A method of using detection devices for hazard detection when activating a physical closure member of an automobile generates a combined output signal from a first-detection device having a first-operational range and a second-detection device having a second-operational range. The combined output signal is generated for activity detected within a full-operational range, wherein the full-operational range is a mathematical union of the first-operational range and the second-operational range. A cumulative safety threshold is determined for the physical closure member using processing circuitry. Hazard-related data within the combined output signal is analyzed using processing circuitry. If the hazard-related data exceeds the cumulative safety threshold, a current state of the physical closure member is changed. If the hazard-related data does not exceed the cumulative safety threshold, a current state of the physical closure member is maintained.

A drive circuit for driving an electro-optical device like an optically switchable glazing, e.g. a glass panel provided with a PDLC or SPD layer, comprises a set of input terminals for receiving an alternating input voltage at a first frequency; a set of output terminals for supplying an alternating output voltage at a second frequency; a control circuit generating a control signal dependent on an input signal, the input signal representing a charge state of the electro-optical device; and a current-direction circuit for controlling a current-flow direction of an electrical current in response to the control signal. The control circuit and the current-direction circuit are thereby configured to control the second frequency such that the electro-optical device is prevented from degradation, while keeping an energy consumption low.

A system and method of controlling components of a vehicle are disclosed. The method includes the steps of sensing a current position of a rear closure panel with a closure panel position sensor, sensing a speed of the vehicle with a speed sensor, and sensing a current environmental condition with an environmental precipitation sensor. The method also includes adjusting a degree of openness of at least one window as a result of the closure panel position sensor indicating that the rear closure panel is in an open position, the speed sensor indicating that a speed of the vehicle is greater than zero kilometers per hour (kph), and the current environmental condition that is indicated by the environmental precipitation sensor.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for use in a vehicle, comprising determining a distance of a predetermined gesture from a reference location within a vehicle, and initiating an operation responsive to the gesture, wherein a mode of the operation is determined based upon the distance of the gesture from the reference location.

An open roof assembly is configured for providing a closable roof opening in a vehicle roof. Thereto, the open roof assembly comprises a closure member that is moveably arranged for opening and closing the roof opening and a detection system for detecting an object in the roof opening. The detection system is configured to provide an entrapment signal if a foreign object is detected in the roof opening, when the closure member is moving and a collision may occur. The detection system is further configured to provide an operating signal, when an object is detected performing a predefined action. Based on the operating signal a control unit may execute an associated function.

An adjustment drive of a motor vehicle, in particular for an electromotively operated tailgate, having an adjustable part. A drive unit has a first drive train and a second drive train. Each drive train has a variable-length actuation part attached to the adjustable part. The actuation part is driven by an electric motor of the respective drive train. The first drive train has at least one sensor for detection of a position of a rotating part, and the second drive train has no more than one sensor for detection of a position of a rotating part. We also describe a drive unit of an adjustment drive of a motor vehicle.

A drive cable for actuating a vehicle element which is mobile relative to a vehicle structure, the drive cable having a plastic cable body which has a toothing extending in the axial direction to become engaged with a driving gear wheel and is penetrated by a continuous reinforcement which extends in the axial direction. The toothing is formed by pocket-like recesses which are regularly spaced in the axial direction and are limited by flanks of resulting tooth tips in the longitudinal direction of the cable and by pocket flanks on both sides in the transverse direction of the cable and each of which is limited at the bottom by a tooth root which is penetrated by the continuous reinforcement.

A method of controlling a vehicle includes receiving information related to a plurality of signs of different types installed on a road, determining whether each of the plurality of signs is related to an external temperature of the vehicle or an external wind speed of the vehicle, and calculating distance information between the plurality of the signs when all of the signs are related to the external wind speed of the vehicle.

A dual-opening panoramic sunroof may include front glass which slides forward and rearward by being connected with a front sled that is slidable forward and rearward along a mechanism rail, a rear glass which slides forward and rearward by being connected with a rear sled, a front timing plate which has a rear end rotatably coupled to the rear sled, and a front end formed with a front groove to accommodate a portion of the front sled, and selectively connects the front sled and the rear sled, a rear tilt lever which is disposed rearward of the mechanism rail, and a rear timing plate which has a rear end rotatably coupled to the rear tilt sled, and a front end formed with a rear groove formed to selectively accommodate a portion of the rear sled, and connects the rear sled and the rear tilt sled.

A drive cable for actuating a vehicle element movable relative to a vehicle body is provided, the drive cable having a cable body having a cable core around which a coil following a helical line is coiled, the coil serving to engage with a gear wheel, the cable body being provided with a cable sheath. The cable sheath is glued to the coil.