Method for providing a combined theft detection and proximity detection system

Abstract

A method for providing a combined theft detection and proximity detection system is disclosed. The method comprises the step of providing a vehicle unit having a transmitter and a receiver to transmit and receive an RF signal such that a user of the vehicle unit can inform other vehicle units of presence of the vehicle unit, and can be informed of the presence of other such vehicle units by detecting the RF signal emitted by the other vehicle units located in the range. The receiver further provides an alarm signal to warn of this presence. The method also comprises the step of providing a portable unit adapted to receive the RF signal from the vehicle unit to inform a driver that his vehicle is no longer in range.

1 - 54 . (canceled) 
     
     
         55 . A method for providing a combined theft detection and proximity detection system, the method comprising:
 providing a vehicle unit having a transmitter and a receiver to transmit and receive an RF signal such that a user of the vehicle unit can inform other vehicle units of presence of the vehicle unit, and can be informed of the presence of other such vehicle units by detecting the RF signal emitted by said other vehicle units located in the range, the receiver further providing an alarm signal to warn of said presence; and   providing a portable unit adapted to receive said RF signal from said vehicle unit to inform a driver that his vehicle is no longer in range.