Window (i.e., Glass) Patents (Class 340/426.27)
  • Patent number: 11878575
    Abstract: A computing device in a vehicle can determine an occupant type, location and orientation and determine intensity and direction of sunlight. The computing device can tint one or more portions of vehicle windows based on the occupant type, location and orientation and the strength and direction of sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia Mowery Flanigan, Victoria Leigh Schein, Clay Wesley Maranville, Rick H. Wykoff, II, Kenneth Edward Nietering, John Michael Galan Ferrer
  • Patent number: 11175124
    Abstract: Provided is a strain sensor unit that enables inhibition of a positional deviation of a strain sensor. The strain sensor unit includes: a substrate that is stretchable; at least one strip-shaped or string-shaped strain sensor that is arranged on the substrate along a direction of stretching and contracting of the substrate; and a deformation restraining member that is arranged in proximity to longitudinal end portions of the at least one strain sensor respectively, to extend in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the strain sensor, and restrains deformation of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuro Okumiya, Katsunori Suzuki, Koji Yataka
  • Patent number: 11151366
    Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to addressing occluding potential miscommunication from an occupant of an autonomously operated vehicle. A method of occluding communication from an occupant of an autonomously operated vehicle includes generating sensor data indicating one or more aspects of an environment around the vehicle, analyzing the sensor data to identify a presence of an individual outside of the vehicle determining a position of the individual relative to an occupant inside the vehicle, and occluding at least a portion of at least one window between the individual and the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Austin, Joshua E. Domeyer, John K. Lenneman
  • Patent number: 10848307
    Abstract: A radio transmission device includes: an information acquisition unit to externally acquire information data; an encryptor to encrypt the information data using one of a plurality of encryption processes used for encryption to generate transmission data; a radio field intensity setter having a different setting for each of the plurality of encryption processes used for encryption, the radio field intensity setter setting a radio field intensity at which the transmission data is to be transmitted; and a transmitter to transmit the transmission data at the set radio field intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Saki Nakatsuma, Kazuhiko Yamada, Masao Noguchi
  • Patent number: 10769905
    Abstract: An Internet-of-things (IoT)-based impact pattern analysis system for a smart security window includes: an ultra-small IoT device attached to a security window and detecting an impact; a station processing a signal obtained from the ultra-small IoT device and analyzing an impact pattern; and a user terminal outputting information related to the impact pattern through an interface. The station controller processes 3-axis acceleration data to extract a feature vector and determines an impact pattern by applying a learning model. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by automatically determining whether an intrusion occurs by analyzing impact patterns according to various conditions and circumstances, malfunction based on an impact other than an intrusion may be reduced and an unnecessary alarm may be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: NEOSTACK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Oh Jeon, Cheong Jin Ahn, Tae Geon Song, Mi Ran Lee
  • Patent number: 10556581
    Abstract: A passive vehicular heatstroke prevention system monitors carbon dioxide (CO2) and infrared (IR) energy levels to determine whether a child is present inside a closed vehicle, and, if so, monitors the temperature in the vehicle and, if the temperature in the vehicle exceeds at least one preset critical value, automatically lowers the temperature in the vehicle and contacts the driver/caregiver and/or emergency personnel. The system detects the presence of a child in the closed vehicle by detecting a critical level of carbon dioxide in the air within the vehicle, while monitoring the interior vehicle temperature and takes corrective action to prevent the temperature from exceeding a preset value, such as by activating the vehicle's air conditioning unit and lowering the vehicle's windows, as well as contacting the driver/caregiver and/or emergency personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Scott Andrew Soifer
  • Patent number: 10513877
    Abstract: This pinching detection device of a power window is provided with: a sensor electrode provided in a windowpane; a position-detecting electrode that opposes the sensor electrode; and a control unit. The size of an opposing surface area between the sensor electrode and the position-detecting electrode increases as the windowpane is raised. The control unit detects pinching of foreign matter on the basis of a change in capacitance in the sensor electrode and detects a position in the windowpane on the basis of the change in capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Takashi Nagao, Tatsuya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10479172
    Abstract: One general aspect includes a system for an activation or deactivation of one or more electrochromic windows of a vehicle, the system including: a memory configured to include one or more executable instructions; a controller configured to execute the executable instructions; a vehicle including one or more electrochromic windows, where upon receiving an activation the one or more electrochromic windows will be in a dimmed state and upon receiving a deactivation the one or more electrochromic windows will be in a transparent state; and where the executable instructions enable the controller to: receive dimming information; analyze the dimming information; based on the dimming information analysis, generate the activation or deactivation for at least one of the one or more electrochromic windows; transmit the activation or deactivation to at least one of the one or more electrochromic windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Jabour, Michael Ames
  • Patent number: 10048561
    Abstract: A method of controlling tint of a tintable window to account for occupant comfort in a room of a building. The tintable window is between the interior and exterior of the building. The method predicts a tint level for the tintable window at a future time based on a penetration depth of direct sunlight through the tintable window into the room at the future time and space type in the room. The method also provides instructions over a network to transition tint of the tintable window to the tint level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Clark Brown
  • Patent number: 9386366
    Abstract: A sound generator system (1, 70), for a vehicle with internal combustion engine (15) and/or electric motor, has an electroacoustical transducer (11) and a control unit (24, 74). Transducer (11) produces an acoustical signal based on an electrical input signal and is connected to an acoustic line. The control unit (24, 74) creates a primary audio signal with frequencies from a given frequency range, to selectively amplify selected segments (“V”) of the primary audio signal so that the audio signal (41) amplified in the selected segments has a section in which all audio signal values correspond to a maximum amplitude value that is specified for the segment, and the audio signal (41) amplified in the selected segments is continuous at transitions from the at least one section to neighboring sections, and wherein the audio signal (41) generated by the control unit (24) forms the basis of the electrical input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Viktor Koch, Rolf Jebasinski
  • Patent number: 9073476
    Abstract: A multifunctional strip for a motor vehicle includes a panel element having a strip-shaped configuration and constructed for outputting first and second items of information which differ from one another; and at least one actuator for outputting an acoustic signal as one of the items of information. The multifunctional strip can be arranged on the outside of the body of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Benjamin Nikol, Markus Halm, Sebastian Schwartze, Christian Winkelmann, Robert Angermüller, Christian Brendel, Christoph Schmitz, Jens Dietmar Reuschel, Tobias Urban
  • Patent number: 8938337
    Abstract: A laser sensor is located close to a rotation axis of a vehicle door and configured to emit a laser beam to a surface of the vehicle door and accept reflected light reflected from an obstacle for scanning a scanning plane shifted in a door-opening direction, in which the vehicle door is openable. A determination section determines whether an obstacle, which is possible to make contact with the vehicle door, exists in the door-opening direction of the vehicle door, based on a result of emission and acceptance of the laser beam of the laser sensor. An opening regulating section regulates an opening of the vehicle door in response to determination of the determination section that the obstacle exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Yohei Nakakura, Toshiyuki Konishi, Hideki Hioki, Yoshihisa Okada, Mitsuyasu Matsuura, Toshiki Isogai
  • Publication number: 20150002283
    Abstract: A vehicle glass assembly includes a glass pane of tempered glass, a frequency modulation (FM) antenna loop coupled to the glass pane and a first connector configured to provide a signal path to an FM radio tuner module. A second connector is coupled to the FM antenna loop to form an anti-theft loop in conjunction with the first connector. The first and second connectors are configured to provide signal paths to a security module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Paul W. Renius, David T. Renke
  • Patent number: 8400284
    Abstract: A method for controlling headlights on a vehicle includes detecting for a wiper switch state for a wiper switch on a vehicle, detecting wiper operations, incrementing a counter value by x until the counter value reaches a headlight ON threshold, counting toward a time threshold, decrementing the counter value by x until the counter value reaches a headlight OFF threshold value, and changing a state of the headlights based on the counter value reaching one of the headlight ON threshold and the headlight OFF threshold. Incrementing the counter value by x can occur in response to each detected wiper operation. Counting toward the time threshold can occur in response to detecting a wiper switch OFF state. Decrementing the counter value by x can occur in response to each instance of the time threshold elapsing with no change from the wiper switch OFF state. A plurality of intermediate counter values can be found between the headlight ON threshold and the headlight OFF threshold. A control system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Tony D. Wang, John Sgueglia, David G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8384520
    Abstract: A window panel including at least one electronic device that includes at least one electronic memory in which is stored information that can be read remotely using an appropriate reading apparatus. An electronic device connected to the memory receives and processes data so as to transmit and enter information to and in the memory in response to signals received in a programmed way by one or more units for detecting and sending data associated with the window panel and/or a device accommodating the window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventor: Frederic Fourreau
  • Publication number: 20120235803
    Abstract: A home security system including vehicle glass breakage detection. A vehicle includes a glass breakage sensor and a wireless link to a home security system. The glass breakage sensor is configured and located in an unobtrusive manner within a vehicle. When the glass breakage sensor detects glass breakage it initiates a signal that causes the wireless link to inform the remainder of the home security system that the vehicle's glass has been broken. In response, the home security system notifies the home owner and a monitoring agency that the vehicle has been broken into.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Todd Bunting
  • Patent number: 8120839
    Abstract: A scalable apparatus and a network environment dynamically changes the light transparency of a single SPD device, a small number of SPD devices or thousands of such SPD devices installed in windows in automobiles, aircraft, trains, marine vehicles, residential homes, commercial buildings and skyscrapers. A scalable apparatus and a network environment dynamically changes the light transparency of a single SPD device or thousands of such SPD devices in the presentation of a multi-media special effects display. Textual messages, graphical images and simulated motion effects are driven. Such scalable apparatus being capable of driving and using several operational parameters of SPD materials such as frequency range, AC voltage and temperature so as to provide fine control of SPD characteristics such as switching speed and power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: SPD Control Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Jay Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 7859204
    Abstract: A controller prestores average moving speed data, which corresponds to respective corresponding positions of a window glass of a door driven by a motor at the time of the closing movement of the window glass, as learning data. The controller senses pinching of an object by the window glass based on the learning data and the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller senses a disturbance when the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass exceeds a predetermined value. The controller updates the learning data based on the average moving speed data at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller controls execution and non-execution of updating of the learning data in response to a close state and an open state of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin Sakai, Takahiro Sumiya
  • Patent number: 7844377
    Abstract: Current position of a vehicle and current time are acquired. A user recognizing unit recognizes a user. A pattern recognizing unit detects location of a portable device and movement thereof. Operation state of an engine is acquired from an engine control mechanism. Based on the information, processes are performed such as switching communication stand-by mode of the portable device to active stand-by mode, notifying the portable device of a transition of an on-board terminal to automatic locking mode, preventing needless unlocking and locking of doors, and setting warning mode of the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuru Oota, Tetsuya Nomura, Satoshi Harumoto, Yuusaku Matsuda, Yasushi Seike
  • Patent number: 7804858
    Abstract: A transmission ECU on a transmission side and reception ECUs on a reception side are connected through communication lines and junction connectors. A delay circuit is provided in each of the junction connectors on the side of the reception ECUs. One end of the delay circuit is connected to the communication line on the side of the transmission ECU and the other end of the same is connected to the communication line on the side of the reception ECU. The communication lines on the both ends of the delay circuit are grounded through termination resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Tamai
  • Patent number: 7800812
    Abstract: A scalable apparatus and a network environment dynamically changes the light transparency of a single SPD device, a small number of SPD devices or thousands of such SPD devices installed in windows in automobiles, aircraft, trains, marine vehicles, residential homes, commercial buildings and skyscrapers. A scalable apparatus and a network environment dynamically changes the light transparency of a single SPD device or thousands of such SPD devices in the presentation of a multi-media special effects display. Textual messages, graphical images and simulated motion effects are driven. Such scalable apparatus being capable of driving and using several operational parameters of SPD materials such as frequency range, AC voltage and temperature so as to provide fine control of SPD characteristics such as switching speed and power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: SPD Control Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Jay Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 7734382
    Abstract: A vehicle remote control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device connected to the data communications bus. The vehicle remote control system includes a remote transmitter, and a true controller at the vehicle for controlling the vehicle device via a true command on the data communications bus, and based upon the remote transmitter. The true controller also controls the vehicle device via a respective counteracting command on the data communications bus based upon detecting a rogue controller attempt to control the at least one vehicle device via a rogue command on the data communications bus. The true controller may thus counteract a rogue controller attempt to start the engine, unlock vehicle doors, roll down windows, and/or disarm the vehicle security system, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7729814
    Abstract: A vehicle control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device connected to the data communications bus. The vehicle control system includes a a true controller at the vehicle for controlling the vehicle device via a true command on the data communications bus. The true controller also controls the vehicle device via a respective counteracting command on the data communications bus based upon detecting a rogue controller attempt to control the at least one vehicle device via a rogue command on the data communications bus. The true controller may thus counteract a rogue controller attempt to start the engine, unlock vehicle doors, roll down windows, and/or disarm the vehicle security system, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7663491
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate damage detection mechanism using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag including a substrate, at least one RFID tag with a RFID chip, a RFID transmitter and at least one data input/output port and at least one conducting circuit loop arranged to cover the substrate and provided with a first end that is electrically connected to a reference voltage and a second end that is electrically connected to the data input/output port of the RFID tag. The RFID chip generates a conductive code when the conducting circuit loop is originally conducting and generates a open-circuit code when the conducting circuit loop becomes open circuit resulting from the damage of the substrate in which both the conductive code and the open-circuit code are transmitted by the RFID transmitter and received by a RFID reader to determine the damage of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Chung Hua University
    Inventors: Chi-Kuang Hwang, In-Hang Chung, Chih-Hu Wang, Ching-Cheng Tien, Bore-Kuen Lee, Tung-Chou Chen, Chia-Wen Wu, Chien-Jung Chiu, Ming-Ching Yen, Jwu-E Chen
  • Patent number: 7656279
    Abstract: A glass breakage detecting sensor includes a strain detecting portion by which breakage of a window glass, which is provided at a door of a vehicle, is detected based on changes of an amount of strain, and an attaching portion attached to at least one of an opening and closing mechanism, which freely movably supports the window glass, and an inner panel to which the opening and closing mechanism is arranged within the door, the opening and closing mechanism and the inner panel functioning as an attached portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Okada, Katsuyoshi Shirai, Koji Aoki, Hironori Ochiai, Toshiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 7561031
    Abstract: The present invention was achieved in order to provide an antitheft device, which can prevent unauthorized intrusion into a car even if an engine is started by remote control, to be mounted on a vehicle having a remote engine starting system which starts the engine based on a command from a remote control transmitter, comprising a controller to control the state of door windows so as to prohibit at least the opening out of the opening and closing of the door windows when the engine is started by the remote engine starting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Shinichi Tanaka, Nobuhito Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7388487
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the breaking of a contact-sensitive surface includes an acoustic, shock, and vibration transducer, a detector circuit responsive to the transducer for detecting an acoustic wave resulting from a contact force applied to the surface and generating a signal, a support for the transducer, and the means for disqualifying a contact force to the support as a breakage event that relies on differentiation of the speed with which a shock wave travels through a solid material versus the speed with which an acoustic wave travels through air. The transducer may include a front electret condenser microphone and in some preferred embodiments the microphone does not have a preamplifier associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A Smith
  • Publication number: 20080030310
    Abstract: A glass breakage detecting sensor includes a strain detecting portion by which breakage of a window glass, which is provided at a door of a vehicle, is detected based on changes of an amount of strain, and an attaching portion attached to at least one of an opening and closing mechanism, which freely movably supports the window glass, and an inner panel to which the opening and closing mechanism is arranged within the door, the opening and closing mechanism and the inner panel functioning as an attached portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Takashi Okada, Katsuyoshi Shirai, Koji Aoki, Hironori Ochiai, Toshiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 7327215
    Abstract: A keypad assembly for use on a vehicular keyless entry system comprises a selectively concealable keypad coupled to a processor and accessible from the exterior of the vehicle and through which an access code may be manually entered. A mirror assembly is mounted on an exterior surface of the vehicle and includes a base fixedly coupled to the exterior surface and a mirror compartment rotatably coupled to the base and capable of being rotated between an extended, operational position and a folded, retracted position. The keypad is mounted on the base so as to be visible and accessible when the mirror compartment is in its folded retracted position and hidden and inaccessible when the mirror compartment is in it's extended, operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Clark E. McCall, Fred W. Huntzicker
  • Patent number: 7319392
    Abstract: A glass breakage detector (100) having an acoustic transducer (102) for sensing first acoustic waves (130) and for providing a first analog signal (110) representative of the received first acoustic waves (130), an analog to digital converter circuit (104) adapted to convert the first analog signal (110) to a digital signal (112), processing circuitry (106) adapted to process the digital signal (112) to determine if the received first acoustic waves (130) are a result of glass breakage and generate an alarm signal (116) when it is determined that the received first acoustic waves (130) are a result of glass breakage, and a memory circuit (108), wherein the processing circuitry (106) is adapted to cause the memory circuit (108) to store the digital signal (112) for subsequent retrieval and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S Babich, Kevin G Piel, Richard A Smith, Thomas R Petek
  • Patent number: 7315237
    Abstract: An automotive burglar alarm unit has an intrusion or equivalent security sensor. The burglar alarm unit can operate in an alarm set state for generating alarm, with a security sensor OFF mode for invalidating a signal of the security sensor. A user can use a portable phone to transmit a sensor ON signal via an information center. When the burglar alarm unit receives the sensor ON signal, the burglar alarm unit shifts into an alarm set state of security sensor ON mode so that the burglar alarm unit can generate alarm in response to a signal of the security sensor. Furthermore, the user can transmit a sensor OFF signal. In response to the sensor OFF signal, the burglar alarm unit shifts into an alarm set state of security sensor OFF mode so that no alarm is generated based on the signal of the security sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ifushi Shimonomoto, Toshio Shimomura
  • Patent number: 7298246
    Abstract: A vehicle security monitoring device monitors sound or movement within a vehicle to determine an abnormal condition such as intrusion of a thief. Upon determination, the device transmits sound picked up within the vehicle to a portable monitor unit carried by the owner of the vehicle using a dedicated link without using any communications network. The transmitted sound allows the owner to distinguish between an actual intrusion and false alarm. Upon verification of an actual intrusion, the portable monitor unit allows the owner to send various instructions to prevent theft of any valuables in the vehicle or theft of the vehicle itself. The instructions may include playing of warning messages, activation of a siren and disabling of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: William J. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7245205
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle with a window pane, especially a front window, a rear window, a side window or a roof window, for covering of the internal space of the vehicle. The transparency of the window pane is adjustable, and the vehicle includes a control for automatic adjustment of the transparency of the window pane as a function of an operating state of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sven Strohband, Arne Stoschek, Annegret Matthai
  • Patent number: 7057497
    Abstract: A security device includes an impact sensing unit for sensing an impact, a sound pressure sensing unit for sensing a sound pressure, an abnormal degree determination unit for determining an abnormal degree based on a level of an impact sensing signal sensed by the impact sensing unit and a level of a sound pressure sensing signal sensed by the sound pressure sensing unit, and an alerting process unit for performing a predetermined alerting process based on a determination result of the abnormal degree by the abnormal degree determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Naoki Sakai
  • Patent number: 7053758
    Abstract: The present invention was achieved in order to provide an antitheft device, which can prevent unauthorized intrusion into a car even if an engine is started by remote control, to be mounted on a vehicle having a remote engine starting system which starts the engine based on a command from a remote control transmitter, comprising a controller to control the state of door windows so as to prohibit at least the opening out of the opening and closing of the door windows when the engine is started by the remote engine starting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Shinichi Tanaka, Nobuhito Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7046129
    Abstract: A device for detecting an obstacle in the opening range of a movable closure element (13), more particularly an electrically powered window pane (13) or sunroof of a motor vehicle (10), comprises a sensor electrode (20), a base electrode (21) spaced away from the sensor electrode (20), and a control unit (40) connected to the sensor electrode (20) and the base electrode (21). The sensor electrode (20) and the base electrode (21) generate an electric field (F) in the opening range of the closure element (13) and are spaced away at a constant distance from each other in a first operational mode. The control unit (40) detects in the first operational mode a change in capacitance caused by the presence of an obstacle in the electric field (F) and providing at least one control signal (Is, Ip) for a drive (50) powering the closure element (13). The device is characterized by high reliability in operation and availability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Metzler Automotive Profile Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Regnet, Gunther Kopp
  • Patent number: 6977581
    Abstract: A method for identifying and authorizing unlocking or starting of a motor vehicle for a hands-free access system includes a central unit exchanging identification messages with identification units according to a communication procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Electronique
    Inventor: Kathleen Dechamps
  • Patent number: 6954139
    Abstract: A contact detecting device includes a flexible piezoelectric sensor of a cable shape, a resilient member including a hollow portion having a free end to allow the hollow portion to be opened, a sensor holding portion for holding therein the piezoelectric sensor. The hollow portion is provided with a support for maintaining a hollow state thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Ueda, Hiroyuki Ogino, Shuji Yahagi
  • Patent number: 6922137
    Abstract: A collision and theft alert system comprising several components in combination. First provided is a vehicle having a keypad and a power source. A processor is operatively coupled to the power source and to the keypad and is capable of receiving an incoming signal and sending an outgoing signal. The processor can activate an emergency distress call with GPS location. The processor also is operatively coupled to and activates at least one strobe light, which is operatively coupled to the vehicle. The strobe light has a non-deployed state and a deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Susan M. Bycroft
  • Patent number: 6795760
    Abstract: A method and system for modifying vehicle function are disclosed. Upon receiving an indication of an event initiated by an automobile user, an additional automobile feature corresponding to the event is determined. In addition, an automobile module is directed via a diagnostic port of an automobile to perform the additional feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Michael G. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20040124972
    Abstract: A detection system for use with a motor vehicle automated window control that determines when an obstruction or an intrusion occurs in a gap between the window frame and the window edge. A signal processor controls outputs depending upon the operating condition of the motor. When the motor is driving the window to a closed position, an obstruction inserted in the gap between the window and the frame actuates a motor stop or a motor reversal command to the window motor controller. When the window is stationary, an obstruction in the gap generates a signal at a threshold that enables an alarm siren.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Anthony Strzelczyk
  • Patent number: 6731203
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system includes a paint dispensing system including a paint container, a paint propellant device, and one or more paint dispensers, the paint dispensers being located adjacent a windshield of the vehicle for dispensing the point onto the windshield. The paint dispensing system is activated by a remotely broadcast disablement signal and dispenses the paint onto the windshield to obscure vision through the windshield. The paint is characterized by being capable of immediately adhering to glass under a range of conditions, being difficult to remove from glass, including when newly applied, being sufficiently opaque to effectively obscure vision through the glass, and being of a visually very dominate and noticeable color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Edward E. Cote, Jr.