Abstract: A heads-up display for a vehicle is in contrast to the windshield behind the display or the environment outside of the vehicle windshield. In this way, the heads-up display is more visible than prior art heads-up displays. In one embodiment, the windshield is tinted to be in contrast with the color of the heads-up display, at least over a small area. In other embodiments, the image forward of the vehicle is captured and sent to a control for the heads-up display. The heads-up display is then modified to be in contrast with the environment approaching the vehicle. In another embodiment, the window is modified to have a back glow over a small area. The heads-up display is directed onto this small area.

Abstract: The inventive vehicle switch assembly includes a switch for producing a signal to control a vehicle accessory, a light for illuminating the assembly, and a sensor for actuating the light in response to detecting an object in proximity to the switch. Preferably, the switch is illuminated only when a hand of a vehicle occupant is placed within a predetermined distance of the switch.

Abstract: A blind spot detection system includes a transmitter directing a circularly polarized signal into a blind spot adjacent a vehicle. A receiver also mounted on the vehicle receives a reflection of the circularly polarized signal which is oppositely circularly polarized. An indicator indicates to the driver of the vehicle when the reflected signal is detected, thereby indicating the presence of an object in the blind spot. An indicator is also directed toward the blind spot generating a warning when the presence of an object in the blind spot is detected and an indication of a turn or lane change by the vehicle is detected, such as turn signal switch activation.

Abstract: A display system reduces latent image formation by shifting an image between a first position and a second position, displaced only a few pixels from the first position. Preferably, the image is displayed briefly simultaneously at the first and second positions and then displayed only in the second position for a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A multifunction stalk switch combines a pivoting lever and an internal rod which can be independently rotated and slid in an axial direction to control multiple functions, including separate control of wiper on/off/intermittent settings, an intermittent delay setting, and a washer spray function. A robust design is achieved by avoiding the need for any wiring or circuit boards within the lever arm itself and locating all electrically conductive components in the base. Relief notches in the lever prevent sliding contacts from moving away from the circuit board when the lever arm is pushed in a direction perpendicular to the desired pivot plane.

Abstract: A method of testing a switch looks at the second derivative of the resistance force to movement. The second derivative is most indicative of the feel the operator will experience when utilizing the switch. It is desirable to keep the second derivative to a minimum for the switch at locations other than end of travel or detent positions. By investigating the second derivative, one is provided with feedback of areas on the switch that might require further investigation or re-evaluation.

Abstract: A low power transmitter useful for vehicle remote keyless entry systems, for example, includes a transmitter circuit portion and a gain control circuit portion. The gain control circuit portion preferably includes an inductive load that introduces a resonant frequency that provides radio frequency gain control. The transmitter circuit portion preferably includes a transistor having a collector node and an emitter node. The gain controller circuit preferably includes a capacitive load coupled between the emitter node and the collector node of the transistor. The inductive load preferably is coupled between the emitter node of the transistor and ground.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a system for improving the clarity of a voice spoken within an enclosed space. The system comprises a first microphone, positioned at a first location, for receiving the audible communication and for converting the audible communication at the first location into a first audio signal. The system also comprises a loudspeaker for receiving the first audio signal, and for converting the first audio signal into a first reproduced audible communication, the reproduced audible communication also being fed back and received by the first microphone and converted with the audible communication into the first audio signal.

Abstract: An improved method for programming a vehicle remote entry receiver includes transmitting the information over the vehicle data bus line. A diagnostic box which is typically utilized to check the electrical systems on the vehicle is provided with a switch that moves the vehicle receiver into a programming mode. Information with regard to the transmitters that are to be associated with the vehicle receiver may then be transmitted over the bus line to the receiver. Alternatively, the receiver itself may capture the transmitter signals.

Abstract: Remote entry transmitters are formed to have a housing element made by a two-shot molding technique. A plateable and a non-plateable plastic are molded in the two-shot molding technique. Circuit trace material is then plated onto the plateable material. This results in a reduction in the number of separate parts for the transmitter. In addition, the antenna is positioned to be non-parallel to the main circuit board. This results in packaging efficiencies and improvements. Preferably, the antenna may be plated onto an inner side wall of the housing when the two-shot molding technique occurs. Alternatively, the antenna may be provided as a separate board.

Abstract: A microprocessor based control detects actuation of the vehicle's braking system and compares the actual magnitude of the lamp current drawn by the system's brake lamps during illumination with reference signals indicative of the nominal value of brake lamp excitation current required for illumination of a full complement of brake lamps and that associated with successively lesser numbers of operating lamps, to determine the presence and number of inoperative lamps and to record the existence of failed lamps in memory which may be accessed by external diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: Remote entry transmitters are formed to have a housing element made by a two-shot molding technique. A plateable and a non-plateable plastic are molded in the two-shot molding technique. Circuit trace material is then plated onto the plateable material. This results in a reduction in the number of separate parts for the transmitter. In addition, the antenna is positioned to be non-parallel to the main circuit board. This results in packaging efficiencies and improvements. Preferably, the antenna may be plated onto an inner side wall of the housing when the two-shot molding technique occurs. Alternatively, the antenna may be provided as a separate board.

Abstract: A safety warning system includes a safety warning transceiver which retransmits safety warning signals received by the safety warning transmitter in order to extend the range of safety warning transmitter systems. The safety warning transceiver also functions as a trainable garage door opener and interacts with the remote keyless entry system of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the safety warning transceiver can be installed and selectively removed from a docking station in the vehicle in order to prevent theft or install the safety warning transceiver into another vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a portable receiver unit that can be carried about by hand and used by an individual to determine position information through a global positioning system. The portable receiver is supported within a housing that is selectively received by and removable from a docking station that is permanently mounted within a vehicle. The housing supports a first display that provides an indication of position information to an individual utilizing the portable receiver unit. A second display is provided within the vehicle to provide an indication of vehicle position information whenever the housing is received within the docking station in the vehicle. An electronic controller associated with the vehicle preferably controls the activation states of the first and second displays when the receiver housing is received within the docking station.

Abstract: An enclosure for a vehicle computer system module is disclosed. The enclosure permits a plurality of computer system modules of the vehicle system computer to be releasably mounted within the enclosure. A plurality of user input devices are connected through the enclosure with the computer system modules. The user input devices permit a user to exchange data with the computer system modules. The enclosure permits vehicle system computer modules to be rapidly repaired and upgraded in a modular fashion.

Abstract: An audio communication system for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle providing full duplex communication through a plurality of speakers and microphones while substantially eliminating unwanted external interference and feedback. A digital signal processor further integrates an audio entertainment and mobile transceiver subsystems. The subsystems are operated by the microphone from one or more positions within the vehicle so that each passenger has access to a cellular phone or can control the audio entertainment system.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes an update module that provides travel advisory information on a real time basis. The update module receives traffic advisory signals such as intelligent highway system signals, safety warning system signals and specially encoded traffic reports from radio stations. The travel advisory signals are utilized by the navigation system to provide a route guidance strategy to a driver that is not limited by the information from a prestored map database. While travelling, the update module continues to provide information that is utilized to generate an updated route as appropriate. Additionally, the vehicle navigation system preferably includes the ability to generate a beacon signal indicating that the vehicle is in a position or condition that presents a potential traffic hazard to other drivers.

Abstract: A trainable transmitter includes code generation circuitry and a socket for receiving a plug-in module including circuitry for generating an RF signal. By selecting the appropriate plug-in module, the user can expand the frequency transmission range of the transmitter beyond that which may be pre-installed on the transmitter.

Abstract: A control switch assembly includes a variable and selectively activatable feedback unit. The feedback unit provides tactile feedback to a user of the system depending upon a particular adjustment to be made by manipulating the control switch. In the preferred embodiment, the feedback unit includes an electromagnetic arrangement that is selectively energized to provide tactile feedback under preselected conditions.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a system for selectably oscillating at a first or a second oscillating frequency. The system comprises an oscillator for providing an oscillating output. Moreover, the system comprises a switching device for selecting a first or a second impedance in response to a select signal having a voltage. Each of the first and second impedances are fixed independently of the select signal voltage such that the oscillating output oscillates at the first oscillating frequency when the first impedance is provided and oscillates at the second oscillating frequency when the second impedance is provided.