Abstract: A metal detection apparatus includes a balanced coil system with a transmitter coil connected to a transmitter unit, and receiver coils connected to a receiver unit, connected to a signal processing unit. A controllable frequency generator provides a selectable operating frequency to an amplifier stage, connected to an adaptation unit, which includes a coupling transformer with at least one primary and secondary coil having a terminal and tappings. The adaption unit includes tuning capacitors having terminals and switching devices, with which the secondary coil and at least one of the tuning capacitors is connectable. Individually selectable resonator channels, when selected, each include the transmitter coil, tapped windings of the secondary coil of the coupling transformer, and one of the tuning capacitors connected by a first and second semiconductor switching device, controllable by a channel selector such that one of the resonator channels is always selectable.

Abstract: A metal detection apparatus is provided which includes a balanced coil system with a transmitter coil connected with coil terminals to a transmitter unit, and receiver coils connected to an input of a receiver unit, whose output is connected to a signal processing unit. The transmitter unit includes a controllable frequency generator providing an input signal with a selectable operating frequency to the input of an amplifier stage, whose output is connected to an adaptation unit, which includes a coupling transformer with at least one primary and secondary coil having a transformer coil terminal and transformer tappings.

Abstract: A metal detection apparatus is disclosed which includes a balanced coil system with a transmitter coil and receiver coils. A coupling transformer with an input winding is energized by an input signal with a selected operating frequency and an output winding with tappings, each pair of which is selectable to define a partial winding consisting of the turns extending between the selected pair. Individually selectable excitation circuits for energization of the transmitter coil, each including a semiconductor switching device. Individually selectable tuning capacitors, each including an electro-mechanical relay.

Abstract: A method of validating a design for a graphical user interface of a motor vehicle includes creating a tentative design, and/or a few drafts or prototype for the graphical user interface. A blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is produced. The blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is tested for readability and whether the overall GUI design is suited to be perceived at a glance. If it is determined that the blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is not readable or understandable, then the graphical user interface is redesigned and the producing and testing steps are repeated for the redesigned graphical user interface. After the blurred graphical user interface design has been determined to be readable, then a higher fidelity graphical user interface is made.

Abstract: A method of validating a design for a graphical user interface of a motor vehicle includes creating a tentative design, and/or a few drafts or prototype for the graphical user interface. A blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is produced. The blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is tested for readability and whether the overall GUI design is suited to be perceived at a glance. If it is determined that the blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is not readable or understandable, then the graphical user interface is redesigned and the producing and testing steps are repeated for the redesigned graphical user interface. After the blurred graphical user interface design has been determined to be readable, then a higher fidelity graphical user interface is made.

Abstract: A metal detector has a transformer unit (1), a transmitter unit (2), a receiver coil set (3), a signal processing unit (4) and a control unit (5). The transformer unit provides an input signal (sIN) with selectable operating frequency (fTX) to an amplifier stage (12), that is connected to a transmitter coil (21) that is coupled to first and second receiver coils (31, 32). The coil outputs are connected to the signal processing unit, which has a receiver unit (41) and a signal processor (42). A coupling transformer (13) has first and second windings (13A, 13B), connected to the output of the amplifier stage, and a third winding (13C), connected to the transmitter coil. The first and second windings are each connected at a first end to a supply voltage (+Ub). Each of the first and second windings has at least one tapping (141, 142, 143, 144; 141?, 142?, 143?, 144?) at a same turn number counted from the first end. The amplifier stage has first and second amplification wings (12A, 12B).

Abstract: A motor vehicle infotainment system includes a user interface having a loudspeaker. The user interface receives a request from a driver to access a social media web site. An electronic processor accesses postings on the social media web site, and discerns first ones of the postings having primarily graphic aspects from second ones of the postings not having primarily graphic aspects. Only the ones of the postings not having primarily graphic aspects are presented to the driver via the loudspeaker.

Abstract: A vehicle vent positioning apparatus includes a motion sensor, a blower of an HVAC system, a vent assembly, a positioning device and a controller. The motion sensor detects changes in direction of movement of a vehicle. The blower moves air into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The vent assembly is installed within the vehicle to direct airflow from the blower into a passenger compartment. The vent assembly includes at least one vane positionable to aim airflow into the passenger compartment in differing airflow directions. The positioning device is connected to the vane. The controller is configured to operate the positioning device to re-position the vane from aiming the airflow in a first airflow direction to aiming the airflow in a second airflow direction in response to the controller determining via signals from the motion sensor that the vehicle is changing direction of movement.

Abstract: A display management arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a first display screen and a second display screen disposed on a dashboard of the motor vehicle. An electronic processor is disposed in the motor vehicle. The electronic processor is in communication with each of the first display screen and the second display screen. The electronic processor responds to a hand gesture by a user by transferring at least a portion of an image displayed on the first display screen to the second display screen.

Abstract: A head up display cluster arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a dashboard disposed within a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The dashboard includes an instrument cluster surface disposed above a steering column of the motor vehicle. An image source is disposed on, or adjacent to, the dashboard. The image source emits an illuminated image. A mirror is positioned to reflect the emitted illuminated image onto the cluster surface.

Abstract: A display screen arrangement is for use in a motor vehicle and includes an electronic display screen. A pair of optical elements are slidably mounted over the display screen and are movable in opposite lateral directions. An actuator is coupled to the optical elements and moves the optical elements in the opposite lateral directions. A processor is communicatively coupled to the actuator and causes the actuator to move the optical elements to positions dependent upon an image being presented on the display screen.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an obstacle detector detecting presence of a pedestrian in a forward path of the vehicle and transmitting a first signal indicative of the presence. A processing device is communicatively coupled to the obstacle detector and transmits a second signal in response to receiving the first signal. A display is mounted so as to be visible to the pedestrian and is communicatively coupled to the processing device. The display responds to receiving the second signal by providing a visible indication to the pedestrian that the pedestrian's presence has been detected by the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a camera directed generally toward a driver seat of the vehicle. The camera captures images within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A text recognition module is communicatively coupled to the camera and recognizes text characters in the captured images. An electronic processor is communicatively coupled to the text recognition module and interprets the recognized text characters as text information, categorizes the text information, and enters the text information into an application within the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of validating a design for a graphical user interface of a motor vehicle includes creating a tentative design, and/or a few drafts or prototype for the graphical user interface. A blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is produced. The blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is tested for readability and whether the overall GUI design is suited to be perceived at a glance. If it is determined that the blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is not readable or understandable, then the graphical user interface is redesigned and the producing and testing steps are repeated for the redesigned graphical user interface. After the blurred graphical user interface design has been determined to be readable, then a higher fidelity graphical user interface is made.

Abstract: A metal detector has a transformer unit (1), a transmitter unit (2), a receiver coil set (3), a signal processing unit (4) and a control unit (5). The transformer unit provides an input signal (sIN) with selectable operating frequency (fTX) to an amplifier stage (12), that is connected to a transmitter coil (21) that is coupled to first and second receiver coils (31, 32). The coil outputs are connected to the signal processing unit, which has a receiver unit (41) and a signal processor (42). A coupling transformer (13) has first and second windings (13A, 13B), connected to the output of the amplifier stage, and a third winding (13C), connected to the transmitter coil. The first and second windings are each connected at a first end to a supply voltage (+Ub). Each of the first and second windings has at least one tapping (141, 142, 143, 144; 141?, 142?, 143?, 144?) at a same turn number counted from the first end. The amplifier stage has first and second amplification wings (12A, 12B).

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steering wheel having a capacitive touch sensor positioned and sized to be touched by a driver's thumb while the remaining fingers on the driver's hand are wrapped around an outer edge of the steering wheel. An electronic processor is communicatively coupled to the display screen and the capacitive touch sensor. The electronic processor zooms in on an image presented on the display screen in response to the driver's thumb being dragged in a first direction across the capacitive touch sensor. The electronic processor zooms out on an image presented on the display screen in response to the driver's thumb being dragged in a second direction across the capacitive touch sensor. The second direction is substantially opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A vehicle vent positioning apparatus includes a motion sensor, a blower of an HVAC system, a vent assembly, a positioning device and a controller. The motion sensor detects changes in direction of movement of a vehicle. The blower moves air into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The vent assembly is installed within the vehicle to direct airflow from the blower into a passenger compartment. The vent assembly includes at least one vane positionable to aim airflow into the passenger compartment in differing airflow directions. The positioning device is connected to the vane. The controller is configured to operate the positioning device to re-position the vane from aiming the airflow in a first airflow direction to aiming the airflow in a second airflow direction in response to the controller determining via signals from the motion sensor that the vehicle is changing direction of movement.

Abstract: A launcher system and method for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wherein the launcher system comprises a barrel comprising a prepackaged internal pusher cup configured behind the UAV housed within the barrel; an expansion chamber operatively connected around the barrel, wherein the barrel extends out of a first end of the expansion chamber; a muzzle adapter operatively connected to a second end of the expansion chamber, wherein the first end of the expansion chamber is positioned opposite to the second end of the expansion chamber; a rifle slip-fitted to the muzzle adapter; and a stand operatively connected to the expansion chamber, wherein a triggering of the rifle causes the internal pusher cup to push the UAV out of the barrel at a predetermined launch velocity in order to attain a predetermined self-propelled flight trajectory.

Abstract: A launcher system and method for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wherein the launcher system comprises a barrel comprising a prepackaged internal pusher cup configured behind the UAV housed within the barrel; an expansion chamber operatively connected around the barrel, wherein the barrel extends out of a first end of the expansion chamber; a muzzle adapter operatively connected to a second end of the expansion chamber, wherein the first end of the expansion chamber is positioned opposite to the second end of the expansion chamber; a rifle slip-fitted to the muzzle adapter; and a stand operatively connected to the expansion chamber, wherein a triggering of the rifle causes the internal pusher cup to push the UAV out of the barrel at a predetermined launch velocity in order to attain a predetermined self-propelled flight trajectory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a partial recirculation mode of operation in an HVAC control system of a vehicle to place a fresh air passage, a recirculation passage, and an interior passage in fluid communication to reduce vehicle door closing energy by allowing external discharge of cabin air pressure from the interior passenger compartment through the fresh air passage during vehicle door closure. The partial recirculation mode bypasses distribution vent covers, distribution ductwork, heater and evaporator cores, and blowers in order to open a more direct air outlet path to atmosphere which can be activated as required in order to reduce vehicle door closing energy. The partial recirculation mode of operation is activated in response to predetermined vehicle conditions, such as, ignition switched off seat belt unbuckled, transmission switched to park, emergency brake applied, vehicle door opened, vehicle door unlocked, and/or vehicle seat sensor switched to unoccupied.