Patents by Inventor Richard A. Close
Richard A. Close has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11588459Abstract: An audio control system for a vehicle includes a processor, a non-volatile memory module having stored therein instructions for controlling one or more vehicle audio components, a sensor operable to detect a change in vehicle configuration, and a control module operable to adjust a vehicle audio component based on the change in vehicle configuration according to instructions stored in the non-volatile memory module.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Frank C. Valeri, Connor Schuman, Richard A. Close
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Publication number: 20230038726Abstract: An audio control system for a vehicle includes a processor, a non-volatile memory module having stored therein instructions for controlling one or more vehicle audio components, a sensor operable to detect a change in vehicle configuration, and a control module operable to adjust a vehicle audio component based on the change in vehicle configuration according to instructions stored in the non-volatile memory module.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2021Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Connor Schuman, Richard A. Close
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Patent number: 10957189Abstract: A system of a vehicle includes: a camera configured to capture images within a predetermined field of view at least one of: in front, behind, and beside the vehicle; a license plate module configured to determine license plate information of a license plate attached to another vehicle; an event module configured to: based on at least one of the images, determine whether the other vehicle performed a predetermined type of driving maneuver; and generate an indicator in response to the other vehicle performing the predetermined type of driving maneuver; a reporting module configured to, in response to the generation of the indicator, generate a report including: the license plate information of the license plate attached to the other vehicle; and the predetermined type of driving maneuver performed by the other vehicle; and a communication module configured to wirelessly transmit the report to a server via at least one antenna.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Frank C. Valeri, Ian R. Singer, Richard A. Close
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Publication number: 20210074150Abstract: A system of a vehicle includes: a camera configured to capture images within a predetermined field of view at least one of: in front, behind, and beside the vehicle; a license plate module configured to determine license plate information of a license plate attached to another vehicle; an event module configured to: based on at least one of the images, determine whether the other vehicle performed a predetermined type of driving maneuver; and generate an indicator in response to the other vehicle performing the predetermined type of driving maneuver; a reporting module configured to, in response to the generation of the indicator, generate a report including: the license plate information of the license plate attached to the other vehicle; and the predetermined type of driving maneuver performed by the other vehicle; and a communication module configured to wirelessly transmit the report to a server via at least one antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2019Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Frank C. VALERI, Ian R. SINGER, Richard A. CLOSE
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Patent number: 10618443Abstract: A method and apparatus that adjust audio output are provided. The method includes detecting a position of a wing of a headrest, adjusting an audio signal based on the detected position of the wing of the headrest, and outputting the adjusted audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Richard A. Close
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Patent number: 10609481Abstract: One general aspect includes a method for electric overcurrent protection, the method including: calculating, via a controller, a system electric current sum; receiving, via the controller, audio production electric current data; comparing, via the controller, the system electric current sum and audio production electric current data; and when the audio production electric current data exceeds the system electric current sum, invoke a fail-soft action configured to prevent electric overcurrent from being delivered to an audio speaker.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ian R. Singer, Richard A. Close, Runhong Deng
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Publication number: 20190379971Abstract: One general aspect includes a method for electric overcurrent protection, the method including: calculating, via a controller, a system electric current sum; receiving, via the controller, audio production electric current data; comparing, via the controller, the system electric current sum and audio production electric current data; and when the audio production electric current data exceeds the system electric current sum, invoke a fail-soft action configured to prevent electric overcurrent from being delivered to an audio speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2018Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Ian R. Singer, Richard A. Close, Runhong Deng
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Publication number: 20190232840Abstract: A method and apparatus that adjust audio output are provided. The method includes detecting a position of a wing of a headrest, adjusting an audio signal based on the detected position of the wing of the headrest, and outputting the adjusted audio signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventor: RICHARD A. CLOSE
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Patent number: 10067907Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one sensor and a body having an exterior portion and an interior portion. The sensor is configured to detect noise existing in the exterior portion and the interior portion, and to output at least one noise signal indicative of the detected noise. The vehicle further includes at least one noise cancellation and enhancement (NCE) controller and an automotive audio bus (A2B) interface. One or more of the NCE controllers are configured to perform at least one noise management signal processing operation based on the at least one noise signal. The automotive audio bus (A2B) interface receives the at least one noise signal and delivers the at least one noise signal to the at least one NCE controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Richard A. Close, Frank C. Valeri
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Publication number: 20170323631Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one sensor and a body having an exterior portion and an interior portion. The sensor is configured to detect noise existing in the exterior portion and the interior portion, and to output at least one noise signal indicative of the detected noise. The vehicle further includes at least one noise cancellation and enhancement (NCE) controller and an automotive audio bus (A2B) interface. One or more of the NCE controllers are configured to perform at least one noise management signal processing operation based on the at least one noise signal. The automotive audio bus (A2B) interface receives the at least one noise signal and delivers the at least one noise signal to the at least one NCE controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Richard A. Close, Frank C. Valeri
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Patent number: 9758096Abstract: An audio system of a vehicle includes a total frequencies module that selectively varies a total number of output frequencies based on one or more present operating parameters of the vehicle. An allocation module, based on one or more present operating parameters of the vehicle, determines an allocation indicative of: (i) a first portion of the total number of output frequencies allocated to outputting first predetermined sounds for internal combustion engine operation; and (ii) a second portion of the total number of output frequencies allocated to outputting second predetermined sounds for electric motor operation. Based on the total number and the first and second portions, an audio driver module applies power to speakers of a passenger cabin of the vehicle to: (i) output first predetermined sounds at harmonic frequencies of the internal combustion engine; and (ii) output second predetermined sounds at harmonic frequencies of the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Richard A. Close
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Patent number: 9716941Abstract: An assembly for use in a designated listening area includes a body having a frame rail supporting or framing the body laterally adjacent to the designated listening area, and defining a cavity, and a subwoofer assembly having subwoofer speakers each defining a smaller second air volume. The subwoofer assembly is mounted to the frame rail such that the second air volumes are contiguous with and open into the first air volume. A sealing mechanism enclosed the first air volume within the cavity. A method includes providing a subwoofer assembly having subwoofer speakers defining respective second air volumes, mounting the subwoofer assembly to a frame rail laterally adjacent to the designated listening area such that the respective second air volumes are contiguous with and open into the first air volume, and sealing the first air volume with a sealing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gregory A. Stys, Richard A. Close
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Patent number: 9549243Abstract: A product is disclosed that may be used in a vehicle and may include a subwoofer speaker driver mounted in an enclosure which is attached to the vehicle's body. A volume of space may define an acoustic chamber in a closure of the vehicle. A duct may be provided between the enclosure and the acoustic chamber. The size of the enclosure may be minimized by using available space in the closure to serve as part of the bass chamber volume for the subwoofer.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gregory A. Stys, Richard A. Close, Dale E. Osentoski
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Publication number: 20170013336Abstract: An assembly for use in a designated listening area includes a body having a frame rail supporting or framing the body laterally adjacent to the designated listening area, and defining a cavity, and a subwoofer assembly having subwoofer speakers each defining a smaller second air volume. The subwoofer assembly is mounted to the frame rail such that the second air volumes are contiguous with and open into the first air volume. A sealing mechanism enclosed the first air volume within the cavity. A method includes providing a subwoofer assembly having subwoofer speakers defining respective second air volumes, mounting the subwoofer assembly to a frame rail laterally adjacent to the designated listening area such that the respective second air volumes are contiguous with and open into the first air volume, and sealing the first air volume with a sealing mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2015Publication date: January 12, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Gregory A. Stys, Richard A. Close
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Publication number: 20160173974Abstract: A product is disclosed that may be used in a vehicle and may include a subwoofer speaker driver mounted in an enclosure which is attached to the vehicle's body. A volume of space may define an acoustic chamber in a closure of the vehicle. A duct may be provided between the enclosure and the acoustic chamber. The size of the enclosure may be minimized by using available space in the closure to serve as part of the bass chamber volume for the subwoofer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2014Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: GREGORY A. STYS, RICHARD A. CLOSE, DALE E. OSENTOSKI
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Patent number: 8706278Abstract: Non-bussed amplifier diagnostics are implemented for a vehicle. The vehicle includes an amplifier that includes a computer processor and a memory unit communicatively coupled to the amplifier. The memory unit stores audio test tones, each of which corresponds to a respective diagnostic test result. The vehicle also includes an input device communicatively coupled to the amplifier via wiring. The input device provides an analog signal indicative of a diagnostic test trigger to the amplifier. The computer processor of the amplifier receives the analog signal and executes a diagnostic test defined by the diagnostic test trigger, selects one of the audio test tones based on results of the diagnostic test, and outputs the selected audio test tone via speakers of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew R. Kirsch, Richard A. Close
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Patent number: 8675907Abstract: A vehicle audio system comprises a loud-speaker, a door assembly including a rigid inner panel and an outer panel joined to the inner panel along a front edge, a rear edge, and a bottom edge. A speaker support defined by a highly rigid panel is configured to receive and support the loud speaker in a speaker mounting opening. The speaker support comprises three sides having mounting points located at each corner such that the speaker support and loud speaker supported thereby, contacts the door assembly at a rigid front edge portion, a rigid bottom edge portion and a front corner defined by the intersection of the two.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew R. Kirsch, Richard A. Close
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Publication number: 20130211663Abstract: Non-bussed amplifier diagnostics are implemented for a vehicle. The vehicle includes an amplifier that includes a computer processor and a memory unit communicatively coupled to the amplifier. The memory unit stores audio test tones, each of which corresponds to a respective diagnostic test result. The vehicle also includes an input device communicatively coupled to the amplifier via wiring. The input device provides an analog signal indicative of a diagnostic test trigger to the amplifier. The computer processor of the amplifier receives the analog signal and executes a diagnostic test defined by the diagnostic test trigger, selects one of the audio test tones based on results of the diagnostic test, and outputs the selected audio test tone via speakers of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Matthew R. Kirsch, Richard A. Close
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Publication number: 20120027222Abstract: A vehicle audio system comprises a loud-speaker, a door assembly including a rigid inner panel and an outer panel joined to the inner panel along a front edge, a rear edge, and a bottom edge. A speaker support defined by a highly rigid panel is configured to receive and support the loud speaker in a speaker mounting opening. The speaker support comprises three sides having mounting points located at each corner such that the speaker support and loud speaker supported thereby, contacts the door assembly at a rigid front edge portion, a rigid bottom edge portion and a front corner defined by the intersection of the two.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Matthew R. Kirsch, Richard A. Close
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Patent number: 8050420Abstract: An integrated seat speaker includes a cushion, a seat frame defining a first internal air volume, and a speaker enclosure defining a second internal air volume. The second internal air volume is acoustically coupled to the first internal air volume through an air passageway, thus producing a continuous acoustical air volume. An acoustic sealing member is disposed between the enclosure and the frame. The frame includes a closure feature at one end for isolating a portion of the first internal air volume. The cushion includes an outer surface, and the speaker enclosure is enclosed within the seat cushion and at least partially concealed by the outer surface. A method optimizes the acoustical performance of a speaker assembly by acoustically coupling an internal air volume defined by a speaker enclosure to another internal air volume defined by a seat frame to create a continuous acoustical air volume.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Richard A. Close, Matthew R. Kirsch, Frank A. Mills, Rainer A. Glaser, James B. Milnar