Patent Publication Number: US-2006006701-A1

Title: System and method for rain detection and automatic operation of power roof and power windows

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
      The present invention generally relates to automobiles having power windows and/or a power roof. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method which detects airborne moisture or particles which are likely to damage the interior of an automobile, and for operating an automobile&#39;s power roof and power windows accordingly.  
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
      Convertible automobiles have become increasingly popular in sunnier regions of the world. A convertible automobile is one which includes a roof (i.e., “convertible roof” or “power roof”) which may be opened or lowered to permit access to the cockpit of an automobile from above. The power roof may be operated (lowered, opened, etc.) to permit passing wind to blanket the automobile driver during vehicle operation, or in the case of “sun roofs” or “moon roofs”, the roof is opened to permit the driver to enjoy the sky overhead. When the convertible roof is lowered or opened, the driver may feel an increased cooling sensation caused by air passing the vehicle without the need to operate the automobile cockpit cooling system (e.g., air-conditioning, ventilation system, etc.). Additionally, the automobile driver may lower the convertible roof to enjoy the warming or tanning affects of the sun, or the pleasant scenery provided by the night sky.  
      In some instances, an automobile driver may decide to leave the roof of his convertible automobile in the lowered or open position when the automobile is not occupied. For example, the driver may wish to make a “quick” purchase from a convenience store, or a gas station, where raising the convertible roof is typically inconvenient, since the automobile driver is absent from the vehicle for only a short period. Raising the roof only to lower it a short time later costs the driver needed time. The driver may find it more convenient to leave the roof in its lowered position since the driver will only leave his automobile unattended for a short period of time.  
      At other times, the driver may simply decide that raising the convertible roof is not necessary since the convertible automobile is parked in a safe location. For example, the driver may leave the roof of his convertible automobile in the lowered position when the automobile is parked at the driver&#39;s home in the driver&#39;s driveway. As such, the driver may not see a need to raise the convertible roof when the driver is away from the automobile even for an extended period of time.  
      Occasionally, the weather may unexpectedly change when the automobile&#39;s convertible top is in the lowered or opened position. The weather may suddenly or unexpectedly change from sunny to inclement. This is especially problematic when the automobile is unattended. When the driver leaves his automobile unattended and the roof in the lowered position, the interior of the automobile is exposed to the affects of the inclement weather. The inclement weather may produce moisture, such as rain, sleet, hail, snow, airborne dust, dirt, or the like, which may progress through the lowered convertible roof and come to rest on the automobile interior. The erosive affects of the moisture may ordinarily damage the interior of the automobile. The interior may become water-spotted, mildewed, waterlogged, or uncomfortable to the touch. Additionally, the material comprising the interior may become unattractive, worn, bunched, or the like.  
      A similar situation occurs in automobiles which do not have a convertible roof, but which have windows that may be lowered or raised as desired. Where the automobile driver leaves the automobile unattended and the windows in the lowered position, the interior of the automobile may be affected by the sudden change in the weather as described above.  
      Consequently, a need exists for a system and method which detects airborne moisture or particles in proximity to a vehicle and accordingly raises (e.g., closes) a lowered or opened convertible roof or window to protect the automobile&#39;s interior space.  
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a system and method for protecting the interior of an unattended automobile from damaging affects of moisture or airborne particles which may come to rest on the interior due to the automobile having a lowered convertible roof or windows. In one aspect, the invention includes a moisture sensor for detecting moisture in or around the automobile. The sensor may be positioned on an exterior portion of the automobile or in the automobile cockpit. The sensor may be in communication with an apparatus for controlling the open or closing of the automobile window or convertible roof. The sensor may detect the presence of moisture coming to rest on the interior or exterior of the automobile and send a signal to the controlling apparatus. The controlling apparatus may then send a signal to a positioning motor for raising or closing the window or roof.  
      In another aspect, the invention includes a moisture timing apparatus for determining the time during which moisture is no longer contacting the automobile. The moisture timing apparatus may be preset to a specific time period for which moisture is no longer contacting the automobile. Once the time has elapsed, then the moisture timing apparatus may send a signal to the controlling apparatus for lowering the windows or the convertible roof to its previous lowered position.  
      In yet another aspect, the invention includes an object detection sensor for determining the presence of an obstruction in the area or pathway in which the window or roof would travel or come to rest in the raised position. The object detection sensor may be in communication with the controlling apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment, the object detection sensor may detect an object by detecting the resistance to the raising window or roof. Where an object is detected by the sensor, the raising of the window or convertible top may be halted or reversed. For example, the object detection sensor may be a rotation sensor in communication with the controlling apparatus. The rotation sensor may detect when the window or roof meets an object impeding the raising of the window, by, for example, noting the rotational position of the motor for raising the window or roof relative to the position the motor would be in if the window or roof were fully closed. The motor may be a subpart of the controlling apparatus. If the motor has not completed rotation to a predetermined rotational position, then the rotation sensor may send a signal to the controlling apparatus that an obstruction is impeding the raising of the window or roof, or the window or roof is not in the substantially raised position. The rotation sensor may then send a signal to the controlling apparatus for halting operation of the roof or window, or for returning the roof or window to its prior position.  
      In another exemplary embodiment, the object detection sensor may be a power sensor. The power sensor may detect when the motor controlling the window or roof is expending a predetermined amount of power such as when the window or roof is abutting against an obstruction, or when the window or roof is in the substantially raised or closed position. In either case, the motor may exert a predetermined amount of power which is detected by the power sensor, and the power sensor may provide a signal to the controlling apparatus for halting operation of the window or roof, or to return the window or roof to its prior position.  
      In yet another aspect, the invention includes an automobile cockpit occupant sensor for determining if a person is seated in the cockpit of the automobile. The occupant sensor may be a pressure sensor situated in a portion of an cockpit occupant seat. The occupant sensor positioned in the seat may detect the presence of an occupant by comparing the downward pressure exerted on the seat with the downward pressure measured when the seat is unoccupied. Where an occupant is seated in the automobile cockpit, the occupant sensor may send a signal to the controlling apparatus to stop operation of the controlling apparatus thereby leaving the windows or roof in its then present position. Alternatively, the occupant sensor may be a motion sensor which detects movement within the cockpit. Where movement is detected, the occupant sensor may likewise send a signal to the controlling apparatus to stop operation of the controlling apparatus thereby leaving the windows or roof in its then present position.  
      In still another aspect, the invention includes an occupant timing apparatus for determining the time during which no movement is detected in the automobile. The occupant timing apparatus may work in conjunction with and be in communication with the occupant sensor apparatus to ensure that the object detected in the cockpit of the automobile is not inanimate. That is, where the occupant sensor determines when an occupant is present in the automobile cockpit, the occupant timing apparatus assists in determining whether the occupant is capable of manually operating the windows or the convertible roof. If an object detected by the occupant detection sensor does not raise the windows or doors in a preset period of time, the occupant timing apparatus may send a signal to the controlling apparatus for raising the windows or roof. The occupant timing apparatus may be preset to a specific time period for which the moisture is and for which the windows and roof have not been activated. If the windows and roof are not activated after a predetermined period of time, the occupant timing apparatus may provide a signal to the controlling apparatus to raise the convertible roof or windows.  
      In yet another exemplary embodiment, the invention may include a motion timer in communication with the motion sensor. The motion timer may be useful for determining the lapse of time between a first detection of motion by the motion sensor to a second detection of motion by the motion sensor. If the lapse in time equals a predetermined time period, then the motion sensor may send a signal to the controlling apparatus to raise the windows or roof to protect the vehicle interior. Alternatively, if the time period between the first detection and the second detection is less than the predetermined period, then the motion sensor may send a signal to the controlling apparatus for disabling controlling apparatus operation.  
      In yet another aspect, the invention includes a particle sensor for detecting the presence of solid material which may be airborne, and which is likely to come in contact with the automobile cockpit. The sensor may detect the solid material and send a signal to the controlling apparatus for raising the windows or the convertible roof to a raised position.  
      In still another embodiment, the invention may include a particle or moisture timer for determining the time period during which no moisture or particles are detected by the moisture sensor or particle sensor. The particle or moisture timer may be in communication with the controlling apparatus for sending a signal to lower the windows or roof to the lowered position. The particle or moisture timer may only be initiated once the particle sensor or moisture sensor detects the presence of moisture or particles which may damage the vehicle interior. Alternatively, the particle or moisture timer may be initiated after the controlling apparatus raises the windows or roof to the raised position. Further still, the particle or moisture timer may be initiated once the moisture sensor or particle sensor no longer detects the presence of moisture or particles which may damage the vehicle interior. If a predetermined period of time lapses as determined by the particle or moisture timer, then the particle or moisture timer may send a signal to the controlling apparatus for lowering the windows or roof to its prior lowered state. That is, the particle or moisture timer may be useful for determining that the moisture or airborne particles no longer are present.  
      In the manner described above, the present invention provides a system for protecting the interior of a vehicle from the affects of damaging moisture or particles, which is not found in the prior art. The system may be automatic in that it requires little or no outside intervention to initiate operation.  
      Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the present exemplary embodiments and from the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
      A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, where like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the Figures, and:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an automobile having a convertible roof in the lowered position;  
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an automobile having a convertible roof in the raised position;  
       FIG. 3  is an exemplary embodiment of a roof control system and a windows control system which may be used with the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an automobile with the windows in the lowered position;  
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an automobile with the windows in the raised position;  
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary airborne moisture/particle detection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary flowchart illustrating the general operation of an exemplary airborne moisture/particle detection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary flowchart illustrating the operation of an exemplary airborne moisture/particle detection system including a motion sensor or timer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 9  depicts an exemplary flowchart illustrating the operation of an exemplary airborne moisture/particle detection system including a pressure sensor timer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 10  depicts an exemplary flowchart illustrating the general operation of an exemplary airborne moisture/particle detection system including a motion sensor, a pressure sensor and a timer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 11  depicts an exemplary flowchart illustrating the operation of an exemplary airborne moisture/particle detection system including an obstruction detection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a system and method for protecting the interior of an unattended vehicle from damaging elements which may come in contact with the interior when the vehicle is left with its windows or convertible roof in a open or lowered position. The invention provides for operation of an automobile power roof and power windows without intervention of the vehicle owner. The invention detects the presence of damaging elements such as moisture (e.g., humidity, rain, water, etc.) or particles (e.g., smoke, dust, dirt, etc.) which may come to rest on the vehicle&#39;s interior when the vehicle owner leaves the vehicle unattended and the roof or windows in a lowered or open position, and raises or closes the windows to a raised or substantially raised position to prevent the damaging particles or moisture from contacting the vehicle interior.  
      The present invention may be described herein in terms of functional block components, optional selections and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform to specified functions. For example, the present invention may employ various integrated circuit components (e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like), which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software elements of the present invention, where included, may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, COBOL, assembler, PERL, or the like, with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data processing, network control, and the like.  
      As noted, the invention provides a system and method for operation of a vehicle&#39;s automatic convertible roof and windows when a vehicle is unattended, to protect the vehicle cockpit from coming in contact with moisture or particles which may damage the interior. The system raises the windows or roof to a “raised position” or “closed position” when damaging elements such as moisture or particles are detected coming to rest in or on the vehicle. Additionally, the system may lower or open the windows or roof to a lowered position when the moisture or particles are no longer detected coming to rest on the vehicle.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary vehicle  100  including automatic convertible roof  104  (e.g., power roof), which may be found in the prior art. The vehicle  100  may include a windshield for shielding the vehicle operator from passing wind and debris when the vehicle  100  is operated, a cockpit  106 , wherein a vehicle operator or vehicle occupants (not shown) may be seated during vehicle  100  operation. The cockpit  106  may be any conventional vehicle cockpit including a steering wheel  116  for controlling the directional movement of the vehicle  100 , seats  118  upon which vehicle  100  occupants may be seated, and a vehicle dashboard (not shown) for providing status condition indicators (e.g., speed, revolutions per minute, oil pressure, engine temperature, or the like). Such cockpits are well known and as such, the cockpit  106  is not described herein in detail.  
      The vehicle  100  may be any vehicle found in the art which includes a convertible power roof, “sun roof” or “moon roof”. In this context, an “automatic” convertible roof (or “power roof”) is one that may be raised, opened, lowered or closed substantially without assistance from the vehicle owner. As shown in  FIG. 1 , roof  104  is depicted in a substantially lowered (e.g., open) position. When in the lowered position, the roof  104  may be collapsed on or in a rear portion  120  of the vehicle  100 . Where the roof  104  collapses in the vehicle rear portion  120 , the roof  104  may be stored in a storage compartment (not shown). As such, it should be noted that although the present invention is described with respect to a convertible roof, the invention is not so limited.  
       FIG. 2  depicts the vehicle  100  with convertible roof  104  in a substantially raised (e.g., closed) position. In accordance with the invention, the roof  104  may translate from a lowered position (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to a raised position (shown in  FIG. 2 ) by translation. Translation of the roof  104  from the lowered position to the raised position may take place along a generally horizontal path, an arcuate path, or by rotation and pivoting. The roof  104  may translate from the raised position to the lowered position in similar manner as when the roof  104  is raised. Moreover, the roof  104  can be constructed so that opening (e.g. lowering) and closing (e.g., raising) take place solely by substantially horizontal translation of the roof, such as in conventional sun roofs or moon roofs.  
      When the roof  104  is in the raised position, the cockpit  106  of the vehicle  100  is provided an overhead shield against any object attempting to gain access to the cockpit  106  from above. For example, the closed roof  104  may be positioned such that the cockpit  106  is substantially enclosed, making the cockpit  106  substantially protected from rain, sleet, hail, or other moisture which may otherwise come to rest on the vehicle  100  interior (e.g., seats  118 , steering wheel  116 , dashboard, etc.).  
       FIG. 3  depicts elementary elements of an exemplary roof control system  300  for controlling operation of the convertible roof  104 , and an exemplary windows control system  350  for controlling the operation of power windows  108 , which may be used with the present invention. Roof control system  300  and windows control system  350  may be connected to a detection system  500 , described with respect to  FIG. 6 .  
      In accordance with the invention, the convertible roof  104  is designed for operation (i.e., to be raised, lowered, opened or closed) by means of an electric motor  302 . The electric motor  302  may be in communication with a roof signal processor  304  via switches S 1  and S 2 . The roof signal processor  304  may provide the motor  302  with operating signals for initiating the raising or lowering of roof  104 . The roof signal processor  304  may be in communication with one or more activation buttons  306 , which may provide the roof signal processor  304  with a signal for use by the processor  304  in determining whether the roof operator would like the roof  104  opened or closed. The motor  302  may be in communication with a comparator  310  for determining if the motor  302  is to continue to operate, for example, when the roof  104  is not in its desired raised or lowered position, or for determining that the operation of the motor  302  should be terminated, for example, when the roof  104  is in its desired position.  
      Motor  302  may be any motor capable of bidirectional rotation. That is, the motor may be able to operate in a forward and reverse direction so as to facilitate the raising or lowering of the power roof  104 .  
      The motor  302  may be connected to a device  312  for detecting the rotational position of the motor  302 . The device  312  may, for example, be a potentiometer  312  configured to detect the rotational movement of motor  302 . Potentiometer  312  may be in communication with the window signal processor  304  for providing the window signal processor  304  with a signal indicating whether the motor has traversed the desired angular rotation sufficient for substantially raising or lowering the power roof  104  to its desired position.  
      Convertible roofs (sometimes called “power roofs” herein) may be controlled by a number of activation keys, (not shown) depending on the configuration of the roof. For example, roofs which open and close horizontally may be typically controlled by only two keys. One of these keys may function to open the roof while the other key may function to close the roof. The keys may operate a control element which can be linearly or angularly displaced between an inoperative position and two operative positions, namely, an operative position in which the roof is caused to open and an operative position in which the roof is caused to close.  
      Convertible roofs which can open and close both horizontally and rotationally are typically controlled by either four keys or two keys. If four keys are employed, two serve to respectively open and close the roof horizontally and two serve to respectively open and close the roof rotationally. On the other hand, when two keys are used, the function of each key depends upon the position of the roof, that is, whether the roof is closed, horizontally open or rotationally open. When the roof is closed, one of the keys functions to open the roof horizontally and one of the keys functions to open the roof rotationally. On the other hand, if the roof is open horizontally, either partially or fully, such as with a power “sun roof” or “moon roof,” the key used for horizontal opening retains this function while the other key now becomes operative to close the roof horizontally. The two keys keep these functions until the roof is closed. Finally, when the roof is partially or fully open rotationally, the key serving for rotational opening retains this function whereas the other key operates for rotational closing of the roof. Again, the keys retain such functions until the roof is closed. Thus, the function of one key is changed upon opening the roof and also upon closing the roof. Upon opening, the key other than that which was used to open the roof undergoes a change in function whereas, upon closing, the key which closed the roof undergoes a change in function.  
      The activating keys may be in communication with manual buttons  306 , which may be depressed by the vehicle operator when the operator desires to raise or lower the roof  104 . The button  306  may be any suitable button for sending operating signals to the aforementioned activation keys.  
      During operation of the convertible roof control system  300 , a vehicle operator may depress button  306 , which is connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery  308 . When the button  306  is depressed, at least one configuration of the keys may send a signal to the window signal processor  304  for operating the power roof  104 . For example, where the button  306  is the “raise roof button”, the processor  304  may send a raise roof signal to the motor  302 . The raise roof signal may be in the form of a current I SRR  which may be sent to switch S 1 . Switch S 1  may thereby close, causing the raise roof signal to be provided to the motor  302 . The motor  302  may then rotate causing the roof  104  to translate from a substantially open position to a substantially closed position. By way of example, the motor may rotate clockwise to raise the roof  104  to a substantially closed position.  
      Alternatively, where the button  306  is the “lower roof button”, the processor  304  may send a lower roof signal to the motor  302 . The lower roof signal may be in the form of a current I SLR  which may be sent to switch S 2 . Switch S 2  may thereby close, causing the lower roof signal to be provided to the motor  302 . The motor  302  may then rotate in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) thereby causing the roof  104  to translate from a substantially open or raised position to a substantially closed or lowered position.  
      Whether the roof  104  is to be lowered, opened, raised or closed, various resulting conditions of the motor  302  may be measured by a measuring apparatus for determining if the roof  104  is in the desired position. For example, the angular rotation of the motor  302  may be measured to determine if the desired position has been reached. Particularly, the system  300  may measure the angular distance traveled by the motor  302  and compare the distance traveled to the angular distance required for the motor  302  to reach the desired final position of the roof  104 . For example, the system  300  may include a potentiometer  312  which reports the distance traveled by the roof  104  to the window signal processor  304 . The potentiometer  312  may record the distance traveled and provide a reduced signal to the signal processor  304 . The signal processor  304  may receive the signal and determine if the signal is representative of the angular position required for the roof  104  to be substantially raised or substantially lowered as desired. If the angular position of the motor  302  is in the desired position, then the processor  304  may send a signal to the corresponding switch S 1  or S 2  to open, thereby prohibiting any signal being provided to the motor  302 , and the motor  302  ceases operation (e.g., rotation). Suitable automatic automotive convertible or power roof systems which may be used with the invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,288,511, issued Sep. 11, 2001, to Porter, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,544, issued May 11, 1993, to Benedetto, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,819, issued Apr. 6, 2004, to Weiss-mueller, U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,050, issued Sep. 10, 2002, to Plassmeyer, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,485 B2 issued Sep. 30, 2003, to Tamura, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,729 B2 issued Nov. 11, 2003, to Sakai, et al., incorporated herein by reference.  
      Regarding the windows control system  350 , the power windows  108  are also designed for operation (i.e., to be raised, lowered, opened or closed) by means of an electric motor  356 . The electric motor  356  may be in communication with a window signal processor  352  via switches S 3  and S 4 . The window signal processor  352  may provide the motor  356  with operating signals for initiating the raising or lowering of windows  108 . The window signal processor  352  may be in communication with one or more activation buttons  360 , which may provide the window signal processor  352  with a signal for use by the processor  352  in determining whether the windows operator would like the windows  108  opened or closed. The motor  356  may be in communication with a comparator  354  for determining if the motor  356  is to continue to operate, for example, when the windows  108  are not in the desired raised or lowered position, or for determining that the operation of the motor  356  should be terminated, for example, when the windows  108  are in the desired position.  
      Motor  356  may be of similar description as motor  302 , namely motor  356  may be any motor capable of bidirectional rotation. That is, the motor may be able to operate in a forward and reverse direction so as to facilitate the raising or lowering of the power windows  108 . The motor  356  may additionally be connected to a device  358  for detecting the rotational position of the motor  356 . For example, the device  312  may be of similar description and operation as device  312 . For example, device  358  may be a potentiometer  358  configured to detect the rotational movement of motor  356 . Potentiometer  312  may be in communication with the window signal processor  352  for providing the window signal processor  352  with a signal indicating whether the motor  356  has traversed the desired angular rotation sufficient for substantially raising or lowering the power windows  108  to the desired position.  
      The windows control system  350  may also include activating keys (not shown) in communication with one or more manual buttons  360 , which may be depressed by the vehicle operator when the operator desires to raise or lower the windows  108 . The button  360  may be any suitable button for sending operating signals to the aforementioned activation keys.  
      During operation of the power windows control system  350 , a vehicle operator may depress button  360 , which may be connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery  308 . When the button  360  is depressed, at least one configuration of the keys may send a signal to the window signal processor  352  for operating the power windows  108 . For example, where the button  360  is the “raise window button”, the processor  352  may send a raise roof signal to the motor  356 . The raise roof signal may be in the form of a current I SRW  which may be sent to switch S 3 . Switch S 3  may thereby close, causing the raise window signal to be provided to the motor  356 . The motor  356  may then rotate causing the windows  108  to translate from a substantially open position to a substantially closed position. By way of example, the motor may rotate clockwise to raise the windows  108  to a substantially closed position. Suitable systems for controlling an automatic automotive power window that may be used with the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,348, issued Feb. 29, 2000, to Fehr et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,794, issued May 9, 2000, to Takagi, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,250, issued Aug. 21, 2001, to Sasaki, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,647, issued Aug. 28, 2001, to Sasaki, incorporated herein by reference.  
      In this context, a “lowered” or “open” windows  108  may be partially or fully recessed within a vehicle door  112  and/or side panel  114 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Windows  108  may be considered “raised” or “closed” if the windows  108  are substantially raised from its recessed position in-side doors  112  or side panel  114 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , windows  108  may be considered closed if the windows  108  would form a substantially closed enclosure when the roof  104  is raised or closed.  
      Alternatively, where the button  360  is the “lower windows button”, the processor  352  may send a lower windows signal to the motor  356 . The lower window signal may be in the form of a current I SLW  which may be sent to switch S 4 . Switch S 4  may thereby close, causing the lower window signal to be provided to the motor  356 . The motor  356  may then rotate in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) thereby causing the windows  108  to translate from a substantially open or raised position to a substantially closed or lowered position.  
      In similar manner as is discussed with respect to roof  104 , whether the windows  108  are to be lowered or raised, various resulting conditions of the motor  356  may be measured by a measuring apparatus for determining if the windows  108  are in the desired position. For example, the angular rotation of the motor  356  may be measured to determine if the desired position has been reached. Particularly, the system  350  may measure the angular distance traveled by the motor  356  and compare the distance traveled to the angular distance required for the motor  356  to reach the desired final position of the windows  108 . For example, the system  350  may include a potentiometer  358  (or a servo-comparator or the like) which reports the distance traveled by the windows  108  to the window signal processor  352 . The potentiometer  358  may record the distance traveled and provide a related signal to the signal processor  352 . The signal processor  352  may receive the signal and determine if the signal is representative of the angular position required for the windows  108  to be substantially raised or substantially lowered as desired. If the angular position of the motor  356  is in the desired position, then the processor  352  may send a signal to the corresponding switch S 3  or S 4  to open, thereby prohibiting any signal being provided to the motor  356 , and the motor  356  ceases operation (e.g., rotation).  
      It is known that all roofs and windows exhibit the drawback that they will remain open if the occupant forgets to close the roof or windows when leaving the vehicle. This in turn means that the interior of the vehicle is left vulnerable to moisture or airborne particles entering through the opening. This drawback cannot be eliminated for manually operated roofs or windows. On the other hand, such drawbacks may be overcome for convertible roofs or power windows. For example, a suitable system for overcoming the drawback may be used with power windows or roofs of the type where each closing or opening operation is controlled by a separate key. In one example, convertible roofs of the type where horizontal opening is controlled by a first key, horizontal closing by a second key and, if the roof opens rotationally, where rotational opening is controlled by a third key and rotational closing by a fourth key. Reference may be had, for example, to the Japanese publication JP-A-60 71 330, dated Apr. 23, 1985.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates components of an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary damaging element detection system  500  in accordance with the invention. The system  500  includes various sensors ( 508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 ,  534 ) configured to provide distinct signals to a processor  514 . Operation of this exemplary embodiment of the invention may begin with the operation of damaging element detection sensor  534 . Sensor  534  may be a humidity or moisture sensor for determining an accumulation of moisture. The sensor  534  may be positioned at any location on the surface of the automobile. Preferably the sensor is located to detect moisture contacting an upper surface of the automobile. For example, with reference to the automobile  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , the sensor  534  may be located on the automobile windshield  102 . In this location, the sensor  534  may be positioned to detect moisture coming to rest on the windshield  102 . Alternatively, the sensor  534  may be located in the automobile cockpit  106 , at any location. The sensor  534  may be located on the automobile dashboard  112 , seat  118 , door  116 , or any similar location on which moisture may come to rest. The sensor  534  may be mounted using any suitable attachment method as is known in the art. A suitable moisture sensor for use with the invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,501, issued Aug. 13, 2002, to Pientka, U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,995, issued Jun. 3, 2003, to Beutner, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,373,263, issued Apr. 16, 2002, to Netzer, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,378, issued Apr. 9, 2002, to Lamm, et al., incorporated herein by reference. Suitable attachment methods for attaching the sensor  534  to the automobile  100  are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,664, issued Feb. 11, 2003, to Lynam, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,484, issued Jun. 24, 2003, to Schuler, incorporated herein by reference.  
      It should be noted that damaging element sensor  534  may be a particle sensor for detecting amount of particles such as smoke particles, dirt particles, or dust particles in an environment in order to determine the criticality level of the particle density, and providing a signal to the processor  514  for similar processing as is described herein with the moisture sensor. The higher the particle density, the more likely it is that the particle will damage the interior of an unattended vehicle having its windows or roof in an open position. The particle sensor may be designed to include a photo-detector which provides an output voltage proportional to the amount of the particles carried on the air being monitored. A light emitter may be utilized in association with the photo-detector to project a light beam into a detection chamber for giving the scattered light due to the presence of the particles in the chamber. The scattered light may be collected by the photo-detector which, in turn, provides the output voltage indicative of the amount of the particles present in the chamber. A gain of the output voltage is then processed in order to satisfy a predetermined or regulation relationship between the output voltage and a particle density. Further, in order to cancel a background noise, i.e., a background voltage such as resulting from a stray light received by the photosensor, a suitable offset voltage reflecting the background voltage is combined with the output voltage to give a sensor output truly indicative of the amount or density of the particles. The gain control and the offset voltage are each realized by a mechanical variable resistor.  
      As such, although the damaging element detection sensor  534  is described with respect to a moisture sensor  534 , it is contemplated that the invention may be adapted to include a particle sensor, which may be attached using any suitable conventional means at any location in the cockpit  106  to detect particulates which may damage the vehicle interior. Suitable particle sensors which may be used with the invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,611 B2 issued Aug. 26, 2003 to Oka, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,875 issued Mar. 24, 1998 to Chandler, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,479,825 B1 issued Nov. 12, 2002, to Weiss, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,494 issued Jul. 18, 2000 to Kreikebaum, incorporated herein by reference.  
      With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted including a moisture sensor, if sensor  534  detects the presence of moisture, the embodiment  500  may initiate operations to raise or close the windows  108  or roof  104 . The embodiment  500  may utilize various sensors to ensure safe operation of the windows  108  or roof  104 . For example, the sensors may determine if an occupant is in the vehicle  102  or in the path traveled by the roof  104  or windows  108 . Signals received from the sensors may be received by a detection system control device  516 . System  516  may provide a signal to roof control system  300  or windows control system  350  for controlling operation of the roof  104  or windows  108 , respectively.  
      System  516  may include a processor  514  for processing the signals. System  516  may include a database  520  which may store predetermined signal values to which processor  514  may compare signal values received from sensors  508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 ,  534  as described more fully below. The processor  514  may receive indicators or signals from moisture sensor  534 , for example, for determining if the requisite amount of dirt or moisture has contacted the surface of the automobile  100  to initiate raising or lowering of the windows  108  or roof  104 . The moisture signal received from moisture sensor  534  may be compared to predetermined moisture value stored in database  520 . In that regard, the database  520  may store, for example, a predetermined moisture sensor detection value, a predetermined pressure sensor detection value, a predetermined rotational sensor pressure value, a predetermined power sensor detection value, or the like, which may be compared to correlative values received from sensors  508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 , and  534 . The database  520  may also store data indicative of various predetermined time periods which may be used to validate the signals received from the sensors  508 ,  510 ,  120 ,  524 , and  534 , or to check whether the conditions which initiate the operation of the system  500  are still occurring. The predetermined amounts may be determined by the automobile manufacturer or the owner. The predetermined amount may be populated into the database  520  using any conventional method for loading or storing data into a database.  
      The processor  514  may compare the values to determine whether to initiate or cease operation of the windows  108  or roof  104 . The comparison may be done using any method for evaluating a first signal in view of a second signal. The method may depend on the quantity, quality, value or other characteristic of a portion of the signals compared. For information on automobile processor systems for use in controlling various automobile components, please refer to U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,726 issued Sep. 7, 1982, to Igarashi, et al., incorporated by reference.  
      In one exemplary embodiment, the invention may include sensors  510 ,  512  for detecting the presence of an occupant in the cockpit  106 . In one instance, sensor  512  may be a pressure sensor located in the automobile seat  118  for detecting the downward pressure (e.g., force) exerted by an occupant seated in the seat  118 . Sensor  510  sends a signal to processor  514  which is indicative of the amount of pressure being exerted on the seat  114 . The pressure signal is received by the processor  514  which compares the pressure signal to a predetermined pressure signal value stored in database  520 . If the signal received is greater than the predetermined pressure signal, the processor  514  may send a “cease operation” signal to the roof motor  302  in roof control system  300 . Suitable pressure sensors for use with the invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,818, issued Feb. 24, 2004, to Chikuan, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,658,940, issued Dec. 9, 2003, to Burczyk, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,640, issued Nov. 4, 2003, to Scholz, et al., incorporated herein by reference.  
      The system  500  may include a motion sensor  512  for detecting any motion generated by an occupant in the cockpit  106 . The motion sensor  512  may be located on any surface permitting the sensor  512  to detect movement in the cockpit  106 . For example, the motion sensor  512  may be located in the automobile dashboard  112 , or near the automobile floor  118 , door  116 , or the cockpit side of the windshield  102 .  
      The motion sensor  512  may detect motion with the cockpit  106  and translate the detected motion into a related motion detected signal. The motion sensor  512  may provide the motion detected signal to the processor  514 . The processor  514  may receive the motion detected signal and send a cease operation signal to the roof control motor  302  or the windows control motor  356 . If no motion is detected, the motion sensor  512  may provide no signal to the processor  514 , or may send a “no motion detected” signal to the processor  514 . A suitable motion sensor for use with the invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,583,725, issued Jun. 24, 2003, to Fehrenkamp, U.S. Pat. No. 6,434,451, issued Aug. 13, 2002, to Lohberg, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,780, issued Dec. 7, 1999, to Kramer, incorporated herein by reference.  
      In some instances, the automobile operator may leave an obstruction in the path traveled by the raising roof  104 . The obstruction may prevent the roof  104  or windows  108  from closing or being completely raised. As such, the invention may include sensors  508 ,  524  for determining if an obstruction is present which prevents the roof  104  or windows  108  from completely closing. The roof  104  or windows  108  may abut the obstruction and the rotation of motor  356  may be halted or slowed. Thus, the invention may include a rotation sensor  508  for detecting the slowing or halting rotation of the motor  356  which indicates the presence of the obstruction. For example, when an obstruction is abutted or the roof  104  or windows  108  are in the closed position, the sensor  508  may detect that the motor  356  has ceased rotation. The sensor  508  may then send a “rotation ceased” signal to the processor  514 . The processor  514  may then send a signal to motor  302  or  354  to cease operation of those motors. A suitable rotation sensor for use with the invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,734, issued Apr. 27, 2004, to Toratani, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,019, issued Dec. 10, 2002, to Apel, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,815, issued Dec. 11, 2001, to Yamazaki, et al., incorporated herein by reference.  
      The invention may alternatively include a power sensor  524  for detecting the increased power which may be expended by the motor  306 ,  354  when the roof  104  or windows  108  abuts an obstruction or when the roof  104  or windows  108  is substantially closed, as described more fully below. When the power expended by the motor  302 ,  356  is increased, the sensor  524  may send a signal to the processor  514  for halting operation of the motor  302 ,  356 . The signal provided by sensor  524  may be representative of the amount or value of the power expended by motor  306 ,  354 . It is known that the motor  302 ,  356  ordinarily will increase the power expended when the roof  104  or windows  108  are substantially closed. A similar power expenditure would occur when the windows  108  or roof  104  abuts an obstruction. As such, when the obstruction is abutted, the sensor  524  may report the increase in power to the processor  514 . The processor  514  may compare the reported power value with a predetermined power value stored in database  520 . If the reported power value exceeds or meets a predetermined relationship with the predetermined value, the processor may send a “cease operation” signal to motor  302 ,  356 . A suitable power sensor for use with the invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,587,211, issued Jul. 1, 2003, to Gelbart, U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,976, issued Oct. 16, 2001, to Gaitan, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,486, issued Oct. 26, 1999, to Van Auken, incorporated herein by reference.  
      The controlling apparatus  516  may also include a timer  518  in communication with the processor  504 . The timer  518  may be any conventional timer suitable for tracking, for example, the period of time from a first time t 1  to a second time t 2 . The timer  518  may be useful for determining whether a condition initiating the operation of the detection system  500  still exists. For example, the timer  518  may measure whether moisture is still falling onto the vehicle  100 , vehicle windshield  102 , or vehicle cockpit. That is, the timer  518  may be useful for determining whether the moisture sensor  534  continues to detect moisture, by measuring the time period between a first detection of moisture and a second detection of moisture. For example, the timer  518  may be configured to measure a period beginning from about the first instance the moisture sensor  534  no longer detects moisture, t 1 , to about the first instance the moisture sensor  534  detects moisture, t 2 . If the time period between the first and second detection is sufficiently large, then the system  500  processor  514  may determine that moisture is no longer contacting the vehicle  100 . If the processor  514  determines that the moisture is no longer contacting the vehicle, the processor  514  may send a signal to the roof control system  300  or the windows control system  350  to return the windows  108  or roof  104  to the position the windows  108  or roof  104  occupied prior to activation of the detection system  500 .  
      In another exemplary embodiment, the timer  518  may be configured to assist in determining whether a the cockpit  106  of the vehicle  100  is occupied. The timer  518  may be useful in validating the motion signal received from motion sensor  512 , or from pressure sensor  510 . Where the motion sensor  512  detects motion in the cockpit  106 , the controlling apparatus  516  processor  514  may receive a signal from motion sensor  512 , which is indicative of an occupant being present in the cockpit  106 . In some cases, however, the reading may be a false reading, especially if, for example, the motion sensor  512  is triggered by fast rushing wind or particles passing the sensor&#39;s effective detection range (e.g., the cockpit  106 ). The processor  514  and the timer  518  may be configured to validate that the signal is not a false reading by measuring the time period between a first detected movement and a second detected movement. If the measured time is of sufficient length, as compared to a predetermined motion period of time stored in database  520 , the processor  514  may send a signal to roof control system  300  or the windows control system  350  for operation of windows  108  and roof  104 . In this way, the system  500  determines whether an occupant is present who may be present for occupying the roof control system  300  or the windows control system  350 , independently of the detection system  500 . For example, the timer  518  may measure a period beginning from about the first instance in which motion sensor  512  no longer detects motion, t 1 , and ending at from about the first instance the motion sensor  512  detects motion, t 2 . Or, alternatively, timer  518  may measure a period beginning from about the first instance in which motion sensor  512  detects motion, t 1 , and ending at from about the second instance the motion sensor  512  detects motion, t 2 . If the time period between the first and second detection is sufficiently large, then the system  500  processor  514  may determine that motion is no longer detected in the vehicle  100 . If the processor  514  determines that the motion is no longer detected in the vehicle  100  (e.g., period between detections is sufficiently long as compared to a predetermined motion detection time period), the processor  514  may send a signal to the roof control system  300  or the windows control system  350  to raise the roof  104  or windows  108 . Alternatively, if the processor  514  determines that motion is present in the vehicle  100  (e.g., period between first and second detection of motion is shorter that the predetermined detection time period), the processor  514  may send a signal to the roof control system  300  or the windows control system  350  to cease operation. This in turn permits the vehicle occupant who triggers the motion sensor  512  to operate the roof control system and the windows control system  350  independently of detection system  500 . If an occupant is detected by sensor  512 , system  300 ,  350  may return the windows  108  or roof  104  to the position the windows  108  or roof  104  occupied prior to activation of the detection system  500 .  
      The timer  518  may be used in similar manner as is discussed above with respect to the pressure sensor  510  to determine if the pressure reading is valid. That is, the timer  518  may be useful in determining if the pressure reading from the pressure sensor  510  is reporting a signal indicative of an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat  118 . When an occupant is situated in a seat  118 , the occupant will exert a certain amount of pressure on the seat sitting surface (not shown). The pressure is sensed by pressure sensor  510  and a signal indicative of the pressure sensed is sent to the processor  514  for comparison to a predetermined pressure signal value stored in database  520 . If the pressure sensed is greater than the stored pressure signal value, then the processor  514  may determine that an occupant is in the seat  118 . The processor may then send a signal to the roof control system  300  or the windows control system  350  for operation of the roof  104  or windows  108 .  
      It is known that natural movement of a live occupant in a seat may ordinarily cause pressure fluctuations in the seat. As such, when there is a live occupant in the seat  118 , the pressure sensor  510  may ordinarily experience pressure fluctuations due to the natural movement of the occupant. These pressure fluctuations may be sensed by the pressure sensor  510  and the pressure sensor may send a signal indicative of the pressure fluctuations to the processor  514 . The frequency of the fluctuations, or the time period between fluctuations as measured by the timer  518  using any of the techniques described above, may be indicative of the presence of a live occupant in the seat  118 . For example, if the time period between detected fluctuations (e.g. time period from t 1  to t 2 ) is sufficiently long as compared to a predetermined fluctuations time period stored in database  520 , then the processor  514  may determine that no occupant is present in the cockpit  106 , who can control operation of the windows  108  and roof  104 . The processor may then send a signal to the roof control system  300  and the windows control system  350  for operating the roof  104  and windows  108 . Alternatively, if the time period between detected fluctuations (e.g. time period from t 1  to t 2 ) is sufficiently short as compared to a predetermined fluctuations time period stored in database  520 , then the processor  514  may determine that an occupant is present in the cockpit  106 , and the processor  514  may send a signal to the roof control system  300  and the windows control system  350  to cease operation of the roof  104  and windows  108 .  
      The timer  518  may also be configured to periodically initiate the sensors  508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 ,  534 , to determine if the conditions relative to those sensors exist or continue to exist, and operate the roof control system  300  and the windows control system  350 . For example, after the expiration of a predetermined period of time as measured by the timer  518  and compared to a predetermined period of lapse time stored in the database  520 , the processor  514  may initiate a check of the sensors  508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 ,  534  to determine of the windows  108  or roof  104  should be raised or lowered, according to the signal received from the sensors  508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 ,  534  as described above.  
      In one exemplary embodiment, the amount of moisture or dirt accumulated on a surface of the automobile  100  may be considered in determining whether to raise or lower the automobile&#39;s windows  108  or roof  104 . An indicator for the requisite amount of moisture or dirt for operating the roof  104  or windows  108  may be stored in a controller database  520 .  
      In one exemplary embodiment the invention includes an in-operation indicator  540  for notifying the automobile  100  owner that the system  500  has been activated. In one example, the indicator  540  may be a visual indicator. For example, upon activation of system  500 , the processor  514  may send signal to the operate a vehicle lighting system such as the cockpit interior lighting system (not shown) or the automobile parking lights, hazard lights, headlights or the like (referred to as “headlights  123 ” herein). That is, the processor  514  may turn the headlights  123  on so that the automobile operator may be visually made aware that the system  500  is operating to raise the windows  108  or roof  104 . Headlights  123  may be any conventional automobile headlights as are conventionally known. Suitable automobile lighting systems and systems for operating headlights  123  for use with the invention may be disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,520 issued Jul. 19, 1994, to Cejnek, U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,423 issued Sep. 24, 1996, to Schatka, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,444 B1 issued Apr. 13, 2004, to Alber, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,688 B2 issued May 13, 2003, to Albou, U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,134 issued Apr. 4, 1989, to Rossi, U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,691 issued Aug. 25, 1998, to Tim Kao, U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,449 issued Aug. 24, 1993, to Wnuk, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,688 issued Sep. 10, 1991, to Alten, U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,883 issued Feb. 9,1993, to Finch, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,276,585 issued Jun. 30, 1981, to Deverrewaere, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,008 issued Jun. 5, 2001, to Korabiak, incorporated herein by reference.  
      In an alternate embodiment, the indicator  540  may be an audible indicator. In this instance, the indicator may be the automobile&#39;s horn or alarm system (not shown), or the like, which is activated upon activation of system  500 . The alarm system can be heard by the operator. The processor  514  may send a signal to the alarm system to audibly notify the automobile operator that the system  500  has been activated. Suitable alarm and horn systems which may be used with the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,001 issued May 7, 1985, to West, U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,506 issued Feb. 22, 2000, to Xiao, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,122 issued Aug. 11, 1998, to Dingwall, et al., and the like, which are incorporated herein by reference.  
      In either instance, whether the indicator  540  is an audible indicator or a visual indicator, the processor  514  may send a signal to the indicator to cease indicator operation once the system  500  itself ceases operation.  
       FIG. 7  is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the general operation of the present invention including the detection system  500 . As shown, the system  500  may be initiated when the driver leaves the automobile  100  unattended and the roof or windows in the lowered or open position (step  702 ). The controller apparatus  516  may detect that the windows  108  or roof  104  is open and that the interior of the automobile  100  is left vulnerable to environmental changes, airborne moisture particles or the like. For example, it is known to report the position of the window or roof to an automobile central processing unit. Such a report may also be made to the controlling apparatus processor  514  using similar conventional methods.  
      The controller apparatus  516  may receive the report that the windows  108  or roof  104  are open and accordingly activate the sensors  508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 , and  534  (step  704 ). Sensor  534  may detect the presence of airborne moisture or particles (step  706 ). Upon detection of the moisture or particles, the controller apparatus  516  may send a signal to the in-operation indicator  540  for notifying the vehicle operator that the system  500  has been activated (Step  706 ). The indicator  540  may notify the vehicle operator of system  500  operation at various stages of the operation. For example, the indicator  540  may notify the operator upon commencement of system  500  operation, upon initiating closing of the windows  108  or power roof  104 , when system  500  detects an obstruction preventing system  500  operation, or when the system  500  ceases operation. The indicator  540  may be configured to provide different distinct notifications depending on the different stages or steps of the system  500  operation. In a typical example, the indicator  540  may provide a first notification where the system  500  is initiated, and a second notification different from the first notification when the system  500  operation is impeded by an obstruction, and a third notification different from the first and second notifications when the system  500  ceases operation.  
      Where the indicator  540  is a visual indicator, such as headlights  123  (or automobile lighting system.), the controller apparatus  516  may send a signal to the headlights  123  to light up. The lights may stay on for the duration of the operation of system  500 . Additionally, the lights may flash intermittently or may oscillate between “high beams” and “low beams.” The controller apparatus  516  may send a signal to the headlights  123  to flash at different predetermined intervals or candescent levels according to the separate stages or steps in the operation of system  500 .  
      Alternatively, where the indicator  540  is a horn, such as the automobile horn, the controller apparatus  516  may send a signal to the horn to emit an audible sound. The audible sound may be admitted for the duration of the operation of system  500 . The horn may emit the audible sound intermittently, for example, emitting short horn burst, or the horn may remain on for the duration of the operation of system  500 . Further, the controller apparatus  516  may send a signal to the horn to emit an audible notice at different predetermined intervals or different audible levels or durations to form a distinct audible sound pattern according to the separate stages or steps in the operation of system  500 .  
      Similarly, if the indicator  540  is an alarm system, such as an automobile antitheft system, the controller apparatus  516  may send a signal to the alarm system to emit an audible sound. The audible sound may be admitted for the duration of the operation of system  500 . The alarm system may emit the audible sound intermittently (e.g., short audible burst), or the alarm system may remain on for the duration of the operation of system  500 . Further, the controller apparatus  516  may send a signal to the alarm system to flash at different predetermined intervals or different audible levels (e.g., different audible tones) or durations according to the separate stages or steps in the operation of system  500 .  
      Upon detection of moisture or particles by the moisture sensor  534  (step  706 ), the moisture sensor  534  may send a signal indicative of the detected moisture (or particles) to the controlling apparatus  516  for processing (step  708 ). The controller apparatus  516  may send a control signal (e.g., a raising, closing, opening or lowering signal) to the roof control system  300  or the windows control system  350  for operation of the roof  104  or windows  108 , respectively (step  710 ). The roof signal processor  304 , or the windows signal processor  352 , may receive the control signal and send a signal to the motor  302 ,  356  for controlling the operation of the roof  104  or windows  108 . The motor  302 ,  356  may then operate the roof  104  or windows  108  in accordance with the signal from the processor  304 ,  352  (step  712 ). For example, if the control signal is a “raise” or “close” element signal, the motor  302 ,  356  may operate to raise or close the roof  104  or windows  108  accordingly. Contrariwise, if the control signal is a “lower” or “open” element signal, the motor  302 ,  356  may operate to lower or open the roof  104 , or windows  108 . Once the system  500  has completed operation, the controller apparatus  516 , via processor  514 , may send a signal to the in-operation indicator  540  to notify the vehicle operator that the system  500  has completed operation. The controller apparatus  516  may additionally send a signal to the indicator  540  to cease notification (step  712 ).  
      As noted, the invention has several safeguards for ensuring safe operation of the system  500 . For example,  FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for detecting if an occupant is in the vehicle who may control the window control system  350  and the roof control system  300 , independent of system  500 .  
      The method shown in  FIG. 8  may begin in similar manner as is described with respect to the general method shown in  FIG. 7 . The automobile driver may leave the vehicle  100  unattended with the windows  108  or the roof  104  in the lowered position (e.g., “open”) (step  702 ); the controller apparatus  516  may detect that the windows  108  or roof  104  is open and accordingly activate the sensors  508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 , and  534  (step  704 ); sensor  534  may detect the presence of airborne moisture or particles (step  706 ); the moisture sensor  534  may then send a signal indicative of the detected moisture to the controlling apparatus  516  processor  514  for processing (step  708 ).  
      In one exemplary embodiment, the detection system  500  may include a motion sensor  534  for detecting motion within the vehicle cockpit  106 . Detecting the motion may be useful for determining if an occupant is present in the vehicle  100 . As such, when one of the moisture sensors sends a signal to the processor  514  indicating the presence of airborne moisture, the processor  514  may seek to determining whether the cockpit  106  is occupied. As shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , system  500  may use a motion sensor  512 , a timer  518 , a pressure sensor  510  disposed in at least one vehicle seat  118 , or any combination thereof.  
      For example, in  FIG. 8  what is shown is that processor  514  may activate the motion sensor  512  (step  802 ). Motion sensor  512  may provide the processor  514  a signal indicative of motion being detected (e.g., “motion detected” signal) in the cockpit  106  (step  804 ). If no motion is detected (step  806 ), the processor  514  sends a “raise element” signal to the motor  302 ,  356  (step  808 ) via processor  304 ,  352 . The motor  302 ,  356  may then raise the windows  108  and/or roof  104  to the raised or closed position (step  818 ).  
      Alternatively, if motion is detected (step  806 ), the processor  514  may seek to validate the motion signal to ensure that no false reading is reported by the motion sensor  512 . The processor  514  may compare a first motion detected signal with any subsequent motion detected signal which may be reported by the motion sensor  512 . For example, if no motion is detected after a predetermined period of time, then the processor  514  may determine that the initial motion detected signal was a false positive reading. The processor  514  may seek to validate the motion detected signal when a timer  518  is present. If the timer is present, the processor  514  may compare the time which may elapse between a first and second motion detected signal (e.g., It |t 2 −t 1 |, where t 1  is the time at which the first motion detected signal is received and t 2  is the time at which the second motion detected signal is received), against a predetermined motion time limit stored in database  520  (step  810 ). If the measured time limit between the first and second motion detected signals is less than the predetermined motion time limit stored in database  520 , then the time limit is not considered reached and the processor  514  may determine that an occupant is present in the cockpit  106 , who can operate the roof control system  300  or the window control system  350  (step  816 ). Accordingly, the processor  514  may send a “cease operation” signal to the roof control system  300  or the window control system  350  to interrupt, cease or not initiate operation of the motor  302 ,  356 , and the window  108  or roof  104  is not raised or closed (step  820 ). Alternatively, if the measured time limit between the first and second motion detected signals is greater than the predetermined motion time limit stored in database  520  (step  810 ), then the time limit is considered reached and the processor  514  may determine that no occupant is present in the cockpit  106  (step  822 ). Accordingly, the processor  514  may send a “raise element” control signal to the motor  302 ,  356  of roof control system  300  or the window control system  350  to raise the windows  108  or roof  104  (step  808 ). The motor then operates to raise the window accordingly (step  818 ).  
      In another exemplary embodiment, the detection system  500  may seek to determine if timer  512  may be used to determine if motion is still present after a predetermined period of time by recording the first and subsequent instances of motion detection and recording the duration between detections. If motion is detected before the expiration of the predetermined “no motion detected” time period (step  828 ), the time period is not considered reached, and the processor does not send a signal to the motor  302 ,  356  for operating the roof  104  or windows  108 . That is, the roof  104  or windows  108  remain in the raised position (step  826 ). Alternatively, if no motion is detected after the predetermined period of time (step  828 ), the time “no motion detected” time period is considered reached and the processor  514  may send a signal the roof control system  300  or the windows control system for returning the roof  104  or windows  108  to the position the roof  104  or windows  108  (step  830 ) such that when the vehicle operator left the vehicle unattended, or for lowering or opening the roof  104  or windows  108  substantially (step  832 ).  
       FIG. 9  shows an exemplary method of operation of system  500  illustrating a similar usage of the timer  512  for determining if an occupant is present. In this exemplary embodiment, system  500  includes a pressure sensor  510  which may be used in conjunction with a timer  518  and a motion sensor  512 , although it should be understood that the system  500  may be operated in similar manner as shown in  FIG. 8  wherein similar steps as described with respect to motion sensor  512  may be used with pressure sensor  510  to validate, for example, the pressure sensor signal (“occupant present” signal) received from sensor  510 .  
      The method of  FIG. 9  begins in similar manner as the methods of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Namely, the method of  FIG. 9  may begin with the automobile driver leaving the vehicle  100  unattended with the windows  108  or the roof  104  in the lowered position (e.g., “open”) (step  702 ); the controller apparatus  516  may detect that the windows  108  or roof  104  is open and accordingly activate the sensors  508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 , and  534  (step  704 ); sensor  534  may detect the presence of airborne moisture or particles (step  706 ); the moisture sensor  534  may then send a signal indicative of the detected moisture to the controlling apparatus  516  processor  514  for processing (step  708 ).  
      The processor  514  may activate the pressure sensor  510  (step  902 ). Pressure sensor  510  may provide the processor  514  a signal indicative of downward pressure being exerted on seat  118  (e.g. “pressure detected” signal) in the cockpit  106  (step  904 ). If no pressure is detected (step  906 ), the processor  514  sends a “raise element” signal to the motor  302 ,  356  (step  908 ) via processor  304 ,  352 . The motor  302 ,  356  may then raise the windows  108  and/or roof  104  to the raised or closed position (step  918 ).  
      Alternatively, if pressure is detected (step  906 ), the processor  514  may seek to validate the motion signal to ensure that no false reading is reported by the pressure sensor  510 . The processor  514  may compare a first pressure detected signal with any subsequent pressure detected signal which may be reported by the pressure sensor  510 . For example, if no pressure is detected after a predetermined period of time, then the processor  514  may determine that the initial pressure detected signal was a false positive reading. The processor  514  may seek to validate the motion detected signal when a timer  518  is present. If the timer is present, the processor  514  may compare the time which may elapse between a first and second pressure detected signal (e.g., |t 2 −t 1 |, where t 1  is the time at which the first pressure detected signal is received and t 2  is the time at which the second pressure detected signal is received), against a predetermined pressure detected time limit stored in database  520  (step  910 ). If the measured time limit between the first and second pressure detected signals is less than the pressure detected time limit stored in database  520 , then the processor  514  may determine that an occupant is present in the cockpit  106 , who can operate the roof control system  300  or the window control system  350  (step  916 ). Accordingly, the processor  514  may send a “cease operation” signal to the roof control system  300  or the window control system  350  to interrupt, cease or not initiate operation of the motor  302 ,  356 , and the window  108  or roof  104  is not raised or closed (step  920 ). Alternatively, if the measured time limit between the first and second pressure detected signals is greater than the predetermined pressure detected time limit stored in database  520  (step  914 ), then the processor  514  may determine that no occupant is present in the cockpit  106  (step  922 ). Accordingly, the processor  514  may send a “raise element” control signal to the motor  302 ,  356  of roof control system  300  or the window control system  350  to raise the windows  108  or roof  104  (step  908 ). The motor  302 ,  356  then operates to raise the roof  104  or windows  108  accordingly (step  918 ).  
      In another exemplary embodiment, the detection system  500  may seek to determine if timer  512  may be used to determine if pressure is still being detected after a predetermine period of time. If pressure is detected before the expiration of the predetermined “no pressure detected” time period (step  928 ), the time period is not considered reached, and the processor  514  sends a signal to the motor  302 ,  356  for operating the roof  104  or windows  108 . That is, the roof  104  or windows  108  remain in the raised position (step  926 ). Alternatively, if no pressure is detected after the predetermined period of time (step  928 ), the time “no pressure detected” time period is considered reached and the processor  514  may send a signal the roof control system  300  or the windows control system for returning the roof  104  or windows  108  to the position the roof  104  or windows  108  (step  930 ) such that when the vehicle operator left the vehicle unattended, or for lowering or opening the roof  104  or windows  108  substantially (step  932 ).  
      It should be understood that the system  500  may use any combination of timer  518 , motion sensor  512 , and pressure sensor  510  to determine the presence of a vehicle occupant. For example,  FIG. 10  shows an exemplary method employing the timer  518 , motion sensor  512 , and pressure sensor  510 , which may be used with the present invention. The method of  FIG. 10  begins in similar manner as  FIGS. 7, 8 , and  9 . The automobile driver may leave the vehicle  100  unattended with the windows  108  or the roof  104  in the lowered position (e.g., “open”) (step  702 ); the controller apparatus  516  may detect that the windows  108  or roof  104  is open and accordingly activate the sensors  508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 , and  534  (step  704 ); sensor  534  may detect the presence of airborne moisture or particles (step  706 ); the moisture sensor  534  may then send a signal indicative of the detected moisture to the controlling apparatus  516  processor  514  for processing (step  708 ).  
      If the motion sensor is present (step  1002 ), the processor  514  may activate the motion sensor  512  and the detection system  500  perform steps  804 - 832  of  FIG. 8  (step  1004 ). If no motion sensor  512  is present (step  1002 ), the processor  514  may determine if a pressure sensor  510  is present (step  1006 ). If a motion sensor  512  is present in system  500 , then the system  500  may perform steps  904 - 932  of  FIG. 9  (step  1008 ).  
      Detection system  500  may also be configured for safe operation in that the system  500  may be configured to determine whether there is an obstruction in the path which would be followed by a roof  104  or windows  108  being raised. In this exemplary method, system  500  may include an obstruction detection system including one or more rotation sensors  508  or power sensors  524 , shown in  FIG. 5  and discussed above.  FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary method of operating detection system  500  to detect obstructions in accordance with the invention. The exemplary method may begin with the automobile driver leaving the vehicle  100  unattended with the windows  108  or the roof  104  in the lowered position (e.g., “open”) (step  702 ); the controller apparatus  516  may detect that the windows  108  or roof  104  is open and accordingly activate the sensors  508 ,  510 ,  512 ,  524 , and  534  (step  704 ); sensor  534  may detect the presence of airborne moisture or particles (step  706 ); the moisture sensor  534  may then send a signal indicative of the detected moisture to the controlling apparatus  516  processor  514  for processing (step  708 ); the processor  514  may send a control signal to the motor  302 ,  356  for raising or opening the roof  104  or windows  108  ( 1102 ); and the motor  302 ,  356  may initiate the raising of roof  104  or windows  108  (step  1104 ).  
      The system  500  may then determine if an obstruction is present using the rotation sensor  508  and/or the power sensor  524  as described above (step  1106 ). That is, as the roof  104  or windows  108  are being raised, the rotational position (angular rotation) of the motor  302 ,  304  may be measure by the sensor  508 . The sensor  508  may provide a signal to the processor  514  which is indicative of the angular position or angular rotation of the motor  302 ,  356 . The processor  514  may compare the angular position or rotation of the motor  302 ,  356  with a predetermined “rotation completed” value stored in database  520  where the rotation completed value represents the angular position or angular rotation of the motor  302 ,  356  when the roof  104  or window  108  is substantially raised. Where the roof  104  or windows  108  abut an obstruction during the raising operation, the rotational movement of the motor  302 ,  356  may be halted, thereby causing the rotation sensor  508  to report a signal to the processor  514  that is less than the angular rotation or angular position of the motor  302 ,  356  had the obstruction not been present. The processor  514  may compare the angular rotation or position reported by the sensor  508  to the predetermined “rotation completed” value, and if the reported value is less, the processor  514  may send a control signal to the motor  302 ,  356  for ceasing motor  302 ,  356  operation, or for reversing the direction of the motor  302 ,  356  to lower the roof  104  or window  108  (step  1108 ).  
      Similarly, the detection system  500  may include a power sensor  524  for detecting the power expended by the motor  302 ,  356  when raising the roof  104  or windows  108 . If the raising roof  104  or windows  108  abut an obstruction, the motor  302 ,  356  may ordinarily expend more power to attempt to pass through the obstruction, than the motor  302 ,  356  may ordinarily expend when raising the roof  104  or windows  108  when no obstruction is present. The expenditure of power may be sensed by the power sensor  524  as an unexpected increase in power expenditure, power surge or a power spike. Once the spike is detected, the sensor  524  may provide a signal indicative of the unexpected power expenditure to the processor  514 . The processor  514  may compare the power expenditure to a predetermined power level stored in database  520 , where the predetermined power level is representative of the amount of power motor  302 ,  356  ordinarily expends in raising the roof  104  or windows  108 . If the power expenditure reported by sensor  524  is greater than the predetermined power level, the processor  514  may send a control signal to the motor  302 ,  356  for ceasing motor  302 ,  356  operation, or for reversing the direction of the motor  302 ,  356  to lower the roof  104  or window  108  (step  1108 ). In either instance if no obstruction is present, the roof  104  or windows  108  may be raised to the desired raised position (step  1110 ).  
      It should be noted that rotation sensor  508  may work in conjunction with power sensor  524  to detect the presence of an obstruction in the path of the raising roof  104  or window  108 . For example, once sensor  524  reports a power surge to the processor  514  by, the processor  514  may seek to validate that the roof  104  or window  108  is substantially raised. The processor  514  may receive the signal from sensor  524  and compare the signal received from rotational sensor  508  with a predetermined “rotation completed” value stored in database  520  as is discussed above. Alternatively, if the rotation sensor  508  reports to the processor  514  an angular rotation or position signal indicating that the raising roof  104  or window  108  is halted, the processor  514  may seek to validate that the roof  104  or window  108  is substantially raised. The processor  514  may receive a signal from sensor  524  and compare the signal received from power sensor  524  with a predetermined power level value stored in database  520  as is discussed above. In either case, if an obstruction is detected, the processor  514  may send a control signal to the motor  302 ,  356  for ceasing motor  302 ,  356  operation, or for reversing the direction of the motor  302 ,  356  to lower the roof  104  or window  108 .  
      The system  500  may additionally employ a timer  512  for validating the obstruction detected signals (e.g., “rotation halted signal” or unexpected “power surge signal”) received from sensors  508 ,  524 . The timer  512  may be used to determine whether the signals received are detected over a predetermined period of time (e.g., “an obstruction detected” period). The processor  514  may receive a first signal measured at time t 1  and a second signal measured and time t 2 , and determine the total duration of the time the obstruction detected signal is provided to the processor  514 . The total time the obstruction detected signal is received is then compared to an obstruction detected validating period stored in database  520 . If the obstruction detected signal time period is greater than the obstruction detected validating period, an obstruction may be present, and the processor may send a control signal to the motor  302 ,  356  to cease or reverse operation of the motor  302 ,  356 .  
      The preceding detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the preceding detailed description is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation, and the scope of the invention is defined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents when properly read in light of the preceding description. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented.