Method of controlling a sunroof of a parked vehicle
First Claim
1. A method of controlling a sunroof of a parked vehicle, comprising the steps of:
- determining a state of an accessory after a state of an engine changes from an on state to an off state;
initiating a timer when the state of said engine changes from the on state to the off state if said accessory is in an off state;
closing the sunroof after a period of time has elapsed if said engine and said accessory remain in off states;
sensing for precipitation throughout the period; and
closing the sunroof and sensing for motion within a passenger compartment upon sensing precipitation regardless of whether the period of time has elapsed, and foregoing the step of closing the sunroof if motion is sensed within the passenger compartment.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of controlling a sunroof of a parked vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of: monitoring a state of an engine; monitoring a state of the sunroof; monitoring a state of at least one accessory; initiating a timer when the state of the engine changes to an off state, the state of the sunroof is an open state, and the state of the at least one accessory is an off state; and closing the sunroof a period of time after initiation of the timer. The method may further include sensing for precipitation throughout the period of time, and closing the sunroof upon sensing precipitation regardless of whether the period of time has elapsed. The method may further include sensing for an occupant within the vehicle when the period of time has elapsed or when precipitation is sensed, and foregoing the step of closing the sunroof if an occupant is sensed.
17 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of controlling a sunroof of a parked vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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determining a state of an accessory after a state of an engine changes from an on state to an off state; initiating a timer when the state of said engine changes from the on state to the off state if said accessory is in an off state; closing the sunroof after a period of time has elapsed if said engine and said accessory remain in off states; sensing for precipitation throughout the period; and closing the sunroof and sensing for motion within a passenger compartment upon sensing precipitation regardless of whether the period of time has elapsed, and foregoing the step of closing the sunroof if motion is sensed within the passenger compartment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of controlling a sunroof of a parked vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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determining a state of an accessory after a state of an engine changes from an on state to an off state; initiating a timer when the state of said engine changes from the on state to the off state if said accessory is in an off state; sensing for precipitation; sensing a presence of an occupant within one or more seats of the vehicle within a passenger compartment; closing the sunroof after a period of time has elapsed if said engine and said accessory remain in off states, or closing the sunroof during the period of time upon sensing precipitation, and foregoing the step of closing the sunroof if motion is sensed within the passenger compartment. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A circuit for controlling a sunroof of a parked vehicle, comprising:
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a first control module for monitoring a state of an engine of the vehicle; a second control module for monitoring a state of at least one accessory; a timer, said timer initiating when the state of said engine changes from the on state to the off state if said accessory is in an off state; a precipitation sensor; an occupancy sensor; a third control module, responsive to said first and second control modules via a communication network, said timer, and said precipitation and occupancy sensors, for closing the sunroof and sensing for motion within a passenger compartment upon sensing precipitation regardless of whether the period of time has elapsed, and foregoing closing the sunroof if motion is sensed within the passenger compartment. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification