Abstract: An interface comprises a switch supported in relation to a motor vehicle interior trim component. The switch is operable to actuate and de-actuate an electrically operated device of the motor vehicle. A sensory feedback component is operatively connected to the switch for producing a sensory feedback when the switch is operated.

Abstract: An instrument panel system. The instrument panel system provides an aesthetically appealing instrument panel by including a number of concealed switches. The switches are concealed such that an area proximate the switch on the surface of the instrument panel appears to be uninterrupted by the switch. In operation, the position of the switches is revealed by illuminating a switch display.

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: 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.

Abstract: A remote rearview mirror system includes a transmitting module and receiving module that operate at a distance. The transmitting module is included in a rear view mirror. These modules require a matching that need to be preserved until the components are installed in a vehicle. The steps of such matching include the incorporation of the transmitting module into a mirror-transmitting module combination that is associated with its respective receiving module.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-function control assembly for the lighting in a vehicle. The multi-function control assembly includes a housing, a first light, and a second light. A switch body is movably mounted on the housing, the switch body being movable between first and second positions for regulating power supplied to the first light. A touch sensitive sensor is mounted relative to the switch body. The touch sensor is operable to control a first characteristic of one of the first light and the second light when the switch body is in the first position. The touch sensor is operable to control a second characteristic of one of the first light and the second light when the switch body is in the second position.

Abstract: A system and method for remote actuation of a vehicle head restraint includes an actuator arrangement configured to effect movement of a head restraint from a raised position to a lowered position. A sensor defines a first area, and is configured to output signals to the actuator arrangement to facilitate movement of the head restraint from its raised position to its lowered position when an object comes within a predetermined distance of the first area. The sensor is disposed proximate a rearview mirror in the vehicle such that a user can simultaneously view the head restraint in the mirror and the first area. Remote actuation systems using infrared sensor assemblies such infrared proximity sensors are disclosed.

Abstract: An interface for an interior trim component in a motor vehicle includes a fascia formed from wood veneer.

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: 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: The embodiments described herein include an electrical system and method for providing electrical energy. In one embodiment, an energy conversion device is configured to produce electrical energy from at least one of vibrations or movement experienced by the energy conversion device. An energy storage device is configured store the electrical energy. Additionally, an electrical device is coupled to the energy storage device and is configured to receive the electrical energy and transmit a signal to a receiving device to perform a desired function.

Abstract: A console assembly and a light assembly for a motor vehicle. The light assembly includes a light pipe and a light module. The light pipe has opposing first and second surfaces and opposing interior and exterior surfaces. The light module disposed adjacent to the interior surface. The second surface has a groove disposed between the interior and exterior surfaces that is configured to receive a console unit.

Abstract: A map pocket or other compartment illumination system. The system suitable for use in any number of environment and application where it is desirable to illuminate a storage location in response to definable illumination events.

Abstract: A console assembly and a light assembly for a motor vehicle. The light assembly includes a light pipe and a light module. The light pipe has opposing first and second surfaces and opposing interior and exterior surfaces. The light module disposed adjacent to the interior surface. The second surface has a groove disposed between the interior and exterior surfaces that is configured to receive a console unit.

Abstract: An automotive keyless smart-start assembly 10 for use in an automobile 22 is provided including an automotive engine 18 having an operating condition and a stopped condition. An ignition controller 16, having a locked state and an unlocked state, is in communication with the automotive engine 18. A receptacle bin 20 is mounted to the automobile 22 and is in communication with the ignition controller 16. The receptacle bin 20 is movable between a closed position 34 and an open position 32. A portable electronic transmitter element 12, including a security code 14, communicates the security code 14 to the ignition controller 16 upon being positioned within the receptacle bin 20. The ignition controller 16 verifies the security code 14 and moves to the unlocked state upon verification. The receptacle bin 20 moves to the closed position 34 upon verification.

Abstract: A manual control system for a vehicle includes a touch sensitive input element actuatable in response to proximity of a user's appendage. A tactile feedback generator produces a perceptible tactile stimulus. An audible feedback generator produces a perceptible audible stimulus. A sound level characterizer generates a sound characterization signal indicative of a sound-related parameter of the vehicle. A controller generates a feedback event in response to an actuation of the input element. The controller includes the perceptible tactile stimulus and the perceptible audible stimulus in the feedback event according to the sound characterization signal.

Abstract: A vehicular control device includes a trim member having a plurality of graphics for identifying a plurality of manual activation regions and a printed circuit board having a plurality of proximity sensors. Each of the plurality of proximity sensors generates a respective electromagnetic field within a respective manual activation region and is responsive to an object disposed in the respective manual activation region. The printed circuit board is semi-translucent and includes a plurality of illumination elements for illuminating light away from the printed circuit board. A back cover member is adaptable to the trim member for encasing the printed circuit board therebetween. A sealing member is disposed between the trim member and the back cover member. The illuminating light from the plurality of illumination elements is reflected toward the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a proximity sensing unit for controlling an accessory device of a vehicle. A plurality of proximity sensors is disposed in a sequential pattern within a sensing unit whereby the proximity sensors are responsive to a manual activation. At least two activation signals are received from at least two proximity sensors in response to the manual activation. An activation sequence of at least two activation signals is determined. One of a plurality of control actions associated with the activation sequence is selected. A control action is initiated for controlling an operation of the accessory device.

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.