Abstract: A method to dynamically register a graphic representing essential vehicle information onto a driving scene of a subject vehicle utilizing a substantially transparent windscreen head up display includes monitoring subject vehicle information and identifying the essential vehicle information based on the monitored subject vehicle information. The graphic representing the essential vehicle information is determined and determining, and a preferred location for the graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display is dynamically registering in accordance with minimizing an operator's head movement and eye saccades for viewing the graphic. The graphic is displayed upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display based upon the preferred location.

Abstract: A magnetic spring utilizing spatially modulated magnetic field patterns of magnetic regions for both stator and slider, allowing custom force curves over the range of motion. Also disclosed is a magnetic spring whose slider can be rotated relative to the stator on the axis, such that the alignment of the spatially modulated magnetic field patterns of the slider and the stator is altered, resulting in changeable force curve for the spring, selected by rotating the slider.

Abstract: A method to dynamically register a graphic on a driving scene of a source vehicle utilizing a graphic projection display includes monitoring source vehicle information and monitoring road information. A preferred driving maneuver and a driving scene location of the preferred driving maneuver are identified based on the monitored source vehicle information and the monitored road information. A graphic exemplifying the preferred driving maneuver is determined and a location of the graphic is dynamically registering upon the graphic projection display corresponding to the driving scene. The dynamically registered location is based on the driving scene location of the preferred driving maneuver. The graphic is displayed upon the graphic projection display.

Abstract: A detent device or mechanism may include a strut comprising at least one strut magnetic array, at least one detent magnetic array, and other components and systems. The at least one detent magnetic array and the at least one strut magnetic array may, for example, apply a magnetic detent force to the strut.

Abstract: A method to display a registered graphic upon a substantially transparent windscreen head-up display within a source vehicle includes monitoring an operating environment of the source vehicle, monitoring a driver registration input, determining a recommended continuous gaze location based upon the operating environment and the driver registration input, and displaying the registered graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display.

Abstract: A method to dynamically register a graphic on a driving scene of a source vehicle utilizing a graphic projection display includes monitoring source vehicle information and monitoring road information. A preferred driving maneuver and a driving scene location of the preferred driving maneuver are identified based on the monitored source vehicle information and the monitored road information. A graphic exemplifying the preferred driving maneuver is determined and a location of the graphic is dynamically registering upon the graphic projection display corresponding to the driving scene. The dynamically registered location is based on the driving scene location of the preferred driving maneuver. The graphic is displayed upon the graphic projection display.

Abstract: A method to display a registered driving path image upon a transparent windscreen head-up display in a source vehicle includes monitoring an operating environment of the source vehicle, monitoring a driver registration input, determining a registered driving path image based upon the operating environment of the source vehicle and the driver registration input, and displaying the registered driving path image upon the head-up display.

Abstract: A method to display a ghosting image upon a transparent windscreen head-up display in a vehicle includes monitoring an operating environment of the vehicle, monitoring a driver registration input, determining a registered desired location graphic illustrating a future desired location for the vehicle based upon the operating environment of the vehicle and the driver registration input, and displaying the registered desired location graphic upon the head-up display.

Abstract: A method to dynamically register a graphic representing essential vehicle information onto a driving scene of a subject vehicle utilizing a substantially transparent windscreen head up display includes monitoring subject vehicle information and identifying the essential vehicle information based on the monitored subject vehicle information. The graphic representing the essential vehicle information is determined and determining, and a preferred location for the graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display is dynamically registering in accordance with minimizing an operator's head movement and eye saccades for viewing the graphic. The graphic is displayed upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display based upon the preferred location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for positioning a movable component of a motor actuated device. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a speech sensor for receiving speech input provided by a user of the device, and a force sensor for measuring a force input provided by the device user. The apparatus further includes a controller coupled to the speech sensor, the force sensor, and the motor actuated vehicle accessory, where the controller is operable to position the movable component in accordance with the received speech input and the measured force input. Exemplary embodiments are presented where the principles of the disclosure are applied to adjust the positioning of movable components of an adjustable pedal assembly and a vehicle power seat.

Abstract: A system and method for entering a destination into a navigation system, usually a vehicle navigation system, that reduces the cognitive load on the vehicle user over known systems. The method includes contacting the destination by any suitable and available manner, such as by a cell phone provided on or in the vehicle, through the internet, through an ad-hoc network, etc., where information concerning the GPS location of the destination is sent back to the navigation system and is displayed on the navigation system screen. If the destination is accurate, the vehicle driver can select that destination, such as by touching an icon on the screen, which would allow the destination entry process to be performed while the vehicle was moving.

Abstract: An apparatus for operator control of an in-vehicle system includes an interface device for receiving inputs for control of the in-vehicle system from an operator hand, the interface device including a control panel having a visual display screen. The apparatus further includes a sensing system adjacent the interface device including an optical proximity sensor having a single infrared light source, a first plurality of directionally sensitive light receivers for detecting a first reflected infrared light from the infrared light source that is reflected by the operator hand only when the operator hand approaches the optical proximity sensor near the interface device from a driver side of the vehicle and a second plurality of directionally sensitive light receivers for detecting a second reflected infrared light from the infrared light source that is reflected by the operator hand only when the operator hand approaches the optical proximity sensor near the interface device from a passenger side of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for operator control of an in-vehicle system includes an interface device for receiving inputs for control of the in-vehicle system from an operator hand, the interface device including a control panel having a visual display screen. The apparatus further includes a sensing system adjacent the interface device including an optical proximity sensor having a single infrared light source, a first plurality of directionally sensitive light receivers for detecting a first reflected infrared light from the infrared light source that is reflected by the operator hand only when the operator hand approaches the optical proximity sensor near the interface device from a driver side of the vehicle and a second plurality of directionally sensitive light receivers for detecting a second reflected infrared light from the infrared light source that is reflected by the operator hand only when the operator hand approaches the optical proximity sensor near the interface device from a passenger side of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for operator control of an in-vehicle system. This comprises an interface device for receiving inputs for control of the in-vehicle system from the operator. There is a sensing system operative to determine a location of the operator seeking to provide the inputs to the interface device, the location consisting of one of a passenger and a driver. A controller adapts the control of the in-vehicle system based upon the location of the operator providing the inputs.

Abstract: A self-actuating device includes a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface and an active material. The member is configured to have at least a first form and a second form, wherein one of the first form and the second form is configured to stow the member and the other of the first form and the second form is configured to present the member. The active material is in operable communication with the member. The active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal and the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from one of the forms to another of the forms.

Abstract: A self-actuating device includes a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface and an active material. The member is configured to have at least a first form and a second form, wherein one of the first form and the second form is configured to stow the member and the other of the first form and the second form is configured to present the member. The active material is in operable communication with the member. The active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal and the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from one of the forms to another of the forms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for positioning a movable component of a motor actuated device. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a speech sensor for receiving speech input provided by a user of the device, and a force sensor for measuring a force input provided by the device user. The apparatus further includes a controller coupled to the speech sensor, the force sensor, and the motor actuated vehicle accessory, where the controller is operable to position the movable component in accordance with the received speech input and the measured force input. Exemplary embodiments are presented where the principles of the disclosure are applied to adjust the positioning of movable components of an adjustable pedal assembly and a vehicle power seat.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system that provides one or more route choices based on various factors that will reduce travel cost, particularly fuel cost. A fuel cost predictor algorithm weights the various factors to determine the most cost effective route. The factors can include anything that affects fuel and/or vehicle costs, such as distance traveled, driving conditions, such as temperature, snow, ice, etc., fuel prices along the route, terrain, vehicle diagnostics, traffic congestion, driver operating behavior, desired arrival time, rare traffic events, average speed, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for positioning a motor actuated vehicle accessory. A vehicle window having a touch receptive field is used to detect touch events of a touch command applied by a vehicle occupant. A control unit, which is coupled to the touch receptive field and the motor actuated vehicle accessory, operates to position the motor actuated vehicle accessory in accordance with the touch command applied by the vehicle occupant. Exemplary embodiments are presented where the principles of the invention are applied to the positioning of a power window, a power mirror, and a power sunroof window of a vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a mode selector input device and a characteristic adjustment input device. Manipulation of the mode selector input device causes the control system to alternate between first and second modes of operation. In the first mode of operation, manipulation of the characteristic adjustment input device causes a first variable characteristic to change. In the second mode of operation, manipulation of the characteristic adjustment input device causes a second variable characteristic to change. The control system thus enables a single input device to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.