Patent ID: 8827171

Claim:
An automatic vehicle temperature regulation system, comprising: a portable transceiver; a fixed transceiver provided in an associated vehicle and configured to communicate with the portable transceiver; a temperature adjusting system configured to perform operations which adjust a temperature within a vehicle cabin; and a controller in communication with the fixed transceiver and the temperature adjusting system, the controller being configured to determine a distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver and to variably control the temperature adjusting system based on the determined distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver, wherein the controller is configured to recognize three distance-defined zones extending outward from the fixed transceiver, and to control the temperature adjusting system to perform a first operation when the portable transceiver is disposed in a first zone, to perform a second operation when the portable transceiver is disposed in a second zone, and to perform a third operation when the portable transceiver is disposed within a third zone, wherein the first zone is disposed furthest away from fixed transceiver and the first operation includes controlling an opening or closing of at least one of a plurality of vehicle windows and retractable roof panels, the third zone is disposed closest to the fixed transceiver and the third operation includes activating a vehicle HVAC system, and the second zone is disposed between the first and third zones and the second operation includes activating a seat ventilation system.