doors, respectively, when the user  104  approaches the vehicle. In another example, the ignition system  328  might be controlled, based on a signal sent from wireless device  300 , to activate the motor of the vehicle automatically via automatic invocation system  198 , without user intervention. As another example, the wireless device  300  might transmit a signal via communication device  349  to the first device  301  causing first device  301  to control the air conditioning and heating system to bring the interior cabin to a pre-determined or default temperature and it might also tune the radio to pre-set stations that the user  104  has previously programmed in. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  430  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 16  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  1602 . 
     At the operation  1602  a signal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device to cause the vehicle to perform an operation with respect to one or more of a navigation system, an information system, an ignition system, a lighting control system, a communication system, a driver settings system, or a user customization system for the vehicle based on the determination. For example, the wireless device  300  might transmit a signal via communication device  349  to the first device  301  causing first device  301  to control the navigation system  324  to obtain directions and collect information regarding a best traffic route, identify roads having accidents or construction, etc., for a specific destination or trip. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  430  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 17  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  1702 . 
     At the operation  1702  a signal, associated with a default operation, is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device to cause the vehicle to perform the default operation based on the determination. In an example, automatic invocation system  198  may cause a control signal associated with one or more default operations to be transmitted from wireless device  300  to first device  301 , causing controller  312  of first device  301  to control user customization system  350  to move the seats and mirrors to predetermined positions, change the interior cabin background sounds, change the LCD or other screen&#39;s background and digital control layout, etc. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  430  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 18  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  1802 , an operation  1804 , and/or operation  1806 . 
     At the operation  1802  a menu of vehicle operations for the vehicle is displayed on the wireless device as part of the determined user interface. At operation  1804  a selection of one of the vehicle operations is received at the wireless device. At the operation  1806 , a signal from the wireless device is transmitted to the first device to control the first device to perform the selected vehicle operation. For example, a menu  156  of vehicle operations may be displayed on display system  153  of wireless device  300 . The menu of vehicle operations displayed on display system  153  might include operations related to the capabilities or vehicle related systems  120  of the vehicle, including, but not limited vehicle operations related to an information system  314 , an audio and/or video system  316 , a heating and/or air conditioning system  318 , a lighting control system  322 , a navigation system  324 , a lock system  326 , an ignition system  328 , a driver settings system  352 , a security system  320 , a communication system  348 , and a user customization system  350 . An operation may be selected by the user  104 , for example, selecting an operation to play a specific DVD might cause the wireless device  300  to transmit a signal to the first device  301 , controlling it to cause audio and/or video system  316  to load and play the selected DVD. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  430  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 19  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  1902 . 
     At the operation  1902  a signal is transmitted, in response to a user selection, from the wireless device to the first device to cause the first device to disable a security system for the vehicle. For example, the determination might be that the wireless device  300  is within proximity to first device  301  and coming closer to the driver&#39;s door of the vehicle. In such a case, a signal may be sent by wireless device  300  to cause controller  312  to control security system  320  and turn off or disable the vehicle alarm, if applicable, and open the driver&#39;s door lock only, although other settings are possible. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  430  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 20  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  2002 . 
     At the operation  2002  a signal is transmitted from the wireless device to control the first device to perform a first non-default operation with respect to the vehicle in response to receiving at the wireless device a user selection corresponding to the first non-default operation. For example, the user  104  might be walking toward the driver&#39;s door, but also a guest or family member of the user  104  is standing near the passenger&#39;s door. In this scenario, the default operation might be to open the driver&#39;s door, but the user  104  might instead intend to let the guest access their belongings using the passenger side door. In such a scenario, wireless device  300  may receive a user selection of “open passenger door” and then transmit a signal to control the first device  301  to open the passenger&#39;s door only, for example. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  430  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 21  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  2102 . 
     At the operation  2102  a financial transaction relating to a product or service is executed. For example, the wireless device  300  might be configured to operate with one or more service providers, like vehicle rental services, hotels, restaurants, etc. In such a case, the first device  301  might be caused to connect to an external source, for example using information system  314  and/or communication system  348  to charge the user&#39;s credit card, bank account, or the like. Or, controller  160  of wireless device  300  or controller  312  of first device  301  may establish a communications link to a computer at a gas station and execute the purchase of gasoline for vehicle  330 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  430  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 22  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  2202 . 
     At the operation  2202  a financial transaction relating to the vehicle is executed based on a user selection received at the wireless device. For example, the wireless device  300  might be configured to operate with a vehicle rental service and a menu of several potential rental vehicles might be presented to the user on the display system  153 . The user  104  might select one of the vehicles from a menu  156  of available vehicles on display system  153 , and depending on the selection, a financial transaction is executed (e.g., the user&#39;s credit card is charged or the user&#39;s bank account is debited) in an amount, which represents the cost of the vehicle selected. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  430  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 23  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  2302 . 
     At the operation  2302  vehicle-related information is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device. For example, test instructions may be transmitted from wireless device  300  to first device  301  to control one or more tests or diagnostics for vehicle  330 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  430  of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 24  illustrates example embodiments where the performing operation  430  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  2402 . 
     At the operation  2402  a trip configuration is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device. For example, the wireless device  300  might have a specific trip configuration that the user  104  desires at that time, including a destination address, preferred stops along the way, estimated time of departure, and various other trip related information, such as requested audio or video programming for the trip, etc. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400 , where the operational flow  400  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  2510 , and/or an operation  2520 . 
     At the operation  2510  it is determined that the first device and the wireless device are no longer in proximity. At the operation  2520  a signal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device to cause the first device to perform a default operation with respect to the vehicle in response to determining that the first device and the wireless device are no longer in proximity. In an example embodiment, wireless device  300  may send a command or signal to first device to perform a default operation when a specific even occurs. For example, wireless device  300  may send a signal to first device  301  to cause controller  312  to actuate the lock system  326  and the security system  320  in order to lock the doors and turn on the alarm when the user  104  walks away from the vehicle and is no longer in the proximity  106 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400 , where the operational flow  400  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  2610 , and/or an operation  2620 . 
     At the operation  2610  it is determined that the first device and the wireless device are no longer in proximity. At the operation  2620  a signal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device to cause the first device to enable a security system of the vehicle in response to the determining that the first device and the wireless device are no longer in proximity. For example, a signal may be transmitted by wireless device  300  to first device  301  automatically when the user  104  walks away from the vehicle  330  and is no longer in proximity  106 , so as to cause the alarm to be activated by controller  312 . 
       FIG. 27  illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow  400 , where the operational flow  400  may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation  2710 , and/or an operation  2720 . 
     At the operation  2710  it is determined that the first device and the wireless device are no longer in proximity At the operation  2720  a signal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device to cause the first device to actuate a lock system of the vehicle in response to determining that the first device and the wireless device are no longer in proximity. For example, a signal may be sent by wireless device  300  to cause the controller  312  to actuate all of the doors causing them to be locked automatically when the user  104  walks away from the vehicle and is no longer in the proximity  106 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a partial view of an example computer program product  2800  that includes a computer program  2804  for executing a computer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the example computer program product  2800  is provided using a signal bearing medium  2802 , and may include at least one of one or more instructions for making a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, the signal bearing medium also bearing one or more instructions for determining a user interface on the wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determination, and the signal bearing medium also bearing one or more instructions for performing an operation with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. The one or more instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In one implementation, the signal-bearing medium  2802  may include a computer-readable medium  2806 . In one implementation, the signal bearing medium  2802  may include a recordable medium  2808 . In one implementation, the signal bearing medium  2802  may include a communications medium  2810 . 
       FIG. 29  illustrates an example system  2900  in which embodiments may be implemented. The system  2900  includes a computing system environment that may include wireless device  300  and first device  301 . The system  2900  also illustrates the user  104  using the wireless device  300 , which is optionally shown as being in communication with the first device  301  by way of a proximity based connection  106 . The proximity based connection  106  may represent a local, wide-area, or peer-to-peer network, or may represent a bus that is internal to a computing device (e.g., in example embodiments in which the computing device  2902  is contained in whole or in part within the device  2904 ). A storage medium  2908  may be any computer storage media. 
     The wireless device  300  and the first device  301  use computer-executable instructions  2910  that when executed on the wireless device  300  and/or the first device  301  cause the computing devices to make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, determine a user interface on the wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determination, and perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. 
     In  FIG. 29 , then, the system  2900  includes at least one computing device (e.g.,  2902  and/or  2904 ). The computer-executable instructions  2910  may be executed on one or more of the at least one computing device. For example, the computing device  2902  may implement the computer-executable instructions  2910  and output a result to (and/or receive data from) the computing device  2904 . Since the computing device  2902  may be wholly or partially contained within the computing device  2904 , the computing device  2904  also may be said to execute some or all of the computer-executable instructions  2910 , in order to be caused to perform or implement, for example, various ones of the techniques described herein, or other techniques. 
     The wireless device  300  may include, for example, one or more of a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a tablet personal computer, a networked computer, a computing system comprised of a cluster of processors, a workstation computer, a cellular phone, a smartcard, a remote control, a vehicle key unit, and/or a desktop computer. In another example embodiment, the wireless device  300  may be operable to communicate with the first device  301  to communicate with a database (e.g., implemented using the storage medium  2908 ) to access the at least one dataset and/or to access the second dataset. 
     Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the art has progressed to the point where there is little distinction left between hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can become significant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies described herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of implementations will typically employ optically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware. 
     The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, a RAM, a flash memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link, etc.). 
     In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the art to describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein, and thereafter use engineering practices to integrate such described devices and/or processes into data processing systems. That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into a data processing system via a reasonable amount of experimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that a typical data processing system generally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video display device, a memory such as volatile and non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors and digital signal processors, computational entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interaction devices, such as a touch pad or screen, and/or control systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A typical data processing system may be implemented utilizing any suitable commercially available components, such as those typically found in data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems. 
     The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components. 
     While certain features of the described implementations have been illustrated as disclosed herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the embodiments of the invention. 
     While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”