Abstract: Haptic alert waveform generation method and system for use with haptic actuators that impart haptic sensations according to a waveform of an input signal used to control the haptic actuator. The shape and/or amplitude of the waveform may be controlled according to information collected from various vehicle systems, allowing virtually any type of waveform to generate and used to impart virtually any type of haptic sensations.

Abstract: A haptic seating system for use in imparting a haptic sensation to a seat. The seating system being suitable for use in a vehicle or other environment having multiple network nodes with capabilities sufficient to issue instructions suitable to instructing a haptic element used to impart the haptic sensation. The system may include the network nodes issuing the instructions through signals carried over the network.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seating surface, wherein the seating surface defines a plurality of temperature controlled zones. At least one electrically actuated heating/cooling source provides one of heating and cooling to the plurality of zones. A controller individually controls electrical power supplied from the source to each zone and is operative to reduce power consumption in one zone relative to another zone in accordance with a predetermined profile designed to limit the overall power consumption of the assembly.

Abstract: Haptic alert waveform generation method and system for use with haptic actuators that impart haptic sensations according to a waveform of an input signal used to control the haptic actuator. The shape and/or amplitude of the waveform may be controlled according to information collected from various vehicle systems, allowing virtually any type of waveform to generate and used to impart virtually any type of haptic sensations.

Abstract: A climate controlling system including an HVAC system and a climate modification subsystem. The HVAC system adds conditioned air into a passenger compartment of an electric vehicle. The HVAC system transmits a signal indicative of its power consumption state. The climate modification subsystem is configured to alter the perceived temperature of a vehicle occupant. The climate modification subsystem transmits a signal indicative of its power consumption state. A controller is connected to the HVAC system and to the subsystem. The controller monitors the signals transmitted by the HVAC system and the subsystem. The controller apportions power between the HVAC system and the subsystem to achieve a minimum combined power consumption state while maintaining a predetermined occupant perceived temperature.

Abstract: A haptic seating system for use in imparting a haptic sensation to a seat. The seating system being suitable for use in a vehicle or other environment having multiple network nodes with capabilities sufficient to issue instructions suitable to instructing a haptic element used to impart the haptic sensation. The system may include the network nodes issuing the instructions through signals carried over the network.

Abstract: A seat heating and occupant sensing assembly including a mat having a plurality of heat sources disposed therein. A power supply supplies power to the heat sources. The assembly further includes a controller in communication with a signal generator. The signal generator provides electric signals to the heat sources to form an electric field. The controller monitors one of the signals and electric field for recognizable characteristics for determining the presence of an occupant on the seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seating surface, wherein the seating surface defines a plurality of temperature controlled zones. At least one electrically actuated heating/cooling source provides one of heating and cooling to the plurality of zones. A controller individually controls electrical power supplied from the source to each zone and is operative to reduce power consumption in one zone relative to another zone in accordance with a predetermined profile designed to limit the overall power consumption of the assembly.

Abstract: An occupant environment conditioning system for a vehicle includes a controller that selectively operates at least one device for altering an environment of a vehicle occupant based a power cost analysis.