Abstract:
An entertainment console installed in a vehicle includes a docking bay for docking portable entertainment devices, such as portable media players (PMPs). A base of the console may be attached to the passenger compartment ceiling, with a display that can be flipped down from the base. A docked PMP can be played through the console. Video may be rendered on the console screen, while audio may be played through the console speaker(s), headphone jacks available on the console, or the speakers of the vehicle's audio system. Power for the PMP's operation is provided by the vehicle's electrical system. The console may also include additional docking bay(s), enabling simultaneous docking of multiple PMPs that may be played at the same time. A presentation from one PMP (e.g., a DVD player) can also be recorded on another PMP (e.g., a hard drive-based player). The screen may rotate around the vertical axis.
Abstract:
A security system in a vehicle extends its protection to installed equipment of the vehicle, such as audio components and navigation systems. The installed equipment is armed and disarmed by the security system remote control, preventing the equipment from normal functioning after unauthorized removal. The security system further enables programming, monitoring, and diagnosing of the installed equipment through the security system remote control.
Abstract:
A security system provides interaction between the system's remote control (RC) device and field disturbance sensor/proximity detector. In selected embodiments, the system enables a user to adjust the detector's sensitivity through the RC device. The user puts the system in a programming mode and creates simulated security breach events. The system stores detector output corresponding to the events, and sets the detector's sensitivity based on the stored output. In embodiments, the system includes passive remote capability that automatically performs commands when a user approaches its base station. The base station uses output of the proximity detector to sense a person's movement near the base station, and sends an interrogatory transmission to the RC device. If the device is nearby, it responds to allow the base station to verify the device's identity. After the base station verifies identity of the device, it disarms the security system and unlocks the automobile doors.
Abstract:
In one embodiment of the present invention, provided is a system and methods for managing vehicles on a car dealer lot and for customer relation management after the time of sale of the vehicle, the system having a first mode, where the system tracks the location of vehicles on the dealer's lot so that vehicles can be easily found by make, model, trim level, price and other distinguishing vehicle features, the system further providing vehicle access authorization and reporting of any access or status change to the vehicle. In a second mode, data is collected from the vehicle data bus network regarding vehicle performance, driving behavior, history, and similar parameters and is analyzed and packaged so it may be usefully be communicated to the vehicle owner or others.
Abstract:
A speaker assembly comprises a portable device receiver and leg, allowing users to enjoy hands free viewing or listening experience. The sound system can be configured to provide an enhanced listening experience via at least one of a virtual surround system, a speaker driver, one or more speakers, adjustable control functions, and retained or increased acoustic power.
Abstract:
An in-ear headphone system with cord management system. The system provide for conjugation of each headphone to provide a spool for winding and securing the cord about the spool.
Abstract:
A motion sensor capable of detecting the direction of motion in three dimensions is disclosed. The motion sensor can be built into a printed circuit board allowing for simple and cost effective manufacturing. The motions sensor is designed to utilize a through hole in a printed circuit board, which is capped by on each side by housings creating a cavity where a spherical metal ball can move in three dimensions. This interior surface of the through hole and the housings have conductive element that when in contact with the spherical metal ball close a circuit creating an electrical signal indicative of direction.
Abstract:
A controller is provided for use with a vehicle security system, particularly a remote start system. The controller includes a housing, means for detecting voltage of a vehicle wire, and means for displaying detected voltage. The means for detecting voltage can be an external probe. The means for displaying detected voltage can be a light indicator, a sound indicator, or a display screen. If a light indicator is used, such as an LED, the light indicator can emit different colors of light responsive to different voltages detected. If a sound indicator is used, the sound indicator emits different pitched sound tones or a different number of sound tones based on different voltages detected. The controller can include a means for detecting resistance of a wire and a switch for changing between detecting voltage and resistance. The controller can include a switch for changing between different detection states.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for detecting and alleviating the pinching of an object in a window of a vehicle having a drive unit motor controlling a window based upon current signals received from a control switch, security system remote control, or security system controller. The detection method includes determining a current threshold for the motor, determining time required to close the window, monitoring drive unit motor current draw during a window close operation, and determining if the current threshold is reached before window close time has elapsed. The alleviation method includes determining a current threshold, determining window close time, monitoring drive unit motor current draw during a window close operation, determining if current threshold has been reached before window close time has elapsed, and positioning the window so the drive unit motor current is less than the current threshold. The methods can be programmed into a window control module.