Abstract: A current sense circuit includes a current sense device and a voltage sense device. The current sense device is positioned to sense a drive current provided to a load by a drive circuit. The voltage sense device is coupled across the current sense device and receives a variable threshold signal at a first input and provides an output signal on an output whose value is dependent upon whether a sense signal at a second input is above or below the variable threshold signal. A level of the variable threshold signal changes in response to a voltage level of a power supply that supplies the drive current to the drive circuit.

Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides and/or rear. The transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which, with the circuit, produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle headlamps includes an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle headlamps including an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle headlamps including an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling exterior vehicle lights includes an image sensor and a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain exterior lights on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling exterior vehicle lights includes an image sensor and a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain exterior lights on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling exterior vehicle lights includes an image sensor and a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain exterior lights on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers.

Abstract: A current sense circuit includes a current sense device and a voltage sense device. The current sense device is positioned to sense a drive current provided to a load by a drive circuit. The voltage sense device is coupled across the current sense device and receives a variable threshold signal at a first input and provides an output signal on an output whose value is dependent upon whether a sense signal at a second input is above or below the variable threshold signal. A level of the variable threshold signal changes in response to a voltage level of a power supply that supplies the drive current to the drive circuit.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a plurality of electrical devices and a plurality of user activated switches. The plurality of electrical devices each include a control terminal. Each of the electrical devices causes a different distinguishable output to be provided when a control signal is asserted on the control terminal of one of the plurality of electrical devices. The plurality of user activated switches include carbon-coated contacts. Each of the user activated switches when asserted provides the control signal to the control terminal of one of the plurality of electrical devices.

Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.

Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle (20) is controlled by a system at least one semiconductor light sensor (170, 170′) having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal (164) indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic (66) varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals (166) based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors (170, 170′) may be varied by changing the integration time (228) for producing charge from light (176) incident on light transducers (178), by selecting between light transducers (178, 490, 500, 504) of different sensitivity within the light sensor (170), by using a light transducer (530) with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light (176), and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors (24,26), headlamps (44), and moisture removal means (38, 40, 42).

Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a plurality of electrical devices and a plurality of user activated switches. The plurality of electrical devices each include a control terminal. Each of the electrical devices causes a different distinguishable output to be provided when a control signal is asserted on the control terminal of one of the plurality of electrical devices. The plurality of user activated switches include carbon-coated contacts. Each of the user activated switches when asserted provides the control signal to the control terminal of one of the plurality of electrical devices.

Abstract: An electrochromic element driver has a feedback loop that imparts a negative output resistance wherein the drive voltage across the electrochromic element varies in response to changes in current draw by the electrochromic element. The amount of current drawn by the electrochromic element varies as a function of temperature. At high temperatures, the drive voltage increases, enabling the electrochromic element to darken uniformly at high temperatures. At lower temperatures, the drive voltage decreases, improving the useful life of the electrochromic element. Transitions between the opaque and non-opaque states are achieved quickly, and steady state currents are lower than in many conventional implementations, decreasing power consumption.