Author: claimsbot

1. A method of processing video data of a display device, comprising:
(a) comparing data of an ith frame (\u201ci\u201d is a natural number) and data of a (i+1)th frame to determine whether the data of the (i+1)th frame is a motion picture or a still image; and
(b) employing a different dithering method to display the video data on the display device depending upon the determination result of the motion picture or the still image,
wherein, in the dithering method, dithering is performed by selecting one of a plurality of dither mask patterns, which are disposed in the form of j (\u201cj\u201d is a natural number; horizontal)\xd7j (vertical), based on gray scale values of input data and a vertical sync signal, and by extracting a specific dither value from the selected dither mask pattern based on a horizontal sync signal and a pixel clock, and
wherein if it is determined that the data of the (i+1)th frame is a motion picture, dithering is performed using one or more j\xd7j\u22121 dither mask patterns in which one vertical line is removed from the j\xd7j dither mask patterns when a first dither mask pattern is applied in the (i+1)th frame.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein
wherein, when the (i+1)th frame is determined to be a motion picture, said dithering is further performed using the j\xd7j dither mask patterns when the remaining dither mask patterns except for the first dither mask pattern are applied.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:
controlling the pixel clock so that, in the (i+1)th frame, only the j\xd7j\u22121 patterns are employed in the first dither mask pattern.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein if it is determined that the data of the (i+1)th frame is the still image, the dithering is performed by using the j\xd7j dither mask patterns.
5. An apparatus for processing video data of a display device, comprising:
a motion detection circuit for comparing data of an ith frame (\u201ci\u201d is a natural number) and data of a (i+1)th frame to determine whether the data of the (i+1)th frame is a motion picture or a still image; and
a dithering circuit for employing a different dithering method depending upon the determination result of the motion picture or the still image, wherein:
the dithering circuit performs dithering by selecting one of a plurality of dither mask patterns, which are disposed in the form of j (\u201cj\u201d is a natural number; horizontal)\xd7j (vertical), based on gray scale values of input data and a vertical sync signal, and by extracting a specific dither value from the selected dither mask pattern based on a horizontal sync signal and a pixel clock, and
if it is determined that the data of the (i+1)th frame is a motion picture, the dithering circuit performs dithering using one or more j\xd7j\u22121 dither mask patterns in which one vertical line is removed from the j\xd7j dither mask patterns when a first dither mask pattern is applied in the (i+1)th frame.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5,
wherein, when the (i+1)th frame is determined to be a motion picture, the dithering circuit further performs dithering using the j\xd7j dither mask patterns when the remaining dither mask patterns except for the first dither mask pattern are applied.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dithering unit employs only the j\xd7j\u22121 dither mask patterns in the first dither mask pattern in the (i+1)th frame by controlling the pixel clock.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein if it is determined that the data of the (i+1)th frame is the still image, the dithering unit performs the dithering by using the j\xd7j dither mask patterns.
9. A method of processing video data of a display device, comprising:
comparing first and second frames to determine whether the second frame corresponds to a motion picture or a still image; and
performing a dithering method to display the video data on the display device, the dithering method performed being based on whether the second frame is a motion picture or still image, wherein if the second frame is a motion picture, dithering is performed using one or more dither mask patterns that have a fewer number of vertical lines than dither mask patterns used to perform dithering when the second frame is a still image.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein dithering is performed using one or more dither mask patterns that have one less vertical line than dither mask patterns used to perform dithering when the second frame is a still image.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said one or more dither mask patterns having fewer vertical lines is generated by not selecting one or more vertical lines of the dither mask patterns used to perform dithering when the second frame is a still image.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more vertical lines of the dither mask patterns that are not selected are controlled based on a pixel clock.
13. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said dithering includes:
applying a first one of the dither mask patterns having said fewer number of vertical lines to the second frame; and
applying subsequent dither mask patterns to the second frame that have a same number of vertical lines as dither mask patterns used to perform dithering when the second frame is a still image.
14. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:
combining dither mask patterns of the first and second frames when the second frame is determined to be a motion picture, said combination being perceived by a viewer different as patterns different from a stripe pattern.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said combination is perceived as a grating pattern.
16. An apparatus for processing video data of a display device, comprising:
a motion detection circuit to compare first and second frames to determine whether the second frame corresponds to a motion picture or a still image; and
a dithering circuit to perform a dithering method to display the video data on the display device, the dithering method performed being based on whether the second frame is a motion picture or still image, wherein if the second frame is a motion picture, dithering is performed using one or more dither mask patterns that have a fewer number of vertical lines than dither mask patterns used to perform dithering when the second frame is a still image.
17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein dithering is performed using one or more dither mask patterns that have one less vertical line than dither mask patterns used to perform dithering when the second frame is a still image.
18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said one or more dither mask patterns having fewer vertical lines is generated by not selecting one or more vertical lines of the dither mask patterns used to perform dithering when the second frame is a still image.
19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the one or more vertical lines of the dither mask patterns that are not selected are controlled based on a pixel clock.
20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said dithering circuit:
applies a first one of the dither mask patterns having said fewer number of vertical lines to the second frame; and
applies subsequent dither mask patterns to the second frame that have a same number of vertical lines as dither mask patterns used to perform dithering when the second frame is a still image.
21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, further comprising:
a circuit to combine dither mask patterns of the first and second frames when the second frame is determined to be a motion picture, said combination being perceived by a viewer different as patterns different from a stripe pattern.
22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said combination is perceived as a grating pattern.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A portable electronic device charger comprising:
a charger housing having a coupler portion adapted to engage a cigarette lighter source and having a body portion;
an electrical contact extending from the coupler portion and adapted to electrically engage said cigarette lighter power source; and
an electrical circuit intermediate between said power source and a portable electronic device, said circuit adapted to sense the input voltage of said source and prevent current flow to said portable electronic device when the input voltage is below a preselected threshold.
2. The charger of claim 1 further comprising an electrical subcircuit for metering current to said device at a preselected voltage.
3. The charger of claim 1 wherein the preselected voltage threshold is between 12 and 13.6 volts.
4. The charger of claim 1 further comprising an LED indicating said electrical contacts are in electrical engagement with said cigarette lighter power source.
5. The charger of claim 1 further comprising a manual switch in electrical contact with said electrical circuit, said switch in an off position adapted to prevent current flow to said device.
6. The charger of claim 4 further comprising a manual switch, said switch in an off position selectively deactivating said LED.
7. The charger of claim 1 further comprising an air purification system within said charger housing.
8. The charger of claim 1 wherein said charger housing is adapted for docking said device.
9. The charger of claim 1 further comprising an insulated electrical cable extending from said charger housing for coupling said device.
10. A portable electronic device charger comprising:
a charger housing having a coupler portion adapted to engage a cigarette lighter power source and having a body portion;
electrical contacts extending from said coupler portion and adapted to engage said cigarette lighter power source;
an LED within said charger housing indicating said electrical contacts are in electrical engagement with said cigarette lighter power source; and
a manual switch to selectively deactivate said LED.
11. The charger of claim 10 further comprising an air purification system.
12. The charger of claim 11 further comprising a control for selectively energizing both the charger and said air purification system, said controller in another position only activating one of said charger air purification system functions.
13. The charger of claim 11 wherein said air purification system comprises an ionization source.
14. A portable electronic device charger comprising:
a charger housing having a coupler portion, a body portion and a flexible portion therebetween;
an electrical contact extending from the coupler portion and adapted to electrically engage said cigarette lighter power source; and
a connector complementary to a portable electronic device in electrical contact between said power source and said device.
15. The charger of claim 14 further comprising an electrical circuit intermediate between said power source and a portable electronic device, said circuit adapted to sense the input voltage of said source and prevent current flow to said portable electronic device when the input voltage is below a preselected threshold.
16. The charger of claim 14 further comprising an electrical subcircuit for metering current to said device at a preselected voltage.
17. The charger of claim 14 further comprising an insulated electrical cable extending from said charger housing for coupling said device.
18. The charger of claim 14 wherein the flexible portion comprises a first ball joint fitting.
19. The charger of claim 18 further comprising a second ball joint fitting disjointed from the first ball joint fitting.
20. The charger of claim 18 further comprising a covering over the first ball joint fitting.
21. The charger of claim 14 wherein the flexible portion comprises a reticulated elastomeric tube member.
22. A process for charging a portable electronic device comprising the steps of:
electrically coupling a charger to a vehicle power supply;
coupling said charger to said device;
sensing a power supply voltage is greater than a preselected threshold; and
metering current from said power supply to said device by way of said charger.
23. The process of claim 22 further comprising the step of: activating an indicator LED upon said charger coupling said power supply.
24. The process of claim 23 wherein said indicator LED is manually activated.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising:
an exterior mirror assembly including a reflective element, a casing for said reflective element, including means defining a mounting surface and a cooperating member associated with said mounting surface;
a light module positioned in said assembly, said light module for projecting light from said assembly on an area in order to create a lighted security zone in the area; and
said light module including an enclosure, a light-transmitting opening in said enclosure, a light source supported in said enclosure for radiating light through said light-transmitting opening, and a cover for said light-transmitting opening, and a positioning member interacting with said cooperating member in order to orient said enclosure at a given orientation with respect to said mounting surface.
2. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, said enclosure including a reflective surface, said reflective surface directing at least a portion of light radiating from said light source through said light-transmitting opening.
3. The mirror assembly security system in claim 2, said reflective surface at least partially surrounding said light source in said enclosure.
4. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1 wherein said reflective surface directs light from said light source in a direction generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle.
5. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes a reflective member having a reflective surface, said reflective member having portions straddling said light source.
6. The mirror assembly security system in claim 5, wherein said enclosure includes first and second opposed side walls and first and second electrical contacts, said first contact disposed on said first side wall, said second contact disposed on said second side wall and said contacts supporting said light source and for electrically coupling said light source to the external power supply.
7. The mirror assembly security system in claim 6, said contacts extending through said enclosure for coupling to an external power supply.
8. The mirror assembly security system in claim 7, wherein said contacts are insert molded with said enclosure.
9. The mirror assembly security system in claim 7, wherein said contacts comprise brass stampings.
10. The mirror assembly security system in claim 7, wherein at least a portion of said contacts are integral with said first and second side walls.
11. The mirror assembly security system in claim 7, wherein said side walls are flexible and adapted to deflect to permit insertion of said light source between said side walls and are generally rigid when said cover is installed on said enclosure so that said light source is rigidly supported in said enclosure between portions of said contacts when said cover is installed.
12. The mirror assembly security system in claim 11, wherein said light source radiates light from a longitudinal extent, said longitudinal extent extending between said side walls.
13. The mirror assembly security system in claim 12, said reflective surface at least partially extending between said side walls, said reflective surface partially surrounding said light source to direct light radiating from said light source toward said light-transmitting opening.
14. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said cover is an optical lens.
15. The mirror assembly security system in claim 14, wherein said lens comprises a Fresnel lens.
16. The mirror assembly security system in claim 14, wherein said lens is selected from the group consisting of a diffusive optic lens, a diffractive optic lens, a refractive optic lens, a reflective optic lens, a holographic optic lens, a binary optic lens, a clear optic lens, and a sinusoidal optic lens.
17. The mirror assembly security system in claim 16, wherein said lens is a clear optic lens.
18. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, said enclosure having a central axis of orientation generally parallel to the direction of light transmitted from said light module and including a cylindrical wall extending around said axis of orientation.
19. The mirror assembly security system in claim 18, said light source having an elongated extent and emitting light radially from a portion of said elongated extent, said elongated extent extending between portions of said cylindrical wall.
20. The mirror assembly security system in claim 19, said enclosure including a reflective surface extending between said cylindrical wall, said reflective surface surrounding a portion of said light source so that light radiating from a rearward side of said light source is directed through said light-transmitting opening rearwardly of the vehicle.
21. The mirror assembly security system in claim 20, wherein said enclosure includes first and second contacts, said contacts disposed on opposed sides of said cylindrical wall to support said light source and adapted for electrically coupling said light source to an external power supply.
22. The mirror assembly security system in claim 21, wherein:
each of said contacts include a support arm and a connection arm, said connection arms extending through said enclosure and projecting outwardly from said enclosure for connecting to the external power supply; and
said light source includes frusto-conical contacts on opposed ends of said elongated extent, said contacts supported by said support arms of said contacts.
23. The mirror assembly security system in claim 20, wherein said reflective surface is supported on said inner surface of said enclosure.
24. The mirror assembly security system in claim 20, said housing of said exterior mirror assembly having a housing wall defining said mounting surface, said enclosure adapted for mounting in said housing wall.
25. The mirror assembly security system in claim 24, wherein said cover and cylindrical wall are adapted to mount said light module in said housing wall.
26. The mirror assembly security system in claim 2, wherein said reflective surface is aluminum.
27. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said module is a unitary assembly adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.
28. The mirror assembly security system in claim 27, wherein said cover is sealingly fixed to said enclosure.
29. The mirror assembly security system in claim 27, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure.
30. The mirror assembly security system in claim 27, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive.
31. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, including an adhesive vent patch covering said vent aperture to permit discharge of moisture from the enclosure but to block moisture from entering said enclosure.
32. The mirror assembly security system in claim 31, said vent patch comprising Gortex7 material.
33. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said module is positioned in said exterior mirror assembly housing for directing the light radiating through said light-transmitting opening of said module in a direction generally downwardly with respect to the vehicle.
34. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said light source is selected from the group of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connectable between a light source in said vehicle and said enclosure.
35. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said positioning member comprises a key structure and said cooperating member comprises a key way.
36. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, further comprising another exterior mirror assembly for mounting on an opposed side of the vehicle from said exterior mirror assembly, said another exterior mirror assembly including another reflective about another housing for said another reflective element including means defining another mounting surface and another cooperating member associated with said another mounting surface, said another exterior mirror assembly further including another said light module having another enclosure and another positioning member, a mating with said another cooperating member cooperating in order to orient said another enclosure at another given orientation with respect to said another mounting surface.
37. The mirror assembly security system in claim 36, wherein said given orientation and said another given orientation are in the range of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees apart.
38. The mirror assembly security system in claim 37, wherein said given orientation and said another given orientation are approximately 30 degrees apart.
39. A light module for positioning in an opening in an exterior mirror assembly of a vehicle, the exterior mirror assembly having a casing and a retaining structure located within said casing, said light module comprising:
enclosure having an enclosure wall defining an inner surface;
a pair of electrical contacts disposed on said inner surface of said enclosure wall, said contacts adapted for coupling to an external power supply;
a light-transmitting opening in said enclosure;
a cover extending over said light-transmitting opening for sealing said enclosure for transmitting light from a light source in said enclosure to an area adjacent the vehicle;
a light source supported by and coupled to said contacts in said enclosure, said light source radiating light toward said light-transmitting opening and through said cover;
said enclosure adapted for mounting in the opening of the exterior mirror housing; and
said enclosure wall and portions of said contacts on said enclosure wall are flexible and are adapted to deflect prior to installation of said cover to permit insertion of said light source between said enclosure wall, said cover adding rigidity to said enclosure wall when installed on said enclosure so that said light source is rigidly supported in said enclosure between said contacts when said cover is installed.
40. The light module according to claim 39, further comprising a light-directing surface provided in said enclosure for directing light from said light source toward said light-transmitting opening.
41. The light module according to claim 40, wherein said light-directing surface is vacuum-metalized on to a surface of a plastic member supported on said inner surface of said enclosure.
42. The light module according to claim 39, wherein said contacts are at least partially integrally molded with said enclosure wall.
43. The light module according to claim 39, said enclosure wall defines a dome-shaped body having opposed ends walls and a side wall extending between said end walls, portions of said contacts disposed on said end walls.
44. The light module according to claim 39, said light source including an elongated light-directing surface, said elongated light radiating surface extending substantially between said end walls of said enclosure.
45. The light module according to claim 44, said light-directing surface disposed on said side wall of said enclosure, said light directing surface extending substantially between said end walls for directing the light from said elongated light radiating surface toward said light-transmitting opening.
46. The light module in claim 39, wherein:
each of said contacts includes a support arm and a connection arm, said connection arms extending through said enclosure and projecting outwardly from said enclosure for coupling to an external power supply; and
said light source includes frusto-conical contacts on opposed ends of said elongated radiating surface, said contacts supported in said support arms of said contacts.
47. The light module in claim 46, wherein said support arms each include a receiving structure, said frusto-conical contacts extending in said receiving structure for support therein.
48. The light module in claim 39, wherein said enclosure and said cover define a unitary module which is adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.
49. The light module in claim 48, wherein said cover is welded to said enclosure, thereby sealing said enclosure.
50. The light module in claim 48, wherein said cover is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive, thereby sealing said enclosure.
51. The light module in claim 48, said enclosure including an vent aperture defining an airflow path through said enclosure in order to dissipate heat from said light source.
52. The light module in claim 51, said vent aperture including an adhesive vent patch covering said vent aperture to permit discharge of moisture from the enclosure but to block moisture from entering said enclosure.
53. The light module in claim 52, said vent patch comprising Gortex material.
54. The light module in claim 53, wherein said enclosure is made from a heat-resistant polymer.
55. The light module in claim 54, wherein said enclosure is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.
56. The light module in claim 54, wherein said enclosure is nylon.
57. The light module in claim 39, wherein said cover is polycarbonate.
58. The light module in claim 39, wherein said cover is an optical lens.
59. The light module in claim 58, wherein said lens is selected from the group consisting of a diffusive optic lens, a diffractive optic lens, a refractive optic lens, a reflective optic lens, a holographic optic lens, a binary optic lens, a clear optic lens, a Fresnel lens, a micro-Fresnel lens, and a sinusoidal optic lens.
60. The light module in claim 59, wherein said lens is a clear optic.
61. The light module in claim 58, wherein said light source is one of a vacuum or gas filled incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connectable between a light source in the vehicle and said enclosure.
62. A security light module for an exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle, the exterior mirror assembly including a mirror case and a reflective element supported in the mirror case, said security module comprising:
a housing defining an compartment, said housing having a unitary body including a side wall and a light emitting opening in communication with said compartment, said compartment defining a central axis;
a light source having an elongated radiating surface, said light source mounted in said compartment approximately on said central axis;
a reflective surface at least partially straddling said light source;
a cover sealing said compartment and adapted to transmit light from said light source, wherein at least one of said reflective surface and said cover direct light from said light source in a direction angled with respect to said central axis.
63. The security light module according to claim 62, wherein said housing includes an inner surface and a plastic member supported on said inner surface, said plastic member including a reflective surface.
64. The security light module according to claim 63, wherein said reflective surface is metalized onto said plastic member.
65. The security light module according to claim 64, wherein said reflective surface is vacuum metalized aluminum.
66. The security module in claim 62, wherein said reflective surface comprises a surface of a reflective member, said reflective member having a domed, saddle-shaped body with opposed wall portions, said opposed wall portions straddling said elongated light radiating surface of said light source.
67. The security module in claim 66, wherein said wall portions of said reflective member have unequal lengths, whereby said reflective member directs a greater amount of light rearwardly of the vehicle.
68. The security light module in claim 66, wherein said side wall includes first and second opposed end walls and a back wall extending between said end walls, a first lamp supporting electrical contact is supported on said first end wall, a second lamp supporting electrical contact is supported on said second end wall, said elongated light radiating surface extending between said opposed side walls.
69. The security light module in claim 68, said contacts extending along said end walls to support said light source adjacent said reflective member, whereby said wall portions of said reflective member are coextensive with said elongated light radiating surface of said light source.
70. The security light module according to claim 62, wherein said housing is adapted to be substantially moisture impervious.
71. The security light module in claim 70, wherein said cover is welded to said housing, thereby sealing said compartment.
72. The security light module in claim 70, wherein said cover is fixed to said housing with adhesive, thereby sealing said compartment.
73. The security light module in claim 62, said unitary body including a vent aperture defining an airflow path through said compartment in order to discharge moisture from said compartment.
74. The security light module in claim 73, including an adhesive vent patch to cover said vent aperture for discharging moisture from said compartment and for blocking moisture from entering said compartment.
75. The security light module in claim 74, said vent patch comprising Gortex7 material.
76. The security light module according to claim 64, wherein said housing includes a positioning member for cooperating with a structure in the exterior mirror assembly for orienting said light module in a correct installation orientation for the exterior mirror assembly.
77. The security light module according to claim 62 including fastenerless mounting means for removably mounting said housing in a mirror case.
78. A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising:
an exterior mirror assembly including a housing and a reflective element supported by said housing;
a light module positioned in said exterior mirror assembly, said light module for projecting light from said exterior mirror assembly on an area near the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area; and
said light module including an enclosure and a light source supported in said enclosure, said enclosure having a volume that is less than approximately 100 cubic centimeters, and said light module for illuminating an area with a light level in the range of approximately 10 lux to approximately 40 lux.
79. The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said volume of said enclosure is less than approximately 70 cubic centimeters.
80. The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said volume of said enclosure is less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.
81. The mirror assembly security system in claim 78, wherein said enclosure includes first and second opposed side walls and first and second electrical contacts, said first contact disposed on said first side wall, said second contact disposed on said second side wall and said contacts supporting said light source and for electrically coupling said light source to the external power supply.
82. The mirror assembly security system in claim 81, wherein said side walls are flexible and adapted to deflect to permit insertion of said light source between said side walls and are generally rigid when said cover is installed on said enclosure so that said light source is rigidly supported in said enclosure between portions of said contacts when said cover is installed.
83. A light module for positioning in an opening in an exterior mirror assembly of a vehicle, the exterior mirror assembly having a housing and a reflective element supported in the housing, the housing including an opening, said light module comprising:
enclosure defining a compartment having an inner surface;
a light-transmitting opening in said enclosure;
a cover extending over said light-transmitting opening for sealing said enclosure and for transmitting light from a light source in said enclosure to an area adjacent the vehicle, said cover including at least one non-planar optic surface for directing the light in a first direction from the module for illuminating an area adjacent a first side of the vehicle;
a light source supported in said enclosure, said light source radiating light toward said light-transmitting opening and through said cover;
said enclosure adapted for mounting in the opening of the exterior mirror housing; and
said cover adapted to be reorientated about the enclosure to redirect the light from the module in a second direction for illuminating an area adjacent a second side of the vehicle.
84. The light module in claim 83, said cover having a second non-planar surfaces for directing light from the light source in a direction angled with respect to said first direction.
85. The light module in claim 84, said direction angled with respect to said first direction including a lateral direction with respect to the vehicle.
86. The light module in claim 83, said enclosure including a reflective member, said reflective member surrounding a portion of said light source so that light radiating from said light source is directed from said module for illuminating an area generally rearwardly of the vehicle.
87. The light module in claim 86, said reflective member including a reflective surface for directing light from said light source and from said module for illuminating an area generally downwardly of the vehicle.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

What is claimed is:

1. A variable valve operating system for an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinder banks comprising:
a variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism that changes at least one of a valve lift and a working angle of each of engine valves arranged in each of the cylinder banks;
at least two variable valve timing control mechanisms provided for each of the cylinder banks, for changing a valve timing of each of the engine valves arranged in one bank of the cylinder banks and a valve timing of each of the engine valves arranged in the other bank independently of each other; and
a control unit configured to be electronically connected to the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism and the variable valve timing control mechanisms for responding a failure in one of the variable valve timing control mechanisms for failsafe purposes; the control unit comprising:
a first failsafe section capable of executing a first failsafe operating mode in which at least one of the valve lift and the working angle of each of engine valves is increasingly compensated for by the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism, when the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed.
2. The variable valve operating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the control unit further comprises:
a second failsafe section capable of executing a second failsafe operating mode in which a valve timing of an unfailed variable valve timing control mechanism of the variable valve timing control mechanisms is compensated for and brought closer to a valve timing of the failed variable valve timing control mechanism.
3. The variable valve operating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism comprises a high-speed-cam and low-speed-cam switching system equipped with a high-speed cam having a predetermined large valve-lift and working-angle characteristic and a low-speed cam having a predetermined small valve-lift and working-angle characteristic, for varying both of the valve lift and the working angle by switching from one of the high-speed cam and the low-speed cam to the other;
the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism initiates switching from the low-speed cam to the high-speed cam when the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed, and holds a high-speed cam operating mode when switching to the high-speed cam has already been made.
4. The variable valve operating system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:
a hydraulic pressure source, which is common to the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism and the variable valve timing control mechanisms, for hydraulically operating the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism and the variable valve timing control mechanisms; and
wherein the first and second failsafe operating modes are both executed under a condition where the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed and a pressure level of hydraulic pressure discharged from the hydraulic pressure source is greater than or equal to a first threshold value.
5. The variable valve operating system as claimed in claim 4, wherein:
the control unit further comprises:
a third failsafe section capable of executing a third failsafe operating mode in which hydraulic pressure supply to the unfailed variable valve timing control mechanism is inhibited under a condition where the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed and the pressure level of hydraulic pressure discharged from the hydraulic pressure source is less than the first threshold value and greater than or equal to a second threshold value.
6. The variable valve operating system as claimed in claim 5, wherein:
the control unit further comprises:
a fourth failsafe section capable of executing a fourth failsafe operating mode in which hydraulic pressure supply to the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism is inhibited and the unfailed variable valve timing control mechanism is adjusted to a maximum timing-retard position under a condition where the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed and the pressure level of hydraulic pressure discharged from the hydraulic pressure source is less than the second threshold value and greater than or equal to a third threshold value.
7. The variable valve operating system as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
the control unit further comprises:
a fifth failsafe section capable of executing a fifth failsafe operating mode in which hydraulic pressure supply to the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism and hydraulic pressure supply to the unfailed variable valve timing control mechanism are both inhibited under a condition where the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed and the pressure level of hydraulic pressure discharged from the hydraulic pressure source is less than the third threshold value.
8. A variable valve operating system for an internal combustion engine comprising:
a variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism that changes at least one of a valve lift and a working angle of each of engine valves;
at least two variable valve timing control mechanisms that change valve timings independently of each other; and
a control unit configured to be electronically connected to the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism and the variable valve timing control mechanisms for responding a failure in one of the variable valve timing control mechanisms for failsafe purposes; the control unit comprising:
a first failsafe section capable of executing a first failsafe operating mode in which at least one of the valve lift and the working angle of each of engine valves is increasingly compensated for by the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism, when the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed.
9. A variable valve operating system for an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinder banks comprising:
a variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism that changes at least one of a valve lift and a working angle of each of engine valves arranged in each of the cylinder banks;
at least two variable valve timing control mechanisms provided for each of the cylinder banks, for changing a valve timing of each of the engine valves arranged in one bank of the cylinder banks and a valve timing of each of the engine valves arranged in the other bank independently of each other; and
a control unit configured to be electronically connected to the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism and the variable valve timing control mechanisms for responding a failure in one of the variable valve timing control mechanisms for failsafe purposes; the control unit comprising:
malfunction detection means for determining whether one of the variable valve timing control mechanisms is failed; and
failsafe means for executing a failsafe operating mode in which at least one of the valve lift and the working angle of each of engine valves is increasingly compensated for by the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism, when the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed.
10. A method of executing failsafe functions for a variable valve operating system for a multi-bank internal combustion engine employing a variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism changing at least one of a valve lift and a working angle of each of engine valves arranged in each of cylinder banks, and at least two variable valve timing control mechanisms provided for each of the cylinder banks for changing a valve timing of each of the engine valves arranged in one bank of the cylinder banks and a valve timing of each of the engine valves arranged in the other bank independently of each other, the method comprising:
detecting whether one of the variable valve timing control mechanisms is failed; and
executing a first failsafe operating mode in which at least one of the valve lift and the working angle of each of engine valves is increasingly compensated for by the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism, when the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising:
detecting a first phase of a cam-angle sensor signal output associated with the failed variable valve timing control mechanism and a second phase of a cam-angle sensor signal output associated with an unfailed variable valve timing control mechanism of the variable valve timing control mechanisms;
determining that the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed when a phase difference between the first and second phases exceeds a predetermined reference value;
executing a second fail-safe operating mode in which a valve timing of the unfailed variable valve timing control mechanism is compensated for and brought closer to a valve timing of the failed variable valve timing control mechanism, when the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
hydraulically operating the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism and the variable valve timing control mechanisms by a common hydraulic pressure source, and wherein:
the first and second failsafe operating modes are both executed under a condition where the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed and a pressure level of hydraulic pressure discharged from the hydraulic pressure source is greater than or equal to a first threshold value.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising:
executing a third failsafe operating mode in which hydraulic pressure supply to the unfailed variable valve timing control mechanism is inhibited under a condition where the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed and the pressure level of hydraulic pressure discharged from the hydraulic pressure source is less than the first threshold value and greater than or equal to a second threshold value.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:
executing a fourth failsafe operating mode in which hydraulic pressure supply to the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism is inhibited and the unfailed variable valve timing control mechanism is adjusted to a maximum timing-retard position under a condition where the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed and the pressure level of hydraulic pressure discharged from the hydraulic pressure source is less than the second threshold value and greater than or equal to a third threshold value.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising:
executing a fifth failsafe operating mode in which hydraulic pressure supply to the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism and hydraulic pressure supply to the unfailed variable valve timing control mechanism are both inhibited under a condition where the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed and the pressure level of hydraulic pressure discharged from the hydraulic pressure source is less than the third threshold value.
16. A method of executing failsafe functions for a variable valve operating system for an internal combustion engine employing a variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism changing at least one of a valve lift and a working angle of each of engine valves, and at least two variable valve timing control mechanisms changing valve timings independently of each other, the method comprising:
detecting whether one of the variable valve timing control mechanisms is failed; and
executing a first failsafe operating mode in which at least one of the valve lift and the working angle of each of engine valves is increasingly compensated for by the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism, when the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed.