Abstract: Secured access to a vehicle is provided. A power input is configured to receive power from a source external to the vehicle. A voltage monitor is configured to measure voltage and/or state of health of a vehicle battery. An access component is configured to provide secured access to the vehicle. A processor is configured to, responsive to the voltage monitor indicating the vehicle battery is unable to power the access component, power the access component via the power input to allow the secured access to the vehicle despite the vehicle battery being depleted.

Abstract: A control circuit receives a starting signal from a powertrain control module of a vehicle and delays the coupling of the main starting current from the battery to the starting motor until a reduced current in an alternative flow path is provided to the starter motor, initiating its motion. In a preferred, the pre-start sequence is controlled by a microprocessor which provides a control signal to a solid state switch coupled by a conductor providing current limiting resistance between the battery supply and the starter motor for a predetermined period of time. Subsequent to the pre-spin period, the control circuit provides a signal to a different solid state switch which activates the starter solenoid, in turn, coupling the battery to the starter motor and engaging the pinion gear with the ring gear.

Abstract: A control circuit receives a starting signal from a powertrain control module of a vehicle and delays the coupling of the main starting current from the battery to the starting motor until a reduced current in an alternative flow path is provided to the starter motor, initiating its motion. In a preferred, the pre-start sequence is controlled by a microprocessor which provides a control signal to a solid state switch coupled by a conductor providing current limiting resistance between the battery supply and the starter motor for a predetermined period of time. Subsequent to the pre-spin period, the control circuit provides a signal to a different solid state switch which activates the starter solenoid, in turn, coupling the battery to the starter motor and engaging the pinion gear with the ring gear.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system (10) includes a light source (32). A beam-forming assembly (34) is optically coupled to the light source (32). An object detection sensor (16) detects an object and generates an object detection signal. A controller (18) is coupled to the beam-forming assembly (34) and the object detection sensor (16). The controller (18) adjusts illumination output of the vehicle safety system (10) in response to the object detection signal.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight system including a light source, digital beam forming optics optically coupled to the light source, and a memory storing a plurality of light illumination patterns. The memory is electrically coupled to the digital beam forming optics. The digital beam forming optics is adapted to output light from the light source in the form of at least one of the light illumination patterns in response to at least one vehicle operating condition.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system (10) includes a light source (32). A beam-forming assembly (34) is optically coupled to the light source (32). An object detection sensor (16) detects an object and generates an object detection signal. A controller (18) is coupled to the beam-forming assembly (34) and the object detection sensor (16). The controller (18) adjusts illumination output of the vehicle safety system (10) in response to the object detection signal.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight system including a light source, digital beam forming optics optically coupled to the light source, and a memory storing a plurality of light illumination patterns. The memory is electrically coupled to the digital beam forming optics. The digital beam forming optics is adapted to output light from the light source in the form of at least one of the light illumination patterns in response to at least one vehicle operating condition.

Abstract: An adaptive fusing electrical circuit (circuit) including a power supply and an electrical load drawing an electrical current therethrough. The circuit includes a current detector that measures a current level through the circuit. An interruption switch, which is normally closed, is electrically coupled to the electrical load and the current detector having an open state and a closed state. A controller is coupled to the power supply, the current detector, and the switch, the controller monitors the current level and a first circuit parameter of the electrical circuit. The controller interrupts the electrical current by switching the interruption switch from the closed state to the open state when the current level and the first circuit parameter are outside corresponding guard bands.

Abstract: A headlamp system stores a plurality of beam patterns on a microprocessor 32 that selects a predetermined beam pattern based on driving conditions and sends the predetermined beam pattern to a digital micromirror device (DMD) 18 that is capable of generating the desired beam pattern by adjusting the position of individual pixels on the DMD 18. Several vehicle parameters are inputs 36, 37, 38, 29, 70 to the microcontroller 32 and are used to determine the appropriate beam pattern to be produced by the DMD 18 and projected by the headlamp system of the present invention.

Abstract: A headlamp system stores a plurality of beam patterns on a microprocessor 32 that selects a predetermined beam pattern based on driving conditions and sends the predetermined beam pattern to a digital micromirror device (DMD) 18 that is capable of generating the desired beam pattern by adjusting the position of individual pixels on the DMD 18. Several vehicle parameters are inputs 36, 37, 38, 29, 70 to the microcontroller 32 and are used to determine the appropriate beam pattern to be produced by the DMD 18 and projected by the headlamp system of the present invention.

Abstract: A rotational sensing assembly including a ferromagnetic sensor wheel rotationally fixed to a shaft having a tooth pattern including a missing tooth. An inductive sensor is mounted adjacent the periphery of the sensor wheel and in communication with a processor. The sensor produces a generally sinusoidal signal in response to the wheel rotation, with voltage zero crossings that are time stamped by the processor. The geometry of the sensor wheel around the missing tooth location is altered to equalize the induced voltage in the sensor for fixed time intervals in order to maintain proper timing of the zero crossings in the sensor signal.

Abstract: A method for more accurately sensing the rotational position of a shaft having a toothed sensor wheel with a missing tooth is disclosed. The method includes employing an inductive sensor to produce a signal in response to the passing of the teeth on the sensor wheel. The sensor signal is altered by the geometry of the wheel about a gap formed by the missing tooth in order to correct for residual stored energy in the sensor at this location, and thus correct the signal for the timing measured by a processor in communication with the sensor.