Detection of the presence of a convertible top using compass electronics

Abstract

A convertible top position sensing system uses rear view mirror mounted compass electronics to detect the position of a convertible top. The sensing system includes a measurement device for measuring a magnetic field intensity, and a filtering module for filtering an artificial magnetic field intensity from the measured magnetic field intensity. The artificial magnetic field intensity is produced by the convertible top. A processing module determines a convertible top position based on the artificial magnetic field intensity. Magnetic field variance information is used in filtering the artificial magnetic field intensity from the measured magnetic field intensity. The sensing system is used in a sound control system for a convertible top vehicle, where a body control module adjusts a radio output parameter such as volume or equalization based on the convertible top position. Using pre-existing compass electronics eliminates the need for additional top position switching components.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.