Abstract: A backup camera system integrates various capabilities in a common housing to deliver enhanced safety and convenience functions for less cost and improved utility. Apparatus such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) may be used to automatically detect when the vehicle is moving in reverse, such that no signal is required from the vehicle to determine that the vehicle is moving in reverse. The IMU may further detect a crash situation. A sound or light generator may provide an alert to an area surrounding the vehicle. Integrated communications capabilities provide for remote control of various functions and the exchange of signals and information to remote devices facilitating vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure or infrastructure-to-vehicle communications. The system may further integrate proximity detection, imaging and computer-readable code interpretation, and GPS location.

Abstract: A near-field communication (NFC) entry device provides remote keyless entry (RKE) into an enclosure having an RKE control unit, a door, and a door actuator. The NFC entry device includes a housing and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). The housing mounts to the enclosure. The PCBA is enclosed within a cavity of the housing, and includes first and second surfaces, an RF antenna and an inductor coil connected to the first surface, and an NFC communication chipset connected to the second surface. The NFC entry device passively harvests energy from a battery powered mobile device via the inductor coil and stores the energy in the capacitor. The passively harvested energy is used to communicate a control signal to the RKE control unit, via the RF antenna, which activates the door actuator. A standby battery may be used when the capacitor is insufficiently charged.

Abstract: A near-field communication (NFC) entry device provides remote keyless entry (RKE) into an enclosure having an RKE control unit, a door, and a door actuator. The NFC entry device includes a housing and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). The housing mounts to the enclosure. The PCBA is enclosed within a cavity of the housing, and includes first and second surfaces, an RF antenna and an inductor coil connected to the first surface, and an NFC communication chipset connected to the second surface. The NFC entry device passively harvests energy from a battery powered mobile device via the inductor coil and stores the energy in the capacitor. The passively harvested energy is used to communicate a control signal to the RKE control unit, via the RF antenna, which activates the door actuator. A standby battery may be used when the capacitor is insufficiency charged.

Abstract: A near-field communication (NFC) entry device is provided for remote keyless entry (RKE) into an enclosure having an RKE control unit, a door, and a door actuator. The NFC entry device includes a housing and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). The housing mounts to the enclosure. The PCBA is enclosed within a cavity of the housing, and includes first and second surfaces, an RF antenna and an inductor coil connected to the first surface, and an NFC communication chipset connected to the second surface. The NFC entry device is characterized by an absence of a cellular battery, and passively harvests energy from a smartphone or other battery powered mobile device via the inductor coil. The passively harvested energy is used to communicate a control signal to the RKE control unit, via the RF antenna, which activates the door actuator.

Abstract: An improved Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) harvests electrical power while providing additional features when the CHMSL is not powered during a brake application. Electronic circuitry determines if the different sources of electrical power have sufficient energy to activate the light-emitting device; senses a vehicle braking or emergency event to activate the light-emitting device upon sensing the event; and switches from one source of electrical power to a different source of electrical power if it is determined that a particular source of electrical power has become depleted or incapable of activating the light-emitting device. The different sources of electrical power may include a supercapacitor, a rechargeable battery, or a primary battery. The electronic circuitry operative to sense a braking or emergency event may include a brake signal input or an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

Abstract: A rain detector for use with an automotive vehicle. The rain detector includes a capacitance sensor mounted to the inside surface of a windshield. The sensor includes at least two output lines which vary in capacitance as the function of magnitude of rain on the outside surface of the windshield. A programmed microcontroller receives the sensor output lines as analog input signals and then compares the magnitude of the capacitance with a threshold capacitance. In the event that the sensed capacitance exceeds the threshold capacitance, indicative of raindrops on the outside surface of the windshield, the microcontroller generates an output signal to the wiper control circuitry of the vehicle to activate the windshield wiper system.