Abstract: This invention relates to interior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles and to interior rearview mirror assemblies without a frame or bezel having inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means.

Abstract: A vehicle information system is provided that includes an interface module configured to receive operating data from a vehicle information system. The interface module is also configured to transfer the operating data to a navigation system that is not built-in to the vehicle to facilitate vehicle position determination without using external positioning signals received or processed by the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are provided that facilitate surveying media sources in a media entertainment system. An index component can provide an index of a set of available media sources in the media entertainment system. In addition, a selection component can displays the set of available media sources and receive selection requests for a subset of the available media sources. Further, a preview component can display a sample of media generated by the selected subset of media sources prior to active engagement thereof. Moreover, one or more aspects can be implemented in a vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: A control system (106) for mounting to a vehicle (100) and for providing information to an occupant of the vehicle from a first source device (116) is provided. The vehicle includes an audio system (130) and/or a display system (100). The control system includes a first interface (120) for communicating with the first source device (116). The control system further includes a second interface for providing a signal to the audio system and/or the display system. The control system yet further includes a processor (122). A memory unit (122) is communicably connected to the processor and includes a first transport (2112) configured to send a control signal to the interface. The memory unit (132) further includes a first manager (2304) configured to receive a command from an application (2104) and to translate the command from the application (2104) into a command for the transport (2112).

Abstract: A seatback entertainment display system for a vehicle is provided having a support member extending from a seatback frame, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the support member, and a display device coupled to the adjustment mechanism. The support member may be a cantilever type beam or frame extending upwardly from the seatback at a position behind and adjacent to a headrest. The support member may also be a pair of rods arranged to fixedly receive the display device and movably receive the headrest. The adjustment device may include any one or more of a forward-rearward tilting mechanism, a side to side pivoting mechanism and an up-down translation mechanism. The seatback entertainment display system is adaptable to optimize a viewing angle for a rear seat occupant of the vehicle, throughout a normal adjustment range of the seat.

Abstract: A digital memo recorder for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The digital memo recorder includes a digital audio recorder coupleable to an accessory unit of the vehicle interior. The digital audio recorder is configured to receive audible sounds from the vehicle interior. The digital memo recorder further includes a memory interface configured to receive a removable memory unit. The digital audio recorder is configured to digitize the audible sounds and to store the digitized data on the removable memory unit.

Abstract: A media device door for a vehicle has a door configured to be coupled to a vehicle part. The door has an interior side facing the vehicle part and an exterior side facing a vehicle passenger compartment. The door has an open position and a closed position. A media device is incorporated into the door and remains operational regardless of the door position. A control for the media device is hidden behind the door when the door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A system for selecting a user speech profile for a device in a vehicle includes a control module having a speech recognition system and a memory. The speech recognition system is configured to process audio signals and includes a speaker enrollment function configured to create a user speech profile for at least one user. The memory is configured to store a plurality of user speech profiles created by the speaker enrollment function. The system may include an external device configured to transmit a control signal to the vehicle including an identifier. Alternatively, the system may include a user input device configured to receive an input command from a user that includes an identifier. The control module uses the identifier to select a user speech profile from the plurality of user speech profiles and the speech recognition system uses the selected user speech profile to process audio signals from the user.

Abstract: A system and method for bypassing an animation sequence of a vehicle display system may comprise starting an animation sequence at an in-vehicle display, interrupting the animation sequence in response to a user-initiated input, and displaying a final state of the animation sequence.

Abstract: A switch assembly module for controlling operation of a vehicle lamp includes a photocell integrated within the module housing to allow a controller to automatically switch the lamp on or off depending on detected ambient level. A manual switch is provided on a faceplate of the housing to allow disabling of the automatic operation feature. A manual switch can also be provided to allow variable dimming of the lamp. Integration of the photocell into the switch assembly module eliminates the need for separate instrument panel wiring to the photocell, while reducing wiring harness complexity by allowing the same harness and connector to be used with a module not having the photocell integrated therein.

Abstract: A digital memo recorder for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The digital memo recorder includes a digital audio recorder coupleable to an accessory unit of the vehicle interior. The digital audio recorder is configured to receive audible sounds from the vehicle interior. The digital memo recorder further includes a memory interface configured to receive a removable memory unit. The digital audio recorder is configured to digitize the audible sounds and to store the digitized data on the removable memory unit.

Abstract: A switch assembly module for controlling operation of a vehicle lamp includes a photocell integrated within the module housing to allow a controller to automatically switch the lamp on or off depending on detected ambient level. A manual switch is provided on a faceplate of the housing to allow disabling of the automatic operation feature. A manual switch can also be provided to allow variable dimming of the lamp. Integration of the photocell into the switch assembly module eliminates the need for separate instrument panel wiring to the photocell, while reducing wiring harness complexity by allowing the same harness and connector to be used with a module not having the photocell integrated therein.

Abstract: A remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter includes voice activated control capability to allow the transmitter to receive key word inputs to control operation of multiple systems and devices. The use of voice recognition and key word commands allows the RKE transmitter to be operated “hands-free.” In addition, the transmitter can be arranged to control a plurality of different devices on a vehicle, such as door locks, trunk, and horn, as well as other devices such as a garage door opener without requiring a larger housing to accommodate additional dedicated control buttons and circuitry.

Abstract: A system for automatically charging a battery of a remote keyless entry transmitter includes a voltage monitoring circuit having a first microprocessor which monitors battery voltage and which causes the transmitter to send an RF signal to a receiver in the form of a base station on a motor vehicle. The signal causes a charging circuit of the base station to activate an inductive field to cause the battery to be fully charged. In one embodiment, the first microprocessor also causes the transmitter to send a second signal to the base station to shut down the charging field when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined upper limit. In another embodiment, a second microprocessor of the base station tracks the charging time and shuts down the charging field when the charging time reaches a predetermined amount. Alternatively, charging can be done by direct contact or other means.

Abstract: A system for automatically charging a battery of a remote keyless entry transmitter includes a voltage monitoring circuit having a first microprocessor which monitors battery voltage and which causes the transmitter to send an RF signal to a receiver in the form of a base station on a motor vehicle. The signal causes a charging circuit of the base station to activate an inductive field to cause the battery to be fully charged. In one embodiment, the first microprocessor also causes the transmitter to send a second signal to the base station to shut down the charging field when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined upper limit. In another embodiment, a second microprocessor of the base station tracks the charging time and shuts down the charging field when the charging time reaches a predetermined amount. Alternatively, charging can be done by direct contact or other means.

Abstract: A multifunction remote keyless entry system is provided that increases functionality of the transmitter without increasing the size of the transmitter unit by having certain buttons on the transmitter perform multiple functions based on the distance from the vehicle. More specifically, actuation of a button on the portable transmitter unit triggers operation of a first designated function if the transmitter is outside a predetermined range from the vehicle. Actuation of the same button within the predetermined range will trigger operation of a second designated function. Thus, one button performs at least two functions depending on the distance the user is from the vehicle. In a further embodiment, the same button could trigger operation of a set of different functions as a function of multiple, concentric zones around the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for automatically charging a battery of a remote keyless entry transmitter includes a voltage monitoring circuit having a first microprocessor which monitors battery voltage and which causes the transmitter to send an RF signal to a receiver in the form of a base station on a motor vehicle. The signal causes a charging circuit of the base station to activate an inductive field to cause the battery to be fully charged. In one embodiment, the first microprocessor also causes the transmitter to send a second signal to the base station to shut down the charging field when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined upper limit. In another embodiment, a second microprocessor of the base station tracks the charging time and shuts down the charging field when the charging time reaches a predetermined amount. Alternatively, charging can be done by direct contact or other means.

Abstract: In vehicles having drive wheel selections, accessed for example through a transfer case, drive wheel settings are used to determine a desired vehicle ride height at which the vehicle is maintained by a vehicle suspension control system. Preferably, both vehicle speed and transfer case setting are combined to determine the desired vehicle ride height. With two wheel drive selected, the desired vehicle ride height is set to a low ride height which provides the most aerodynamic airflow for the vehicle. However, if four wheel drive is selected, the speed is checked to determine the desired vehicle ride height. If four wheel drive (automatic four wheel drive) is selected, low ride height is still selected for speeds in excess of a first defined speed. For speeds at or below the first defined speed, a high ride height approximately 1 inch above the low ride height is set for the desired ride height.

Abstract: Vehicle speed is measured and used to calculate lateral acceleration of the vehicle and speed dependent thresholds to which the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is compared to determine when to change a controllable suspension system of the vehicle to improve operation of the suspension system. The controllable suspension system includes air springs and variable damping shock absorbers switchable between soft and firm damping rates. At speeds above a given speed, lateral accelerations exceeding first speed dependent thresholds will result in switching the shock absorbers to firm and/or closing gate valves which intercouple the left and right air springs to decrease vehicle roll. For slower speeds less than the given speed, the suspension system control is desensitized such that lateral accelerations of the same given magnitudes, for example due to entering a parking space or other low speed maneuver, do not alter the suspension.

Abstract: One or more vehicle suspension signals, preferably already generated within a controllable suspension system, is utilized to perform switches of the damping state of variable damping shock absorbers in the suspension system while the velocity of the shock absorbers is close to zero velocity. In particular, signals generated by height sensors within a controllable suspension system are utilized as vehicle suspension signals which are filtered to generate signals to enable switching of the shock absorbers while the shock absorbers are close to zero velocity. In addition, performance of the suspension system is improved by utilizing the vehicle suspension signals as one criterion to determine when switching from soft damping to firm damping or from firm damping to soft damping is desirable. Switch enable signals are determined from vehicle suspension signals by filtering at a resonant body frequency and comparison to an appropriate threshold.