Abstract: A system and method for detecting an identity of an occupant of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a sensor module mounted in a vehicle. The sensor module having an occupant sensor for acquiring an image of a member of the vehicle occupant to identify the vehicle occupant. The method includes activating a vehicle occupant identification system, acquiring an image of a member of the vehicle occupant, comparing the acquired image of the member with at least one stored image of a member, determining whether the acquired image of the member matches the at least one stored image, and assessing whether the vehicle occupant has been identified.

Abstract: A system for providing a key-based access to data stored on a vehicle allows the vehicle to be a critical link as a platform for mobile computing while preserving data security. Multiple hierarchies of key codes allow all users to have access to all vehicle functions but different memory partitions for storing data. The partitions may be used for storing user specific data including passwords, preference settings, and driving log data. The data may be encrypted by the key code to be secure even if the memory system is removed from the vehicle or the vehicle is stolen.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an identity of an occupant of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a sensor module mounted in a vehicle. The sensor module having an occupant sensor for acquiring an image of a member of the vehicle occupant to identify the vehicle occupant. The method includes activating a vehicle occupant identification system, acquiring an image of a member of the vehicle occupant, comparing the acquired image of the member with at least one stored image of a member, determining whether the acquired image of the member matches the at least one stored image, and assessing whether the vehicle occupant has been identified.

Abstract: A homebound/outbound feature for automotive applications including home automation system (12), a home (14) and an automobile (16). The home automation system (12) having a homebound setting (18) and an outbound setting (20). A homebound control element (22) and an outbound control element (24) are positioned within the automobile (16) and are used to activate the homebound setting (18) and the outbound setting (20) respectively. A display element (26) positioned within the automobile (16) is used to apprise the homeowner of the status of the home automation system's (12) settings. This convenient, flexible and simplistic method of user interface improves the safety of the homeowner.

Abstract: Sound, vibration and motion are sensed within a motor vehicle to detect glass breakage and unauthorized intrusion into the interior or passenger compartment of the vehicle. Sound and vibration sensing are used to detect glass breakage with motion detection by means of radar or microwaves being utilized for intrusion detection to provide reliable recurring entry detection. The system may be operated to activate the motion sensing only after glass breakage is detected to permit persons and pets to occupy a motor vehicle having a security sensor system which is fully armed. Numerical values are assigned to specific physical sounds and vibrations with the resulting totals being compared to a threshold to determine whether glass breakage has occurred.

Abstract: An alarm system for detecting glass breakage has a switch having an input terminal, output terminal, and control terminal. The input terminal is electrically connected to a power source such as a battery. An electrically conductive trace is formed on glass, and is electrically connected to the output terminal of the switch. A controller is electrically connected to the control terminal of the switch and controls the operation of the switch between conducting and non-conducting states. The controller measures and compares a reference output terminal voltage of said switching means while said switching means is in the conducting state, a second output terminal voltage while the switch is in the non-conducting state and a third output terminal voltage of the switch while the switching is in the conducting state. The controller generates a control signal in response to a comparison of said measured voltages.

Abstract: A monitoring and display system for enunciating warning signals on the vehicle's master display system when the master ignition switch is off. Operational-type signals and warning-type signals are generated by respective sensors throughout the vehicle. A warning controller, responsive to receiving the warning signals and sensing that the ignition switch is off, actuates an alternate path for supplying power to the master display system and controller, which process and display the warning signals under normal processing protocol. However, the warning controller also deactuates the portion of the master display system and controller that normally would display operational signals. In this manner safety related warning signals, and not the normal operating signals, will be displayed to the driver on the master display system of the vehicle even when the ignition switch is off.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for periodically checking the ground path resistance value of a crash sensor connection to chassis ground and determining if the resistance exceeds a predetermined maximum acceptable value.

Abstract: The watchdog timer circuit which performs both the power-up initialization and program resetting function to an associated microprocessor utilizing a single astable multivibrator circuit with a single pair of complementary transistors and a single capacitor to affect timing and regenerative feedback between the transistors.