Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160106000 | LOW PROFILE HEAT SINK - A heat sink for an electronic component includes a base having a width. The base has a greater thickness at a middle portion along the width than at opposite end portions along the width. A plurality of elongate fins project from an upper surface of the base and extend in directions perpendicular to the upper surface. | 04-14-2016 |
20160099735 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING INTER-MODULATION TO IMPROVE RADIO PERFORMANCE IN SINGLE AND DUAL TUNER - A method of performing alternate frequency switching in a radio includes tuning the radio to a primary frequency. A candidate alternate frequency is identified. It is determined whether the candidate alternate frequency is a third order inter-modulation artifact. Tuning is switched from the primary frequency to the candidate alternate frequency only if it is determined in the determining step that the candidate alternate frequency is not a third order inter-modulation artifact. | 04-07-2016 |
20160090123 | STEERING WHEEL POSITION DISPLAY - A method of informing a driver of a motor vehicle of the position of a steering wheel of the vehicle includes sensing a rotational position of the steering wheel, and determining where on a spectrum of possible steering wheel positions the sensed rotational position lies. A bar indicator is provided on an in-vehicle display screen. The bar indicator includes a plurality of horizontally aligned bars. At least one bar on the bar indicator corresponding to the sensed rotational position on the spectrum of possible steering wheel positions is colored or highlighted. | 03-31-2016 |
20160079937 | AMPLIFIER APPARATUS WITH CONTROLLED NEGATIVE OUTPUT IMPEDANCE - An audio amplifier apparatus includes an audio amplifier which receives a single audio signal and produces a plus phase audio signal and a minus phase audio signal, both dependent upon the single audio signal. The plus phase audio signal and minus phase audio signal are received by first and second inputs of a speaker, respectively. A current sensing circuit senses a level of current received by the first or second inputs of the speaker and outputs a current sensing signal dependent upon the sensed level of current. An amplifying circuit receives and amplifies the current sensing signal. A mixer circuit receives the amplified current sensing signal and an audio drive signal and produces the single audio signal dependent upon the amplified current sensing signal and the audio drive signal. The single audio signal is produced at a node in-between two resistors. | 03-17-2016 |
20160073211 | SMART PLUG AND PLAY AUTOMATIC OBD-II SYSTEM TESTER - An audio system testing arrangement includes a controller coupled to a communication. bus of a motor vehicle. The controller runs test scripts via the communication bus. The test scripts are for testing features of an audio system within the vehicle. A fault of the audio system is determined dependent upon results of the test scripts, a display and/or speaker annunciates the determined fault of the audio system. | 03-10-2016 |
20160042011 | PERSONALIZED DESTINATIONS IN NAVIGATION SYSTEMS WITH PASSWORD PROTECTION - A method of operating a vehicle navigation system includes enabling a user to enter and store in the system a destination address in association with a name and/or telephone number. The user is enabled to enter the name and/or telephone number in free form and without format restrictions. The user is enabled to later retrieve the destination address based on the name and/or telephone number being used as a search term. | 02-11-2016 |
20160040997 | VEHICLE NAVIGATION PLAYBACK METHOD - An automotive vehicle navigation method includes obtaining electronic textual navigation information and converting the textual navigation information into audio data. The audio data is stored within the vehicle and is played back within the vehicle in sequential increments that correspond to respective legs of a trip being made by the vehicle. | 02-11-2016 |
20160004383 | CONFIGURABLE TOUCH SCREEN LCD STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS - An entertainment system control arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a graphical LCD with a configurable touch screen. The graphical LCD is disposed on the steering wheel. A processor is communicatively coupled to the graphical LCD. The processor prompts a user to select a function to assign to the configurable touch screen. The processor assigns the selected function to the configurable touch screen. | 01-07-2016 |
20150381133 | AUDIO SYSTEM INCLUDING MULTIBAND AUDIO DYNAMICS PROCESSOR - An audio system includes a level controller receiving an input audio signal from an audio medium. The level controller includes a gain adjust module producing an output audio signal based on the input audio signal. A filter arrangement is communicatively coupled to the level controller. The filter arrangement receives the output audio signal and divides the output signal into a plurality of filtered signals. Each of the filtered signals corresponds to a respective frequency band. A multiband dynamics controller is communicatively coupled to the filter arrangement. The multiband dynamics controller receives the filtered signals and applies a respective gain characteristic to each of the filtered signals to thereby produce a plurality of gain adjust signals. The gain adjust signals are combined into a multiband dynamics controller output signal. | 12-31-2015 |
20150365074 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING MODULATION BASED AUDIO CORRELATION TECHNIQUE FOR MAINTAINING DYNAMIC FM STATION LIST IN SINGLE TUNER VARIANT AND ASSISTING ALTERNATE FREQUENCY SWITCHING METHODOLOGY IN SINGLE TUNER AND DUAL TUNER VARIANTS - A method of operating a single-tuner radio includes tuning into a first frequency. A pause in a first signal associated with the first frequency is detected. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to a second frequency during the pause. Fieldstrength, multipath, adjacent channel energy, frequency offset and FM modulation for the second frequency are measured. Tuning is switched from the second frequency to the first frequency. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to the second frequency dependent upon the measuring step. | 12-17-2015 |
20150358726 | INTERACTIVE VEHICLE SYNTHESIZER - A method of operating an audio entertainment system in a vehicle includes detecting an operating parameter of the vehicle. A sensor signal corresponding to the detected operating parameter is transmitted. Music that is audibly produced within the vehicle is musically modified dependent upon the sensor signal. | 12-10-2015 |
20150329068 | AUTOMATIC AUTOMOBILE LICENSE TAG - An automatic automobile license tag arrangement includes an electronic display tag mounted in association with a license plate of an automobile. A transmitter is associated with the vehicle and transmits display data to the electronic display tag. The electronic display tag is mounted in a corner of the license plate. The transmitter is disposed in an infotainment system of the vehicle. The infotainment system wirelessly receives the display data from a remote licensing office. | 11-19-2015 |
20150323571 | CURRENT SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - There is provided a current sense circuit ( | 11-12-2015 |
20150319519 | DIGITAL TECHNIQUE FOR FM MODULATION OF INFRARED HEADPHONE INTERFACE SIGNALS - A method of modulating an infrared headphone interface signal includes providing a first audio signal having an analog audio value. A memory is provided having a plurality of locations and containing digital phase offset values. A clock signal having a clock frequency is provided. A second audio signal having a center carrier frequency that deviates with the analog audio value of the first audio signal is provided. An instantaneous value of the center carrier frequency is determined. The clock frequency is divided by the instantaneous carrier frequency value to thereby calculate a number of samples per cycle. A number of location addresses in the memory is divided by the number of samples per cycle to thereby calculate a memory access interval. The memory is accessed at addresses separated by the calculated memory access interval. The digital phase offset values at the accessed memory addresses are used to reproduce the first audio signal by use of headphones. | 11-05-2015 |
20150310681 | SYSTEM FOR ASSIGNING A SMARTPHONE AS A TEMPORARY KEY FOR A VEHICLE - A method of providing access to a vehicle, including wirelessly and electronically discovering a personal electronic device disposed outside of the vehicle. A remote central controller is wirelessly instructed to wirelessly transmit a certificate to the personal electronic device. The certificate from the personal electronic device is wirelessly received within the vehicle. Validation from the a remote central controller that the certificate from the personal electronic device was transmitted from the remote central controller to the personal electronic device is wirelessly received within the vehicle. An electronic key to the vehicle is wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle to the personal electronic device. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310479 | PROCESS FOR SYNCHRONIZING AUDIO PLAYBACK ON A SMARTPHONE WITH CONTENT DISPLAYED ON A DIGITAL SIGN - A method of operating a plurality of signboards includes continuously displaying a current time-of-day on the signboards. A request is received from a smartphone for an audio clip corresponding to one of the signboards. The request includes the displayed time-of-day as captured from the one signboard by a camera of the smartphone. The request also includes a geographic location of the smartphone. It is determined that the one signboard is within a visible range of the smartphone. The determining is performed dependent upon the geographic location of the smartphone. The audio clip corresponding to the one signboard is selected from a plurality of audio clips. The selecting is performed dependent upon the determination that the one signboard is within a visible range of the smartphone and upon the displayed time-of-day. At least a portion of the selected audio clip is downloaded to the smartphone. | 10-29-2015 |
20150301793 | USER INTERFACE AND METHOD FOR PERSONALIZED RADIO STATION CREATION - A user interface arrangement includes a user interface having a plurality of movable sliders. Each of the sliders corresponds to a respective category of infotainment content. A processor is communicatively coupled to the user interface. The processor presents each of the categories of infotainment content in proportions dependent upon positions of the sliders. | 10-22-2015 |
20150279355 | BACKGROUND VOICE RECOGNITION TRAINER - A method of operating a speech recognition system includes converting a spoken utterance by a user into an electrical voice signal by use of a local microphone associated with a local electronic device. The electrical voice signal is transmitted to a remote voice recognizer. The remote voice recognizer is used to transcribe the electrical voice signal and to produce a confidence score. The confidence score indicates a level of confidence that the transcription of the electrical voice signal substantially matches the words of the spoken utterance. The transcription of the electrical voice signal and the confidence score are transmitted from the remote voice recognizer to the local electronic device. The electrical voice signal, the transcription of the electrical voice signal, and the confidence score are used at the local device to train a local voice recognizer. | 10-01-2015 |
20150271614 | RECTIFIER CIRCUIT FOR MONITORING DC OFFSET OF A SINGLE-SUPPLY AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER - An audio power amplifier arrangement includes an audio power amplification integrated circuit having two loudspeaker outputs. A rectifier circuit includes a first diode having a cathode connected to one of the two loudspeaker outputs and an anode connected to a rectifier output node. A second diode has an anode connected to the one loudspeaker output. A first resistor has a first end connected to a cathode of the second diode and a second end connected to the rectifier output node. A capacitor has a first end connected to the rectifier output node and a second end connected to electrical ground. A second resistor has a first end connected to the rectifier output node and a second end connected to electrical ground. | 09-24-2015 |
20150271456 | METHOD OF OPERATING AN IN-VEHICLE CAMERA - A method of operating an in-vehicle camera includes providing a database of geographic locations of points of interest. It is detected that the vehicle has arrived at one of the geographic locations of the points of interest. In response to the detecting step, capturing of images with the camera is automatically begun. | 09-24-2015 |
20150268945 | INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM KEY FOB ARRANGEMENT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method of operating an infotainment system for a motor vehicle includes providing a key fob with a token for a software update for a vehicle function. Infotainment content is transferred from a home computing device to the key fob. The infotainment content is transferred from the key fob to an electronic infotainment device within the motor vehicle. | 09-24-2015 |
20150254023 | METHOD FOR STORING AND RETRIEVING HARDWARE SYSTEM DATA - A hardware system data retrieval arrangement includes a printed circuit board having a memory device connected to a microcontroller. The memory device stores historical information about the printed circuit board. A connecting device is connected to the microcontroller. The connecting device includes a Universal Serial Bus connector or an edge card connector. An electrical communication conduit interconnects the personal computer and the connecting device. The personal computer retrieves the historical information form the memory device via the electrical communication conduit. | 09-10-2015 |
20150253922 | CONFIGURABLE TOUCH SCREEN LCD STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS - An entertainment system control arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a graphical LCD with a configurable touch screen. The graphical LCD is disposed on the steering wheel. A processor is communicatively coupled to the graphical LCD. The processor prompts a user to select a function to assign to the configurable touch screen. The processor assigns the selected function to the configurable touch screen. | 09-10-2015 |
20150229420 | SMART FM/AM AUTO-SCANNER - A radio tuning method for a vehicle includes sensing that the vehicle is traveling out of a first broadcast range of a first radio station that a radio of the vehicle is currently tuned to. The first radio station broadcasts first content. A second radio station is identified having a second broadcast range that the vehicle will be in when the vehicle is no longer in the first broadcast range. The identifying includes determining that the second radio station broadcasts second content that is substantially similar to the first content broadcasted by the first radio station. A user of the vehicle is provided with an option to switch tuning of the radio from the first radio station to the second radio station. | 08-13-2015 |
20150224964 | RF BIOMETRIC IGNITION CONTROL SYSTEM - An electronic ignition control system includes a keyfob having a biometric sensor that senses an identifying biological characteristic of the user. The keyfob also has a transmitter that transmits an air-borne signal dependent upon the identifying biological characteristic. The ignition has an unlocked state in which the user can cause the ignition to start the motor by actuating a start mechanism. The ignition also has a locked state in which actuation of the start mechanism by the user does not cause the ignition to start the motor. The vehicle also has a receiver that receives the air-borne signal from the transmitter. The vehicle further has a controller in communication with each of the ignition and the receiver. The system can work independent of a RF transmitter and receiver. | 08-13-2015 |
20150201525 | EFFICIENT ELECTRONIC COMPONENT HEAT SINK - A heat sink for an electronic component includes a plurality of substantially planar fins extending from a base. At least two adjacent ones of the fins define an angle therebetween of greater than five degrees. | 07-16-2015 |
20150198645 | CAPACITIVE ENCODER - A human machine interface includes a capacitive sensor disposed on an interior side of a face plate. A control device is rotatably coupled to the face plate and is disposed on an exterior side of the face plate. The control device includes at least one electrically conductive element. The control device rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the face plate such that the at least one electrically conductive element follows the rotation of the control device. The capacitive sensor senses a rotational position of the at least one electrically conductive element. | 07-16-2015 |
20150163380 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CORRECTION OF AN IMAGE FROM A FISHEYE LENS IN A CAMERA - A method of operating a video system includes receiving an image captured by use of a fisheye lens. The image is divided into a plurality of horizontal image lines. A respective fraction of each of the horizontal image lines is sampled with a different respective sampling frequency. Each sampling frequency is inversely related to a size of the sampled fraction. The size of the sampled fraction increases with each horizontal image line in a progression from a top of the image to a bottom of the image. | 06-11-2015 |
20150158424 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UTILIZING SPREAD SPECTRUM TECHNIQUES FOR IN CAR APPLICATIONS - A method of operating an audio system in an automobile includes identifying a user of the audio system. An audio recording playing on the audio system is identified. An audio setting entered into the audio system by the identified user while the audio recording is being played by the audio system is sensed. The sensed audio setting is stored in memory in association with the identified user and the identified audio recording. The audio recording is retrieved from memory with the sensed audio setting being embedded in the retrieved audio recording as a watermark signal. The retrieved audio recording is played on the audio system with the embedded sensed audio setting being automatically implemented by the audio system during the playing. | 06-11-2015 |
20150145409 | AUTOMOTIVE LED BLEED RESISTOR CIRCUIT AND BODY CONTROL MODULE INTERRUPT WAKEUP CIRCUIT - A motor vehicle includes a processor having an interrupt input. A battery includes a positive terminal. A switch interconnects the positive terminal of the battery and the interrupt input of the processor. A first resistor interconnects the positive terminal of the battery and the interrupt input of the processor. A light emitting diode includes an input and an output. A second resistor interconnects the input of the light emitting diode and the interrupt input of the processor. A third resistor is connected in parallel with a series combination of the second resistor and the light emitting diode. | 05-28-2015 |
20150127218 | METHOD FOR DRIVER PERSONALIZATION BASED ON TUNNEL DETECTION FOR A SINGLE-TUNER SYSTEM - A method of operating a vehicle includes receiving a radio frequency signal and determining that the radio frequency signal has at least one characteristic indicative of the vehicle entering a tunnel. A setting of a vehicle system is automatically modified in response to the determining step. | 05-07-2015 |
20150126144 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODE BALANCE FOR ANALOG FM, DIGITAL RADIO BLEND LOGIC IN AN AUTOMOTIVE ENVIRONMENT - A radio includes a first tuner and a second tuner. A processor compares a first perceivable volume level of a station tuned by the first tuner to at least one second perceivable volume level of at least one background station tuned by the second tuner. The processor enables automatic volume knob changes using a pre-calibrated lookup table that associates a volume step of the volume knob with a difference between the first perceivable volume level and the second perceivable volume level. | 05-07-2015 |
20150099544 | MOBILE PHONE APPLICATION FOR ROUTING TO A PERSON FOR PICK-UP RETRIEVAL - A navigation method includes the following computer-implemented steps. A target mobile electronic device is identified. A geographical location of the target mobile electronic device is ascertained. Information is transmitted to a sender mobile electronic device. The information identifies the geographical location of the target mobile electronic device. A route along roadways from the sender mobile electronic device to the geographical location of the target mobile electronic device is determined. The determining step is dependent upon the information. | 04-09-2015 |
20150058437 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING AUDIO CONTENTS TO A MOBILE CLIENT DEVICE - A computer implemented method for providing audio contents as a plurality of tracks to be played on a listener's mobile client device with Internet radio capabilities, the client device intended to be connected to the Internet. The method comprises: obtaining, as a listener's input into the listener's client device, a playlist definition; selecting, from a plurality of tracks, tracks meeting the playlist definition to form a playlist, wherein the playlist is formed by playlist entries that include track identifications referring to selected ones of the plurality of tracks. The plurality of tracks comprises (i) tracks present in a remote master media inventory, tracks present in an Internet-based cloud memory environment, and/or tracks present in a local media content inventory of the listener's client device; a hybrid engine software library generates personalized track playlists for a listener based on details of the listener's input, a current configuration of the system, the plurality of tracks, and current network conditions. | 02-26-2015 |
20150058367 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREPARING A PLAYLIST FOR AN INTERNET CONTENT PROVIDER - A computer implemented method is for generating a media playlist including a plurality of tracks to be played on a listener's mobile or stationary client device with Internet radio capabilities, the client device intended to be connected to the Internet. The method comprises: obtaining, as a listener's input into the listener's client device, a playlist definition; selecting, from a plurality of tracks, tracks meeting the playlist definition to form the playlist, wherein the playlist is formed by playlist entries that include track identifications referring to selected ones of the plurality of tracks; tracks present in a remote master media inventory, tracks present in an Internet-based cloud memory environment, and tracks present in a local media content inventory of the listener's client device form the plurality of tracks; selecting tracks that meet the playlist definition includes comparing the playlist definition with entries for tracks in a metadata encyclopedia which includes metadata derived from a master metadata encyclopedia referring to the tracks present in the remote master media inventory and the tracks present in the cloud memory environment, and the local media content inventory kept in the local listener's client device; the metadata encyclopedia is kept locally in the client device; and each entry in the local metadata encyclopedia refers to a respective track and includes at least one track descriptor and at least one similarity data descriptor; and providing the playlist to the listener's client device for obtaining the tracks indicated on the playlist for playing the tracks in the playlist in an order defined in the playlist. | 02-26-2015 |
20140294203 | AUDIO SYSTEM INCLUDING MULTIBAND AUDIO DYNAMICS PROCESSOR - An audio system includes a level controller receiving an input audio signal from an audio medium. The level controller includes a gain adjust module producing an output audio signal based on the input audio signal. A filter arrangement is communicatively coupled to the level controller. The filter arrangement receives the output audio signal and divides the output signal into a plurality of filtered signals. Each of the filtered signals corresponds to a respective frequency band. A multiband dynamics controller is communicatively coupled to the filter arrangement. The multiband dynamics controller receives the filtered signals and applies a respective gain characteristic to each of the filtered signals to thereby produce a plurality of gain adjust signals. The gain adjust signals are combined into a multiband dynamics controller output signal. | 10-02-2014 |
20140211962 | INTERACTIVE VEHICLE SYNTHESIZER - A method of operating an audio entertainment system in a vehicle includes detecting an operating parameter of the vehicle. A sensor signal corresponding to the detected operating parameter is transmitted. Music that is audibly produced within the vehicle is musically modified dependent upon the sensor signal. | 07-31-2014 |
20140107869 | VEHICLE MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS ACCESS - Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to vehicle media and communications systems and/or providing communications network and/or satellite network access in a vehicle. Specifically, the disclosed methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to providing access to data, communications and/or satellites using a modular vehicle media and communications system. | 04-17-2014 |
20140050152 | TRUNK MOUNTED AUTOMOTIVE NETWORK SERVER WITH WIRELESS DATA CAPABILITY - An automotive server arrangement includes an infotainment head unit disposed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. An antenna is associated with the vehicle. At least one audio speaker is associated with the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A network server is disposed in-between the head unit and the antenna. The network server includes a processor and an amplifier disposed within a common housing. The amplifier drives at least one audio speaker. The processor is connected to the head unit and to the antenna. | 02-20-2014 |
20140044026 | APPARATUS HAVING AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING A DISTRIBUTED ARCHITECTURE FOR RECEIVING AND/OR TRANSMITTING RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALS - A distributed architecture system for receiving radio frequency (RF) signals includes a receiving unit receiving a plurality of RF signals. The receiving unit includes means for combining the plurality of RF signals into a multiplexed signal. A head unit receives and separates the multiplexed signal into a plurality of information signals. The head unit prepares the information signals for presentation to a user. The head unit is disposed remotely from the receiving unit. A multiplexed link carries the multiplexed signal from the receiving unit to the head unit. | 02-13-2014 |
20140038537 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING MODULATION BASED AUDIO CORRELATION TECHNIQUE FOR MAINTAINING DYNAMIC FM STATION LIST IN SINGLE TUNER VARIANT AND ASSISTING ALTERNATE FREQUENCY SWITCHING METHODOLOGY IN SINGLE TUNER AND DUAL TUNER VARIANTS - A method of operating a single-tuner radio includes tuning into a first frequency. A pause in a first signal associated with the first frequency is detected. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to a second frequency during the pause. Fieldstrength, multipath, adjacent channel energy, frequency offset and FM modulation for the second frequency are measured. Tuning is switched from the second frequency to the first frequency. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to the second frequency dependent upon the measuring step. | 02-06-2014 |
20140023209 | AUDIO SYSTEM INCLUDING MULTIBAND AUDIO DYNAMICS PROCESSOR - An audio system includes a level controller receiving an input audio signal from an audio medium. The level controller includes a gain adjust module producing an output audio signal based on the input audio signal. A filter arrangement is communicatively coupled to the level controller. The filter arrangement receives the output audio signal and divides the output signal into a plurality of filtered signals. Each of the filtered signals corresponds to a respective frequency band. A multiband dynamics controller is communicatively coupled to the filter arrangement. The multiband dynamics controller receives the filtered signals and applies a respective gain characteristic to each of the filtered signals to thereby produce a plurality of gain adjust signals. The gain adjust signals are combined into a multiband dynamics controller output signal. | 01-23-2014 |
20140020236 | HIGHLY CONFIGURABLE RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) MODULE - The disclosed embodiments relate to a communication device ( | 01-23-2014 |
20130336414 | POWER LINE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a power line communication (PLC) system. For example, the PLC system may include a PLC server configured to provide electrical power and electronic communications through a PLC bus to a number of electronic devices, such as an instrument cluster, infotainment interface, rear-seat entertainment console, aftermarket accessories, and the like. The PLC system may also include a power system that may be coupled to an electrical grid for charging a battery associated with one or more of the electronic devices. The power system may be communicatively coupled to the PLC bus, enabling the devices coupled to the PLC bus to communicate with a service provider through the electrical grid. The communications between the devices coupled to the PLC bus and remote devices coupled through the electrical grid may be conducted using a common communication protocol. | 12-19-2013 |
20130312484 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING ACCELEROMETER BASED CONTROLS IN A MOBILE ENVIRONMENT - A method of processing signals from an accelerometer/gyroscopic-based input device includes providing the input device within a vehicle. An accelerometer/gyroscopic-based second device is also provided within the vehicle. The input device is manually actuated while the vehicle is in motion. First signals are transmitted from the input device in response to the manually actuating step. Second signals are transmitted from the second device in response to the motion of the vehicle. The first signals are adjusted dependent upon the second signals. | 11-28-2013 |
20130278242 | CURRENT SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - There is provided a current sense circuit ( | 10-24-2013 |
20130217319 | VEHICLE MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS ACCESS - Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to vehicle media and communications systems and/or providing communications network and/or satellite network access in a vehicle. Specifically, the disclosed methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to providing access to data, communications and/or satellites using a modular vehicle media and communications system. | 08-22-2013 |
20130216045 | MENU NAVIGATION METHOD FOR USER OF AUDIO HEADPHONES - A method of operating an audio system having first and second sources includes outputting a first audio signal from the first source on first and second speakers. In response to a listener input, the first audio signal and a second audio signal from the second source are output simultaneously on the first and second speakers. The first signal is output from each of the first and second speakers such that the first signal is perceived by a listener to originate from a first direction toward the listener. The second signal is output from each of the first and second speakers such that the second signal is perceived by the listener to originate from a second direction toward the listener. The second direction is offset at least ninety degrees from the first direction. | 08-22-2013 |
20130165065 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMICALLY ADAPTING FM TUNER SENSITIVITY TO A LOCAL ENVIRONMENT FOR A SINGLE-TUNER SYSTEM - A method of operating a single-tuner radio includes tuning into a first frequency. A pause in a first signal associated with the first frequency is detected. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to a second frequency. A signal quality metric for the second frequency is measured. Tuning is switched from the second frequency to the first frequency. | 06-27-2013 |
20130156215 | Digital Technique for FM Modulation of Infrared Headphone Interface Signals - A method of modulating an infrared headphone interface signal includes providing a first audio signal having an analog audio value. A memory is provided having a plurality of locations and containing digital phase offset values. A clock signal having a clock frequency is provided. A second audio signal having a center carrier frequency that deviates with the analog audio value of the first audio signal is provided. An instantaneous value of the center carrier frequency is determined. The clock frequency is divided by the instantaneous carrier frequency value to calculate a number of samples per cycle. A number of location addresses in the memory is divided by the number of samples per cycle to calculate a memory access interval. The memory is accessed at addresses separated by the memory access interval. The digital phase offset values at the accessed memory addresses are used to reproduce the first audio signal. | 06-20-2013 |
20130101139 | MULTIBAND AUDIO DYNAMICS PROCESSOR - An audio system includes a level controller receiving an input audio signal from an audio medium. The level controller includes a gain adjust module producing an output audio signal based on the input audio signal. A filter arrangement is communicatively coupled to the level controller. The filter arrangement receives the output audio signal and divides the output signal into a plurality of filtered signals. Each of the filtered signals corresponds to a respective frequency band. A multiband dynamics controller is communicatively coupled to the filter arrangement. The multiband dynamics controller receives the filtered signals and applies a respective gain characteristic to each of the filtered signals to thereby produce a plurality of gain adjust signals. The gain adjust signals are combined into a multiband dynamics controller output signal. | 04-25-2013 |
20130096733 | RF BIOMETRIC IGNITION CONTROL SYSTEM - An electronic ignition control system includes a keyfob having a biometric sensor that senses an identifying biological characteristic of the user. The keyfob also has a transmitter that transmits an air-borne signal dependent upon the identifying biological characteristic. A vehicle includes a motor and an ignition that starts the motor. The ignition has an unlocked state in which the user can cause the ignition to start the motor by actuating a start mechanism. The ignition also has a locked state in which actuation of the start mechanism by the user does not cause the ignition to start the motor. The vehicle also has a receiver that receives the air-borne signal from the transmitter. The vehicle further has a controller in communication with each of the ignition and the receiver. The controller switches the ignition from the locked state to the unlocked state dependent upon the air-borne signal received by the receiver. | 04-18-2013 |
20130069631 | CURRENT SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - There is provided a current sense circuit ( | 03-21-2013 |
20130002408 | Control Lockout for an Electronic Apparatus - An electronic system including a user interface for transmitting an operational parameter control signal in response to manual manipulation of the user interface. A processor is coupled to the user interface and adjusts an operational parameter of the electronic system in response to receiving the operational parameter control signal. An actuatable device is actuated by a user. In response to the user actuation, the actuatable device prevents the processor from adjusting the operational parameter of the electronic system. | 01-03-2013 |
20120274459 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UTILIZING SPREAD SPECTRUM TECHNIQUES FOR IN CAR APPLICATIONS - A method of operating an audio system in an automobile includes identifying a user of the audio system. An audio recording playing on the audio system is identified. An audio setting entered into the audio system by the identified user while the audio recording is being played by the audio system is sensed. The sensed audio setting is stored in memory in association with the identified user and the identified audio recording. The audio recording is retrieved from memory with the sensed audio setting being embedded in the retrieved audio recording as a watermark signal. The retrieved audio recording is played on the audio system with the embedded sensed audio setting being automatically implemented by the audio system during the playing. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272145 | METHOD FOR USING RADIO PRESETS AS APPLICATION SHORTCUTS - A control arrangement for a vehicle includes an infotainment console having a user interface with a plurality of pushbuttons. A communication device is communicatively coupled to the infotainment console and relays signals between the infotainment console and a portable computing device. The infotainment console reconfigures the user interface to enable the user to control the portable computing device via the user interface. Each of the pushbuttons is actuatable to cause operation of the portable computing device to proceed to a respective application within the portable computing device. | 10-25-2012 |
20120224721 | Multiband Audio Dynamics Processor - An audio system includes a level controller receiving an input audio signal from an audio medium. The level controller includes a gain adjust module producing an output audio signal based on the input audio signal. A filter arrangement is communicatively coupled to the level controller. The filter arrangement receives the output audio signal and divides the output signal into a plurality of filtered signals. Each of the filtered signals corresponds to a respective frequency band. A multiband dynamics controller is communicatively coupled to the filter arrangement. The multiband dynamics controller receives the filtered signals and applies a respective gain characteristic to each of the filtered signals to thereby produce a plurality of gain adjust signals. The gain adjust signals are combined into a multiband dynamics controller output signal. | 09-06-2012 |
20120203489 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING ACCELEROMETER BASED CONTROLS IN A MOBILE ENVIRONMENT - A method of processing signals from an accelerometer/gyroscopic-based input device includes providing the input device within a vehicle. An accelerometer/gyroscopic-based second device is also provided within the vehicle. The input device is manually actuated while the vehicle is in motion. First signals are transmitted from the input device in response to the manually actuating step. Second signals are transmitted from the second device in response to the motion of the vehicle. The first signals are adjusted dependent upon the second signals. | 08-09-2012 |
20120190319 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING INTER-MODULATION TO IMPROVE RADIO PERFORMANCE IN SINGLE AND DUAL TUNER - A method of performing alternate frequency switching in a radio includes tuning the radio to a primary frequency. A candidate alternate frequency is identified. It is determined whether the candidate alternate frequency is a third order inter-modulation artifact. Tuning is switched from the primary frequency to the candidate alternate frequency only if it is determined in the determining step that the candidate alternate frequency is not a third order inter-modulation artifact. | 07-26-2012 |
20120027221 | Trunk Mounted Automotive Network Server with Wireless Data Capability - An automotive server arrangement includes an infotainment head unit disposed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. An antenna is associated with the vehicle. At least one audio speaker is associated with the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A network server is disposed in-between the head unit and the antenna. The network server includes a processor and an amplifier disposed within a common housing. The amplifier drives at least one audio speaker. The processor is connected to the head unit and to the antenna. | 02-02-2012 |
20110306313 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING MODULATION BASED AUDIO CORRELATION TECHNIQUE FOR MAINTAINING DYNAMIC FM STATION LIST IN SINGLE TUNER VARIANT AND ASSISTING ALTERNATE FREQUENCY SWITCHING METHODOLOGY IN SINGLE TUNER AND DUAL TUNER VARIANTS - A method of operating a single-tuner radio includes tuning into a first frequency. A pause in a first signal associated with the first frequency is detected. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to a second frequency during the pause. Fieldstrength, multipath, adjacent channel energy, frequency offset and FM modulation for the second frequency are measured. Tuning is switched from the second frequency to the first frequency. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to the second frequency dependent upon the measuring step. | 12-15-2011 |
20110196711 | Content personalization system and method - There is provided a system and method of providing personalized content to a user based on the user's interests and the user's geographical location. The method includes receiving media files from a portable device associated with the user and generating a user profile based on the media files. The method also includes receiving a geographical location of the user from a global positioning system (GPS) device. The method also includes receiving content from a service provider based on the user profile and the geographical location. The method also includes providing the content to the user through an infotainment interface included in a vehicle. The content delivered to the user may include media files such as music or audio/visual files that correspond with the user profile. The content may also include messages about events near the user's geographical location that correspond with the user profile. | 08-11-2011 |
20110190967 | Power line communication system and method - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a power line communication (PLC) system. For example, the PLC system may include a PLC server configured to provide electrical power and electronic communications through a PLC bus to a number of electronic devices, such as an instrument cluster, infotainment interface, rear-seat entertainment console, aftermarket accessories, and the like. The PLC system may also include a power system that may be coupled to an electrical grid for charging a battery associated with one or more of the electronic devices. The power system may be communicatively coupled to the PLC bus, enabling the devices coupled to the PLC bus to communicate with a service provider through the electrical grid. The communications between the devices coupled to the PLC bus and remote devices coupled through the electrical grid may be conducted using a common communication protocol. | 08-04-2011 |
20110143652 | Vehicle media and communications access - Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to vehicle media and communications systems and/or providing communications network and/or satellite network access in a vehicle. Specifically, the disclosed methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to providing access to data, communications and/or satellites using a modular vehicle media and communications system. | 06-16-2011 |
20110072880 | Method and apparatus for supporting accelerometer based controls in a mobile environment - A method of processing signals from an accelerometer/gyroscopic-based input device includes providing the input device within a vehicle. An accelerometer/gyroscopic-based second device is also provided within the vehicle. The input device is manually actuated while the vehicle is in motion. First signals are transmitted from the input device in response to the manually actuating step. Second signals are transmitted from the second device in response to the motion of the vehicle. The first signals are adjusted dependent upon the second signals. | 03-31-2011 |
20100333146 | Vehicle infotainment system and method for entertaining passengers in a rear portion of a vehicle - An infotainment system includes a rear entertainment system hub assembly disposed within the rear portion of the interior space of the vehicle. The rear entertainment system hub assembly includes a plurality of entertainment platforms, each adapted to receive and process a respective entertainment medium. The plurality of entertainment platforms is configured to generate at least one audio output signal and at least one video output signal. A user interface is communicatively coupled to the plurality of entertainment platforms and includes a touch-screen display unit adapted to receive user commands. The user interface selects and controls the plurality of entertainment platforms according to the user commands. A plurality of audio output speakers is communicatively coupled to the rear entertainment system hub assembly and receives the audio output signal. At least one video display unit is disposed within the rear portion of the interior space and receives the video output signal. | 12-30-2010 |
20100262929 | Method and system for dynamic configuration of remote control inputs - A control arrangement for a vehicle includes an infotainment console having a first user interface. A wireless communication device is communicatively coupled to the infotainment console and relays wireless signals between the infotainment console and a portable computing device. The infotainment console interrogates the portable computing device regarding a configuration of a second user interface belonging to the portable computing device; receives responses to the interrogation from the portable computing device; and reconfigures the first user interface to substantially replicate a layout and functions of the second user interface. | 10-14-2010 |
20100235045 | Virtual feature management for vehicle information and entertainment systems - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a mobile information display system that may be configured by a user to have customized interface screens and to display individualized content. For example, upon starting of the ignition system, the mobile information display system may access a remote server using a radio network interface to download interface screens that have previously been designed by a user. Further, the mobile information display system may download information and content from the remote server, or from other websites, including, for example, navigational information, destination information, calendar and alarm entries, e-mail messages, voice mail messages, personal networking pages, internet phone service, internet audio programs, and internet video programs, among others. | 09-16-2010 |
20100214105 | Method of detecting drowsiness of a vehicle operator - A method of rectifying drowsiness of a vehicle driver includes capturing a sequence of images of the driver. It is determined, based in the images, whether a head of the driver is tilting away from a vertical orientation in a substantially lateral direction toward a shoulder of the driver. The driver is awakened with sensory stimuli only if it is determined that the head of the driver is tilting away from a vertical orientation in a substantially lateral direction toward a shoulder of the driver. | 08-26-2010 |
20100197255 | Method and apparatus for dynamic station preset configuration in a radio - A method of operating a radio having a plurality of station preset pushbuttons includes assigning to the preset pushbuttons a first group of radio frequencies associated with a first country. A spectrum of radio frequencies is scanned. A signal quality metric is measured for each of the scanned frequencies. A country of origin is determined for each of the scanned frequencies. A country in which the radio is disposed is ascertained dependent upon the measuring step and the determining step. If the country in which the radio is disposed is different from the first country, then either the preset pushbuttons are automatically re-assigned to a second group of radio frequencies associated with the country in which the radio is disposed, or a user is provided with an option to re-assign the preset pushbuttons to the second group of radio frequencies. | 08-05-2010 |
20100195852 | Menu navigation method for user of audio headphones - A method of operating an audio system having first and second sources includes outputting a first audio signal from the first source on first and second speakers. In response to a listener input, the first audio signal and a second audio signal from the second source are output simultaneously on the first and second speakers. The first signal is output from each of the first and second speakers such that the first signal is perceived by a listener to originate from a first direction toward the listener. The second signal is output from each of the first and second speakers such that the second signal is perceived by the listener to originate from a second direction toward the listener. The second direction is offset at least ninety degrees from the first direction. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194850 | Method and apparatus for correction of an image from a fisheye lens in a camera - A method of operating a video system includes receiving an image captured by use of a fisheye lens. The image is divided into a plurality of horizontal image lines. A respective fraction of each of the horizontal image lines is sampled with a different respective sampling frequency. Each sampling frequency is inversely related to a size of the sampled fraction. The size of the sampled fraction increases with each horizontal image line in a progression from a top of the image to a bottom of the image. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194552 | Method for driver personalization based on tunnel detection for a single-tuner system - A method of operating a vehicle includes receiving a radio frequency signal and determining that the radio frequency signal has at least one characteristic indicative of the vehicle entering a tunnel. A setting of a vehicle system is automatically modified in response to the determining step. | 08-05-2010 |
20100151809 | Method and apparatus for co-channel interference detection in a radio - A method of configuring a tuner includes sampling a radio frequency and measuring at least one signal quality metric for the sampled frequency. It is determined whether there is co-channel interference on the sampled frequency based on the measurement of the at least one signal quality metric. The sampled frequency is selected as an operational frequency for the tuner if it was determined in the determining step that there is an absence of co-channel interference on the sampled frequency. | 06-17-2010 |
20100150379 | Multiband audio dynamics processor - An audio system includes an automatic level controller receiving at least one input audio signal from at least one audio medium. The automatic level controller includes a gain adjust module for producing an output audio signal based on the at least one input audio signal. A difference between a maximum sound level and a minimum sound level of the at least one input audio signal is greater than a difference between a maximum sound level and a minimum sound level of the output audio signal. A filter arrangement is communicatively coupled to the automatic level controller. The filter arrangement receives the output audio signal and divides the output signal into a plurality of filtered signals. Each of the filtered signals corresponds to a respective frequency band. A multiband dynamics controller is communicatively coupled to the filter arrangement. The multiband dynamics controller receives the filtered signals and applies a different respective gain characteristic to each of the filtered signals to thereby produce a plurality of gain adjust signals. The gain adjust signals are combined into a multiband dynamics controller output signal. | 06-17-2010 |
20100142724 | Infotainment system with surround sound media navigation - An infotainment system is for a vehicle having a body defining an interior space. The infotainment system includes a playback device receiving and processing a plurality of sets of infotainment data. The infotainment data is organized in a hierarchy. The playback device transmits a plurality of sound signals. Each sound signal corresponds to a respective one of the sets of infotainment data. A plurality of speakers are communicatively coupled to the playback device. Each speaker is disposed at a different respective location within the interior space. Each of the speakers is adapted to receive a respective one of the sound signals and convert the respective sound signal into a corresponding audible sound. A user interface is communicatively coupled to the playback device. The user interface enables a user to navigate between levels of the hierarchy of infotainment data by making selections. Each of the selections corresponds to a respective one of the sets of infotainment data. | 06-10-2010 |
20100079241 | Integrated vehicle entry/data transfer device and method - An integrated vehicle entry/data transfer device ( | 04-01-2010 |
20100077437 | Vehicle entertainment system with video surround - A vehicle entertainment system includes an image capture system, an image processing and storage system, and a user interface. The image capture system includes at least one interior camera adapted and positioned to capture images of at least one location within the vehicle. The image processing and storage system is electronically coupled to the image capture system and includes an image processor and a memory unit. The image processor receives and formats the images, while the memory unit stores the images. The interface system is electronically coupled to the image processing and storage system and includes a display unit, a user interface and a wireless communication unit. The display unit displays a plurality of the interior and exterior images. The user interface is engageable by a user to select the images displayed on the display unit and to direct the storage of the selected images in the memory unit. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073834 | Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit and method - There is disclosed an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device and method. An electronic device ( | 03-25-2010 |
20100073306 | Dual-view touchscreen display system and method of operation - A dual-view display system ( | 03-25-2010 |
20100062848 | Vehicle entertainment system operable by a remote device and method for remotely operating a vehicle entertainment system - A vehicle entertainment system is operable by a device remote from the entertainment system. The entertainment system includes an entertainment console including a plurality of entertainment applications. Each of the plurality of entertainment applications is adapted to receive and process an entertainment medium. The entertainment console includes an application program interface adapted to operate the plurality of entertainment applications and select an entertainment media. The entertainment console generates an output signal corresponding to the selected entertainment media. An output unit receives the output signal and generates an output corresponding to the selected entertainment medium. A wireless communication device is adapted to send and receive signals between the entertainment console and the remote device such that the application program interface is accessible using the remote device. | 03-11-2010 |
20090265103 | Vehicle Navigation System with Internet Based Information Search Feature - A vehicle navigational system includes a processor generating a search query and transmitting a search query signal corresponding to the search query. A display unit receives the search query signal and displays a search query prompt in response to the search query signal. A user interface allows a user to enter search data into the processor in response to the search query prompt. A GPS communicator is communicatively coupled to the processor. The GPS communicator receives vehicle location data from a global positioning satellite and generates a vehicle location signal. A wireless communication device is communicatively coupled to the processor and allows the processor to communicate with the remote database. The processor initiates a search of the remote database based on the search data entered by user in response to the search query prompt, and based on the vehicle location signal. The processor receives results from the database and communicates the results to display unit for display. | 10-22-2009 |
20090262239 | System and method for formatting and displaying video data - There is provided a system ( | 10-22-2009 |
20090247099 | Method and apparatus for dynamically adapting FM tuner sensitivity to a local environment for a single-tuner system - A method of operating a single-tuner radio includes tuning into a first frequency. A pause in a first signal associated with the first frequency is detected. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to a second frequency. A signal quality metric for the second frequency is measured. Tuning is switched from the second frequency to the first frequency. | 10-01-2009 |
20090195908 | Method and apparatus for vibration damping of a suspended media read/write head - A method of controlling a head for a recording medium includes determining that the head is in an inoperative state, and activating a damping arrangement in response to the determination that the head is inoperative. A movement of the head while the head is inoperative is sensed. The damping arrangement is used in response to the sensing step to exert a force upon the head to thereby damp the movement, a magnitude of the force being dependent upon a parameter of the movement. | 08-06-2009 |
20090195404 | Control lockout for an electronic apparatus - An electronic system including a user interface for transmitting an operational parameter control signal in response to manual manipulation of the user interface. A processor is coupled to the user interface and adjusts an operational parameter of the electronic system in response to receiving the operational parameter control signal. An actuatable device is actuated by a user. In response to the user actuation, the actuatable device prevents the processor from adjusting the operational parameter of the electronic system. | 08-06-2009 |
20080254761 | Radio frequency (RF) module - The disclosed embodiments relate to a radio frequency (RF) receiver module ( | 10-16-2008 |
20080234934 | Vehicle navigation playback mehtod - An automotive vehicle navigation method includes obtaining electronic textual navigation information and converting the textual navigation information into audio data. The audio data is stored within the vehicle and is played back within the vehicle in sequential increments that correspond to respective legs of a trip being made by the vehicle. | 09-25-2008 |