Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080201042 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRE-DEPLOYING RESTRAINTS COUNTERMEASURES USING PRE-CRASH SENSING AND POST-CRASH SENSING - A system and method for deploying a restraint system in a vehicle that is in a pre-collision state with an object is provided. The system includes a pre-crash sensing system and a controller. The pre-crash sensing system is adapted to transmit pre-crash signals. The controller is configured to determine a closing velocity between the vehicle and the object. The controller is further configured to determine a predicted collision time based on the closing velocity and deploy the restraint system at a predetermined deployment time prior to the predicted collision time in response to the pre-crash signals. | 08-21-2008 |
20080243327 | Vehicle Safety System With Advanced Tire Monitoring - A control system ( | 10-02-2008 |
20080243334 | Vehicle Control System With Advanced Tire Monitoring - A control system ( | 10-02-2008 |
20080243335 | Vehicle Stability Control System With Tire Monitoring - A control system ( | 10-02-2008 |
20080303254 | SENSOR INTEGRATION FOR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT - A system and method for deploying one or more airbags in a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a passive detection device, an active detection device and a controller. The passive detection device is configured to present one or more passive signals indicative of the motion of the vehicle after the vehicle has experienced an impact. The active detection device is configured to present suspension information related to the vehicle that is indicative of the motion of the vehicle prior to the vehicle experiencing an impact. The controller is configured to predict vehicle impact and deploy the airbags in response to the suspension information and the one or more passive signals. | 12-11-2008 |
20090039629 | AIRBAG SYSTEM FOR OUT-OF-POSITION OCCUPANT PROTECTION AND ADAPTIVE VENTING - The present invention provides a vehicle airbag assembly and method for deployment. An inflator is connected to an airbag wherein the inflator generates gases that cause inflation of the airbag. A housing substantially encloses the airbag and the inflator. The housing includes a vent hole for venting gases. An airbag tether is included having at least a first and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the airbag and the second end is attached to a venting member. The venting member, being configured to cover the vent hole, is moveable with respect to the housing. During a first airbag deployment stage, the venting member is forced away from the vent hole as the inflator generates gases. An actuator releases the second end of the airbag tether from the venting member during a second airbag deployment stage for the passage of gases through the vent hole. | 02-12-2009 |
20090045928 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMBINED BLIND SPOT DETECTION AND REAR CROSSING PATH COLLISION WARNING - A vehicle is equipped with blind spot detection and rear crossing path collision warning system. Programmable maximum range limit radar sensors mounted on the vehicle are used to provide blind spot object detection warning when the vehicle is traveling in a forward direction and rear crossing path collision warning when the vehicle is traveling in a rearward direction. | 02-19-2009 |
20090099734 | POST IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM WITH VEHICLE CONTACT INFORMATION - A system for providing post-impact signals in a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes at least one impact zone with a passive safety sensor positioned at designated sections of the vehicle. The system comprises a plurality of passive safety sensors, a passive safety controller, and an active safety controller. The passive safety controller determines the impact location, impact direction and intensity. The passive safety controller transmits a passive output signal indicative of the impact intensity, impact direction and impact location. The active safety controller stabilizes the vehicle post-impact in response to the passive output signal. | 04-16-2009 |
20090121533 | SEAT RESTRAINING DEVICE - The embodiments described herein provide a vehicle seat assembly that is coupled to a floor of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a seat back frame, a seat cushion frame, at least one leg and at least one blocking member. The seat cushion frame is pivotally coupled to the seat back frame. The leg is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion frame and pivotally coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The blocking member is coupled to the seat cushion frame and capable of moving into engagement with the leg as the assembly moves from the folded position to the upright seating position. The blocking member is adapted to block movement of the leg and to stabilize the seat assembly in the event of a vehicle collision. | 05-14-2009 |
20090174536 | ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE DURING VEHICLE BACKUP - In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method to operate a host vehicle having a rearview camera vision sensor, and an electronic controller with memory. The method comprises the steps of determining whether the host vehicle is in reverse gear, activating a rearview camera vision sensor on said host vehicle to detect objects, determining host vehicle motion and path of travel, simultaneously determining an inter-frame difference metric and a histogram difference metric of the field of view of said rearview camera, determining a dynamic scene change, determining a collision threat assessment based upon said dynamic scene change, and activating warnings and collision avoidance moves, | 07-09-2009 |
20090184708 | MAGNETORESISTIVE CONTINUOUS SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR - A magnetoresistive continuous seat track position sensor system to determine longitudinal movement of the seat along a length of a track is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a magnetic array in a fixed position and having a width and a length along said seat track length. The array is equipped with a plurality of magnets arranged along the length of said array. The magnets have a polarity oriented at an angle θ relative to each other. The system further includes a magnetoresistive sensor in spaced apart close proximity to the magnetic array. In one embodiment, the magnetoresistive sensor is movable relative to the array. Movement of the sensor relative to the array creates a sensor signal indicative of the longitudinal position of said seat in said track to control auxiliary safety features. | 07-23-2009 |
20090248253 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATION OF CRASH SIGNATURE SENSOR IN VEHICLE SIDE IMPACT SENSING - A system and method for performing side impact sensing in a vehicle including at least one side impact zone is provided. The system comprises a controller and at least one crash signature sensor. The controller is configured to deploy one or more safety restraints in response to at least one crash signature signal. The one crash signature sensor is positioned in the side impact zone. The crash signature sensor is configured to detect an impact with an object at the side impact zone. The crash signature sensor is further configured to generate the crash signature signal which corresponds to measured structural impact energy of the vehicle in the side impact zone deformed by the impact at frequencies above 2 kHz. | 10-01-2009 |
20090261561 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRE-IMPACT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG - An air bag deployment system includes a pre-impact sensor operative to detect an imminent impact and at least one post-impact sensor operative to detect an impact. An air bag has a non-deployed volume, a pre-impact deployed volume, and a post-impact deployed volume smaller than the pre-impact deployed volume. The air bag is deployed to the pre-impact volume wherein the air bag deployment system is arranged to deploy the air bag before the impact and the at least one air bag is deployed into the pre-impact deployed volume, in reaction to the imminent impact, and to the post-impact deployed volume in reaction to the impact. The system provides for enhanced occupant safety during a collision by allowing pre-impact deployment of the air bag in order to utilize the full possible length of deceleration for the occupant as the impact pulse affects the occupant. | 10-22-2009 |
20090312916 | LOW COST WHIPLASH REDUCTION SYSTEM - A low cost whiplash reduction system for a host vehicle, said host vehicle including a sensor arrangement operable to detect closing velocities of one or more rearwardly approaching objects substantially in a direction of travel of the host vehicle, and a processing arrangement for receiving information from the sensor arrangement indicative of said detected closing velocities, said processing arrangement being operable to actuate adaptive safety features in response to detected velocities of detected rearwardly approaching objects to the host vehicle to automatically selectively apply said adaptive safety features in response to said information received from the sensor arrangement for avoiding or mitigating host vehicle occupant neck whiplash injury occasioned by a crash of the rearwardly approaching object and the host vehicle | 12-17-2009 |
20090326764 | ULTRASONIC SENSOR-BASED SIDE IMPACT SENSING SYSTEM - A side-impact threat assessment system that uses at least one ultrasonic sensor is provided. A method of detecting a potential side-impact collision on a host vehicle is also provided. The method calls for using at least one ultrasonic sensor for presence detection and for providing sensed data used in estimating closing velocity. | 12-31-2009 |
20100078921 | OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM - System and method for protecting an occupant in a vehicle seat, through the use of an occupant protection system is disclosed, wherein the vehicle seat includes a backrest section and a seat section. The occupant protection system includes a first airbag assembly having a first inflatable airbag, wherein the first airbag assembly is containable within an airbag recess located within a vehicle roof portion. A second airbag assembly is included having a second inflatable airbag and a deployment location. The second airbag assembly is mounted to a frame that is integrated with the seat while being external to a seat cushion. The first inflatable airbag is configured to extend downward from the roof portion to below a passenger shoulder-thorax protection region while in an inflated state. The second inflatable airbag is configured to extend upward from the deployment location through a passenger pelvic-thorax protection region while in an inflated state. | 04-01-2010 |
20100123302 | INDUCTIVE VEHICLE SEAT POSITION SENSOR ASSEMBLY - An inductive vehicle seat position sensor assembly determines a linear vehicle seat position and has a circuit board member. First and second transmitter coils are proximate to a periphery of the circuit board member and radiate an out of phase magnetic field in response to an alternating current input. First and second receiver coils are offset relative to one another. The first and second transmitter coils and the first and second receiver coils span along the circuit board member. A loop coil member is provided for relative motion to the circuit board member. The first and second receiver coils generate a voltage with phase information corresponding to a position of the loop coil member relative to the circuit board member. A signal conversion unit produces a seat position output corresponding to the vehicle seat position based on the voltage with phase information of the first and second receiver coils. | 05-20-2010 |
20100179731 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING VEHICLE SIDE IMPACT SENSING WITH UNIT AREA IMPULSE TECHNIQUE - A system for detecting impact events for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a pressure sensor and a controller. The pressure sensor is positioned in a first impact zone of the vehicle and is configured to generate a pressure signal corresponding to a measured pressure reading within the first impact zone. The controller is positioned within the vehicle and is configured to integrate the pressure signal over time to determine the occurrence of a vehicle impact event at the first impact zone. | 07-15-2010 |
20100201507 | DUAL-MODE VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE SAFETY - A dual-mode imaging system for a vehicle includes an electro-optical camera mounted inside the passenger cabin and a drive unit for rotating the camera between a rear view position wherein the camera images an area rearward of the vehicle and a seating view position wherein the camera images a seating area within the cabin. When the vehicle is in a non-reverse travel mode, an electronic control module (ECM) directs the camera to the seating view position and analyzes imagery to determine an occupancy status for at least one seating position. A safety system undergoes a function change based on the occupancy status. When the powertrain is in a reverse travel mode, the ECM directs the camera to the rear view position and imagery from the camera is presented on a display screen displays for viewing by the vehicle operator while backing up. | 08-12-2010 |
20100220406 | Blind Spot Detection System - A method and system to control a side mirror are disclosed in which a blind spot detector is used to determine whether an alien vehicle is present in a blind spot of a host vehicle. A sensor proximate a driver's seat detects whether the seat is in a first range or a second range. The side mirror is rotated a first predetermined angle when the alien vehicle is detected and the seat is in the first range; and the side mirror is rotated a second predetermined angle when the alien vehicle is detected and the seat is in a second range. | 09-02-2010 |
20100286873 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONICALLY OPERATING A VEHICLE OCCUPANT SEAT SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM - An electrically activated, electronically controlled web grabber in conjunction with a pre-impact braking system that holds the vehicle safety belt from the moment of activation, restricting forward movement of the occupant and can be activated prior to the impact to ensure occupant containment and deactivated upon command in order to release after an accident is avoided, or once the impact has started to allow other safety devices to take over control of the belts, for example, by load limiters. | 11-11-2010 |
20100289631 | DUAL-MODE VEHICLE REAR VISION SYSTEM - A dual-mode rear vision system for an automotive vehicle includes an electro-optical imaging device operable in a short range mode to image a backup region immediately rearward of the vehicle and operable in a long range mode to image a collision threat region rearward of the backup region. The imaging device assumes the short range mode when the vehicle is in a reverse travel mode and assumes the long range mode when the vehicle is in a non-reverse travel mode. An electronic control module (ECM) analyzes imagery from the imaging device to detect backup hazards when in the reverse travel mode, and to detect rear collision threats when in the non-reverse travel mode. The ECM activates an occupant protection system if a collision threat is detected, and generates a driver alert and/or a braking intervention if a backup hazard is detected. | 11-18-2010 |
20110006890 | SAFETY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE - A system and method for activating a safety system when a vehicle may be involved in a spin, roll, and/or a spin-to-roll condition. The system and method include determining a side slip angle of the vehicle using the arctangent of the ratio of a lateral and longitudinal velocity. The system and method also include receiving a roll rate signal and determining a roll angle using the roll rate signal. The system and method also include determining a roll warning threshold that is a function of a relationship between the roll rate signal and the roll angle. Lastly, the system and method include activating the safety system when a side slip angle threshold and/or the roll warning threshold are exceeded. | 01-13-2011 |
20110074565 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IN-VEHICLE PRESENCE DETECTION AND DRIVER ALERTING - A system for alerting a responsible party to the presence of an occupant in a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a vibration sensor detecting movement of an occupant, a microphone detecting sound made by the occupant, a processor configured to receive signals output from the vibration sensor and the microphone and to use a combination of the signals to determine whether the occupant is present, and an alerting device to provide an alert to the responsible party if the processor determines that the occupant is present. The microphone may also be used in a communication or voice-recognition command system. Two or more microphones may be used to locate the sound's source of origin. | 03-31-2011 |
20110074566 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VEHICLE PASSENGER DETECTION FOR REAR SEATING ROWS - A system for detecting a passenger in a rear seating row of a vehicle and alerting an occupant of a vehicle when a passenger safety device in a rear row is not properly used. Occupancy is determined by sensing any actuation of a switch or control in the rear row along with detecting sounds made by the rear row passenger. A processor receives control activity signals indicating that a control has been actuated, receives audio signals generated by a microphone, and uses the control activity signals and the audio signals in combination to determine that the passenger is present. The processor also receives a status signal from the passenger safety device indicating that it is not in proper use. An occupant alerting device provides an alert to the occupant if the processor determines that the passenger is present and the passenger safety device is not in proper use. | 03-31-2011 |
20110137528 | Side Impact Safety System with Blind-Spot Detection Radar Data Fusion - A motor vehicle blind-spot detection system has a remote sensor covering a rear-quadrant blind spot sensing zone and a forward-quadrant side impact sensing zone. A control module receives signals from a side impact sensor and the blind-spot detection sensor, calculates an approach vector of an object in the side impact sensing zone and/or the blind spot sensing zone, determines that the object will impact the vehicle, initializes a side impact algorithm controlling activation of an occupant safety device, detects an impact on the side of the vehicle and determines a magnitude of the impact, compares the magnitude of the impact with a threshold value established at least in part based upon the magnitude of the approach vector, and activates the occupant safety device if the magnitude of the impact exceeds the threshold value. | 06-09-2011 |
20110202241 | Method and System for Restraint Deployment Using Lateral Kinetic Energy - A safety system for a motor vehicle has a yaw rate sensor for detecting a yaw rate of the vehicle and impact sensors for detecting a side impact. A control module calculates a lateral kinetic energy of the vehicle if the yaw rate exceeds a threshold value, and an occupant restraint is activated based upon the lateral kinetic energy and signals from the side impact sensors. The disclosed system and method provide for improved restraint deployment decisions when a vehicle has a lateral velocity associated with a high yaw rate, as may be the case during a spin or a skid. | 08-18-2011 |
20110224875 | Biometric Application of a Polymer-based Pressure Sensor - The invention is a control system for adjusting at least one vehicle system in a plurality of vehicle systems comprising at least one polymer-based biometric sensor positioned proximate a driver for monitoring at least one vital sign of a driver of the vehicle and configured to produce data in response to changes in the at least one vital sign. The system also comprises at least one camera system positioned to view the driver. A first processing system is configured to receive sensor data and input collected by the camera system to determine a biometric state of the driver. The biometric state of the vehicle driver is then used to determine an adjustment setting for the at least one vehicle system thereby controlling the vehicle system in response to the adjustment setting in accordance with the determined biometric state of the vehicle driver. | 09-15-2011 |
20110267186 | Occupant Detection - A system and method are disclosed for detecting an occupant in a vehicle. Successive images from an infrared camera are analyzed to detect thermal characteristics of an occupant as well as movement. If an operator of the vehicle has exited the vehicle, the vehicle is deactivated, an occupant is detected, and a temperature in the cabin of the vehicle is higher or lower than desired, a report is made to the operator via a mobile phone or key fob. | 11-03-2011 |
20110301821 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH ADVANCED TIRE MONITORING - A control system ( | 12-08-2011 |
20110307147 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH ADVANCED TIRE MONITORING - A control system ( | 12-15-2011 |
20120256749 | Method and Apparatus for Health Monitoring - A computer implemented method includes communicating with one or more medical and/or wellness devices. The method further includes receiving one or more data related to a medical or wellness condition from at least one of the one or more medical and/or wellness devices. The method additionally includes reporting a measurement from the one or more medical devices based at least in part on the received data. | 10-11-2012 |
20130020788 | Knee Airbag with Passive Venting for Out of Position Occupant Protection - A knee airbag installed in a lower portion of an instrument panel has a deployed condition wherein it extends rearward and upward. The airbag has a left lobe, a right lobe, and a central portion between and joined to the left and right lobes. A vent is formed in the reaction surface of each of the lobes to allow inflation gasses to escape from the airbag when, during a crash event, an occupant force applied forwardly against the lobes is below a threshold level. When the occupant force reaches or exceeds the threshold level, the vents are urged against the instrument panel to substantially block the escape of inflation gasses. The threshold level is selected such that a child-sized occupant standing forward of a desired passenger seating position exerts less than the threshold level. | 01-24-2013 |
20130054051 | Method and Apparatus for a Near Field Communication System to Exchange Occupant Information - A system includes a plurality of antennas, positioned to be capable of receiving a wireless near field communication (NFC) device signal associated with a device located in any one of a driver's back pocket or front pocket, a center console or a passenger seat. The system also includes an NFC reader, in communication with the plurality of antennas. The NFC reader is operable to assign, based at least in part on a number of signals received and a signal strength, one of one or more devices associated with detected signals to a driver. The NFC reader is in communication with a vehicle computing system, operable to retrieve additional information associated with the device assigned to the driver and to apply that information to control vehicle settings. | 02-28-2013 |
20130099467 | VARIABLE LATERAL THICKNESS AIRBAG, SYSTEM COMPRISING SAME, AND METHOD OF DEPLOYING SAME - An airbag assembly has an airbag, a gas emitting inflator, and an airbag thickness limiting structure. The airbag thickness limiting structure limits a first body region engaging portion to having a lateral thickness within a first lateral thickness range when the gas emitting inflator delivers a first amount of inflation gas into the interior space of the airbag and allows the first body region engaging portion of the airbag to have a lateral thickness within a second lateral thickness range when the gas emitting inflator delivers a second amount of inflation gas greater than the first amount into the interior space of the airbag. A second body region engaging portion has a substantially fixed maximum attainable lateral thickness. Maximum attainable lateral thickness of the first body region engaging portion of the airbag can be dependent upon whether or not inflation of the airbag is implemented using pre-crash sensing technology. | 04-25-2013 |
20130147953 | COMBINED BACKUP CAMERA AND DRIVER ALERTNESS SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A combined backup camera and driver alertness system for a vehicle includes an imaging device that is adapted to be supported on a vehicle for capturing images adjacent a rearward portion of the vehicle. A sensor is provided that generates a signal when either (1) a transmission contained in the vehicle is operated in the rearward operating mode or (2) the vehicle is actually moved in the rearward direction. The system also includes a driver alertness processor and an image display. A data router routes the images from the imaging device to the driver alertness processor when not the signal is generated by the sensor and to the image display when the signal is generated by the sensor. | 06-13-2013 |
20130181860 | RADAR BASED MULTIFUNCTIONAL SAFETY SYSTEM - A system and method for providing multifunctional safety in a vehicle through a remote sensor is described. The remote sensor is configured to detect surrounding objects through a radar wave at a predefined angle, and within a predefined distance. A control module calculates velocity, severity and likelihood of the object impacting the vehicle through a calculated approach vector of a detected object. The control module further compares the severity of impact, to a pre-determined threshold value, and configures an impact algorithm to initialize and deploy in-vehicle safety systems upon the object crossing a calculated threshold of distance. | 07-18-2013 |
20130226413 | Vehicle Safety System Optimization Using RFID Occupant Identification - A non-contact RFID reader reads a code contained on an RFID tag carried by a driver of a vehicle. The code is assigned to a specific individual expected to operate the vehicle. An electronic module in the vehicle contains a data file uniquely associated with the code, and the data file contains physical characteristics of the driver that may be pertinent to proper functioning of safety systems of the vehicle, such as weight, height, age, and sex. Performance parameters of restraints and/or other safety systems, such as an airbag associated with the driver's seating position are adapted in accordance with the physical characteristics in the data file. The RFID reader may read multiple tags on board the vehicle, so that restraints for multiple seating positions in addition to the driver's seat may be adapted to the individual occupying those positions. | 08-29-2013 |
20130241182 | SIDE COLLISION OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM - A system and a method for protecting the occupant of a vehicle during a side-impact detects an approaching vehicle and identifies a collision threat. A collision threat level is assessed based on a set of parameters, and when the collision threat exceeds a pre-determined collision threat threshold level, the system unlatches the occupant's door, pushes it a few centimeters outwards, and locks it in that position. Pressure sensors and accelerometers disposed at suitable locations on the sides of the vehicle, provide crash signals to a Restraint Control Module (RCM). When the crash signals exceed a certain threshold, the RCM commands an airbag deployment module to deploy the airbag between the occupant and the door. Since the door is pushed outwards, an extra pre-crush space is created between the occupant and the door, which allows the use of larger and softer side airbags to provide enhanced protection to the vehicle occupants. | 09-19-2013 |
20130255930 | DRIVER PERSONALIZED CLIMATE CONDITIONING - An HVAC system for a vehicle includes a skin temperature sensor for measuring an actual skin temperature of the driver and a cabin temperature sensor for measuring an actual cabin temperature of ambient air within the passenger cabin. A controller module stores a target cabin temperature, wherein the controller module controls the HVAC system according to a first error between the target cabin temperature and the actual cabin temperature. The actual cabin temperature is filtered according to a first time constant. A personalization module stores a target skin temperature, wherein the personalization module determines an offset to be applied to the target cabin temperature according to a second error between the target skin temperature and the actual skin temperature. The actual skin temperature is filtered according to a second time constant longer than the first time constant. | 10-03-2013 |
20130273847 | Method and Apparatus for a Mobile Safety Platform with Multiple Communication Interfaces - A system includes one or more sensors, one or more output devices, a vehicle computing system (VCS) configured to receive information from the one or more sensors and to output information to the one or more output devices, a wireless receiver in communication with the VCS, and a wireless transmitter in communication with the VCS. The VCS is further configured to filter information received from the one or more sensors and broadcast the information through the wireless transmitter to a first device, while simultaneously communicating with the first device over the wireless receiver to receive a request relating to use of a vehicle output device, to verify the permissibility of the request and to provide output in accordance with a verified request over the vehicle output device. | 10-17-2013 |
20130278013 | Inflatable Side Rail Deflector Apparatus For Small Offset Collisions - An inflatable member, or deflector, is attached to the frame of the vehicle. The deflector in the expanded condition at least partially fills a space defined by a bumper beam, a portion of the frame, a front tire and a portion of the vehicle body. A sensor provides a signal to a controller to actuate an inflator. The sensor may be a contact sensor, such as an accelerometer or an electro-resistive sensor, or the sensor may be a predictive sensor, such as a radar sensor or a machine vision sensor. | 10-24-2013 |
20140011482 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting a Left-Behind Phone - A system includes a vehicle computing processor. The processor is configured to, through wireless communication with a phone, and after determining that a vehicle engine is not running, request and receive motion sensor data from the phone. The processor is further configured to determine if a phone is moving with a driver based on the motion sensor data. Also, the processor is configured to alert the driver if the phone is not moving with the driver. | 01-09-2014 |
20140021710 | SERVICEABLE SEATBELT BUCKLE AND TENSIONER ASSEMBLY - A serviceable seatbelt buckle mounted belt tensioner for use with a vehicle seat having a seat frame includes a bracket fixed to the seat frame and a pre-tensioning assembly releasably attached to the bracket, the pre-tensioning assembly includes a housing, a seatbelt attachment portion such as a seatbelt buckle, a cylindrical container and a cable connecting the seatbelt buckle and the cylindrical container, the cable passing through the housing. Both the bracket and the housing include attachment interfaces in the forms of flanges, tabs, pins, and slots. A fastener such as a screw or a clip is used to prevent movement of the housing relative to the bracket once the components are fitted together. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025232 | Method and Apparatus for a Near Field Communication System to Exchange Occupant Information - A system includes a plurality of antennas, positioned to be capable of receiving a wireless near field communication (NFC) device signal associated with a device located in any one of a driver's back pocket or front pocket, a center console or a passenger seat. The system also includes an NFC reader, in communication with the plurality of antennas. The NFC reader is operable to assign, based at least in part on a number of signals received and a signal strength, one of one or more devices associated with detected signals to a driver. The NFC reader is in communication with a vehicle computing system, operable to retrieve additional information associated with the device assigned to the driver and to apply that information to control vehicle settings. | 01-23-2014 |
20140039757 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, driver physiological condition, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 02-06-2014 |
20140117735 | HIDDEN REAR SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS FOR IMPROVED VISIBILITY - A seat assembly including a head restraint for a vehicle seat that can be raised and lowered depending on the presence or absence of a seat occupant is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat having a seat base and seat back and head restraint selectively movable between a stowed position and an upright position. The seat assembly further includes a head restraint motion assembly connecting the seat back and the head restraint and a sensor operatively associated with either or both of the seat base and the seat back for sensing an occupant. The head restraint includes at least one head restraint post connecting the head restraint to the head restraint motion assembly. The head restraint motion assembly includes a drive motor attached to a motor shaft that is attached to the head restraint post(s). A locking arrangement is provided to maintain the head restraint in its upright position. | 05-01-2014 |
20140285216 | SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING SIGNAL QUALITY FROM CAPACITIVE BIOMETRIC SENSOR IN A VEHICLE FOR CONTINUOUS BIOMETRIC MONITORING - A system may include at least one sensor configured to detect at least one vital signal, wherein the sensor is positioned proximate to a driver within a vehicle seat. At least one contact element may be configured to detect at least one reference signal, wherein the contact element surrounds a vehicle steering wheel. At least one resistor may be coupled to the at least one sensor and configured to receive the reference signal from the contact element. | 09-25-2014 |
20140313333 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGING A DRIVER OF A VEHICLE - A system and method for imaging a driver of a vehicle is provided. The system includes an imager mounted to a steering wheel hub that images a scene containing a bodily feature of the driver and generates image data therefrom. An image processor receives and analyzes the image data and generates biometric information related to the driver. The biometric information is useable as input for a variety of vehicle operations. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316607 | OCCUPANT PRESENCE DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION - A system includes a presence sensor that generates a presence signal representing a presence of an occupant in a vehicle, an occupant identification device that generates an occupant identification signal, and a customization controller that applies a default setting to a vehicle feature before receiving the occupant identification signal and applies a customized setting associated with an identified occupant after receiving the occupant identification signal. A method includes receiving a presence signal representing a presence of an occupant in a vehicle, applying a default setting to a vehicle feature in response to receiving the presence signal, receiving an occupant identification signal after customizing the vehicle feature according to the default setting, and applying a customized setting to the vehicle feature. The customized setting is associated with the identified occupant. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316660 | SEAT-INTEGRATED OCCUPANT PRESENCE DETECTOR - A system includes a vehicle seat with an embedded presence detector that can detect a presence of an occupant and output a presence signal. A position controller is configured to receive the presence signal and adjust a position of the vehicle seat to a predetermined driving position in response to receiving the presence signal and prior to turning on a vehicle ignition. | 10-23-2014 |
20150055120 | IMAGE SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY APPLICATIONS - An improved vision-based system generates object detection corresponding to different viewing areas based on vehicle speed. At lower vehicle speeds the system covers a wider field of view and a near zone while at higher vehicle speeds the system covers a normal or narrower field of view and a far zone. The system includes a lens package having a movable lens, an image sensor and image transformer. The movable lens is movable between a first position representing a wide angle view and a second position representing a normal angle view. Each of these views generates an image such that a wide angle view generates a wide angle image and a normal angle view generates a normal angle image. The wide angle view is associated with the vehicle's passive safety systems while the normal angle view is associated with the vehicle's active safety systems. | 02-26-2015 |