Abstract: Devices and techniques for overcoming lost packets and avoiding congestion when conducting media conferences over packet switched networks are described herein. To avoid the problem of lost packets, redundant information is inserted into the media stream that permits the receiver to reconstruct any lost packets from the redundant information. Congestion avoidance techniques include adjusting the bitrate of the media stream to find the highest bitrate that can be supported without packet loss due to congestion. When increasing the bitrate to a higher rate, the additional bits can come from the redundant information used for lost packet recovery so that any lost packets caused by network congestion will not adversely affect the bitstream.

Abstract: An offline power supply includes a power supply circuit including a primary-side circuit for connecting to a power source, a secondary-side circuit for connecting to a load, and a transformer connecting the primary-side circuit and the secondary-side circuit. A switch operates to selectively connect the primary-side circuit to the power source. A trigger circuit is connected to the secondary-side circuit and has at least one input. The trigger circuit generates an output to selectively operate the switch based on the at least one input.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for evaluating performance of a supply circuit for electric vehicle charging. An electrical connection is established between a vehicle circuit and a supply circuit for an external Alternating Current (AC) power supply. The electrical connection includes a hot, neutral, and ground conductor. A control signal is transmitted to activate a switch disposed along the electrical connection for selectively initiating vehicle charging. Input signals are received including: a line current signal indicative of a current along at least one of the hot conductor and the neutral conductor, and at least one of a line voltage signal and a neutral voltage signal. The line voltage signal being indicative of a voltage potential between the hot conductor and the neutral conductor. The neutral voltage signal being indicative of a voltage potential between the neutral conductor and the ground conductor.

Abstract: A head restraint actuation system is provided having a receiver configured for receiving an image signal, a transmission status signal, a head restraint request signal and a seat information signal. A mirror controller is configured for communicating with the receiver for analyzing the received signals and selecting a rearview mirror mode. A user interface is configured for communicating with the mirror controller for displaying the image signal based on the selection of a first mode, and for enabling transmission of a head restraint request to the mirror controller based on the selection of a second mode. A transmitter is configured for communicating with the mirror controller for transmitting the head restraint request to a seat controller based on the selection of the second mode. A head restraint actuator receives the head restraint request and actuates a corresponding head restraint.

Abstract: A vehicle seat with an adjustable head restraint assembly is provided with a controller configured to receive an instruction signal to actuate a head restraint from a use position to a stowed position. A detection signal indicates whether an object is within a predetermined range of the head restraint. A stow signal is transmitted to an actuator to actuate the head restraint to the stowed position in response to the instruction signal and in response to the detection signal indicating that an object is not within the predetermined range of the head restraint. A use signal is transmitted to the actuator to maintain the head restraint in the use position in response to the instruction signal and in response to the detection signal indicating that an object is within the predetermined range of the head restraint.

Abstract: A vehicle has self-contained, stand-alone flexible displays in a wide variety of locations and serving a wide variety or purposes, such as entertainment, safety warnings, operating instructions, maps, vehicle information, etc. The displays may be positioned on a vehicle interior component having a contoured surface profile, or may be movable from a generally concealed storage position to an extended position. The display may be rolled like a scroll in a storage position. The displays may show a single picture, multiple pictures on sequential frames, interactive videos, etc. and may include audio information, touch screen switches, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting leakage current during a vehicle charging operation is provided. The apparatus comprises a balance circuit configured to receive a sensed current indicative of a vehicle leakage current in response to an external power source providing a charging current to a vehicle. The vehicle leakage current includes a first leakage component and a second leakage component. The balance circuit is further configured to generate a first voltage value that corresponds to a negative value of the first leakage component and to provide a second voltage value that generally corresponds to a positive value of the first leakage component. The balance circuit is further configured to apply the second voltage value to the first voltage value to substantially remove the first leakage component from the vehicle leakage current.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a device for balancing a flow of electrical energy from a vehicle to an external power source is provided. The device comprises a balance circuit being configured to receive an input current signal from the power source and to transmit an output current signal to the external power source for charging a element in a vehicle. A differential resistance causes the input current signal and the output current signal to be different. A current measuring device is configured to generate an output differential signal indicating a difference between the input and output current signals. A current generating device is configured to generate a compensated current signal in response to the output differential signal and to adjust the output current signal with the compensated current signal such that the input and output current signals are generally similar to one another.

Abstract: A seat assembly having an automatically adjustable head restraint is provided. A seat back is mounted within a vehicle and a head restraint assembly is adjustably mounted to the vehicle and disposed adjacent the seat back. The seat back includes a sensor mounted adjacent an upper portion of the seat back for detecting the presence and position of a passenger relative to the head restraint. A controller is in communication with the sensor and receives the output signal of the sensor. The controller then generates a control signal in order to position the head restraint based on the output signals of the sensor. An actuator is connected to the head restraint for positioning the head restraint based on a control signal received from the control module.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a support structure and a head restraint supported by the support structure and being movable relative to the support structure between a first position and a second position. An actuator is connected to the head restraint for moving the head restraint, and a controller is in communication with the actuator. A sensor array is supported by one of the support structure and the head restraint and in communication with the controller. The sensor array has a first region and a second region. The sensor array is configured to sense an input of the first region and second region being sequentially activated. The sensor array communicates the input to the controller, and the controller causing the actuator to move the head restraint.

Abstract: A system and method operable to facilitate thermal wall plug sensing and control may include an ability to control current drawn by a charging system or other load according to a temperature determined at an interface between the charging system and an energy source used to provided energy to the charging system. A temperature sensed with a temperature sensor included in a plug assembly or other housing or cord used to connect the charging system to the energy source may be used to implement the temperature regulated current control.

Abstract: An apparatus including a test device for assessing the quality of a safety ground is provided. The test device is configured to receive an energy signal from a power source for charging a vehicle and to generate a first output signal in response to the first energy signal. The test device is further configured to measure a characteristic of the first output signal and to provide a test signal. The test device is further configured to generate a second output signal in response to providing the test signal and to measure a characteristic of the second output signal. The test device is further configured to assess the quality of a safety ground in at least one of the power source and the vehicle based on a difference between the characteristic of the first output signal and the characteristic of the second output signal.

Abstract: A thermal protection system for an electrical system having a control system and an electrical outlet connected to an electrical power source includes an electrical cord having a plug attached thereto that is configured to electrically connect with the outlet. A non-contact temperature sensor is disposed within the plug and configured to measure a temperature of the outlet. The temperature sensor is in communication with the control system and configured to send a signal to the control system to effect a reduced flow of current through the outlet and plug when the temperature sensor indicates that a predetermined condition is met.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for evaluating performance of a supply circuit for electric vehicle charging. An electrical connection is established between a vehicle circuit and a supply circuit for an external Alternating Current (AC) power supply. The electrical connection includes a hot, neutral, and ground conductor. A control signal is transmitted to activate a switch disposed along the electrical connection for selectively initiating vehicle charging. Input signals are received including: a line current signal indicative of a current along at least one of the hot conductor and the neutral conductor, and at least one of a line voltage signal and a neutral voltage signal. The line voltage signal being indicative of a voltage potential between the hot conductor and the neutral conductor. The neutral voltage signal being indicative of a voltage potential between the neutral conductor and the ground conductor.

Abstract: A ground monitor is disclosed. The ground monitor may be configured to conduct a ground continuity test based on a determined ground resistance. The ground monitor may be operable to determine the ground resistance as a function of a voltage differential detected during application of a test current.

Abstract: A head restraint actuation system is provided having a receiver configured for receiving an image signal, a transmission status signal, a head restraint request signal and a seat information signal. A mirror controller is configured for communicating with the receiver for analyzing the received signals and selecting a rearview mirror mode. A user interface is configured for communicating with the mirror controller for displaying the image signal based on the selection of a first mode, and for enabling transmission of a head restraint request to the mirror controller based on the selection of a second mode. A transmitter is configured for communicating with the mirror controller for transmitting the head restraint request to a seat controller based on the selection of the second mode. A head restraint actuator receives the head restraint request and actuates a corresponding head restraint.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for overcoming lost packets and avoiding congestion when conducting media conferences over packet switched networks are described herein. To avoid the problem of lost packets, redundant information is inserted into the media stream that permits the receiver to reconstruct any lost packets from the redundant information. Congestion avoidance techniques include adjusting the bitrate of the media stream to find the highest bitrate that can be supported without packet loss due to congestion. When increasing the bitrate to a higher rate, the additional bits can come from the redundant information used for lost packet recovery so that any lost packets caused by network congestion will not adversely affect the bitstream.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for overcoming lost packets and avoiding congestion when conducting media conferences over packet switched networks are described herein. To avoid the problem of lost packets, redundant information is inserted into the media stream that permits the receiver to reconstruct any lost packets from the redundant information. Congestion avoidance techniques include adjusting the bitrate of the media stream to find the highest bitrate that can be supported without packet loss due to congestion. When increasing the bitrate to a higher rate, the additional bits can come from the redundant information used for lost packet recovery so that any lost packets caused by network congestion will not adversely affect the bitstream.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a device for balancing a flow of electrical energy from a vehicle to an external power source is provided. The device comprises a balance circuit being configured to receive an input current signal from the power source and to transmit an output current signal to the external power source for charging a element in a vehicle. A differential resistance causes the input current signal and the output current signal to be different. A current measuring device is configured to generate an output differential signal indicating a difference between the input and output current signals. A current generating device is configured to generate a compensated current signal in response to the output differential signal and to adjust the output current signal with the compensated current signal such that the input and output current signals are generally similar to one another.

Abstract: An automotive mirror assembly includes a mirror and transparent substrate adjacent to the mirror. The patterned coating is attached to transparent substrate and defines at least part of capacitive element. A capacitance sensor is in communication with the patterned coating thereby allowing capacitance changes induced in the patterned coating to be monitored.