Abstract: A smart power outlet system for a vehicle has a power outlet control module and a plurality of power outlets. Each power outlet has an associated set of power switching devices with each power switching device of a set of power switching devices coupled to a different power source. The power outlet control module drives a display and is responsive to user input via the display. The power outlet control module energizes one of the power switching devices in each set of power switching devices corresponding to a power source selected by a user via the display to provide power to the power outlet associated with that set of power switching devices from the power source selected by the user.

Abstract: A smart power outlet system for a vehicle has a power outlet control module and a plurality of power outlets. Each power outlet has an associated set of power switching devices with each power switching device of a set of power switching devices coupled to a different power source. The power outlet control module drives a display and is responsive to user input via the display. The power outlet control module energizes one of the power switching devices in each set of power switching devices corresponding to a power source selected by a user via the display to provide power to the power outlet associated with that set of power switching devices from the power source selected by the user.

Abstract: A vehicle display system includes a display that includes first and second display areas. The first display area displays a plurality of first icons in a first color indicative of a first warning. The second display area displays a plurality of second icons in a second color indicative of a second warning that is different than the first color. An icon library includes the pluralities of first and second Icons. A command module selects from the pluralities of first and second icons based on one or more vehicle conditions. A first control module controls the first display area to display one of the first plurality of icons, at a time based on the selections from the command module. A second control module controls the second display area to display one of the second plurality of icons at a time based on the selections from the command module.

Abstract: A remote keyless entry system includes a remote key fob or transmitting unit which may be carried by the operator. This fob may transmit coded function signals directing the vehicle to perform requested functions, e.g. unlock the doors, and an on-board receiver that receives the request and performs the function. The receiver may be reprogrammed by the customer to accept signals from a different transmitter in the event that a key fob is either lost or stolen. To program the receiver, the system is put in a programming mode by using a transmitter whose security code is already stored within the receiver. This programming mode is entered by depressing specified buttons on the transmitting unit for a predetermined amount of time. Once in the programming mode, all previous security codes are erased, and a new transmitting unit code may be programmed into the receiver by depressing any button on that unit. The receiver will chime to acknowledge to the customer that the new security code has been accepted.

Abstract: An automotive heater, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control system reduces overall system cost and improves system reliability by reducing the number of wire interconnects between the climate control head and the multifunction body control module. Wire reduction from as many as seven to as few as one is possible with the inventive resistively multiplex system. The inventive system combines rear defrost, airconditioning on/off and a set of mode door drive motor select signals within a single climate control head. The inventive climate control head includes a series of resistors and switches that effectively allow a vehicle user to select the various modes of HVAG system operation. The climate control head effectively combines the various possible mode signals into one analog signal that varies according to the selected mode. The single analog signal is fed into a single analog-to-digital port in the multifunction control module.

Abstract: A system for preventing fogging in air conditioning systems is disclosed. The system employs a strategy whereby if fogging conditions are present, the temperature of the evaporator is stepped downwardly in increments which allow the surface of the evaporator to stabilize thereby eliminating localized cold spots.

Abstract: A lighting control system with self calibration for employing the entire physical travelling range of a dimmer switch. A lookup table and linear interpolation are used in conjunction with the voltage output of the dimmer switch in order to identify the appropriate duty cycle of a Pulse Width Modulated signal which drives the lamps in the system. Two of the values in the lookup table are default minimum and maximum values of voltage which can be expected from a worst case switch device. The system dynamically determines and stores any new maximum or minimum voltage which is received from the dimmer switch. These dynamically determined minimum and maximum values are used to replace the default values in the lookup table thus calibrating the lookup table. The calibrated lookup will take into account the operating parameters of the actual switch in the vehicle and will therefore always produce a corresponding change in illumination intensity over the entire physical range of the dimmer switch.