Abstract: Described is phased metalens depth of focus increase for camera focusing. An objective camera lens is configured to provide a focus window across multiple radial zones within a field of view. A camera imager is configured to capture an image of the field of view. When at least two of the radial zones have different back focal lengths relative the imager and the objective lens, a phased metalens is positioned between the objective lens and the camera imager. The metalens is configured to compensate for defocus caused by the different back focal lengths by increasing, across the radial zones within the field of view, a depth of the focus window. The metalens improves focus across the field of view, which prevents variations in objective lens characteristics from reducing image quality.

Abstract: Described is camera focusing including lens centration estimation using variable focal length phased metalenses. Camera modular alignment and test (CMAT) equipment checks the modular transfer function (MTF) performance of lenses and an image sensor. The CMAT equipment positions a variable focal length phased metalens between the lenses and the image sensor. The metalens includes multiple segments that provide a variable focus depending on distance and angle from boresight of the image sensor. By measuring optical characteristics of the lenses at two opposing segments of the metalens, defocusing effects and a lens centration tilt vector can be computed. Repositioning the lenses to align the centration tilt vector with the boresight of the image sensor improves the MTF performance. A final camera assembly with lenses in precise alignment with the image sensor can be produced, which may improve production output by increasing pass rate at an end of line tester.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure relate to actively selecting lenses for camera focus processes. Test equipment may check lenses by dry-fit aligning them to a particular set of production components. If minimum focus performance cannot be achieved, then the lenses go unused for a final camera assembly. In certain situations, the unused set of lenses is salvageable for use in another camera assembly. Advanced CMAT equipment may compute and apply a rotation for unused lenses to improve their focus performance the next time they are used in a final assembly. A maximum number of attempts to rotationally fix a set of lenses may be observed to avoid trying the same lenses again and again, possibly without ever having success. This way, because the lenses actively selected can also be rotated during production, final camera assemblies can be produced that are likely to pass the EOLT, and by minimizing waste.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure relate to actively selecting lenses for camera focus processes. Lenses to be used during camera assembly are chosen based on whether their pairing with a specific set of production components can satisfy focus performance criteria of end of line test. Test equipment may check the lenses by dry-fit aligning them to a particular set of production components. If minimum focus performance cannot be achieved, then a different set of lenses are used to with that set of production components to produce a final camera assembly. This way, because the lenses are actively selected during production to achieve satisfactory focus performance of the EOLT, each final camera assembly is more likely to pass the EOLT, thereby improving camera production output.

Abstract: An improved weight estimation apparatus in which an elastomeric bladder is supported on a semi-rigid backer board which is installed in a vehicle seat between the seat cushion and an underlying spring suspension. The bladder is secured onto the backer board, and the backer board is attached to the seat, enabling proper and consistent placement of the bladder relative to the seat surface. The backer board provides the reaction surface for the bladder, and masks non-uniformities of the seat structure. Additionally, the backer board will reduce or eliminate the effect of objects lying on the floor under the seat, which might otherwise pinch the bladder and produce weight estimation errors. Further, the board tends to protect the bladder from damage due to sharp objects, pinching by the suspension elements, and the effects of wires or cables routed through the seat.

Abstract: An improved weight-based occupant characterization method that can inexpensively and reliably distinguish between a child or small adult and a tightly cinched child seat. When the sensed weight is in a specified range that could be produced by a tightly cinched child seat, the system characterizes the occupant based on a detected variation in sensed weight during movement of the vehicle. If the variance of the sensed weight is below a threshold for a predetermined interval, the occupant is characterized as a child seat, since a tightly cinched seat belt severely restricts variance. If the variance exceeds the threshold for a predetermined interval, the occupant is characterized as a child or small adult. A correlative factor that can be used in distinguishing between a child seat and a child or small adult is determined by computing a slope reversal rate, or frequency, of the measured weight.

Abstract: An improved pressure-based weight estimation system that includes an adaptive technique for reliably and accurately determining the vacant, or unoccupied, seat pressure. The vacant seat pressure is initially determined by a factory calibration procedure, and is thereafter suitably updated by an adaptive learning algorithm based on temperature, time, and the measured pressure. If the seat temperature is within a normal range, and the measured pressure remains at least a predetermined amount below the calibrated vacant seat pressure for at least a predetermined time, a fraction of the difference between the measured and calibrated values is subtracted from the calibrated value to form a new calibration value. The predetermined difference amount determines the sensitivity of the control, and the predetermined time prevents adaptive correction of the calibration value due to transient pressure conditions.

Abstract: An improved weight estimation apparatus in which a closed, multiple cell elastomeric bladder filled with fluid is installed in the foam cushion of a vehicle seat bottom, with at least one pressure sensor installed in a closed exit port of the bladder. The multiple cells of the bladder are formed by a pattern of spot welds between the top and bottom layers of the bladder, creating an array of generally circular or hexagonal cells between which the fluid can freely flow. The array of cells maximizes the pressure response for improved sensitivity, and minimizes the amount of fluid required to detect occupant weight, thereby minimizing the weight of the fluid-filled bladder. The pattern of spot welds in the vicinity of the pressure sensing location may be altered to reduce sensitivity to forces applied in proximity to the exit port.

Abstract: A weight estimation apparatus for the passenger seat of a motor vehicle, in which a single bladder substantially encompassing the seat bottom is evacuated and then inflated with a known volume of air. The average pressure in the bladder is determined to estimate the passenger weight. According to a first embodiment, the apparatus continues to monitor the average pressure, and the process is re-initiated if the average pressure changes by at least a predetermined percentage. According to a second embodiment, a bleed valve allows the pressure in the bladder to slowly escape, and the apparatus monitors the rate of change in pressure as a corresponding indication of passenger weight; in this embodiment, the process of evacuating and inflating is re-initiated if the monitored change in pressure does not correspond with the estimated weight.

Abstract: An improved weight estimation apparatus includes a closed elastomeric bladder filled with fluid and installed in the foam cushion of a vehicle seat bottom, with at least one pressure sensor installed in a closed exit port of the bladder. A temperature sensor disposed in proximity to the bladder provides a temperature signal, and a controller estimates the weight of the occupant based on the temperature and pressure signals. The pressure sensor is preferably configured to sense the gage pressure--that is, the differential pressure between the fluid and atmospheric pressure--at the center of gravity of the fluid in order to provide a stable output independent of changing atmospheric pressure and changing orientation of the bladder due to vehicle pitch and roll.

Abstract: An adaptive learning system for adapting the frequency setting and volume level of a vehicle radio in response to a vehicle operator's preference of radio stations and volume levels for a particular time of day. A microprocessor is responsive to the frequency settings and volume level of the radio as set by the vehicle operator with respect to specific time intervals of the day. The microprocessor will establish a list of priority radio stations dependent on how often the vehicle operator selects the radio frequencies during each specific interval and an average volume level of the radio. The system will then automatically set the radio frequency and volume level based on the vehicle operator's priorities at vehicle start-up with respect to the current time of day.

Abstract: A vehicle operator identification verification system that correlates an operator identification code with certain vehicle conditions such as seat position and side mirror position. A personalization command system receives the operator identification code from a key fob transmitter, and correlates the identification code with stored identification codes. The command system will then initiate various adapting systems that correspond to the received identification code. Further, the command system will cause various personalization devices, such as seats and mirror positioning devices, to be actuated to a position corresponding to a stored position associated with the received operator identification code. If one or more of the various personalization devices are adjusted by the vehicle operator a certain percentage beyond the settings that correspond to the received operator identification code, system will prevent the adapting systems from adapting to the current vehicle operator.

Abstract: A compliant mechanism is configured to generate a substantially constant output force in response to an input in the form of a linear displacement. The compliant mechanism is a slider mechanism whose members and their interconnects cooperate to generate a biasing force that causes the slider mechanism to generate a substantially constant output force that is substantially parallel to the linear path of a reciprocable member in response to the displacement of the reciprocable member along the linear path. To achieve the above functional characteristics, the slider mechanism is composed of structural elements, one or more of which is compliant.