Abstract: A non-bussed control module that receives an audio code is provided. The non-bussed control module includes a tone processing module, a self-diagnostic module, and a reporting module. The tone processing module receives the audio code, and sends a trigger signal if the audio code is received. The self-diagnostic module performs a self-diagnostic test for the non-bussed control module if the trigger signal is received, and generates a diagnostic signal indicative of the self-diagnostic test. The reporting module receives the diagnostic signal and determines a type of fault based on the diagnostic signal.

Abstract: A non-bussed control module that receives an audio code is provided. The non-bussed control module includes a tone processing module, a self-diagnostic module, and a reporting module. The tone processing module receives the audio code, and sends a trigger signal if the audio code is received. The self-diagnostic module performs a self-diagnostic test for the non-bussed control module if the trigger signal is received, and generates a diagnostic signal indicative of the self-diagnostic test. The reporting module receives the diagnostic signal and determines a type of fault based on the diagnostic signal.

Abstract: A vehicle overhead audio system, an electromagnetic transducer assembly for use therein and a computer system programmed with a graphic software control for changing the audio system's signal level and delay are provided where a headliner of the vehicle is a loudspeaker of the system thereby replacing many other loudspeakers and being invisible to the occupants. The headliner is driven in multiple zones that effect proper imaging for all occupants. Supplemental high frequency and subwoofer speakers and signal processing circuitry are included in one aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A remote control includes energy harvesting that provides power in addition to a battery. The energy harvesting and the battery may be switchably used to power transmit operations, receive operation, and/or display operations. The remote control may be used as part of an automotive vehicle remote keyless entry system in which vehicle status is displayed by the remote control.

Abstract: A passive entry system is provided for permitting an authorized user access to a vehicle, building, or the like. The passive entry system includes a handle associated with a door and equipped with a plurality of sensors disposed in the handle's interior. The plurality of sensors can be coupled together to form a long-range proximity sensor capable of detecting a user in a target zone provided by the long-range proximity sensor. Upon subsequent validation of the user as an authorized user, the plurality of sensors may be decoupled to provide for individual detection of corresponding actions by the user's hand, including an intent to enter based upon a touching of the handle.

Abstract: A remote control includes energy harvesting that provides power in addition to a battery. The energy harvesting and the battery may be switchably used to power transmit operations, receive operation, and/or display operations. The remote control may be used as part of an automotive vehicle remote keyless entry system in which vehicle status is displayed by the remote control.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system including at least one transmitter operable to create a transmitted magnetic field and at least one receiver operatively fixed relative to the transmitter. Additionally, the vehicle occupant sensing system includes at least one conductive object operable to create a resultant magnetic field due to interaction with the transmitted magnetic field. The receiver is operable to detect changes in relative distance between the conductive object and the receiver, in response to a load, as a function of the strength of the resultant magnetic field experienced by the receiver. Furthermore, the vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a vehicle seat assembly for detecting a condition of the same. A method of operating the vehicle occupant sensing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a monitoring device for sensing the presence of a body within the vehicle. A transmitter is provided in the vehicle for broadcasting an intrusion signal exterior to the vehicle in response to the monitoring device sensing the presence of the body within the vehicle. A remote vehicle interface device includes a two-way transceiver and an intrusion indicator. The two-way transceiver activates the intrusion indicator in response to the intrusion signal.

Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly for the interior of a motor vehicle, which includes sidewall trim defining a pocket in the trim, includes a housing and at least one speaker operatively supported within the housing. The assembly includes at least one pivot arm having first and second ends. The first end is operatively connected to the housing and defines a rotational axis, and the second end is attached to the vehicle and defines a pivotal axis. The at least one pivot arm is adapted to pivot about the pivotal axis to selectively move and position the housing at each point along a path between a retracted position wherein said housing is operatively supported within the pocket and aligned substantially flush with the sidewall trim such that the sidewall trim and the housing are substantially co-planar in the retracted position of the housing, and an extended position outside the pocket.

Abstract: A vehicle overhead audio system and an electromagnetic transducer assembly for use therein are provided where a headliner of the vehicle is a loudspeaker of the system thereby replacing many other loudspeakers and being invisible to the occupants. The headliner is driven in multiple zones that effect proper imaging for all occupants. Supplemental high frequency and subwoofer speakers and signal processing circuitry are included in one aspect of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle information display and communication system having a plurality of operative modules, the system includes a control processing unit adapted to provide an interface among the plurality of operative modules. The operative modules include a display module adapted to provide visual information to the occupants of the vehicle, a navigation module adapted for global positioning satellite reception to provide vehicle position information to the control processing unit, and a telecommunications module adapted for wireless communication to provide communication between the control processing unit and a wireless telecommunications network and between the control processing unit and any one of a plurality of local wireless devices.

Abstract: A modular overhead console assembly and headliner combination for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a headliner having an upper surface, a lower surface and an elongated slot formed therethrough. An overhead console mounting arrangement is attachable to the headliner adjacent the elongated slot. The mounting arrangement includes an upper member mountable to the headliner such that the upper member extends above the upper surface of the headliner and a lower member attachable to the upper member such that the lower member extends below the lower surface of the headliner. A channel in the lower member receives and secures at least one removable accessory module. At least one electrically conductive strip is disposed adjacent the channel in the lower member to provide power to the module via electrical connectors on the module housing.

Abstract: A modular overhead console assembly and headliner combination for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a headliner having an upper surface, a lower surface and an elongated slot formed therethrough. An overhead console mounting arrangement is attachable to the headliner adjacent the elongated slot. The mounting arrangement includes an upper member mountable to the headliner such that the upper member extends above the upper surface of the headliner and a lower member attachable to the upper member such that the lower member extends below the lower surface of the headliner. A channel in the lower member receives and secures at least one removable accessory module. At least one electrically conductive strip is disposed adjacent the channel in the lower member to provide power to the module via electrical connectors on the module housing.

Abstract: A smart, universal vehicle docking station is provided for receiving one or more plug-in feature modules. The docking station includes a personality module arranged to receive the feature modules. The feature modules are of uniform dimensions and include a standardized docking station coupler. Some of the feature modules can be operated separately from the docking station, and are completely interchangeable within the docking station. The personality module is removable so that an entire personality module can be removed from a vehicle for security reasons, as well as to transplanted from one vehicle to another to provide immediate vehicle customization. A gateway located in the docking station allows integration and appropriate signal translation of signals between the modules and a vehicle irrespective of make or model of the vehicle. The present invention allows different features to be easily added or upgraded in a vehicle.

Abstract: A smart, universal vehicle docking station is provided for receiving one or more plug-in feature modules. The docking station includes a personality module arranged to receive the feature modules. The feature modules are of uniform dimensions and include a standardized docking station coupler. Some of the feature modules can be operated separately from the docking station, and are completely interchangeable within the docking station. The personality module is removable so that an entire personality module can be removed from a vehicle for security reasons, as well as to transplanted from one vehicle to another to provide immediate vehicle customization. A gateway located in the docking station allows integration and appropriate signal translation of signals between the modules and a vehicle irrespective of make or model of the vehicle. The present invention allows different features to be easily added or upgraded in a vehicle.

Abstract: A visor docking arrangement is provided for a removable transmitter device. The docking arrangement includes a base portion formed with a hinge, such as a living hinge, to allow the base portion to be folded upon itself. One side of the folded base portion is formed as a receiving slot arranged to receive and retain the removable transmitter device. A plurality of mounting pins formed in the base portion on one side of the hinge are arranged to push through the visor and latch with a plurality of mounting holes formed in the base portion on an opposing side of the hinge. A latch or snapping arrangement is formed with the receiving slot so as to latch the removable transmitter device upon insertion into the receiving slot.