Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080201037 | ALIGNMENT CHANGING CONTROL DEVICE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT DEVICE - To provide a toe angle changing control ECU for controlling a toe angle of wheels of a vehicle. The toe angle changing control ECU includes: a straight traveling state judging section ( | 08-21-2008 |
20080208405 | Method and system for facilitating communication of information to a mobile platform - There is provided a method and system for facilitating communications between a remote access point and a mobile platform during a shutdown period. The mobile platform is equipped with a first receiver and a wireless communications receiver. A wake-up signal is wirelessly transmitted from a remote wireless device to the first receiver of the mobile platform. The communications receiver is activated based upon the wake-up signal. The remote access point is controlled to communicate with the communications receiver subsequent to the activation of the communications receiver. | 08-28-2008 |
20080215209 | Driving-environment setup system, in-vehicle device and program thereof, portable device and program thereof, management device and program thereof - A driving-environment setup system has a plurality of portable devices, each of which transmits a feature identification information item used for identifying a physical feature of an associated user of the each of the plurality of portable devices and transmits an environment identification information item used for identifying a driving environment for the associated user. An in-vehicle device of the system detects a physical feature of a person sitting in a driver's seat and identifies one of the associated users as a driver when the physical feature identified based on the received feature identification information item of the one of the associated users corresponds to the detected physical feature. The in-vehicle device sets a driving environment for the driver based on the received environment identification information item. | 09-04-2008 |
20080221753 | Method For Selecting Audio Content To Be Played In A Vehicle - The present invention relates to a method and a system for dynamically selecting audio content items to be played in a vehicle based on driving parameters derived from the driving of the vehicle. Thereby, the selection of the audio content can be modified to the various driving conditions of the vehicle. | 09-11-2008 |
20080221754 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN EQUIPMENT SERVICE VEHICLE - A vehicle comprises a chassis, a mechanical system, and a control system configured to control the mechanical assembly. The mechanical system is mounted on the chassis and configured to be moved through a range of positions responsive to operator inputs from a human operator. The control system processing logic configured to generate output signals for the output devices based on input signals from the directional controller to thereby control movement of the boom assembly in accordance with the operator inputs. The communication system is configured to communicate signals, including the input signals and the output signals, between the directional controller, the processing logic, and the output devices, the communication system at least partially comprising a radio-frequency transmission medium. | 09-11-2008 |
20080221755 | Vehicle-use power supply apparatus - The vehicle-use power supply apparatus includes an alternator driven by an engine mounted on a vehicle to generate electric power in accordance with a command value, a battery electrically connected to the alternator to be charged by the alternator, and connected to electrical loads mounted on the vehicle to apply a power supply voltage to the electrical loads. The vehicle-use power supply apparatus further includes a first function of determining, as a power generation cost, an increase amount of fuel which the engine consumes for the alternator to generate electric power, and a second function of transmitting the command value to the alternator, the second function being configured to determine the command value on the basis of the power generation cost determined by the first function such that a change rate of the power supply voltage does not exceed a predetermined limit value. | 09-11-2008 |
20080228351 | SPEED-LIMITING ACCESSORY DRIVE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SPEED OF A DRIVEN ACCESSORY - A speed-limiting accessory drive system is provided that limits the speed range over which an engine-driven accessory operates while maintaining the operating speed range of the engine. A torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engagable to operatively connect the engine and the accessory. A controller is configured to maintain the torque-transmitting mechanism in an engaged state only when monitored engine speed is within a predetermined speed range and to control a drive motor to drive the driven accessory when the monitored engine speed is not within the predetermined range. A method of controlling the speed of at least one driven accessory, which may be carried out using the speed-limiting accessory drive system, is also provided. | 09-18-2008 |
20080234893 | WINDOW CONTROL SYSTEM - Electrically dimmable windows for aircraft are powered by energy harvesting devices on-board the aircraft. The harvested energy is stored and used to control the opacity of the windows based on individual window opacity settings selected either by passengers or a cabin attendant. Each window has an associated control circuit that controls the electrical power applied to the window based on the selected opacity setting. The control circuit includes a low energy usage processor that remains in a sleep mode until a change in the opacity setting is detected. Each control circuit may include a radio transceiver that receives control signals from a transmitter operated by the cabin attendant in order to simultaneously remotely control the opacity settings of multiple windows. | 09-25-2008 |
20080234894 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR OPEN/CLOSE MEMBER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OPEN/CLOSE MEMBER - An apparatus that controls opening and closing of a roof glass is disclosed. The apparatus includes a drive motor that is actuated to selectively open and close the roof glass. The apparatus stores a count value that changes in correspondence with operation of the drive motor. The apparatus detects the number of cycles of reset starting and determines whether the detected number of the reset starting cycles is in a predetermined acceptable range. The apparatus switches initial setting, in accordance with which the relative relationship between the actual open/closed position of the roof glass and the count value is determined, to a non-set state if it is determined that the number of the reset starting cycles exceeds the acceptable range. | 09-25-2008 |
20080234895 | Time, space, and/or wavelength multiplexed capacitive light sensor, and related methods - In certain example embodiments, techniques for operating vehicle lights are provided. A capacitive light sensor is configured to sense a presence and intensity of light over at least one wavelength, with each said wavelength being associated with a respective output channel of the light sensor. A buffer is filled with data from the at least one output channel, with the buffer being filled with a predetermined number of data points at a predetermined frequency. An edge change is detected in the data in the buffer. An on/off state of the vehicle lights is maintained when an edge change is not detected. When an edge change is detected, when the data passes from a high value to a low value through a first predefined threshhold and remains lower than the first predefined threshold for a persistence interval, the vehicle lights are turned on, and when the data passes from a low value to a high value through a second predefined threshold and remains higher than the second predefined threshold value for the persistence interval, the vehicle lights are turned off. The second threshold is equal to the first threshold plus a hysteresis factor. The capacitive light sensing approaches of certain example embodiments may be time, space, and/or wavelength multiplexed. | 09-25-2008 |
20080243333 | Device operating system, controller, and control program product - A disclosed device operating system controls an operation target device by generating a command for the operation target device. The device operating system includes an operating unit configured to send an instruction to the operation target device by being moved; a movement trace detecting unit configured to detect a movement trace of the operating unit; and a control unit configured to control the operation target device with the command based on the movement trace detected by the movement trace detecting unit. | 10-02-2008 |
20080249682 | Touch control bezel for display devices - A machine interface system for use in a motor vehicle includes a bezel having a display opening and at least one active surface adjacent the display opening. At least one sensor assembly is associated with the active surface and generates a sensor signal corresponding to a location on the active surface touched by a vehicle occupant. A reconfigurable display is disposed within the display opening and is configured to display, adjacent to the active surface, at least one image associated with a vehicle function. Coupled to the sensor assembly is a controller that is configured to generate the image and to receive the sensor signal. The controller responds to the sensor signal according to the vehicle function associated with the image when the corresponding active surface is touched by the occupant. | 10-09-2008 |
20080255725 | INTERIOR COMPONENT MANAGEMENT OF A VEHICLE VIA OCCUPANT MONITORING - Systems and methods are provided for managing an interior component of a vehicle. A system includes a device for monitoring a passenger, a vehicle speed detector, and a controller in communication the interior component, the passenger monitoring device, and the vehicle speed detector, wherein the controller is configured to disable at least one function of the interior component if the rate of speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed and enable the disabled function(s) when the passenger attempts to actuate the function(s). One method includes the steps of determining a rate of speed the vehicle is traveling, disabling at least one function of the interior component when the rate of speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed, and enabling the disabled function(s) when the rate of speed is greater than the threshold speed if a passenger attempts to actuate the function(s). | 10-16-2008 |
20080269984 | Method for Controlling a Fuel Supplying Device of an Internal Combustion Engine - Disclosed is a fuel supplying device of an internal combustion engine, comprising a low-pressure circuit, a high-pressure pump coupled to the low-pressure circuit and conveys fuel into a fuel reservoir, a volume flow control valve assigned to the high-pressure pump, an electromechanical pressure regulator connected to the fuel reservoir and the low-pressure circuit and can direct fuel from the fuel reservoir into the low-pressure circuit, a regulating mechanism which generates an actuation signal for the volume flow control valve by a first controller in a first mode which generating an actuation signal for the electromechanical pressure regulator with the aid of a second controller in a second mode. The mode of the fuel supplying mechanism is switched in accordance with a fuel pressure error value resulting from a detected fuel pressure and a predefined fuel pressure. The mode can additionally be switched according to the throughput of the high-pressure pump. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269985 | Travel information collection apparatus - Travel information is categorized into plural time slot categories according to information characteristics of traffic flow information that represents a traffic flow of each of road sections in a database of an information center, and a learn database is built for each of the categories derived from above categorization. The travel information collected by a travel of a self vehicle along the road sections is learned according to the categories of the learn database for accurately managing the travel information according to the characteristics of the traffic flow. | 10-30-2008 |
20080288137 | Vehicle-Mounted Load Drive Control System - It is an object of the invention to provide a vehicle-mounted load drive control system that allows synchronous drive of electrical loads located at dispersed sites while achieving great efficiency in mounting in a limited space. Bus connections between an electronic control unit ( | 11-20-2008 |
20080300749 | Air Supply Mechanism for a Vehicle Seat, and Method for the Operation Thereof - An air supply mechanism for a vehicle seat comprises a control device for driving a fan and a heating element connected downstream of the fan. When the vehicle is unlocked, a vehicle door is opened and/or a folding-top switch is actuated in order to open the folding-top, the control device causes a heating element to be preconditioned. When there is a switching-on signal for the air supply mechanism, the control device ends the preconditioning and switches on the heating element and the fan. The heating element and fan are subsequently regulated by the control device as a function of vehicle speed and external temperature. In this manner, a seat occupant does not experience an initial draft or a delayed switching-on reaction but rather experiences a pleasant warmth even immediately after the air supply mechanism is switched on. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300750 | CONTROL CHANNEL FOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS USING THE VEHICLE'S POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A control channel for controlling a system of a vehicle may include an electrical power distribution system for supplying electrical power to a plurality of different systems onboard the vehicle. The control channel may also include a first interface to convert a signal for controlling or communicating with a selected vehicle system of the plurality of different systems on board the vehicle into a format for insertion and transmission over a power line that also supplies electrical power to the selected vehicle system, wherein the power line forms a part of the electrical power distribution system of the vehicle. The control channel may also include a second interface to convert a signal received over the power line into a format for use by the selected vehicle system. | 12-04-2008 |
20080306652 | Method and Computer Program for Personalizing Adjustable Functions in a Vehicle - The invention relates to a method and a computer program and a data carrier with this computer program for personalizing adjustable functions in a vehicle. The method provides that first a user profile in the form of stored, person-related settings and/or data of the functions for a current user of the vehicle is activated. To this extent, this method is basically known from the prior art. In order to restrict the access rights of other users to the user profile of the current user, the invention provides a configuration step, in the scope of which the current user can define which other user he would like to permit to access his person-related settings and/or data of functions within a previously defined group of functions. The access is respectively configured in a standardized way for all the functions within the group. The functions within a group are at least similar in terms of their requirement for personalization and/or their requirement for confidentiality. | 12-11-2008 |
20080312788 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING OCCUPANTS OF VEHICLES - Signals indicative of the identity and location of vehicle occupants are broadcast and received. Received signals are inspected for identity information. Indications are made as to whether received identity information matches stored identity information. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312789 | Control Device for Operating a Motor Vehicle, and Method for Operating a Motor Vehicle - A control device for a motor vehicle is used to store authorization data for drivers and driving times in which operation of the motor vehicle is meant to be possible. The control device is connected to an electronic engine immobilizer ( | 12-18-2008 |
20080319607 | Motor Vehicle Control System - The invention relates to a control system for a motor vehicle, including a first electronic control system for controlling a first load current of a first load and a second electronic control system for controlling a second load current of a second load. The first electronic control system and the second electronic control system are arranged at a distance from one another and are connected to one another. At least the second electronic control system has a sleep mode and an operating mode, and only the first electronic control system can switch the second electronic control system from the sleep mode into the operating mode. | 12-25-2008 |
20090005930 | Level sensing and display system - A level sensing and display system for monitoring a plurality of tanks using sensors has a control board with a processor, and a programmable system device having a memory operably installed on the control board. The system further includes a plurality of electrical connectors for operably connecting the control board to the sensors; a display operatively connected to the control board; controls for operably controlling the function of the control board; and a data port operably connected to the control board for uploading customized settings to the memory of the control board, so that the control board can receive data from the sensors and report the data on the display. | 01-01-2009 |
20090005931 | DRIVE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A drive control apparatus for a vehicle that improves vehicle maneuverability. The control apparatus performs control so as to reduce total drive torque of all wheels while maintaining a distribution difference, which is the difference between the drive torques of the left and right wheels during turning of the vehicle. | 01-01-2009 |
20090018723 | Driver/Vehicle Interface Combining Dynamic Function Modification of Vehicle Controls with Haptic Feedback - A vehicle control system including a vehicle and a vehicle controller for receiving information regarding the vehicle and its environment and vehicle control input via a vehicle control, applying control logic predefined for the vehicle control input and the information to determine an aspect of the vehicle to control and how to control the aspect, and sending a control directive to at least one vehicle subsystem to carry out the determined control of the aspect, where when the vehicle is in a first operational state the controller allows the vehicle control input to control the vehicle subsystem directly related to the vehicle control input without modification by the controller, and where when the vehicle is in a second operational state the controller uses the vehicle control input to determine a vehicle objective and sends the control directive to any of the vehicle subsystems in order to achieve the vehicle objective. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018724 | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING ANGLE OF REAR AXLE - The present invention provides an active mounting apparatus for adjusting an input shaft of a rear axle to make an output shaft of a transmission and the input shaft of the rear axle in a straight line. The apparatus includes a mounting bracket, a rotatable support member, a hydraulic cylinder, a hydro supply unit, a suspension geometry measuring sensor, and a control unit. The rotatable support members are rotatably mounted on mounting bracket. The hydraulic cylinder controlled by the control unit activates a clockwise or counterclockwise position angle of rotatable support member. Therefore, even though the rear axle is moved upward or downward due to the change in load during the driving of a vehicle, an output shaft of a transmission and an input shaft of the rear axle are always aligned with each other on one straight line so as to minimize vibration, noise, and the loss of power. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018725 | VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING VEHICLE DYNAMICS - A vehicle dynamics control system and a method of controlling vehicle dynamics that includes calculating a tire force to achieve target vehicle force and moment; calculating a longitudinal μ rate that a longitudinal force of each tire is normalized with the size of the tire friction circle of each wheel, representing the maximum tire force at each wheel; calculating a steering angle equalized for right and left wheels based on the longitudinal μ rate of each tire, a lateral force of each tire, and a vertical load of each tire; and controlling vehicle dynamics based on the calculated steering angle. | 01-15-2009 |
20090024275 | Integrated Faceplate for Electronics Modules In Vehicle Center Console Designed Around Pass-Through Media Slots - An improvement in the fit and finish of a center stack or console area of a vehicle is provided by integrating individual electronic module faceplate and trim bezels into a single faceplate which may be positioned independent of the individual modules. A jumper or flat wire connector provides communication between the controls on the faceplate and the module. A molded alignment guide is provided to direct pass-through media through a slot in the faceplate and into the module. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024276 | System For Customizing Lighting and Sound Effects in a Vehicle - A vehicle includes a passenger compartment, a touch-screen for receiving an input signal from an occupant when the occupant touches the touch-screen, an output device, and a controller. The controller changes a characteristic of an electromagnetic wave in the form of visible light and/or an audible sound, which is transmitted into the passenger compartment via the output device in response to the input signal. The output device includes light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LED) or electro-luminescent (EL) ribbon and a speaker. The controller presents a predetermined set of lighting and/or sound options on the touch-screen which the occupant can touch to generate the input signal, thus selectively illuminating the light sources or playing a particular sound file. The controller can also play a digital sound file whenever a corresponding vehicle condition is detected. | 01-22-2009 |
20090030571 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND VEHICLE BEHAVIOR CONTROL DEVICE - An electronic control unit includes a sensor circuit board | 01-29-2009 |
20090037047 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE POWERTRAIN BASED UPON ACTUAL VEHICLE LOAD - A method and system for controlling an engine controller in response to actual vehicle load. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037048 | Integrated open and closed-loop control method for active engine mounts - A system adapted for counteracting engine produced vibratory forces and isolating the forces from a body, includes active engine mounts, force or acceleration sensors, and a controller communicatively coupled to the mounts and sensors, and configured to execute an integrated open and closed-loop control method. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037049 | DAMAGE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE-BASED SENSOR - A damage control system for a vehicle-mounted sensor comprises at least one sensor frame. At least one sliding mechanism is coupled to the at least one sensor frame and configured to provide a path for the sensor frame to move forwards or backwards, or both. At least one height-adjustment mechanism is coupled to the sliding mechanism and configured to raise, lower, or both, the sensor frame. | 02-05-2009 |
20090043448 | Operating Method and Operating System for a Vehicle - An operating method for a vehicle having at least one toggle switch with which, when it is activated, it is possible to change between at least two assigned applications or application groups, and an associated operating system. After activation of the toggle switch has been detected, activation states of at least two assigned applications or application groups are determined, and at least one of the assigned applications or application groups is activated as a function of the determined activation states. A predefined basic state of a predefined application or application group or a stored last state of an application or application group which is activated last is set if all the applications or application groups which are assigned to the toggle switch are in a first state. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043449 | Vehicle information notification device - A vehicle information notification device for notifying vehicle information to a driver of a vehicle with a notification element, the device includes: a first-ride determination element for determining whether it is a first ride of the vehicle for the driver; and a controller for notifying the vehicle information via the notification element when the first-ride determination element determines that it is the first ride. By using the above device, the vehicle information is notified to the driver when the driver rides on the vehicle for the first time. Thus, anxiety of the driver is reduced. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043450 | Vehicle and Electric Apparatus - A charger can read an ID code from a transponder key of an immobilizer system of a contract vehicle. When an owner of the vehicle connects a vehicle and charger with a charging cable and brings the transponder key close to a reading portion, the read ID code is transmitted from charger toward vehicle where authentication is performed. Vehicle transmits an authentication result to charger. Preferably, these transmission and reception can be performed by power line communication employing a vehicle cable. | 02-12-2009 |
20090048732 | RECORDING DEVICE FOR AUTOMOBILE - A recording device ( | 02-19-2009 |
20090048733 | Tire-Pressure Control Apparatus - A tire-pressure control apparatus includes time calculation means for calculating an up time over which the tire pressure of each wheel increases from a lower limit set value to an upper limit set value and a down time over which the tire pressure of the wheel decreases from the upper limit set value to the lower limit set value, on the basis of the detection value of a corresponding pressure sensor; average-rotational-speed calculation means for calculating an average rotational speed of the wheel during the up time on the basis of the detection value of a corresponding wheel speed sensor; first-pump-supplied-air-quantity calculation means ( | 02-19-2009 |
20090048734 | HOOD POP-UP SYSTEM - A hood pop-up system for a vehicle that pops up a hood of the vehicle when detecting or predicting a collision of the vehicle. The hood pop-up system includes an oscillation-offsetting unit that offsets and reduces oscillation of the hood caused by the popping-up of the hood. | 02-19-2009 |
20090055046 | On-Vehicle Equipment Control Device and On-Vehicle Equipment Control Method - A situation determining unit determines a situation a vehicle currently faces. A control processing unit controls a vehicle equipment based on a determination of the situation determining unit. An arbitration processing unit determines, when a conflict of control requests occurs, contents of the control by settling the conflict, and when different control requests are issued to an identical vehicle equipment, sets a priority in the control requests, adjusts a timing of performing the control, and adjusts an amount for the control. The control processing unit performs the control based on the contents of the control determined by the arbitration processing unit. | 02-26-2009 |
20090062982 | Apparatus And Method For Controlling In-Vehicle Equipment - In an in-vehicle equipment control apparatus that includes a vehicle status detection unit, a plurality of steering switches for performing an operation on controlled in-vehicle equipment, and a memory, when an operational instruction given via the plurality of steering switches is detected, a signal corresponding to the operational instruction is output to the in-vehicle equipment, and the operational instruction is stored in the memory. Subsequently, when an operational instruction given via one of the plurality of steering switches is detected, it is determined, on the basis of information from the vehicle status detection unit, whether a vehicle is being steered. When it is determined that the vehicle is being steered, a signal corresponding to an operational instruction that has been stored just before in the memory is output to the in-vehicle equipment. | 03-05-2009 |
20090069974 | DISPLAY CONTROL DEVICE - It is an object of the present invention to provide a display control device that can assist a driver to check a blind spot more appropriately. In a control device | 03-12-2009 |
20090069975 | Fuel Cell Vehicle Performance Mode - A system and method for putting a fuel cell vehicle into a performance mode by preloading sub-systems in the fuel cell system so that high power is available from the fuel cell stack quicker than during normal fuel cell system operation. For example, if a driver activates a vehicle performance mode, the fuel cell system can respond by, for example, increasing the compressor speed, increasing anode recirculation, increasing air and cooling fluid flow through the radiator, increasing battery state-of-charge, etc. Thus, when the driver requests the high power after the system is in the performance mode, the system is able to deliver the desired power immediately or at least quicker and for a longer time period. | 03-12-2009 |
20090069976 | CONTROL APPROPRIATENESS ILLUMINATION FOR CORRECTIVE RESPONSE - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer code product for a data processing system provide feedback to an operator of a vehicle indicating the appropriateness of an attempted actuation of a vehicle control. A current operating state of the vehicle is first identified. Responsive to identifying the current operating state, preferred control actions corresponding to the current operating state are identified. Responsive to receiving a notification of an attempted actuation of the vehicle control, the attempted actuation is compared to the preferred control actions. If the attempted actuation is one of the preferred control actions, an indicator is illuminated with a first color. If the attempted actuation is not one of the preferred control actions, the indicator is illuminated with a second color. | 03-12-2009 |
20090076682 | VEHICLE SUBSYSTEM CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method is provided for controlling at least one setting parameter in at least one active subsystem in a vehicle chassis. The method includes, but is not limited to the steps of identifying the driver and selecting the decision function associated to the identified driver from a set of predetermined decision functions, determining one or more operating parameters of the vehicle, evaluating the decision function which yields a value of the setting parameter corresponding to the determined operating parameters, and setting the value in said subsystem. | 03-19-2009 |
20090082920 | ON-VEHICLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - An on-vehicle communication device according to the present invention includes initial signal estimating unit | 03-26-2009 |
20090093925 | AUTOMATED CONTROL OF DELIVERY STOP FOR DELIVERY VEHICLES - A vehicle electrical system controller is used to monitor selected operating variables, or predetermined operator actions to identify a delivery stop, and upon the vehicle coming to a stop, invoking various vehicle functions to give warning to others that the vehicle is stopped for a delivery, to assist the driver in making the delivery, and, potentially, securing the vehicle during any period the operator is outside of the vehicle. | 04-09-2009 |
20090093926 | In-Vehicle Equipment Control Device and In-Vehicle Equipment Setting Method Using the Device - A disclosed in-vehicle equipment control device “S” includes input units | 04-09-2009 |
20090093927 | Driver assistance method - The invention relates to a method for the assistance of a driver of a vehicle during a journey along a road, in which bend data indicating the course of a bend in the road extending in front of the vehicle seen in the direction of travel and road condition data indicating the condition of the road surface disposed in front of the vehicle seen in the direction of travel are determined and a recommended maximum speed allowing a safe driving through the bend is determined with reference to the bend data and to the road condition data. | 04-09-2009 |
20090099726 | METHOD OF PROVIDING AND UTILIZING INFORMATION FOR VEHICLE TRAVEL - The present invention relates to a method of providing and utilizing information for vehicle travel, such as information about traffic flow on roads, and about parking lots. In an encoding method according to the present invention, at least one component including information for vehicle travel is generated. Information about a time point is included in the generated component. The information about the time point includes a selector, having a bit element indicating whether to use the present date and time and indicating the type of loaded information, and at least one of information elements indicating a year, month, day, hour, minute, and second, depending on the value of the selector. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099727 | VEHICLE SUBSYSTEM CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method is provided for controlling at least one active subsystem in a vehicle chassis. The method includes, but is not limited to the steps of evaluating a driver's driving style based on data (ax(K), ay(K)) representative of acceleration of the vehicle and setting an operating state of the subsystem according to the driving style. | 04-16-2009 |
20090105904 | Control system for vehicle lift - A control system for a vehicle lift apparatus is provided, having an infrared wireless controller and a wired controller for operating the lift. The wired controller includes an infrared sensor for receipt of the signals from the wireless controller. The wired controller is removably attached to the vehicle lift apparatus in a position normally capable of receiving the infrared control instructions. | 04-23-2009 |
20090105905 | Universal pneumatic suspension control unit and vehicle anti theft device - A versatile automobile pneumatic suspension control unit and vehicle anti theft device. The microprocessor based unit allows precise calibration and operation of all manufacturer's air suspension bags and incorporates a system for deflation of all vehicle air bags so as to place the vehicle body directly onto the vehicle chassis and tires so as to disable operation of the vehicle. The unit has programmable valve timing, preset suspension configuration buttons and can be operated remotely via a key fob transmitter. | 04-23-2009 |
20090112399 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING SOFTWARE AND SIGNAL INTEGRITY IN A DISTRIBUTED CONTROL MODULE SYSTEM FOR A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method to monitor integrity of a signal generated and communicated in a distributed control module system for a hybrid powertrain system includes generating and verifying signal within an originating control module. A message is generated based upon the signal. The message is transmitted and received at a receiving control module. The signal is extracted from the message and its integrity is verified. | 04-30-2009 |
20090118902 | Operating Method and Operating System for a Vehicle - An operator control method for a vehicle having at least one switch which, when operated, activates an associated application or application group, where a stored last state or a prescribed basic state for the associated application or application group is set and is shown on a screen display, and to an associated operator control system. The identified operation of the switch is followed by activation of the associated application or application group, and setting a stored menu state for the purpose of operator control when the associated application or application group has been deactivated. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118903 | VEHICLE INFORMATION RECORD DEVICE, VEHICLE INFORMATION COLLECTION DEVICE, AND VEHICLE INFORMATION RECORD-COLLECTION SYSTEM - A vehicle information record-collection system includes a plurality of drive recorders, and a center system. The center system sends setting change request information that includes vehicle information designated to be a record object to the drive recorder of each investigation object vehicle through wireless communication. The drive recorder of each vehicle, upon receiving the setting change request information from the center system through wireless communication, changes the setting of the vehicle information in terms of the record object on the basis of the setting change request information. After the setting change in terms of the record object, the drive recorder records the vehicle information, and sends the recorded vehicle information to the center system through wireless communication. | 05-07-2009 |
20090125181 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSISTING A DRIVER WHEN PARKING OR MANEUVERING A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for assisting a driver when parking or maneuvering a motor vehicle having at least one driver assistance system and a vehicle safety system is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting the surroundings and calculating a desired path in a calculation model, in which the differences in traveling distance between the individual wheels are monitored and determined by means of the vehicle safety system. The desired path is predicted in a calculation model by means of the differences in traveling distance, and detection of the surroundings is carried out by means of the driver assistance system. Furthermore, a system which is suitable to implement the method is provided. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125182 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE/TRAILER COMBINATIONS - A driver assistance system for motor vehicle/trailer combinations having a towing vehicle and at least one trailer, having a sensor unit for detecting the dynamics of the trailer, an electronic analysis unit for analyzing the data of the sensor unit, and an output unit for outputting an instability signal, which indicates a dynamic instability of the trailer established by the analysis unit, and having at least one assistance function which automatically triggers and controls a braking operation under specific conditions, the assistance function being designed to limit the absolute value of the deceleration of the vehicle during the braking operation to a value as a function of the instability signal. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125183 | Wiper apparatus control method and wiper control system - A wiper apparatus ( | 05-14-2009 |
20090125184 | CIRCUIT BOARD WITH INTEGRATED CONNECTOR - Removable circuits and related mounting hardware for removably connecting circuits to a vehicle's control system. Circuits and connectors form an addressable assembly which may be enclosed in a flowable material. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125185 | IN-VEHICLE EQUIPMENT SYSTEM - Front-mounted in-vehicle equipment arranged to a front part of a vehicle internal space, rear-mounted in-vehicle equipment arranged to a rear part of the vehicle internal space, and a connection adapted to connect the front-mounted in-vehicle equipment and the rear-mounted in-vehicle equipment is described. Rear-mounted in-vehicle equipment controls the front-mounted in-vehicle equipment via a keyboard or game controller, thereby allowing a passenger to control the front-mounted in-vehicle equipment in a straightforward manner from the rear-mounted in-vehicle equipment instead of the driver operating the front-mounted in-vehicle equipment. The rear-mounted in-vehicle equipment can be denied access to overwriting information related to music data in the front-mounted in-vehicle equipment. | 05-14-2009 |
20090132114 | Control Device and Adjusting Mechanism of a Motor Vehicle - The invention relates to a control device for an adjustment mechanism of a motor vehicle, wherein the control device includes an arithmetic unit that is configured to control a function unit of the motor vehicle, a volatile memory for storing control data, a non-volatile memory, and a circuit. The volatile memory is connected to the arithmetic unit for storing the control data, and the circuit is designed to transmit the control data from the volatile memory into the nonvolatile memory in a sleep mode or in a switched-off state of the arithmetic unit. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a functional unit of a motor vehicle. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132115 | Wiper Control Method and Wiper Control System - When a wiper is started, a wiper arm is moved at first in the backward path direction (S | 05-21-2009 |
20090132116 | DRIVE SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN DUMP TRUCK - A drive system of an electrically driven dump truck that
| 05-21-2009 |
20090132117 | VEHICULAR MEMORY MANAGEMENT APPARATUS - When a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM has a trouble code storage area and a status information area, status information is stored in the status information area after completion of storage of a trouble code in the trouble code storage area. Even when storage of the trouble code in a second storage area is interrupted due to a power fault with a result of three area discrepancy, the storage of the trouble code in the storage area is determined as not complete based on the status information, thereby leading to an appropriate data recovery of the trouble code in the trouble code storage area for an improvement of storage reliability of a vehicular memory management apparatus. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132118 | COMMON CONTROL APPARATUS AND VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A common control unit in an intra box performs common control that is independent from behavior control for controlled objects extracted from function domain controllers. A control condition management unit manages control conditions that are commonly used by the function domain controllers for performing the behavior control. An inspection unit inspects abnormality of the behavior control by the function domain controllers. A resource management unit manages distribution as well as residue amount, storage, and use restriction of commonly owned resource. A plug and play management unit manages system configuration of a vehicle control system. By using the above units, the vehicle control system reduces processing load of function domain controllers for performing the behavior control in respective function domains as well as adaptation operation of the function domain controllers to the system configuration. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132119 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE, PROVIDED FOR THE TOWING AWAY OF THE SAME - A suitable electrical system for a motor vehicle is provided, which system requires a voltage supply during a possible towing-away operation. A voltage-supply control device recognizes the provision of an external voltage supply, in particular by way of a towing vehicle for the motor vehicle, and controls the voltage supply in the motor vehicle in such a manner that only one or more subsystems of the entire electrical system of the motor vehicle are supplied with voltage. | 05-21-2009 |
20090138155 | Vehicle climate control apparatus and method - A vehicle climate control apparatus and method realizing a satisfactory drive feeling and in-compartment comfort, at the same time, by estimating the behavioral intention of the driver at an early time are disclosed. The vehicle climate control apparatus comprises an air-conditioning control unit for controlling the air-conditioning state in the compartments by controlling the air-conditioning device, a driving behavior detection unit for detecting the operation amounts of the driver, an estimation unit for calculating the behavioral intention estimating information for estimating the prospective driving behavior of the driver based on the operation amounts detected by the driving behavior detection unit, and a determining unit for estimating the output state of the power source based on the behavioral intention estimating information and giving an instruction to the air-conditioning control unit in accordance with the estimated output state. | 05-28-2009 |
20090150024 | Location range setting apparatus, control method and controller for apparatus mounted in mobile object, and automotive air conditioner and control method for the same - A location range setting apparatus includes: a location information acquiring unit for acquiring location information indicating the location of a mobile object; a road information acquiring unit for acquiring road segment information indicating a specific segment of a road; a segment determining unit for associating the location information with corresponding road segment information; a storage unit for storing a plurality of pieces of location information and road segment information respectively as learned data; a clustering unit for clustering the plurality of pieces of road segment information included in the learned data into at least a first cluster or a second cluster; and a location range setting unit for determining first and second ranges for the location of the mobile object from the road segment information included in the first and second clusters, respectively. | 06-11-2009 |
20090150025 | CONTROLLER FOR VEHICLE - A controller for a vehicle makes it possible to prevent window glass from fogging and also to reduce fuel consumption in conducting control to temporarily stop an engine when a vehicle stops. The controller for a vehicle includes a vehicle condition detector which detects a condition under which a vehicle is being placed, a fogging determination humidity estimator which estimates a fogging determination humidity, which is a humidity not causing window glass of the vehicle to fog up under the condition detected by the vehicle condition detector, a humidity detector which detects the humidity in the vehicle, and an engine stop duration determiner which determines a longer engine stop duration as the humidity difference increases between the humidity detected by the humidity detector immediately before an engine is stopped and the fogging determination humidity. An engine control unit restarts the engine and also starts up a refrigeration cycle unit and a blower fan when an engine stop duration has elapsed following an engine stop. | 06-11-2009 |
20090157256 | PASSENGER DIFFERENTIATING APPARATUS WITH INDEPENDENT FRAME STRUCTURE - A passenger differentiating apparatus with an independent frame structure includes a passenger seat disposed to be movable in a back-and-forth direction within a car by a user, a pair of guide rails disposed below the passenger seat and configured to guide the movement of the passenger seat, a pair of load sensors disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a back-and-forth direction on one of the pair of guide rails to sense a load of a passenger sitting on the passenger seat, and an overload prevention unit disposed on the guide rails and configured to prevent damage to the pair of load sensors. | 06-18-2009 |
20090171529 | Multi-screen display device and program of the same - The multi display screen is constituted of a wide-screen displaying simultaneously two or more of a navigation search control screen setting necessary requirements to search for a route from a place of departure to a destination of a vehicle, a navigation map screen displaying the position of the vehicle on a map, a night vision screen recognizing an object on a road at night by infrared, a back guide monitor screen for recognizing a rear side of the vehicle, a blind corner monitor screen for recognizing an orthogonal direction of the vehicle, and a hands-free transmission/reception screen of a car phone. Screens to be displayed on the multi-display screen constituted of the wide screen is selected according to a vehicle driving state detected in a vehicle driving state detecting unit, and a display on the multi-display screen of a “screen | 07-02-2009 |
20090177355 | VEHICLE NAVIGATION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle navigation control system and method in which the system includes a communication bus, a navigation system, a display device, and a vehicle control computer. The navigation system is connected to the communication bus to provide navigation information. The display device displays a human machine interface and one item of prompt information. The vehicle control computer controls vehicle devices of the vehicle by means of the human machine interface displayed on the display device, fetches the navigation information from the navigation system via the communication bus, converts the fetched navigation information into an item of prompt information, and outputs the converted prompt information to the display device for display during display of the human machine interface. | 07-09-2009 |
20090187306 | CONTROL MODULE WITH FLEXIBLE SENSOR INPUTS - A control module includes a sensor input, a discrete signal control module and a processor. The sensor input receives a sensor signal. The discrete signal control module includes a discrete signal input and selectively generates a digital signal based on the sensor signal. A processor includes a time-based input, a digital signal input, and an analog input. The time-based input and the analog input are in communication with the sensor input. The digital signal input is in communication with the discrete signal control module. The processor selectively receives one of the sensor signal and the digital signal via one of the time-based input, the digital signal input and the analog input. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187307 | DISPLAY CONTROL DEVICE - A light ECU in a light control device performs a display process of obtaining speed limit information at a current position of the driver's vehicle on a road and of instructing a pixel light system to display the speed limit information on the surface of the road. The light control device can project the speed limit information for the drivers vehicle onto the road. Further, the light control device judges whether or not the vehicle speed information is not less than a predetermined reference speed, and performs the process of displaying the vehicle speed information on the road only when the vehicle speed information is not less than a predetermined reference speed. The above control process displays the vehicle speed information on the road only when necessary, allows the driver of the vehicle only to recognize important information, and provides the driver of the vehicle with safer driving conditions. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187308 | Vehicle Surroundings Monitoring Apparatus - In a stereo-image recognition apparatus, pixel blocks having correlation with the brightness characteristics of target pixel blocks extracted from a reference image of a stereo image are specified in a comparative image so as to calculate parallaxes of the pixel blocks. Further, distance-data calculation pixel blocks whose distance data is to be calculated are extracted from the pixel blocks whose parallaxes are calculated, and parallaxes of the extracted distance-data calculation pixel blocks are calculated as distance data, thus monitoring vehicle surroundings. A brightness-determination-threshold setting unit variably sets a brightness determination threshold value on the basis of the distance distribution of the calculated distance data of the distance-data calculation pixel blocks so as to control the sensitivity to extract the distance-data calculation pixel blocks and to enhance the accuracy in monitoring vehicle surroundings. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187309 | HEALTH STATE MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND HEALTH STATE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A health state management device according to present invention manages information on a state of health of a driver of transportation equipment, and includes: an authentication portion which authenticates the driver; a health state judgment portion which measures blood component data of the driver authenticated by the authentication portion, and which judges the state of health of the driver using the blood component data; a decision portion which decides whether or not to permit operation of the transportation equipment based on a judgment result of the health state judgment portion; and a storage portion which stores the judgment result of the health state judgment portion and a decision result of the decision portion in association with driver identification information of the driver. | 07-23-2009 |
20090192670 | Control apparatus and control method for onboard device - A control apparatus includes a recommended operation determination section, a user interface section, and a control section. The recommended operation determination section uses a first probability model to determine a second operation associated with a first operation having been performed for an onboard device. The user interface section displays the second operation for an occupant and is supplied from the occupant with a response operation indicating whether to accept or reject the second operation. The control section performs the second operation on an onboard device when a response operation to accept the second operation is supplied via the user interface section. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192671 | Electric Auxiliary Heating Unit for a Motor Vehicle - An electric auxiliary heating unit for a motor vehicle reliably avoids temperature overshoots of the heated air, especially during acceleration phases of the vehicle. The temperature of adjustment the discharged hot air is adjusted in dependence upon the vehicle speed. This is preferably done via a stored characteristic field via which a plurality of vehicle parameters, such as the vehicle speed, the opening condition of the convertible top, the outside temperature, etc., can easily be taken into account. The temperature of the incoming air can also be derived from temperature values which are already available in the vehicle. This heating can preferably be used locally in the vehicle, e.g. in the vehicle seat or in the rear of the passenger compartment. Temperature fluctuations in the heated air can be avoided reliably and easily even in the case of dynamically varying operating conditions of the motor vehicle. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192672 | FLAT PANEL TOUCH INTERFACE FOR VEHICLE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - A vehicle control panel includes knobs and a touch sensitive interface in the place of conventional mechanically activated buttons. The substitution is implemented without modification to the bezel or console assembly and with many components common to consoles utilizing conventional mechanically activated buttons. | 07-30-2009 |
20090198410 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EARLY LOW FUEL WARNING BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of notifying drivers of the fluid level. Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and generate driver status signals. A fluid level sensing device is operable to generate a fluid level signal indicative of the fluid level. A controller is coupled to the fluid level sensing device and the key ignition device. The controller determines whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver in response to the driver status signals. The controller notifies the primary or secondary driver of the fluid level in response to the fluid level signal. The controller selectively controls the operation of notifying the primary or the secondary driver based on whether the driver is the primary or secondary driver. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198411 | ELECTRONIC STEERING DAMPER SYSTEMS AND VEHICLES INCLUDING SAME - An electronic steering damper system is provided for a vehicle. The electronic steering damper system can be supported with respect to the vehicle's frame and can selectively impose resistance to steering of one or more of the vehicle's wheels in response to a vehicle condition signal received from a sensor such as, for example, a vehicle speed sensor. An actuator connected with the electronic steering damper system can be configured for use by an operator to adjust the manner in which the electronic steering damper system selectively imposes resistance to steering of the wheel(s) in response to the vehicle condition signal. Vehicles including an electronic steering damper system are also provided. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198412 | Vehicle-to-vehicle communications apparatus - In a vehicle-to-vehicle communications apparatus mounted in a subject vehicle, the intersection nearest to the subject vehicle is obtained among intersections which exist in the heading direction of the subject vehicle. The intersection nearest to a peripheral vehicle is obtained among intersections which exist in the heading direction of the peripheral vehicle. When both the above intersections are identical to each other, a transmission cycle is shortened in the vehicle-to-vehicle communications apparatus of the subject vehicle. In contrast, when both are not identical, the transmission cycle is not changed. Such a configuration enables each of multiple vehicles to recognize mutual existence at an early stage when the vehicles approach the same intersection at the same time. Further, such a configuration helps prevent useless communications traffics from arising when only one vehicle approaches an intersection. | 08-06-2009 |
20090204289 | Method and Device for Controlling at Least One Object Detection Sensor - A method and a device for controlling at least one object detection sensor for a motor vehicle, the at least one sensor being switchable between a plurality of operating modes; a plurality of functions for evaluating the objects detected, using the object detection sensor, being able to access randomly the at least one sensor and a switchover between the operating modes being selected as a function of the instantaneously accessing assistance functions, and a coordinator is provided between the function evaluation devices and the at least one sensor; each function accessing the at least one sensor transmits to the coordinator a biasing probability distribution function, respectively, and the at least one sensor transmits to the coordinator a detection probability density function for each operating mode that is able to be activated, and the coordinator selects the most suitable operating mode for each function accessing the at least one sensor. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204290 | ON-VEHICLE DISPLAY SYSTEM AND DISPLAY PANEL CONTROL DEVICE - An instrument panel display system includes a liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal controller arranged to generate display data to be inputted into the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal controller includes a graphic LSI arranged to autonomously create screen data from imaging data read out from a memory and image data inputted in the graphic LSI, and a control LSI arranged to receive vehicle data and create an imaging operation switching command according to the vehicle data. The graphic LSI creates the screen data in response to the imaging operation switching command, and outputs the screen data as the display data. This configuration can reduce the load on a processor connected to the vehicle network. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204291 | AUTOMATIC GLARE REDUCTION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES - An apparatus and method of controlling the transparency of at least one window in a vehicle includes at least one multi-segment light filtering element, each segment having a controllable light transmissive characteristic. The apparatus includes at least one sensor configured to determine the physical location and orientation of the vehicle, a memory that includes stored road map information including glare characteristics of each roadway, and a control unit electrically connected to the memory and at least one sensor. The apparatus and method is configured to automatically adjust the transmissive characteristic of the at least one light transmitting element based at least upon stored road map information and the location of the vehicle. | 08-13-2009 |
20090216402 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WIPER AND WASHER - Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling a wiper and washer. An apparatus for controlling a wiper and washer, includes a wiper to wipe a windshield of a vehicle, a washer to eject washer fluid to the windshield of the vehicle, and an intelligent multi-function module (IMFM) to utilize a temperature sensing function of the vehicle according to a selected intelligent multi-function mode, and control the wiper and washer according to a sensed temperature with respect to the vehicle. | 08-27-2009 |
20090222164 | Method and Device for Determining The Roll Angle of a Motorcycle - A device and method for determining a roll angle of a motorcycle are disclosed. The method includes the step of acquiring a rolling rate ({dot over (λ)} | 09-03-2009 |
20090222165 | INDUSTRIAL TRUCK HAVING A DEVICE FOR THE WEAR REDUCTION OF WHEELS WITH CUSHION TIRES - An industrial truck comprises a plurality of wheels, each wheel comprising a hub and a cushion tire mounted thereon. The truck further comprises a sensor adapted to measure a temperature of a tread of one of the cushion tires and a control unit communicably coupled with the sensor and with at least one of a drive unit of the truck and a cooling unit associated with the tread. | 09-03-2009 |
20090240395 | ENVIRONMENT CUSTOMIZATION WITH EXTENSIBLE ENVIRONMENT-SETTINGS DATA - Environment customization includes downloading extensible environment-settings data from a data-storage device and adjusting one or more environmental parameters defined by the extensible environment-settings data. The extensible environment-settings data is amended to include previously undefined settings, and the amended extensible environment-settings data is uploaded to the data-storage device. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240396 | Pit road display - Instruments or gauges arranged to provide feedback detectable by the peripheral vision of a driver when vehicle operating parameters, such as engine speed, temperature, pressure, and voltage, are in a critical range, include one or more of the following types of instruments or gauges and/or features: (a) a tachometer that not only includes a primary numeric display, but also a secondary display made up of a plurality of discrete lights of different colors, the colors indicating whether the engine speed of a vehicle is within a relatively narrow range of engine speeds acceptable for the roadway leading from a race track to service areas, known as “pit road,” the high and low limits of the range being adjustable to meet pit road requirements at different tracks; (b) an instrument or gauge having a background that illuminates to indicate critical sensor readings; (c) an instrument or gauge having improved handling of sensor abnormalities to prevent false readings; (d) a non-linear analog gauge for a motor vehicle having a higher resolution in a particular range of interest, and a lower resolution outside that range; and (e) a boost pressure gauge that facilitates entry of gear information for use in traction control. The instruments or gauges of the invention are suitable for use in racing vehicles that meet standards established by NASCAR. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240397 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY - A communication system for a vehicle includes an interior assembly and an in-vehicle communication control that is located in the vehicle remote from the interior assembly. A human-machine interface is located at the interior assembly and is connected to the in-vehicle communication control via a connective link to communicate at least one human-machine interface signal between the human-machine interface and the in-vehicle communication control. A global positioning system control in the vehicle communicates at least one GPS-derived signal to one of the interior assembly and the in-vehicle communication control via the connective link and the at least one human-machine interface signal and the at least one GPS-derived signal share the connective link such that the connective link comprises a shared common connective link between the in-vehicle communication control and the interior assembly. | 09-24-2009 |
20090248242 | AIR DEFLECTORS ADJUSTABLE IN RESPONSE TO AIR DRAG - A method of changing the aerodynamic drag on a vehicle ( | 10-01-2009 |
20090248243 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WIPER POSITION - An apparatus and a method for controlling a wiper position are provided. The apparatus to control a wiper position includes a controller to receive a wiper operation control signal output from a user input unit to control a wiper to be stopped at a desired position, a wiper motor to drive the wiper, a wiper relay switched to drive the wiper motor under a control of the controller, and a wipe sensor to sense a position of the wiper motor to transfer a position signal to the controller. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248244 | ONBOARD DEVICE CONTROL APPARATUS - There is provided an onboard device control apparatus which controls an operation of an onboard device, comprising a plurality of sensor nodes which comprises a state-detecting sensor portion to detect a specified state, a data processing portion to conduct calculation processing of data obtained by the state-detecting sensor portion, a memory portion to memorize specified data, and a communication portion to send and receive the data by wireless, respectively, a network forming means to form a network of the plurality of sensor nodes which are provided at plural locations in a vehicle compartment, and a control means to control the onboard device based on plural data of the plural sensor nodes forming the network. Accordingly, the onboard device can be properly controlled, considering the whole situation of a vehicle. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248245 | VEHICLE DISPLAY UNIT - A vehicle display unit for a vehicle includes a display panel, a transmitting panel, a peripheral wall member, and a sounding body. The display panel faces a vehicle interior of the vehicle and displays visual information to a vehicle occupant of the vehicle. The transmitting panel is disposed on a vehicle interior side of the display panel. The visual information is transmitted to the vehicle occupant through the transmitting panel. The peripheral wall member surrounds a space between the display panel and the transmitting panel in a circumferential direction of the display panel. The sounding body is attached on an outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall member and is configured to provide auditory information for the vehicle occupant by generating a sound wave. The peripheral wall member has a communicating hole, which opens toward the sounding body and communicates with the space. | 10-01-2009 |
20090254246 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO OPTIMIZE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF AIR COMPRESSOR IN VEHICLE AIR BRAKE APPLICATION - In a pneumatic brake system for a motor vehicle, a variable speed electric motor is connected to a high voltage direct current power supply for variable energization, thus varying the operating rate of a compressor and the rate of pressurization of the brake system storage tanks. The operating rate of the compressor is varied responsive to pressure readings taken from the storage tanks during pressurization to minimize energy consumption. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254247 | Undazzled-area map product, and system for determining whether to dazzle person using the same - In an undazzled-area map product stored in a computer-readable storage unit, information indicative of a relationship between a boundary distance and each of a plurality of divided sections of a rectangular area to be picked up by a pickup unit is included. The pickup unit is provided in a reference vehicle with a headlight and working to pick up an image of the rectangular area ahead of the reference vehicle. The boundary distance is defined as a maximum distance between the reference vehicle and a target person such that, when a distance between the reference vehicle and the target person is within the maximum distance, the target person is estimated to be undazzled by the headlight of the reference vehicle. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254248 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING RECORD OF VEHICLES - A system for managing records of vehicles comprises an equipment unit for creating and transmitting parking/stopping data of the vehicle; and a main system for receiving the parking/stopping data of the vehicle from the equipment unit and classifying, accumulating, and managing the received parking/stopping data. | 10-08-2009 |
20090259363 | POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A system and method of determining and applying power split ratios to power sources within hybrid vehicles. The power split ratio is determined using a two-scale dynamic programming technique to achieve optimal state of charge depletion over the course of a trip. On the macro-scale level, a global state of charge profile is created for the entire trip. On the micro-scale level, the state of charge profile and accompanying power split ratio is recalculated at the end of each segment as the vehicle proceeds along the trip. Various trip modeling techniques are used to provide constraints for the dynamic programming. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259364 | Method for controlling devices, and a device in a communications network in a motor vehicle - A method for managing a plurality of devices interconnected as a communications network in a motor vehicle via one or a plurality of interconnected bus systems is presented, the method including recognizing and generating a device specific control component for newly attached devices. The method includes operating a generic control module to operate upon data stored in a newly attached device to generate the device-specific control component, which is used to control the device. The device-specific control component either can be added to the generic control module or can be stored independently of the generic control module in the respective device. The generic control module is used in a gateway or a system manager of the communications network. A human-machine interface adapts to the device-specific control component. The network is interconnected by a bus system, preferably embodied according to IEEE 1394. | 10-15-2009 |
20090265061 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE DEVICE, DRIVING ASSISTANCE METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Driving assistance is provided to a vehicle driver in a manner that is easy to understand and at a low cost. At a driving assistance device ( | 10-22-2009 |
20090271068 | Detection Apparatus - A detection apparatus comprises a freely-movable integral framework provided with front wheels and rear wheels, characterized in that, a control portion and a scan portion, and a driving mechanism driving said framework to move are provided on said framework, wherein said framework is provided with a first interface for connecting to external power, so that said detection apparatus is driven by external power via the driving mechanism to perform detection while conducting detection on site, and wherein the semitrailer for mounting the framework is provided with a second interface connectable to a traction apparatus so as to connect the detection apparatus and the traction apparatus while carrying out site-changing transportation. Said detection apparatus is not affected by the alteration of the emission standards, has low failure rate and maintenance cost, has zero emission in the detection state, and is pollution-free. | 10-29-2009 |
20090276119 | Sump With Controlled Oil Level - A motor vehicle having a transmission sump with a controlled oil level is disclosed. The motor vehicle includes a scavenge pump which draws oil from the transmission sump via a scavenge valve. The scavenge valve may be controlled to cause the scavenge pump to draw oil from a selected oil level. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276120 | VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and apparatus for validating a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an input device for allowing entry of vehicle operator identification information, a transceiver for transmitting a message and receiving a response to the message, an interface for allowing a processor to communication with a vehicle sub-system, and a processor connected to the input device, the transceiver, and the interface, the processor for receiving the vehicle operator identification information from the input device, for generating the message comprising the vehicle operation identification information and providing the message to the transceiver, for receiving the response from the transceiver and for controlling the vehicle sub-system, via the interface, based on the response. | 11-05-2009 |
20090287372 | PIT ROAD DISPLAY - Instruments or gauges arranged to provide feedback detectable by the peripheral vision of a driver when vehicle operating parameters, such as engine speed, temperature, pressure, and voltage, are in a critical range, include one or more of the following types of instruments or gauges and/or features: (a) a tachometer that not only includes a primary numeric display, but also a secondary display made up of a plurality of discrete lights of different colors, the colors indicating whether the engine speed of a vehicle is within a relatively narrow range of engine speeds acceptable for the roadway leading from a race track to service areas, known as “pit road,” the high and low limits of the range being adjustable to meet pit road requirements at different tracks; (b) an instrument or gauge having a background that illuminates to indicate critical sensor readings; (c) an instrument or gauge having improved handling of sensor abnormalities to prevent false readings; (d) a non-linear analog gauge for a motor vehicle having a higher resolution in a particular range of interest, and a lower resolution outside that range; and (e) a boost pressure gauge that facilitates entry of gear information for use in traction control. The instruments or gauges of the invention are suitable for use in racing vehicles that meet standards established by NASCAR. | 11-19-2009 |
20090299569 | Apparatrus for assisting driving of a vehicle and method for operating the apparatus - An apparatus is described for assisting driving of a vehicle having at least two driver assistance systems and having an output device or element for communicating information items of at least one of the driver assistance systems to a driver of the vehicle. To relieve the strain on the driver, a control device or element, configured as an information coordinator and connected at its input side to the driver assistance systems and at its output side to the output device is provided for controlling information items of the driver assistance systems to be communicated to the driver. | 12-03-2009 |
20090299570 | Tire Module and Method For Sensing Wheel State Variables and/or Tire State Variables - A tire module for sensing wheel and/or tire state variables is provided. The module includes at least one acceleration switch which determines a wheel state variable and/or a tire state variable. A method for sensing wheel state variables and/or tire state variables is also provided. In the method, a characteristic variable which is a measure of the length of the contact area of the tire or the contact area run-through time is determined by an acceleration switch. | 12-03-2009 |
20090299571 | Car-mounted device and method of inserting modules - A car-mounted device comprising a plurality of slots for inserting modules; detection units for detecting the states where the modules are inserted in the slots; and a control unit for issuing a notice based on the states where the modules are inserted detected by the detection units; wherein if the detection unit detects the module that is incompletely inserted in the slot, then the control unit decides if the module may come in contact with the constituent portion of the car-mounted device due to the operation of the constituent portion and issues an attention notice. | 12-03-2009 |
20090299572 | In-vehicle apparatus - An object of the invention is to provide an in-vehicle apparatus and an in-vehicle system that can use a plurality of expansion modules. The in-vehicle apparatus includes a plurality of slots for connecting a plurality of modules, each having a connector for connection, to expand capabilities of the in-vehicle apparatus, and a control unit for identifying the kind of each of the plurality of modules connected to the plurality of slots. | 12-03-2009 |
20090306851 | MINIMIZING WHEEL SPEED AND ACCELERATION ERRORS - A method for compensating for wheel speed and acceleration calculation errors comprising the steps of collecting a wheel speed signal, creating at least one compensation factor for the wheel speed signal, correlating each compensation factor with a rotational position of the wheel, modifying each compensation factor individually based on variations in calculations made from the information collected according to the rotational position of the wheel, and calculating wheel speed and acceleration using the at least one compensation factor applied according to the rotational position of the wheel from which the wheel speed signal is collected. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306852 | DRIVING OPERATION SUPPORT DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE - A driving operation support device for a vehicle is provided herein. One exemplary driving operation support device includes a road sensor for acquiring information regarding a section of road ahead of a vehicle over which the vehicle is traveling. The driving operation support device may also include a controller for determining whether the section of road is passable for the vehicle based on the information acquired by the road sensor. The driving operation support device may further include a display provided between the section of road and a driver of the vehicle. The controller may display a guidance element on the display at a position overlapped with the section of the road as seen from the perspective of the driver, such that the guidance element indicates whether the road is passable based on the determination of the controller. | 12-10-2009 |
20090312900 | Multi-Dimensional Controls Integration - A multi-dimensional control system for simultaneously controlling multiple device functions in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a control panel having a control surface and an input device that is selectable at a plurality of positions about the control surface. Each of the positions is associated with one of a plurality of first function settings and one of a plurality of second function settings. Additional devices, systems, and methods for controlling multiple functions in a motor vehicle are disclosed. | 12-17-2009 |
20090312901 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN OCCUPANT COMMUNICATION DEVICE BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - A system for controlling the operation of at least one of commanding an occupant communication device and entering data into the occupant communication device based on whether a driver is a primary or a secondary driver is provided. A controller is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. The controller is configured to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is one of the primary and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is configured to selectively control the operation of at least one of commanding the occupant communication device and entering data into the occupant communication device based on whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary driver or the secondary driver. | 12-17-2009 |
20090312902 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION FEATURE BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - A system for controlling the operation of performing emergency notification in a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a controller configured to receive at least one driver status signal indicative of whether the driver is one of the primary driver and the secondary driver from a key ignition device positioned on at least one of a primary key and the secondary key. The controller is configured to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is one of the primary and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is configured to selectively control the operation of performing emergency notification based on whether the driver of the vehicle is one of the primary driver and the secondary driver. | 12-17-2009 |
20090312903 | Maintaining Energy Principal Preferences in a Vehicle - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for managing user preferences associated with charging transactions for electric vehicles. In one embodiment, a set of principals associated with a charging transaction for an electric vehicle is identified in response to receiving a request for a set of preferences from an energy transaction planner. The vehicle preference service is located on the electric vehicle. The set of preferences are retrieved from a plurality of preferences. The set of preferences comprises a subset of preferences for each principal in the set of principals. A preference in the set of preferences specifies a parameter of the charging transaction that is to be minimized, maximized, or optimized. The set of preferences are sent to an energy transaction planner. | 12-17-2009 |
20090312904 | Snow Plow Position-Controlled Vehicle Headlight Operation System And Method - A headlight control system for use on a snow plow mounted on the front of a vehicle and a related method are disclosed that automatically, selectively illuminate the headlights of the vehicle in addition to the headlights of the snow plow only when the snow plow blade is in a down position such that it is not physically obstructing the headlights of the vehicle. The headlight control system and method only operate to turn on the vehicle headlights when the snow plow lights are turned on. The headlight control system and method are capable of operating both the low beam headlights and the high beam headlights of the vehicle in conjunction with the low beam headlights and the high beam headlights of the snow plow when the snow plow blade is lowered. | 12-17-2009 |
20090312905 | CONTROLLING SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN AIR HANDLING SYSTEM - The invention relates to a controlling system for controlling an air handling system that is arranged to handle air in an enclosure such as a cabin of a vehicle. The controlling system comprises a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, and a controller The first sensing unit is arranged to generate a first output signal based on a measurement of the 5 concentration of certain airborne pollutants at the upstream side of an air cleaning unit that is comprised in the air handling system. The second sensing unit is arranged to generate a second output signal based on a measurement of the concentration of certain airborne pollutants at the downstream side of the air cleaning unit. The first output signal and the second output signal are used for specific purposes in a decision-making process that can be | 12-17-2009 |
20090312906 | VERTICAL ALIGNMENT OF A LIDAR SENSOR - An analysis unit for a driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an input for receiving image information which is captured by a camera, a calculating device for using image information to calculate a variable which describes an angle of inclination of the vehicle, a determining device for using the variable to determine an output signal, wherein the output signal relates to a vertical orientation of electromagnetic radiation which is to be emitted by a transmitter unit, and an output for outputting the output signal. A driver assistance system, a computer program product and a method for operating a driver assistance system, are also provided. | 12-17-2009 |
20090319122 | DETECTION OF ERRORS IN DATA RELATING TO THE ACTUATION OF A VEHICLE MEMBER - The invention relates to a method for the transmission of data relating to the actuation of a member used to operate a vehicle, in which code words are transmitted along the length of a given channel, each of said code words resulting from the channel coding of a block of information symbols that is representative of the aforementioned data. According to the invention, at least two such successive blocks of information symbols are coded using two different codes. The invention also relates to a data transmission system that is used to implement said method. | 12-24-2009 |
20090326760 | LOCATION BASED METHOD FOR IMPROVING VEHICLE CABIN AIR QUALITY - Ways are provided for improving the in-cabin air quality of a vehicle by automatically adjusting the HVAC system settings sufficiently in advance of approaching a location associated with an air quality hazard. In one example, the vehicle's telematics unit correlates the vehicle's position information with locations of static and dynamic air quality hazards, including locations of incidents potentially affecting the air quality in vicinity of the vehicle's location and issues instructions to adjust the HVAC settings to minimize the impact on in-cabin air quality. | 12-31-2009 |
20100004819 | CONSERVED ENERGY METRICS FOR FRONTAL IMPACT SENSING ALGORITHM ENHANCEMENT IN MOTOR VEHICLES - A motor vehicle is provided that has a deployable occupant protection device, a controller that manages deployment activity, and a sensor located in a forward portion of the vehicle that produces a forward crash signal in response to crash stimulus. The forward crash signal varies between positive and negative values over time. At least some of the negative values are converted to positive values, defining a conditioned crash signal which is processed with an integrating algorithm, defining a conserved energy crash metric value that supplements processing of a central crash signal while evaluating a potential crash event(s). The conserved energy crash metric value can be used as a confirmatory factor, influencing whether to deploy the deployable occupant protection device. Or, for deployable occupant protection devices having multiple deployment stages, the conserved energy crash metric value can be used in determining whether to initiate one or more of the deployment stages. | 01-07-2010 |
20100017056 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle control device has a portable-unit restraining control unit which, when the portable unit is inserted in the slot in the drive-permitted state, irremovably fixed the portable unit, which is inserted in the slot, by the portable-unit restraining unit and, when the portable unit is inserted in the slot in the drive-prohibited state, releases the portable unit from the locking effected by the portable-unit restraining unit to allow removal of the portable unit from the slot. | 01-21-2010 |
20100023210 | REMOTE CLIMATE CONTROL DEVICE INCLUDING ELECTRICAL HEATER FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A remote climate control system is for a hybrid vehicle having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical heater selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the hybrid vehicle. At least one of the electrical heater and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the hybrid vehicle for receiving signals from said remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with said receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the hybrid vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical heater responsive to the sensor and said remote transmitter. | 01-28-2010 |
20100030424 | VIEW CONTROL SYSTEM AND VIEW CONTROL METHOD - A view control system is communicably connected to a display device for displaying data in accordance with an information resource. The view control system includes a view control device. The view control device includes a regulation determiner, a view regulator, and a resource data sender. The regulation determiner determines whether to regulate visible output of the information resource. The view regulator associates regulatory data with the information resource upon determining to regulate visible output of the information resource. The resource data sender sends resource data including the information resource, associated regulatory data, and a message conveying that visible output of the information resource is regulated. Either the message or data generated in accordance with the information resource is sent to the display device. | 02-04-2010 |
20100036560 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS OF VEHICLE AND FLEET OPERATOR PROFILE AUTOMATION AND DEPLOYMENT - A method, system, and device are presented for customizing vehicles for drivers using a vehicle-operator profile. The vehicle-operator profile contains adjustable-vehicle-related parameters related to one or more adjustable devices, such as power seats, power mirrors and entertainment devices, in a vehicle. The adjustable-vehicle-related parameters may be determined by data entry, by simulation of the vehicle, and/or by data processing, including processing ergonomic data for the driver. The adjustable-vehicle-related parameters may be stored on a profile-storage device and may be downloaded to the adjustable devices via a vehicle-setting-storage device. The adjustable devices may change based on the adjustable-vehicle-related parameters. If the adjustable devices are adjusted, the adjustable-vehicle-related parameters in the vehicle-operator profile may be updated to reflect the adjustments to the adjustable devices. | 02-11-2010 |
20100057296 | System for Wireless Transmission of Measurement Results Intented to be Used in a Coupling Device and a Use of the System in a Vehicle - A coupling device ( | 03-04-2010 |
20100063675 | VEHICLE, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM BEARING PROGRAM FOR CAUSING COMPUTER TO EXECUTE THE VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD - In response to detection of connection between a power supply outside a vehicle and a charge plug, control device invalidates key verification performed for determining whether a key of a user is regular or not, when a shift position is parking and a parking brake is active. This satisfies system start conditions, and the control device turns on respective relays to start a system, and executes charge control for charging a power storage device from the power supply outside the vehicle. | 03-11-2010 |
20100063676 | Vehicle-installation person detection apparatus and crash absorption apparatus incorporating the person detection apparatus - A person detection apparatus controls activation of a crash absorption device such as an external airbag of a vehicle, whereby when the vehicle is about to collide with a detected object, a judgement is made as to whether the object is a person. If the object is judged to be other than a person, activation of the crash absorption device is inhibited. It is rendered easier or more difficult for an object to be judged as being a person, in accordance with whether or not the vehicle is operating in an environment with a relatively high probability that persons will be present. | 03-11-2010 |
20100063677 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATION WITHIN CONTROL SYSTEMS - A method and apparatus for synchronous communication in a control system is disclosed. Within a first time interval, a first source task is executed to broadcast a first destination task, within a second sequential time interval, the first destination task is communicated over a channel to a first destination, and within a third sequential time interval, the first destination task is consumed. Within the first time interval, a second source task may be executed to broadcast a second destination task, within the second sequential time interval, the second destination task may be communicated over the channel to a second destination, and within the third sequential time interval, the second destination task may be consumed. The first source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the second source task, and the second source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the first source task. | 03-11-2010 |
20100070132 | VEHICLE, CHARACTERISTIC VALUE ESTIMATING DEVICE, AND LOADED ARTICLE DETERMINATION DEVICE - A vehicle whose attitude can be controlled even if the position of the actual center of gravity of the vehicle is not aligned with the position of the designed center of gravity or moved. The effect of the displacement of the actual center of gravity of the vehicle from the designed center of gravity is detected as the torque value produced by the displacement of the center of gravity of the vehicle as shown in FIGS. | 03-18-2010 |
20100070133 | INPUT/OUTPUT CONTROL DEVICE FOR SECONDARY BATTERY AND VEHICLE - An input/output control device for a secondary battery mounted on a vehicle includes a current estimating unit estimating a battery current input to or output from the secondary battery based on an input/output power of the secondary battery and outputting an estimated value (estimated current (Is)), a current sensor measuring the battery current and outputting a measured value (measured current (It)), and an input/output control unit controlling the input/output power based on the estimated value and the measured value. The input/output control device controls the input/output of the secondary battery, using the measured current (It) as well as the estimated value (Is), and therefore can suppress more reliably significant increase in heating value of the secondary battery and its peripheral parts. | 03-18-2010 |
20100070134 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE EQUIPMENT DEVICE - There is disclosed an apparatus for controlling a vehicle equipment device. The apparatus permits a reduction in the cost of manufacturing a vehicle in which the apparatus is installed. The apparatus also enables easy and precise switching between normal mode and delivery mode. The apparatus has a delivery decision unit and control change unit. The decision unit makes a decision as to whether the vehicle is in the delivery mode. If the decision unit determines that the vehicle is in the delivery mode, the control change unit changes the controlled contents of the vehicle equipment device from normal mode to delivery mode. The decision unit makes the aforementioned decision according to whether a backup power supply is applied to a clock device. | 03-18-2010 |
20100076647 | INPUT/OUTPUT CONTROLLER FOR SECONDARY BATTERY AND VEHICLE - An input/output controller for a secondary battery installed in a hybrid vehicle includes a temperature sensor detecting a battery temperature of a battery, a voltage sensor detecting battery voltage of battery, and a control unit for receiving temperature detected by temperature sensor and battery voltage detected by voltage sensor and setting a limit value of electric power to be inputted to or outputted from battery. Control unit changes a change ratio of the limit value to be inputted or outputted relative to battery voltage in accordance with temperature. | 03-25-2010 |
20100076648 | TRUCK AND BODYBUILDER MODULE FOR THIS TRUCK, METHOD, MEMORY AND SOFTWARE TO CONFIGURE THE BODYBUILDER MODULE - A truck and a bodybuilder module for a truck, a method, a memory and software to configure the bodybuilder module are provided. The truck includes a first non-volatile memory zone, content of which cannot be modified, the first non-volatile memory zone storing authorized mathematical operators and a plurality of authorized operands, each operand corresponding to a data generated by one of the electronic control units or one of the sensors, a second non-volatile memory zone, content of which can be modified, the second non-volatile memory zone storing information defining a mathematical operation, the mathematical operation being formed by a combination of operators and operands, a microprocessor able to execute the mathematical operation defined by the information stored in the second non-volatile memory zone only if each of the operators and operands of the defined mathematical operation matches an authorized operator or operand stored in the first non-volatile memory zone, and to transmit the result of the executed mathematical operation to the auxiliary unit through the auxiliary unit connection. | 03-25-2010 |
20100082201 | Method For Reducing Audible Noise In A Vehicle - A method for reducing noise in a vehicle by adjusting the rotational speed of various rotational components. | 04-01-2010 |
20100087986 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CUSTOMIZING A WIRELESS NETWORK ARCHITECTURE - A wireless network arrangement for a vehicle includes an electronic controller disposed within the vehicle. A plurality of wireless electronic components are disposed within the vehicle and are wirelessly communicatively coupled to the electronic controller. The components are networked together wirelessly such that members of any subgroup of the components can wirelessly communicate with each other. | 04-08-2010 |
20100087987 | Apparatus and Method for Vehicle Driver Recognition and Customization Using Onboard Vehicle System Settings - A vehicle includes vehicle systems each having driver-selectable vehicle system settings (VSS), and a control system for statistically modeling the VSS to determine an identity of a driver. The control system automatically controls a setting of at least one of the vehicle systems using or based on the identity. The control system statistically models the VSS for the driver over time to produce a historical driver profile (HDP) for the driver, and can automatically update the HDP when said driver manually changes any one of the VSS. An optional driver identification device can verify the identity. A method for controlling a predetermined onboard system of a vehicle includes collecting a set of VSS for a plurality of onboard systems, processing the VSS through a statistical modeling algorithm to determine an identity of a driver of the vehicle, and automatically controlling a predetermined onboard system using the identity of the driver. | 04-08-2010 |
20100094501 | System and Methods for an Automated Sun Glare Block Area and Sunshield in a Vehicular Windshield - A system and methods for the automated display of a borderless sun glare block area and sunshield in a windshield, which can be made of electrochromatic glass, in a motor vehicle driven at any time and at any location on earth is presented. The first method, which accurately calculates the precise position of the sun glare block area, is based on the apparent solar position, the direction of travel relative to the true North, the slope of the road, the windshield tilt angle, and the dynamic position of the driver's eyes. It uses sets of different formulas depending on the position of the sun glare on the windshield and the slope of the road. The second method calculates the changing opacities of the borderless sun glare block area, whose opacity decreases from its center to its edge and matches that of the sunshield, based on the ambient light intensity. | 04-15-2010 |
20100094502 | DRIVE CONTROL APPARATUS, DRIVE CONTROL METHOD, DRIVE CONTROL PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A drive control apparatus ( | 04-15-2010 |
20100100280 | Vehicle Leveling And Attitude Positioning System - A vehicle leveling assembly includes a plurality of jack assemblies corresponding to four quadrants of a vehicle, and a plurality of sensors for determining jack position and rate of movement. A method of detecting contacting between the shafts of the jack assemblies and the ground includes measuring pulse width of current emitted by the hall effect sensor to monitor the speed of the shafts and recognizing contact with the ground when the shaft slows down. A method of detecting contacting between the shafts of the jack assemblies and the ground includes measuring the electric motor current signal and correlating a pulse from the current signal to the electric motor revolutions per minute and travel of the shafts. A method of calibrating the leveling assembly includes measuring a change in inclination as the jack assemblies are extended a known distance to determine the distance between the Jack assemblies. A method of leveling includes extending the shafts an additional compacting distance to ensure accurate calculations of shaft extension, prior to attempting to level the vehicle. | 04-22-2010 |
20100106362 | A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH POWER MANAGEMENT - A method of controlling a power input to a compressor clutch, via an A/C clutch voltage controller, that selectively drives an A/C compressor in a vehicle HVAC system is disclosed. The method may comprise the steps of: determining a first electric power level needed to cause the compressor clutch to move to a full engagement position from a compressor clutch non-engagement position; applying the first electric power level to the compressor clutch to cause the compressor clutch to move to the full engagement position; determining a second electric power level, which is lower than the first electric power level, needed to maintain the compressor clutch in the full engagement position; and applying the second electric power level to the compressor clutch to maintain the compressor clutch in the full engagement position. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106363 | Climate Control System For A Vehicle - A climate control system for a vehicle includes an input device, display, and first thermometer inside the vehicle. The system includes a first sensor configured to determine if the vehicle has been put into gear. A first processor is in data communication with the input device, display, first thermometer, first sensor, and vehicle controls. A clock, first receiver, and first transmitter are in data communication with the first processor. The system includes a remote control unit having a second input device, interface output device, second receiver for communicating with the first transmitter, second transmitter for communicating with the first receiver, and second processor, the second processor being in data communication with the second input device, the interface output device, the second receiver, and the second transmitter. The processors include programming for actuating the transmitters and receivers and actuating vehicle system controls according to user supplied specifications. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106364 | INTER-VEHICLE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INDICATING SPEED AND DECELERATION - A transmission cycle/output control portion ( | 04-29-2010 |
20100106365 | FEEDBACK CONTROL METHOD AND UNIT OF A SERVO CONTROLLED SYSTEM WHICH AFFECTS THE PSYCHOPHYSICAL STATE OF A USER - An embodiment of a feedback control method and unit of a servo controlled system which acts on the environment surrounding a user for adjusting at least one feature of the environment which affects the psychophysical state of the user; the control unit has: a memory device in which there is stored a desired optimal value or a range of desired optimal values of a psychophysical feedback parameter of the user correlated with the perception that the user has of the feature of the environment adjusted by the servo controlled system; an estimation device for cyclically estimating a real value of the psychophysical feedback parameter of the user by means of at least one measurement performed directly on the user; and a driving device for cyclically driving the servo controlled system for seeking the optimal desired value of the psychophysical feedback parameter. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106366 | OPERATION EQUIPMENT FOR A VEHICLE - Operation equipment for a vehicle comprising a control element ( | 04-29-2010 |
20100106367 | VEHICLE MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM - A vehicle multimedia system includes a display that displays a hierarchically structured menu. The hierarchically structured menu may have a main menu, a plurality of submenus, and menu items. The multimedia system provides a memory for storing information identifying a menu or menu item, and a memory control unit for writing information related to a menu item upon a user's selection of the menu by an operating element or by automatic return to a main menu, and displaying the information as selectable menu items identified by the information. | 04-29-2010 |
20100114428 | WHEEL DIAMETER VARIATION-DETECTING DEVICE - There is provided a wheel diameter variation-detecting device which is capable of properly detecting relative variation in diameter between a plurality of wheels of a vehicle. The wheel diameter variation-detecting device | 05-06-2010 |
20100114429 | CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system has a startup start device that generates and outputs a startup start signal that starts a startup of a vehicle based on an operation of starting up the vehicle, a power supply device that supplies power to each unit of the vehicle, a central control unit that generates and outputs to a motor device for driving the vehicle, a startup command signal that starts up the motor device based on the startup start signal, a startup control unit that performs a startup control of the motor device based on the startup command signal, a drive control unit that performs a drive control of a peripheral device configuring the vehicle, a storage unit that stores first data containing initial information of the peripheral device or setting information set in advance, and a data storage control unit that performs the startup control of the motor device by the startup control unit after storing second data indicating, when the operation of starting up the vehicle is performed, a state of the peripheral device at the time of the operation in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit. | 05-06-2010 |
20100121525 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A THREE DIMENSIONAL FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM - A three dimensional vehicle fuel cut-off system and method of accomplishing the same. | 05-13-2010 |
20100121526 | Speed warning method and apparatus for navigation system - A method and apparatus allows the driver to set a threshold speed for generating a warning by slightly modifying the speed limit, such that a warning mechanism can be activated when the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold speed. The method and apparatus achieves a convenient interface for the driver to set the threshold speeds at once according to different speed limits by setting a number such as a percentage in a speed adjustment unit. The number indicates the difference in percentage between the speed limit and the threshold speed. The threshold speed can be either higher or lower than the speed limit based on the driving style and preference of the driver. | 05-13-2010 |
20100121527 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - An onboard information retrieval apparatus | 05-13-2010 |
20100121528 | DUMPER - In order to further improve driving stability, a dumper | 05-13-2010 |
20100125386 | FALSE ALARM MANAGEMENT IN DAS AND CSW SYSTEM USING FALSE ALARM DATABASE AND MAP DATABASE SENSOR - A management system for a vehicle including a database adapted to store a plurality of records, wherein each of the records represents an output of a vehicle system and a processor in communication with the database and the vehicle system, wherein the processor receives the output of the vehicle system, analyzes the output, manages the records in the database in response to the analysis of the output, and controls the transmission of the output to a driver of the vehicle in response to at least one of the analysis of the output of the vehicle system and the records in the database. | 05-20-2010 |
20100125387 | SYSTEM OF INTEGRATED TELEMATICS SERVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SYSTEM - Provided is an integrated telematics service system that may operate as an essential network interoperating gateway in a smart vehicle appropriate for a ubiquitous environment, and that includes: a network interface unit that receives a user input to process the user input based on an ontology modeling for the integrated telematics service, and interoperates with an external network of the smart vehicle; a knowledge based management unit that interoperates with the network interface unit to manage a policy and a schedule for a telematics service, an event occurring in the smart vehicle, and a schedule of a user; and a service unit that converts information associated with a navigation service or a multimedia service to a form suitable for an internal device of the smart vehicle, to perform a one-source-multi-use function. | 05-20-2010 |
20100125388 | INFORMATION WRITING TOOL AND SYSTEM - An ECU having a vehicle connector is coupled with an information writing tool that stores vehicle information specifically associated with corresponding vehicle specification, when the ECU is repaired or replaced. By connecting, to the vehicle connector of the ECU in a one-to-one correspondence manner, a tool connector of the information writing tool having specific vehicle information, which varies depending on vehicle types and shipping destinations, the specific vehicle information can be securely transferred and written to a vehicle memory in the ECU from a tool memory in the information writing tool without elaborate inventory control, even when the combination variations yielded from various vehicle types and shipping destinations are enormous. | 05-20-2010 |
20100131152 | System, device and method for automatically stopping and starting engines of motor vehicles - Systems, control methods and related apparatus for engine idling reduction, to decrease operating cost and pollution related to the use of an automotive vehicle, while increasing its autonomy. Integrated are an automatic start-stop device, an increased onboard energy capacity, an electric pump that circulates engine coolant to the heater radiator to extract engine thermal inertia for cabin heating and an engine electric cooling system. The system is designed to reduce fuel consumption and air pollution while maintaining auxiliary systems in function and the cabin temperature at an acceptable level when the engine is stopped. This system may be integrated aboard internal combustion engine vehicles that have important idling periods in normal conditions. Such systems can either be implemented as retrofit kits or during a vehicle's manufacturing, directly by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). | 05-27-2010 |
20100131153 | OBJECT DETECTING DEVICE, AND OBJECT DETECTING METHOD - It is an object of the present invention to provide an object detecting device and an object detecting method capable of performing appropriate object detection by distinguishing an approaching moving object from a stationary object accurately. The relative velocity of an object, which exists in the lateral direction of a vehicle, with respect to the vehicle is detected, the absolute velocity of the object in the horizontal direction of the vehicle is calculated on the basis of the detection signal, and it is determined whether or not the object is an approaching moving object on the basis of the absolute velocity of the object in the horizontal direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, since it is possible to accurately distinguish whether an object existing in the lateral or oblique direction of the vehicle is an approaching moving object or a stationary object, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the object is an approaching moving object. | 05-27-2010 |
20100138107 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REGULATING HYBRID ACTIVE DAMPING STATE ESTIMATOR - The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for regulating state variable estimators used in a hybrid active damping system for a vehicle powertrain. The state estimator provides variable estimates for operating states, such as real-time torque values of axles and dampers, that are not readily measurable with production powertrain and driveline hardware. This facilitates implementation of other control algorithms, such as torque oscillation damping control schemes which use multivariable feedback. The apparatus and method monitors the operating mode of the powertrain, and resets the state estimator for the hybrid active damping ring (HADR) under predetermined operating conditions. For instance, the state estimator includes an array of current state and predicted state variables that are set equal to corresponding reference values or measured values if the powertrain enters into four-wheel drive low (4WDLO). | 06-03-2010 |
20100145573 | COUPLING BETWEEN THE THERMAL ENGINE AND THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR OF AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - A hybrid drive of a compressor ( | 06-10-2010 |
20100152966 | AUTOMATIC LOCKING SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - The present invention relates to an automatic system for locking the openable panels of a motor vehicle, comprising a control unit carried on board the vehicle and able to communicate with an identifier; communication means establishing a communication between the onboard control unit and the identifier, installed in the vehicle, a device fitted with simultaneously fed antennas, the magnetic field of two adjacent antennas combining into a positive resultant so as to define an active zone around the vehicle, characterized in that the antenna device comprises three antennas disposed on each face and includes at least one openable panel. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152967 | OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM WITH LEARNED POSITION INFORMATION AND METHOD - An object detection system and method of detecting objects and providing an output signal are provided. The system includes a position sensor for sensing position of a host vehicle, and an object detector provided on the host vehicle for detecting presence of an object relative to the host vehicle and for further detecting position of the detected object relative to the host vehicle. The system also includes a controller for processing the sensed position of the host vehicle and determining a current vehicle path as the host vehicle moves. The controller further processes the position of a detected object relative to the host vehicle and determines if the detected object is a stationary object relative to ground. The system further includes memory for storing the position of the detected stationary object and an output for providing an output signal based on the detected stationary object relative to the current vehicle path. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152968 | Machine Employing Cab Mounts and Method for Controlling Cab Mounts Based on Operator Input - A machine employing controllable mounts and a method for controlling such mounts based on operator input are disclosed. The controllable mount may include a housing, a pin, rheological fluid within the housing and coils provided proximate to the rheological fluid. As current is applied to the coils, the apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid is increased, and in so doing so is the stiffness and damping of the controllable mount. Depending on various factors, the operator may want a particular level of feedback. For example, when fine grading, the operator may want to feel every vibration and thus the controllable mounts should be as stiff as possible. The present disclosure therefore provides the operator with the ability to select the desired level of feedback. This can be done through an operator interface that enables an operator to specifically set the current to each mount, or enter other information whereupon a processor of the control system executes the necessary algorithm to provide the operator with the optimum level of feedback. | 06-17-2010 |
20100161176 | INTERFACE FOR CYCLING THROUGH AND SELECTIVELY CHOOSING A MODE OF A VEHICLE FUNCTION - A system and method for cycling through and selectively choosing one of a number of predetermined modes of a vehicle function. The system includes an interface. The predetermined number of modes are arranged in a cyclic arrangement, wherein each mode is in a fixed relationship with the others. The interface is operable to index through the cyclic arrangement to return to the initial mode. The interface includes an interface body and a display. The display includes a plurality of indicators which indicate which vehicle system is being actuated. The interface is operable to cycle through and selectively choose one of a number of predetermined modes of the vehicle's ventilation system using the same motion. In a preferred embodiment, the interface is a button, which upon pressing indexes through a predetermined cyclic arrangement of predetermined modes and actuates the selected predetermined mode. | 06-24-2010 |
20100161177 | Vehicle glare reducing systems - A method of reducing glare from oncoming vehicle headlights in a vehicle having a driver's side, a passenger side, a front windshield and a steering wheel comprises the steps of: providing a glare reducing means such as SMART GLASS on the vehicle adapted to substantially transmit light and to substantially reduce light, the glare reducing means having a width less than 30 percent of the horizontal width of the vehicle's front windshield such that the passenger side is uncovered; driving the vehicle on a surface that can have oncoming traffic; operating the glare reducing means while driving to substantially transmit light to allow a driver to see through the glare reducing means when there is no oncoming traffic with lit headlights approaching; operating the glare reducing means to substantially reduce light while driving to reduce glare when there is at least one oncoming vehicle with lit headlights approaching the driver; and repeating the substantially light transmitting and substantially light reducing steps by the glare reducing means while driving to accommodate varying oncoming traffic. The glare reducing means can be operated manually by a wireless ON/OFF switch attached to the steering wheel or automatically by a high-beam headlight control system on the vehicle. And it can be installed as an attachment in an existing vehicle or as original equipment in new vehicle. | 06-24-2010 |
20100168958 | BANK ANGLE DETECTING DEVICE AND HEADLIGHT DEVICE FOR MOTORCYCLE - A bank angle detecting device includes a roll rate sensor for detecting a angular velocity ωr about a longitudinal axis of the motorcycle; a yaw rate sensor for detecting a angular velocity ωy about an vertical axis of the motorcycle; a bank angle detecting unit for detecting the motorcycle bank angle δ for calibration use based on the yaw rate ωy and a traveling velocity v; and a bank angle correcting unit for correcting the basic motorcycle bank angle δr, determined from an output ωr of the yaw rate sensor, so as to approach the motorcycle bank angle δ that is detected by the bank angle detecting unit, to thereby determine the estimated bank angle δ | 07-01-2010 |
20100174450 | POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR A BOAT - A power supply system for a boat includes a generator, a rectifier circuit, a main electric system arranged to supply electric power to a control system that controls the boat propulsion system, the main electric system including a main battery, and an auxiliary electric system arranged to supply electric power to auxiliary equipment provided on the boat, the auxiliary electric system including an auxiliary battery. An operation signal supplied to an actuating device connected to the main electric system is detected, and in a case where it is decided, based on the detected signal, to prioritize the main electric system over the auxiliary electric system, current supply to the auxiliary electric system is restricted, to thereby attain a stable operation of the control system of the boat. | 07-08-2010 |
20100174451 | Method and Device for Determining Overrun Conditions of a Vehicle - A method and a device are provided for determining an overrun condition of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, including a control unit that determines the overrun condition. The control unit is suitable for determining a probable occurrence of at least one overrun condition, at least in accordance with altitude or height profile data of a route that is and/or will be traveled by the vehicle. A navigation system, that is suitable for determining at least height profile data of a route that is traveled or will be traveled by a vehicle, is used in order to allow the determination of a probable occurrence of at least one overrun condition of the vehicle in accordance with the height profile data. Synchronization of an air supply operation during the overrun condition is hence possible. | 07-08-2010 |
20100179725 | INTERACTIVE VEHICLE GLAZING - A laminated vehicle glazing comprising: at least two glazing panes laminated together by at least one interlayer therebetween; at least one sensor which is manually operable by the presence of a user's hand contacting or proximal to at least one of the panes; at least one shield associated with the at least one sensor whereby the at least one sensor is manually operable by the presence of a user's hand from only one side of the vehicle glazing; and at least one connector electrically connected to the at least one sensor connectable to an external device for control of the external device by manual operation of the at least one sensor. | 07-15-2010 |
20100179726 | Apparatus and Method for Identifying in Advance Overrun Phases of a Vehicle - A device is provided for identifying overrun phases of a vehicle in advance. The device includes at least one processing unit, which processes altitude position data of a route that is traveled by a vehicle or will be traveled by a vehicle and calculates a prediction of the probable occurrence of future overrun phases of the vehicle, taking into consideration the altitude position data. | 07-15-2010 |
20100191416 | VEHICLE COOLING FAN CONTROL SYSTEM AND VEHICLE COOLING FAN CONTROL METHOD - Vehicle cooling fan control system and method which prevent an occupant from hearing peculiar sounds from a cooling fan ( | 07-29-2010 |
20100191417 | TRAVEL DRIVE APPARATUS FOR A WORKING VEHICLE - When the drive of a lubricant pump ( | 07-29-2010 |
20100191418 | LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH DRIVER ASSISTANCE CAPABILITIES - The present application adds detection capabilities to perceive the presence and/or measure the velocity of obstacles such as automobiles, trucks, pedestrian and other users, to vehicle lighting modules as headlamp, tail lamps, centre high mount stop lamp (CHMSL) and interior lighting to name a few, for driver assistance applications like adaptive cruise control, blind spot and pre-crash assist. For example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) has the capability to be used as lighting source for illumination as a first function and also be pulsed or modulated as a source for the detection sub-system as a second function. | 07-29-2010 |
20100191419 | Combination Instrument for Displaying Operating States - A combination instrument for displaying operating states of a motor vehicle. The combination instrument includes a three-dimensional model of an object symbolizing an operating state of the motor vehicle. The three-dimensional model of the object is designed to be at least partially translucent, and the three-dimensional model of the object is designed such that it can be illuminated by an illumination device. | 07-29-2010 |
20100198457 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE MOUNTING AN ASSEMBLY - A system for mounting an assembly, such as a motor vehicle engine, on a supporting structure such as a vehicle body. Disposed between the assembly and the supporting structure is a soft mount and/or a soft rubber spring featuring a damping and/or spring excursion along which the soft mount damps and/or adapts the load acting on the assembly. Also, disposed between the supporting structure and the assembly is an actuator which communicates an adaptive reaction force. A displacement of the assembly caused by the load along the damping or spring excursion of the soft mount or of the rubber spring can be cancelled out by a counter motion of the assembly prompted by the actuator. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198458 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH HAPTIC ASSIST - An apparatus and method of indicating to a vehicle operator a desired left/right direction of a turn required to follow a desired route generated by a navigation system. Haptic stimuli are provided to the operator in advance of the turn point by activating vibration generators to create vibrations in a steering input controller, such as a steering wheel, contacted by one or both hands of the operator. The vibration generators are activated in a sequence to generate haptic stimuli that are distinguishable by the operator as progressing through the steering input controller in a pattern indicating a left turn versus a pattern that indicates a right turn. Additional information related to the turn point is haptically communicated, such as a required lane change, a traffic signal, or a relative sharpness of the turn. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198459 | In-vehicle communications apparatus - Application data generated by an ECU is wireless transmitted by a transmission device in a subject vehicle so as to periodically change a communications distance by changing, every transmission timing, at least one of (i) a transmission rate, which is used in transforming a transmission packet into a transmission signal in a modulation section, and (ii) a transmission power, which is configured by an amplification section to amplify the transmission signal. As a result, the data transmission from the subject vehicle can be made (i) in high repetition times with respect to a nearby vehicle having a greater risk of collision (i.e., time to collision being shorter), and (ii) in low repetition times with respect to a distant vehicle having a less risk of collision (i.e., time to collision being longer). | 08-05-2010 |
20100198460 | G.P.S. Management System - A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units. | 08-05-2010 |
20100204881 | DAMPING APPARATUS FOR REDUCING VIBRATION OF AUTOMOBILE BODY - A damping apparatus for an automobile is provided, capable of ensuring a high level of reliability while obtaining excellent damping effect with simple configuration. The damping apparatus for an automobile that reduces vibrations of an automobile body may include an actuator that is attached to the automobile body and drives an auxiliary mass; a current detector that detects a current flowing through an armature of the actuator; a section that detects a terminal voltage applied to the actuator; a calculation circuit that calculates an induced voltage of the actuator, and further calculates at least one of the relative velocity, relative displacement, and relative acceleration of the actuator, based on a current detected by the current detector and the terminal voltage; and a control circuit that drive-controls the actuator based on at least one of the relative velocity, relative displacement, and relative acceleration of the actuator calculated by the calculation circuit. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204882 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING CONTROL PARAMETERS OF AN ONBOARD CONTROL DEVICE IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - This system is used for adjusting the control parameters of an onboard electronic control device of an automotive vehicle in view of a journey or type of journey. This system includes a computation arrangement adapted to generate a set of control parameters to be used by the electronic control device and an input arrangement adapted to allow a user to provide the computation arrangement with data relating to the journey or type of journey and to at least one constraint to be considered as having priority during the journey or type of journey. In the method of the invention, one collects data with respect to the vehicle, to the journey or type of journey and to the constraint to be considered as having priority. These data are provided to the computation arrangement which generate a set of control parameters for the control device. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204883 | OPERATION ASSISTING SYSTEM AND DRIVING FORCE CONTROLLING SYSTEM - An operation assisting system, which is capable of adjusting an operational feeling to operate an operating device to an actual resultant physical quantity, thereby mitigating uncomfortable feeling of the driver. The operation assisting system includes a drive unit for generating a power for driving a vehicle, an operating device for controlling the power transmitted from the drive unit to a wheel of the vehicle, a reaction force generating mechanism for generating a reaction force against the operated operating device, and a reaction force controller for controlling the reaction force generated by the reaction force generating mechanism exponentially, with respect to a change in a force applied to the operating device to operate the operating device, a change in an operating amount of the operating device, or a velocity to operate the operating device. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204884 | INPUT SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An input system for vehicle includes an actuator operable by an operator, a controller outputting a display signal in response to an operation on the actuator, and a display to display an image based on the display signals. The controller outputs a control signal to a target device that performs one or more functions. The image includes a graphic object indicating the actuator, one or more arrows located around the graphic object, and one or more function indicators located in one or more directions indicated by the one or more arrows, respectively. The one or more function indicators indicate the one or more functions, respectively. The controller is operable to, upon the operator operating the actuator in the direction corresponding to an arrow out of the one or more arrows, select a function indicator out of the one or more function indicators located in a direction indicated by the arrow, and to control the target device to perform a function out of the one or more functions indicated by the selected function indicator. The operator can operate the input system reliably. | 08-12-2010 |
20100217482 | VEHICLE-BASED SYSTEM INTERFACE FOR PERSONAL NAVIGATION DEVICE - A vehicle-based system can communicate with a personal navigation device, to pass both automatic instructions and driver instructions to the personal navigation device. Using information and instructions passed from the vehicle-based system, the navigation device can be controlled to, among other things, provide directions, provide vehicle status warnings, and navigate without a GPS signal. Output from the personal navigation device can be delivered to the vehicle based system for playback through, for example, vehicle speakers. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217483 | VEHICULAR DRIVING SUPPORT APPARATUS - When a vehicle makes a right turn at an intersection, the intersection as a traffic environment around the vehicle, the vehicle and an oncoming vehicle are displayed along with the respective current positions. A traveling track of the right turn of the vehicle and a traveling track of the oncoming vehicle are also displayed using indication arrows. Further, since an icon F is displayed at an intersection of the traveling track of the vehicle and the traveling track of the oncoming vehicle, the driver of the vehicle is easily encouraged to recognize that there is a high possibility of a collision with the oncoming vehicle if the vehicle makes a right turn in this situation, even if the driver of the vehicle does not pay sufficient attention to the oncoming vehicle. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217484 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING AUTOMATIC ENGINE STOP FUNCTION SELECTIVELY ENABLED/DISABLED BASED ON ESTIMATED CHARGE AMOUNT IN BATTERY - Each time that starting of a vehicle engine is completed, a vehicle control system derives an estimated amount by which the charge in the vehicle battery is less than a predetermined upper limit value of stored charge, and subtracts the estimated amount from the difference between the upper limit value and a lower limit value of stored charge, to obtain an initial allowable discharge amount. An automatic engine stop/restart function is thereafter enabled or inhibited in accordance with whether a net amount of discharge from the battery, to since completion of the preceding engine start, exceeds the initial allowable discharge amount. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217485 | CHARGING CONTROL DEVICE AND CHARGING CONTROL METHOD - A charging control device is a charging control device for independently controlling charging of power storage devices in a plurality of vehicles, respectively, each having the power storage device mounted thereon, from an external power supply, in which a control ECU detects a state of charge of the power storage device when each vehicle and the external power supply are coupled to each other, detects an expected amount of power consumption for each of the plurality of vehicles, calculates a required amount of power to be charged for each vehicle based on the detected state of charge and the expected amount of power consumption, detects a time to start use of each vehicle, determines a charging schedule of a charging time period and an amount of power to be charged for each vehicle based on the required amount to be charged and the time to start use, and controls charging of the power storage devices mounted on the vehicles according to the charging schedule. A charging control device and a charging control method achieving increased possibility that a vehicle desired to be used can be used at a desired time of use, while performing charging within contract power can be provided. | 08-26-2010 |
20100222962 | Method for Checking the Suitability of a Mobile Telephone - In a method for checking the suitability of a mobile telephone for connection to at least one motor vehicle device of a motor vehicle, characteristic vehicle data describing the motor vehicle device are determined in the motor vehicle, characteristic telephone data describing the mobile telephone are acquired by the motor vehicle device, and an evaluation device for evaluating the suitability of a mobile telephone described by characteristic telephone data for connection to a motor vehicle device described by characteristic vehicle data are made available in a stationary service center. The characteristic vehicle data and the characteristic telephone data are transmitted to the service center via a communication link between the motor vehicle and the service center that is established independently of the mobile telephone, in order to evaluate the suitability of the mobile telephone for connection to the motor vehicle device. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222963 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY - A communication system for a vehicle includes an interior assembly and an in-vehicle communication control that is located in the vehicle remote from the interior assembly. A human-machine interface is located at the interior assembly and is connected to the in-vehicle communication control via a connective link to communicate at least one human-machine interface signal between the human-machine interface and the in-vehicle communication control. A global positioning system control in the vehicle communicates at least one GPS-derived signal to one of the interior assembly and the in-vehicle communication control via the connective link and the at least one human-machine interface signal and the at least one GPS-derived signal share the connective link such that the connective link comprises a shared common connective link between the in-vehicle communication control and the interior assembly. | 09-02-2010 |
20100228433 | Equipment for Vehicle and Communication Interface Circuit for Use In this Equipment - Equipment for vehicle in accordance with the present invention includes: a vehicle-mounted unit which runs with respect to a vehicle body ground on a side of a negative electrode of a battery; an impedance component having an end connected to the vehicle body ground, and another end connected to a circuit ground; a circuit to be controlled which runs with respect to the circuit ground; a control unit which runs with respect to the circuit ground, for controlling the circuit to be controlled and for outputting a communication signal in a digital form which is to be transmitted to the vehicle-mounted unit; and a communication interface circuit which runs with respect to both the vehicle body ground and the circuit ground, for cancelling a potential difference between the vehicle body ground and the circuit ground, and for carrying out bidirectional communications between the vehicle-mounted unit and the control unit. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228434 | METHOD OF GENERATING VEHICLE NOISE - A method of generating vehicle noise includes recognizing a geographic location requiring a minimum operating noise level of the vehicle, and notifying the telematics unit operatively associated with the vehicle that a then-current location of the vehicle coincides with the recognized geographic location. When the telematics unit is notified, the method further includes triggering a noise generator to generate an amount of noise external to the vehicle, where the generated noise is sufficient to reach the minimum operating noise level. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228435 | OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The image array sensor comprises a plurality of photo-sensing pixels and is positioned at the vehicle with a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The imaging array sensor is operable to capture an image exterior of the vehicle. The control may process the captured images and may determine that the imaging array sensor is not aligned within a desired tolerance when the imaging array sensor is positioned at the vehicle. The control, responsive to a determination of a misalignment of the imaging array sensor at the vehicle, may adjust at least one of the captured images or an image data set and the image processing to at least partially compensate for the determined misalignment of the imaging array sensor. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228436 | ON-VEHICLE APPARATUS AND CONTENT PROVIDING METHOD - The present invention is applied to, for example, a multimedia terminal having a function of navigation equipment and a function of playing back video and switches a display from a map display to a source display also with source switching operators | 09-09-2010 |
20100235044 | PNEUMATIC TIRE INTERNAL PRESSURE CONTROL DEVICE FOR VEHICLE, VEHICLE, AND ITS CONTROL METHOD - A pneumatic tires ( | 09-16-2010 |
20100235045 | Virtual feature management for vehicle information and entertainment systems - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a mobile information display system that may be configured by a user to have customized interface screens and to display individualized content. For example, upon starting of the ignition system, the mobile information display system may access a remote server using a radio network interface to download interface screens that have previously been designed by a user. Further, the mobile information display system may download information and content from the remote server, or from other websites, including, for example, navigational information, destination information, calendar and alarm entries, e-mail messages, voice mail messages, personal networking pages, internet phone service, internet audio programs, and internet video programs, among others. | 09-16-2010 |
20100235046 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRECONDITIONING VEHICLES - A method for preconditioning a vehicle includes the steps of obtaining a temperature inside the vehicle and remotely starting an engine of the vehicle, an environmental control system of the vehicle, or both, if the temperature inside the vehicle is within a predetermined range of temperatures. | 09-16-2010 |
20100241308 | COOLING SYSTEM, MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH COOLING SYSTEM, AND CONTROL METHOD OF COOLING SYSTEM - A cooling system of the invention mounted on a motor vehicle has a damper configured to switch over an air blow mode between an inside air intake mode of taking in the air from a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via operation of a battery blower fan and directly blowing the intake air to a battery and an A/C intake mode of taking in the air cooled down by an air conditioner (evaporator) via operation of the battery blower fan and blowing the cooled intake air to the battery. In response to a switchover demand of the air blow mode, when a vehicle speed is not lower than a preset reference speed, a switchover of the damper is immediately performed to switch over the air blow mode. When the vehicle speed is lower than the preset reference speed, the switchover of the damper is prohibited to keep the air blow mode unchanged. At the higher vehicle speed, the drive-related noise (background noise) sufficiently masks the wind noise occurring in the course of the switchover of the damper. The damper is thus switched over only at the vehicle speed of not lower than the preset reference speed. This arrangement effectively prevents the driver and the other passengers from feeling odd and uncomfortable. | 09-23-2010 |
20100241309 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND ASSOCIATED METHODOLOGY OF ADAPTING A VEHICLE SYSTEM BASED ON VISUALLY DETECTED VEHICLE OCCUPANT INFORMATION - An electronic control system, electronic control unit and an associated methodology for adapting a vehicle system are provided. A visual sensor detects a three dimensional profile of an occupant of a vehicle. An electronic control unit determines at least one of three dimensional locations and orientations of a plurality of body parts of the occupant of the vehicle, a body-volume of the occupant of the vehicle and body dynamics of the occupant of the vehicle based on the three dimensional profile detected by the visual sensor. The electronic control unit adapts a vehicle system based on at least one of the determined three dimensional locations and orientations, the determined body-volume and the determined body dynamics. | 09-23-2010 |
20100241310 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE - Reproduction is performed so that the user can grasp the details of content information on long sentence reading the reproduction of which has been suspended. If an vehicle-mounted device ( | 09-23-2010 |
20100241311 | Method and Apparatus for Warning Following Vehicles of Frontally Escalating Longitudinal Traffic - A method and a device for warning following vehicles in a group of several sequential vehicles, including at least a leading vehicle, a middle vehicle and a following vehicle, wherein a warning is transmitted from the middle vehicle to the following vehicle. A total distance and a total relative speed between the leading vehicle and the following vehicle are calculated based on measurements made by the middle vehicle. The total distance and total relative speed are used to determine whether a critical approach of the following vehicle to the leading vehicle is occurring, and if so, an automatic warning is transmitted from the middle vehicle to the following vehicle. | 09-23-2010 |
20100241312 | WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS METHOD - A multiprocessor system used in a car, home, or office environment includes multiple processors that run different real-time applications. A dynamic configuration system runs on the multiple processors and includes a device manager, configuration manager, and data manager. The device manager automatically detects and adds new devices to the multiprocessor system, and the configuration manager automatically reconfigures which processors run the real-time applications. The data manager identifies the type of data generated by the new devices and identifies which devices in the multiprocessor system are able to process the data. | 09-23-2010 |
20100241313 | MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR IDENTIFICATION AND MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITER - A programmable device that interfaces with a motor vehicle. The device is programmed to identify the operator who is gaining access to the motor vehicle. The device is further programmed to associate a maximum allowable speed with each person allowed to operate the motor vehicle. The device incorporates an access and operation means together with a computer that is compatible with the motor vehicle on board computer. The computer includes in it's output a signal that controls the maximum allowable speed that the on board computer will permit the motor vehicle to operate at for the identified operator. | 09-23-2010 |
20100250062 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE RELEASE OF AN AUTOMATIC PARKING BRAKE DEVICE ONBOARD AN AUTOMOBILE - A system for controlling release of an automatic parking brake device onboard an automobile, that includes a transmission mechanism transmitting an instruction several times for releasing the parking brake device, and an interface provided between the transmissions of the release instruction and for transmitting a release instruction of the parking brake device. | 09-30-2010 |
20100250063 | DEVICE FOR FITTING A MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM IN A VEHICLE - An adapter device for fitting in a vehicle between a vehicle computer and a computer of a second element integrated in the vehicle for exchanging information between the above. The device includes a first vehicle interface connected to a dedicated vehicle line and a second vehicle interface, connected to a vehicle network and a first second element interface connected to a second element network and a second second element interface connected to a dedicated second element line. | 09-30-2010 |
20100250064 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE IN WHICH TRAVELING ENVIRONMENT RECOGNITION APPARATUS IS INSTALLED - In a control apparatus for a vehicle in which a traveling environment recognition apparatus is installed, a road shape prediction section configured to predict a road shape of a traveling road in a forward direction of the vehicle on a basis of a result of recognition by an object recognition section; a travel trajectory predicting section configured to predict a travel trajectory of the vehicle; a point of intersection calculation section configured to calculate a point of intersection between a road end of the road predicted by the road shape prediction section and a travel trajectory predicted by the travel trajectory prediction section; and a speed control section configured to control a speed of the vehicle with the point of intersection calculated by the point of intersection calculation section as a target point of place. | 09-30-2010 |
20100262336 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING AND RENDERING MULTIMEDIA DATA INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL METADATA - A system and method for generating and rendering multimedia data including environmental data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for rendering content in a vehicle is disclosed, the system comprising a receiver configure to receive, via a wireless broadcast, audiovisual content and an environmental event associated with a subset of the audiovisual content and a vehicular electronic system configured to render the audiovisual content and alter an environmental parameter in accordance with the environmental event when the associated subset of the audiovisual content is rendered. | 10-14-2010 |
20100262337 | Vehicle Ready Light Control Method and System - A vehicle ready light control method includes providing a vehicle having a vehicle ready light and illuminating the vehicle ready light when a powertrain of the vehicle is enabled and at least one of the following conditions exists: the vehicle is in park mode or neutral mode; an engine RPM speed of the vehicle is below a predetermined RPM value and a wheel speed of the vehicle is below a predetermined wheel speed. A vehicle ready light control system is also disclosed. | 10-14-2010 |
20100262338 | Method and control system for a displacement device, taking into account the relative angular position of a tractor and semi-trailer - A method and a system for controlling a displacement device for a fifth wheel coupling disposed on a tractor vehicle are described, wherewith the displacement device has a lower structure having at least one guide rail oriented in the direction of travel, a movable carriage which supports the fifth wheel coupling and engages the guide rail(s), and a control device connected to a motorized drive unit for displacing the carriage and also connected to an adjusting member for fixing the carriage with respect to the guide rail(s); wherewith a measurement is made for determining the angle between the tractor and semi-trailer, the measurement signal is converted in the control device to a control signal, and thereby an operation of the motorized drive unit and/or the adjusting member is initiated. The underlying problem of the invention was to devise a method and a control system which minimize the risk of the semi-trailer striking against the cab of the tractor. One way in which this problem is solved according to the invention is that, from the measurement signal, an angular or distance timewise rate of change is generated in the control device, or such a timewise rate of change is transmitted to the control device. | 10-14-2010 |
20100268417 | METHOD OF UNLOCKING AN ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTER - A method of unlocking the anti-starting system of a computer (ECM) controlling the operation of an engine of a motor vehicle, includes:
| 10-21-2010 |
20100274445 | Apparatus and method for active stabilization of a two wheeled single track vehicle - The herein described apparatus and method for active stabilization of two wheeled single track vehicle utilizes lateral stabilizers to actively hold a two wheeled single track vehicle upright when stationary and at an angle coincident with the resultant angle of gravitational and lateral forces acting on the vehicle when at slow speed. The stabilizers automatically retract when the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed and automatically deploy when the vehicle drops below a predetermined speed. Stabilizers are automatically deployed at an angle that causes both left and right stabilizers to contact the ground at essentially the same time. | 10-28-2010 |
20100274446 | VEHICULAR PARKING FEASIBILITY DETERMINING SYSTEM, VEHICULAR PARKING SPACE DETECTION SYSTEM AND VEHICULAR MOVABLE RANGE DETECTION SYSTEM - A radar device ( | 10-28-2010 |
20100274447 | Transducer matrix film - A transducer system includes a plurality of transducer elements formed on a flexible substrate with localized circuit elements and interconnects associated with each transducer element. | 10-28-2010 |
20100274448 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE, OUTPUT PROPRIETY JUDGMENT METHOD, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND PROGRAM - An utterance type vehicle-mounted device ( | 10-28-2010 |
20100280710 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE HAVING AT LEAST ONE DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - In a method for operating a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having at least one driver assistance system, it is provided that the driver has the option of activating the driver assistance system in a critical driving situation, and that the driver assistance system assumes control of the vehicle upon activation without further action on the part of the driver. Furthermore, in a device for operating a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having at least one driver assistance system, at least one actuation device able to be activated by the driver, which upon activation switches on the driver assistance system to assume control of the vehicle, in particular in critical driving situations. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280711 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING A PORTABLE DEVICE TO RECOGNIZE A FREQUENT DRIVER - A system and method for identifying a vehicle driver using a portable electronic device that the driver may be carrying that transmits a unique identification signal, and then using the identification of the driver to automatically put vehicle devices and systems in a desirable pre-set location for that driver. In one embodiment, the portable device is a wireless device employing Bluetooth communications protocol that wirelessly transmits an identification signal received by the vehicle to identify the driver. In another embodiment, the device is a USB device that is plugged into an appropriate USB port in the vehicle that allows the vehicle to identify the driver by the identified signal from the portable device. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280712 | Hybrid Vehicles and Control Methods - A hybrid vehicle | 11-04-2010 |
20100286867 | VEHICLE SYSTEM COMPRISING AN ASSISTANCE FUNCTIONALITY - The vehicle system, controlled by control inputs, provides functionalities in the motor vehicle ( | 11-11-2010 |
20100292893 | Air-conditioner controlling device - An air-conditioner controlling device includes a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit changes an air-conditioner operation from a standard to an energy-saving, when a vehicle is determined to be located in a target area. The target area is defined by a predetermined interval from a target point of the vehicle. The second control unit changes the air-conditioner operation from the energy-saving to the standard, after the first control unit changes the air-conditioner operation from the standard to the energy-saving, in a case that a destination of the vehicle is estimated to be different from the target point. | 11-18-2010 |
20100299024 | SAFETY CONCEPT FOR AN INTELLIGENT ACTUATOR - The present invention relates to an actuator device for use in a motor vehicle, comprising an actuator, a control unit for controlling the actuator and a processing unit, which is or can be connected to an external main control device via a control connection in order to transfer actuator setting commands. Furthermore, the processing unit is subordinate to the main control device and is connected to the control unit in order to control the actuator according to the actuator setting commands. The control unit is or can be connected to the main control device via an activation connection and is equipped so as to enable the actuator to be controlled by the processing unit according to activation signals transmitted via the activation connection. | 11-25-2010 |
20100299025 | Autowiper Controller - First and second temperature check portions | 11-25-2010 |
20100312433 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESTRICTING ACCESS TO VEHICLE SOFTWARE SYSTEMS - A multiprocessor system used in a car, home, or office environment includes multiple processors that run different real-time applications. A dynamic configuration system runs on the multiple processors and includes a device manager, configuration manager, and data manager. The device manager automatically detects and adds new devices to the multiprocessor system, and the configuration manager automatically reconfigures which processors run the real-time applications. The data manager identifies the type of data generated by the new devices and identifies which devices in the multiprocessor system are able to process the data. | 12-09-2010 |
20100318261 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE, ROADSIDE APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM - An ITS vehicle-mounted device ( | 12-16-2010 |
20100324779 | ONBOARD UNIT CONTROLLING APPARATUS - When an occupant's sight line detected by sight line detector is directed to any one of multiple onboard units (a side mirror, a rear view mirror, a navigation system, an in-vehicle phone, an air blowout port, and a meter panel), a controller allows the onboard unit, to which the sight line is directed, to be operable. Thus, the occupant can select the onboard unit, which the occupant wishes to operate, by the sight line without using the hand and further can operate the onboard unit by use of a common steering switch, thereby enhancing the convenience of operation. In addition, a corresponding one of pilot lamps notifies the occupant that the corresponding one of the onboard units, to which the sight line is directed, is operable. Accordingly, the occupant can avoid operating a wrong onboard unit while reliably recognizing the operable onboard unit even if the multiple onboard units are arranged close to one another. | 12-23-2010 |
20100332077 | WIRELESS WINCH SWITCH - A wireless winch switch system has a removable switch module that is removably retained by a receptacle. The removable switch module has a rechargeable power source and wireless communications module that transmits a winch control signal based on the position of a switch. Control circuitry receives the winch control signal and controls a winch. The receptacle is mounted to a vehicle and obtains energy from a power source such as the vehicle's battery. The removable switch module can obtain the energy from the receptacle and thereby charge the rechargeable battery. | 12-30-2010 |
20100332078 | Method for operating a parking aid system - In a method for operating a parking aid system for a vehicle having a plurality of distance sensors each sensing the near range of the vehicle, and having at least one path sensor sensing a path traveled by the vehicle, the distance sensors are operable in a first mode for the parking space measurement, and the distance sensors are operable in at least one further mode in which they are used as parking aid in order to avoid collisions. The distance sensors are temporally activated using different transmit sequences in the two modes, a switchover between the different transmit sequences being implemented as a function of the movement of the vehicle. | 12-30-2010 |
20110004371 | Adjustable Foundation for a Seating Unit - A seating unit that includes an adjustable foundation, a torque-inducing mechanism, and a base structure for interconnecting a backrest and a seat is provided. The adjustable foundation provides adjustable support for, and is controlled by, an occupant of the seating unit. The adjustable foundation includes extensible supports that each have a first and second end, and a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a stationary member that is fixedly attached to the first ends and a drive bar that is configured to secure the second ends of the extensible supports such that longitudinal tension is generated upon rotating the drive bar with respect to the stationary member. The torque-inducing mechanism adjusts an angular position of the drive bar. In this capacity, the drive bar is configured to convert torque applied by the torque-inducing mechanism into a directional force that controls the longitudinal tension of the extensible supports. | 01-06-2011 |
20110004372 | Hitch System - The invention relates to a hitch system for an agricultural vehicle for lifting and lowering a load or an attachment. The hitch system further includes a hydraulic system with a double-action hydraulic cylinder, and an electronic control unit connected to the hydraulic system for controlling the hydraulic system and the pressurization of the hydraulic cylinder. The control unit controls a contact pressure for a working device as a function of a sensed load on the axle. | 01-06-2011 |
20110004373 | METHOD FOR REDUCING VARIATIONS IN DRIVE BELT TENSION - A method for reducing variations in tension in a drive belt | 01-06-2011 |
20110010045 | SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE - A system and method is provided for determining if a windshield wiper of a vehicle should be automatically activated. The system and method may include a sensor system that receives at least one distance signal indicative of a distance between an object and a front windshield of the vehicle. The sensor system may further receive a relative velocity of the object using the at least one distance signal, the relative velocity being indicative of a velocity between the object and the front windshield of the vehicle. The sensor system may determine whether a windshield wiper should be automatically activated in response to the distance signal being within a distance activation range and the relative velocity being within a velocity activation range or the relative velocity exceeding a maximum velocity threshold. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010046 | OBJECT DETECTION DEVICE - An object detection device can acquire information of an object in the vicinity of a host-vehicle for appropriate traveling assistance. An object detection device | 01-13-2011 |
20110010047 | CONTROLLER OF HYBRID CONSTRUCTION MACHINE - A controller of a hybrid construction machine which can achieve minimization of a required number of sensors is provided. A sub pump driven by output of an electric motor is connected to discharge sides of main pumps. Proportional solenoid throttling valves are provided in connection process between the sub pump and the main pumps for controlling a flow rate supplied from the sub pump to the main pump. A control unit is provided for electrically controlling the openings of the proportional solenoid throttling valves. Pressure sensors are connected to the control unit which controls the openings of the proportional solenoid throttling valves in response to pressure signals from the pressure sensors. | 01-13-2011 |
20110015826 | VEHICLE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH AUTOMATIC MODES - The invention relates to a vehicle air-conditioning system ( | 01-20-2011 |
20110015827 | DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE - In a distribution system comprising a center apparatus ( | 01-20-2011 |
20110022264 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM ON A VEHICLE AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAME - A method for controlling a multimedia system on an automobile that includes at least one module for executing a multimedia function, having at least one operation state controlled by an action of the user on an interface. The multimedia system includes a prestart state in which at least one prescribed task of the module that does not require any action by the user is initiated, a detection mechanism monitors the occurrence of a vehicle opening or unlocking event, the module is temporarily set in the prestart state following the detection of the event, the module being capable, when in the prestart state, of being switched to the operation state when the user acts on the interface. | 01-27-2011 |
20110029194 | SECURABLE COVER FOR VEHICLE LIGHTS - A cover for use in connection with one or more vehicle lights is provided. A lens of the cover contains an electrically activatable material that prevents the transmission of visible light from entering into and reflecting out from one or more of the vehicle lights when the electrically activatable material is set to a light inhibiting state. The cover may be configured to be releasably installed over one or more of the vehicle lights such as military combat vehicle lights. A coupling device electrically couples the electrically activatable material to an electrical power source. An actuator is adapted to set the electrically activatable material of the lens to the light inhibiting state in response to user operation such that the lens prevents the transmission of visible light from entering into and reflecting out from the one or more vehicle lights to reduce the observability of the one or more vehicle lights. | 02-03-2011 |
20110029195 | DRIVE ASSISTANCE DEVICE - Disclosed is a drive assistance device capable of performing proper drive assistance by reducing unnecessary drive assistance operations. The drive assistance device performs drive assistance relative to stopping of a vehicle at an intersection. When the vehicle approaches the intersection where an arrow lamp device is installed at a traffic signal, if the necessity of drive assistance for stimulating a driver to stop at the signal according to lighting of the arrow lamp device differs depending on a route of the vehicle, the start timing of the drive assistance operation is delayed and drive assistance is executed. Therefore, an unnecessary drive assistance operation can be suppressed. | 02-03-2011 |
20110029196 | VEHICLE-STATE BASED PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM - The operation of a vehicle electronic module is influenced by vehicle-state received on a vehicle communication bus. The electronic module analyzes vehicle-state data that includes information about the vehicle's environment. The electronic module improves or maintains electronic module performance by adjusting communication processing parameters to improve driver or passenger communication. | 02-03-2011 |
20110035097 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A VALUE OF A ZERO POINT OFFSET OF A YAW RATE SENSOR - There is described a method for determining a value of a zero point offset of a yaw rate sensor. The method comprises measuring over time the output of the yaw rate sensor, determining whether the measured output has remained within a set of limits for a pre-determined period and if it is determined that the measured output has remained within the limits for the pre-determined period, using at least one measured value of the output to determine the value of the zero point offset. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035098 | INFORMATION PROVIDING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - An on-vehicle device ( | 02-10-2011 |
20110035099 | Display control device, display control method and computer program product for the same - In a display control device, a direction of a light source in a region around a self-vehicle is estimated, and whether the direction of the light source coincides with a display arrangement direction which indicates an arrangement direction of a display portion as viewed from a passenger in the self-vehicle is determined. Then, a brightness of the display portion is set to be increased when the direction of the light source coincides with the display arrangement direction, compared with when the direction of the light source does not coincide with the display arrangement direction. Therefore, the brightness of the display portion can be more accurately controlled such that the display portion is easily viewed by the passenger in the self-vehicle. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035100 | Information presentation device - An information presentation device includes: a directional information obtaining element for obtaining directional information based on a signal from an enhancement device for safety or comfort of a passenger of a vehicle; an information presentation controller for generating a driving signal based on the directional information; and a stimulation element including multiple vibrators for generating a traveling wave of vibration in an in-vehicle element. A directionality of the traveling wave corresponds to the directional information. The stimulation element transmits the traveling wave to the passenger so that the passenger perceives the directionality of the traveling wave. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035101 | VEHICLE AND ITS CONTROL METHOD - To provide a vehicle capable of performing a transition between a stable state and an inverted state with a simple structure. A vehicle in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is a vehicle that moves by inverted pendulum control, including a rider seat, a chassis, a right driving wheel, a left driving wheel, motors to rotationally drive the right driving wheel and the left driving wheel, a forward bar protruding forward beyond the chassis, a motor to rotational drive the forward bar, a footstep attached to the forward bar, and a control box to control the motor. The feet of a rider 80 are put on the footstep. The control box changes the vehicle to an inverted state by raising the footstep so that the footstep moves away from a ground, or changes the vehicle to a stable state by lowering the footstep so that the footstep comes into contact with the ground. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035102 | Control Device For Hybrid Construction Machine - The amount of assist for a sub-pump (SP) is reduced when a rotating motor (RM) is singly operated, and the amount of assist for the sub-pump (SP) is increased except when the rotating motor (RM) is singly operated. A controller (C) has a function which, when a signal representing single operation of a rotating motor is inputted in the controller from a single operation detecting means and, at the same time, when a single indicating that assist is required is inputted from an assist controlling input means (A | 02-10-2011 |
20110040445 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING A DRIVE DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR AN ENGINE COOLING FAN OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention relates to a method and a device for operating a drive device. According to the invention, it is provided that the lower speed limit and the upper speed limit of a critical speed range of the drive device are determined when operating the drive device, that the target speed of the drive device is determined and that the operation of the drive device is done at one of the speed limits if the target speed is within the critical speed range. Through this procedure, it is for example avoided that the drive device is operated in a speed range in which the environment of the drive device or the device itself is excited into characteristic vibrations that are undesirable noise and/or vibrations. | 02-17-2011 |
20110046846 | PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AIR QUALITY WITHIN AN INTERIOR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - The present invention discloses a process for controlling air quality within an interior of a motor vehicle. The process can include providing a motor vehicle with a heating-venting-air conditioning (HVAC) system, the HVAC system having an internal air supply option and an external air supply option. The process can also include providing a reinforcement learning system that can increase the air quality within the motor vehicle as a function of user preferences with respect to choosing the external air supply or the internal air supply. | 02-24-2011 |
20110046847 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN OIL SUPPLY AND CONTROLLER - A method is provided for operating an oil supply for a combustion engine and/or a transmission system of a motor vehicle particularly with start/stop-automatic, comprises the steps, that a deceleration of the motor vehicle is detected, at least one status parameter, which correlates with the manner of the deceleration, is monitored, a future oil pressure of the oil supply is estimated based on the status parameter and the actual oil supply control strategy, and if the estimated future oil pressure is below a predetermined threshold of the oil pressure, an oil pump for filling an accumulator tank of the oil supply is activated. Since the accumulator tank is filled in advance of a possible automatic stop a sufficient high oil pressure, when the combustion engine is started again, is safeguarded, wherein the period of time for accomplishing the automatic stop is not lengthened. This leads to a reduction of the fuel consumption and the CO | 02-24-2011 |
20110054734 | HANDHELD CONTROLLER DEVICE - A handheld controller device (HCD) used to relay user inputs to a controller, such as but not limited to a HCD to relay user inputs to a vehicle system controller that controls one or more vehicle systems according to the user inputs. The HCD may be ergonomically shaped to match the human hand in a structurally supporting, and optionally, non-movable manner to allow a driver to provide user inputs without unduly sacrificing positional support, without having to change eye level, and/or without having to locate constantly moving buttons. | 03-03-2011 |
20110054735 | DOOR COURTESY SWITCH ABNORMALITY DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A door courtesy switch abnormality detection apparatus used in an on-vehicle system in which a door unlocked status is formed based on a wireless signal transmitted from an electronic key is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to generate information representing an abnormality in the door courtesy switch, if the electronic key in a cabin of a vehicle is detected by a antenna having the detection area thereof within the cabin of the vehicle in a situation where an ON/OFF signal of the door courtesy switch is not inverted after the door unlock operation is detected. | 03-03-2011 |
20110060499 | OPERATION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - The present invention provides an operation system for a vehicle capable of shortening an operation time, reducing an operation load, and improving visibility of a display section. The operation system includes an operation section on which a camera capturing a finger and a touch panel are installed, and a display section installed away from the operation section, and further includes a finger determination processor determining from an image captured by the camera whether or not an object approaching the operation section is a hand, a conversion processor converting a determination signal of the finger determination processor into a display instruction signal and outputting the converted result, and a pop-up processor displaying an operation button or an operation window on the display section before the hand is touched to the touch panel on the basis of the display instruction signal input from the conversion processor. | 03-10-2011 |
20110060500 | METHOD FOR INDIRECTLY MONITORING TIRE PRESSURE AND TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM - A method for indirectly monitoring tire pressure or for detecting damage to a wheel suspension, wherein a pressure loss detection variable (DVE) is determined using an analysis of a vibratory behavior of a wheel of a motor vehicle, and a pressure loss in the tire of the wheel or damage to the wheel suspension is detected by comparing a momentarily determined pressure loss detection variable (DVE | 03-10-2011 |
20110060501 | METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION OF THE NODES OF A COMPUTER NETWORK IN AN AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION USING THE METHOD - In a motor vehicle air conditioning installation comprising a central control unit ( | 03-10-2011 |
20110066324 | Customized Vehicle Body - This invention relates to a system and method for customizing the appearance of a vehicle. Users can display customized designs, colors or promotional information on the vehicle for free or on a fee basis. The system also allows users to use a detection device to detect the colors or patterns of other objects and then display substantially the same color or pattern on the vehicle. | 03-17-2011 |
20110077820 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE - An electronic control device is mounted in a vehicle and controls a control target provided in the vehicle. An acceleration sensor detects an acceleration of the vehicle. An angular velocity sensor detects an angular velocity of the vehicle. The acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor are mounted on an electronic substrate. A housing accommodates the electronic substrate and is fixed to a body of the vehicle. The electronic substrate is fixed to the housing at least four fixing points, and the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor are arranged in the smallest target area from among a plurality of areas having multiple points selected from the at least four fixing points as vertexes. | 03-31-2011 |
20110077821 | Self-Propelled Crushing Machine and Method of Controlling the Same - A mobile crusher includes: a crusher that crushes raw material; a discharge conveyor being disposed on a downstream side of the crusher to discharge the material crushed by the crusher; an engine ( | 03-31-2011 |
20110087401 | Intelligent Driver License for Vehicle Start-Up System - A vehicle start-up system includes an intelligent driver license, a control device, and a plurality of display devices. The control device and a plurality of display devices are mounted on the vehicle. Driver can start the start-up system by inserting the intelligent driver license into the control device. If the driver violates the speed limit or other traffic rules, points are recorded on the intelligent driver license by the control device or by law enforcement officers' handheld devices and the record is transmitted to the intelligent driver license and DMV database by the control device of the handheld devices. If the points recorded for the intelligent driver license is over a specified limit, driver will not be able to start a vehicle with this license. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087402 | Detection of Trailer Sway Utilizing Park Assist Sensors - An electronic stability control system includes a plurality of sensors that generate respective signals based on respective distances between a vehicle and a trailer that is being towed by the vehicle. A backup assistance module determines respective distances based on the signals. An electronic stability control (ESC) module controls a wheel torque of at least one of the vehicle and trailer based on the respective distances. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087403 | ENGINE SOUND GENERATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - Change tendency data, indicative of a change tendency of a vehicle velocity, is obtained on the basis of acquired velocity information. Correction value of an accelerator opening degree is generated in accordance with the change tendency data and a current value of the accelerator opening degree is updated using the correction value, so that the accelerator opening degree is estimated. Then, engine sound data having a characteristic corresponding to the estimated accelerator opening degree are generated. When there has been a shift change, the current value of the accelerator opening degree, stored in the storage section, is updated to become a predetermined value, without the correction value being used. | 04-14-2011 |
20110093165 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE IN A VEHICLE BASED ON DRIVER STATUS AND A PREDETERMINED VEHICLE EVENT - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus and a method for transmitting at least one of an audio signal and a video signal based on driver status and an occurrence of a predetermined vehicle event is provided. The apparatus comprises an entertainment device. The entertainment device is configured to receive a key identification signal from a key indicative of the driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver and to receive a vehicle status signal to detect the occurrence of the predetermined vehicle event. The entertainment device is further configured to disable the transmission of the at least one of the audio signal and the video signal in response to the key identification signal indicating that the driver is the secondary driver and to detecting the occurrence of the predetermined vehicle event. | 04-21-2011 |
20110098884 | VEHICLE - The gradient of a road surface is estimated with a change in the attitude of a vehicle also taken into consideration. As a result, the gradient of the road surface can be estimated with high accuracy, and this enables the vehicle to stably stop and travel independently of the gradient of the road surface. The vehicle has a drive wheel rotatably mounted on a vehicle body and also has a vehicle control device for controlling the attitude of the vehicle by controlling drive torque applied to the drive wheel. The vehicle control device estimates the gradient of the road surface based on the attitude of the vehicle and corrects the drive torque based on the gradient. | 04-28-2011 |
20110106376 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING VEHICLE TURN SIGNAL SWITCHES - A method and system to automatically control turn signals in a vehicle equipped with a lane detection system. The method includes the steps of detecting a vehicle travel path, determining whether the vehicle is deviating from the travel path, determining whether to automatically activate the turn signal indicative of the change of the vehicle travel path, determining whether the vehicle has established a linear travel path after the passage of a predetermined even and deactivating the turn signal after the passage of a predetermined even after the vehicle has assumed a travel path. The system includes an ECU, a lane warning system, and an automatic turn signal switch. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106377 | In-vehicle apparatus - An in-vehicle apparatus is disclosed. The in-vehicle apparatus is configured to perform a timer operation, acquire vehicle state information, and control the timer operation of the timer means in such manner that: the in-vehicle apparatus starts the timer operation when determining based on the vehicle state information that a condition for starting the timer operation is satisfied; and the in-vehicle apparatus stops the timer operation when determining based on the vehicle state information that a condition for stopping the timer operation is satisfied. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106378 | SKID DETECTION APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - In an apparatus for detecting a skid occurred on a four-wheel drive vehicle having a prime mover and a transmission, an actual rear right/left wheel speed ratio between the rear right/left wheel speeds is calculated based on detected front and rear wheel rotational speeds, a front/rear wheel slip ratio during grip-driving is calculated by retrieving characteristics of a front/rear wheel slip ratio set with respect to a rear right/left wheel speed ratio using the calculated actual rear right/left wheel speed ratio, an actual front/rear wheel slip ratio is calculated based on the detected front wheel rotational speed and the rear wheel rotational speed, and occurrence of skid is then determined based on a difference between the calculated front/rear wheel slip ratio during grip-driving and the calculated actual front/rear wheel slip ratio. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106379 | In-vehicle system - An in-vehicle system is disclosed. The in-vehicle system includes a display unit, a navigation apparatus storing therein a first flash player, and an in-vehicle apparatus storing therein a second flash player. The navigation apparatus and the in-vehicle apparatus are provided separately from each other. The first flash player and the second flash player are respectively operable to play back display data so that the display unit displays a display screen made by the play back. The navigation apparatus and the in-vehicle apparatus can respectively perform a process of starting the first flash player and a process of starting the second flash player, independently of each other. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106380 | Vehicle surrounding monitoring device - A vehicle surrounding monitoring device includes an image display control section and a guide line overlapping section. The image display control section makes a view image based on a shot image of a surrounding of a vehicle and displays the view image on a display device. The guide line overlapping section overlaps a guide line for assisting a forward parking of the vehicle on the view image. The guide line includes a front end guide line extending from a first position to a second position. The first position is a position obtained by rotationally transferring a position of a rotational outer front end of the vehicle by 90 degrees around a rotational center of the vehicle. The second position is located at a distance of a width of the vehicle from the first position toward a rear in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. | 05-05-2011 |
20110112720 | Road Conditions Reporting - Road conditions reporting is described. In embodiments, road conditions data is received and a condition of a roadway can be determined based on the road conditions data. The road conditions data can be received from a roadside station, vehicles, and/or from one or more sensors. The road conditions data and/or the condition of the roadway can then be communicated to a road conditions data system. In various embodiments, a road conditions data system can be implemented in a vehicle, or a road conditions data system can be implemented as a roadside station. | 05-12-2011 |
20110125367 | ACCELERATOR REACTION FOR CONTROL APPARATUS - A control apparatus of a vehicle includes a detector to detect an opening degree of an accelerator, a controller to adjust a reaction force of the accelerator, wherein the controller is configured to increase the reaction force of the accelerator when the accelerator opening degree exceeds a threshold value, a first threshold value corresponding to a first vehicle driving force, and a second threshold value corresponding to a second vehicle driving force that is larger than the first vehicle deriving force, wherein the first threshold value is higher than the second threshold value. | 05-26-2011 |
20110130921 | IN-VEHICLE DISPLAY SYSTEM - An in-vehicle display system for installation in a vehicle displays information. The in-vehicle display system includes a display part that (i) displays multiple items of setting information respectively related to plural types of in-vehicle apparatus on a common area of a screen interchangeably such that the multiple items of one of the plural types of in-vehicle apparatus are displayed in the common area at one time, and (ii) displays an index indicating one of the in-vehicle apparatus that is presently a displaying subject of the common area, a first switching member, provided separate from the display part, receiving an instruction from a user for switching the in-vehicle apparatus that is the displaying subject to a first apparatus of the plural types of in-vehicle apparatus, and a second switching member, provided separate from the display part, receiving an instruction from the user for switching the in-vehicle apparatus that is the displaying subject to a second apparatus of the plural types of in-vehicle apparatus, the second apparatus being different from the first apparatus, and a position of the second switching member relative to a position of the first switching member corresponds with a displayed position of an index of the second apparatus relative to a displayed position of an index of the first apparatus. | 06-02-2011 |
20110137519 | Systems and Methods for Presenting Information to an Automobile Driver - An apparatus for displaying ambient information in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a dial including a first dial hand, an ambient light source with a variable light intensity and a variable light color, a first data source and a second data source, a mode selector for selecting between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, and a controller coupled to the mode selector, the ambient light source, and the first dial hand. The controller is configured to, in the first mode of operation, control the position of the first dial hand according to the first data source; and, in the second mode of operation, control at least one of the variable light intensity or the variable light color of the ambient light source according to the second data source. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137520 | Devices, Systems and Methods for Controlling Permitted Settings on a Vehicle - Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for altering permitted settings of a vehicle according to a driver identified through short range wireless communication. The vehicle captures a unique identifier from a wireless communication device of the driver of the vehicle. This unique identifier is used to reference a database to determine the identity of the driver as well as settings for the driver created by a controlling authority. The controlling authority may be, for instance, a parent or employer of the driver. The settings may limit certain devices within the vehicle and/or the vehicle itself. Speed control settings, radio settings, wireless communication device settings, and various other settings are all possible to limit distractions to the driver. Further, the settings may be influenced by the number or identities of passengers within the vehicle. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137521 | VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM - A vehicular enforcing system comprising a display unit mounted on a vehicle for displaying information regarding to allowed/forbidden operation of said vehicle, said display unit being viewable from outside of said vehicle); at least one sensor, for sensing data related to said information; and a controller configured to obtain said data from said at least one sensor, and display said information on said display unit. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137522 | CONTROL OF A CONDENSER FAN OF AN AUTOMOTIVE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM - Described herein is a automotive air-conditioning system configured to implement a sub-critical refrigerating cycle and comprising a condenser and a fan associated thereto, a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion valve of the non-electronically-controlled type, and an electronic control system configured to receive a signal indicative of the ambient temperature outside the vehicle and to generate a control signal for the fan of the condenser on the basis of the ambient temperature outside the vehicle. | 06-09-2011 |
20110144860 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE HEAT LIMITING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An electronic control module for a vehicle. The electronic control module includes a housing, a temperature sensor positioned in the housing, and a controller positioned in the housing and coupled to the temperature sensor. The controller includes a processor, a memory, and a plurality of switches. The controller performs a first function related to a comfort level of an occupant of the vehicle at a first level of functionality. The controller also detects a temperature in the housing, and modifies the first function when the detected temperature exceeds a temperature threshold. The modification of the first function reduces a quantity of heat generated by the controller. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144861 | ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT FOR CHARGING AND HEATING A BATTERY - An electronic circuit configured to operate in any of a plurality of charging and heating modes for two batteries, a primary battery and a secondary battery. The electronic circuit includes a plurality of switch and diode pairs in a stacked configuration. The stacks of switch and diode pairs are connected to an inductor, to a plurality of mode control switches, and the two batteries. The mode control switches are used to set the modes, which include a charging mode, a self-heating, a power exchange-heating mode, and a direct power transfer mode. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144862 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATION WITHIN CONTROL SYSTEMS - A computer program product includes a storage medium that stores instructions for execution by a processing circuit for practicing a method for synchronous communication in a control system. Within a first time interval, a first source task is executed to broadcast a first destination task, within a second sequential time interval, the first destination task is communicated over a channel to a first destination, and within a third sequential time interval, the first destination task is consumed. Within the first time interval, a second source task may be executed to broadcast a second destination task, within the second sequential time interval, the second destination task may be communicated over the channel to a second destination, and within the third sequential time interval, the second destination task may be consumed. The first source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the second source task, and the second source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the first source task. | 06-16-2011 |
20110153155 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING IMAGE INFORMATION - A system for providing image information while interworking with a plurality of photographing apparatuses converts each of at least one image transmitted from the plurality of photographing apparatuses into a frame, and inserts the coordinates of the intersection into the converted frame. Next, the system determines whether a vehicle enters the intersection based on the frame into which the coordinates of the intersection are inserted, the current travelling direction of the vehicle, and the current position coordinates of the vehicle. The system extracts image information of the road intersecting at the frame corresponding to each of at least one image, when the vehicle enters the vehicle, and provides the extracted image information to the user through a terminal in the vehicle. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153156 | Method for Correction of Dynamic Output Signals of Inertial Sensors Having Mounting Offsets - A method for compensating inertial sensor measurement outputs for mounting locations that are not coincident, nor orthogonal, with the vehicle center of gravity. The method further utilizes vehicle angular rate measurements, data, or estimates to determine the discrete acceleration components of the composite inertial sensor measurement output. | 06-23-2011 |
20110160955 | STABILIZATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STABLING LOAD VOLTAGE OF VEHICLE - A stabilization apparatus for stabling load voltage of vehicle is applied to a vehicle battery unit, a vehicle computer unit and a vehicle load unit. The stabilization apparatus for stabling load voltage of vehicle includes a voltage boost unit and a microcontroller unit. The voltage boost unit is electrically connected to the vehicle battery unit and the vehicle load unit. The microcontroller unit is electrically connected to the voltage boost unit and the vehicle computer unit. When the voltage of the vehicle battery unit is going to drop, a voltage-drop signal is sent from the vehicle computer unit to the microcontroller unit. The voltage boost unit is controlled by the microcontroller unit to supply a boosted voltage to the vehicle load unit. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160956 | CAR CONNECTED TO AT LEAST ONE TRAILER AND BACKWARD MOTION CONTROL METHOD - A car connected to at least one trailer and backward motion control method are provided. The car includes a driving part controlling a velocity and a direction of the car, a backward-motion control terminal outputting a first backward-motion control signal corresponding to a backward velocity and a backward direction of the last trailer according to a user's operation, a control signal converter converting the first backward-motion control signal to a second backward-motion control signal which corresponds to a backward velocity and a backward direction of the car and makes the last trailer move backward as the backward velocity and the backward direction corresponding to the first backward-motion control signal, and a backward-motion controller controlling the driving part on the basis of the second backward-motion control signal so that the last trailer moves backward by the backward velocity and the backward direction corresponding to the first backward-motion controlling signal. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160957 | Vehicular input device and method for controlling the same - An indication unit indicates arranged selective areas on a display surface for accepting input. A move unit moves an instructed position on the display surface according to an operation quantity of an operation unit. A selected-state determination unit determines a selected-state area from the selective areas according to the instructed position. A width determination unit determines a width of the selected-state area in each of an x-axis direction and a y-axis direction of the display surface. A moving speed set unit sets a moving speed of the instructed position variably at least when the instructed position passes through the selected-state area such that: a velocity component in the x-axis direction becomes larger as the determined width in the x-axis direction becomes larger, and a velocity component in the y-axis direction becomes larger as the determined width in the y-axis direction becomes larger. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160958 | VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONER AND CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONER - In a vehicle air conditioner for a vehicle cabin interior is split into a plurality of air-conditioned zones, that is capable of independent air conditioning control for individual air-conditioned zones, provided is a solar radiation sensor that measures solar radiation levels individually for a first air-conditioned zone and a second air-conditioned zone adjacent thereto; a judging unit ( | 06-30-2011 |
20110166747 | System And Method For Controlling Temperature In An Automotive Vehicle - A system and method is provided for controlling temperature in an automotive vehicle having a driver-side area, a front passenger-side area, and a climate control system with at least one interface. The interface allows a user to select a driver-side temperature setting and a passenger-side temperature setting. The system includes a seat occupancy sensor and at least one computer-based controller. In operation, the seat occupancy sensor generates a sensor signal indicative of passenger seat occupancy in the passenger-side area of the vehicle. Based on the sensor signal, the controller controls the climate control system. When the passenger-side area is unoccupied, the climate control system distributes conditioned air according to the driver-side temperature setting to both the driver-side and passenger-side areas. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166748 | MULTI-DISPLAY VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention include a vehicle human machine interface (HMI) for control by a vehicle occupant. The HMI may include a first graphical display, a second graphical display, a plurality of input controls, and a vehicle computer communicating with the first and second graphical displays. The vehicle computer may be configured to receive user input defining user instructions for controlling one or more functions of the vehicle. In response to the input, the computer may be configured to present on the first and second graphical displays a vehicle function identifier color associated with the vehicle function. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166749 | LINE REPLACEABLE UNIT FOR AN AIRCRAFT - The subject matter of the invention is a line replaceable unit (LRU) ( | 07-07-2011 |
20110172880 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL DEVICE AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD - A prediction element predicts a predicted arrival time at a destination based on a travel route found by a search element. In normal control mode, the first learning element learns the time period from the time point at which a vehicle is stopped, until an air-based on the predicted arrival time and the result of the learning, a control element estimates a linger period from the present moment until the passenger leaves the passenger compartment after arrival, and, based on the temperatures inside the passenger compartment and the outside as detected by first and second temperature detection element and temperature transition time information, specifies a divergence period from stopping the air-conditioning device until the temperature inside the passenger compartment leaves a comfortable temperature range. The control element stops the air-conditioning device automatically when it is decided that the linger period has become not lager than the divergence period. | 07-14-2011 |
20110178678 | VEHICLE STATE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, VEHICLE, VEHICLE STATE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - A system and the like capable of preventing the over discharge of the power source mounted on the vehicle, while alleviating the work for monitoring the power supply ability of the power source is provided. According to a vehicle state management system | 07-21-2011 |
20110190980 | OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An occupant detection system, a controller for an occupant detection system and a method of detecting an occupant. The presence or absence of the occupant varies the dielectric properties of an area proximate an electrode to influence the electrical impedance of the electrode. The electrode impedance is determined by determining electrical characteristics of a filter formed by a reference impedance device and the electrode. The pole frequency and absolute attenuation of the filter are determined based on a relative ratio of the excitation signal magnitude and the electrode signal magnitude, at two distinct frequencies. A lookup table may be used to determine the pole frequency and absolute attenuation based on the relative ratio, and thereby determine an occupant presence based on the electrode impedance. | 08-04-2011 |
20110190981 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS - The electrical power consumption and cost of a control system for an air conditioning apparatus are reduced. A control system for an air conditioning apparatus mounted in a vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle-side ECUs (control units) that control devices provided in the air conditioning apparatus; and a signal control unit that controls the plurality of vehicle-side ECUs wherein the plurality of vehicle-side ECUs are divided into groups each having a common ON/OFF combination for the individual operating modes of the vehicle, and the vehicle-side ECUs belonging to the same group are connected by a common signal line; and the signal control unit sends ON and OFF signals depending on the operating mode of the vehicle to the signal lines. | 08-04-2011 |
20110196573 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING INVERTER-INTEGRATED ELECTRIC COMPRESSOR FOR VEHICULAR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - Disclosed is a method of controlling an inverter-integrated electric compressor for a vehicular air conditioning system, which prevents an over-current from being generated due to a load of an inverter for driving the electric compressor and reduces an RPM even without stopping the vehicular air conditioning system, preventing damage to the air conditioning system due to an over-current. The method of controlling an inverter-integrated electric compressor for a vehicular air conditioning system includes the steps of: (1) calculating a target RPM of a motor for driving the inverter-integrated electric compressor in a vehicular air conditioning system; (2) checking whether a current applied to the motor driven according to the target RPM exceeds a threshold value preset in the inverter; and (3) decreasing, if the current applied to the motor exceeds the threshold vale, the target RPM in the inverter to perform a feedback control of reducing the current, and rotating, if the current applied to the motor does not exceed the threshold value, the motor according to the target RPM. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196574 | light energy saving function adapted to a traffic situation - A method, a device, a computer program and a computer program product are described for controlling a lighting system of a motor vehicle, in particular a headlight system of a motor vehicle involved in road traffic. The control process involves performing the operations of detecting a current traffic situation having at least detecting a motor vehicle speed and detecting a state of the lighting system and adjusting the state of the lighting system as a function of the detected traffic situation, the detection of the current traffic situation furthermore including the operation of detecting an obstacle, in order to adjust the lighting system as a function of the traffic situation thus determined. | 08-11-2011 |
20110202232 | Hydraulic Lift System And Control Method - A hydraulic hitch system for a vehicle includes a hydraulic source, a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic cylinder, an operator-controlled actuating means for generating a command signal, a hydraulic control valve for controlling the hydraulic cylinder, and an electronic control unit for controlling the control valve. To make it easier for the operator to set the hydraulic functions when working with different attachments, a pressure sensor generates a pressure signal and is connected to the hydraulic cylinder, and a control device is used to select a pressure control program for the hydraulic cylinder. The control valve is activated by a control signal which is generated by the control unit as a function of the selected pressure control program, the pressure signal and a command signal generated by the control device. | 08-18-2011 |
20110202233 | AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY CALL LANGUAGE PROVISIONING - A method of language provisioning includes receiving a language designation as part of a packet sent from a communication point. The method also includes setting a local language emergency database (LLED) as a basis for a spoken language when placing emergency calls. According to this method, if an emergency call is originated by a vehicle computing system, outgoing communication from the vehicle computing system is performed at least substantially based on words and/or phrases stored in the LLED. | 08-18-2011 |
20110202234 | OVER THE ROAD/TRACTION/CABIN COMFORT RETROFIT - A vehicle includes a drive train having a manual transmission. An internal combustion engine is coupled to the manual transmission via a clutch. Auxiliary devices operate auxiliary systems of the vehicle. A battery energizes electric drivers for the auxiliary devices. A power exchange unit is coupled to the manual transmission via a power takeoff port. An electric generator is coupled to the power exchange unit, and the internal combustion engine drives the generator via the power exchange unit. The battery is energized by the generator via a battery charger. | 08-18-2011 |
20110202235 | VEHICULAR VIBRATION DAMPING CONTROL DEVICE AND VEHICLE MOUNTED WITH VIBRATION DAMPING CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicular vibration damping control device that performs vibration damping of pitch/bounce vibrations of a vehicle through drive output control includes a vibration damping control portion that controls a driving torque of an engine to perform pitch/bounce vibration damping, and a compensation component adjustment portion that reduces the magnitude of a compensation component for compensating for a wheel torque calculated by the vibration damping control portion on the basis of an amount of change in the throttle opening degree of the engine. The compensation component is reduced when the temperature of a conductor for supplying a current to a throttle motor for adjusting a throttle opening degree estimated on the basis of the amount of change in throttle opening degree becomes higher than a predetermined value. | 08-18-2011 |
20110208388 | AUDIO NOISE REDUCTION METHOD FOR TELEMATICS SYSTEM - A telematics system for a vehicle includes an infotainment module, a codec module, and a control module. The infotainment module outputs data to a speaker via a first audio data path. The codec module outputs data to the speaker via a second audio data path when a telematics function of the telematics system is triggered. The control module switches from the first audio data path to the second audio data path after the telematics function is triggered. The control module changes a state of a relay of the speaker and a gain of the codec module in a first predetermined order before outputting data to the speaker via the second audio data path. | 08-25-2011 |
20110208389 | CUSTOMIZABLE GRAPHICAL DISPLAY - Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to customizing the colors of instruments that are used to convey vehicle readings. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that obtains input to perform a color change to one or more instruments presented on a graphical display. For each instrument affected by the color change, a determination is made regarding whether a threshold level of contrast exists between a symbol graphic of the instrument and one or more background colors. If a threshold level of contrast does not exist, the contrast ratio between the symbol graphic and one or more background colors is adjusted to at least the threshold level. Then the method causes the graphical display to render the one or more instruments in accordance with the received color selections. | 08-25-2011 |
20110218706 | VEHICLE MOTION CONTROL APPARATUS - A vehicle motion control apparatus suppresses strangeness feeling in a driver when a signal from a sensor which detects an operated state quantity of a vehicle and a motional state quantity thereof is abnormal. The vehicle motion control apparatus includes a control unit, and sensors. An actual-state-quantity obtaining unit outputs a vehicle-body actual slip angle and an actual yaw rate to a deviation calculating unit. A reference dynamic-characteristic model calculating unit calculates a vehicle-body reference slip angle and a reference yaw rate using a dynamic-characteristic model and outputs those to the deviation calculating unit. A virtual external-force calculating unit feeds back a virtual external force to the reference dynamic-characteristic model calculating unit based on a deviation output by the deviation calculating unit. At this time, a virtual-external-force-calculation controlling unit controls correction of a virtual external force based on a signal indicating a detection condition output by the sensors. | 09-08-2011 |
20110224870 | POSITION DETECTION FOR ACTIVATION OF DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF - Disclosed herein are embodiments of position detection devices for vehicles and methods of position detection. One embodiment of a detection device comprises a wireless device inside a vehicle, a mobile communication device paired to the wireless device, such that the wireless device automatically activates when it senses the mobile communication device within an operable range of the wireless device, a position sensing system configured to generate an output indicative of the mobile communication device's presence within the vehicle and a controller responsive to the output and configured to deactivate the wireless device when the output indicates that the mobile communication device's presence is not within the vehicle but is still within the operable range. | 09-15-2011 |
20110224871 | FUEL TRANSFER MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fuel monitoring system for automatically monitoring a fuel transfer in an aircraft fuel system, the fuel system including a plurality of fuel tanks, the fuel monitoring system comprises a fuel quantity sensor arranged to measure the quantity of fuel in a first fuel tank and a data processor arranged to receive a fuel quantity measurement from the sensor, wherein in response to receiving a command to transfer fuel from the first fuel tank to one or more further fuel tanks the data processor is arranged to determine the rate of change of fuel quantity in the first tank from the received fuel quantity measurement and if the rate of change of fuel quantity is less than a threshold value and the received fuel quantity measurement is greater than an expected value then the data processor is further arranged to provide an output indicating that the commanded fuel transfer has failed. | 09-15-2011 |
20110231056 | METHOD OF OPERATING AN AIRCRAFT FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method of operating an aircraft fuel management system for an aircraft having at least one fuel tank, each fuel tank having an associated fuel quantity indicator arranged to provide an indication of the amount of fuel in the associated fuel tank, the method comprising calculating a value for the amount of fuel on board (FOB_FailedFQI) the aircraft to be utilised by the fuel management system in the event of a failure of at least one of the fuel quantity indicators, the amount of fuel on board being calculated as a value for the initial amount of fuel on board (FOBinit) minus the amount of fuel used. Additionally or alternatively a value for the gross weight centre of gravity of the aircraft is calculated using an assigned value of fuel for each of the fuel tanks having an associated failed fuel quantity indicator. | 09-22-2011 |
20110238263 | PREVENTING CONDENSATION ON THE SURFACE OF MOVING VEHICLES - A system and method for controlling condensation on the windshield of a vehicle caused by a difference in environments inside and outside of a tunnel. The system and method include a tunnel information acquisition section acquiring a dew point D or a saturated vapor density V in the tunnel; a vehicle information acquisition section acquiring a temperature Tf around an outer surface of a windshield of the vehicle or a vapor density Vf around the outer surface of the windshield of the vehicle outside the tunnel; and a control section controlling the device so as to perform a prescribed operation when the temperature Tf is equal to or less than the dew point D or when the vapor density Vf is at least the saturated vapor density V. | 09-29-2011 |
20110238264 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING HYBRID WORKING MACHINE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING PUMP OUTPUT OF HYBRID WORKING MACHINE - A method of controlling a hybrid working machine having a hydraulic pump driven with the output of an engine and the output of a motor generator includes calculating the input side power of the hydraulic pump and controlling the output of the motor generator based on the calculated power. | 09-29-2011 |
20110246021 | Excursion Prevention Methods & Systems - Excursion prevention methods and systems may include transmitting a speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor to the electronic control unit; transmitting a transmission signal from the transmission sensor to the electronic control unit; transmitting an accelerator pedal signal from the accelerator sensor to the electronic control unit; transmitting a brake pedal signal from the brake sensor to the electronic control unit; executing a machine readable control logic with the electronic control unit to determine if an excursion condition is present based on the speed of the vehicle, the status of the transmission, the application of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, and the application of the brake pedal of the vehicle; and, transmitting an alert signal from the electronic control unit when the excursion condition is present. | 10-06-2011 |
20110246022 | Method Of Estimating An Air Quality Condition By A Motor Vehicle - A method and system for estimating an air quality condition based on vehicle data received from surrounding vehicles is disclosed. The method includes a step of determining a dynamic traffic pattern from the received vehicle data to determine a level of congestion. The method also includes a step of estimating the air quality condition based on the dynamic traffic pattern. The method and system further includes adjusting one or more settings of a cabin air control system based on the estimated air quality condition. | 10-06-2011 |
20110246023 | Powertrain Thermal Control with Grille Airflow Shutters - A method of powertrain thermal control in a vehicle having grille airflow shutters. The method comprises the steps of: detecting vehicle operating conditions including at least a temperature condition for an engine cooling loop and engine load; pumping engine coolant through the engine cooling loop including pumping the engine coolant through a radiator under all temperature conditions of the engine cooling loop; and adjusting the grille airflow shutters relative to a grille to selectively block a portion, none or all airflow through the grille to thereby control airflow through the radiator based upon the detected vehicle operating conditions. | 10-06-2011 |
20110246024 | INFORMATION PROVIDING SYSTEM OF MOTORCYCLE - An information providing system of a motorcycle includes a navigation device and an audio device. The navigation device includes a navigation controller. The navigation controller is disposed in a trunk on a side surface of the trunk close to a back surface of a passenger seat. The trunk is provided in a rear portion of a vehicle body of the motorcycle and above a rear wheel of the motorcycle. The audio device includes an audio device operation part and an audio device controller. The audio device operation part is provided in a vicinity of a handlebar of the motorcycle. The audio device controller is disposed in an audio device housing provided at a position lower than a bottom plate of the trunk. | 10-06-2011 |
20110246025 | Vehicle position tracking system - A vehicle position tracking system includes: an in-vehicle device; and a center device. The in-vehicle device includes: a GPS detector for detecting a vehicle position; an environmental information obtaining element for obtaining environmental information having detection data; a communication element for communicating with the center device; and a controller for controlling the communication element to transmit the environmental information when reception of a GPS signal via the GPS detector is interrupted. The center device includes: a communication information obtaining element for obtaining the environmental information from the in-vehicle device; a database for obtaining observation information having observation data; and an estimation unit for estimating a moving route of the vehicle based on the environmental information such that the estimation unit arranges multiple observation position data corresponding to multiple retrieved observation data in a chronological order. The estimation unit retrieves multiple observation data corresponding to multiple detection data. | 10-06-2011 |
20110246026 | VEHICLE CONSOLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system for an interactive vehicle console disables certain interactive functions in response to a signal indicating that the vehicle is in motion, and in addition, permits a passenger to bypass the disablement feature using one or more input devices. An input device may include a transmitter/receiver system that transmits a signal from the passenger seat via the passenger's body to an input device on the vehicle console. A low-frequency electrical signal may be transmitted from a transmitter in the seat cushion to a touchscreen or button on the console, when the passenger touches the screen or button. In response to detecting the low-frequency signal, the console control may enable a feature of the console that it has disabled because of vehicle motion. In other embodiments, the input device may comprise a vision system that determines the source of command input from camera input taken of the driver and passenger. | 10-06-2011 |
20110251755 | Parallel Parking Assistant System and Method Thereof - A parallel parking assistant system integrated with a vehicle and method thereof are provided, the parking assistant system including a first sensor configured to determine a first distance, a second sensor configured to determine a second distance, and a controller configured to provide commands as a function of the first and second determined distances. The commands include a first command configured to command a steering system to be in a clockwise position while the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction for a first reversing distance, a second command configured to command the steering system to be in a substantially straight position while the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction for a second reversing distance, and a third command configured to command the steering system to be in a counter-clockwise position while the vehicle is a moving in a reverse direction for a third reversing distance. | 10-13-2011 |
20110251756 | Accessory load control systems and methods - An accessory load control system for a vehicle, includes an actuator control module, a period estimation module, and a load control module. The actuator control module operates an internal combustion engine of the vehicle in a high-efficiency (HE) mode. The period estimation module estimates a period between a current time and a future time when an actual load on a crankshaft of the engine will reach a maximum engine load associated with the HE mode. The load control module selectively decreases engine loads applied by vehicle accessories, respectively, based on the period. | 10-13-2011 |
20110257840 | CONTROL ARRANGEMENT FOR A TRAILER VEHICLE - The invention relates to a control arrangement for a trailer vehicle and to a trailer vehicle. The control arrangement according to the invention comprises a brake system, a lighting system ( | 10-20-2011 |
20110270489 | Vehicle Electrical System - A vehicle electrical system for a motor vehicle having a vehicle electrical system with electrical consumers connected to it. The vehicle electrical system also has electrical energy generation devices and at least one energy accumulator connected to it. The energy accumulator is being able to be separated from the vehicle electrical system via a switching device. At least one switching device monitor is provided, which checks the operating state of the switching device. | 11-03-2011 |
20110270490 | VEHICLE-USE ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE - The vehicle-use electronic control device includes a main microcomputer and a sub microcomputer. The sub-microcomputer is configured to be in one of a normal operation mode, a sleep mode and a stop mode, and to learn a frequent use time period in which frequency of use of the vehicle is high. The sub-microcomputer continues to be in the sleep mode if the frequent use time period prevails, and changes from the sleep mode to the stop mode if the frequent use time period does not prevail in order to further reduce the dark current. | 11-03-2011 |
20110276224 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOTION-BASED CONTROL OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for disabling distracting features of electronic devices in a moving vehicle in order to enhance vehicle operator safety. A safety controller system may be operatively connected with a motion monitor within a vehicle and with a computing device in communication with the motion monitor. The safety controller system may include a motion monitor communication component for continuously receiving data from the motion monitor, which may be a GPS system installed within the vehicle. The safety controller system may additionally include a feature disabling module for disabling a feature of the electronic device based on detected motion conditions determined from the received data and a feature enabling module for enabling the feature of the electronic device based on a detected lack of motion determined from the received data. | 11-10-2011 |
20110282545 | VEHICLE PEDAL APPARATUS WITH USER ACTUATION SENSOR, AND RELATED OPERATING METHOD - A pedal system for a vehicle is disclosed. The pedal system includes an accelerator pedal, a sensor, a sensor detection circuit, and a controller. The pedal has a footpad, and the pedal moves in response to user actuation of the footpad. The sensor, which is coupled to or integrated into the footpad, has a first state when the footpad is actuated and a second state when the footpad is not actuated. The sensor is independent of and distinct from any physical position sensors of the pedal. The detection circuit, which is electrically coupled to the sensor, can distinguish between the first state and the second state. The controller, which is coupled to the sensor detection circuit, controls operation of the vehicle in a manner that is influenced by the first state or the second state. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282546 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR MODULE - Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for identifying a plurality of tire pressure sensor modules. Data wirelessly transmitted from the tire pressure sensor modules are received by using a signal cable connected between a wheel speed sensor module and a control module. The control module identifies the pressure sensor modules mounted on vehicle tires according to the intensities of received signals. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282547 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING AMOUNT OF HEAT RECEIVED BY REFRIGERANT AND CONTROLLER - A method for estimating the amount of heat received by refrigerant by an ECU comprises a step for detecting an estimation factor including the intake air amount of an internal combustion engine, and a step for estimating the amount of heat received from exhaust gas by cooling water of the internal combustion engine in a water-cooled exhaust manifold based on a detected estimation factor. Preferably, the estimation factor further includes at least any one of the cooling water temperature, the intake air temperature of the internal combustion engine the number of revolutions of the internal combustion engine. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282548 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUSLY DETERMINING WHEEL STATE VARIABLES OF A WHEEL - In order to more accurately determine wheel state variables of a wheel, physical variables of the wheels are continuously measured and evaluated on the vehicle side. In addition, physical variables of the wheel are intermittently measured on the wheel side. The variables measured on the wheel side or the evaluated measurement results thereof are used to correct the variables measured on the vehicle side and/or the determined wheel state variables. | 11-17-2011 |
20110288724 | Device, System, And Method For Authorizing Vehicle Online Services During Driving - A device for authorizing an online service during driving in a vehicle. Contents of an online service are authorized according to the vehicle state. The device includes an electronic control unit, a graphical output apparatus, and a communication interface. A system that includes the device and a server, which is not located in the vehicle and which is connected to the communication interface through a wireless connection for the exchange of data. A method, having the following steps: the vehicle state of the vehicle is detected. According to the vehicle state, it is checked if a requested online service or certain contents of a requested online service are authorized for display during driving. According to available or ascertainable data on the ability of the requested online service to be authorized during driving, the requested online service is either blocked or authorized in a limited or complete manner. The result is depicted on the graphical output apparatus. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288725 | Vehicle glare reducing systems - A vehicle glare reducing system comprising automatically optically detecting when an oncoming vehicle with lit headlights is approaching the driver and automatically operating a glare reducing means attached to the driver's side of a vehicle's windshield to block the glare, and automatically optically detecting when no oncoming vehicle with lit headlights is approaching the driver and automatically operating the glare reducing means to allow the driver to see through the glare reducing means, with part of an inside edge of the glare reducing means substantially vertically aligned with substantially the horizontal center of the vehicle's steering wheel. | 11-24-2011 |
20110295462 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING CLOCK FOR VEHICLE USING GPS INFORMATION - A system for controlling a clock for a vehicle using Global Positioning System (GPS) information, may include a GPS reception unit for receiving the GPS information from satellites, a clock oscillator for measuring a time value by generating clocks, a switch unit for supplying a user-changed time value by manipulation thereof, a display unit for displaying a current time, and a control unit for, when power of the vehicle is applied, displaying the current time to the display unit by outputting a sum of the time value of the clock oscillator and the user-changed time value of the switch unit, and, when invalid information has been received from the GPS reception unit, storing the user-changed time value reset using the switch unit and then outputting the current time. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295463 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING ACCESSORY STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS - An aftermarket steering wheel control includes a housing that includes a user-operable switch and a control module. The control module is configured to determine whether the user-operable switch has been operated, generate a data frame corresponding to a control signal for operating a vehicle component, and transmit the data frame to a receiver of a control signal interface. Another aftermarket steering wheel control includes a housing with a user-operable switch and a circuit with an output line. The output line is connected to the switch and further connected to a control signal interface. Operation of the user-operable switch changes a resistance on the at least one output line, and the control signal interface is configured to convert the resistance to a control signal for operating a vehicle component. | 12-01-2011 |
20110301809 | TOUCH SENSITIVE CONTROL FOR A LATCH MECHANISM - A seat assembly includes a first member. There is a second member located proximate to the first member. A latch mechanism is located between the first member and the second member and is configured to selectively prevent movement of the second member relative to the first member. A latch release switch is positioned on the seat assembly and is configured to send a first signal when a user applies an adjustment force at a seat adjustment location. A controller is connected to the latch release switch and a latch release actuator and is configured to receive the first signal from the latch release switch and in response to generate an activation signal. The latch release actuator is activated in response to the activation signal to move the latch mechanism to a released position to allow relative movement between the first member and the second member. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301810 | VEHICULAR INPUT MANIPULATION APPARATUS - A vehicular input manipulation apparatus has a target parameter switchover manipulating device and a setup changeover manipulating device in order to change setup contents of several control parameters for drive control of an in-vehicle apparatus. The target parameter switchover manipulating device executes switchover to designate one of the control parameters as a change target control parameter. The setup changeover manipulating device changes a setup content relative to the change target control parameter. When a control mode of the in-vehicle apparatus is changed into a predetermined control mode, a control circuit automatically enforces switchover relative to the change target control parameter by automatically replacing the control parameter, which has been designated as the change target control parameter, with an enforcement change target control parameter, which is a predetermined control parameter associated with the predetermined control mode. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301811 | AUTOMOBILE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT COMPRISING A VOLTAGE STEP-UP DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD - An electronic control unit ( | 12-08-2011 |
20110307145 | POWER GENERATION CONTROL APPARATUS AND POWER GENERATION CONTROL SYSTEM - A power generation control apparatus can switch, by controlling a power generation apparatus capable of generating power by power of a power source which makes a vehicle travel, between a first power generation control of mainly performing power generation at the time of deceleration of the vehicle while suppressing power generation at the time of acceleration of the vehicle in the case where normal travel of acceleration/deceleration travel is performed in a state where the power source operates and a second power generation control of mainly performing power generation at the time of acceleration of the vehicle while suppressing power generation at the time of deceleration of the vehicle in the case where acceleration/deceleration travel including coasting in which the vehicle travels in a state where the operation of the power source stops is performed. Consequently, power generation can be performed properly. | 12-15-2011 |
20110307146 | SAFETY DETECTION APPARATUS FOR EXITING A VEHICLE - A safety detection apparatus for exiting a vehicle is disclosed, according to an embodiment, the safety detection apparatus utilizes a circumstance detecting means such as an infrared detector, a radar detector, or a video monitor to detect a moving object signal. A parameter determining means generates a relative position signal and a relative velocity signal of the moving object to the vehicle based on the moving object signal detected by the circumstance detecting means. A safety analyzing means obtains the relative position signal and the relative velocity signal of the moving object from the parameter determining means and generates an exiting safety level signal, the exiting safety level signal is determined based on the relative position signal and the relative velocity signal of the moving object, a distance threshold, and a velocity threshold. A safety controlling means obtains the exiting safety level signal from the safety analyzing means and outputs a control instruction corresponding to the exiting safety level. | 12-15-2011 |
20110313617 | SOUND-DIRECTED-OUTSIDE-VEHICLE EMITTING DEVICE - A sound-directed-outside-vehicle emitting device includes a storage unit | 12-22-2011 |
20110313618 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD - Disclosed is an electronic control unit capable of being mounted to any vehicle regardless of the change of a voltage level of a vehicle power system, and a method for controlling the vehicle in which the electronic control unit is mounted to the vehicle and the vehicle operates with a system driving voltage of the electronic control unit regardless of the voltage level of the vehicle power system of the vehicle. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313619 | Vehicle Keyless Entry Assembly Having Capacitance Sensor Operative for Detecting Objects - A keyless entry assembly for a vehicle includes a sensor carrier, a sensor in the form of an electrically conductive pad, and a controller. The sensor is mounted to the sensor carrier and the sensor carrier is positioned adjacent a panel such that the sensor is adjacent the panel. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the panel while the sensor is driven with electrical charge such that capacitance of the sensor changes due to the sensor capacitively coupling with the object. The controller is operable for driving the sensor with the electrical charge and controlling a vehicle operation as a function of the capacitance of the sensor. | 12-22-2011 |
20120016554 | VEHICLE INFORMATION UNIFICATION METHOD WHICH COMBINES WITH A HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE - In a vehicle information unification method which combines with a hand-held electronic device, a hand-held electronic device, which includes a first processor, a first screen and a first transmission interface, is connected with a receiving system of a vehicle. The hand-held electronic device and the receiving system are interconnected within an effective distance through the first transmission interface and a second transmission interface of the receiving system, allowing the receiving system to access digital messages in a storage unit of the hand-held electronic device. The digital messages are computed and a result of computation is outputted for use by the vehicle. By the interconnection between the hand-held electronic device and the receiving system of the vehicle, the vehicle can access and apply information of various hand-held electronic devices to provide the vehicle information that is personalized, convenient and safe. | 01-19-2012 |
20120022742 | SHUTTER UNIT FOR VEHICLE - A shutter unit for a vehicle, capable of properly determining failure of a shutter without using a sensor which directly detects a position of the shutter. The shutter unit includes a return spring for returning the shutter to a predetermined initial position by urging the shutter, and a rotating machine configured to be capable of converting input motive power to electrical power and input electrical power to motive power by electromagnetic induction action. The rotating machine drives the shutter by the motive power obtained by conversion. The shutter unit executes return control that stops supply of electric power to the rotating machine to return the shutter to the initial position by urging of the shutter by the return spring, and determines failure of the shutter based on a rotating machine induced voltage of the rotating machine, detected during execution of the return control. | 01-26-2012 |
20120022743 | Vehicle headlamp control method - A method for controlling at least one component of a motor vehicle provided with energy storage means. The method comprises the steps of determination of an energy reserve value of the vehicle; evaluation of at least one critical energy autonomy threshold; and comparison of the energy reserve value with at least one critical autonomy threshold so as to deduce therefrom a setpoint signal for controlling the component. | 01-26-2012 |
20120022744 | VEHICLE POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A power supply system comprises a chargeable power storage device; a charging device configured to perform external charging for charging the power storage device using alternating-current power supplied from an external power supply; an air conditioner receiving electric power from the charging device and the power storage device and air-conditioning a compartment in a vehicle; an auxiliary machinery load; and an ECU. The ECU controls at least one of the charging device and the auxiliary machinery load so as to increase the electric power output from the power storage device in a case where overcharging of the power storage device is expected when the air conditioner is intermittently operated during external charging. | 01-26-2012 |
20120029765 | EMERGENCY EGRESS LIGHTING SYSTEM - An emergency egress lighting system for a vehicle having multiple egress portals, including first sensors and second sensors that sense information as to vehicle orientation in pitch and roll. A plurality of indicators is changeable between a positive indication and a negative indication locatable inside the vehicle near one of the multiple egress portals. The plurality of indicators display a positive indication and a negative indication at each of the multiple egress portals based on the vehicle orientation in pitch and roll such that a first portion of the plurality of indicators displays the positive indication proximate least one first selected egress portal that is less or least likely to be blocked to prevent egress while a second portion of the of the plurality of indicators display the negative indication proximate at least one second selected egress portals that is more or most likely to be blocked to prevent egress. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029766 | DRIVING SUPPORT DEVICE, DRIVING SUPPORT METHOD, AND DRIVING SUPPORT PROGRAM - A driving support apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus includes a regenerative electric power specification unit that determines electric power generated by a regenerative brake. Also included is a guidance unit that performs guidance to encourage the deceleration of a vehicle at a timing based on a distance from the vehicle to a target. As setting unit sets a new timing for providing guidance based on the electric power determined by the regenerative electric power specification unit where the electric power is regenerated in response to braking that is performed after guidance, but before the vehicle passes the target. Subsequently, the guidance unit provides guidance at the new timing. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029767 | Tire Pressure Monitoring System Wheel Rotation Auto Location - A TPM system wheel unit measures rotational period over a number of wheel revolutions, calculates a value of a period of the revolutions and wirelessly transmits the calculated value of the period to a tire pressure monitoring system receiver in the vehicle mounting the wheel. Alternatively, each wheel unit transmits an RF burst of a predetermined length and a received RF burst envelope modulated with a periodic modulation pattern is used to calculate the period of one wheel rotation for each wheel. A central vehicle electronic control unit monitors wheel speed signals for each wheel of the vehicle and calculates a period for the wheel speed signal for each wheel of the vehicle, bounded by a rolling window which may be of variable length. The calculated values are compared and the wheel unit and the wheel location are correlated therefrom. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029768 | MACHINE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - An electronic control module for a machine may include instructions for performing a method. The method may include obtaining a total torque load limit for one or more hydrostatic transmission loops in the machine. The method may also include allocating the total torque load limit between the one or more hydrostatic transmission loops in the form of one or more lower level torque load limits. | 02-02-2012 |
20120041641 | STABILITY DISPLAY APPARATUS - Disclosed herein are stability display apparatus and methods. One apparatus comprises a driving state detection unit configured to detect a driving state of a vehicle in operation; a controller comprising an instability estimation unit configured to estimate an instability index indicating driving instability of the vehicle based on the driving state of the vehicle detected by the driving state detection unit and configured to determine changes in the instability index; and a display unit configured to display the instability index estimated by the instability estimation unit in a display region within a range less than or equal to an upper limit that is a limit of display and configured to display in the display region a representation of the changes of the instability index when the instability index is beyond the upper limit. | 02-16-2012 |
20120065838 | SPEED CONSTRAINT CONTROL PROCEDURE - A method includes receiving speed constraints associated with two independent vehicle components and receiving speed constraints associated with a first dependent vehicle component and a second dependent vehicle component. The method further includes defining a relationship between the received speed constraints of the independent vehicle components and the first and second dependent vehicle components. Moreover, speed values of an unknown speed constraint associated with a third dependent component are derived based on the defined relationship between the received speed constraints of the independent vehicle components and the first and second dependent vehicle components. | 03-15-2012 |
20120065839 | COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A communications system for a vehicle includes control units, that receive supply of electricity from an on-vehicle battery to control devices mounted on the vehicle and are connected to each other via a controller area network (CAN). Each control unit monitors operational states of the other control units. At least one of the control units has a power management module. The power management module monitors signals on the CAN to detect a signal indicating whether or not the at least one control unit needs to be activated, and, based on the detected signal, the power management module adjusts the amount of electricity supplied from the battery to the at least one control unit. | 03-15-2012 |
20120065840 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes at least one of (i) an undercarriage and an upper carriage arranged rotatably about a vertical axis with respect to the undercarriage and (ii) a leverage means arranged pivotably about a horizontal axis with respect to the upper carriage, wherein a sensor system is provided for monitoring at least one stability criterion with respect of a tilt movement of the vehicle, and wherein a control unit is coupled to the sensor system for automatically initiating an action and/or performing an action for stabilizing the vehicle depending on the at least one stability criterion. The risk of an unexpected tilting of the vehicle can be reduced | 03-15-2012 |
20120065841 | VEHICLE SURROUNDING MONITOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING SURROUNDINGS USED FOR VEHICLE - A vehicle surrounding monitor device | 03-15-2012 |
20120072071 | TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM AND VEHICULAR TIRE PRESSURE DEVICE THEREOF - A tire pressure monitoring system and vehicular tire pressure device thereof are disclosed. The device integrates a central monitor and signal match device of a conventional tire pressure monitoring system. The vehicular device is also combined with a power-getting interface physically. The vehicular device is also provided with a separate battery which may be rechargeable and be charged by the interface. The monitoring system and vehicular tire pressure device of the invention may be used more easily and is convenient in installation and testing and therefore, they may be accepted more easily by the user and get great commercial success. | 03-22-2012 |
20120072072 | CONTROL DEVICE - A control device is provided for integration in a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a steering arrangement, that includes, but is not limited to a steering device and a steering column. The control device is configured to control an information display arrangement that includes, but is not limited to a display device. The control device is formed by at least one touch-sensitive surface, which is aligned radially to an imaginary straight line G through a center of the steering device, and/or which is directed toward a driver's and/or passenger's door of the vehicle. | 03-22-2012 |
20120078465 | AURAL SMOOTHING OF A VEHICLE - A method of controlling sounds associated with a vehicle is provided. The method includes performing on a processor, monitoring powertrain data; determining a powertrain transition event based on the powertrain data; and selectively controlling the generation of one or more tones based on the powertrain transition event. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078466 | Vehicle driving support apparatus - A vehicle driving support apparatus in which a cruise control unit starts to blink a hazard light when it is determined that a subject vehicle is stopped by collision prevention control through an automatic braking intervention. The blinking is continued until a predetermined operation input is performed by a driver so as to call the attention of a driver of a following vehicle or the like even if the driver is upset due to a sudden stop of the subject vehicle. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078467 | Driver Assistance System for Assisting the Driver for the Purpose of Consumption-Controlled Driving - A driver assistance system for assisting a driver in achieving consumption-controlled driving combines haptic and visual acknowledgment functions, particularly in the form of a drive configuration, a display concept, and/or a deceleration assistant. A modified characteristic accelerator pedal curve is utilized, and ECO tips of the interactive output of efficient driving instructions are provided. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078468 | Driver Assistance System for Driver Assistance for Consumption Controlled Driving - A driver assistance system for driver assistance for consumption controlled driving combines tactile and visual feedback functions, especially in the form of a drive configuration, a display concept and/or a deceleration assistant, wherein the emphasis is, on the one hand, on a modified accelerator pedal characteristic and, on the other hand, on providing ECO tips for an interactive output of efficient driving instructions. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078469 | REAR VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A rear vision system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera and a display device. A control activates display of captured video images by the display device when a transmission of the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear and deactivates display of the video images upon shifting of the vehicle transmission out of reverse gear once a threshold deactivation condition is met. The threshold deactivation condition is at least one of (a) forward travel of the vehicle exceeding a threshold speed of forward movement after the vehicle transmission has been shifted out of reverse gear, (b) forward travel of the vehicle exceeding a threshold distance of forward movement after the vehicle transmission has been shifted out of reverse gear and (c) a threshold period of time elapsing after the vehicle transmission has been shifted out of reverse gear, the threshold period of time constituting a linger time. | 03-29-2012 |
20120083971 | Method and Apparatus for a Task Priority Processing System - A vehicle system comprises multiple processors and a communication system adapted to run real-time vehicle applications. The system adds new devices, identifies data generated by the new device and identifies another device that can input or output the data. The vehicle system also includes a dynamic configuration system configured to operate on the multiple processors and store critical information about the applications running on the multiple processors. The configuration manager automatically detects an application failure and initiates a reconfiguration process. The configuration manager then downloads from memory the previously stored critical data associated with the failed application and initiates a reboot operation for the failed application. | 04-05-2012 |
20120089299 | WIRELESS TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR VEHICULAR COMPONENT CONTROL AND MONITORING - Vehicle with wireless sensors includes a frame, at least one sensor assembly fixed to the frame and each including a sensor arranged to obtain data about a condition or property of the vehicle or part thereof or an environment in or around the vehicle, and a wireless transmission component coupled to the sensor for wirelessly transmitting a signal derived from the data obtained by the sensor, a receiver fixed to the frame arranged to receive signals from the wireless transmission component, and a reactive component for performing an action based on the data obtained by the sensor and transmitted from the wireless transmission component to the receiver. The data can be displayed as an indication to the driver or other occupant of the vehicle, relayed the data to a remote location for analysis or response and/or used to determine adjustment or control a component in the vehicle. | 04-12-2012 |
20120089300 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM ACTIVATION OF A VEHICULAR DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL - Devices, methods and systems describe a turn signal activation system. As the navigation system determines that the vehicle is approaching a turn or other operation, the turn signal may be automatically activated in the appropriate direction (e.g., right-turn signal for a right turn, and a left-turn signal for a left turn). Once the navigation system determines that it is appropriate to deactivate the turn signal, the turn signal may be automatically deactivated. In this fashion, other drivers on the road may be able to anticipate the actions of the vehicle based on the activation and deactivation of the turn signals, and thereby prevent accidents from occurring. | 04-12-2012 |
20120095644 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN ENERGY STORAGE UNIT IN A VEHICLE MICRO-HYBRID SYSTEM - A method of controlling a supercapacitor energy storage unit ( | 04-19-2012 |
20120095645 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE, IN PARTICULAR A MOTOR VEHICLE OR UTILITY VEHICLE - A method operates a vehicle having an acquisition device for acquiring defined route section data of an upcoming route section to be passed through via the vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle. Accordingly, the route section data, which are acquired by the acquisition device are evaluated in an evaluation device with respect to the wear reduction potential of a vehicle-side wearing part for the upcoming route section to be passed through such that, to reduce and/or optimize the wear of the wearing part. An actuating parameter, in particular an actuating time and/or an actuating duration, is predetermined for the wearing part in the upcoming route section to be passed through. An auxiliary device which supports the wearing part in its action is activated in the upcoming route section to be passed through in accordance with at least one predefined auxiliary device parameter. | 04-19-2012 |
20120095646 | Intersection vehicle collision avoidance system - The present invention discloses a system which alerts vehicle drivers to avoid intersection vehicle collision, said system comprises of
| 04-19-2012 |
20120109450 | COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR OPERATING A VESSEL - One or more embodiments of a computer readable medium having computer instructions stored thereon for operating a vessel are provided. The computer readable medium can include computer instructions for monitoring a DC source; computer instructions for determining the most efficient power source to power a vessel; computer instructions for controlling an AC power source to allow transfer of power solely from the DC power source to power the vessel, transfer of power solely from the AC power source to power the vessel; or transfer of power from both the AC power source and the DC power source to power the vessel; computer instructions to determine when the DC power source is at a predetermined level; and computer instructions for controlling auxiliary devices of the vessel. | 05-03-2012 |
20120109451 | VEHICLE USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING LOCATION SPECIFIC FEATURE AVAILABILITY - A vehicle user interface system comprises a vehicle location determining component, a jurisdiction determining component, a user input component, and a controller. The vehicle location determining component is configured to determine a current location of the vehicle. The jurisdiction determining component is configured to determine a current jurisdiction based on the current location of the vehicle, and to select a policy setting based on the current jurisdiction. The user input component is configured to receive information used by the vehicle user interface system to perform system operations. The controller is configured to control availability of the system operations for performance by the vehicle user interface system based on the selected policy setting. | 05-03-2012 |
20120109452 | HUMAN/MACHINE INTERFACE FOR AUTOMOBILE - The invention relates to a human/machine interface ( | 05-03-2012 |
20120109453 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR CORRELATING TIME BASES BETWEEN INTERCONNECTED UNITS - A system and arrangement for correlating time in different time bases used by interconnected units by timestamping a reference event with a time determined with respect to a first time base. A message unit provides the time to a second interconnected unit that uses a second time base. A translation device is configured to calculate a difference between the time measured by the first time base and in the second time base. The difference is used to translate a time measured by the first clock to a time in a different time base at run time. | 05-03-2012 |
20120109454 | BOTTLENECK LIGHT AND METHOD OF ASSISTING A DRIVER IN STEERING A VEHICLE - A device for assisting a driver in steering a vehicle along a bottleneck. The device has a bottleneck detection unit which is configured to detect bottleneck information for characterizing a bottleneck in which the vehicle is located. A bottleneck information processing unit is configured to process the detected bottleneck information in order to derive therefrom assistance information for assisting the driver in steering the vehicle along the bottleneck. An actuation unit is provided and is configured to actuate a light source of the vehicle in such a way that the light source generates a light pattern, which can be seen by the driver, outside the vehicle, which light pattern displays the assistance information to the driver. | 05-03-2012 |
20120109455 | USER INTERFACE WITH PROXIMITY DETECTION FOR OBJECT TRACKING - A system or method for tracking items proximate a user interface device include a user interface device having at least one solid-state touch-sensitive region and a receiver for wirelessly receiving a signal from at least one item to determine proximity of the item relative to the user interface device. The device may also include a display screen for displaying controls and information. The user interface device may be permanently or removably mounted in a vehicle and used to interface with vehicle systems and personal electronic devices for control and information display. Tracked items or objects may include passive or active data tags and communicate identification information and optionally position information to the user interface device. The device may alert the user to movement of tracked objects, and/or confirm presence of a group of objects intended for a particular task or project. | 05-03-2012 |
20120109456 | ACTIVE ANTI-VIBRATION SUPPORTING DEVICE AND ANTI-VIBRATION CONTROL METHOD FOR SAME - An ACM_ECU ( | 05-03-2012 |
20120109457 | ACTIVE ANTI-VIBRATION SUPPORTING DEVICE AND ANTI-VIBRATION CONTROL METHOD FOR SAME - In an active anti-vibration supporting device ( | 05-03-2012 |
20120116632 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE EQUIPMENT - A system for automatically controlling vehicle equipment includes a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain vehicle equipment, for example exterior lights, on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116633 | ON-VEHICLE GATEWAY DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ON-VEHICLE GATEWAY DEVICE, CONNECTION DEVICE AND CONNECTION CONTROL METHOD - An on-vehicle gateway device connected to an information system network and a control system network of a vehicle executes monitoring the status of an information system via an information system access circuit taking charge of message transmission and reception to and from the information system network, and an information system management step to manage information acquired by the information system monitoring, monitoring the status of a control system via a control system access circuit taking charge of message transmission and reception to and from the control system network, and a control system management step to manage information acquired by the control system monitoring, managing policies for access control by the access control circuit controlling data flows between the information system access circuit and the control system access circuit, and determining whether or not to update the policies managed by policy management and to update the policies. | 05-10-2012 |
20120123635 | POWERTRAIN THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A DRY-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION - The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling a flow regulator, such as a diverter valve, that is configured to guide air through a transmission housing before entering an engine intake manifold. In certain arrangements, the flow regulator operates according to predetermined conditions, e.g., meeting an engine intake manifold air temperature threshold. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123636 | OPERATION INPUT DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - An operation input device for a vehicle includes: a first operation unit for executing an operation of an in-vehicle device on the vehicle; and a second operation unit for executing a negative operation of the in-vehicle device so that the operation of the in-vehicle device is cancelled. An operation direction of the second operation unit has a directional component. The directional component of the operation direction of the second operation unit is opposite to an extending direction of an arm of a user, who sits down on a predetermined seat. The user extends the arm along with the extending direction in order to touch the operation input device. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123637 | SPECTRUM MEASURING APPARATUS FOR MOVER - Disclosed is a mover spectrum measuring apparatus, which is able to discriminate an object being measured more reliably by relieving the influences of an environmental light on photographic data by a spectrum sensor mounted on a mover such as a vehicle. A spectrum sensor capable of measuring wavelength information and optical intensity information is mounted on a vehicle, so that an object being measured around the vehicle is discriminated on the basis of the spectrum data relating to the observation light detected by the spectrum sensor. The mover spectrum measuring apparatus comprises an illumination device for making variable the featuring quantity of at least either the wavelength range of the observation light or the optical intensity of each wavelength, and controls the featuring quantity varying mode by the illumination device through an illumination controller on the basis of the control value according to an environmental element. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123638 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE EQUIPMENT - A system for automatically controlling vehicle equipment includes a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain vehicle equipment, for example exterior lights, on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123639 | POWER-SAVING SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE SAME - In a vehicle equipped with a plurality of electronic devices, a power-saving system ( | 05-17-2012 |
20120123640 | VEHICULAR CONTROL APPARATUS - A vehicular control apparatus ( | 05-17-2012 |
20120130588 | OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM HAVING INTERFERENCE AVOIDANCE STRATEGY - An object detection system for a first machine is disclosed. The object detection system may have at least one transmitter configured to generate a laser beam directed onto a ground surface in proximity to the first machine, and a receiver configured to detect the laser beam and generate a corresponding signal. The object detection system may also have a controller in communication with the at least one transmitter and the receiver. The controller may be configured to generate an electronic terrain map based on the signal. The controller may also be configured to make a determination that a second machine is operating within a range of the first machine, and to adjust operation of the at least one transmitter and receiver based on the determination to reduce undesired interactions caused by operation of the second machine. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130589 | Carrier device - In order to improve a carrier device for motor vehicles which is designed to support loads such that the loads acting on it can be detected, it is suggested that the carrier device be provided at the least with a first sensor at a first installation point and with a second sensor at a second installation point, that a section of the carrier device be located between the installation points, its deformations caused by a load being detected by the sensors at least in part and that an evaluation unit be provided which records measurement values of the sensors and determines a borne load from them. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130590 | CONTEXT-SENSITIVE HELP FOR DISPLAY DEVICE ASSOCIATED WITH POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR - An apparatus and method for providing help information on a display device associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) displaying screen content displayed on the display device during operation or support of the power driven wheelchair, b) detecting selective activation of a first input device, c) in response to detection of the first input device activation, selecting help information content from a collection of help information, the selected help information content being contextually related to the screen content displayed on the display device, and d) displaying the contextually-related help information content on the display device. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: a display device, a first input device, and a microcontroller in operative communication with the display device and the first input device. | 05-24-2012 |
20120136532 | GLASS INDEXING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method is provided to index the door window glass of a vehicle to disengage the glass from the window sealing interface prior to opening the door. A door latch including an unlatching lever selectively connectable to the inside and outside door handles is configured such that moving either handle to actuate the latch causes an initial change in the position of the unlatching lever prior to latch release. A sensor in the latch detects the initial change in position of the unlatching lever and signals an indexing mechanism to move the glass to the indexed position prior to latch release, such that the glass does not substantially interfere with the sealing interface when the door is moved from a closed position. The system may be configured such that the door lock mechanism must be unlocked prior to the indexing mechanism moving the window to an indexed position. | 05-31-2012 |
20120136533 | HELICOPTER VIBRATION CONTROL SYSTEM AND CIRCULAR FORCE GENERATION SYSTEMS FOR CANCELING VIBRATIONS - A rotary wing aircraft including a vehicle vibration control system. The vehicle vibration control system includes a rotary wing aircraft member sensor for outputting rotary wing aircraft member data correlating to the relative rotation of the rotating rotary wing hub member rotating relative to the nonrotating body, at least a first nonrotating body vibration sensor, the at least first nonrotating body vibration sensor outputting at least first nonrotating body vibration sensor data correlating to vibrations, at least a first nonrotating body circular force generator, the at least a first nonrotating body circular force generator fixedly coupled with the nonrotating body, the at least first nonrotating body circular force generator controlled to produce a rotating force with a controllable rotating force magnitude and a controllable rotating force phase, the controllable rotating force magnitude controlled from a minimal force magnitude up to a maximum force magnitude, and with the controllable rotating force phase controlled in reference to the rotary wing aircraft member sensor data correlating to the relative rotation of the rotating rotary wing hub rotating relative to the nonrotating body wherein the vibration sensed by the at least first nonrotating body vibration sensor is reduced. | 05-31-2012 |
20120136534 | SOLAR POWER CHARGE AND DISTRIBUTION FOR A VEHICLE - A solar energy charge and management system for a vehicle including a photovoltaic apparatus for receiving solar energy and converting the solar energy to electrical energy. The system includes a user interface for selecting a predetermined solar power mode and a controller operatively in communication with the user interface. The interface allows for selectively distributing energy from the photovoltaic apparatus to operate a vehicle component associated with the selected solar power mode. | 05-31-2012 |
20120136535 | THERMAL CONDITIONING OF RECHARGEABLE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS OF VEHICLES - Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided that provide for thermal conditioning of a vehicle rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). A thermal conditioning system is coupled to the RESS, and is configured to thermally condition the RESS. A control system is coupled to the thermal conditioning system, and is configured to estimate an amount of time after which a temperature of the RESS will be outside a predetermined range and provide instructions to the thermal conditioning system to thermally condition the RESS after the amount of time. | 05-31-2012 |
20120136536 | Vehicle With at Least One Environment Detection System - A vehicle is equipped with at least one environment detection system, a communication system which transmits information by remote transmission to receivers external to the vehicle, and at least one electronic control unit for both systems. The electronic control unit is designed to realize a standby mode which can be activated automatically or manually. The control device is configured such that when the vehicle is parked and the standby mode is activated, both the environment detection system and the communication system can be switched-on at least to a limited extent to predefined functions in regard to the transmission of information to receivers external to the vehicle. | 05-31-2012 |
20120143437 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EXHAUST GAS HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS IN VEHICLES - A method of operating a vehicle including an engine, a transmission, an exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) heat exchanger, and an oil-to-water heat exchanger providing selective heat-exchange communication between the engine and transmission. The method includes controlling a two-way valve, which is configured to be set to one of an engine position and a transmission position. The engine position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the engine, but does not allow heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the oil-to-water heat exchanger. The transmission position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger, the oil-to-water heat exchanger, and the engine. The method also includes monitoring an ambient air temperature and comparing the monitored ambient air temperature to a predetermined cold ambient temperature. If the monitored ambient air temperature is greater than the predetermined cold ambient temperature, the two-way valve is set to the transmission position. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143438 | FIBER OPTIC VEHICLE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A vehicle communication system includes a fiber optic assembly and a cable assembly. The fiber optic assembly is configured to couple a controller to a plurality of vehicle components to enable communication of information between the controller and the vehicle components. The cable assembly extends from a vehicle power supply, with each of the vehicle components electrically coupling to a different respective location along the cable assembly to receive power from the vehicle power supply via the cable assembly. A portion of the fiber optic assembly and a portion of the cable assembly are mechanically coupled to each other such that the portion of the fiber optic assembly and the portion of the cable assembly collectively extend along the vehicle. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143439 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ACCELERATION PEDAL OF VEHICLE - A method controls an acceleration pedal of a vehicle that calls a driver's attention by causing vibration or increasing pedal effort in the acceleration pedal according to diversified driving situations. The method includes selecting a control mode of selecting, by a driver, a control mode given to the acceleration pedal, judging an eco red state of judging whether the vehicle is driven for a predetermined time in the eco red state, and executing the control mode of giving the control mode selected at the selecting of the control mode to the acceleration pedal when it is judged that the vehicle is driven for the predetermined time in the eco red state at the judging of the eco red state. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143440 | ISG DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ISG AUTOMOBILE - An ISG (Idle Stop and Go) display device of an ISG vehicle may include a driving information detecting unit that detects driving information of the vehicle, a memory unit that stores notification about ISG of the vehicle, a control unit that executes the ISG and detects situations of an operation and an abnormality of the ISG by using the driving information of the vehicle which may be input from the driving information detecting unit, and receives the notifications about the ISG which correspond to the situations from the memory unit, and a display unit that may be controlled by the control unit to display the notifications about the ISG in accordance with the situations. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143441 | ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPARATUS - An accelerator pedal apparatus includes a torque motor which generates operational reaction force corresponding to operation of an accelerator pedal, an accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) which detects an accelerator opening rate of an accelerator pedal and outputs the accelerator opening rate to an engine control unit (ECU) being an upper device, and a control unit which applies the operational reaction force as controlling driving of the torque motor. The control unit applies the operational reaction force as controlling driving of the torque motor based on the accelerator opening rate when being commanded to apply the operational reaction force by the ECU. | 06-07-2012 |
20120150386 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AT LEAST ONE SENSOR OF A VEHICLE AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A method is provided for operating at least one first sensor of a vehicle traveling on a roadway. The first sensor is configured for detecting objects within a detection range and the method includes, but is not limited to determining a course of the roadway in a region of an instantaneous environment of the vehicle with map data stored in a storage apparatus. In addition, it is determined whether the roadway in the direction of travel of the vehicle has a bend based on the determined course of the roadway. If is determined that the roadway has a bend in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the at least one first sensor is adapted in such a manner that the detection range of the at least one first sensor in the region of the determined bend is aligned in the direction of the course of the bend. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150387 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A VEHICLE DRIVER - A system and method configured to receive and improve the quality of image data used to determine the condition of a vehicle driver is provided. The system and method includes a camera positioned to detect image data of the vehicle driver, a lighting system positioned to illuminate an interior of the vehicle, and a controller configured to receive the detected image data and to make a determination of the quality of the image data, alter the lighting system based on the determined image data quality, and determine a condition of the driver based on the received image data. | 06-14-2012 |
20120158241 | Increasing Vehicle Range by Minimizing Trapped HVAC Energy - A method of increasing a range of a vehicle by decreasing trapped HVAC energy at an end of a trip. The method may include the steps of: determining a destination list based on locations where the vehicle may be parked in the future, the destination list accessible by a control module in the vehicle; determining HVAC reduction regions around each of the locations on the destination list, the HVAC reduction regions accessible by the control module; operating a HVAC system while the vehicle is moving; tracking the location of the vehicle relative to the locations on the destination list; and the control module automatically reducing the energy usage of the HVAC system when the vehicle enters one of the HVAC reduction regions. | 06-21-2012 |
20120158242 | Machine, Exhaust Particulate Filter System, And Method - A machine includes an internal combustion engine, and an exhaust particulate filter system coupled therewith having an exhaust particulate filter for trapping particulates in exhaust from the internal combustion engine. A control system for the exhaust particulate filter includes a sensing mechanism such as an RF soot sensor and a data processor coupled with the sensing mechanism and configured to output a moisture compensation signal responsive to a pattern of inputs from the sensing mechanism indicative of moisture within the exhaust particulate filter, for controlling regeneration thereof. | 06-21-2012 |
20120158243 | VEHICLE CAMERA SYSTEM OPERABLE IN OFF-ROAD MODE AND METHOD - A camera system and method of assisting a driver of vehicle for off-road mode use is provided. The camera system includes one or more cameras located on the vehicle to generate images of ground near the vehicle. The generated images are displayed to the driver when the vehicle is detected to be operating off-road and are prevented from being displayed when not off-road. A steering wheel direction indicator may also be displayed to the driver. | 06-21-2012 |
20120158244 | SECONDARY SENSING FOR INTELLIGENT PASSIVE ENTRY PASSIVE START POLLING - A system and method for providing a polling signal transmitted from a vehicle that is received by a key fob held by an authorized user of the vehicle as the user approaches the vehicle. When the key fob receives the polling signal, it will automatically transmit a command signal back to the vehicle for some vehicle operation to be performed. Battery power is conserved on the vehicle by using an infrared detector to first detect whether a living thing is in proximity to the vehicle prior to the vehicle transmitting the polling signal. | 06-21-2012 |
20120158245 | AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM - A first DC/DC converter is connected to a higher-voltage output terminal of a rectifier by alternator wiring, a battery that supplies electric power to an on-board load is connected to the first DC/DC converter, a second DC/DC converter is connected to the higher-voltage output terminal of the rectifier by alternator wiring, and an electrical double-layer capacitor is connected to the second DC/DC converter. | 06-21-2012 |
20120166041 | ON-VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH ACTUATOR DRIVEN BASED ON TARGET VALUE - In a control system mounted in a vehicle, information indicative of a user's desire depending on the signal from at least one of a sensor and user's input device is outputted. A target value of a first state quantity for travel of the vehicle is outputted. The target value is for realizing control of in-vehicle environment in accordance with the user's desire. A command value for controlling an actuator is outputted, where the command value is for realizing the target value. The actuator is controlled based on the command value. A controllable range for the first state quantity is specified depending on a capability of the actuator, and the specified controllable range is outputted for outputting the target value. The target value is calculated such that the target value falls into the controllable range. | 06-28-2012 |
20120166042 | SOUND OUTPUT DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE - Disclosed is a sound output device for electric vehicle including a sound producing unit | 06-28-2012 |
20120173077 | DRIVE CONTROL MEANS - The invention relates to a drive control means, in particular for controlling a windscreen wiper drive of a motor vehicle, having a first interface and a second interface, wherein, after receiving control information via the first interface, the drive control means is arranged to configure itself in a master role and to output control information via the second interface in order to control a further drive control means. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173078 | FUEL SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT ENGINES - A fuel pump system for an aircraft engine having a booster pump that is always on during maneuvers and malfunction of primary fuel pump is disclosed. During fuel pressure loss, the boost pump and warning systems for the pilot are activated. The booster pump off and on up process are continued up to a maximum of a predefined number of times at a predetermined time interval in order to confirm that the low pressure was not due to an air bubble, or sensor glitch. The cyclic on and off process is performed only when the aircraft is at a safe altitude above ground level. If the aircraft is in close proximity to the ground and the pressure drops, the boost pump will be activated and remain on without cycling until the aircraft is at a safe altitude, or the aircraft is parked and the engine has been turned off. | 07-05-2012 |
20120179328 | STEERING WHEEL SYSTEM - A steering wheel system for use with a vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a steering wheel having a rim. A touch sensitive member covers the rim. The touch sensitive member detects first and second gestures on the rim and generates a first electronic signal when the first gesture is detected and generates a second electronic signal when the second gesture is detected. A processor is communicatively coupled to the touch sensitive member and is configured to be operatively coupled to a first subsystem and a second subsystem. The touch sensitive member is further configured to send the first electronic signal and the second electronic signal to the processor and the processor is further configured to send a first command to the first subsystem after receiving the first electronic signal and to send a second command to the second subsystem after receiving the second electronic signal. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179329 | VEHICLE HEAT SOURCE CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE HEAT SOURCE - A request heat calculation unit calculates a request heat power requested to heat sources to supply. A heat cost calculation unit calculates a relationship between a heat power supplied from each of the heat sources and a heat cost, which is a fuel quantity consumed to supply a unit heat power. An abnormal source detection unit detects an abnormal heat source, which cannot normally supply a heat power, from the heat sources. An abnormal heat calculation unit calculates an abnormal heat power supplied from the abnormal heat source. A determination unit determines distribution of heat power supplied from the heat sources based on both the relationship and the abnormal heat power, such that a sum of the heat power supplied from the heat sources coincides with the request heat power, and the heat cost of all the heat sources is minimized. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179330 | FUNCTION ACTIVATION - A method is provided for enabling at least one function to be stored in a vehicle communication system in a heavy vehicle or working machine. The system includes information about each function and information about a respective output signal relating to each function. The system further includes information about a respective function identity code unique for each function. In the method, a master Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in the system receives an actuator identity code which relates to an actuator connected to the system, the master ECU compares the received actuator identity code with the function identity codes, and the master ECU assigns a function with a function identity code that corresponds with the actuator identity code so that the actuator is enabled to control the output signal relating to the assigned function. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179331 | MECHANIC CERTIFICATION TRACKING VALIDATION - Embodiments receive information indicative of a certification of a mechanic performing a service on a vehicle, and responsively determine whether the certification is validated. If validated, service on the vehicle by the mechanic is facilitated by placing the vehicle in a service state and generates a signal that causes an unlocking of a vehicle door, hood, or trunk. If not validated, service on the vehicle is inhibited by disabling a vehicle electrical sub-system and generating a signal that causes a locking of the vehicle door, hood, or trunk, wherein a vehicle owner authorization of the mechanic may supersede and facilitate service by instead placing the vehicle in a service state for executing diagnostic software and generating a signal that causes unlocking of the vehicle door, hood, or trunk. | 07-12-2012 |
20120185129 | ALL-TERRAIN HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT VEHICLE - A first chassis and second chassis hingedly connects to the first chassis, wherein each of the first and second chassis includes a plurality of wheels which are operably connected to a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor operably connects to an engine which is operably connected to the first chassis. A transmission pump operably interconnects the hydraulic motor and the engine and a flow divider operably interconnects the transmission pump and the hydraulic motor to regulate hydraulic flow to the hydraulic motor. | 07-19-2012 |
20120185130 | Vehicle lighting - A vehicle lighting system is provided where the signal lights are configured so that their performance may be adapted based on ambient conditions and operational requirements. The signal lights are controlled to improve their effectiveness and efficiency. | 07-19-2012 |
20120191296 | POWER SPLIT TAILGATE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A power, split tailgate system is provided that allows each of an upper and a lower tailgate door to be simultaneously or independently driven between open and closed positions. The tailgate system may be operated in a chauffer mode where the lower tailgate door is opened to allow for the storage of luggage and other materials and in a manner that limits exposure of the passenger compartment. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191297 | SIMPLIFIED CABIN SERVICES SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT - A cabin services system for an aircraft is disclosed. The cabin services system comprises at least one wireless network, the at least one wireless network providing at least one cabin service. The cabin services system further includes a cabin attendant panel for communicating with the at least one wireless networks and configured to control the at least one cabin service. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191298 | Vehicle Having Active Blind Spot Lighting and Method - In order to provide better monitoring for the side environment of a vehicle a lighting unit to light up a vehicle environment and a detection unit for detecting an object in the vehicle environment are provided. The lighting unit is automatically switched on if the detection unit has detected an object in the vehicle environment. | 07-26-2012 |
20120197488 | SERVER AND METHOD OF PROVIDING SERVER-BASED CAR SECURITY SERVICE, CAR DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SERVER-BASED CAR SECURITY SERVICE, USER DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SERVER-BASED CAR SECURITY SERVICE - A server-based car security service provides for image and position information to be provided to the server. The server uses the image information to make an authorization determination with respect to the current user. When the user is determined by the server to be an unauthorized user, the server alerts the owner or primary user of the car by sending the alert to a remote user device. The user device displays the image of the current user, and the owner has the opportunity to indicate whether the user is actually an unauthorized user or whether the determination at the server was a misrecognition error. When the user is unauthorized, the owner can request real-time monitoring of the car's position, and also the image inside the car, as well as an outside-of-the-car image. | 08-02-2012 |
20120203424 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED CONTROL OF VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEMS - A system and method for providing driving support system to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a set of control modules, having at least one operational setting, configured for electronically controlling the vehicle components. The system includes an integrated drive mode selection module having a set of drive modes for modifying the settings for each control module. A sensing system detects at least one condition associated with the driver, vehicle or surroundings. A controller determines an appropriate drive mode for the vehicle based on the condition and the output of a safety module that ensures that the drive mode is safe while driving. | 08-09-2012 |
20120203425 | VALVE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION REGISTRATION SYSTEM - A valve identification information registration system includes a door sensor that detects an open vehicle door. A transmitter is arranged in a vehicle to transmit a tire valve activation signal when the door sensor detects the open door. A tire valve is attached to a vehicle tire and activated by the tire valve activation signal that emanates from the vehicle from the open door and transmits a response signal including identification information. A registration control circuit receives the response signal from the tire valve and registers the identification information of the tire valve included in the received wireless response signal in association with a tire location corresponding to the detection of the door sensor. | 08-09-2012 |
20120203426 | MOTOR VEHICLE WITH ADAPTIVE CHASSIS - A motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to an adaptive chassis that switches between at least a first and a second operating mode. At least one operating parameter of the chassis has different values in the first and in the second operating mode at the same speed and at the same acceleration of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle also includes, but is not limited to a control unit that is arranged to evaluate the driving style of the driver and to activate the first or the second operating mode according to the result of the evaluation, and a signal generator that is able to be noticed by the driver of the vehicle, to deliver a signal indicating the respectively active operating mode. | 08-09-2012 |
20120203427 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE DISTANCE-BASED DEBOUNCING OF LIGHT-CHARACTERISTIC CHANGES, - In a method for debouncing light-characteristic changes (e.g., streetlights, headlights of other vehicles), which are ascertained from image data of a camera for a vehicle, light-characteristic changes are identified in a continuous image sequence and a distance in time is determined between the light-characteristic changes. A spatial distance between the light-characteristic changes is determined with reference to the speed of the vehicle and from the distance in time between the light-characteristic changes. The debouncing is based on the spatial distance. | 08-09-2012 |
20120209472 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH NIGHT VISION FUNCTION - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle equipped with the vision system. The camera has a forward field of view in the direction of forward travel of the equipped vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, the vision system is operable to provide a night vision function and at least one of (i) a headlamp control function for controlling a headlamp of the equipped vehicle, (ii) a lane departure warning function, (iii) an adaptive cruise control function, (iv) a sign recognition function, (v) a rain sensing function, (vi) an object detection function and (vii) a pedestrian detection function. | 08-16-2012 |
20120215402 | VEHICLE HVAC WATER SPLASH PREVENTION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for operating a vehicle HVAC system includes detecting an elevated risk of water splash expulsion from an evaporator through a vent outlet and controlling a voltage supplied to at least one blower of the vehicle HVAC system to reduce a risk of water splash expulsion if the elevated risk is detected. Water splash risk is determined in view of a voltage supplied to a subject blower, a vehicle tilt angle, and a condensation risk or value. The condensation risk or value is determined in view of a window open/close value, a temperature value, and a humidity value. Each of these factors are, either independently or in combination, compared with a corresponding threshold value to determine if the water splash risk warrants voltage control. | 08-23-2012 |
20120215403 | METHOD OF MONITORING A VEHICLE DRIVER - A method of monitoring a vehicle driver involves monitoring any of an eye or facial position of the vehicle driver via a tracking device operatively disposed in a vehicle that is then-currently in operation. Based on the monitoring, via a processor operatively associated with the tracking device, the method further involves determining that the eye or facial position of the vehicle driver is such that the vehicle driver's eyes are, or the vehicle driver's face is focused on an object disposed inside an interior of the vehicle. In response to the determining, a functionality of the object is automatically altered. | 08-23-2012 |
20120215404 | DISPLAY CONTROL APPARATUS - A content management section rearranges contents in an order from a content having a greater information value, preparing a content list. With respect to assignable areas of a display apparatus, a region value is compared with an information value of each content; the content may be assigned to the area when the information value exceeds the region value. The contents are associated with information values and the areas are associated with region values; thus, the content can be assigned to the area that is more suitable. When there are several assignable areas, a target content is assigned to an area having a highest region value. | 08-23-2012 |
20120215405 | A/D CONVERSION DEVICE AND VIBRATION DAMPING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMOBILE USING THE A/D CONVERSION DEVICE - An A/D conversion device includes a first A/D converter that receives an analog vibration signal corresponding to a vibration detected by a vibration detecting sensor and converts the analog vibration signal to a first digital value, an analog amplifier that amplifies the analog vibration signal and outputs an amplified signal, a second A/D converter that converts the amplified signal to a second digital value, a determiner that determines whether an amplitude of the amplified signal input to the second A/D converter exceeds a range of amplitude that is convertible by the second A/D converter, and a selector that receives the first digital value and the second digital value and output one of the first and second digital values based on the determination of the determiner. | 08-23-2012 |
20120221196 | ACTIVE TIRE CONTROLLER DEVICE - A control system and method for enhancing motor vehicle fuel economy. The system and method establishes a vehicle operating in either a city operating condition or highway operating condition. Once a highway operating condition is established, an on-board motor vehicle tire pressure pneumatic controller may be commanded set a relatively higher tire inflation pressure optimizing the tires for minimizing rolling resistance and thereby enhancing fuel economy. In a city operating condition, tire inflation pressure may be returned to nominal values optimizing inflation pressure for vehicle dynamic capabilities for maneuvering, braking, or traction. Distinguishing between the operating conditions may be based on one or more of a number of parameters of the motor vehicle. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221197 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM - An electric vehicle drive system including an output member that is drive-coupled to a wheel, and a compressor connection member that is coupled to a compressor for an air conditioner. A drive power to be transmitted to the output member and the compressor connection member is generated by a rotating electric machine. The electric vehicle drive system further includes a wheel-driving rotating electric machine that has a rotor shaft drive-coupled to the output member and an air-conditioner rotating electric machine that has a rotor shaft drive-coupled to the compressor connection member through a second clutch. The rotor shaft of the air-conditioner rotating electric machine is drive-coupled to the rotor shaft of the wheel-driving rotating electric machine through a first clutch. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221198 | WATER GENERATION UNIT AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF WATER SUPPLY PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT IN VEHICLES - A system of managing water production in a vehicle. The system comprises a water conducting element set to receive and conduct water generated as a product of an operation of a vehicle air conditioner of the vehicle to a water container, a gauge that measures the amount of water in the water container, and a manager that receives the measurement and instructs the operation accordingly. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221199 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED DISPLAY SYSTEM - The present embodiment can provide a vehicle-mounted display system in which, when an operator operates console panels of steering switches at the same time, a control signal or a display signal corresponding to the simultaneous operations is output from a controller, thus varying displaying on a vehicle-mounted display. In this manner, the vehicle-mounted display system can cope with various operations. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221200 | INTEGRATED VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - The present invention provides a system which integrates motor vehicle component operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The two actuators of the system of the present invention are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch or controls associated with an on board computer and only operate a motor vehicle component when activated and subsequently depressed. The integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention further provides for vehicle component operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221201 | WIRE HARNESS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONTROL SYSTEM - A wire harness includes a standard connection circuit part which connects a standard electronic device and an ECU, and an optional connection circuit part which connects optional electronic devices and the ECU. The optional connection circuit part includes a communication connector which is provided to be connectable to the optional electronic devices, and an optional circuit which connects the ECU to the communication connector. The communication connector performs multiplex communication which multiplexes communication of the optional electronic devices and the ECU. | 08-30-2012 |
20120226410 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MINIMIZING THE POWER DRAIN ON A BATTERY OF A VEHICLE - A system and method for minimizing the power drain on a battery of a vehicle includes a processor, a global positioning system in communication with the processor, and a network access device in communication with the processor. The global position system is configured to determine the position of the vehicle. The processor is configured to reduce the power demands of the network access device on a battery of the vehicle when the vehicle is located in a predetermined location and turned off. | 09-06-2012 |
20120226411 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE MEMBER - A method and a system for controlling lighting beams for vehicles. It proposes controlling the road lighting beam by combining data obtained from a navigation device and detection means suitable for supplying distance and nature information concerning target objects situated in front of the vehicle equipped according to the invention. | 09-06-2012 |
20120226412 | HEADLIGHT CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLES, AND HEADLIGHT SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES - In controlling a vehicle headlight that has the ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) function, low beams and high beams are appropriately controlled even when a vehicle ahead is making a turn. A vehicle headlight control device detects a turning motion in accordance with a change in an open angle of the vehicle ahead that can be obtained by monitoring lights of the vehicle ahead, and controls the headlight such that, before switched to high beams, the headlights continue a low-beam illumination for a prescribed delay time with respect to an area where the turning motion was detected immediately before the vehicle ahead went to a non-detected state. The vehicle headlight control device may be configured to determine the delay time based on an own vehicle speed and an open angle immediately before occurrence of the non-detected state. | 09-06-2012 |
20120226413 | HIERARCHICAL RECOGNITION OF VEHICLE DRIVER AND SELECT ACTIVATION OF VEHICLE SETTINGS BASED ON THE RECOGNITION - A process for identifying a vehicle driver according to a pre-determined hierarchy. The process includes determining, in a first determination act, whether a first sub-process, of a group of multiple sub-processes, can be used to identify the vehicle driver. The first sub-process is pre-determined to be a most reliable sub-process of the group for identifying the vehicle driver. The process also includes determining, in a second determination act, only if the first determination act has a negative result, whether a second sub-process of the group can be used to identify the vehicle driver. The second sub-process is pre-determined to be a second-most reliable sub-process of the group for identifying the vehicle driver. | 09-06-2012 |
20120226414 | VIBRATION DAMPING DEVICE AND VEHICLE PROVIDED WITH THE VIBRATION DAMPING DEVICE - A damping device includes a calculator calculating a pseudo vibration to cancel a source vibration transmitted from a vibration source to a position to be damped, using an adaptive control algorithm. The canceling vibration is generated according to the pseudo vibration. A vibration detector detects an error vibration remaining at the position. The adaptive control algorithm is adapted by learning to reduce the error vibration. A frequency recognizer recognizes a frequency of the source vibration from a signal related to the vibration source. The frequency of the vibration is used to determine a frequency of the pseudo vibration. A phase difference identifier identifies a phase difference between the error vibration and the canceling vibration according to the pseudo vibration, and a frequency corrector corrects, according to the phase difference, the frequency of the vibration to eliminate the phase difference. | 09-06-2012 |
20120232749 | Systems and Methods for Indicating the Presence of a Child in a Vehicle - Systems and methods which provide for an alarm or notification that a child is in a car seat. The systems generally determine if a child is in the seat and that the seat, and therefore the vehicle, is not in motion. Upon detecting both situations, the notification or alarm is activated. The system will generally provide for an alarm to a smartphone or other remote notification device to improve the likelihood that the alarm will be received. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232750 | TRANSPORT OF FLUIDS - This invention concerns the transport of fluids. In particular in a first aspect it concerns a truck fitted with a tank and a fill line to the tank, comprising: An inlet in the fill line configured for connection to a hose that is, in use, connected to a fluid source to change the amount of fluid in the tank. A sensor to make measurements from which the amount of fluid in the tank can be determined. A valve to allow fluid flow through the inlet, both to increase and decrease the amount of fluid in the tank. And a data acquisition device to periodically record sensor measurements and to associate a time and place with each record. In a second aspect the invention concerns a control system for the truck. In a third aspect the invention concerns a control system for a fleet of trucks. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232751 | Pressure-Sensitive Steering Wheel Controls - A vehicle control apparatus, method and system are described. The vehicle control apparatus includes multiple sensing locations adapted to receive input from an operator of the vehicle, each sensing location has a set of sensing elements placed throughout the sensing location, a set of components adapted to evaluate signals produced by the sensing locations, and a set of components adapted to generate at least one output signal that controls operation of a vehicle functionality. The method receives an input signal from a pressure-sensing location, determines whether the input signal matches some criteria, and generates a control output when they match. The system includes an operator input module that receives a control signal based at least partly on pressure applied to locations along a steering control, a verification module that determines whether the received control signal matches some criteria, and an output module that activates at least one vehicle functionality. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232752 | ARCHITECTURE FOR CABIN MANAGEMENT - Disclosed are various embodiments for a cabin management system that increases data throughput and decreases transmission delay via at least two dual channel time-triggered bus. In one embodiment, the cabin management system comprises a cabin management controller for controlling the cabin management system and interfacing with a plurality of avionics of an aircraft. The cabin management system further comprises a plurality of equipment controllers for generically interfacing with the cabin equipment of the aircraft. Additionally, the dual channel time-triggered data buses transmit data between the cabin management controller and the cabin equipment controllers based on a time triggered protocol. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232753 | PUMP SYSTEM AND MOTORIZED VEHICLE - A pump system for inflating a tyre of a motorized vehicle, comprises a pump unit. The pump unit has an outlet connectable to an inlet of the tyre, for providing a fluid to the inside of the tyre. A communication interface is communicatively connectable to a tyre pressure monitoring system, TPMS, in the vehicle, for receiving from the TPMS data representing information for controlling the providing of fluid to the tyre. A pump controller is connected to the pump unit and to the communication interface and can control the pump unit based on at least the information. | 09-13-2012 |
20120239247 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACTIVE MITIGATION OF SUDDEN ACCELERATIVE FORCES IN VEHICLES - An active blast mitigation system includes one or more sensors configured to produce a set of acceleration signals indicative of a dynamic response of the vehicle. A control system communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors is configured to determine the dynamic response of the vehicle based on the set of acceleration signals and determine whether mitigation is required based on the dynamic response of the vehicle. If it is determined that mitigation is required, the control system produces one or more countermeasure signals selected to at least partially counteract the dynamic response. Countermeasure assemblies communicatively coupled to the control system are configured to activate in response to the one or more countermeasure signals. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239248 | Bicycle Tracking System with Communication Hub - A bicycle tracking system for a bicycle rental system includes a number of bicycles each including a bicycle computer configured to record and transmit trip data information. The bicycle computer transmits the trip data to at least one communication hub that is part of the rental system. The communication hub is located at a bicycle rental kiosk. The kiosk includes a parking rack for securely storing a number of bicycles and includes a kiosk radio head configured to receive the trip data from the computer. The kiosk further includes a kiosk computer configured to transmit the trip data to a server, which may provide a user of the system with the trip data in the form of a route map. The system is configured to aggregate the user's trip data from ride-to-ride to provide the user with his or her ride statistics. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239249 | IN-VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CONTROL DEVICE - An in-vehicle instrument control device, that controls a power source of a plurality of in-vehicle instruments operated by power from the power source provided in a vehicle, includes a plurality of operation units to operate the respective in-vehicle instruments; and a plurality of power source control units that are each provided between the operation unit and the power source, and the in-vehicle instrument, and each supply the power from the power source to the in-vehicle instrument when a predetermined operation signal is inputted from the operation unit. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239250 | SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY DETERMINING VEHICLE REAR/TRUNK LOADING FOR USE IN A VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system ( | 09-20-2012 |
20120239251 | CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF A VEHICLE - A climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is provided. By varying evaporator temperatures based on occupant settings and environmental conditions, electric compressor speed can be optimized to provide the necessary cooling capacities resulting in energy savings. Determining the impact that increasing or decreasing engine cooling fan speed has on the overall energy consumption of the climate control system without affecting target discharge air temperature provides for energy saving opportunities. Optimizing energy consumption according to the provided strategy provides for improved fuel economy without sacrificing passenger comfort. | 09-20-2012 |
20120245794 | POWER SOURCE CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD, AND POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A power source control device provided in a vehicle including a plurality of power supply devices that supply power from a power source to respective corresponding loads includes a total current detecting unit that detects a total current value, which is a summation of load current values, based on the load current values that are supplied from the power supply devices to the loads and are detected in the respective power supply devices; and a power supply control unit that selects the load to which the supply of the power is to be stopped, based on a predetermined priority so that the total current value becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined total current threshold when the total current value exceeds the total current threshold, and notifies the power supply device corresponding to the selected load of the stop of the power supply. | 09-27-2012 |
20120253592 | COOLING SYSTEM COMPRESSOR WITH VARIABLE OPERATING RANGE - A method of operating an air conditioning system includes changing output of the compressor based on a temperature limit of the evaporator. The temperature limit is one of a predetermined fixed temperature limit and a variable temperature limit. The method also includes determining the variable temperature limit by determining a target air outlet temperature for conditioned air in a control space, detecting an actual evaporator temperature, calculating a difference between the target air outlet temperature and the actual evaporator temperature, finding a predetermined first temperature adjustment that correlates to the difference, finding a predetermined second temperature adjustment that correlates to another condition, and calculating the variable temperature limit by adjusting the fixed temperature limit by one of the first and second temperature adjustments. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253593 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HAPTIC FEEDBACK CONTROL IN A VEHICLE - A control system for a vehicle includes first and second modules. The first module receives input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system. The second module selectively adjusts a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold. A method for controlling a vehicle includes receiving input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system, and selectively adjusting a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253594 | Operating System For A Motor Vehicle - A control system for a motor vehicle includes at least one command unit, which controls an associated vehicle function, and/or at least one sensor which senses a vehicle parameter. The control system also includes a control unit and a plurality of display devices. The information displayed by the display devices is controlled as a function of actuation of the command unit and/or the parameter sensor. The control unit controls the display device by means of an RFID reader which forms a data exchange connection with an RFID transponder which is connected to each display device. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253595 | INTERFACE AND MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE IDLING CONTROL SYSTEM - An idle control system for a vehicle is provided. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253596 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A driver assistance system includes a stereo vision system that includes at least one camera and at least one sensor disposed on or in a vehicle; a roadside marker detection unit configured to receive stereo image data from the stereo vision system, and to detect roadside markers from the stereo image data; and a road path estimation unit configured to estimate a road path in a direction of travel of the vehicle, based on the roadside markers detected by the roadside marker detection unit. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253597 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM, ON-BOARD DEVICE, AND PORTABLE DEVICE - An information display system is disclosed. The information display system comprises an on-board device configured to control a plurality of in-vehicle apparatuses, and a portable device including a portable display. The on-board device and the portable device are configured to communicate with each other for data exchange. The on-board device includes an apparatus information sending section configured to send apparatus information, which is information on the plurality of in-vehicle apparatuses. The portable device includes a portable display control section configured to display the apparatus information, which is sent from the apparatus information sending section, on the portable display. | 10-04-2012 |
20120259510 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A BELT DRIVE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method and a device for operating a belt drive of a motor vehicle. Under high loads, a high belt tension is set and during normal operation a low belt tension is set. The particular belt tension is set through a control process, taking into account the instantaneous load on the belt drive and/or taking into account the age of the belt of the belt drive. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259511 | TIRE FILLING ASSISTANT - A system for monitoring a fill level of a plurality of tires of a vehicle includes a situation detecting unit set up for detecting a situation in which adaptation of a fill level of at least one of the tires of the vehicle is expected. The system further includes a fill level adaptation assistant set up for autonomously assisting a user of the vehicle during the adaptation of the fill level of the at least one tire when the situation is detected. | 10-11-2012 |
20120265398 | SYSTEM AND ON-BOARD COMPUTER FOR CONTROLLING THE AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES MAINTENANCE - The system for controlling the automative vehicles maintenance according to the invention comprises an on-board computer and a specific program for the on-board computer to manage automative vehicle maintenance. The on-board computer comprises an external feeding source ( | 10-18-2012 |
20120265399 | DISPLAY DEVICE - A display device includes a camera for capturing an image around a vehicle body; a monitor provided in a vehicle interior; and a display control unit for controlling a display of the monitor. The monitor has a rectangle-shaped display face, and is supported switchably between a vertically elongated posture and a horizontally elongated posture. When the monitor is switched to the vertically elongated posture, based on an image captured by the camera, the display control unit displays a top view image of a road surface around the vehicle body seen from above on the monitor. | 10-18-2012 |
20120271510 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM CONTROLLED TURN SIGNALS - A turn signal control system for use with a right turn signal and a left turn signal of a motor vehicle and a vehicle navigation system is provided. The turn signal system includes a processor configured to be operably coupled to the vehicle navigation system. The processor is configured to receive map data and route data from the vehicle navigation system. The processor is configured to determine a turn zone of the vehicle based on a set of criteria. A turn signal controller is operably coupled to the processor and configured to activate one of the right and left turn signals when the vehicle is in the turn zone. A method of controlling a right and left turn signal is also provided. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271511 | Method for Controlling a Headlamp System for a Vehicle, and Headlamp System - In a method for controlling a headlamp system of a vehicle, road users are detected in front of the vehicle in the driving direction, and a total light pattern produced by the headlamp system is controlled such that it provides an illumination range in the direction of at least one detected road user that is less than the distance to the detected road user, and which provides an illumination range in another direction that is greater than the distance to the detected road user. The illumination range in the other direction is controlled as a function of the horizontal angle between the driving direction of the vehicle and the connecting line from the vehicle to the detected road user or to another detected road user. | 10-25-2012 |
20120277951 | MOTORCYCLE ENGINE COOLING DEVICE AND SYSTEM - An engine cooling device for providing fresh air to an engine includes a first and second fan assembly for producing concentrated airflow, a mounting bracket configured to position the first and second fan assemblies adjacent to the engine jugs, and a wiring harness for providing instructions and power to each of the first and second fan assemblies. A system for monitoring and adjusting the individual temperatures of each jug includes an engine cooling device and a control system that includes a processor, memory, Input/Output devices and a communication medium for communicating commands to the engine cooling device. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277952 | Method and Apparatus for Vehicle System Calibration - A computer-implemented method includes requesting weather data from a remote location. The illustrative embodiment further includes determining if one or more vehicle systems should be adjusted, based at least in part on the requested weather data. The illustrative embodiment additionally includes adjusting one or more vehicle systems contingent at least in part on the determining. The illustrative embodiment further includes repeating the determining and adjusting until no weather data remains for processing. | 11-01-2012 |
20120283908 | VEHICULAR IMAGE SENSING SYSTEM - An image sensing system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having an array of light sensing photosensor elements. The imaging sensor views through the windshield of the equipped vehicle at a region of the windshield that is swept by a windshield wiper of the equipped vehicle. The imaging sensor is operable to capture image data and is operable to capture frames of image data at a plurality of exposure periods. The image sensing system identifies objects in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor via processing of the captured image data by an image processor. The objects identified by the image sensing system may include at least one of (i) headlights of approaching vehicles, (ii) taillights of leading vehicles, (iii) lane markers on a road being traveled by the equipped vehicle, (iv) traffic signs, (v) traffic lights, (vi) stop signs and/or (vii) caution signs. | 11-08-2012 |
20120296520 | VEHICLE NOTIFICATION SOUND EMITTING APPARATUS - A vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus is basically provided with a first sound emitting device, a second sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The first sound emitting device emits a first intermittent notification sound inside a cabin interior of a vehicle. The second sound emitting device emits a second intermittent notification sound outside of the cabin interior of the vehicle. The notification sound control device operates the first and second sound emitting devices to separately emit the first and second intermittent notification sounds in at least a partially overlapping pattern in response to occurrence of a vehicle condition to convey a same type of vehicle information to both inside and outside of the cabin interior of the vehicle. The notification sound control device includes a cabin interior-exterior notification sound synchronizing section that is configured to synchronize the first and second intermittent notification sounds. | 11-22-2012 |
20120303210 | SUPPRESSING ELECTRICAL FAILURE EFFECTS IN SERVO CONTROL SYSTEMS - Systems to manage servo controls are disclosed. In some embodiments servo controls may implemented in systems to deflect control surfaces in aircraft. In one embodiment, a system to manage the output of a servo valve comprises a first plurality of feedback loops to receive a plurality of commands representative of a desired piston position and to generate, from the plurality of commands, a plurality of position difference signals which represent a difference between a desired piston position and a current piston position, a plurality of amplifiers to generate, from the plurality of position difference signals, a corresponding plurality of magnetic flux target signals, a second plurality of feedback loops to receive, from the plurality of amplifiers, the plurality of magnetic flux target signals, wherein the magnetic flux target signals represent a desired magnetic flux measurement in the servo valve, and to generate, from the plurality of magnetic flux target signals, a plurality of magnetic flux difference signals which represent a difference between a desired magnetic flux measurement and a current magnetic flux measurement, and an assembly to regulate the servo valve using the plurality of magnetic flux target signals. Other embodiments may be described. | 11-29-2012 |
20120303211 | Safety evacuation system for drivers and passengers of ground and water vehicles - A safety evacuation system for drivers and passengers of ground and water vehicles is proposed. The system is comprised of a sensor system, computer implemented model of risk assessments from collisions with surrounding objects, control system, safety escape channels, and ejection seats. The sensor system measures directions, speeds and distances of a vehicle to all objects, which may collide with the vehicle and pose risk of deaths or injures to humans in the vehicle. The computer-implemented model assesses the risk of deaths and injuries for humans, based on the measurements of the sensor system. The control system opens the escape channel and activates ejection seats based on the risk assessments from the computer-implemented model. | 11-29-2012 |
20120303212 | PROGRAMMABLE CONTROL FOR SIREN AND LIGHTS - A system comprising a power supply, an emergency warning light and a speaker, in combination with a control head. One or more processors controls operation of the system in response to received user input and provides system status for display. Storage media encoded with emergency warning light system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors controls the actuation of the emergency warning light system and controls light patterns generated by the emergency warning light system. The storage media is further encoded with siren system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors for controlling the actuation of the siren system and for controlling audible sounds generated by the siren system. | 11-29-2012 |
20120303213 | Charging Service Vehicles and Methods with Output Points and Cables - Charging service vehicles and methods with output points and cables are disclosed. The service vehicles are vehicles having electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and output points affixed. The output points are configured as power outputs of the charging equipment to which connectors may be attached. Output points are located on multiple sides of the vehicle and can receive charging cables to connect the charging equipment to an EV. The charging cables, and potentially extension cables, may be limited in size and weight to allow a user to reach the charging port of an EV without mechanical assistance. In some cases the vehicle may be connected to multiple EVs at once to provide charging services from multiple output points. These embodiments permit a service vehicle operator to quickly and safely reach EVs in remote roadside environments that would otherwise be inaccessible to vehicles with limited ports and fixed charging connection devices. | 11-29-2012 |
20120303214 | Vehicle glare reducing systems - A vehicle glare reducing system comprising detecting when an oncoming vehicle with lit headlights is approaching the driver and operating a glare reducing means attached to the driver's side of a vehicle's windshield to block the glare, and detecting when no oncoming vehicle with lit headlights is approaching the driver and operating the glare reducing means to allow the driver to see through the glare reducing means, with part of an inside edge of the glare reducing means substantially vertically aligned with substantially the horizontal center of the vehicle's steering wheel. | 11-29-2012 |
20120303215 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VIDEO RECORDING IN BLACK BOX FOR VEHICLE - Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling a video recording in a black box for vehicle. The method for controlling the video recording in the black box for a vehicle according to the present invention, for example, comprises the steps of: storing a video including images of a driving vehicle; obtaining the possibility of an accident with the vehicle; and variably adjusting one or more image quality, resolution, and a frame accident possibility. The limited capacity of storage can be used by adopting the configuration. In addition, the monitoring and storage performance of the black box for a vehicle can be improved by correctly determining causes of a vehicle accident. | 11-29-2012 |
20120303216 | EMBEDDED CONTROL DEVICE - There is provided an embedded control device having high real time performance and capable of securing data concurrency. The embedded control device according to the present invention includes disclosure data and stored data as control data to be disclosed to a data reference component. The embedded control device changes over a reference destination for the data reference component either to the disclosure data or to the stored data, depending on which of the execution priority of the data disclosing source component and the execution priority of the data reference component is higher. | 11-29-2012 |
20120310477 | Methods For Selective Activation of Multimedia Functions and Vehicles Incorporating The Same - In one embodiment, a method for selective activation of vehicle multimedia functions may include receiving a passenger occupancy signal indicative of an occupancy of a passenger seat from a passenger detection sensor. A gear signal indicative of a gear ratio of a transmission may be received from a vehicle gear sensor. Access to a medium interaction level function of a vehicle multimedia system may be prevented, when the passenger occupancy signal indicates that the passenger seat is unoccupied and the gear signal indicates that the gear ratio of the transmission corresponds to a motive gear. Access to the medium interaction level function of the vehicle multimedia system may be allowed, when the passenger occupancy signal indicates that the passenger seat is occupied with a passenger and the gear signal indicates that the gear ratio of the transmission corresponds to the motive gear. | 12-06-2012 |
20120316729 | STOP LAMP DRIVE APPARATUS - The present invention provides a stop lamp drive circuit and apparatus. The stop lamp drive apparatus includes a stop lamp switch, a vehicle battery, and a stop signal module. The stop lamp switch outputs a signal according to an operation state of a brake pedal in a vehicle. The vehicle battery supplies operation power of a stop lamp. In the stop signal module, an external controller outputting a signal for on/off control of the stop lamp is connected to an input thereof, and the stop lamp is directly connected to an output thereof. | 12-13-2012 |
20120323437 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AN ADAPTIVE CHASSIS SYSTEM - A method for calibrating an adaptive chassis system of a motor vehicle within the production process of the vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a sensor for determining the compression or rebound state of an element of the chassis system. Sensor signals of the sensor are supplied to a control unit in which a generic sensor characteristic is stored. The method includes, after the installation of the element and the sensor, detecting the sensor signals as a function of the compression and rebound state of the element during the production process and supplying the sensor signals as raw data to the control unit. A dependence of the values of the sensor signals of the sensor on a measurement value defining the compression and rebound state of the element is determined from the raw data and from the generic sensor characteristic by an algorithm deposited in the control unit. | 12-20-2012 |
20120323438 | Device for Detecting and Tracking Motor Vehicles - A device for detecting and tracking vehicles includes a position-determining device for determining a current vehicle position, a transmitting device for transmitting the current vehicle position to a receiver via a communication channel, and a device for detecting an activated interfering transmitter and for triggering an action depending on the detection of an activated interfering transmitter. | 12-20-2012 |
20120323439 | VEHICLE APPROACH NOTIFICATION DEVICE - A vehicle approach notification device | 12-20-2012 |
20120323440 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE OF A VEHICLE - A method for determining ambient air temperature outside of a vehicle with a sensor mounted on the vehicle, includes the steps of determining a road speed of the vehicle, comparing the determined road speed to a reference road speed value, if the determined road speed is below the reference road speed value, activating a device to move ambient air across the sensor, the ambient air being drawn from a location outside the vehicle, taking a temperature reading with the sensor, and, if the temperature reading is lower than a stored temperature value, storing the lower temperature reading as the ambient air temperature. | 12-20-2012 |
20120323441 | VEHICLE LIGHT CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle light control device includes: a power unit capable of supplying electric power to a vehicle light unit; a wheel speed detecting circuit detecting a wheel speed of a vehicle so as to generate a wheel speed signal indicating the wheel speed of the vehicle; and a control unit determining, based on the wheel speed signal, whether the wheel speed of the vehicle is lower than a predetermined wheel speed threshold when a rotational speed of an engine of the vehicle reaches a predetermined rotational speed threshold, and operable to enable the power unit to output a low duty-cycle voltage serving as electric power to a vehicle light unit upon determining that the wheel speed of the vehicle is lower than the predetermined wheel speed threshold. | 12-20-2012 |
20120323442 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PSEUDONOISE GENERATION - A derivation part derives accelerator information AR corresponding to accelerator opening angle and rotating speed information ER corresponding to engine rotating speed, based on the traveling information reflecting the operational state of a drive mechanism of a vehicle, acquired by an acquisition part. Subsequently, a generation part generates a pseudo sound signal of a waveform pattern corresponding to a combination of AR and ER. On the other hand, a level control part calculates a level designation value LVC based on the derived rotating speed information. The level control part reduces the pseudo sound signal level at a change rate to decrease discomfortness for the passengers in the vehicle, if ER continuously changes in a predetermined range for a predetermined time period during the calculation of LVC. As a result, pseudo sound that does not impart any discomfort sense to the passengers in the passenger compartment is generated. | 12-20-2012 |
20120323443 | Connecting Device for a Towed Vehicle, and Towed Vehicle Having a Connecting Device - The invention relates to a connecting device ( | 12-20-2012 |
20120330504 | REARVIEW ASSEMBLY WITH MULTIPLE AMBIENT LIGHT SENSORS - A rearview assembly configured for use with a vehicle and method are provided, wherein the rearview assembly includes a first light sensor generally facing forward with respect to an forward driving orientation of the vehicle and configured to detect ambient light, a second light sensor generally facing forward with respect to a forward driving orientation of the vehicle and configured to detect ambient light, a rearview component configured to display an image rearward of the vehicle, and a processor communicatively connected to the first light sensor, the second light sensor, and the rearview component, wherein the processor is configured to control the rearview component based upon light detected by at least one of the first and second light sensors. | 12-27-2012 |
20120330505 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle control device of a vehicle that can travel with inertia without transmitting power of an engine to drive wheels and stops an operation of an engine that generates power by fuel during an inertia travel as well as prohibits a regeneration control of a regeneration device that regenerates kinetic energy during a travel, wherein when it is estimated that predetermined energy in various types of energy in a vehicle fluctuates during the inertia travel, a regeneration control prohibition state of the regeneration device is released during the inertia travel, is provided. | 12-27-2012 |
20120330506 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AND DETECTING END STOPS OF A STEERING DEVICE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND A MOTOR VEHICLE USING SUCH METHOD - A method for determining and detecting end stops of a steering device of a motor vehicle, which has a servomotor, is provided. The method includes determining actual, mechanical end stops of the steering device and establishing software-controlled end stops after the actual, mechanical end stops are determined A motor vehicle comprising a steering device for the wheels of the motor vehicle is also provided. The steering device includes a servomotor and a control unit. The control unit controls the servomotor. The control unit is configured to specify software-controlled end stops for the wheels of the motor vehicle and to determine software-controlled end stops after reaching and determining actual, mechanical end stops of the wheels. | 12-27-2012 |
20120330507 | INTERFACE FOR CYCLING THROUGH AND SELECTIVELY CHOOSING A MODE OF A VEHICLE FUNCTION - A system and method for cycling through and selectively choosing one of a number of predetermined modes of a vehicle function. The system includes an interface. The predetermined number of modes are arranged in a cyclic arrangement, wherein each mode is in a fixed relationship with the others. The interface is operable to index through the cyclic arrangement to return to the initial mode. The interface includes an interface body and a display. The display includes a plurality of indicators which indicate which vehicle system is being actuated. The interface is operable to cycle through and selectively choose one of a number of predetermined modes of the vehicle's ventilation system using the same motion. In a preferred embodiment, the interface is a button, which upon pressing indexes through a predetermined cyclic arrangement of predetermined modes and actuates the selected predetermined mode. | 12-27-2012 |
20130006468 | FLEET TRACKING SYSTEM HAVING UNICAST AND MULTICAST FUNCTIONALITY - A tracking system is disclosed for use with a fleet of machines operating at a common worksite. The tracking system may have a locating device located onboard each machine of the fleet of machine that is configured to determine a current location of an associated machine of the fleet of machines, and a communicating device located onboard each machine in communication with the locating device. The tracking system may also have a central controller located offboard the fleet of machines in communication with each communicating device. The central controller may be configured to receive an unacknowledged message from each communicating device relaying the current location of the associated machine. The central controller may also be configured to update a location listing of the fleet of machines with the current location, and to repetitively multicast the location listing to the communicating devices of the fleet of machines. | 01-03-2013 |
20130006469 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DETERMINATION AND NOTIFICATION - A vehicle status awareness system includes one or more devices which are plugged into a cigarette lighter socket for a vehicle to receive power and are thereby fixed in position relative to the vehicle. The devices include movement sensors which indicate changes in movement of the vehicle, a position sensor which indicates a position of the vehicle, a communications device to send and receive data to and from a remote device, and a control unit. The control unit is programmed to receive and store program parameters, determine a location of the vehicle, determine a movement status of the vehicle based on a plurality of status criteria further comprising accident threshold settings, and transmit one or more of the program parameters, vehicle location, and movement status to the remote device. Where multiple devices are included, each device may have an RF transceiver or equivalent for bidirectional communications with the other device. | 01-03-2013 |
20130006470 | METHOD FOR A FAST SENSOR SYSTEM - The invention relates to a method for controlling a sensor system ( | 01-03-2013 |
20130006471 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR REGULATING A CONTROLLABLE ENERGY ABSORBER - The invention relates to a method of regulating a controllable energy absorber in a steering system for a motor vehicle, having the following steps:
| 01-03-2013 |
20130013145 | DECOUPLING CONTROL ARCHITECTURE FOR PRESSURE AND FLOW CONTROLS IN SERIES - An electronic controller for a sub-system of an air management system including an area conversion module and a sub-system area control module. The area conversion module includes inputs for a bleed output pressure set point, a bleed output pressure measurement, a sub-system parameter set point, a sub-system parameter measurement, and a sub-system output pressure measurement; and sub-modules for calculating an area set point and an area measurement. The sub-modules generate the area set point as a function of the engine bleed output pressure set point, the sub-system parameter set point, and the sub-system output pressure measurement; and the area measurement as a function of the bleed output pressure measurement, the sub-system parameter measurement, and the sub-system output pressure measurement. The sub-system area control module generates a control output for the sub-system as a function of the calculated area set point and the calculated area measurement. | 01-10-2013 |
20130013146 | CONTROL OF VEHICLE ROLLOVER - A motor vehicle includes a body characterized by a center of gravity, a plurality of wheels for maintaining contact with a road surface, and a roll-reduction apparatus. The apparatus is configured to resist an impending rollover of the vehicle via at least one of i) applying a force between the body and at least one of the plurality of wheels and ii) lowering of the center of gravity of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a sensing device configured to detect a roll moment acting on the vehicle and having a threshold magnitude. The vehicle additionally includes a controller configured to trigger the roll-reduction apparatus to generate a moment on the body opposite to the detected threshold moment such that an angle of the vehicle relative to the road surface during rollover is reduced. A method of reducing the angle of the body during rollover is also disclosed. | 01-10-2013 |
20130013147 | ANTI-SOUND SYSTEM FOR EXHAUST SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - Based on sound measured in the interior of an exhaust system components of an ideal control signal are calculated, the components comprising sine wave oscillations comprising amplitudes phase-shifted by 90° relative to each other. From the amplitudes, an overall amplitude is calculated. If the overall amplitude is greater than a reference amplitude, calculating a correction factor from the reference amplitude and the overall amplitude, weighting the amplitudes with the correction factor to obtain weighted amplitudes, and forming the sum of the products of the weighted amplitudes with the associated sine wave oscillations and outputting the sum as control signal to a loudspeaker, follows. Otherwise, if the overall amplitude is smaller or equal to the reference amplitude, forming the sum of the products of the amplitudes of the ideal control signal with the associated sine wave oscillations and outputting the sum as control signal to the loudspeaker, follows. | 01-10-2013 |
20130013148 | METHOD OF DYNAMICALLY CHANGING CONTENT DISPLAYED IN A VEHICULAR HEAD UNIT AND MOBILE TERMINAL FOR THE SAME - A method of dynamically changing content in a head unit mirroring a mobile terminal by dynamically changing content displayed in the mobile terminal, and a mobile terminal for the same, the method including receiving state information indicating a current state of a vehicle equipped with the head unit from the head unit, determining the content to be displayed in the head unit based on the state information and transmitting the determined content to the head unit. | 01-10-2013 |
20130013149 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING TRACTOR/TRAILER VEHICLE SYSTEMS - A status of one or more subsystems positioned on one or more trailers is communicated to a tractor electrically and mechanically connected to the trailer. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the status of a respective subsystem is superposed on the power bus. The status of the respective subsystem can then be determined from the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the status of the subsystem is indicated to an operator positioned on the tractor. A command for controlling a subsystem on a trailer can also be communicated from the tractor to the trailer over the power bus. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the command is produced on the power bus, and the subsystem is controlled based on the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the command is received from an operator positioned in the tractor. | 01-10-2013 |
20130018545 | TRAFFIC DENSITY ESTIMATIONAANM Prakah-Asante; Kwaku O.AACI Commerce Twp.AAST MIAACO USAAGP Prakah-Asante; Kwaku O. Commerce Twp. MI USAANM Tseng; FlingAACI Ann ArborAAST MIAACO USAAGP Tseng; Fling Ann Arbor MI USAANM Filev; Dimitar PetrovAACI NoviAAST MIAACO USAAGP Filev; Dimitar Petrov Novi MI USAANM Lu; JianboAACI LivoniaAAST MIAACO USAAGP Lu; Jianbo Livonia MI USAANM McGee; Ryan AbrahamAACI Ann ArborAAST MIAACO USAAGP McGee; Ryan Abraham Ann Arbor MI USAANM Greenberg; Jeffrey AllenAACI Ann ArborAAST MIAACO USAAGP Greenberg; Jeffrey Allen Ann Arbor MI USAANM Strumolo; Gary StevenAACI Beverly HillsAAST MIAACO USAAGP Strumolo; Gary Steven Beverly Hills MI US - Traffic density may be estimated by increasing a value of a parameter if an object enters a predefined zone on a side of the vehicle and decreasing the value of the parameter after an object exits the predefined zone such that the value of the parameter increases as traffic in a vicinity of the vehicle increases and decreases as traffic in the vicinity of the vehicle decreases. | 01-17-2013 |
20130018546 | WINDSHIELD WIPING DEVICEAANM Zimmer; JoachimAACI XingshAACO CNAAGP Zimmer; Joachim Xingsh CN - The invention relates to a windshield wiping device ( | 01-17-2013 |
20130018547 | Environment Recognizing Device for a Vehicle and Vehicle Control System Using the SameAANM Ogata; TakehitoAACI HitachiAACO JPAAGP Ogata; Takehito Hitachi JPAANM Muramatsu; ShojiAACI HitachinakaAACO JPAAGP Muramatsu; Shoji Hitachinaka JPAANM Tsutsui; TakashiAACI AtsugiAACO JPAAGP Tsutsui; Takashi Atsugi JPAANM Nakamura; KatsuyukiAACI SaitamaAACO JPAAGP Nakamura; Katsuyuki Saitama JPAANM Morinaga; MitsutoshiAACI TokyoAACO JPAAGP Morinaga; Mitsutoshi Tokyo JP - An environment recognizing device for a vehicle is provided that can correctly detect a preceding vehicle in a scene, such as for instance the dusk, which is under an illumination condition different from that in the daytime. The device detects a vehicle external shape while detecting vehicle taillights, and determines a region in which the vehicle external shape and the vehicle taillights move in synchronization, as a vehicle. | 01-17-2013 |
20130018548 | REGENERATIVE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLEAANM Shimasaki; YuichiAACI Mishima-shiAACO JPAAGP Shimasaki; Yuichi Mishima-shi JPAANM Futonagane; YoshinoriAACI Susono-shiAACO JPAAGP Futonagane; Yoshinori Susono-shi JPAANM Hirai; TakuyaAACI Susono-shiAACO JPAAGP Hirai; Takuya Susono-shi JP - The present invention is intended to suppress a change in a braking force due to a change in the magnitude of friction of an internal combustion engine, in a regenerative control system for a vehicle in which kinetic energy of wheels is made to be converted (regenerated) to electrical energy, at the time of deceleration running of the vehicle with the internal combustion engine mounted thereon. In order to solve this subject, the present invention is constructed such that the change in friction of the internal combustion engine is offset by adjustment of a regenerative braking force by regulating an amount of excitation current supplied to an electric generator according to the magnitude of friction in the internal combustion engine, at the time of deceleration running of the vehicle. | 01-17-2013 |
20130024067 | Holonomic Motion Vehicle for Travel on Non-Level Surfaces - Holonomic-motion ground vehicles (i.e., mobile platforms) that are capable of controlled movement across non-level surfaces, while carrying one or more non-destructive inspection sensors or other tools. The mobile platform comprises a frame having four (or a multiple of four) Mecanum wheels, each wheel driven by a respective independently controlled motor, and further having a plurality (e.g., two) of independently controlled suction devices. The Mecanum wheels enable holonomic motion, while the suction devices facilitate sufficiently precise control of motion on non-level surfaces. | 01-24-2013 |
20130024068 | BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE AND CONTROL METHOD OF THE SAME - A battery charging system for a vehicle includes a generator, a battery, a DC/DC converter converting the electrical power generated by the generator and supplying the converted electrical power to the electrical device of the vehicle and supplying the electrical power to an electrical device, and charging the battery, an energy storage device storing the electrical power generated from the generator and providing the stored electrical power to the DC/DC converter, and an engine control unit controlling the generator to charge the energy storage device by providing regenerative power generated by the generator in a deceleration driving section of the vehicle, calculating a low-voltage control amount determined to correspond to a state of the battery connected to the DC/DC converter and whether the electrical device of the vehicle operates, and controlling the DC/DC converter to charge the electrical power in the battery based on the calculated low-voltage control amount. | 01-24-2013 |
20130024069 | DISCHARGE ABILITY ESTIMATING SYSTEM, CONTROL SYSTEM IN VEHICLE INCORPORATING DISCHARGE ABILITY ESTIMATING SYSTEM, AND DISCHARGE ABILITY ESTIMATING METHOD - There is provided a discharge ability estimating system for estimating a discharge ability of a battery for supplying electric power to an electric motor which rotates a crankshaft of an engine to start the engine, the system being configured to estimate the discharge ability of a battery based on an angular acceleration state of the crankshaft in a rotation starting period of the crankshaft. | 01-24-2013 |
20130030644 | Method and apparatus for controlling audio/video devices via control keys on steering wheel - A method and apparatus selectively controls operations of an original device and a non-original device in a vehicle through control keys mounted on a steering wheel. The method includes the steps of: interpreting a command code from the control key when the control key is activated to determine which function is selected; selecting one or more original or non-original devices to substantiate the selected function of the control key; retrieving data related to a command code of the selected function of the non-original device; converting the command code from the control key to a command code of the selected function of the non-original device and storing the converted command code; and retrieving and transmitting the converted command code and transmitting to the non-original device when the control key is activated again. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030645 | AUTO-CONTROL OF VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM BASED ON EXTRACTED CHARACTERISTICS OF CAR OCCUPANTS - An infotainment system is provided for delivering content to multiple occupants of a vehicle. The infotainment system includes: an occupant detector configured to receive characteristic data for occupants of the vehicle and generate a profile for each occupant of the vehicle; a recommendation engine that analyzes the profiles of the vehicle occupants; and a content delivery engine that deliver content to one or more of the vehicle occupants in accordance with the analysis of the profiles of the vehicle occupants. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030646 | INTERACTIVE VEHICLE HELP MENU - A system provides a user of a vehicle with interactive vehicle help. The system includes a first user input device that allows the user to enable an interactive vehicle HELP mode, and a second user input device that allows the user to selectively trigger execution of a vehicle function. The system further includes an output device and at least one processor. The processor is programmed to receive the user request that enables the interactive vehicle help mode; disable execution of the vehicle function in response to the received user request; and output help information pertaining to the vehicle function to the user via the output device in response to triggering of the user input device. Additionally, if in the HELP mode, an override feature may be provided to allow the user to enable the execution of the vehicle function in response to an override user request. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030647 | REGENERATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An object of the invention is to increase the recovered kinetic energy as much as possible in a regeneration control system for a vehicle that converts the kinetic energy of a wheel into electrical energy while the vehicle is decelerating. To achieve the object, in the invention, the electric energy generated by a generator is decreased at the time when the wheel slips. In consequence, the recovered kinetic energy can be made larger as compared to the case where the electric energy generated by the generator is decreased based on an anticipation of slippage of the wheel made in advance. | 01-31-2013 |
20130035824 | DISPLAY DEVICE FOR CONSTRUCTION MACHINE - Disclosed is a display device that includes a display unit provided in a cabin of a construction machine, an operating unit with a switch for operating the display unit, and a monitor controller for controlling the display unit and the operating unit, wherein: upon some kind of abnormality being detected by abnormality detection means for detecting abnormalities in mechanisms equipped in/on the construction machine, a warning logo corresponding to the kind of abnormality is displayed on the display unit, and a warning item for displaying information inclusive of details of the abnormality is added to a menu in a list format that contains items, each for executing a previously assigned specific function. Thus, the device improves in a degree of freedom of its configuration and enhances efficiency of information display | 02-07-2013 |
20130041555 | POWER SUPPLY CONTROL DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC ACTUATORS FOR DOOR-RELATED ACCESSORIES IN VEHICLE - In a vehicle in which a power distributor is provided between a plurality of electric actuators for door-related accessories and an auxiliary power source connected to a main power source, the electric actuators including an electric actuator for a door lock device provided on a door lock device, control ( | 02-14-2013 |
20130046438 | HAPTIC MANIPULATION SYSTEM FOR WHEELCHAIRS - A robotic arm is mounted on a personal mobility device, such as a wheelchair, scooter or the like, and is controlled with a user input interface, also mounted on the personal mobility device. The user input interface has a grip operable by the user to move in a plurality of orthogonal directions, both spatially and angularly, having articulating arms supporting a housing with a pivot member. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046439 | VEHICLE SOIL PRESSURE MANAGEMENT BASED ON TOPOGRAPHY - Systems and techniques are provided for managing an interface between a machine or work vehicle and a surface that the machine/work vehicle travels on in order to provide an optimum work performance level that balances fuel efficiency and surface adversity. Fleet management and reporting capabilities pertaining to such interface management are also provided. | 02-21-2013 |
20130054086 | Adjusting Method and System of Intelligent Vehicle Imaging Device - An adjusting method and an adjusting system of an intelligent vehicle imaging device are provided, wherein a real feature point for comparison is disposed in a monitoring area around a vehicle. A camera captures images around the vehicle. The images are transmitted to the controller and displayed on a touch display panel. The controller performs image processing on the images and the real feature point, and compares the real feature point with position data of predetermined feature points, and generates a bird's-eye view image. If the images are captured, the bird's-eye view image is rotated and scaled after conversion according to a predetermined position and a predetermined proportion and then is located on a stitched image and outputted. A blind spot area size or a lane departure parameter is selected through the touch display panel, and the stitched image is adjusted through the touch display panel. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054087 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A LIGHT EMISSION OF A HEADLIGHT OF A VEHICLE - A method for controlling a light emission of at least one headlight of a host vehicle includes: reading in a side collision warning signal which represents a risk for the host vehicle of a side impact from another vehicle; generating an activation signal using the side collision warning signal and a position information which represents a position of the other vehicle relative to the host vehicle; and controlling the light emission of the at least one headlight based on the activation signal, in order to illuminate the other vehicle with the aid of the at least one headlight. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054088 | BICYCLE-USE MEASURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - A bicycle-use measuring apparatus includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to be installed on a bicycle having a rotating part. The controller is operatively connected to the sensor. The controller adjusts a detection frequency of the sensor in accordance with changes in a rotational state of the rotating part. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054089 | METHOD AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR HIGHLIGHTING AN EXPECTED MOVEMENT PATH OF A VEHICLE - A method for highlighting an expected movement path of a vehicle, the method including a step of determining a traffic situation using an item of information concerning a surrounding environment of the vehicle. In addition, the method includes a step of determining the expected movement path based on the traffic situation. In addition, the method includes a step of providing a control signal for controlling a roadway marking device using the movement path in order to highlight the expected movement path. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054090 | EMOTION-BASED VEHICLE SERVICE SYSTEM, EMOTION COGNITION PROCESSING APPARATUS, SAFE DRIVING SERVICE APPARATUS, AND EMOTION-BASED SAFE DRIVING SERVICE METHOD - An emotion-based vehicle service system for safe driving includes a multi-emotion sensor node configured to sense emotion information of a driver and passenger in a vehicle and condition information of the vehicle. The emotion-based vehicle service system further includes an emotion cognition processing apparatus configured to analyze sensing information provided from the multi-emotion sensor node to generate emotion cognition information, and a safe driving service apparatus configured to provide an emotion-based safe driving service depending on the emotion cognition information. | 02-28-2013 |
20130060419 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OBJECT DETECTION BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on each of the primary and secondary keys and is configured to generate a driver status signal indicative of whether the driver the primary driver or the secondary driver. A controller is operably coupled to the key ignition device. The controller is adapted to determine whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. The controller is adapted to generate a position notification signal indicative of the position of the object with respect to the vehicle. The controller is adapted to notify the primary and secondary drivers of the position of the object. The controller is adapted to selectively control the operation of generating the position notification signals based on whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060420 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING A VEHICLE BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - In at least one embodiment a system and a method for tracking locations for one of a primary driver and a secondary driver is provided. The apparatus comprises a communication module configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of the driver being the secondary driver. The communication module is further configured to detect the presence of a memory map device that provides map data for one or more locations capable of being visited by the secondary driver and to receive a location signal having coordinate data that corresponds to one or more locations visited by the secondary driver. The communication module is further configured to store the coordinate data when the memory map device is not detected so that the coordinate data is available for transmission with the map data when the memory map device is detected. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060421 | PARKING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A parking assistance apparatus has a region detector capable of detecting a plurality of possible parking regions where a vehicle can park in at least one side to the left or right of the vehicle, a photographic image of the scenery surrounding the vehicle including the possible parking regions is displayed on a monitor device, the possible parking regions detected by the region detector are superimposed on the photographic image as graphic images showing parking target candidates in all of the corresponding positions, and one of the parking target candidates can be selected as a parking target on the basis of a command input from a driving device of the vehicle. | 03-07-2013 |
20130066518 | Method and Apparatus for Vehicle Process Emulation and Configuration on a Mobile Platform - A computer-implemented method includes providing an interface on a wireless device corresponding to an interface for vehicle infotainment system control. The method also includes providing simulated functionality of controls on the interface, such that activation of a control informs a user of what would occur if the control were activated on a vehicle interface. Further, the method includes saving at least one user setting input into the interface. The method additionally includes transferring the saved setting to a vehicle computing system (VCS) for use in infotainment system control when the wireless device is in communication with the VCS. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066519 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE AND VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - The present invention provides an electronic control device including a processing unit having a function of shifting to a sleep mode in which the processing unit is adapted to start up from the sleep mode according to occurrence statuses of one or more startup factors, and shift to the sleep mode according to a system power supply voltage. | 03-14-2013 |
20130073143 | VEHICLE NAVIGATION APPARATUS - When a vehicle state changes from an off-road state (STEP S | 03-21-2013 |
20130073144 | CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DIMMING LIGHTS FOR VEHICLES DURING TURNING MANEUVERS - A control device for a first motor vehicle, and for dimming lights for vehicles ahead and/or oncoming vehicles during turning maneuvers includes a first interface with a recognition device, for the purpose of recognizing vehicles ahead and/or oncoming vehicles, a second interface with headlights, wherein the control device selects different light distributions of the headlights, and generates an adjusting signal the second interface, for adjusting the selected light distribution, at the headlights to dim the headlights if a signal is present at the first interface, indicating at least one vehicle ahead or oncoming. The control device has a third interface for indicating the start of the recognition of a turning maneuver of a vehicle ahead, wherein the dimmed light distribution of the headlights remains set for a predetermined distance or a predetermined time if the signal is present. | 03-21-2013 |
20130079978 | PRECONDITIONING A VEHICLE - A prediction is made as to a start time of a next time trip by a vehicle. The start time is predicted based on previous trips by the vehicle. Forecast weather information is obtained for a time period that includes or is proximate to the start time. Based on the forecast weather information, conditions in the cabin are predicted at the start time and a preconditioning time is determined for initiating the preconditioning of the cabin. At the preconditioning time, if the conditions in the cabin are within a set range of the predicted conditions, the cabin is preconditioned. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079979 | TOWED VEHICLE ARRANGEMENT RESPONSIVE TO LATERAL HITCH LOADING - A vehicle arrangement includes a tow vehicle and a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle includes at least two wheels and at least one motor, with each motor being coupled with a corresponding wheel. A load sensing hitch between the tow vehicle and towed vehicle senses a lateral load and provides an output signal representing the sensed lateral load. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the load sensing hitch, and actuates at least one motor, dependent upon the output signal. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079980 | TOWED VEHICLE ARRANGEMENT RESPONSIVE TO VEHICLE ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION - A vehicle arrangement includes a tow vehicle and a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle includes at least two wheels and at least one motor, with each motor being coupled with a corresponding wheel. A load sensing hitch between the tow vehicle and the towed vehicle provides an output signal representing a sensed load on the load sensing hitch. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the load sensing hitch. The electrical processing circuit actuates at least one motor, dependent upon the output signal. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079981 | BYPASS VALVE AND COOLANT FLOW CONTROLS FOR OPTIMUM TEMPERATURES IN WASTE HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS - Implementing an optimized waste heat recovery system includes calculating a temperature and a rate of change in temperature of a heat exchanger of a waste heat recovery system, and predicting a temperature and a rate of change in temperature of a material flowing through a channel of the waste heat recovery system. Upon determining the rate of change in the temperature of the material is predicted to be higher than the rate of change in the temperature of the heat exchanger, the optimized waste heat recovery system calculates a valve position and timing for the channel that is configurable for achieving a rate of material flow that is determined to produce and maintain a defined threshold temperature of the heat exchanger, and actuates the valve according to the calculated valve position and calculated timing. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079982 | CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HEATING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A control device for a motor vehicle heating device is provided, a heating device having the control device, and a motor vehicle having the heating device with the control device and/or the control device. The control device is capable of actuating the heating device on the basis of an ambient temperature of the motor vehicle for operation in a first operating mode or in a second operation mode. A method for controlling a heating device for a motor vehicle includes actuating the heating device for operation in a first operating mode or in a second operating mode on the basis of an ambient temperature of the motor vehicle. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079983 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN OBJECT CLASS OF AN OBJECT, FROM WHICH LIGHT IS EMITTED AND/OR REFLECTED TO A VEHICLE - A method is provided for determining an object class of an object, from which light is emitted and/or reflected to a vehicle. The method has a step of reading in a first brightness value at a first image position in a first image taken using a first vehicle camera and a second brightness value at a second image position in a second image taken using a second vehicle camera. The first and the second image positions represent an identical position associated with the object in the surroundings of the vehicle. The method further has a step of determining the object class of the object, based on a comparison while using the first brightness value and the second brightness value. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079984 | CONTROLLER APPARATUS AND SENSORS FOR A VEHICLE DOOR HANDLE - In a vehicle door assembly, controllers processes signals from an extension force sensor and a retraction force sensor to control a door handle. As a motor retracts the handle, a swing arm in the vehicle door presses against the retraction force sensor causing the handle controller to stop the motor. Pushing on the retracted handle presses the swing arm against the retraction force sensor a second time causing the controllers to operate the motor and extend the handle. As the handle extends, the swing arm presses against the extension force sensor and the handle controller stops the motor as the handle is fully extended. Subsequently, a hand pulling on the door handle presses the swing arm against the extension force sensor a second time causing the controllers to unlatch a latch holding the vehicle door shut, and thereby allow the vehicle door to open. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079985 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY ACTUATING A LOCKING ELEMENT OF A VEHICLE - In order to automatically actuate a locking element of a vehicle, movement of an object in a region surrounding the vehicle is detected. If the detected movement corresponds to at least one predefined movement profile, the locking element is automatically actuated. If the detected movement does not correspond to the at least one predefined movement profile, a further predefined movement profile is produced depending on the detected movement. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079986 | VEHICLE DISPLAY DEVICE - A vehicle display device includes a vehicle instrument panel, upper-side and lower-side segment displays and a display controller. Each of the upper-side and lower-side segment displays has at least three number-displaying elements that are arranged in a line in a lateral direction for displaying numerical values using a plurality of segments. The display controller is configured to combine the number-displaying elements in the upper-side and lower-side segment displays and to display vehicle information. | 03-28-2013 |
20130085638 | OPTICAL IMAGE MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLES - A system and method of acquiring information from an image of a vehicle in real time wherein at least one imaging device with advanced light metering capabilities is placed aboard a vehicle, a computer processor means is provided to control the imaging device and the advanced light metering capabilities, the advanced light metering capabilities are used to capture an image of at least a portion of the vehicle, and image recognition algorithms are used to identify the current state or position of the corresponding portion of the vehicle. | 04-04-2013 |
20130090805 | HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY COOLING CONTROL TECHNIQUE FOR A VEHICLE - The present invention relates to a high voltage battery cooling control technique that improves the operational stability of a high voltage battery by decreasing the likelihood that the battery will overheat due to the indoor air temperature of the vehicle. | 04-11-2013 |
20130090806 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - In one embodiment, a method for operating a driver assistance system of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises the following steps. A determination is made as to whether another road user is located in a range of a current immediate vicinity of the vehicle. If it is determined that at least one other road user is located in the range of the current immediate vicinity of the vehicle, a priority condition of the vehicle is assessed with respect to the at least one other road user. A determination is also made as to whether a possible violation of the assessed priority condition by the at least one other road user is imminent. If it is determined that a possible violation of the assessed priority condition by the at least one other road user is imminent, a signal is output automatically to the at least one other road user. | 04-11-2013 |
20130090807 | VEHICULAR INPUT DEVICE AND VEHICULAR INPUT METHOD - An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular input device which is capable of improving accuracy for detecting a contactless input from a driver. A vehicular input device includes a contactless operation detecting unit for detecting a contactless operation on a center display, distance detecting units, distance information storing units in which distance information items obtained from the distance detecting units are stored for each of the distance detecting units, a proximity object determining unit for determining whether or not an object is in proximity of any of predetermined specific positions in a vehicle based on the stored distance information items, and a detecting operation controlling unit for limiting the detection by the contactless operation detecting unit when the object is determined to be in the proximity of any of the specific positions. | 04-11-2013 |
20130096771 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROL OF PRESENTATION OF MEDIA TO USERS OF A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes or is provided with a vehicular service. One or more communications are received from one or more occupants of a vehicle. The identity of the one or more occupants that made the communications is determined. It is also determined whether the vehicle is moving. When the occupant is identified as a driver and when the vehicle is moving, the driver is prevented from using the vehicular service when interaction with the vehicular service would result in driver distraction. When the occupant is identified as a non-driver and when the vehicle is moving, the non-driver is allowed to utilize the vehicular service. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096772 | SELF-CONFIGURING CABIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A passenger cabin system includes a plurality of passenger control units, a plurality of passenger service units, and a programming code. The programming code is stored on a computer readable medium for dynamically linking each of the passenger control units to a separate one of the passenger service units. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096773 | VEHICLE DRIVING-SUPPORT APPARATUS - In a vehicle travel support device | 04-18-2013 |
20130096774 | IN-VEHICLE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT - An in-vehicle electronic control unit is fed via a power supply relay energized when a power supply switch is closed while the vehicle is in motion. When a filler lid open command switch is closed in a vehicle stop state in which the power supply switch is opened, the power supply relay is energized and a microprocessor starts to operate and continues to energize the power supply relay by generating a self-hold command output, and opens a filler lid as a safety door after performing decompression processing control of a fuel tank. Then, the filler cap is opened and a refuel operation is performed manually. Thereafter, the microprocessor stops the self-hold command output when the filler cap and the filler lid are closed or a predetermined time has elapsed. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096775 | MOTOR VEHICLE - A motor vehicle has at least one drive unit for generating a drive torque, and has an accelerator pedal which is acted on with a restoring force and which can be adjusted by an actuating travel in order to predefine a setpoint torque. The motor vehicle also has a control device which actuates the drive unit on the basis of the setpoint torque. The control device additionally determines a presently available drive torque, and as a function of the presently available drive torque, varies the characteristic curve of the accelerator pedal, which expresses the restoring force versus the actuating travel of the accelerator pedal. | 04-18-2013 |
20130103256 | IN-VEHICLE DISPLAY APPARATUS - An in-vehicle display apparatus, which is coupled to a terminal device having a terminal display section, includes an in-vehicle display section equipped to a vehicle and a display controller. The display controller controls the in-vehicle display section to display a pseudo terminal display window, which indicates a terminal display window displayed on the terminal display section of the terminal device. The display controller controls the in vehicle display section to display the pseudo terminal display window, which includes a specified region and another region other than the specified region in such a manner that the specified region is scaled up compared with the another region. Thus, the specified region is easily confirmed and the pseudo terminal display window displays a broader scope thereby reducing display loss of necessary information. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103257 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSISTING A DRIVER WHILE DRIVING A VEHICLE BY DETECTING WEATHER-RELATED VISIBILITY LIMITATIONS - The invention relates to a method for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle by detecting weather-related visibility limitations, wherein image data of the surroundings of the vehicle and of the windshield are generated by a camera that is directed toward the windshield. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103258 | CREATION OF COST FUNCTION - Disclosed is a cost function that depends on at least a first term and a second term which have a mutual relationship between them. The cost function is also so configured that it is easy to expand to cover one or more further terms. The cost function is created such that when it is expanded to depend on the first term, the second term and at least one further term the cost function still maintains the same mutual relationship between the first term and the second term. The cost function also indicates a mutual relationship between the at least one further term and the first and second terms. | 04-25-2013 |
20130110347 | DIRECTION INDICATOR CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING DIRECTION INDICATOR LAMP | 05-02-2013 |
20130110348 | Display Device for Construction Machine | 05-02-2013 |
20130110349 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD | 05-02-2013 |
20130116887 | VEHICLE CAMERA SYSTEM WITH REPLAY - A system, controller, and method for displaying an image corresponding to a field of view about a vehicle. The controller stores images from a camera, and outputs a processed signal to display to a vehicle operator stored images from a time period prior to the controller receiving an operator input signal. A vehicle equipped so will allow a vehicle operator actuate the operator input device in order to review images and thereby verify that another vehicle or a pedestrian has moved away from the vehicle. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116888 | DRIVER STATE DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONTROL FUNCTION - A driver-state detection system and method with an accelerator pedal control function detects a driver's state and controlling an accelerator pedal to prevent an accident. The driver-state detection system with an accelerator pedal control function includes a driver-state detector detecting a driving state of a driver and determining whether the driver is carelessly driving a vehicle or not, a pedal controller receiving an operation signal from the driver-state detector, a vehicle state detector determining whether the vehicle is driven or stopped, based on ambient signals of the vehicle, an operation pedal installed to receive operation signals from the pedal controller and the vehicle state detector, and a vibration generator installed on the operation pedal and provided to generate or cancel a vibration of a motor. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116889 | DUAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FOR MICRO HYBRID VEHICLES - An energy storage system of a vehicle includes a first energy storage device and a second energy storage device, a voltage and current regulator device coupled to the first and second energy storage devices, a control unit for controlling the regulator device, and a plurality of sensing devices for sensing current input signals and voltage input signals to at least one of the first and second energy storage devices. | 05-09-2013 |
20130124037 | VEHICLE LIGHT CONTROLLER - A vehicle light controller that uses a microprocessor to automatically control the headlights is disclosed. An infrared sensor is installed in the vehicle to detect feedback signal to transmit the signal to the microprocessor. When the weather is cloudy, dark or rainy, the headlights can be automatically turned on to prevent car accidents and further enhance the safety and convenience when the user drives the vehicle. When infrared intensity is weak, the infrared sensor is triggered to provide a feedback signal to the microprocessor to turn on the headlights. When the infrared intensity reaches a predetermined level, the feedback signal is sent to the microprocessor to shut off the headlights. A monitoring circuit can shut off the power supply when the microprocessor does not work properly or transmit wrong feedback signals to prevent the headlights from being turned on abnormally and prevent the power supply from being uncontrollably drained. | 05-16-2013 |
20130124038 | Safety Control System for Vehicles - According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, a safety control system for vehicles, includes, a communication device having at least one of an input accessible from within the vehicle and an output communicated within the vehicle, at least one sensor operable to sense at least one condition related to vehicle operation, and a controller communicated with the sensor and the communication device to selectively suppress at least one of said input and said output in response to a sensed parameter of said at least one condition being outside of a threshold. When an input is suppressed, the driver is prevented from accessing or inputting information into the communication device. When an output is suppressed, communication between the device and the driver of a vehicle is suppressed to, among other things, avoid distracting the driver during certain driving situations or conditions relating to the driver, vehicle and/or environment. | 05-16-2013 |
20130124039 | Thermal Imaging System - Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel. | 05-16-2013 |
20130131916 | ROAD WHEEL DISTURBANCE DETECTION - control method for a vehicle is provided. The control method includes estimating a magnitude of wheel disturbance based on wheel velocity, and generating a disturbance status signal based on the magnitude of wheel disturbance. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131917 | METHOD FOR THE SENSOR DETECTION OF AN OPERATOR CONTROL EVENT - A method for detection of a control event by a sensor arrangement having at least one sensor element and a sensor controller is described. The sensor controller digitizes sensor signals into sensor measured values. An operator control event is produced by a user and a first coarse evaluation for a sign of operator control is performed and a predetermined number of sensor measured values are progressively buffer-stored in a buffer store wherein detection of a sign of operator control initiates a fine evaluation of the sensor measured values to verify the occurrence of an operator control event at an initiation time. The fine evaluation is based on the buffer-stored sensor measured values and on subsequent sensor measured values, so that the fine evaluation includes sensor measured values both before and after the initiation time. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131918 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for operating an information and entertainment system of a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes providing data for a transmission to at least one additional motor vehicle by means of a communication network. The method includes determining at least one parameter characterizing a traffic situation of the motor vehicle, and classifying a current traffic situation of the motor vehicle, based on the at least one determined parameter. The method includes adapting of a parameter characterizing an availability of the motor vehicle within the communication network as a function of the classified current traffic situation. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131919 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A control unit of a vehicle control system estimates running-condition of a vehicle for a predetermined estimation period. A fuel-amount estimating portion estimates an engine condition related to a cooling efficiency, based on the estimated running condition. The control unit estimates multiple possible control patterns and calculates evaluation values related to the cooling efficiency for respective cases, in which a compressor is operated in accordance with each of the control patterns. The control unit selects one of control patterns to actually operate the compressor in accordance with the selected control pattern, so that fuel consuming amount can be reduced. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131920 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE AND MOTOR VEHICLE - A motor vehicle can have multiple drive modes, for example rear wheel drive, four wheel drive, front wheel drive. Here, an active chassis device is used to make different adjustments, for example with respect to the toe-in angle and the camber angle, of a wheel or else with respect to wheel loads as a function of the drive load. As a result, the driving behaviour can be matched in each case in an optimum way to the drive mode, or conversely can be configured in such a way that changing the drive mode does not have a perceptible effect for the driver. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131921 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an information display screen viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle. At least one camera is mounted at the vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle and is operable to capture image data. The information display screen is operable to display video images derived from image data captured by the at least one camera and the information display screen is operable to display other information. A capacitive touch sensor is actuatable by the driver of the vehicle, and the information display screen is operable to display at least the other information responsive to actuation by the driver of the vehicle of the capacitive touch sensor. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131922 | EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT RECOGNIZING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE AND LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CONTROL SYSTEM USING THE SAME - An external environment recognizing device for vehicle includes an image acquiring unit configured to acquire image obtained by picking up image of an area ahead of an own vehicle, a light-source extracting unit configured to extract light source from the acquired image, an own-vehicle-speed acquiring unit configured to acquire own vehicle speed, an oncoming-vehicle-presence-possible-region estimating unit configured to estimate oncoming vehicle presence possible region on the basis of own vehicle speed, and an oncoming-vehicle detecting unit configured to detect an oncoming vehicle on the basis of the oncoming vehicle presence possible region and the light source. The oncoming-vehicle-presence-possible-region estimating unit estimates oncoming vehicle presence possible region on the basis of the own vehicle speed, a minimum curvature radius of traveling road corresponding to a speed limit determined in advance, and traffic information indicating whether driving on the traveling road is driving on the right side or the left side. | 05-23-2013 |
20130138293 | TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING - A method, program and system to establish tyre monitoring of an auxiliary vehicle ( | 05-30-2013 |
20130138294 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a bracket attached at a windshield of a vehicle and a housing mounted to the bracket and an imager disposed in the housing. The imager may include (i) a two-dimensional CMOS photosensor array of photosensor elements and/or (ii) a lens. With the housing mounted to the bracket attached at the vehicle windshield, the imager views to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield at a region of the windshield that may be swept by a windshield wiper of the vehicle. The photosensor array is operable to capture image data. A control includes an image processor disposed in the housing. The image processor includes a digital signal processor. The driver assistance system identifies objects viewed by the imager via processing by the image processor of captured image data. A spectral filter may be disposed between the photosensor array and the lens. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144485 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR SHIFT BY WIRE - An automatic transmission for shift-by-wire that includes a transmission that is selectively operated by a plurality of traveling-drive modes relating to shifting, a shift lever that includes a tiltable handle and a tilt sensor that senses tilting of the handle, and a control unit that calculates tilting information on the basis of a tilting signal sensed by the tilt sensor, selects one of the traveling-drive modes by using the calculated tilting information, and sets the transmission to be operated in the selected traveling-drive mode. As described above, it is possible for a driver to easily perform an operation for changing drive modes while driving, by changing the drive modes by using a tilting operation of a shift lever, such that the drive safety can be improved. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144486 | STREET SIDE SENSORS - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure builds on integrating existing technology with new devices, methods, and systems to provide a complete vehicle ecosystem. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144487 | OUTPUT CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ONBOARD IMAGE DISPLAY - An output control apparatus for an onboard image display apparatus controls output of a signal to be supplied to the image display apparatus mounted in a vehicle, is connectable to a mobile information terminal, and receives image information transmitted from the mobile information terminal to output the received image information. The output control apparatus includes at least two connection units via which the mobile information terminal is connected to the output control apparatus, and a detection unit configured to detect a single terminal connection state in which a single mobile information terminal is connected to the output control apparatus via both of the two connection units. Information received through the two connection units is output on condition that the detection unit detects the single terminal connection state when the vehicle is in a predetermined non-stop state. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144488 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicular driver assistance system includes an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a windshield of the vehicle. The attachment element includes a mirror mounting element and an interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head and a mirror support. The mirror support includes a mirror mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the mirror mounting element. A structure is attached at the vehicle windshield local to the attachment element and the structure accommodates a forward facing camera and, with the structure attached at the vehicle windshield, the forward facing camera views through the vehicle windshield. The forward facing camera may include a component of at least one of (i) an automatic headlamp control system, (ii) a collision avoidance system, (iii) a windshield fogging detection system and (iv) a rain sensing system. | 06-06-2013 |
20130151067 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING TIRE STATUS - A vehicle electronic control unit includes a power input port, which receives electric power from a vehicle battery, and a power output port, which provides electric power to a vehicle electronic device including an antenna. The electronic device receives data transmissions from a vehicle sensor. The power output port provides substantially uninterrupted electric power from the vehicle battery to the vehicle electronic device. A communication port is electrically connected to a vehicle communication bus. The communication port receives data transmissions from the vehicle electronic device via the communication port. An electronic component, electrically connected to the communication port, is initially in a first state when a vehicle ignition is off. The electronic component, while in a second state and while the vehicle ignition is off, receives additional data transmissions from the vehicle electronic device indicating statuses of respective vehicle sensors. | 06-13-2013 |
20130151068 | INFORMATION PROVIDING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE USING SMART DEVICE - The present invention provides an information providing system for a vehicle. The information providing system includes an information output controller, a smart device, and a stand. The information output controller receives state information from at least one vehicle state detector comprising a sensor or a switch inside the vehicle, and communicates the state information to a smart device. The smart device is loaded with an application for communicating with the information output controller and displaying the state information. The stand holds the smart device and communicably connects the smart device and the information output controller. | 06-13-2013 |
20130151069 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HORN CONTROL USING TOUCH PATTERN - Disclosed is an apparatus and method for outputting horn sounds using a touch pattern. The apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store horn sounds matched to various touch patterns; a touch detection unit equipped in a steering wheel of a vehicle configured to detect a driver's touch; a touch pattern recognition unit configured to recognize a driver's touch pattern detected by the touch detection unit; a controller configured to identify a horn sound corresponding to the touch pattern recognized by the touch pattern recognition unit from the storage unit, and to send it to a horn output unit; which allows a user to control what sounds are output by the horn using nothing more than simple touch gestures. Additionally, the apparatus and method enable a user to produce different horn outputs to correspond to different situations. | 06-13-2013 |
20130151070 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ACTIVATING AND DEACTIVATING A VALET PARKING FUNCTION - A method and device for activating and deactivating a valet parking function for a motor vehicle is provided. An activated valet parking function prevents access to one or more lockable areas in the motor vehicle. The method including the steps of checking whether a freely operable control element has been actuated. If the actuation of a control element has been detected, the valet parking function is activated to prevent exclusively the access to the lockable area in the motor vehicle, particularly to a trunk. | 06-13-2013 |
20130151071 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SETTING MAXIMUM OPENING ANGLE OF POWER TAIL GATE - Provided is an apparatus and method of setting the maximum opening angle of a powered tail gate for a vehicle. The maximum opening angle of the tail gate can be adjusted to an angle desired by a user, so that the ease of use by the user can be improved, and furthermore prevent the tail gate from being damaged. | 06-13-2013 |
20130151072 | EYE BREAKAWAY PREVENTION SYSTEM FOR USE WHILE DRIVING A VEHICLE - Disclosed is an eye breakaway prevention system for use while driving a vehicle. More particularly, the eye breakaway prevention system allows a driver to operate or monitor the functions of a vehicle without diverting their eyes from the area in front of the vehicle (i.e., the direction of the road) when selecting one or more functions or checking the side mirrors and the dashboard while driving. The eye breakaway prevention system during vehicle's driving includes a function selection unit that is disposed on a steering wheel in a vehicle, selects a corresponding function and operation in accordance with an operation by a driver's finger, and outputs a corresponding signal. A control unit controls the function and operation selected by the driver in response to the signal output from the function selection unit; and a function performing unit performs the function corresponding to a control signal outputted from the control unit. | 06-13-2013 |
20130158790 | PHOTO-ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOW TINTER - An electrically-adjustable light transmitter changes its light transmissivity responsive to an electric signal. By applying the electrically-adjustable light transmitter to a window and thereafter changing the electric signal to it, a window can be tinted and un-tinted. Jurisdictions that prohibit tinted vehicle windows are listed in a data base. A current location determined by a GPS is compared to data base entries. If the location is within an area where tinted windows are prohibited, a controller automatically un-tints the windows, or reduces the window tint to comply with applicable local laws. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158791 | SEAT SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAVING FAIL-SAFE FUNCTIONALITY - A suspension system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The suspension system may have a seat operatively connected to a cabin floor of the mobile machine, a cylinder connected between the seat and the cabin floor, and a spring associated with the cylinder. The suspension system may also have at least one valve configured to regulate fluid flow into and out of the cylinder, and a controller in communication with the at least one valve. The controller may be configured to detect a failure condition of the suspension system. In response to detection of the failure condition, the controller may be further configured to cause the at least one valve to move to a default position at which fluid flow into and out of the cylinder is restricted by an amount that still allows fluid flow through the at least one valve. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158792 | METER DISPLAY DEVICE FOR VEHICLE AND DISPLAY METHOD THEREOF - The present invention provides a meter display device provided in a vehicle, including a display portion having a display region in which a plurality of display areas extending elongatedly in the left-right direction of a meter body are provided in proximity in a line arrangement in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the left-right direction, and a display control portion switching each of the display areas between the display operated state and the non-display operated state and increasing the number of the display areas display-operated. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158793 | APPARATUS FOR DETECTING START-UP OF A VEHICLE AND FOR CONTROLLING AN EXTERNAL DEVICE - An apparatus for detecting start-up of a vehicle and for controlling an external device includes a detecting unit and a control unit. The detecting unit is to be electrically connected to a battery of the vehicle for obtaining information associated with a voltage of the battery. The control unit is electrically connected between the detecting unit and the external device, and is configured to determine whether the vehicle has started up with reference to the information obtained by the detecting unit, and to generate a working signal for triggering the external device upon detecting that the vehicle has started up. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158794 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING A HORIZON FOR USE IN AN ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM (ADAS) - A method of generating a horizon for use by an ADAS of a vehicle involves using historical vehicle probe data to determine the likelihood that different outgoing paths are taken at a decision point along a currently traversed road segment, and deriving a probability that each path may be taken. The probability is based on historical paths taken by vehicles at the decision point as indicated by the vehicle probe data. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158795 | METHOD AND A DEVICE FOR GENERATING ARTIFICIAL DRIVING NOISES OF A VEHICLE - A device and a method for generating artificial driving noises for a motor vehicle, and to a computer program for carrying out the method is provided. Environmental conditions, objects and/or other road users are recorded via an environmental sensor unit. Depending thereupon and, as required, depending upon vehicle-internal information driving noises are generated with special properties. In this way other road users can be alerted to otherwise quietly driving vehicles. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158796 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a camera and a control. The camera is disposed at the vehicle and views forward of the vehicle and is operable to capture image data. The control includes an image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. The control, responsive at least in part to image data processing by the image processor, is operable to determine when the equipped vehicle is at least one of (i) approaching a construction zone, (ii) entering a construction zone and (iii) driving along a construction zone. The image data processing by the image processor may include at least one of (a) traffic sign recognition, (b) character recognition, (c) object detection, (d) object recognition, (e) spectral discrimination, (f) spatial recognition and (g) lane marker detection. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158797 | DISPLAY SYSTEM IN HYDRAULIC SHOVEL AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - A calculation unit of a hydraulic shovel display system sets a predetermined display range displayed as a guidance picture for land shape data. The guidance picture shows a cross section of a target surface included in a display range as seen from a side of a main vehicle body, and a current position of the hydraulic shovel. The calculation unit calculates a position of a start point nearest the main vehicle body and a position of an end point set apart from the start point by a maximum reach length of the work machine in the cross section of the target surface as seen from the side based on land shape data, work machine data and a current position of the main vehicle body. The calculation unit calculates a predetermined reference point of the display range based on the positions of the start point and the end point. | 06-20-2013 |
20130166144 | KEY FOB BATTERY LIFE PRESERVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for transitioning a key fob between a standard operating mode and a battery conserving shipping mode includes a shipping mode controller which detects a vehicle state indicative of a vehicle shipping mode operation having been performed, and causes a shipping mode instruction signal to be sent from a vehicle to the key fob associated with that vehicle instructing the key fob to transition from the standard operating mode to the shipping mode. The vehicle shipping mode operation is an operation which initiates a transition of the vehicle from a standard operating mode to a shipping mode, and serves as a trigger for the shipping mode controller to transmit the shipping mode instruction signal. When in the shipping mode, the key fob may be entirely powered-off or have certain communication-related functions disabled. | 06-27-2013 |
20130166145 | CAR WITH CONTROLLING SYSTEM - A car includes a steering wheel, a controlling system, and a plurality of buttons. The controlling system includes a controlling module, a plurality of signal detecting modules, and a display screen. The display screen is within easy viewing range of the driver. The plurality of buttons are mounted on the steering wheel. The controlling module controls the plurality of signal detecting modules to present different signals to the display screen. The display screen then displays the signals from the signal detecting modules. The controlling module controls the display of different signals on the display screen responding to the operation of page-forward and previous-page buttons. | 06-27-2013 |
20130166146 | IN-VEHICLE DISPLAY SYSTEM - An in-vehicle display system includes a steering switch disposed at a steering wheel, an in-vehicle display having a display screen, and a touch panel covering the display screen. When an operator operates the touch panel, the in-vehicle display is operable to display a touch panel menu including icons on the display screen. When the operator operates the steering switch while the touch panel menu is displayed on the display screen, the in-vehicle display is operable to replace the touch panel menu with a steering switch menu to display the steering switch menu on display screen. The steering switch menu includes the icons arranged differently than the touch panel menu. This in-vehicle display system is suitably used to operate both of the touch panel and the steering switch. | 06-27-2013 |
20130166147 | METHOD FOR AN ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE - A method for an entertainment system of a vehicle wherein a distance between the vehicle and a further vehicle is determined, and a symbol for the vehicle and a symbol for the further vehicle are displayed on a display device of the vehicle on the basis of the distance between the vehicle and the further vehicle. Actuation of a user control element is detected after the symbol for the further vehicle has been displayed. An actuation signal is received from the further vehicle indicating that a user of the further vehicle has actuated a corresponding control element of the further vehicle on account of a symbol for the further vehicle and a symbol for the vehicle being displayed on a display device of the further vehicle. | 06-27-2013 |
20130166148 | Control Of The Driving Style Of A Motor Vehicle Within Localities (City Driving Cycle) - A control system for vehicles to operate at an ecological driving modus, for example in case they are used within a locality such as a city or town. A control system initiated by a clearly identifiable switch installed either at the dashboard or on the steering wheel, the switch being manually operated by the driver. The control system can be can also be initiated via radio- or light-waves' signals. | 06-27-2013 |
20130173111 | DRIVING BEHAVIOR FEEDBACK INTERFACE - One or more embodiments of the present application may provide a system and method for monitoring driver inputs and vehicle parameters, assessing a driver's acceleration behavior, and providing short-term and/or long-term feedback to the driver relating to the driver's acceleration behavior. The acceleration behavior feedback can be used to coach future driving acceleration behavior that may translate into better long-term driving habits, which in turn may lead to improvements in fuel economy or vehicle range. Moreover, the acceleration behavior feedback can be adapted to a driver based upon how responsive the driver is to the feedback. | 07-04-2013 |
20130173112 | IN-VEHICLE SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATION METHOD - An in-vehicle system for communicating with an external tool for storing a tool secret key includes: a communication device; a tool key acquisition device; and a communication controller. The in-vehicle system and an external server for storing external tool information provide a vehicular communication system. The external tool information provides a tool public key and key identification information. The tool public key pairs with the tool secret key. When the external tool requests communication connection with the in-vehicle system, the tool key acquisition device transmits the key identification information to the external server, so that the tool key acquisition device acquires the tool public key from the external server. The communication controller performs cryptographic communication with the external tool using the tool public key. | 07-04-2013 |
20130173113 | VEHICLE TRAVEL CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle travel control device can accurately determine a driver's intention to adjust the vehicle speed. After applying attention attracting reaction force corresponding to outside circumstances and the like to an accelerator pedal through a reaction force application mechanism, a reaction force control unit outputs intention determining reaction force that is used to determine the driver's intention to adjust the vehicle speed and is smaller than the attention attracting reaction force, and determines the intention to adjust the vehicle speed on the basis of the accelerator pedal operation amount of the driver while the intention determining reaction force is being applied to the accelerator pedal through the reaction force application mechanism. | 07-04-2013 |
20130179031 | RESTRICTED OPERATION OF VEHICLE DRIVEN BY SECONDARY DRIVER WITH REAR PASSENGERS - Restricted operating modes are provided for a motor vehicle when driven by a secondary driver (such as a less experienced driver). A seat occupancy sensor detects the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. A controller includes a memory storing rules defining a restricted operating mode containing a plurality of limitations to be applied to operation of various vehicle accessories in conjunction with the secondary driver. The controller selectively controls the operation of at least one of the accessories according to one of the rules in response to simultaneously detecting the secondary driver and the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. Use of the rules may also depend on whether the rear seat passenger has an unbuckled seat belt. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179032 | AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ESTIMATION - A method for predicting an ambient temperature around a moving motor vehicle includes utilizing measured ambient temperatures and Newton's Cooling Law. A linear best fit line describing the time constant as a function of vehicle speed can be generated utilizing measured data. In use, the b values can be determined from the best fit line, and the b values can be utilized to provide a predicted or estimated ambient temperature before the measured temperatures drop to the ambient temperature. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179033 | VEHICLE CONTROL CIRCUIT - A body control module (BCM) of a vehicle has an output bus which provides addressed control signals to a plurality of electrical control units (ECUs) coupled to the bus. The ECUs include a power control relay and an addressable control circuit which responds to an address uniquely identifying a particular ECU for actuating the associated relay to provide power to an electrical device in the vehicle. The control signals from the BCM can be any one of several data processing protocols, including local interconnect network (LIN), and controller area network (CAN) to provide the address and data for controlling each of the relays. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179034 | INTERACTIVE VIDEO BASED GAMES USING OBJECTS SENSED BY TV CAMERAS - A method and apparatus for interactive TV camera based games in which position or orientation of points on a player or of an object held by a player are determined and used to control a video display. Both single camera and stereo camera pair based embodiments are disclosed, preferably using stereo photogrammetry where multi-degree of freedom information is desired. Large video displays, preferably life-size may be used where utmost realism of the game experience is desired. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179035 | VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a detection device and a color change device. The detection device detects an internal state and an external state of the vehicle. The color change device at least partially changes a color of a body of the vehicle depending on a result of detection by the detection device. | 07-11-2013 |
20130184931 | TIRE PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT - A tire pressure adjustment method and system is provided. The method includes receiving from a plurality of sensors in a vehicle, tread depth data associated with tread depths at multiple points on a tire tread comprised by a tire on the vehicle. The tread depth data is analyzed. A tire pressure value for an internal portion of the tire is determined based on results of the analysis. The tire pressure value is associated with modifying a group of tread depths during operation of the vehicle. In response, a command signal is generated. The command signal is configured to command a tire pressure modification device to adjust a current tire pressure value of the internal portion of the tire to the determined tire pressure value. The command signal is transmitted to the tire pressure modification device resulting in the current tire pressure value being adjusted to determined tire pressure value. | 07-18-2013 |
20130184932 | VIDEO VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE WITH DRIVER SAFETY MODE - This document relates to a vehicle entertainment device | 07-18-2013 |
20130184933 | Apparatus and Method for Selectively Restricting or Disabling Electronic Device Functionality - An apparatus that restricts or disables electronic device functionality based on vehicle status data received from the on-board computer (“OBD”) of a public service vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle status data is accessed from the OBD through an assembly line diagnostic link (“ALDL”) connector, which eliminates any need for modification of the vehicle during installation. If the software determines the vehicle status data is outside a preset range, which could be customized on a case-by-case basis, the on-board computer of the vehicle could be restricted or disabled until the vehicle status data returns to within the preset range. | 07-18-2013 |
20130190971 | MULTIFUNCTION LIGHT TRANSCEIVER DEVICE - An exemplary multifunction light transceiver device includes a plurality of light sources. At least one luminescent member is configured to emit visible light responsive to radiation incident on the luminescent member. A controller selectively controls the light sources to achieve multiple functions. The controller controls at least one of the light sources to irradiate the luminescent member to illuminate an area near the device. The controller controls at least one of the light sources to communicate information from the device. The controller also controls at least one of the light sources to emit light toward an object. A detector associated with the controller detects any portion of light that is reflected toward the detector. The controller uses any detected light for making a determination regarding an object from which the detected light reflected. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190972 | Devices and Methods for Controlling Vehicle Lights - A control circuit for operating the lights of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the rear lights of the vehicle are controlled by the control circuit. The control circuit illuminates two or more of the vehicle lights in a common pattern to indicate a specific vehicle operation. When the vehicle simultaneously performs two operations, the controller may transition the lights to illuminate in different patterns to clearly indicate the separate vehicle operations. The controller may further provide for adjusting the light intensity of one or more of the lights. The lights may be adjusted to have a similar intensity to prevent confusion when the different lights are used in combination to indicate a vehicle operation. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190973 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING POWER INTEGRATOR MALFUNCTION - A system and a method for diagnosing and isolating a power integrator malfunction are herein provided. The system includes a controller for processing inputs from vehicle electronic control units (ECUs) to actuate semiconductor switching elements to further actuate vehicle electrical systems. The switching elements are in connection with the controller and actuated by a low current signal to actuate a high current circuit to drive an electrical load. Additional semiconductor devices are connected the switching devices for the purpose of monitoring overcurrent, overtemperature, and electromagnetic interference conditions that may affect the switching elements. A communications module is provided to send and receive communications relating to conditions affecting the switching elements over a communications bus. A display connected to the communications bus is operable to display conditions affecting the switching elements. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190974 | CONTROL APPARATUS - A control apparatus includes a first drive device driving a movable panel, a first detection device detecting a state of the movable panel, a second drive device driving a sunshade, a second detection device detecting a state of the sunshade, and a control device controlling one of the first and second drive devices to stop an operation of a succeeding member serving as one of the movable panel and the sunshade configured to be positioned behind a preceding member serving as the other of the movable panel and the sunshade relative to each of the opening position and the closing position, in a case where a distance between the movable panel and the sunshade becomes smaller than a predetermined distance on a basis of a position of the movable panel detected by the first drive device and a position of the sunshade detected by the second drive device. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190975 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190976 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190977 | OPERATING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - In an operating device for a vehicle, a first peripheral edge is set so as to correspond to a relative positional relationship in which a plurality of switches is arranged, and a predetermined position is set so that a gap between a second end opposite a first end of an image and a second peripheral edge of a display screen in a movement direction of the image becomes larger than a gap between the first end of the image and a first peripheral edge of the display screen in the movement direction of the image, in a state where the image stops at the predetermined position on the display screen. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190978 | In-Car Information System, In-Car Device, and Information Terminal - An information terminal includes: an operation assignment information storage unit that stores operation assignment information; an actuation information reception unit that receives from an in-car device actuation information; an assignment unit that, on the basis of the operation assignment information and the actuation information, assigns some among a plurality of operations in the information terminal to each of one or more actuations among a plurality of types of actuation that can be inputted with an actuation unit provided to the in-car device respectively, according to priority levels; an actuation signal reception unit that receives an actuation signal outputted from the in-car device; and a conversion unit that, on the basis of the result of assignment by the assignment unit, converts the actuation signal into an operating command that corresponds to one among the plurality of operations. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190979 | TIRE AIR PRESSURE OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING TREAD WEAR - A system is provided for automatically adjusting the air pressure of a tire based on variations in loading to improve tread wear. For a particular loading of the tire, the system provides for the determination of a preferred air pressure setting designed to minimize tread wear. This preferred air pressure, P | 07-25-2013 |
20130197749 | VEHICLE CABIN WARM-UP - A method of heating a cabin in a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine employing a coolant to remove engine heat, and a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system using the coolant to heat the cabin is disclosed. The method includes detecting a request to achieve a predetermined temperature inside the cabin. The method also includes selecting a first baseline mode of engine operation to supply thermal energy to the coolant, and selecting a second mode of engine operation to supply additional thermal energy to the coolant if the predetermined temperature has not been achieved via the first mode of operation. The method additionally includes selecting a third mode of engine operation if the predetermined temperature has not been achieved via the second mode of operation. The predetermined temperature may also be maintained by supplying thermal energy to the coolant after the predetermined temperature has been achieved. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197750 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197751 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197752 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY OF THE TRANSMISSION RATIOS OF AN AUTOMATIC GEARBOX AND RELATED SYSTEM - A system for controlling a dashboard display of transmission ratios of a motor vehicle, the vehicle including an automatic gearbox and a system for controlling transmission ratios, which receives information relating to unavailable transmission ratios. The system includes a mechanism controlling the display of the transmission ratio on the dashboard, and a mechanism controlling the display of unavailability of the transmission ratio displayed on the dashboard. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197753 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTEGRATION OF FACTORY AND AFTERMARKET VEHICLE COMPONENTS - An interface and corresponding method, where the interface is connected via a first connection to a factory data bus of a vehicle which transports signals according to a first data format, and further connected via a second connection to a data channel of the aftermarket component which transports signals according to a second data format. The interface identifies a factory data bus type corresponding to the factory data bus, out of a plurality of potential factory data bus types. The interface receives digital signals from the aftermarket component via the second connection, the digital signals being in the second data format which corresponds to the aftermarket component. The interface translates the digital signals into the first data format which corresponds to the identified factory bus type. The interface transmits the translated digital signals in the first data format to the vehicle via the first connection. | 08-01-2013 |
20130204490 | UPHILL VEHICLE ORIENTATION ADJUSTED COMPRESSOR CONTROL - A motor controller unit facilitates modifying pressure thresholds for an air compressor motor in a hybrid commercial vehicle as a function of vehicle pitch and comprises a memory that stores computer-executable instructions for modifying compressor cut-in and cut-out pressure thresholds as a function of vehicle pitch, and a processor configured to execute the computer-executable instructions. The instructions comprise monitoring a pitch of the vehicle, and determining that the vehicle is on an uphill grade. The instructions further comprise reducing compressor cut-in and cut-out pressure thresholds for an on-board air compressor motor to conserve state-of-charge until the pitch of the vehicle falls below a predetermined level, and, once the pitch of the vehicle falls below a predetermined percentage of the maximum pitch detected on the uphill grade, increasing the compressor cut-in and cut-out pressure thresholds to increase available braking pressure and brake regeneration opportunities for the vehicle. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204491 | VEHICLE BRAKING DEVICE AND CONTROL DEVICE - Provided is a vehicle braking device for applying a braking force on tires arranged on a vehicle body rotatably, the vehicle braking device including a fluid pressure braking unit configured to act the braking force on the tires; a master cylinder configured to supply fluid pressure to the fluid pressure braking unit; a pressure detection sensor configured to detect pressure of the fluid pressure supplied from the master cylinder to the fluid pressure braking unit; and a control device that includes a storage unit configured to store detected driving conditions, a braking operation determining unit configured to determine state of the braking operation based on the fluid pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor, and a control unit configured to control operation based on the determination result of the braking operation determining unit. | 08-08-2013 |
20130211668 | VEHICLE BRAKING DEVICE AND CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle braking device including a braking operation judging unit that judges that a braking operation is input when a fluid pressure detected by a pressure detecting sensor is not smaller than a threshold value set in advance in a process of a first mode in which it is judged that the device normally operates, and judges that the braking operation is input when judging that wheel deceleration of a tire detected by a wheel speed detecting sensor is larger than a threshold value in a process of a second mode in which it is judged the pressure detecting sensor does not normally detect a pressure or it is judged that a failure occurs in the fluid pressure, and a control unit puts a brake lamp arranged on a vehicle body into a lighting state from a non-lighting state when it is judged that the braking operation is input. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211669 | AUTOMATIC AUTOMOTIVE USER PROFILE SELECTION - In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include detecting at least one physical characteristic, the at least one physical characteristic comprising at least one of a physical characteristic of a user of the automobile and a physical characteristic of an item of the user's person. The method may also include determining at least one user-configurable environment setting for each of one or more components of the automobile based on the at least one physical characteristic detected. The method may further include applying the at least one user-configurable environment setting associated with each particular component of the one or more components. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211670 | IN-VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEM - An in-vehicle information system that notifies passengers in a vehicle of guidance information, including a display input unit having a display unit that displays the guidance information and an input unit that covers the display unit and detects touch operations by the passengers to be output as input operation information, and an information control unit that switches and outputs the guidance information to the display unit according to driving states of the vehicle and classifies the guidance information into first information to be provided to the passengers according to the input operation information and second information to be provided to the passengers according to the driving states of the vehicle to output the first information to the display unit according to the input operation information. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211671 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DETERMINING POWER OF BASE VALUES USED IN VEHICLE APPLICATIONS - A signal representing a numerical value from a vehicular application is received. A power value is calculated and the power value is a predetermined based raised to the power of the numerical value. The calculating using multiplication and shifting operations and the calculating further accesses a look-up table stored in a memory. The calculated power value is returned to the vehicular application. At the vehicular application, the calculated power value is utilized in a calculation and a result of the calculation is obtained. A parameter of the vehicular application according is altered to the result. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211672 | TIME-OF-FLIGHT CAMERA FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, MOTOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A TIME-OF-FLIGHT CAMERA - A Time-Of-Flight camera for a motor vehicle includes an illumination unit with a light source and an optic for illuminating an illumination area, a camera unit for measuring measuring data and a control unit, wherein light emitted by the light source and reflectively detected by the camera unit is analyzable for determination of a distance information, wherein at least one piezoelectric actuating device is operably connected to the optic for adjusting the illumination area, and the control unit is configured for controlling the actuation device in dependence on at least one operating parameter which describes the driving situation of the motor vehicle. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211673 | Method for Optimizing Heavy Hauler Pneumatic Tire Performance on Multi-Axled and Multi-Tired Vehicles - A method for optimizing pneumatic tire performance on a multi-axled and multi-tired vehicle is disclosed. The method requires three events to occur on any single axle with tires in dual configuration: 1) accurate and correct measurement of all tires mounted on the axle; 2) a known super-imposed load weight on the axle; and 3) tire pressures influenced by tire size and imposed load. The simultaneous occurrence of these three events will allow all tires have the same bottom radii that allows them to rotate at the same surface speed. It is necessary to recognize that tires in operation have two radii; a top radius and a bottom radius which is calculated by subtracting the bottom deflection from the top radius. These manipulations achieve uniform bottom radius of all the tires and is the object of the invention. Also, disclosed is an apparatus for measuring the radius of a tire. | 08-15-2013 |
20130218408 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING VEHICLE FUEL ECONOMY WITH ENERGY STORAGE EFFICIENCY MODEL - A method is described for improving fuel economy in a vehicle having an engine, a generator driven by the engine, and an energy storage unit by using an energy storage efficiency model. The method includes evaluating a current efficiency state of the engine, evaluating a current efficiency state of the generator, evaluating a current efficiency state of the energy storage unit, and, controlling the generator to provide an optimized voltage output, based on the results of the evaluations and the energy storage efficiency model. A voltage regulator implementing this method is also described. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218409 | AUTOMATIC DYNAMIC CONTROL OF AIRCRAFT CABIN SYSTEMS - An inventive system and method for vehicle cabin control is presented. The method comprises creating one or more collections of set-points, each set-point comprising a duration and settings for one or more cabin features; establishing an order and duration for the set-points; uploading the set-points to a cabin management system; executing the set-points in the established order; and when a request is received, modifying the duration in accordance with user preferences based on the request. In one aspect, the cabin features comprise one or more of lighting, Cabin Ready, Cabin Temperature, Cell Phone Power and Special Purpose features. In one aspect, one of the collection of set-points is the initial features and another of the collection of set-points is the termination features. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218410 | VEHICLE LIGHT CONTROL METHOD AND DEVICE - A vehicle light control method and device are provided for controlling a light unit of a vehicle. A control unit determines whether a vehicle speed of the vehicle detected by a vehicle speed detector is greater than zero and whether an engine rotational speed of an engine of the vehicle detected by an engine rotational speed detector is equal to zero. The control unit enables the light unit to emit light with a brightness based on the vehicle speed upon determining that the vehicle speed is greater than zero and the engine rotational speed is zero. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218411 | METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TRAILER - The invention relates to a method of configuring an electronic control unit ( | 08-22-2013 |
20130218412 | OCCUPANT SHARING OF DISPLAYED CONTENT IN VEHICLES - The present disclosure describes a displayed object movement module that causes displayed objects or other content to be moved from a first source vehicle display to a second target vehicle display at the request of a source vehicle occupant associated with the first source vehicle display. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218413 | VEHICULAR LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND VEHICULAR LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CONTROL METHOD - A vehicular light distribution control system ( | 08-22-2013 |
20130226399 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A RESTRICTED MODE IN A VEHICLE - An apparatus for controlling a restricted mode is provided. The apparatus includes a controller that is configured to receive a first input from a primary driver corresponding to a request to change a vehicle from a fully operational mode to a restricted mode for a secondary driver. The controller is further configured to initiate a first timer for preventing the vehicle from exiting from the restricted mode to the fully operational mode if an occupant communication device belonging to the primary driver is detected by the vehicle prior to the first timer expiring. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226400 | ADVANCED DIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FEATURE PERFORMANCE USING OFF-VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS - An Advance Driver Assistance System of a vehicle collects measurements for a driving event, including GPS coordinates for a specific location from the EH system, and logs the data into an on-vehicle database. The ADAS uses the data in the on-vehicle database to develop a history associated with the specific location. Information, including GPS coordinates and recorded false output warnings, may be shared between the on-vehicle database and an off-vehicle database, such as associated with and Electronic Horizon system, providing an opportunity to significantly improve the feature performance of the ADAS. Driver assist information may be compiled between the off-vehicle database and the on-vehicle database, thereby continuously updating the knowledge base of the ADAS and optimizing feature performance of the ADAS over the life of the vehicle | 08-29-2013 |
20130226401 | METHOD FOR ACTIVATING APPLICATION, HANDHELD ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND CAR SYSTEM - A method, a handheld electronic apparatus, and a car system for activating an application are provided. The handheld electronic apparatus obtains identification information from a car apparatus when the handheld electronic apparatus is connected to the car apparatus. Herein, the car apparatus is coupled to a power connection unit of a vehicle. The handheld electronic apparatus activates an application corresponding to the identification information after obtaining the identification information. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226402 | ON-VEHICLE TRACKING CONTROL APPARATUS - A tracking control apparatus for tracking a preceding vehicle includes information acquiring unit for acquiring information about surrounding the own vehicle, preceding vehicle determining unit for determining the preceding vehicle running ahead of the own vehicle, control unit controls the tracking control to be maintained or released, and turn signal determining unit for determining whether or not a turn signal of a turn signal unit of the preceding vehicle is active. The control unit maintains or releases the tracking control by determining the surrounding of the own vehicle concerning a traffic lane change by the preceding vehicle based on the information acquired by the information acquiring unit, when the turn signal determining unit determines that the turn signal of the turn signal unit is active. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226403 | SETTING METHOD, A SENSOR AND A SENSOR SETTER FOR A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IN A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for setting a sensor for a tire pressure monitoring system in a motor vehicle, includes storing a plurality of encoding procedures is stored the sensor. By sending instructions to the sensor by the setter, all other encoding procedures except the required encoding procedures from a plurality of encoding procedures stored in advance in the sensor are processed, neither able to be encoded nor to be invoked for encoding. Furthermore, during application, data encoded by an encoding procedure is required to be sent out, thus not only solving the problem characterized by large data processing and large power consumption, but also preventing the sensor from being counterfeited by lawbreakers easily. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226404 | ACCELERATOR REACTION FORCE CONTROL APPARATUS - An accelerator reaction force control apparatus has an accelerator position detecting device that detects an accelerator position and a reaction force varying device that varies a reaction force of an accelerator. The reaction force varying device increases the accelerator's reaction force beyond a base reaction force in response to the accelerator position being equal to or larger than a reaction force increase threshold, and decreases the accelerator's reaction force toward the base reaction force in response to the accelerator position becoming equal to or smaller than a reaction force increase cancellation threshold after the reaction force has been increased beyond the base reaction force. The reaction force varying device varies a reaction force decrease rate at which the accelerator's reaction force is decreased based on an accelerator position change condition existing at a time when the accelerator position becomes equal to or smaller than the reaction force increase cancellation threshold. | 08-29-2013 |
20130231828 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING CONTENT ON A VEHICLE - Methods, systems, and apparatuses for displaying or projecting images on a vehicle are described herein. The methods include receiving location data of a vehicle, determining content corresponding to the location, and providing images corresponding to the content to projectors for display on a side of a vehicle. The systems include a vehicle, projectors mounted on the vehicle such that an image created by the projector is cast on a surface of the vehicle, and a control module configured to provide images to the one or more projectors for display on a side of the vehicle. The apparatuses include a location module that determines a current location of a vehicle, a content selection module that determines a content corresponding to the current location, and a display module that provides images corresponding to the content to one or more projectors for display on a side of a vehicle. | 09-05-2013 |
20130238185 | CAR VIDEO DEVICE ENABLING WIRELESS TRANSMISSION TO AND FROM PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A car video device enabling wireless transmission to and from portable communication device includes an image processing unit, a packet signal input terminal, a driving recorder unit, a control unit, a wireless signal transmission unit, and a power input terminal. The control unit can receive signals from the image processing unit, the packet signal input terminal and the driving recorder unit, and transmits the received signals to the wireless signal transmission unit, which then wirelessly transmits the signals to a portable communication device, such as a smart mobile phone, a tablet computer or a portable computer. Therefore, the portable communication device may be directly used in the car for displaying image signals and serve as a menu operation host of various in-car safe driving devices, and it is not necessary to additionally mount an LCD display in the car. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238186 | LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CONTROL APPARATUS AND LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CONTROL METHOD - In a case where a light distribution control apparatus judges that there is a possibility that a driver's own vehicle and an animal will contact each other if it is assumed that the animal remains at the present position, then it controls headlight such that the head of the animal is out of the illuminating range of the headlight. In a case where the light distribution control apparatus judges that there is no possibility that the driver's own vehicle and the animal will contact each other if it is assumed that the animal remains at the present position, then it controls the headlight such that the head of the animal is within the illuminating range of the headlight. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238187 | EMERGENCY RELEASE LOCKING SYSTEM, VEHICLE THERETO, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE LOCKING SYSTEM - An emergency release locking system for a trunk lid, with a lid lock and a catch device which has a catch hook and in the case of the opened rotary latch limits the opening movement of the lid, with an emergency release system disposed in the trunk, and with an actuator that is controlled by a control unit of the vehicle and drives a blocking element, which above a predetermined or predeterminable recommended speed of the vehicle stops at least the releasing action of the emergency release system on the catch hook of the catch device. The control unit is assigned, apart from a sensor unit for detecting the current driving speed of the vehicle, one sensor unit each for detecting the current operating position of the emergency release system and of the catch hook of the catch device. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238188 | MULTIMEDIA INFORMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOBILES - In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238189 | DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING GRAPHICAL OBJECTS, IN PARTICULAR FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - A display device for a vehicle equipped with a plurality of comfort systems that can be switched on or off is provided. The display device has a display area for displaying graphical objects and a control unit for controlling the display area. The control unit is designed to receive data about consumptions of the comfort systems and to produce graphical data for graphical objects representing the consumptions for the display area from said data. The consumption due to comfort systems is indicated to the driver in an intuitive manner if the graphical object of a switched-on comfort system is designed as a segment of an annular figure. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238190 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED APPLICATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND VEHICLE-MOUNTED APPLICATION MANAGEMENT METHOD - A vehicle-mounted application management device manages an application that is executed by an information terminal mounted in a vehicle. The vehicle-mounted application management device comprises a management unit for detecting a vehicle state that is the state of the vehicle. The management unit is configured to manage, on the basis of the detected vehicle state, the on-off of at least one of a transmission path of input information given through the execution of the application and a transmission path of output information output through the execution of the application. | 09-12-2013 |
20130245881 | System and Method for Monitoring the Environment In and Around an Automobile - A system and method for monitoring the environment in and around an automobile includes a memory, a processor in data communication with the memory and with a vehicle computer module, at least one outside camera in data communication with the processor that is configured to mount inside an automobile interior area and positioned to receive video data from outside the automobile, and a motion sensor configured to detect movement outside of the automobile. The system includes programming that causes the processor to determine if the automobile is at rest and, if so, to actuate the motion sensor. Programming causes the processor to actuate the outside camera when the processor has determined that the automobile is at rest and the motion sensor has detected movement outside the automobile. A global positioning system is configured to record geographic position data and time data if the automobile crashes. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245882 | REMOVABLE, CONFIGURABLE VEHICLE CONSOLE - Methods and systems for a removable, configurable vehicle console are provided. Specifically, a configurable console may comprise one or more displays that are capable of receiving input from a user. At least one of these displays may be removed from the console of a vehicle and operated as a stand-alone computing platform. Moreover, it is anticipated that each one or more of the displays of the console may be configured to present a plurality of custom applications that, when manipulated by at least one user, are adapted to control functions associated with a vehicle and/or associated peripheral devices. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245883 | Systems and Methods For Analyzing Machine Performance - A system for analyzing machine performance is disclosed. The system may have one or more processors and a memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed, enable the one or more processors to identify an event for a machine that includes a desired output parameter value and send a command to a component of the machine. A command value associated with the command may be determined based on the desired output parameter value, one or more machine state parameter values, and a feedback control loop. The instructions may further enable the one or more processors to determine whether the machine requires maintenance by comparing the command value to one or more historical command values each determined based on a historical desired output parameter value and one or more historical machine state parameter values. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245884 | USER EXPERIENCE OF THE CONNECTED AUTOMOBILE - A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for initiating at least one process in a vehicle are provided. The apparatus determines an approximate position of the vehicle. In addition, the apparatus determines a shortest time period based on the determined approximate position in which one or more registered drivers of the vehicle is in proximity to the vehicle. Furthermore, the apparatus determines whether to initiate the at least one process within the vehicle based on the determined time period. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245885 | REAR ZONE MODULE AND REAR ZONE CONTROLLER - Described herein is a rear zone module and rear zone controller that minimizes wire gauge and current draw. The rear zone module shares outputs amongst several functions including rear windshield wiper, heated back window, power liftgate controller and the like. These outputs can be shared because not all functions are required to be active at the same time. For example, a vehicle includes a rear zone module (RZM) that includes at least a power liftgate (PLG) module, heated back window module, and a rear window wiper module. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to selectively control current with respect to at least the PLG module, heated back window module, and a rear window wiper module. The interconnections between the RZM and controller are minimized by sharing the interconnections as the PLG module operates mutually exclusively from the heated back window and rear window wiper module. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245886 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESPONDING TO DRIVER BEHAVIOR - Methods of assessing driver behavior include monitoring vehicle systems and driver monitoring systems to accommodate for a driver's slow reaction time, attention lapse and/or alertness. When it is determined that a driver is drowsy, for example, the response system may modify the operation of one or more vehicle systems. The systems that may be modified include: visual devices, audio devices, tactile devices, antilock brake systems, automatic brake prefill systems, brake assist systems, auto cruise control systems, electronic stability control systems, collision warning systems, lane keep assist systems, blind spot indicator systems, electronic pretensioning systems and climate control systems. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245887 | Multi-Display Vehicle Information System and Method - Embodiments of the present invention include a vehicle human machine interface (HMI) for control by a vehicle occupant. The HMI may include a first graphical display, a second graphical display, a plurality of input controls, and a vehicle computer communicating with the first and second graphical displays. The vehicle computer may be configured to receive user input defining user instructions for controlling one or more functions of the vehicle. In response to the input, the computer may be configured to present on the first and second graphical displays a vehicle function identifier color associated with the vehicle function. | 09-19-2013 |
20130261887 | DIRECTIONAL HORN AND METHOD OF USE - A directional horn may include at least one group of a plurality of speakers or audio emitters. The audio emitters may each emit and audio signal at a same frequency. A processor may control a relative phase difference and relative gain difference between each audio signal, based on a determined direction. The directional horn may be positioned on a vehicle. The determined direction may be based on a direction indicated by a driver controlling the vehicle, external environmental factors, vehicle dynamics, or other factors. | 10-03-2013 |
20130261888 | IN-VEHICLE DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM - An input/output limitation information storage unit stores input/output limitation information in which limitation processing for limiting operation input to the application and display output from the application is prescribed by associating the limitation processing with the application. A determination unit acquires a vehicle state of a vehicle, and determines the limitation processing to be applied to the operation input to the application and the display output from the application on the basis of the application running on the terminal device, the vehicle state, and the input/output limitation information. The limitation unit performs the limitation processing determined by the determination unit for the operation input detected by the input control unit and transmitted to the communication control unit, and the display output received by the communication control unit and transmitted to the output control unit. | 10-03-2013 |
20130261889 | ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL APPARATUS - A cruise control apparatus includes a current speed detector detects a current speed of a vehicle; a target speed setting unit sets a target speed of the vehicle; an acceleration and deceleration operation amount acquisition unit acquires an operation amount of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle by a driver; and a cruise controller performs cruise control of the vehicle so that the current speed follows the target speed. The target speed setting unit monitors i) the operation amount or ii) change in the current speed detected by the current speed detector to performs a first determination of if the driver intends to maintain the vehicle speed at an intended speed different from the target speed, and if the first determination is positive, updates the target speed to the intended vehicle speed. | 10-03-2013 |
20130261890 | BRAKE - A method of determining if any usable life remains in a brake component of a brake, the method comprising the steps of using a processor to determine a total number of brake events, and using a processor to determine from the total number of brake events if any usable life remains in the brake component. | 10-03-2013 |
20130261891 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROJECTING NAVIGATION INFORMATION ONTO FRONT OF VEHICLE - Provided are a method and apparatus for projecting driving information in front of a vehicle with respect to a destination. The method for projecting driving information in front of the vehicle with respect to the destination may include obtaining driving information and controlling a driving information projecting apparatus on the basis of the obtained driving information. The driving information projecting apparatus may include a driving information display unit displaying the obtained driving information and a lighting unit used as a light source | 10-03-2013 |
20130261892 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING INSTALLATION POSITION OF PORTABLE INFORMATION TERMINAL ON VEHICLE - In a method for determining an installation position of a portable information terminal on a vehicle, a present camera image showing a camera image at a present position of the camera of the portable information terminal installed on the vehicle is acquired. It is determined, based on a position of a predetermined vehicle component of the vehicle in the present camera image, whether or not the portable information terminal is installed at a predetermined installation position on the vehicle. It is notified from the portable information terminal that the portable information terminal is not installed at the predetermined installation position if it is determined that the portable information terminal is not installed at the predetermined installation position. | 10-03-2013 |
20130268159 | ENERGY GENERATION CONTROLLER - An energy generation controller for a vehicle includes: an internal combustion engine; an energy generating device for converting a driving force of the engine to a predetermined type of energy, an energy generating amount being controlled by a control signal; an energy storage device for storing the predetermined type of energy; an output device for determining and outputting the control signal for generating a target energy amount of the energy generating device when the internal combustion engine is in a predetermined operating state; a detector for detecting an energy accumulation amount stored in the energy storage device; a comparison device for comparing the energy accumulation amount with an assumption accumulation amount estimated by the control signal; and an adjustment device for adjusting the control signal according to a comparison result of the comparison device. | 10-10-2013 |
20130274995 | MULTIPLE AXIS ROTARY GYROSCOPE FOR VEHICLE ATTITUDE CONTROL - In embodiments of the invention, a vehicle stabilization control unit may determine a control moment value for one or more gyroscopes coupled to a vehicle frame to exert for stabilization of the vehicle frame. A number of input axes for the flywheels of the one or more gyroscopes to precess may be increased in order to generate the determined control moment value. In some embodiments, the one or more gyroscopes are further coupled to a turntable, and increasing the number of input axes for the flywheels comprises rotating the turntable. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the one or more gyroscopes comprise at least two gyroscopes coupled inline to the vehicle frame (e.g., aligned lengthwise with respect to the front and rear wheel to spin and precess in opposite directions with respect to each other). | 10-17-2013 |
20130274996 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE CONTROL APPARATUS - A driving assistance control apparatus includes an own-vehicle position acquiring unit that acquires the position of an own vehicle; a curve information acquiring unit that acquires curve information on a driving course; a continuous curves detecting unit that detects a first curve ahead of the own vehicle and a second curve that exists at a far side of the own vehicle with respect to the first curve and that is continuous to the first curve, based on the acquired position of the own vehicle and the acquired curve information; and a curve alert control unit that controls a curve alerting unit that alerts the presence of the second curve before an entrance of the second curve. The curve alert control unit sets the alert timing of the second curve in accordance with the curve information about the first curve. | 10-17-2013 |
20130274997 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING INTERACTION BETWEEN MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND IN-VEHICLE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM AND DEVICES USING THE SAME - The present disclosure provides a method of controlling interaction between a mobile electronic device and a in-vehicle electronic system, a mobile electronic device using the same method, and a in-vehicle electronic system unit using the same method. The method may include establishing a connection between the mobile electronic device and the in-vehicle electronic system. The mobile electronic device may then receive a profile setting from the in-vehicle electronic system through the connection which could be a cable connection or a wireless connection. The mobile electronic device would control transmission and reception of data to the in-vehicle electronic system based on the profile setting of the in-vehicle electronic system, wherein the setting varies based on the role of the in-vehicle electronic system. | 10-17-2013 |
20130274998 | In-Vehicle Information System, In-Vehicle Apparatus And Information Terminal - An in-vehicle information system includes: an information terminal; and an in-vehicle apparatus. At least one of the information terminal and the in-vehicle apparatus decides whether or not a vehicle is currently in a traveling state. The in-vehicle apparatus includes a display unit with a display screen, and restricts an image area ranging over part of or all of the display screen to be obscured from view when deciding that the vehicle is currently in a traveling state. The information terminal includes an application stored therein, outputs an image corresponding to the application to the in-vehicle apparatus, and outputs regulatory information pertaining to an image area to be restricted within the image corresponding to the application, to the in-vehicle apparatus. The in-vehicle apparatus sets an image area in the display screen to be restricted by using the regulatory information output by the information terminal. | 10-17-2013 |
20130274999 | VEHICLE SAFETY ILLUMINATION ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD - A vehicle safety illumination method and arrangement is provided including a head light control unit for modulating an intensity of a head light of a vehicle between a low beam mode and a high beam mode. The arrangement may include a switch for actuating the head light control unit, and sensors to detect an object in front of the vehicle. The arrangement also includes a processor to determine if an object detected constitutes a potential collision threat to the vehicle. The arrangement is arranged to actuate the head light control unit if an object in front of the vehicle is determined to constitute a potential collision threat to the vehicle. | 10-17-2013 |
20130275000 | LIFT GATE CONTROL SYSTEM - A lift gate system includes a lift gate assembly comprising an actuator system for actuating a lift gate, an interface device for receiving lift gate operation information from an operator, and a main controller device comprising a solid state relay switch for controlling electrical power to the actuator system. The main controller device further includes a microcontroller configured for determining that one or more conditions are satisfied, and upon satisfaction of said one or more conditions, then controlling the actuator system via the solid state relay switch based on the received information from the operator for controlling operation of the lift gate assembly accordingly. | 10-17-2013 |
20130275001 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VIRTUAL IGNITION DETECTION - Systems and methods for determining vehicle ignition state using a device added to the vehicle after the manufacture of the vehicle without a direct connection to the vehicle ignition line are disclosed. In a number of embodiments, a system includes a processor, a motion detector configured to detect vehicle motion and to enable the processor to obtain motion data, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver configured to determine location and to enable the processor to obtain at least speed data, and a radio transceiver configured to communicate with the processor. Additionally, the processor is configured to estimate the ignition state of a vehicle using at least the motion data and the speed data. | 10-17-2013 |
20130282233 | TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM - The present disclosure discloses a system and method for monitoring tire pressure. The system includes a sensor, configured to sense a tire pressure over known time intervals, and generate corresponding pressure signals. Further, a controller, connected to the sensor receives the pressure signals over the known time intervals, subsequently converting the pressure signals into a compatible format, further processing and storing the processed signals in a memory. The controller is configured to include a calculating module, which is in turn configured to calculate a rate of change of the tire pressure and display the rate of change in tire pressure through a feedback interface connected to the controller. | 10-24-2013 |
20130282234 | HIGH CENTERING BASES FOR HOSPITAL GURNEYS - High centering bases for hospital gurneys are disclosed. An example hospital gurney includes a sensor to detect a position of a foot pedal of the hospital gurney. The example high centering base includes a processor responsive to the sensor to create a movement instruction based on the position of the foot pedal. The example high centering base includes an actuator to move a first wheel based on the movement instruction, the first wheel located between a first end of the hospital gurney and a second end of the hospital gurney. | 10-24-2013 |
20130282235 | DEPLOYABLE TRACTION ASSEMBLY - A deployable traction assembly comprising a studded mud flap mounted for retraction and extension on the vehicle by operation of a motor. The motor may have a shaft connected via spools and straps to the studded mud flaps. The studded mud flap may be mounted on the vehicle behind or in front of a set of wheels within a distance such that when the studded mud flap is extended and the vehicle moved backward or forward, the studded mud flap may extend under a set of wheels. The deployable traction assembly may include one or more sensors connected to sense position of the studded mud flap or load on a part of the deployable traction assembly, such as the shaft of the motor. A processor may be connected to receive signals from the one or more sensors and provide output for controlling the motor based on the received signals. | 10-24-2013 |
20130282236 | ONBOARD DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD - Another detection device reduces the time needed for travel motion information about another vehicle obtained by an accurate detector device, and to continues supplement for the other vehicle in the event that detection is lost. All onboard controller is connected to a communication device as a first detector device for outputting the travel motion information about another vehicle, and a sensor as a second detector device. When the difference between first travel motion information from the first detection device and second travel motion information from the second detection device is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, and the period of continuous detection of the second travel motion information from the second detection device is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the controller determines the first travel motion information and the second travel motion information to be travel motion information for the same vehicle. | 10-24-2013 |
20130289822 | CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE - A control device of a motor vehicle, which control device receives, from at least one body-side sensor, a vibration actual value of at least one corresponding body-side reference point and receives, from at least one chassis-side sensor, a vibration actual value of at least one corresponding chassis-side reference point, the control device making a decision on the reference point or points for which actuating signals for the actuators of the active assembly bearings are generated, and on which vibration desired value is used, in such a manner that the respective vibration actual value follows the respective vibration desired value. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289823 | TIRE PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT - A tire pressure adjustment method and system is provided. The method includes receiving from a plurality of sensors in a vehicle, tread depth data associated with tread depths at multiple points on a tire tread comprised by a tire on the vehicle. The tread depth data is analyzed. A tire pressure value for an internal portion of the tire is determined based on results of the analysis. The tire pressure value is associated with modifying a group of tread depths during operation of the vehicle. In response, a command signal is generated. The command signal is configured to command a tire pressure modification device to adjust a current tire pressure value of the internal portion of the tire to the determined tire pressure value. The command signal is transmitted to the tire pressure modification device resulting in the current tire pressure value being adjusted to determined tire pressure value. | 10-31-2013 |
20130297146 | DETERMINATION OF SUN RAYS INSIDE A VEHICLE - Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for determining the sun's rays inside a vehicle. A communication device is configured to obtain information as to a current angle of the sun. A process is coupled to the communications device. The processor is configured to define a ray from a point of interest inside the vehicle toward the sun using the information and determine whether the ray intersects a transparent surface of the vehicle, for use in determining whether the point of interest is irradiated by rays of the sun if the ray intersects the transparent surface. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297147 | DARK CURRENT CUTOFF SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE JUNCTION BOX - Disclosed is a dark current cutoff system and method for a vehicle junction. In particular, a controller is configured to monitor signal input through a CAN communication module to determine when other modules in the vehicle are in a sleep mode, cut off battery power to a load device by turning off a switching element when the controller determines that the other modules in the vehicle are in sleep mode, and forcibly maintains an off state of the switching element for a set period time after the power has been cut, regardless of signal input through the CAN communication module. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297148 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager and a control having an image processor. The imager is disposed at or proximate to an in-cabin portion of a windshield of a vehicle and has a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield. The driver assistance system identifies objects in the forward field of view of the imager via processing of captured image data by the image processor. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, a determination is made that the vehicle is being operated in an urban environment. Responsive to the determination that the vehicle is being operated in an urban environment, operation of a driver assistance function of the vehicle is inhibited. | 11-07-2013 |
20130304315 | OPERATOR RECOGNITION SYSTEM - A vehicular control system includes a transmitter electrode. The system also includes a receiver electrode for an input device. A control unit is in communication with the transmitter electrode and the receiver electrode. The control unit is operable to determine that an input is received at the input device, and provide a transmit signal to the transmitter electrode. The control unit is also operable to detect a receive signal arising from the transmit signal at the receiver electrode, and determine which of a passenger in a passenger seat or a driver in a driver seat caused the input. | 11-14-2013 |
20130304316 | INVERTED PENDULUM TYPE VEHICLE - An inverted pendulum type vehicle prevents a travel operation unit from running at a high velocity when not in contact with the ground. A ground contact point velocity detector integrates a ground contact point horizontal acceleration calculated by a ground contact point horizontal acceleration calculator so as to calculate the acceleration at the ground contact point of a wheel. A determiner calculates a ground contact point velocity. The determiner sets a velocity threshold value on the basis of the velocity difference between the ground contact point velocity and a first desired velocity. If the first desired velocity reaches the velocity threshold value or more, then the determiner decides that the wheel of a first travel operation unit is idling and restricts the setting of the first desired velocity by a first control processor to the velocity threshold value or less. | 11-14-2013 |
20130304317 | REACTION FORCE CONTROL DEVICE - Provided is a reaction force control device for reducing discomfort experienced by the driver operating the accelerator pedal when continuous curves are being traveled, and setting the characteristics of the reaction force on the accelerator pedal in accordance with the curves. In the case that the target reaction force, which has been set prior to entering a subsequently traveled second curve, is greater than the current reaction force acting on the acceleration pedal and being generated during the turn through the first curve, a reaction force controller controls the operation so as to reduce the target reaction force imparted on the second curve until the vehicle leaves the first curve. | 11-14-2013 |
20130311035 | SENSOR SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - A light bar assembly can comprise an elongated housing mountable to a roof of a motor vehicle and comprising a plurality of light transmissive sections. The light bar assembly can further comprise two or more light sources disposed within the elongated housing, and one or more sensors disposed in an interleaved configuration with the light sources. The light bar assembly can further comprise a controller communicatively coupled to the light bar via a wired interface including data wires and electric power wires. The data wires can be communicatively coupled to the sensors. Each sensor can be configured to output an electrical signal responsive to detecting a physical object within a spatial sector. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311036 | Method and Apparatus for Interactive Vehicular Advertising - A system includes a processor configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote application. The system also includes one or more outputs, controllable by the processor. The processor is configured to receive an advertisement for playback on at least one output, determine the suitability of the received advertisement for playback, permit or deny advertisement playback based on the suitability of the advertisement, and provide access to the at least one output upon permitting advertisement playback. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311037 | VEHICULAR DEVICE AND PORTABLE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL - A vehicular device includes a communication unit that performs communication with a portable communication terminal; a display unit that display an execution screen of a terminal application; an operation input unit provided in a corresponding manner with the display unit and receives an input regarding an operation for a manual setting of information used by the terminal application; and a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information regarding a vehicle, which is used by the terminal application. A control unit of the vehicular device sets, to the terminal application, the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit without using the input from the operation input unit for an execution of the terminal application, and controls a transmission of the vehicle information to the external server through the portable communication terminal by using the communication unit. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311038 | INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD FOR MOBILE TERMINAL AND APPARATUS THEREOF - This specification relates to an information providing method and an apparatus thereof, capable of providing information based on a user profile according to a travel state and/or a current location of a vehicle. The method includes detecting a travel state of a vehicle, detecting a current location of the vehicle; acquiring a user profile associated with the vehicle, and providing information related to the travel state of the vehicle, the current location and the user profile. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311039 | VEHICLE ASSEMBLY HAVING A CAPACITIVE SENSOR - An illustrative assembly includes a panel and a capacitive sensor. The panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position relative to a closure of a vehicle body. The sensor is positioned on the panel such that at least a portion of the sensor is perpendicular to the closure of the vehicle body as the panel moves between the opened and closed positions. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the closure of the vehicle body such that capacitance of the sensor changes. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311040 | ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION APPARATUS - Provided is an active noise cancellation apparatus capable of reliably reducing road noise by a technique other than mounting a vibration generator on a floor panel itself or another plate-like interior part itself, while reducing costs and size of the apparatus. A reference signal detector is mounted on a knuckle and the vibration generator is mounted on a wheel housing or a suspension member. An error signal detector detects vibration of the wheel housing or vibration of the suspension member as an error signal, or detects sound in a vehicle interior as an error signal. A controller controls the vibration generator based on the reference signal and the error signal so as to reduce the error signal. | 11-21-2013 |
20130325256 | NON-CONTACT GESTURE RECOGNITION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A non-contact gesture recognition system for recognizing gestures made by an occupant of a vehicle using a first multiple-zone temperature sensor equipped with an array of temperature sensors. The sensor outputs an array signal indicative of a zone temperature for each of a plurality of zones within the vehicle. The array may be oriented such that a sample direction on the array arising from the gesture is characterized as diagonal. The sensor may include a multi-focal length Fresnel lens panel formed of a plurality of Fresnel lens elements having various focal lengths. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325257 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AUXILIARY POWER UNIT OF A VEHICLE - A method of controlling an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle. The auxiliary power unit is in communication with an air conditioning system of the vehicle and includes an engine and an alternator coupled to the engine. The method includes determining a state of a compressor of the air conditioning system, the compressor including an off state and an on state, reducing an alternator load relative to the engine in response to the compressor being varied from the off state to the on state, increasing the alternator load relative to the engine after a predetermined time interval, and simultaneously operating the alternator up to an alternator load capacity and the compressor up to a compressor load capacity. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325258 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VELOCITY OF A VEHICLE - A control system includes an onboard controller, a location determination system, and a speed sensor. The controller identifies a designated area along a route that includes a downhill section, an airflow restricted area, a banked section, a section to be cleaned, an adverse environmental area, an adverse vehicular condition area, and/or a section where travel is restricted. The designated area is associated with an operating rule that requires the vehicle to travel at least as fast as a lower speed limit. The location determination system monitors actual locations of the vehicle as the vehicle travels along the route. The speed sensor obtains speed data representative of an actual velocity of the vehicle. The controller restricts control of the vehicle such that the actual velocity of the vehicle is at least as fast as the lower speed limit of the designated area when the vehicle is in the designated area. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325259 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD FOR VEHICLE - An air-conditioning control method for dividing an indoor space of a vehicle into a plurality of zones to perform individual air-conditioning for each zone, may include selecting boarding zones occupied by passengers from the plurality of zones, checking whether the number of the boarding zones occupied by the passengers may be one, correcting a detection temperature of an incar sensor into a temperature of the boarding zone using a mixing ratio of air for air-conditioning discharged from the corresponding boarding zone with air existing in the boarding zone when the number of the boarding zones occupied by the passengers may be one, and performing individual air-conditioning on the selected boarding zones by determining a target discharge temperature based on the corrected temperature of the boarding zone and using the determined target discharge temperature. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325260 | VEHICLE DRIVING GUIDING DEVICE AND METHOD - A vehicle driving guiding device includes a plural of light emitting sections each that is provided, respectively, inside plural grills of air-vents which are arranged in front side of interior space of the vehicle and emits light to the interior space of the vehicle through the grills of the air-vents, and a controller for controlling a left-light emitting section provided on a left side of the light emitting section to emit light in case of a left direction indication signal and for controlling a right-light emitting section provided on a right side of the light emitting section to emit light in case of a right direction indication signal when road guiding direction indication signal is produced. A method is also described. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325261 | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING TIRE PRESSURE - A method for adjusting the pressure in at least one first and one second tire of a vehicle from a starting value to a target value, includes that the target value is located between the starting value and a pressure of a pressure reservoir. The method includes allowing air to flow through a first line between the first tire and the reservoir and through a second line between the second tire and the reservoir, determining which tire is likely to reach the target value sooner and throttling the air flow through the line of the tire identified in the determining increasing the air flow through the line of the tire that was not identified in the step of determining. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325262 | VEHICLE POWER SOURCE DEVICE - A risk-degree setting unit ( | 12-05-2013 |
20130332027 | DUAL PATH CONTROL FOR VEHICLE JOYSTICK CONTROLLER - A system for controlling the wheel or track motors of a vehicle based on information from a joystick-type control. In one embodiment, the system includes a joystick control configured to generate X and Y coordinates, and a vehicle controller configured to receive the X and Y coordinates from the joystick control and to determine an adjusted X and Y coordinate combination for each of four vehicle control quadrants. The four vehicle control quadrants include a right-reverse quadrant, a right-forward quadrant, a left-reverse quadrant, and a left-forward control quadrant. The adjusted X and Y coordinate combination for a particular control quadrant is determined based on a control value for that quadrant and a previous control value. | 12-12-2013 |
20130332028 | METHOD FOR DETECTING A WET ROAD - Methods in a driver assistance system of a vehicle for detecting wetness on a road surface as well as a corresponding driver assistance system having a rearview camera are described. The method may include the following: recording an image of an area located behind the rear end of the vehicle, using the rearview camera; evaluating the recorded image for the presence of a spray trail caused by the vehicle; and selectively outputting, based on the evaluation, a wetness signal for triggering an automatic response by the driver assistance system to the wet road surface. | 12-12-2013 |
20130345928 | HYBRID ELECTRIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM - Disclosed is an aircraft environmental control system having interfaces to a first onboard power generation system, interfaces to a second onboard power generation system, and a controller. The controller is operable to distribute power from the first power generation system and the second power generation system to a plurality of aircraft environmental systems, and the controller is operable to switch a subset of the plurality of environmental systems from the first onboard power generation system to the second onboard power generation system. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345929 | MOBILE DEVICE WIRELESS CAMERA INTEGRATION WITH A VEHICLE - A vehicle monitoring system includes a vehicle, a mobile camera device, a transmitter or transmitting transceiver, a receiver or receiving transceiver, and an integrated vehicle cockpit display. The mobile camera device, comprising a processor and a camera, is located within the vehicle or attached to the vehicle for taking an image or video within or outside the vehicle. The transmitter or transmitting transceiver is in communication with the mobile camera device for transmitting the image or the video taken by the mobile camera device. The receiver or receiving transceiver is for receiving the image or the video, taken by the mobile camera device, from the transmitter or the transmitting transceiver. The integrated vehicle cockpit display, built into the vehicle, is in communication with the receiver or the receiving transceiver for displaying the received image or the received video taken by the mobile camera device. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345930 | Method And Device For Operating a Drive System Having an Accessory Component - A method for operating a drive system for a motor vehicle having an accessory component coupled to a driving motor of the drive system, in particular an air conditioning system, including the following: ascertaining a road resistance of a route section lying ahead in the direction of travel; and adapting a power supplied to the accessory component as a function of the road resistance in the route section ahead of the vehicle; in which the power supplied to the accessory component is adapted as a function of a time period until the route section lying ahead of the vehicle is reached or of a distance from the route section lying ahead of the vehicle. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345931 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A REAR WIPER SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method and system for detecting the presence of a carrier mounted on the rear of a motor vehicle or of an object carried by the carrier that may cause damage or a malfunction of a rear wiper system of the motor vehicle. If a potentially obstructing situation is determined to be present, the rear wiper system is deactivated to prevent it malfunctioning or being damaged by the obstruction. A user of the vehicle may be provided with a message that an obstruction has been detected and the user may control whether the wiper system is deactivated. The obstruction may be sensed by monitoring the amount of current drawn by a wiper motor, by an ultrasonic sensor, or by a rear-view camera. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345932 | IN-VEHICLE CHARGER, AND PROGRAM THEREFOR - An in-vehicle charger includes a charging coil mounted to a vehicle including a communication device, and a control unit connected to the charging coil. The control unit is configured to detect a vehicle driving state based on a detection of an engine operation state of the vehicle or a parking brake release output of the vehicle. | 12-26-2013 |
20140005884 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISABLING A VEHICLE HORN | 01-02-2014 |
20140005885 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXECUTING ONE OR MORE VEHICLE FUNCTIONS USING AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VEHICLE FUNCTIONS | 01-02-2014 |
20140005886 | CONTROLLING AUTOMOTIVE FUNCTIONALITY USING INTERNAL- AND EXTERNAL-FACING SENSORS | 01-02-2014 |
20140012464 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING DEVICE - The recognizability of a vehicle peripheral environment may be enhanced. A vehicle periphery monitoring device is to monitor the periphery of a vehicle. The vehicle periphery monitoring device includes an imaging unit that obtains a plurality of peripheral images by imaging the periphery of the vehicle, a display unit that displays the plurality of peripheral images imaged in the imaging unit, and an image control unit that controls the plurality of peripheral images displayed in the display unit. The image control unit varies a distance between the plurality of peripheral images displayed in the display unit, As a result, sensory understanding of a vehicle peripheral environment by a driver may be enhanced, thereby enhancing the recognizability of the vehicle peripheral environment. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012465 | VEHICLE TRAILER CONNECT SYSTEM - A vehicle trailer connect system and automated parking system for use with a motor vehicle. Apparatus of the system has an input for obtaining information from a vehicle communication bus; an output for sending information to a vehicle communications bus; a control circuit for controlling the position and movement of a motor vehicle; an image gathering system to obtain visual or spatial data between a motor vehicle hitch and a hitch receiver attached to the trailer. A system controller guides vehicle steering as the vehicle is backed through a field of view of the image gathering system. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012466 | Traveling Device - A traveling device includes a pneumatic tire mounted on a vehicle, an air pressure adjusting device that adjusts air pressure of the pneumatic tire, and an air pressure control device that increases the air pressure to be higher than a recommended inflation pressure when travel speed of the vehicle is not more than a designated speed. | 01-09-2014 |
20140019004 | Method and Apparatus for Crowdsourced Tour Creation and Provision - A system includes a processor, configured to communicate with a vehicle camera, a vehicle audio input and at least one vehicle input control. In this embodiment, the processor is configured to receive a request to being recording user audio from the audio input. The processor is also configured to record user audio and GPS coordinates to be associated with the audio and record one or more images or video files from the vehicle camera, to be associated with the audio or the GPS coordinates. Further, the processor is configured to compile and save the audio input, GPS coordinates and one or more images as a tour data file. | 01-16-2014 |
20140019005 | TRANSPARENT DISPLAY APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION OF DANGER ELEMENT, AND METHOD THEREOF - A transparent display apparatus which is used in a transportation apparatus includes: a communication unit which receives surrounding situation information, a controller which recognizes surrounding objects using the surrounding situation information, and determines a danger element that is likely to collide with the transportation apparatus using characteristics of the surrounding objects and a movement characteristic of the transportation apparatus, and a transparent display which displays information for informing a user of the danger element. Accordingly, a surrounding situation can be effectively presented. | 01-16-2014 |
20140025257 | Drive Assist Apparatus Assisting Driver To Drive Vehicle Based On Degree Of Fatigue Of Driver - A drive assist apparatus that assists the driver of the vehicle to appropriately drive the vehicle includes: a detecting unit, a drive assist unit, a fatigue calculating unit and a setting unit. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025258 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING MASSAGE FUNCTIONS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT - A method for controlling and selecting massage functions of a motor vehicle seat and include the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; scrolling through massage functions that are organized in a block-by-block manner, wherein the massage functions that are organized in a block-by-block manner include a specific massage zone per block; confirming a selection of the massage block by way of a user selection; and terminating the selection mode. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025259 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO DETECT AND MITIGATE CUSTOMER DISSATISFACTION WITH PERFORMANCE OF AUTOMATIC MODE SELECTION SYSTEM - A method for controlling a vehicle includes automatically activating a first mode of operation of a vehicle, determining if a driver does not prefer the automatically activated first mode of operation, and automatically transitioning to a second mode of operation based on the determination. | 01-23-2014 |
20140032042 | STRADDLE TYPE VEHICLE - A straddle type vehicle is disclosed that allows the setting of a function selected from a plurality of functions to be changed. The straddle type vehicle includes an operation unit, a display unit and a control unit. The display unit displays information associated with at least one of a plurality of functions each having a changeable setting. The control unit changes the setting of the function indicated by the information displayed on the display unit. The operation unit allows for a select operation and a change operation. The select operation selects at least one of the plurality of functions. The change operation changes the setting of the function indicated by the information displayed on the display unit. The display unit displays information associated with the function selected by the select operation. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032043 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING MASSAGE FUNCTIONS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT - A method for selecting and controlling massage functions of a motor vehicle seat having a control system comprising the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; providing a menu list having options for querying the user's requirements during the massage; selection of an option by the user and providing predefined responses to the respective query and selection of the response by the user and if necessary repeating the steps for further queries; and terminating the selection mode and automatically determining suitable massage settings on the basis of the user's selection and controlling the massage actuators in the motor vehicle seat on the basis of determined massage settings to perform the massage function. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032044 | VEHICLE VIBRATION REDUCTION SYSTEM - A rotational signal of a generation source of a control object is detected and, when a rotational speed (frequency) varies, convergence values of filter coefficients of adaptive filters | 01-30-2014 |
20140032045 | Vehicle Communication System, Access Data Device, and Telematics Communication System - A motor vehicle communication system using access-controlled telematic services in a motor vehicle has one or more telematic devices designed for executing telematic applications using at least one access-controlled telematic service. The vehicle communication system has a central access data device for managing prespecified access data for a plurality of the access-controlled telematic services used by the telematic applications. The central access data device has a first communication interface, and is designed to output a provision request for access data of the access-controlled telematic service, via the first communication interface, for each of the access-controlled telematic services, and to save access data for each of the access-controlled telematic services, the access data being provided to the first communication interface in response to the provision request, and to make the access data available via a prespecified internal interface to the telematic application using the respective access-controlled telematic service. | 01-30-2014 |
20140039755 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ULTRASONIC SENSOR SIGNAL STRENTGTH CALIBRATIONS - A first sensor outputs a signal characterizing a temperature of air being inducted by an engine of a vehicle. A second sensor outputs a signal characterizing a temperature of air surrounding an occupant cabin of the vehicle. A third sensor outputs a signal indicating presence of an adjacent object. A signal processing unit determines a distance between the third sensor and the adjacent object in accordance with a signal strength calibration as a function of the third sensor signal. The signal strength calibration is specified as a function of the first sensor signal when a first vehicle speed condition is met. The signal strength calibration is specified as a function of the second sensor signal when a second vehicle speed condition is met. The signal strength calibration is specified as a function of first sensor signal and the second sensor signal when a third vehicle speed condition is met. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039756 | PTO TRANSMISSION SYSTEM IN A WORK VEHICLE - A PTO transmission system in a vehicle for transmitting power to a PTO shaft driving an implement comprises a planetary drive unit having first and second input and output coupled to the PTO shaft. The first and second input are coupled to an output shaft of the vehicle engine and to an output shaft of a drive motor, respectively. A control system controls the transfer of power from a power source to the drive motor. The power source is a variable power generating source driven by the PTO shaft. The drive motor is configured and adapted to decrease or increase the rotational speed of the output of the planetary drive unit on an increase or decrease of the power transferred to it, respectively. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039757 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, driver physiological condition, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 02-06-2014 |
20140046538 | System and Method for Efficiently Operating Multiple Flywheels - A flywheel assembly may include first and second flywheels having respective first and second flywheel parasitic load profiles. Operating speeds of the first and second flywheels may be selected based at least in part on the first and second flywheel parasitic loads. The operating speeds may be determined such that an aggregate of the first and second flywheel parasitic loads is minimized, thereby increasing the efficiency of the flywheel assembly. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046539 | STABLIZATION METHOD FOR VEHICLES - Stabilization method and system for performing dynamic chassis control in a vehicle. An electronic stability control (ESC) includes an ESC sensor set; at least one chassis actuator; and a dynamic controller operably connected to at the least one chassis actuator. The ESC sensor set generates one or more sensor fault signals. Then, the method employs a dynamic controller to evaluate the signals corresponding to the sensor fault at least after a first fast fault signal, or a second slow fault signal. If the first fast fault signal is detected, the dynamic controller generates a signal for at least one of partially or completely temporarily switching off the at least one chassis actuator, while maintaining ESC in an active state. Conversely, if the second slow fault signal is detected, the dynamic controller generates a signal for temporarily switching off the ESC. | 02-13-2014 |
20140052332 | TPMS CONNECTED TO PROPULSION SYSTEM - A tire pressure monitoring system which is linked to the control unit or other control device of a vehicle which limits the operation, or completely disables the operation of, the vehicle when the pressure in one or more of the tires of the vehicle is insufficient. The operation of the vehicle may be limited so as to completely disable the operation of the engine, transmission, or a combination of both. The rotational speed of the engine may be limited, or the operation of the transmission may be limited. A combination of limitations may be placed on both the engine and transmission, to prohibit the vehicle from being operated at unsafe speeds due to the tire pressure in one or more of the tires being at an undesirable level. | 02-20-2014 |
20140052333 | Image Recognition System For A Vehicle - An image recognition system for a vehicle that may include: at least one camera mounted within an interior of the vehicle, where camera monitors a driver of the vehicle; an operating system controlling the at least one camera, where the operating system includes image recognition software, a database of authorized users based upon user images, an interconnection to a vehicle control system and a processor; and a keypad, where the keypad enables the entry of authorized users into the database of authorized users. A first camera of the recognition system may be positioned along a perimeter of a windshield of the vehicle and/or a second camera may be positioned adjacent to a rearview mirror of the vehicle. During operation the at least one camera scans for an image of the driver and compares the image to the user images stored on the database of authorized users, if the image of the driver not match any user images stored on the database of authorized users, the operating system initiates a non-operable mode for the vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one camera also monitors the driver's head and eye movement, and the operating system initiates an audible alert upon detecting impairment of the driver based upon the driver's head and eye movement. | 02-20-2014 |
20140052334 | SCALABLE HYDRAULIC CHARGING IN A VEHICLE HAVING ENGINE AUTOSTOP/START FUNCTIONALITY - A method for hydraulically charging a fluid circuit in a vehicle includes calculating a fluid volume of the fluid circuit via a controller, and comparing a speed of the vehicle to a calibrated speed threshold. The method also includes calculating a vehicle deceleration rate when the speed of the vehicle is less than the calibrated speed threshold and the fluid volume is less than a calibrated volume threshold. The fluid circuit is then hydraulically charged to a target volume, using a fluid pump, at a hydraulic charging rate that corresponds to the calculated vehicle deceleration rate. A vehicle includes an engine, transmission having a fluid circuit with a fluid pump, and a controller. The controller executes instructions to charge the fluid circuit according to the method noted above. A system includes the transmission and controller. | 02-20-2014 |
20140052335 | WIRELESS SNOW PLOW CONTROL - Wireless snow plow control methods and systems may include at least three units in mutual wireless communicative connection: a plow control module (PCM), a vehicle control module (VCM), and a remote controller. Each unit may be capable of operating with any one of a plurality of units of another type, with any one of multiple types of vehicles, and with any one of multiple types of snow plows. Three specific units of different types may automatically synchronize for operating a particular snow plow in response to commands from the remote. The VCM may be capable of automatically detecting a connection status of a snow plow, enabling/disabling snow plow lights and vehicle lights based on the connection status, controlling enabled vehicle lights, and wirelessly controlling enabled snow plow lights. The remote may wirelessly transmit commands either directly to the PCM, or to the VCM for forwarding to the PCM. | 02-20-2014 |
20140058624 | ACTIVE DOWNFORCE GENERATION FOR A TILTING VEHICLE - An example can include a frame of a vehicle. An example can include at least two wheels coupled to the frame, wherein at least one of the wheels is configured to pivot around a steering axis. An example can include a cornering force sensor to measure a cornering force of the frame with respect to the surface and produce a cornering force signal. An example can include a thrust generation controller to receive the cornering force signal and to produce a desired downforce signal. An example can include and a thrust generator to receive the desired downforce signal and to pump air through at least one of the at least two wheels to produce lateral force on the wheel in association with the desired downforce signal. | 02-27-2014 |
20140067201 | Method and Apparatus for Subjective Command Control of Vehicle Systems - A system includes a processor in communication with at least one input, and configured to control at least one vehicle system. The processor is further configured to receive a command including a subjective element. The processor is also configured to access a mapping associated with a user from whom the command originated to retrieve a user-specific meaning, the mapping defining user-specific meanings for at least one subjective element. Further, the processor is configured to apply a user-specific meaning to an implementation of the command, such that a vehicle system is adjusted in accordance with both the subjective element and the user-specific meaning associated therewith. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067202 | Display for the external surface of a vehicle - This invention relates to a system and method for customizing the appearance of vehicle that includes the display of content on the vehicle. The display takes up a large portion of the vehicle body and is flexible and bends with the contour of the vehicle body. The display can be integrated with the body panels or retrofitted o existing body panels of the vehicle. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067203 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD USING THE SAME - Disclosed herein are a haptic feedback method and apparatus for a vehicle. The haptic feedback apparatus an accelerator pedal sensor unit, a control unit, and an output unit. The accelerator pedal sensor unit measures the angle of a vehicle accelerator pedal. The control unit determines whether the haptic feedback is required, using the measured angle of the vehicle accelerator pedal. The output unit deliver the haptic feedback to a user depending on the results of the determination. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067204 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - Provided is an electronic apparatus that perform an appropriate process according to a gesture of a subject person, the electronic apparatus including: a first input unit that inputs a detection result of a biosensor detecting a change in biological information of a person; a second input unit that inputs a recognition result of a recognition device recognizing an action of the person; and a processor that performs a process according to the action of the person based on input results of the first and second input units. | 03-06-2014 |
20140074351 | REAR DEFOGGER CONTROL STRATEGY BASED ON A NUMBER OF VEHICLE OCCUPANTS - A defogger system for a vehicle is provided. The defogger system includes an occupant module receiving an occupant signal indicative of a number of occupants located within the vehicle. The occupant module determines a compensation factor based on the number of occupants located within the vehicle. The defogger system includes a defogger timer for determining a preliminary defogger signal that indicates a preliminary amount of time. The defogger system includes a final timer module that receives the compensation factor and the preliminary defogger signal. The final timer module determines a timer signal that indicates an amount of time that a defogger remains activated. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074352 | PARK ASSIST SYSTEM - A park assist system for providing guidance to park a vehicle into a parking area is disclosed. The park assist system includes an imaging device, at least one indicator, and a control module. The imaging device acquires image data representative of a field of view (FOV). The indicator provides feedback to guide the vehicle into the parking area. The control module is in communication with the imaging device and the at least one indicator. The control module includes control logic for monitoring image data representative of the viewable area. The control module includes control logic for determining if a specific predetermined object is located within the FOV. The specific predetermined object indicates the presence of the parking area. The control module includes control logic for activating the at least one indicator to provide feedback regarding the parking area. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074353 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS CONTROL VIA IGNITION DETECTION - A method of controlling a telematics system based on the ignition state of an engine in a vehicle. The ignition state of the engine can alternate between an on state and an off state. The method includes monitoring, by a processor a voltage level on a diagnostics connector from the vehicle and monitoring, by the processor, an indicator of engine activity such as revolutions per minute, from the diagnostics connector of the vehicle. The method also includes determining, by the processor, a condition of the ignition state of the engine of the vehicle based on the voltage level and the indicator of engine activity and changing the operating mode of the telematics system based on the ignition state of the engine. The operating mode of the telematics system can alternate between a first mode and a second mode, in which power consumption is higher than in the first mode. | 03-13-2014 |
20140081514 | Control Systems and Methods for Customizing Windshield Wiper Speed Settings - A method of user-selecting a custom wiping rate using a windshield wiper control system is provided. The method includes activating a wiper motor connected to a windshield wiper by moving control stalk to a first switching position providing the windshield wiper with a first wiping rate. The control stalk is moved repeatedly to a second switching position, wherein successive movements of the control stalk to the second switching position define one or more tap intervals. The one or more tap intervals are determined using an analyzing and control system. Speed of the wiper motor is changed to set a second wiping rate different from the first wiping rate using the analyzing and control system based on the one or more tap intervals. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081515 | AUTOMOTIVE FRICTION ASSIST SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED TRACTION - An automotive friction assist system with improved traction enables a motor vehicle to stop quickly and start easily on low friction surfaces, such as those present during icy conditions. The system operates by introducing more static friction points between the leading contact edges of wheels of a motor vehicle. Additionally, the present invention provides a sensor to activate the friction assist system when the road surface temperature is at or near the freezing point of water. The friction assist system will increase static friction on a road surface and aid an ABS system on a vehicle to bring the vehicle to a stop in less distance than otherwise possible. The friction assist system will also increase static friction and aid a motor vehicle's wheel slip regulator when a vehicle is attempting to gain traction or forward drive momentum. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081516 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VIBRATION MITIGATION IN A VEHICLE - Methods and apparatus are provided for mitigating vibration in a vehicle. The apparatus can include a first sensor that generates a first signal that indicates a first phase angle of a first wheel of the vehicle and a second sensor that generates a second signal that indicates a second phase angle of a second wheel of the vehicle. The apparatus can further include a control module that based on the first signal and the second signal outputs a third signal to adjust at least one of the first phase angle and the second phase angle when the vehicle is experiencing a vibration. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081517 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY MODIFICATION BASED ON SAFETY PARAMETERS ASSOCIATED WITH AN OPERATING STATE OF A VEHICLE - In an example, a method of modifying functionality of an electronic device associated with a vehicle may include assessing one or more safety parameters associated with an operating state of a vehicle. The method may further include modifying functionality of an electronic device associated with the vehicle based on the one or more safety parameters. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081518 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INTEGRATED NETWORK OF A VEHICLE - The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling an integrated network of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a system and method, which separately identifies a malfunction of a plurality of communication networks applied to a vehicle and integrally controls power off and power on of the communication networks using a communication gateway. The integrated network system includes: a gateway configured to connect a plurality of networks; a plurality of vehicle networks connected to the gateway and connectable to each other by the gateway; and an Ethernet configured to transmit a signal processed in the gateway to the exterior of the gateway to analyze communication states of the plurality of vehicle networks connected to the gateway. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081519 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle includes at least one processor that receives an in-coming communication for a driver, routes the in-coming communication to a mail system in response to a driver workload exceeding a predefined value, and after a predetermined period of time following routing the in-coming communication to the mail system, generates a notification for the driver indicating that a communication was received in response to the driver workload being less than the predefined value at an expiration of the predetermined period of time. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081520 | IN-VEHICLE POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS - An in-vehicle power supply apparatus that provides power supply from a secondary battery installed in a vehicle to at least one in-vehicle device, includes a voltage compensating unit that suppresses and compensates for a decrease in a power supply voltage supplied to the at least one in-vehicle device in a case where a voltage supplied to the at least one in-vehicle devices has become less than or equal to a first predetermined value, and an uninterruptible power supply unit that supplies electric power of another secondary battery different from the secondary battery to at least a part of the at least one in-vehicle device in a case where a voltage supplied to the at least one in-vehicle device has become less than or equal to a second predetermined value that is smaller than the first predetermined value. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081521 | LIGHT-BASED TOUCH CONTROLS ON A STEERING WHEEL AND DASHBOARD - A system for use in a vehicle, including a steering element situated opposite a driver seat in a vehicle, the steering element including a plurality of proximity sensors encased in the periphery of the steering element operable to detect hand gestures along the outer periphery of the steering element, an interactive deck housed in the vehicle, for providing at least one of radio broadcast, video broadcast, audio entertainment, video entertainment and navigational assistance in the vehicle, and a processor housed in the vehicle, coupled with the proximity sensors and the deck, operable to identify the hand gestures detected by the proximity sensors, and to control the deck in response to thus-identified hand gestures. | 03-20-2014 |
20140088825 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING AN ACTUATOR OF A VEHICLE LATCH - Methods and systems are provided for unlatching a power latch system of a door. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a power mode to be at least one of a primary power mode, a backup power mode, and a series power mode; and selectively controlling power to the power latch system based on the power mode. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088826 | POWER RELEASE HOOD LATCH METHOD AND SYSTEM - Aspects of the disclosure provide for controlling a hood latch using an electrically actuated primary hood latch and an electrically actuated secondary hood latch. To open the hood of the vehicle, a person presses a hood release button. Before attempting to release either the primary hood latch or secondary hood latch, a determination is made whether a vehicle speed of the vehicle is below a minimum vehicle speed threshold. If the vehicle speed is below this threshold, both the primary electrical actuator for the primary hood latch and the secondary electrical actuator for the secondary hood latch are triggered, thereby releasing hood from a closed position into an open position. When the vehicle speed is above this vehicle speed threshold, only the primary electrical actuator for primary hood latch is triggered; leaving the hood in a partially open position held in place by the secondary hood latch. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088827 | IN-VEHICLE DEVICE CONTROLLER - An in-vehicle device controller controlling an in-vehicle device for operating a high-voltage source installed in a vehicle includes a stopping unit stopping control or operation of the in-vehicle device to stop the operation of the high-voltage source when an open/close sensor detects opening of an openable member of the vehicle. | 03-27-2014 |
20140095018 | Methods And Vehicle Systems For Selectively Using Energy Obtained From A Solar Subsystem - The present disclosure relates to an automobile electrical system including a solar subsystem. Components collect and store solar energy in an advanced energy storage subsystem including a base portion and, in some embodiments, a solar-energy buffer. The components use the solar energy selectively to meet vehicle loads, including selectively using one or more of: energy obtained directly from the solar subsystem; energy from the advanced energy storage system; and energy from a high-voltage energy converter such as an alternator or accessory power module. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095019 | VEHICLE - A vehicle includes: a wire that is mounted on a vehicle body to which an external force is applied according to a running state during running of the vehicle, and applies a tension to the vehicle body; an actuator to adjust the tension of the wire to change a rigidity of the vehicle body; and a controller to output a control signal to the actuator. The controller determines the running state, outputs to the actuator a control signal designating a tension according to the determined running state, and controls distortion of the vehicle body. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095020 | MULTIMEDIA INFORMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOBILES - In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095021 | Park Assist System - A park assist system for providing guidance to park a vehicle into a parking area is disclosed. The park assist system includes an imaging device, at least one indicator, and a control module. The imaging device acquires image data representative of a field of view (FOV). The indicator provides feedback to guide the vehicle into the parking area. The control module is in communication with the imaging device and the at least one indicator. The control module includes control logic for monitoring image data representative of the viewable area. The control module includes control logic for determining if a specific predetermined object is located within the FOV. The specific predetermined object indicates the presence of the parking area. The control module includes control logic for activating the at least one indicator to provide feedback regarding the parking area. | 04-03-2014 |
20140100739 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OIL PUMP - Disclosed are an oil pump control system and method, the oil pump control method including setting an initial target oil pressure of the oil pump based on a rotation speed of an engine or an oil temperature, determining a pressure compensation value by considering the target torque or target fuel quantity of the engine based on the initial target oil pressure, determining a final target oil pressure by adding the pressure compensation value to the initial target oil pressure, and feedback-controlling the oil pump so that current oil pressure measured in real time follows the final target oil pressure. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100740 | VEHICLE USER INTERFACE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A control system for mounting in a vehicle and for providing information to a portable electronic device for processing by the portable electronic device is shown and described. The control system includes a first interface for communicating with the portable electronic device and a memory device. The control system also includes a processing circuit communicably coupled to the first interface and the memory device, the processing circuit configured to extract information from the memory device and to provide the information to the first interface so that the first interface communicates the information to the portable electronic device. The processing circuit is further configured to determine the capabilities of the portable electronic device based on data received from the portable electronic device via the first interface and to determine whether or not to communicate the information to the portable electronic device based on the determined capabilities. | 04-10-2014 |
20140107888 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN OPTICAL OUTPUT DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING A VEHICLE SURROUND VIEW AND VEHICLE SURROUND VIEW SYSTEM - The present invention relates to controlling an optical output device for displaying a vehicle surround view containing a vehicle model, the method comprising determining display control information for at least one vehicle component, and controlling the optical output device to display the vehicle surround view such that the vehicle model is adapted to depict the at least one vehicle component according to the display control information. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107889 | VEHICLE AUXILIARY SYSTEM WITH GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM CONTROL - A system for a vehicle includes a vehicle support subsystem in communication with the GPS subsystem, the vehicle support subsystem operable in response to the GPS subsystem. The system can control a vehicle characteristic (e.g., tire inflation pressure, suspension system, suspension damping system, ride height adjustment system) based at least in part on terrain obtained from a global positioning system (GPS), current weather information, and/or historical weather information. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107890 | SURROUNDING VEHICLE RECOGNITION DEVICE - A behavior acquisition unit acquires behavior related information about a leading vehicle, which travels at a position closest to the self vehicle on an advancing route of the self vehicle. A front vehicle recognition determination unit determines, as a front vehicle recognition state, whether a leading vehicle is specified and whether a self vehicle travels immediately after the leading vehicle, according to the acquired behavior related information. A sending control unit is configured to cause transmission of the front vehicle recognition state and specifying information, which specifies the self vehicle and the leading vehicle, to surroundings of the self vehicle. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107891 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE-CONNECTED OPERATION OF MOBILE DEVICE, AND SUCH MOBILE DEVICE - A vehicle-connected operation system and method includes a vehicle and the mobile device. The vehicle includes an in-vehicle electronic control system activated in response to an ignition start signal, and a vehicle connector coupled to the in-vehicle electronic control system. The mobile device is configured to automatically invoke at least one predefined user function depending on connection or disconnection of the vehicle connector. | 04-17-2014 |
20140114529 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING PARKING IN AREA WITHOUT PARKING LINE - Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for assisting parking on an area without a parking line. The apparatus includes a processor configured to: analyze a plurality of images obtained by photographing surroundings of a vehicle to detect distance information based on a ground surface in a vicinity of the vehicle; detect a plurality of obstacles in the vicinity of the vehicle based on a plurality of sensor values acquired by a plurality of sensors; determine a possible parking area in the area without a parking line in the vicinity of the vehicle based on the analysis of the plurality of images and the detected obstacles; set a selected area in the possible parking area as a parking area; and provide a parking assist service to the set parking area. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114530 | VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY - The invention relates to a vehicle computer system. The vehicle computer system gathers data from a safety sensor to determine whether the proper safety conditions are present for the vehicle operator to interact with the vehicle computer system. A safety controller receives safety condition data gathered from the safety sensor and instructs the display manager to disable the display of information to the vehicle operator during unsafe operating conditions. The vehicle computer system advantageously employs a transparent display screen to provide greater field of vision of the vehicle operator than could be provided by a traditional display screen. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114531 | DISPLAY CONTROL APPARATUS - A display control apparatus for controlling a display device including a screen having a plurality of areas so as to assign and display a content on a corresponding area, includes: a content managing unit managing the content by associating content information; an area managing unit managing the area by associating area information; and a content assignment control unit determining a combination of the content and the area. The content assignment control unit generates a content list, generates an area list, extracts a combination list based on the area list and the content list, calculates an evaluation reference value of each combination list based on the content information and the area information, selects the combination list based on the evaluation reference value of each combination list, and determines a combination. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114532 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A TELEMATICS SERVICE - The present invention relates to an apparatus, and to a method, for a telematics service for linking a terminal device, carried by a user, to an electronic vehicle control device mounted in a vehicle in order to provide a telematics service related to the vehicle, thus enabling a driver of the vehicle to easily use various audio-based message services while driving. Through a link between the terminal device and the vehicle electronic control device, an intended lane change can be distinguished from a lane departure caused by inattention while driving, the lane departure can be sensed, and the driver, a passenger, or a driver of another vehicle can be alerted in order to induce safe driving. | 04-24-2014 |
20140121895 | ADD-ON VEHICLE WARNING APPARATUS - An add-on vehicle warning apparatus has at least one add-on load and an inter-control module. The inter-control module has a power pin, a ground pin, a first signal input pin and a second signal input pin respectively connected to a CAN BUS system of a vehicle. The inter-control module can receive a control signal and a DC voltage from the CAN BUS system to activate the add-on load according to the control signal. The warning apparatus of the present invention is connected to the CAN BUS system of the vehicle through only four wires. Therefore, the wire layout of the present invent is simplified and is easy to be installed on the vehicle. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121896 | ENGINE SOUND ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM FOR A FIXED GEAR TRANSMISSION - A control system for a vehicle having a fixed gear transmission and an engine that outputs an actual RPM signal is provided. The control system includes a vehicle bus, a shifting module, a simulated RPM module, and an engine sound enhancement (“ESE”) module. The vehicle bus transmits a signal indicating a plurality of operating conditions of the vehicle. The shifting module receives the signal from the vehicle bus to determine if the operating parameters of the vehicle indicate that a gear shift by the fixed gear transmission is imminent within a predetermined amount of time. The simulated RPM module is in communication with the shifting module for generating a simulated RPM signal if the gear shift is imminent. The simulated RPM signal has a greater increase in engine RPM with respect to time prior to the gear shift compared to the actual RPM signal. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121897 | VEHICLE LANE CHECKING MONITOR - Vehicle lane changing monitor functions are implemented by a lane sensor disposed in a vehicle, a gaze detection sensor disposed in the vehicle, and a computer processor embedded in the vehicle. Logic that is executable by the computer processor implements a method. The method includes receiving data, from the lane sensor, indicating an occurrence of a lane shifting event that indicates the vehicle is drifting away from a vehicle lane. The method further includes monitoring biometric data received from the gaze detection sensor and, upon determining a gaze change event has not occurred within a threshold period of time with respect to the lane shifting event, a corrective action within the vehicle is initiated. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121898 | Intelligent power and control policy for automotive applications - In automotive networking applications, data about vehicle's environment can be used in conjunction with a control policy to manage the performance and power usage of a networked device. The control policy can dynamically adjust the balance between link power and performance of the device's communications interface by taking into account the vehicles current situation and user preferences, e.g. location, destination, speed, sensor status, or the like. Controlling the balance between link power and performance of networked devices can be important in maximizing power savings without unacceptably decreasing network performance. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121899 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE DISPLAY OF AN IMAGE ON A MULTI-FUNCTION MIRROR - Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for controlling an image on a multi-function mirror, the apparatus for controlling an image on a multi-function mirror including: an angle sensor that measures the angle of a multi-function mirror in a vehicle; an operation sensing unit that senses the operation angle of the multi-function mirror from the value measured by the angle sensor; a view changing unit that produces a view-changed image by changing the view of an external image taken by a first camera mounted on the vehicle on the basis of the sensed operation angle of the room mirror; and an output control unit that controls the external image to be displayed on the multi-function mirror, and controls a view-changed image corresponding to the adjusted angle of the multi-function mirror to be displayed on the multi-function mirror. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121900 | VEHICLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle temperature control device for temperature control of a vehicle when the engine is stopped is provided, comprising: an engine-stop signaling device providing an engine-stop signal (MS) indicating an engine-stop; and an off-time temperature controller receiving a signal from the engine-stop signaling device and comprising at least an off-time temperature control automatic which can be switched on and off. The off-time temperature controller is adapted such that, when the off-time temperature control automatic has been switched on and when a heating demand is given, off-time temperature control is automatically started upon receipt of an engine-stop signal (MS). | 05-01-2014 |
20140121901 | ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY CONTROL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY CONTROL DEVICE, AND ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY CONTROL METHOD - A power source control system, a power source controller, and a power source control method capable of switching between supply and shut-off of power for electronic devices, individually for a plurality of electronic devices connected to a network, are provided. If a power source controller shuts off a power source for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) by outputting a control signal to a power source switch device, the power source controller cyclically transmits data in place of the ECU. The other ECU for which a power source is not shut off can receive data equivalent to the data to be cyclically transmitted by the ECU for which the power source is shut off, from the power source controller. The power source controller stores a transmission cycle, a transmission ID, and latest reception information of each control target ECU, and performs substitute transmission of data. | 05-01-2014 |
20140129081 | METHOD FOR REGULATING THE BEAM RANGE OF AT LEAST ONE HEADLAMP OF A VEHICLE AND LIGHT CONTROL DEVICE - A method for beam range regulation of at least one headlamp of a vehicle includes: reading in a camera image of at least one camera of the vehicle, the camera image including at least a part of a representation of a projection surface of a light cone of the headlamp in front of the vehicle; determining at least one coordinate of at least one predefined brightness transition and/or of a predefined brightness inhomogeneity in the camera image; comparing the coordinate with a target coordinate in order to obtain a difference of the coordinate from the target coordinate, the target coordinate representing a coordinate at which the predefined brightness transition or the predefined brightness inhomogeneity is expected; and controlling the headlamp with a beam range modification signal that is a function of the difference, in order to modify the beam range. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129082 | AUTOMOTIVE INSTRUMENT OPERATING DEVICE AND ALERT DEVICE - An automotive instrument specifying unit of an automotive instrument operating device specifies a group of automotive instruments on the basis of the direction of gaze of an occupant detected by a gaze direction detector, and specifies one automotive instrument from among the specified group of automotive instruments on the basis of the up/down direction selected by up/down direction selecting unit when the up/down direction selecting unit has been operated in a state in which the group of automotive instruments has been specified. | 05-08-2014 |
20140136049 | Methods and Systems Providing Seat Ventilation - A method of providing seat ventilation using a seat ventilation system (SVS) within a vehicle is provided. The method includes determining whether a vehicle seat is occupied using an air bag ECU. Occupancy information is provided from the air bag ECU to an air conditioning ECU. The air conditioning ECU controls a seat climate module based on the occupancy information received from the air bag ECU. | 05-15-2014 |
20140136050 | VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS - S vehicle control apparatus that includes a touch panel configured to be touched by a user and a sound wave generator. The sound wave generator including a plurality of patterns formed in different shapes and heights on the touch panel, and is configured to generate sound waves having unique shapes when the user touches the patterns. A sound wave detection sensor is configured to detect the sound waves generated by the sound wave generator. A controller is configured to receive the sound waves detected by the sound wave detection sensor and output vehicle control signals corresponding to the respective sound waves. | 05-15-2014 |
20140136051 | INPUT DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - An input device is provided for a motor vehicle, which comprises a touch-sensitive surface designed to detect the touch of a finger in order to selectively provide one or more instruction types for a connected device, and a finger type recognition unit for recognizing a finger type of the finger detected by the touch-sensitive surface, as well as an instruction output unit for outputting at least one instruction type as a function of the detected finger type. | 05-15-2014 |
20140142805 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IN-VEHICLE FUNCTION CONTROL - A method and a system for in-vehicle function control are disclosed herein. In an example of the method, an in-vehicle controller recognizes that a predetermined driver is operating a vehicle. The in-vehicle controller receives data from at least one vehicle system, the data being indicative of a driving behavior of the predetermined driver. The in-vehicle controller compares the data with any of i) positive metrics or ii) negative metrics to categorize the driving behavior. In response to the categorized driving behavior, a signal is provided. In response to the signal, access is granted to any of (i) an infotainment function or (ii) an increased number or range associated with an infotainment function, if the categorized driving behavior is associated with a predetermined number of the positive metrics. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142806 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT - An active control system and method for an accelerator pedal effort is disclosed, in which the pedal effort of the accelerator pedal is varied actively in accordance with a driving mode and a parking mode of a vehicle. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142807 | ACTIVE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT - An active control method of a pedal effort of an accelerator pedal is disclosed, in which the pedal effort of the accelerator pedal is varied actively in accordance to whether or not the vehicle is driving in the rain. More specifically, a processor is configured to determine whether a vehicle is driving in rain via shifting stage input signals and an input signal from a rain sensor when the vehicle turns on; and then increase a current pedal effort of the accelerator pedal to a preset pedal effort when the vehicle is determined to be in rain-driving state. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142808 | POWER SUPPLY UNIT CONTROL DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE DRIVEN VEHICLE AND INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE DRIVEN VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH POWER SUPPLY UNIT CONTROL DEVICE - There are provided a power supply unit control device for an internal combustion engine driven vehicle provided with a lamp driving switch for turning lamp-driving current supplied to a vehicle headlamp from a battery charged by the output of an AC generator driven by an internal combustion engine and with a conducting control unit for controlling the lamp driving switch. The conducting control unit normally performs on/off control of the lamp driving switch at a normal duty ratio, the normal duty ratio being an on/off duty ratio for the lamp driving switch at which lamp-driving current can be kept at a value not impeding the charging of the battery, and, when the internal combustion engine decelerates, performs engine deceleration lamp conducting control, in which on/off control of the lamp driving switch at the normal duty ratio is interrupted and the lamp driving switch is controlled so that lamp-driving current necessary to suppress reductions in the brightness of the headlamp is sent to the headlamp, only for a limited length of time. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142809 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The camera has a two-dimensional array of photosensing elements that includes photosensing elements arranged in a matrix array of rows and columns. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the camera to detect objects of interest located within the field of view of the camera. The image processor processes captured image data to detect lane markers on the road being driven by the vehicle and located within the field of view of the camera. The vision system, responsive to processing of captured image data, automatically recognizes whether the vehicle is being driven on a road of a left hand drive road system or on a road of a right hand drive road system. | 05-22-2014 |
20140148994 | IN-VEHICLE APPARATUS - An in-vehicle apparatus and method generates a pseudo-travel locus that is used to perform a driving support control. The in-vehicle apparatus has a pseudo-locus generator for generating the pseudo-travel locus of a subject vehicle and a communication controller for controlling a transmitter to transmit the pseudo-travel locus of the subject vehicle. The pseudo-travel locus is generated from a travel locus of a lead vehicle and a current position of the subject vehicle. Therefore, a portion of the travel locus of the subject vehicle is similar to an actual travel locus of the subject vehicle. Thus, when the pseudo-travel locus is transmitted as a travel locus of the subject vehicle, nearby vehicles may perform a driving support control based on the pseudo-travel locus of the subject vehicle. As a result, the subject vehicle the actual travel locus of the subject vehicle is not disclosed. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148995 | TECHNIQUE FOR ASSISTING DRIVING A VEHICLE BASED ON AN IDENTIFIED ROAD MARK - A technique for assisting driving a vehicle and for learning at least one distance between first and second distinctive marks on or at a road is disclosed. In method aspects, a first method comprises the steps of identifying the first distinctive mark on or at a road on which the vehicle is travelling, retrieving, from a database, a distance between the first distinctive mark and the second distinctive mark, calculating, based on a location of the vehicle relative to the first distinctive mark, the relative distance of the vehicle to the second distinctive mark taking into account the distance between the first and second distinctive marks, and assisting the driving of the vehicle based on the calculated relative distance. A second method comprises the steps of identifying the first and second distinctive marks, calculating the distance between the first and second distinctive marks, and storing the distance between the first and second distinctive marks. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148996 | SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING THE VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMISSION LEVEL OF A WINDOW - A system for adjusting the visible light transmission level of a vehicle's window is provided. The present invention may include a processor, a memory to store preset data, a global positioning system (GPS) to indicate where the user is located, and a tint adjuster to change the tint of user's windows on a vehicle. Therefore, when a user crosses state lines, the GPS may recognize this and the processor may select the preset tint level loaded on the memory, the preset tint level being the VLT limit of the particular state that the user has entered. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148997 | Method For Checking The Use Of The Functions Of A Provided Vehicle - The invention relates to a method for checking the use of a vehicle provided to a predetermined user, characterised in that it includes the following steps: a digital means, located in a terminal or in a vehicle connected to said terminal, reads data containing an identifier of said user: said user identifier is sent to a central computer system managing a plurality of vehicles and a plurality of users, in order to compare said user identifier with at least one datum from a user database; and, in the event the vehicle has been provided correctly, said central system sends at least one message enabling a control signal to be sent to a means for controlling at least one function of said assigned vehicle, or an infrastructure to which the latter is connected. | 05-29-2014 |
20140156139 | JOYSTICK INPUT ARBITRATION - The present disclosure relates to a system and method for arbitrating between joystick inputs. The system generates a first command based on the first input if the first input has a non-zero value, and generates a second command based on the second input if the first input has a zero value and the second input has a non-zero value. The system thereby allows two different inputs to control a single commanded function. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156140 | Collision Warning System - A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156141 | ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE CONTROL DEVICE - An electric parking brake control device has an actuator that drives a motor configured to operate or release an electric parking brake, a control unit that controls the actuator, a storage unit that stores a state of the parking brake, a determining unit that determines the state of the parking brake based on current that flows into the motor, and a detecting unit that detects an ON/OFF state of an ignition switch. When the detecting unit detects that the ignition switch is in the ON state, the actuator sends current in a direction which causes the parking brake to be operated to the motor, and the determining unit determines whether the parking brake is in an operation state or a release state based on the current which flows to the motor. | 06-05-2014 |
20140163817 | AUTOMOBILE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM - An automobile comprises a front windshield and an auto-sensing windshield wiper system set on the automobile body, an optical signal transmitter device, an optical signal receiving device, and a controller. The optical signal transmitter device and the optical signal receiving device are mounted opposite to each other outside the automobile body, and the controller is mounted inside the automobile body. The optical signal receives an optical signal sent by the optical signal transmitter device and detects a light intensity value of the optical signal. The controller compares the light intensity value with a predetermined light intensity value, and when the light intensity value less than the predetermined light intensity value, the controller turns on the windshield wipers. | 06-12-2014 |
20140163818 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING KICK DOWN OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL - An apparatus and a method for controlling kick down of an accelerator pedal that includes a storage device that stores information of an tendency of the driver to operate an APS while a vehicle drives, and a control device for determining an tendency of the driver to operate the accelerator pedal based on the information of the APS operation that is input from the storage device and determining a control value to transmit a control signal to an operation device. | 06-12-2014 |
20140163819 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY OF A VEHICLE AFTER THE POWER UNIT HAS STOPPED - A method for controlling electric power supply of a motor vehicle including a power unit and an electric power supply battery, the vehicle including at least one autonomous computer, at least one master computer, and at least one slave computer, the computers connected by a data network, the autonomous computers each configured to carry out at least one task after the power unit has stopped, and the power supply to the computers being maintained for a first period of time. The control method includes: reporting absence of the autonomous computer to the master computer; interrupting the power supply of each slave computer; interrupting the power supply of the master computer; maintaining the power supply of the autonomous computer beyond the first period of time; interrupting the power supply of each autonomous computer once it has finished its task. | 06-12-2014 |
20140172231 | CONTROL APPARATUS, VEHICLE, AND PORTABLE TERMINAL - A control apparatus to be connected to a route guidance apparatus, comprising: a hand information detection part for detecting information on a hand of a user from a taken image; and an operation command generation part for outputting a control command to at least one of the route guidance apparatus and a plurality of apparatus connected to the route guidance apparatus, the operation command generation part being configured to output the control command to the at least one of the route guidance apparatus and the plurality of apparatus based on a direction of the hand of the user detected by the hand information detection part. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172232 | SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING TRAILER HITCH ANGLE - A sensor system and method for estimating a hitch angle of a trailer attached to a vehicle includes a primary sensor and a secondary sensor. The primary sensor has a camera that monitors a target on the trailer to determine a measured hitch angle. The secondary sensor monitors the trailer to determine an indicator of the hitch angle. The sensor system also includes a controller to steer the vehicle to attain a selected hitch angle when the measured hitch angle correlates with the indicator of the hitch angle. | 06-19-2014 |
20140180536 | Vehicle Display Systems with Visual Warning Management - A vehicle diagnostic and display system includes a vehicle diagnostic system including one or more sensors and a diagnostic processor that receives a signal from the one or more sensors indicative of a vehicle condition and determines if a warning condition is present based on the signal. A vehicle display system includes a first display, a second display and a display processor that displays a visual warning received from the diagnostic processor on only one of the first and second displays. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180537 | MOVING CONTROL CONSOLE - A moving control console having a touchscreen, a motor connected to the digital display unit and a housing in which the digital display unit is movable in different stages. The user interface graphics animations on the digital display are matched to the movement of the digital display. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180538 | ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM INDICATOR - An electronic stability control indication system including a bar-graph-type display, a processor, and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, control the operation of the electronic stability control indication system. The system receives a first signal from a yaw rate sensor indicative of an actual yaw rate of the vehicle. The system then determines a target yaw rate and a threshold difference for the vehicle. If the difference between the actual yaw rate and the target yaw rate exceeds the difference threshold, an electronic stability control system is activated. The system also provides a visual representation of the difference between the actual yaw rate and the target yaw ratio relative to the threshold difference on the bar-graph-type display. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180539 | VIRTUAL SENSOR NETWORK SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONVERGENCE OF HETEROGENEOUS SENSORS - A virtual sensor network system is provided that includes a virtual sensor node that stores sensor data collected from a sensor mounted within a vehicle in time synchronization therewith and provides the stored sensor data in time synchronization therewith, in addition, a master node performs a control on the virtual sensor node and executes an algorithm used in an intelligent vehicle using the sensor data. The master node receives the sensor data stored in the virtual sensor node as the virtual sensor data in time synchronization therewith, without inputting actual sensor data from the sensor mounted within the vehicle when executing the algorithm. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180540 | POWER DEVICE - A power device possesses a built-in fuse function and can continue to normally operate after a short circuit failure. The power device includes a plurality of output cells, a plurality of bonding wires provided corresponding to the output cells, and a control terminal driving circuit. Each of the output cells includes an output transistor. First side electrodes of the output transistors are commonly coupled to a first power source. Each of second side electrodes of the output transistors is coupled to an output terminal through the corresponding bonding wire. The control terminal driving circuit supplies a drive signal to the control terminals of the individual output transistors to control the output transistors. Each of the bonding wires is designed to be fused and cut if the output transistor included in the corresponding output cell fails and is shorted. | 06-26-2014 |
20140188334 | Automatic Wheel Chock System - A wheel chock system includes a hydraulic assembly coupled to a vehicle. Adjustment arms are mounted adjacent each tire, each adjustment arm having a proximal end operatively coupled to the hydraulic assembly and a distal end adjacent a road-encountering surface of a respective tire, the pair of adjustment arms being movable between deployed released configurations upon operation of the hydraulic assembly. A pair of chocks is coupled to respective second ends of the adjustment arms, the chocks being situated in contact with a respective vehicle tire at the deployed configuration and displaced from the respective vehicle tire at the extended configuration. An actuator is operatively coupled to the hydraulic assembly and configured to actuate the adjustment arms to move between deployed and released configurations. Sensors cause automatic deployment of the chocks when the vehicle ignition is turned off, when the gear is parked, and when the driver leaves his seat. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188335 | ADAPTIVE EXPERIENCE FRAMEWORK FOR AN AMBIENT INTELLIGENT ENVIRONMENT - A system and method for providing an adaptive experience framework for an ambient intelligent environment are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: detecting as context change in an environment causing a transition to a current temporal context; assigning, by use of is data processor, as task set from a set of contextual tasks, the task set assignment being based on the current temporal context; activating the task set; and dispatching a set or interaction resources, corresponding to the contextual tasks in the task set, to present a state of the current temporal context to a user by use of a plurality of interaction devices corresponding to the set of interaction resources. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188336 | VIBRATION DAMPING FOR A CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE - Methods and apparatus are provided for attenuating vibrations in the header of a convertible vehicle. The apparatus includes a fluid damper configured to be coupled to a header of a convertible vehicle and an accelerometer for sensing vibrations in the header and providing a signal to adjust the fluid damper thereby attenuating the vibrations. A method is provided which includes receiving a signal indicating a vibration in a header of a convertible vehicle and adjusting a fluid damper coupled to the header in response to the signal thereby attenuating the vibration. | 07-03-2014 |
20140195108 | Telecommunication Device Configured to Forward Vehicle Information from a Mobile Vehicle Monitoring Device - The present invention is directed a system including a vehicle monitoring device coupled to a vehicle configured to retrieve vehicle information from a vehicle diagnostic system of the vehicle and transmit the vehicle information to an off-board device via a communication relay device to receive the vehicle information and display the received vehicle information based at least in part on information of the one or more recipients. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195109 | VEHICLE DOOR LATCH SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and systems are provided for door latches for vehicles. The system includes an electric door latch mechanism movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. Exterior and interior open switches are disposed a door for receiving an unlatch request from an outside or an inside of the vehicle. A controller is in communication with the exterior open switch, the interior open switch, and the electric door latch mechanism. The controller is configured to assign either a locked state or an unlocked state for each of the open switches. The controller is also configured to control operation of the electric door latch mechanism such that the electric door latch mechanism is commanded to move from the closed position to the open position in response to the unlatch request from the open switches when the respective open switch is in the unlocked state. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195110 | VEHICLE TERMINAL AND LOCATION-BASED CONTENT SHARING SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME - A vehicle terminal installed in a vehicle and communicating with an external server, and a location-based content sharing system including the same are provided. The vehicle terminal includes a GPS receiving unit configured to receive location information regarding a location at which the vehicle is positioned, a wireless communication unit configured to receive information regarding a predetermined region and content corresponding to the predetermined region from the external server, a controller configured to determine whether the vehicle enters the predetermined region by using the location information, and reproduce the content corresponding to the predetermined region when the vehicle enters the predetermined region, and an output unit configured to output the reproduced content. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195111 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A SENSOR DEVICE IN A VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE - A method operates a sensor device in a vehicle. In the method, signals from at least a sensor designed to register an outside temperature are processed. In addition, data that relates to a track located in front of the vehicle is processed. An evaluation of the signals is changed as a function of the data relating to the track. Herewith, it is possible to quickly display an abrupt fall in temperature, such as can be the case when travelling out of a tunnel, on a display belonging to the vehicle and to thus warn the driver of the vehicle in time. A vehicle has a control device that is designed to process signals from a temperature sensor and data that relates to the track located in front of the vehicle. | 07-10-2014 |
20140200762 | CREATING A SENSORY EXPERIENCE IN A VEHICLE - Systems and methods directed to creating a sensory experience in a vehicle are described herein. Data may be received from one or more sources. Device data may be generated based at least in part on the received data. One or more output components associated with the vehicle may be identified. The device data may be transmitted to one or more output components for output to a user of the vehicle. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200763 | Vehicle Accessory Load Controller and Method - A system includes a source of regenerative power that generates power during a regenerative event, an electrical energy storage system connected with the source of regenerative power to receive and store regenerative power during the regenerative event, an accessory load that reduces an amount of energy stored in the energy storage system when being powered, a source of information, and an accessory load controller. The accessory load controller is responsive to the source of information to estimate when a next occurrence of a regeneration event will occur, predict whether the energy storage device will be in a state of charge condition to receive regenerative power at the time of the predicted regeneration event, and control an application of electrical power to the accessory load based on the prediction in order to reduce the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device and minimize any loss of regenerative power during a next regenerative event. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200764 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ACTIVE VIBROISOLATING SUPPORT DEVICE - A control apparatus includes an actuator ECU for controlling a plurality of ACMs. When an engine is started or restarted, the actuator ECU begins a vibration suppressing control process with the ACMs for suppressing vibrations transmitted to a vehicle body when a crankshaft angle, which is represented by a CRK pulse signal from a CRK sensor, reaches a beginning crankshaft angle. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200765 | VEHICLE COMFORT SYSTEM FOR USING AND/OR CONTROLLING VEHICLE FUNCTIONS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A MOBILE DEVICE - Vehicle with a comfort system having: a vehicle controller device, via which different vehicle systems and/or vehicle functions can be controlled; at least one vehicle communication device for exchanging data via wireless communication; a plurality of identification modules arranged in the vehicle that comprise an identification code readable in the vicinity of the identification modules, each identification code being assigned to an installation location of the identification module. The vehicle controller device is designed to set up a communication connection to a mobile device via the vehicle communication device to receive, via the communication connection, an identification code read out by the mobile device and, via the mobile device and the mobile communication connection, to allow or prohibit control or usage of individual or all vehicle functions and/or systems selectively on the basis of the received identification code. | 07-17-2014 |
20140207333 | VEHICLE SEAT MASSAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A seat massage system for a vehicle includes a vehicle seating assembly that has a massaging apparatus. The seat massage system also includes a positioning device for determining a location of the vehicle. A controller controls the massaging apparatus based on the determined location of the vehicle or a location characteristic of the vehicle. | 07-24-2014 |
20140214270 | AUTOMOTIVE CAMERA SYSTEM AND THE DATA PROCESSING METHOD BASED ON ITS SHOOTING ANGLE CHANGING SYNCHRONOUSLY WITH THE AUTOMOTIVE SPEED - An automotive camera system and a data processing method based on its shooting angles synchronizing with automotive speeds are provided. The method comprises the following steps: obtain a current velocity value through a velocity acquisition device; determine a corresponding automotive speed grade; look up a prestored correspondence relationship table and finding out a synchronized camera lens zoom number synchronizing with automotive speed grades; control a camera focal motor zooming a camera lens to the number, and achieving the synchronization of the shooting angle and the automotive speed. When applying the camera system and the method as stated in the present invention, the distant road can be clearly seen in high speed driving, and dangers can be found ahead in advance, thus improves the driving safety. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214271 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING OBSTACLE ADAPTIVELY TO VEHICLE SPEED - Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for detecting an obstacle adaptively to vehicle speed. The apparatus includes a control unit, a speed-adaptive camera sensor, a speed-adaptive laser scanner sensor, and a detection data integration unit. The control unit receives information about the speed of a vehicle and a Pulse Per Second (PPS) signal from a Global Positioning System (GPS) module. The speed-adaptive camera sensor adjusts the range of a detection region based on the information about the speed of the vehicle, and generates first detection data on an object. The speed-adaptive laser scanner sensor adjusts the range of the angle of the field of view of a laser scanner based on the information about the speed of the vehicle, and generates second detection data on the object. The detection data integration unit outputs obstacle detection data. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214272 | ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - An assembly for a motor vehicle, this assembly comprising at least
| 07-31-2014 |
20140214273 | OPERATOR CONTROLLED ELECTRICAL OUTPUT SIGNAL DEVICE WITH VARIABLE FEEL AND HOLD FEEDBACK AND AUTOMATED CALIBRATION AND LEARNABLE PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION - An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device. | 07-31-2014 |
20140222285 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A PTO ACCESSORY - A system and method for controlling movement of a vehicle body is disclosed. The system and method determines conditions operator input, vehicle speed, and a selected gear. PTO engagement, hydraulic valve displacement, and engine speed commands are determined in response to the conditions. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222286 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH YAW RATE DETERMINATION - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at or proximate to an in-cabin portion of a windshield of the vehicle. The camera has a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data. A control includes an image processor that is operable to process captured image data to determine lane delimiters present in the field of view of the camera. The control connects to a vehicle communication bus of the vehicle and receives vehicle data via the vehicle communication bus. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the image processor and to vehicle data received via the vehicle communication bus, the control determines a yaw rate. The control provides the determined yaw rate to a driver assistance system of the vehicle. | 08-07-2014 |
20140236420 | TRAILER THEFT DETECTION AND ALARM - An electronic control unit used in, e.g., a towing vehicle includes a processing device configured to determine an initial electrical load of a trailer system, detect changes in the electrical load, and generate an alarm signal if the electrical load is substantially different from the initial electrical load. A method includes determining an electrical load of a trailer system prior to arming a vehicle alarm system, detecting changes in the electrical load after arming the vehicle alarm system, and triggering the alarm system if the electrical load is substantially different from the electrical load determined prior to arming the vehicle alarm system. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236421 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMISSION CONTROL OF A TRANSIT VEHICLE - Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a transmission of a transit vehicle. A Vehicle Logic Unit (VLU) authenticates an operator of the transit vehicle, upon start-up of the transit vehicle and the VLU. The VLU transmits a signal enabling operator control of the transmission of the transit vehicle, when the operator of the vehicle is authenticated. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236422 | VEHICLE DATA SETTING SYSTEM AND OUTPUT SETTING METHOD THEREOF - A vehicle data setting system is provided with auxiliary connection terminals as standard equipment in addition to connection terminals normally used. When an output setting instruction is inputted to the vehicle data setting system from a failure diagnosis tool, output data to be outputted from the connection terminals are changed to desired data by control of a CPU. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236423 | METHOD FOR ASSISTING A USER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM, AND MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for assisting a user of a motor vehicle, including: acquiring parameters associated with a context in which the motor vehicle is being used; developing a list of suggested actions; selecting a suggested action from among the list of suggested actions in accordance with the context in which the motor vehicle is being used; and transmitting the selected suggested actions to the user via a man/machine interface. A multimedia system, a motor vehicle, and a computer medium can implement the method. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236424 | FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM - A system for a machine operating on a worksite is provided. The system includes an image capturing device configured to provide an image feed associated with a fluid dispensing arrangement of the machine. The system includes a position detection module configured to generate a position signal indicative of a current position of the machine on the worksite. A controller is communicably coupled to the image capturing device and the position detection module. The controller is configured to receive the image feed and the position signal. The controller is configured to detect a discharge of a fluid from the machine based on the image feed. Further, the controller is configured to determine an area of the worksite in which the fluid is discharged based on the detection and the position signal. | 08-21-2014 |
20140244104 | VEHICLE INFORMATION GATHERING SYSTEM - A vehicle information gathering system comprises an onboard communication device, an onboard storage device and an onboard controller. The onboard communication device communicates with external data sources. The onboard storage device stores a data set comprising at least one data subset reference. The onboard controller automatically determines an availability of each of the external data sources, assigns a respective communication priority to each data subset reference based on the availability of each of the external data sources and at least one priority criteria, assigns at least one external data source to each data subset reference based on the availability and the priority criteria, and controls the communication device to communicate with at least one external data source based on the respective communication priority assigned to each data subset reference to receive at least one data subset via the assigned external data source for storage on the storage device. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244105 | REAL TIME RISK ASSESSMENT FOR ADVANCED DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM - A driver assistance system is described that takes as input a number of different types of vehicle environment inputs to provide driver assistance to a driver. To provide the assistance, the driver assistance system synthesizes the inputs. For objects in the vehicle environment detected in the inputs, object risk values are determined by applying a set of rules to the objects. The object risk values are aggregated by quadrant to generate a set of quadrant risk values. A driver assistance system of the vehicle is controlled based on the quadrant risks. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244106 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING PERFORMANCE BASED ON VEHICLE OCCUPANTS - A vehicle having a system is provided. The system has at least one operating output. The system includes an occupant module and a vehicle system module. The occupant module receives at least one occupant signal indicative of occupants currently located within the vehicle, and determines a current number and location of occupants in the vehicle based on the occupant signal. The vehicle system module receives as input the current number of occupants located in the vehicle. The vehicle system module is configured for determining whether the current number of occupants located in the vehicle is less than a total number of occupants the vehicle is configured to seat. The vehicles system module is configured for adjusting the at least one operating output of the system if the current number of occupants located in the vehicle is less than the total number of occupants the vehicle is configured to seat. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244107 | BATTERY CHARGE VOLTAGE COMPENSATING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A vehicle electrical system comprises a generator providing electrical power to a first and a second electrical subsystems at a regulation voltage. A control device ascertains the voltage of the first electrical subsystem, the voltage of the second electrical subsystem, and/or the electrical current to the second electrical subsystem and utilizes a switch module to ensure that the voltage of the first electrical subsystem remains at a predetermined voltage. The control device may be further configured to regulate the output voltage of the generator at the regulation voltage and further to change the regulation voltage as a function of the generator output voltage and voltage of the second electrical subsystem and/or as a function of the electrical current to the second electrical subsystem. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244108 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING POWER DISTRIBUTION - A control system for controlling power distribution in a vehicle equipped with a work device comprising a first parasitic power request module configured to produce an operational value signal indicative of an operational characteristic of a first parasitic device; and a power distribution module configured to effect a distribution of constant net power to the work device, the power distribution module operable to receive the first operational value signal from the first parasitic power request module and to effect a distribution of power to the first parasitic device suitable for the operational characteristic while maintaining constant net power to the work device, wherein the power distribution module is configured to effect an uncontrolled power distribution to the work device when the first operational value signal of the first parasitic device reaches a predetermined level. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244109 | TURN SIGNAL CANCELLING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A turn signal cancelling device for a motorcycle includes turn signal cancellation control unit configured to automatically deactivate a second turn signal after a second predetermined time has passed or after the motorcycle has travelled a second predetermined distance since an activation the second turn signal. The turn signal cancellation control unit is configured to automatically deactivate the second turn signal in a case where the activation of the second turn signal is performed before a first predetermined time has passed or before the motorcycle has travelled a first predetermined distance since an activation of a first turn signal is performed when a vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244110 | RECREATIONAL VEHICLE INTERACTIVE VEHICLE INFORMATION, TELEMETRY, MAPPING, AND TRIP PLANNING - An interactive system for use in connection with recreational vehicle usage includes a server system, including an off-road trail database containing trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information, as well as a trip mapping system accessible by any of a plurality of riders, allowing a rider to create a route based on the data in the off-road trip database. The server system further includes a trail maintenance interface accessible by users affiliated with an authorized group to edit the trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information associated with the authorized group. The server system includes a location data management system configured to receive location data, allowing a rider to publish location information to one or more other riders, and a user feedback interface configured to receive trip data from riders for publication, including information describing an actual route and user data associated with that route. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244111 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING VEHICLE SPEED AND DRIVER NOTIFICATION - A vehicle speed monitoring system and method is provided that determines a speed threshold based on provided inputs from various vehicle systems and measures the speed threshold against the current driving speed. In the event the threshold speed is exceeded, the system notifies the driver and/or makes a recommendation depending on the present driving conditions. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249713 | MULTI-FUNCTION ELECTRONIC DISPLAY LICENSE PLATE SYSTEM - Systems, methods, and computer program products for displaying license plate information and regulating the use of a vehicle's license plate through the use of a multi-function electronic display license plate system are disclosed. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the multi-function electronic display license plate system utilizes a combination of motion sensors, position sensors, identification verification systems, and the like to allow a vehicle owner to regulate who may use the vehicle, while providing for a safer and more efficient use of the vehicle. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249714 | VEHICLE CUSTOMIZATION AND PERSONALIZATION ACTIVITIES - A vehicle control and interconnection system comprises a vehicle interconnection component and a software component. The vehicle interconnection component communicably couples to a corresponding portable electronic processing device when the portable electronic processing device is suitably positioned within a corresponding vehicle. The vehicle interconnection component further couples to a vehicle subsystem within the vehicle. The software component is downloaded into the corresponding portable electronic processing device, and implements a supervisory controller, a vehicle interface and a user interface. The supervisory controller provides control information that is utilized by the vehicle subsystem connected through the vehicle interconnection component to implement a customized vehicle configuration. The vehicle interface communicates the control information from the supervisory controller to the vehicle subsystem component through the vehicle interconnection component. The user interface couples to an input device and a display to provide a common interface for the device coupled to the vehicle interconnection component. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249715 | Method for estimating a roadway course and method for controlling a light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle - A method for estimating a roadway course in a roadway section ahead of a vehicle in the direction of travel is provided. The method includes recognizing at least one reflective or self-luminous object in an image of the roadway section. The method also includes ascertaining a position of the at least one object based on the image of the roadway section. The method also includes estimating the roadway course using the ascertained position of the at least one object. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249716 | Creating Geometry for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems - A method and system for creating geometry for ADAS are described. Link chains, which are a sequence of segments, are created. The link chains are used to create 2D splines. The link chains, the 2D splines, and height data are used to create 3D splines. The 3D splines and possibly the 2D splines are converted to Bezier curves, which can be used to create a 2D polyline. ADAS applications can use the Bezier curves and the 2D polylines to provide ADAS functions. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249717 | VISUALLY-DISTRACTED-DRIVING DETECTION DEVICE - A visually-distracted-driving detection device that can detect visually distracted driving with high accuracy. The visually-distracted-driving detection device includes a visually-distracted-driving determination unit that determines that a driver is visually distracted if the direction in which the driver is looking is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle with respect to the front of the driver; and a prohibition unit that, if it is specified that the present position of the vehicle as specified by a present-position specifying unit is within a first predetermined distance from an intersection, prohibits a process that is performed in cases where it is determined that the driver is visually distracted. | 09-04-2014 |
20140257630 | SAFETY DOOR INTERLOCK SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES - A vehicle door interlock system includes a logic processor operatively connected to a door of a vehicle positioned with respect to a pedestrian egress path. A first input to the logic processor comprises a velocity detection signal that determines a velocity of the vehicle. A second input comprises an object detection signal that determines movement of an object toward the vehicle, travelling along a path that would pass in front of the door. A third input comprises an open door signal. The logic processor provides a signal to an interlock device to prevent the door from being opened when the logic processor determines any one of: the vehicle moving based on the velocity detection signal, the object being at a distance and moving in a direction to intersect the pedestrian egress path based on the object detection signal, and lack of open door signal from the operator of the vehicle. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257631 | Multi-Mode Radio Frequency Winch Controller - A wireless remote forms a two-way radiofrequency (RF) communication network with a winch control module that allows the wireless remote to control both the winch and additional vehicle accessories through the winch control module. Further accessory control modules allow the control of more accessories utilizing the wireless remote by way of RF communication. Feedback from either the winch control module or the accessory control module is sent back to the wireless remote to allow the operator to view the current operating conditions of the winch or accessories. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257632 | IN-VEHICLE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND POWER FEEDING CONTROL METHOD OF THE SAME - When a power supply switch is fed with power from a DC power supply and closed, a power supply unit starts power feeding to an opening and closing command generation unit and continues the power feeding by a self-hold command signal from the opening and closing command generation unit. A reverse connection protective element is a field-effect transistor connected in series to the power supply switch and driven to conduct current in an energization direction of an internal parasitic diode when the power supply is connected in proper polarity. Even when a supply fault abnormality is occurring due to fault contact between a positive-side wire of an in-vehicle electrical load connected to the reverse connection protective element and a positive-electrode wire of the DC power supply, the self-hold command signal is cancelled by determining that the power supply switch is opened while the reverse connection protective element is opened. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257633 | Dynamic Rollover Meter - A rollover meter device is disclosed that prevents vehicle rollover and minimizes the harm and damage caused if a rollover occurs. The rollover meter device comprises a meter housing component and a gauge face component that displays current angle of the vehicle. The meter housing component comprises at least one weighted pendulum assembly and a pair of limit switches positioned on opposing sides of the pendulum, such that swinging of the pendulum contacts cams which actuate one of the limit switches, which then alerts a user that a critical angle has been reached. The pendulum assembly is held in place by a rotation rod and a pair of outer bushing assemblies that are secured to the ends of the rotation rod to allow it to rotate. Furthermore, the meter housing component can be in electrical communication with a vehicle's gas supply, ignition, blade rotation, and/or Power Take Off (PTO). | 09-11-2014 |
20140257634 | FUSION OF CHASSIS SENSOR DATA WITH VEHICLE DYNAMICS DATA - A system for processing sensor data in a vehicle has a processor and a chassis sensor in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to record driving dynamics data and chassis sensor data for the vehicle, and filter driving dynamics data or the chassis sensor data on the basis of the chassis sensor data or the driving dynamics data. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257635 | Communication System of a Motor Vehicle - A communication system of a motor vehicle includes: a first image recording apparatus arranged in the motor vehicle and oriented toward a driver, a first evaluating module for determining a detected viewing direction of the driver from the image recorded by the first image recording apparatus, a determining unit that determines a point of intersection of the detected viewing direction and a windshield of the motor vehicle, and a projection device, connected to the determining unit, for projecting a marking onto the windshield. The position of the marking includes the point of intersection. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257636 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD - To further improve fuel efficiency of vehicles. A vehicle control device that is mounted on a vehicle that has an engine, and a battery that can be charged by the amount of electric power that is generated by an alternator that is driven by power from the engine. The vehicle control device includes an idling stop control part | 09-11-2014 |
20140277930 | Motor Vehicle Active Noise Reduction - A device and method that is configured to operate an active noise reduction system for a motor vehicle, where there is an active noise reduction system input signal that is related to the vehicle engine operation, and where the active noise reduction system comprises one or more adaptive filters that output noise reduction signals that are used to drive one or more transducers with their outputs directed to reduce engine noise. The engine harmonic noise level is estimated from the input signal that is related to the vehicle engine operation, and the output of the transducers is limited based on the estimate of the engine harmonic noise level. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277931 | VEHICLE POWER SYSTEMS AND METHODS EMPLOYING FUEL CELLS - Power systems and methods described herein can provide power system management and power delivery, among other functionality. The power systems and methods for a vehicle can employ a fuel cell, such as a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), as a power source in conjunction with another power sources, such as one or more vehicle batteries, capacitors, etc. The fuel cell can be conditionally used to provide power to the electrical system, thereby reducing the load on the vehicle batteries. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277932 | Method and System for Supervising Information Communication Based on Occupant and Vehicle Environment - A vehicle computer system includes one or more processors configured to receive context data representative of a vehicle's environment from one or more modules. The one or more processors are programmed and configured to receive the context data from one or more modules, determine an attention demand value utilizing the context data and a workload value corresponding to the context data, and output an indicator to activate or adjust a do not disturb feature based on the attention demand value. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277933 | INTERACTIVE ENGINE - A system includes a unit configured to read information of a vehicle system, a projector configured to display the information on a surface of a vehicle, and a sensor configured to receive gesture input from a user. The information displayed on the surface of the vehicle is manipulatable based on the gesture input. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277934 | Method and Apparatus for Ambient Lighting Incoming Message Alert - A system includes a processor configured to receive settings for one or more vehicle ambient lighting activation sequences. The processor is further configured to receive a signal relating to a notification for which an audio sound could be played. The processor is additionally configured to recognize that an ambient light activation has been enabled. Also, the processor is configured to output a sequence of activated ambient lights within a vehicle, based on the settings and responsive to the received signal. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277935 | VEHICLE TRACKING OF PERSONAL DEVICES WITH RESPONSE SYSTEM - A method for tracking an object through a system onboard a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes detecting a wireless device, determining a position of the wireless device, recognizing the position of the wireless device relative to the vehicle, analyzing the position of the wireless device with respect to a predefined conditional statement and activating an alert according to the satisfying of the predefined conditional statement. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277936 | System and Method for Controlling a Vehicle User Interface Based on Gesture Angle - An in-vehicle computing system allows a user to control components of the vehicle by performing gestures. The user provides a selecting input to indicate that he wishes to control one of the components. After the component is identified, the user performs a gesture to control the component. The gesture and the component that was previously selected are analyzed to generate a command for the component. Since the command is based on both the gesture and the identified component, the user can perform the same gesture in the same position within the vehicle to control different components. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277937 | IN-VEHICLE ACCESS OF MOBILE DEVICE FUNCTIONS - In-vehicle access of mobile device functions is provided wherein a vehicle is coupled to the mobile device, and obtains a list of apps installed thereon. A user manipulates vehicle controls to operate a select app and the vehicle modifies its display based on the app. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277938 | DUAL FUNCTION ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT - Methods and apparatus are provided for an electronic control unit that can be adjusted or changed to operate in different manners for different circumstances. The apparatus includes an electronic control unit (ECU) for operation of a plurality of electronic components, such as latch motors. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of inputs configured to receive a connection from a plurality of handle sensors, and a plurality of outputs configured to connect to the plurality of latch motors. The ECU also comprises a conversion loop with a receptacle and a receptacle circuit. The receptacle circuit can be configured as either an open or closed circuit, and the receptacle circuit is accessible via the receptacle. The ECU is configured to operate in either a first mode or a second mode depending on whether the receptacle circuit is open or closed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277939 | Time and Environment Aware Graphical Displays for Driver Information and Driver Assistance Systems - A graphics display system for driver information and driver assistance applications generates controllable and dynamic graphical effects in conjunction with 3D visualization of maps. The system generates a display of a map in a 3D virtual environment that responds to the environment changes in a dynamic and visually intuitive manner for a vehicle operator. The system processes environment information, including lighting condition, weather condition, and other data acquired from different sensors in the vehicle such as cameras and lighting sensors, or through networked information services. The graphics display can be integrated with different driver information and driver assistance system embodiments including mobile platforms, in-vehicle information systems, web platforms, and PC systems. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277940 | DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A display system for use in a vehicle is disclosed including an imager configured to capture images corresponding to a field of view rearward of the vehicle. The imager is in communication with a processing unit configured to receive data representative of the captured images from the imager. A display is in communication with the processing unit which is configured to display images based on the data representative of the captured images received by the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to receive vehicle operating data from the vehicle and data corresponding to a detection of an object in proximity of the vehicle. In response to the vehicle operating data and the object detected, the processing unit is configured to control the field of view of the at least one imager. | 09-18-2014 |
20140288772 | VEHICLE FAULT DETERMINATION DEVICE - A vehicle fault determination device includes a relay, a vehicle configuration circuit, and a control section. The relay is connected to a power source. The vehicle configuration circuit is supplied with power from the power source via the relay. The control section determines whether the relay is faulty while controlling the relay and the vehicle configuration circuit. The control section includes first and second ports. The first port outputs a control signal to a coil portion of the relay. The second port is connected to a contact portion of the relay via the vehicle configuration circuit. The second port serves as an input port when the fault determination is made and as an operation port when the vehicle configuration circuit is controlled. Thus, the number of parts is keep to a minimum to increase the number of dedicated ports for determining whether the relay is faulty. | 09-25-2014 |
20140288773 | Automotive Electronic System and Power Supply Method Thereof - An automotive electronic system and a power supply method thereof is related to the power supply method including outputting an interface signal to an automotive network, enabling a first switching regulator according to a first control signal from a control chip and/or the interface signal on the automotive network, supplying power to a network switch based on a first voltage by the first switching regulator when the first switching regulator is enabled, enabling a second switching regulator according to a second control signal from an electronic application module and/or the interface signal on the automotive network, and supplying power to the electronic application module based on the first voltage by the second switching regulator when the second switching regulator is enabled. The network switch and the electronic application module are connected to each other by the automotive network. | 09-25-2014 |
20140288774 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND NAVIGATION DEVICE - A vehicle-mounted communication device includes wireless units | 09-25-2014 |
20140297103 | MACHINE SYSTEM HAVING OVERTAKING FUNCTIONALITY - An overtaking control system is disclosed for use with a plurality of machines operating at a common worksite. The overtaking control system may have an input device that is configured to receive an input from an operator of the first machine of the plurality of machines indicative of a desire to overtake a second machine of the plurality of machines. The overtaking control system may also have a location device configured to generate a location signal indicative of a location of the first machine at the common worksite. The overtaking control system may further have at least one controller configured to make a comparison of a projected path of the first machine with a map of the common worksite based on the location signal, and selectively activate the input device only when the comparison indicates that the projected path of the first machine does not overlap with a no-overtaking zone at the common worksite. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297104 | ABSOLUTE ACCELERATION SENSOR FOR USE WITHIN MOVING VEHICLES - A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297105 | CONFIGURABLE CONTROL PANELS - Control panels with controls for controlling components that are reconfigurable by a user by selective placement of tiles corresponding to each of the controls and components. The controls can further be actuated by detecting an object and its motion in proximity of the selectively placed tiles. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297106 | SHOVEL - A shovel includes a cabin in which a display monitor is provided, an upper-part turnable body that includes the cabin, an electric turning mechanism that causes the upper-part turnable body to turn, a turning electric motor that drives the electric turning mechanism, a detector that detects the state of driving of the electric turning mechanism, and a display control part configured to generate information to be displayed on the display monitor and cause the display monitor to display the generated information. The display control part is configured to calculate a physical quantity pertaining to an operation of the turning electric motor based on a detection value of the detector, generate turning operation display data for graphically representing the calculated physical quantity, and cause the display monitor to graphically display the generated turning operation display data. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297107 | PARKING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A parking assistance system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system is configured to detect an empty space adjacent to a vehicle, assess the suitability of the empty space as a parking space for the vehicle and estimate the distance of the empty space from an intersection or junction. The system includes a camera coupled with a programmed processer. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297108 | CONTROL SPECIFICATIONS CHANGING SYSTEM, CONTROL SPECIFICATIONS DATA SERVER, AND SPECIFICATIONS CHANGEABLE VEHICLE - A control specifications changing system includes a control specifications data server and a specifications changeable vehicle. The control specifications data server includes a second communication device and a determining device. The second communication device is configured to communicate with the specifications changeable vehicle. The determining device is configured to determine data for changing specifications upon receipt of first vehicle information data from the specifications changeable vehicle through the second communication device. The data for changing specifications includes data for use in changing control specifications of the specifications changeable vehicle to control specifications suited for the received first vehicle information data. The determining device is configured to transmit the determined data for changing specifications to the specifications changeable vehicle through the second communication device. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297109 | IN-VEHICLE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND IN-VEHICLE RELAY APPARATUS - An in-vehicle communication system and an in-vehicle relay apparatus that can perform relaying between multiple in-vehicle networks if a new in-vehicle device is connected to a said in-vehicle network, and that can prevent, if an improper in-vehicle device is connected to the in-vehicle network, the entire system from being adversely affected by the improper in-vehicle device. The in-vehicle relay apparatus that relays information between the multiple in-vehicle networks has stored therein relay destination determination information necessary to determine a relay destination of information. If a new in-vehicle device is connected to any one of the in-vehicle networks, an acquiring unit communicates with a communication device to obtain updated relay destination determination information, a determination unit determines if the updated relay destination determination information is legitimate, and an updating unit updates the relay destination determination information of the in-vehicle relay apparatus. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297110 | IN-VEHICLE RELAY APPARATUS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - An in-vehicle relay apparatus can restrict transmission of identification information with which a vehicle can be specified to the outside of the vehicle. A vehicle internal communication unit may communicate with at least one in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, and a vehicle external communication unit may communicate with a vehicle external communication device disposed outside of the vehicle. A communication processing unit may add identification information to relay information that is transmitted to the vehicle external communication device. The identification information may regard a transmission source of relay information by which the vehicle external communication device determines the transmission source of the relay information. Additionally, the communication processing unit may transmit, using the vehicle external communication device, the relay information to the vehicle external communication device. A determination unit may determine which information is used as the identification information based on stored access authority levels. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297111 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A vehicle control system includes an alcohol detector which detects an alcohol intake level of a driver in a vehicle, and a controller which controls the alcohol detector so that a detection of the alcohol intake level is started during a run of the vehicle just after the vehicle starts up and initially moves. The controller determines whether the driver is a drunk person based on a detection result obtained from the alcohol detector, and the controller stops the vehicle when the controller determines that the driver is the drunk person. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297112 | VEHICLE SECURITY DEVICE - The invention relates to a vehicle security device ( | 10-02-2014 |
20140297113 | ACTIVE STABILIZATION SYSTEM FOR TRUCK CABINS - An active suspension system for a truck cabin that actively responds to and mitigates external force inputs between the truck chassis and the cabin. The system greatly reduces pitch, roll, and heave motions that lead to operator discomfort. The assembly is comprised of two or more self-contained actuators that respond to commands from an electronic controller. The controller commands the actuators based on feedback from one or more sensors on the cabin and/or chassis. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297114 | HIGH CENTERING BASES FOR HOSPITAL GURNEYS - High centering bases for hospital gurneys are disclosed. An example hospital gurney includes a sensor to detect a position of a lateral rod mechanically coupled to a foot pedal of the hospital gurney by a cross rod and a cam. The hospital gurney additionally comprises an electronically-controlled actuator to move a first wheel based on the detected position, the first wheel located between a first end of the hospital gurney and a second end of the hospital gurney. | 10-02-2014 |
20140303835 | Vehicle Temperature Control Systems - A vehicle temperature control system including a first and second heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit comprising a first compressor, a first blower, and a first heating element and a first ducting in fluid communication with the first HVAC unit that selectively directs air to a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone of a vehicle through a plurality of outlet vents. The vehicle temperature control system also includes an electronic controller electrically coupled to the first HVAC unit and the second HVAC unit, the electronic controller comprising a synchronization device, a processor, and a memory, where the processor controls operation of the first HVAC unit and the second HVAC unit by controlling operating states of the first and second HVAC units and selectively modifies an operating state of the second HVAC unit to match the operating state of the first HVAC unit. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303836 | DRIVER AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING VEHICLE USAGE - A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging device in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303837 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTHORIZING ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF A VEHICLE - An approach is provided for authorizing various access and utilization options at a vehicle via certificates. A device may process and/or facilitate a processing of one or more configuration parameters for determining one or more rights associated with a vehicle, wherein the rights include, at least in part, one or more access rights, one or more action rights, or a combination thereof. Further, the device may cause, at least in part, an association of the one or more rights with at least one certificate. Additionally, the device may cause, at least in part, a transfer of the at least one certificate to one or more service vendors, one or more users, or a combination thereof. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303838 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WATER PUMP OF VEHICLE AND SYSTEM THEREOF - A method for controlling a water pump of a vehicle moving a coolant circulating through a cooling load generating heat and a radiator includes calculating a rotation speed command based on a control reference temperature of the coolant. A water pump suction pressure is set and compared with a preset control reference pressure to control the rotation speed command. A system for controlling the water pump includes a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a coolant exhausted from the cooling load and a second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the coolant to be supplied to the cooling load. A water pump pressure sensor detects a water pump suction pressure, and a water pump driver drives the water pump. A controller controls the water pump driver based on signals received from the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the water pump pressure sensor. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303839 | USAGE PREDICTION FOR CONTEXTUAL INTERFACE - A vehicle interface system may include an interface configured to present icons representing selectable vehicle features; and a controller programmed to generate a score for each of the features based on a contextual variable including one or all of a vehicle location, vehicle speed, past feature usage information, and a predicted end location for the vehicle, and display certain of the icons and hide other of the icons based on the generated scores. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303840 | Intelligent power and control policy for automotive applications - In automotive networking applications, data about vehicle's environment can be used in conjunction with a control policy to manage the performance and power usage of a networked device. The control policy can dynamically adjust the balance between link power and performance of the device's communications interface by taking into account the vehicles current situation and user preferences, e.g. location, destination, speed, sensor status, or the like. Controlling the balance between link power and performance of networked devices can be important in maximizing power savings without unacceptably decreasing network performance. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303841 | LIGHT-BASED TOUCH CONTROLS ON A STEERING WHEEL - A system for use in a vehicle, including a steering element situated opposite a driver seat in a vehicle, the steering element including a plurality of proximity sensors encased in the periphery of the steering element operable to detect hand gestures along the outer periphery of the steering element, an interactive deck housed in the vehicle, for providing at least one of radio broadcast, video broadcast, audio entertainment, video entertainment and navigational assistance in the vehicle, and a processor housed in the vehicle, coupled with the proximity sensors and the deck, operable to identify the hand gestures detected by the proximity sensors, and to control the deck in response to thus-identified hand gestures. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303842 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING INCOMING MESSAGES IN A VEHICLE - The present inventive concepts relate to a system and a method for managing incoming messages in a vehicle. The system may include a receiver unit configured to receive incoming messages, a detection unit configured to determine a driving situation of the vehicle and to generate a notification control signal in response to the determined driving situation, and a notification unit coupled to the receiver unit and the detection unit, the notification unit comprising a touch screen configured to notify a driver of a received message in one of a number of different formats in response to the notification control signal. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303843 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN OPERATING DEVICE IN A VEHICLE AND OPERATING DEVICE - A method for providing an operating device in a vehicle, wherein a control device generates graphics data which control a display surface so that a graphics object relating to an executed application is displayed, and the geometric structure of an actuating object is detected in a detection space in front of the display surface and, depending upon the detected structure, a control signal for controlling the executed application is generated. A control signal for stopping the executed application is generated by the control system if a geometric structure of the actuating object has been detected in the detection space, wherein a substantially planar surface of the actuating object which is oriented substantially parallel to the display surface is spaced apart from the display surface. Also disclosed is a corresponding operating device for carrying out the method and a vehicle having such an operating device. | 10-09-2014 |
20140309854 | SPEED-BASED FLOW DEVICE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle or other system includes a flow device, component, and controller. The controller executes a method of diagnosing flow performance in the vehicle/system. The flow device is a pump, blower, or fan. A calibrated upper speed limit is commanded from the flow device in response to detected enabling conditions. The device is turned off after maintaining the upper speed limit for a calibrated duration. The speed of the flow device is determined during a coast-down interval defined by a period between command of the upper speed limit and attaining a calibrated lower speed limit. An absolute rate of change of the speed over the coast-down interval is calculated, with the controller executing a control action when a maximum absolute slope of the calculated rate of change falls outside of a calibrated range during the coast-down interval. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309855 | SMART CAR WITH AUTOMATIC SIGNALLING - An intelligent turn signaling system is disclosed which uses trip information and global positioning system data to automatically activate the turn lights for a vehicle. In one implementation, the system can optimize vehicular flow by receiving trip information from nearby vehicles and prepare the vehicle and driver accordingly. In other implementations, the system can also optimize insurance premium for drivers who allow the system to recommend conservative driving techniques. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309856 | Vehicle Velocity Visual Alert System With Discrete and Unambiguous Brake and "Stopped" Status Features to Reduce Rear-End Crashes - The Speed-Orientation-for-Safety Lights System or (SOS Lights), designed to reduce rear-end motor vehicle crashes, is a velocity-contingent rear and interior colored-lights visual alert system which signals real-time information from a lead car to following drivers via a processor-memory-speedometer-brake configuration that shows a lead vehicle's: (1) actual and changing speeds; (2) degree of brake pressure when decelerating and (3) stationary status. The main alert device has a plurality of adjacent speed indicator lights with braking and stopped status elements. A processor memory is configured to store programming and speed and brake look-up tables associating speed ranges with activation of specific colored lights and braking speed with a brake pressure alert subsystem. The processor executes programming via the interconnectedness of the speedometer, accelerator, brake, brake pressure sensor and the main device. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309857 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF PEDAL EFFORT FOR ACCELERATOR - An active control method of varying a pedal effort for an accelerator through which a current pedal effort for an accelerator can be varied actively. Pedal effort is set per an operated memory switch when a driver operates the memory switch in a state that a vehicle provided with an accelerator, a pedal effort of which is controllable, and having an electrically powered memory seat, starts-on. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309858 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF PEDAL EFFORT FOR ACCELERATOR - An active control method of varying a pedal effort for an accelerator through which the current pedal effort for an accelerator can be varied actively to increase when an engine-off signal for a vehicle in which an accelerator a pedal effort of which is controllable is generated respectively. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309859 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PEDAL EFFORT FOR ACCELERATOR - An active control method and system of varying a pedal effort for an accelerator through which the pedal effort for an accelerator is actively varied based on the locations of the accelerator. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309860 | WHEEL LOSS DETECTION ASPECT AND THEFT DETECTION ASPECT SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR VEHICLES - There is provided a warning device for detecting attachment integrity issues of a wheel assembly of a vehicle while the vehicle is in motion, the system comprising: a rigid body having: a first side and a second side to define an axis there between; a plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures extending axially between the first side and the second side, such that a spatial distribution of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures corresponds to a spatial distribution of wheel hub studs configured to receive a rim of the wheel; a plurality of wheel nut mounting locations positioned about each of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures on the first side, each of the plurality of wheel nut mounting locations having a mating surface for mating with an underside of a respective wheel nut; one or more rim mounting surfaces on the second side for mating with an outwardly facing exterior surface of the rim; and a plurality of indicators positioned adjacent to each of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures, such that each indicator of the plurality of indicators is uniquely associated with a respective aperture of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309861 | HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE - A method of customizing the interface of an infotainment system may include receiving a user profile from a multimedia device, a local store of the infotainment system, or cloud storage, and customizing the interface of the infotainment system based on the received user profile. A system for customising the interface of an infotainment system may include a receiving module configured for receiving a user profile from a multimedia device, a local store of the infotainment system, or a cloud storage, wherein the multimedia device is connectable to the infotainment system, and a customizing module configured for customizing the interface of the infotainment system based on the received user profile. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309862 | USER PROFILE EXCHANGE VIA VEHICLE SUPPORTED COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL - A system to access one or more user profiles that govern one or more vehicle functions. The system cooperates with a processor and verification module which are adapted to verify, using one or more of biometric information, gesture recognition, facial recognition and device identification information, that a user has authority to access the one or more user profiles, where the one or more profiles are stored in one or more of a vehicle, a cloud and a communications device. An edit module is further provided and adapted to allow the user to make one or more edits to the one or more user profiles. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309863 | PARENTAL CONTROL OVER VEHICLE FEATURES AND CHILD ALERT SYSTEM - A system to access one or more user profiles that govern one or more vehicle functions. The system cooperates with a processor and verification module which are adapted to verify, using one or more of biometric information, gesture recognition, facial recognition and device identification information, that a user has authority to access the one or more user profiles, where the one or more profiles are stored in one or more of a vehicle, a cloud and a communications device. An edit module is further provided and adapted to allow the user to make one or more edits to the one or more user profiles. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309864 | Configurable Dash Display Based on Detected Location and Preferences - A vehicle control system can determine a location of the vehicle and evaluate laws and rules of the location to determine if changes to an instrument display are required. The vehicle control system can automatically configure the instrument display for the location. The vehicle control system can image and translate traffic signs in the location. The vehicle control system can also determine if the location is associated with an interruption of a communication network, identify an alternate communication network, and automatically transfer to the alternate communication network. An alert may be generated by the vehicle control system that includes information related to traffic rules, languages, and communication networks of the location that are different than a previous location of the vehicle. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309865 | FACIAL RECOGNITION DATABASE CREATED FROM SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to create, modify, and maintain profiles associated with users. The user profiles are generated based on selectively collecting data associated with the users. Although each user profile may include settings, preferences, habits, and content associated with an individual user and/or vehicle, some user profiles may represent multiple users. These user profiles can change a configuration of a vehicle to match settings for a user, such as a driver and/or passenger. The configurations may also include the recognition of a unique set of gestures for a user. Further, the user profiles can be transferred from vehicle-to-vehicle and/or user-to-user. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309866 | BUILDING PROFILES ASSOCIATED WITH VEHICLE USERS - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to create, modify, and maintain profiles associated with users. The user profiles are generated based on selectively collecting data associated with the users. Although each user profile may include settings, preferences, habits, and content associated with an individual user and/or vehicle, some user profiles may represent multiple users. These user profiles can change a configuration of a vehicle to match settings for a user, such as a driver and/or passenger. The configurations may also include the recognition of a unique set of gestures for a user. Further, the user profiles can be transferred from vehicle-to-vehicle and/or user-to-user. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309867 | STORING USER GESTURES IN A USER PROFILE DATA TEMPLATE - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to create, modify, and maintain profiles associated with users. The user profiles are generated based on selectively collecting data associated with the users. Although each user profile may include settings, preferences, habits, and content associated with an individual user and/or vehicle, some user profiles may represent multiple users. These user profiles can change a configuration of a vehicle to match settings for a user, such as a driver and/or passenger. The configurations may also include the recognition of a unique set of gestures for a user. Further, the user profiles can be transferred from vehicle-to-vehicle and/or user-to-user. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309868 | USER INTERFACE AND VIRTUAL PERSONALITY PRESENTATION BASED ON USER PROFILE - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system that provides various outputs based on a user profile and determined context. An output provided by the present disclosure can change a configuration of a vehicle, device, building, and/or a system associated with the user profile. The configurations can include comfort and interface settings that can be adjusted based on the user profile information. Further, the user profiles can track health data related to the user and make adjustments to the configuration to assist the health of the user. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309869 | INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM BASED ON USER PROFILE - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system that provides various outputs based on a user profile and determined context. An output provided by the present disclosure can change a configuration of a vehicle, device, building, and/or a system associated with the user profile. The configurations can include comfort and interface settings that can be adjusted based on the user profile information. Further, the user profiles can track health data related to the user and make adjustments to the configuration to assist the health of the user. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309870 | VEHICLE-BASED MULTIMODE DISCOVERY - Methods and systems for a device discovery daemon that bases access of a communication device to an on board vehicle network on device location are provided. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309871 | USER GESTURE CONTROL OF VEHICLE FEATURES - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309872 | CUSTOMIZATION OF VEHICLE USER INTERFACES BASED ON USER INTELLIGENCE - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309873 | POSITIONAL BASED MOVEMENTS AND ACCESSIBILITY OF FEATURES ASSOCIATED WITH A VEHICLE - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309874 | Synchronization Between Vehicle and User Device Calendar - Methods and systems for a vehicle system that includes synchronizing a calendar with a vehicle control system and generating a smart-alarm based on events in the calendar. A vehicle receives authorization from a device to synchronize a calendar associated with the device with the vehicle. The calendar is synchronized with the vehicle and a smart alarm is provided to a user based on an event in the calendar and a supplemental factor. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309875 | Universal vehicle voice command system - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309876 | UNIVERSAL VEHICLE VOICE COMMAND SYSTEM - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309877 | Information Shared Between A Vehicle And User Devices - Methods and systems for a vehicle system that include configuring a vehicle based upon information from devices accessed by a user. The vehicle system may include a vehicle and a configuration unit. The information may be based on a search performed by a user. The information accessed or generated by the user may be automatically sent to the vehicle for configuration of the vehicle. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309878 | PROVIDING GESTURE CONTROL OF ASSOCIATED VEHICLE FUNCTIONS ACROSS VEHICLE ZONES - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309879 | CONTROL OF VEHICLE FEATURES BASED ON USER RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309880 | VEHICLE CRATE FOR BLADE PROCESSORS - Methods, systems, and a computer readable medium are provided for a vehicle containing multiple blade processors for performing vehicle and/or infotainment tasks, functions, and operations. The blade processors can be included in a crate having a first communication zone defining a trusted network within the vehicle to connect with trusted computational devices and/or modules provided or certified by the vehicle manufacturer but not untrusted computational devices and/or modules provided by vehicle occupants, a second communication zone defining an untrusted network to connect with the untrusted computational devices and/or modules, and a third communication zone providing power and data transmission to the blade processors. A master blade processor can assign a component and/or module requiring a blade processor for execution to a selected blade processor. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309881 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESPONDING TO DRIVER BEHAVIOR - Methods of assessing driver behavior include monitoring vehicle systems and driver monitoring systems to accommodate for a driver's slow reaction time, attention lapse and/or alertness. When it is determined that a driver is drowsy, for example, the response system may modify the operation of one or more vehicle systems. The systems that may be modified include: visual devices, audio devices, tactile devices, antilock brake systems, automatic brake prefill systems, brake assist systems, auto cruise control systems, electronic stability control systems, collision warning systems, lane keep assist systems, blind spot indicator systems, electronic pretensioning systems and climate control systems. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309882 | INTELLIGENT BELT DRIVE SYSTEM AND METHOD - In one aspect, a tensioner that incorporates a fluid actuated cylinder and that is capable of precognitively anticipating when it is desirable to increase the tension in a belt or other endless drive element so as to prevent belt slip prior to events that would raise the risk of it. | 10-16-2014 |
20140316647 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT - An active control method of accelerator pedal effort identifies a driver's habit of manipulation when a driver starts a vehicle having a pedal effort controllable accelerator pedal from a stationary state. Thus, the active control method can actively vary the accelerator pedal effort according to accelerator pedal manipulation habits of the driver, thereby improving the accelerator pedal manipulation efficiency of the driver. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316648 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF PEDAL EFFORT FOR ACCELERATOR - An active control method of pedal effort for an accelerator comprises steps to actively vary pedal effort. When a vehicle having a controllable pedal effort accelerator pedal runs, the active control method can actively vary the accelerator pedal effort according to accelerator pedal manipulation habits of a driver, thereby improving the accelerator pedal manipulation efficiency of the driver. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316649 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT - An active control method of accelerator pedal effort comprises steps to actively vary pedal effort. When a vehicle having a controllable pedal effort accelerator pedal runs, the active control method can actively vary the accelerator pedal effort according to an accelerator position sensor operation percentages selected by a driver, thereby improving the accelerator pedal manipulation efficiency of the driver. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316650 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AUXILIARY POWER UNIT OF A VEHICLE - A method of controlling an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle. The auxiliary power unit is in communication with an air conditioning system of the vehicle and includes an engine and an alternator coupled to the engine. The method includes determining a state of a compressor of the air conditioning system, the compressor including an off state and an on state, reducing an alternator load relative to the engine in response to the compressor being varied from the off state to the on state, increasing the alternator load relative to the engine after a predetermined time interval, and simultaneously operating the alternator up to an alternator load capacity and the compressor up to a compressor load capacity. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316651 | VEHICLE HAVING AN AUXILIARY BATTERY - The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising: a third control unit for sensing the gear being placed into a parking mode and the removal of an ignition key; a control unit including a temperature-setting part for setting a temperature for a cooling or heating operation, a second sensor for sensing whether or not an indoor temperature has reached the temperature for the cooling or heating operation, a selection switch for enabling a user to select a cooling mode or a heating mode, and an operating switch for operating a cooler or a heater in accordance with the selected cooling mode or heating mode; a main battery for storing power generated by a generator; a first auxiliary battery and a second auxiliary battery for storing surplus power of the main battery; a first control unit interconnected between the main battery and the first and second auxiliary batteries so as to selectively supply the surplus power of the main battery to the less-charged side of either the first auxiliary battery and the second auxiliary battery; a second control unit interconnected between the output ends of the first and second auxiliary batteries and the cooler and the heater so as to selectively supply the charged power of the first and second auxiliary batteries to the cooler and the heater; an air-circulating device connected to one end of the second control unit so as to be operated by the driving power of the first and second auxiliary batteries; a carbon dioxide sensor connected to the other end of the second control unit so as to sense the concentration of carbon dioxide in an indoor area of the vehicle; and a converting switch interconnected between the first control unit and the second control unit so as to supply the power of the first and second auxiliary batteries to a starter motor upon the occurrence of a discharge of the main battery. | 10-23-2014 |
20140324285 | VEHICLE ASSISTANCE DEVICE AND METHOD - An example of a vehicle assistance method includes obtaining a surroundings image captured by at least one camera. The method then controls a converting unit to convert the obtained surroundings image into a birds-eye view. Next, the method determines a panorama area according to a rightmost road marker or a leftmost road marker, determines a detection area according to whether or not one or more road markers exclusive the rightmost road marker and the leftmost road marker appear in the panorama area, and further determine whether one or more objects appear in the detection area. If yes, the method then obtains the humidity of air detected by a humidity sensor. Next, the method determines a camera corresponding to the birds-eye view when the obtained humidity of air is greater than the preset humidity value, and controls a driving device to turn on a pair of lights. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324286 | VEHICLE-USE COLLISION MITIGATION APPARATUS - A collision mitigation apparatus for mitigating damage to a vehicle at a time of collision, on which the collision mitigation apparatus is mounted, includes an operation control unit that detects a collision object present around the vehicle, makes a comparison between a collision time indicative of a time remaining before collision between the vehicle and the collision object and an operation reference time according to which timing to start control for avoiding collision is set, and causes a collision mitigation device mounted on the vehicle to start operating depending on a result of the comparison. The collision mitigation apparatus further includes a collision probability calculating unit that calculates a collision probability between the vehicle and the collision object, and a reference time setting unit that sets the operation reference time depending on the collision probability. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324287 | COLLISION MITIGATION DEVICE - A collision mitigation device sets an actuation condition indicating a condition for actuating a collision mitigating section configured to mitigate collision damage when an own vehicle is in a collision. A target object is positioned near the own vehicle and detected. The collision mitigating section is actuated when a positional relationship between the own vehicle and the target object meets the actuation condition. The collision mitigation device recognizes an own vehicle traveling segment that indicates a traveling segment of a road on which the own vehicle is traveling, and recognizes whether or not the target object is present within the own vehicle traveling segment. The actuation condition is relaxed in such a manner that the collision mitigating section is more easily actuated when the target object is present within the own vehicle traveling segment, compared to when the target object is not present within the own vehicle traveling segment. | 10-30-2014 |
20140336874 | Dynamic Tip-Off Detection, Display and Location Selection - Tip-off is a process of bringing a transport vehicle to a target weight by using only part of a bucket of a loader. By observing sensor data, tip-off may be automatically determined. Once determined, a visual indication may be made to an operator, allowing the operator to both confirm that tip-off mode is active and to show what tip-off mode is selected, truck tip-off or pile tip-off. Among other benefits, automatic tip-off allows an operator to maintain contact with the loader controls when entering tip-off mode of operation. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336875 | System And Method For Providing Customized Audio Content To A Vehicle Radio System Using A Smartphone - A method is disclosed for providing real time information content from a remote content source to an individual travelling in a vehicle over a personal electronic device (PED) of the individual, for playback over a subsystem of the vehicle. A control is designated on the vehicle subsystem which enables the individual to request the information content from the remote content source. A short range wireless link is established between the user's PED and the vehicle subsystem and the PED is used to access the information content from at least one Cloud based information service. The information content is then streamed back to the vehicle subsystem over the PED and played back to the individual, at least substantially in real time, while the individual is traveling in the vehicle. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336876 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM - A vision system of a vehicle includes an interior monitoring system operable to determine a gaze direction of the driver of the vehicle. A plurality of cameras is disposed at a vehicle and the cameras have respective fields of view exterior of the vehicle. A heads up display system is operable to display virtual images for viewing by the driver of the vehicle, with the displayed virtual images being displayed in the driver's gaze direction, such as via heads up display glasses worn by the driver. Responsive to a determination of the driver gazing in a direction towards a non-transparent portion of the vehicle, the heads up display system displays an image derived from image data captured by at least one of the plurality of cameras to display a virtual image representative of the driver's view as it would be through the non-transparent portion of the vehicle. | 11-13-2014 |
20140343788 | ENGINE RUNNING NOTICE AND AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF - A motor vehicle has an engine kill device that can automatically stop the engine. The vehicle has components for determining the engine may have been errantly left running, in which case the vehicle sends a notice to the user. The vehicle is capable of receiving a response from the user with instructions to leave the engine running. If no response is received, the vehicle can activate the engine kill device and stop the engine, or the vehicle can leave the engine running if a response is received from the user indicating the engine should remain running. | 11-20-2014 |
20140350782 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAY OF INFORMATION USING A VEHICLE-MOUNT COMPUTER - A system and method displays information using a vehicle-mount computer. The system includes (i) a computer touch screen for inputting and displaying information; (ii) a motion detector for detecting vehicle motion; (iii) a proximity sensor for detecting proximity to an item; and (vi) a vehicle-mount computer in communication with the computer touch screen, the motion detector, and proximity sensor, the vehicle-mount computer including a central processing unit and memory. The vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to store information associated with user-selected information from the computer touch screen and to display a zoomed view of the user-selected information on the computer touch screen. Further, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to override screen-blanking when user-selected information is displayed. | 11-27-2014 |
20140350783 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAY OF INFORMATION USING A VEHICLE-MOUNT COMPUTER - A system and method display information using a vehicle-mount computer. The system includes: (i) a computer touch screen for inputting and displaying information; (ii) a motion detector for detecting vehicle motion; and (iii) a vehicle-mount computer in communication with the computer touch screen and the motion detector. The vehicle-mount computer includes a central processing unit and memory. The vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to store information associated with user-selected information from the computer touch screen. Further, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to receive vehicle-motion information from the motion detector. Moreover, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to control the display of a zoomed view of the user-selected information on the computer touch screen in response to the motion detector's detection of motion. | 11-27-2014 |
20140350784 | TOUCH-SENSITIVE VEHICLE DISPLAY DEVICE - A touch-sensitive vehicle display device is disclosed. The touch-sensitive vehicle display device comprises a body having a display including a touch panel on a surface thereof, whereby a screen operation is performed on the surface of the display by a touch-screen operation; an operation plate provided along the surface of the display; and a controller controlling information to be indicated on the display. The operation plate includes an opening section to indicate a switch provided to face the touch panel, and a plurality of touch-sensitive switch-confirmation portions provided on an end portion of the opening section for switch indication, and the controller controls a switch-indication portion to be inside the opening section to indicate switching in the display, and controls a plurality of selection-switches to be in the switch-indication portion to correspond to the plurality of switch-confirmation portions. | 11-27-2014 |
20140350785 | COLLISION MITIGATION APPARATUS - A collision mitigation apparatus is provided, which is installed in a vehicle and mitigates damage to the vehicle in occurrence of a collision. The apparatus includes an activation control section which detects an object positioned around the vehicle, and activates a collision mitigation part for mitigating damage to the vehicle in occurrence of a collision if a positional relationship between the vehicle and the object meets a predetermined activation condition, a type determining section which determines type of the object, the type being any one of a vehicle, a pedestrian and a roadside object, and an activation condition changing section which consolidates the activation condition compared to a case where the type of the object is not a roadside object, if the type of the object is a roadside object. | 11-27-2014 |
20140350786 | METHOD OF OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING A PARKING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - A motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a parking assistance system with a system controller. During the assisted performance of a parking maneuver, the system controller receives one or more pieces of information from other controllers or units, which is continuously stored in the system controller. When restarting the internal combustion engine that has previously stalled during the ongoing parking maneuver, information previously stored by the system controller is accessed and forms the basis of a continued parking maneuver during a defined time interval, after which the assistance is once again based on current information acquired from the controllers or units. | 11-27-2014 |
20140358366 | ADAPTIVE OPEN LOOP CONTROL TO REDUCE ENGINE INDUCED VIBRATION AND NOISE - Methods and systems are provided for controlling an active vibration system. In one embodiment, a method of controlling an active vibration system associated with an engine is provided. The method includes: receiving engine parameters indicating one or more engine operating conditions; determining an operating mode of the active vibration system to be at least one of a sensing mode and a force generation mode based on the engine parameters; and selectively controlling the active vibration system based on the operating mode. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358367 | INTELLIGENT VEHICLE POWER CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present disclosure provides a system and method for managing a vehicle electrical system providing power to auxiliary systems. The system comprises a power control device with the ability to control the power to multiple auxiliary systems. The device has one or more sensor inputs for reading the system voltage and other data. The device can be configured with preset voltage thresholds for turning individual accessories on or off at predetermined voltage levels, or otherwise entering shutdown procedures. The system may also comprise a computer that is running dedicated software for managing the system and reconfiguring the device behavior. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358368 | Method and Device for Operating Functions Displayed on a Display Unit of a Vehicle Using Gestures Which are Carried Out in a Three-Dimensional Space, and Corresponding Computer Program Product - A method to control functions displayed on a display unit of a vehicle uses gestures carried out in three-dimensional space. When a first gesture carried out in three-dimensional space is detected it is determined whether the detected first gesture is allocated to an activation of an operation of a function. If it is determined that the detected first gesture is the gesture allocated to the activation of the operation of the function, then the function is activated. Next a second gesture carried out in three-dimensional space is detected and it is determined whether the detected second gesture is a gesture allocated to the operation of the function. If it is determined that the detected second gesture is the gesture allocated to the operation of the function then the operation of the function is performed. | 12-04-2014 |
20140365073 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COMMUNICATING WITH VEHICLE PASSENGERS - One embodiment of an on-vehicle audio system may include at least one of a transceiver and a plug connector configured to communicatively connect to a mobile phone. The transceiver or plug connector may receive a voice signal generated by a microphone device integrated in the mobile phone. Further, the system may also include an on-board controller configured to receive an audio signal from an audio source and the voice signal from the transceiver or plug connector. The controller may be configured to interrupt the audio signal and output the voice signal on an on-board speaker. | 12-11-2014 |
20140365074 | STRUCTURE FOR CONTROLLING ACTIVE MOUNT OF VEHICLE - A structure for controlling an integrated active mount of a vehicle improves driving performance of a vehicle, not reducing noise vibration, by providing a control signal with an inverse phase to the phase of the main excitation force of an engine in accordance with driving conditions through an active mount disposed between the engine and a vehicle body in order to reduce noise vibration of the vehicle. | 12-11-2014 |
20140365075 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING A RECUPERATION FOR A VEHICLE - A method to distribute recuperation power for a vehicle including determining the recuperation power, detecting a respective setpoint power of at least one energy consumer, distributing the recuperation power to electrical energy sinks, which comprise an energy store and the at least one energy consumer, depending on the respective setpoint power of the at least one energy consumer, to the energy sinks such that an average actual power of the at least one energy consumer corresponds to the respective setpoint power of the at least one energy consumer. | 12-11-2014 |
20140371981 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE - In a method for operating a vehicle, a vehicle guidance activity of a driver of the vehicle is monitored so that, based on the monitored vehicle guidance activity, driving parameters describing a driving style of the driver are generated and provided to a driver assistance system of the vehicle so that the driver's driving style is at least partly reproduced in the context of control of the vehicle by the driver assistance system. | 12-18-2014 |
20140371982 | OPERATING PROCESS FOR A FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A process for operating a fuel cell system ( | 12-18-2014 |
20140371983 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD - To improve the accuracy of prediction of the power consumption of the air conditioner units, a power consumption prediction device that predicts an amount of electric power consumed by a vehicle having one or more air conditioner units operable with electric power of a battery comprises: a passenger count detector that detects a count of passengers in the vehicle; an active air conditioner unit count detector that detects a count of active air conditioner units in the vehicle; a vehicle interior temperature detector that detects a vehicle interior temperature of the vehicle; an air conditioner unit set temperature acquirer that obtains a set temperature of each of the air conditioner units; and a power consumption predictor that predicts power consumption of the air conditioner units using the count of passengers, the count of active air conditioner units, the vehicle interior temperature and the set temperature of each air conditioner unit. | 12-18-2014 |
20140379211 | EVENT DATA RECORDER HAVING TRAFFIC MONITORING AND WARNING FUNCTION WITHIN SAFE RANGE - An event data recorder providing traffic monitoring and warning functions within a safe range is revealed. The event data recorder includes a main body, a plurality of image capture units for capturing an image outside the vehicle and generating an image signal, a vehicle signal capture unit capturing a vehicle signal and sending the vehicle signal into the main body, a sound capture unit that records engine and environmental sounds to generate a sound signal, a storage unit for storage of data. The main body performs data processing and image recognition according to the image and vehicle signals to generate a control signal and check whether the unsafe driving behavior occurred. If the unsafe driving behavior occurred, a warning signal is transmitted to the warning unit to warn the driver. Thus the driving safety is enhanced and the driver's responsibility for accidents is determined. | 12-25-2014 |
20140379212 | BLIND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A blind control system for the vehicle includes an input detector that detects a user's touch and a drag motion, a controller that uses a touch position on the input detector as a reference point and activates or deactivates a pie menu of a drag motion with respect to the reference point, among a plurality of predetermined pie menus. A display displays the pie menu activated by the control portion. | 12-25-2014 |
20140379213 | DRIVE ASSISTING DEVICE - A drive assisting device includes an assisting device capable of outputting a driving assistance information for assisting driving a vehicle; and an assistance control device configured to control the assisting device and capable of changing a form of the driving assistance information at a period from a first assistance timing to a second assistance timing after the first assistance timing and at a period after the second assistance timing. Then, one of the first assistance timing and the second assistance timing is determined based on a target traveling state amount of the vehicle at a predetermined position, and the other of the first assistance timing and the second assistance timing is determined based on one of the first assistance timing and the second assistance timing, so that the driving assistance operation can be appropriately performed. | 12-25-2014 |
20150012174 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING STATE OF CHARGE OF BATTERY IN VEHICLE - Provided is a system and method for controlling a state of charge of a battery including: an electrical load detector configured to detect information about voltages demanded by a plurality of electrical loads mounted in a vehicle; an alternator configured to generate a voltage with power of an engine, and supply the generated voltage to the plurality of electrical loads; a battery configured to supply a voltage during starting the engine, and supply a voltage to the plurality of electrical loads; a battery detector configured to detect information about a state of charge (SOC) of the battery; and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to determine a control mode based on a driving pattern of a driver, and control power generation of the alternator based on the determined control mode and the SOC of the battery. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012175 | VEHICLE POWER SUPPLY DEVICE - When the fuel supply to an internal combustion engine has stopped due to a vehicle starting to decelerate or the like, and the speed of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined speed, then a controller causes a power generator to operate in a first power generating mode. The controller charges a capacitor by using regenerative power that is output from the power generator to supply power from the power generator to the capacitor via a DC-DC converter. When the stopping of the fuel supply to the internal combustion engine is cancelled as a result of the engine revolution speed reaching a predetermined revolution speed (for example, an idling revolution speed) in conjunction with the speed of the vehicle dropping to the predetermined speed, the power generator can be kept in the first power generating mode. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012176 | DETECTION METHOD FOR OPERATING GESTURES - A method for operating a function in a motor vehicle employs a sensor arrangement with at least two spaced sensors for detecting operations caused by a user. Signals of a first sensor are monitored until a first characteristic signal answer is detected. A user-carried identification device is queried to verify authorization to access the requested function. Signals of a second sensor are monitored to determine an operation caused by approaching the second sensor. Signals from the first and second sensors are monitored for a predetermined time period t1. If the signals indicate a continued operation of the two sensors during t1, an expiration of t1 is signaled to the user. Signals of the first sensor are monitored for a predetermined time period t2. If the signal of the first sensor indicates a cancellation of the operation within t2, the function of the motor vehicle is triggered. | 01-08-2015 |
20150019072 | HEAD-UP DISPLAY AND METHOD WITH SPEED SENSITIVE LIGHT INTENSITY - A head-up display light source intensity control for a vehicle can include sensing an ambient light intensity condition and providing ambient light intensity data indicative of the ambient light intensity condition to a controller. A speed of the vehicle is sensed and vehicle speed data indicative of the speed of the vehicle is provided to the controller. The controller is configured to calculate a light intensity output value for the head-up display based on both the ambient light intensity data and the vehicle speed data. The light intensity output of a light source of the head-up display is adjusted based upon the light intensity output value. | 01-15-2015 |
20150019073 | OIL PUMP SYSTEM OF HYBRID VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - An oil pump system of a hybrid vehicle may include an electric oil pump which supplies operating hydraulic pressure to the transmission based on a speed command; a data detector which detects data for controlling the electric oil pump; and a controller which sets a driving mode of the electric oil pump based on the data detected by the data detector, determines a basic flow rate of the set driving mode, determines a final flow rate by compensating for the basic flow rate, and applies the speed command to the electric oil pump, in which the operating hydraulic pressure is supplied to the transmission only by the electric oil pump, and the speed command is determined based on target hydraulic pressure, an oil temperature, and the final flow rate. | 01-15-2015 |
20150019074 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SPEECH RECOGNITION SYSTEM - A method and system can control a speech recognition system in a vehicle. The method includes monitoring adaptive feature data about interactions between a user and the speech recognition system. The method includes determining a first group of samples of the adaptive feature data and creating a control chart based on the first group of samples. The control chart includes a control limit. The method further includes determining a second group of samples of the adaptive feature data after creating the control chart. Furthermore, the method includes calculating an arithmetic mean of each sample of the second group of samples to determine a sample mean, comparing the sample mean to the control limit in order identify unexpected performance of the speech recognition system. The method includes adjusting the speech recognition system based on the identified unexpected performance if the unexpected performance is identified. | 01-15-2015 |
20150019075 | WIPER CONTROL - A method for cleaning and drying a transparent pane is described. The method uses a hydrophobic coating in order to wipe off the residual moisture, wherein the quantity of water on the outside of the pane is measured after the vehicle engine has been switched off and, in the event of a constant or decreasing quantity of water, at least one wiping operation is carried out after a waiting time of at least 1 minute. A device for cleaning and drying the transparent pane is also described. | 01-15-2015 |
20150019076 | METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING REDUNDANTLY RECEIVED INFORMATION ITEMS, VEHICLE-TO-X COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND USE OF THE SYSTEM - A method for identifying redundantly received information in which the information is contained in vehicle-to-X messages, one vehicle-to-X message comprising at least one item of information, a plurality of vehicle-to-X messages being received by a receiver, and at least one portion of a total number of items of information being received redundantly. The received items of information are entered into an information table and matched with one another before the received information is processed. | 01-15-2015 |
20150019077 | Vehicle Having Electrical Consumers Integrated With a Physical Onboard Power Supply System - A vehicle with an internal combustion engine, with a physical onboard power supply system and with at least one electrical energy source, wherein electrical consumers are integrated in the physical onboard power supply system and the physical onboard power supply system comprises a switchable terminal 15, wherein, when the terminal 15 is actuated and the internal combustion engine is switched off or when the internal combustion engine is running at a low rotational speed, each of the electrical consumers is assignable by a control device to either a first group of electrical consumers or a second group of electrical consumers, an electrical consumer of the first group is at least partly able to be switched on and off by a user, an electrical consumer of the second group cannot be switched by the user, and an electrical consumer which is switched on at least partly can be supplied with electrical power from the at least one electrical energy source. | 01-15-2015 |
20150025738 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL IN A VEHICLE BASED ON CLOTHING INSULATIVE FACTOR - An automatic climate control system of a motor vehicle, and related operating methods, are provided. The automatic climate control system determines a clothing insulative factor for an occupant of the motor vehicle; calculates a model temperature condition based on a temperature set-point and the clothing insulative factor; obtains a current existing temperature condition; calculates a difference between the model temperature condition and the current existing temperature condition; and changes at least one of a plurality of parameters to adjust the current existing temperature condition based on the difference. | 01-22-2015 |
20150025739 | Control Apparatus and Control Method for Vehicle Electric Oil Pump - A control apparatus and a control method that controls an electric oil pump that supplies oil to a power transmission device transmitting a drive force to an axle. The control apparatus changes a PWM frequency in a PWM control of the electric oil pump to a lower frequency, when a vehicle is in a pulled state, when a vehicle speed is high, when a power source is operated at a high rotational speed, when a discharge amount from the electric oil pump is large, or when a noise in a vehicle interior is large. Thus, a drive noise of the pump can be reduced, or the amount of heat generated in the pump drive circuit and power consumption can be reduced. | 01-22-2015 |
20150025740 | Method and Device for the Control of Functions in a Vehicle Using Gestures Performed in Three-Dimensional Space, and Related Computer Program Product - A method to control functions in a vehicle using gestures carried out in three-dimensional space. When it is determined that a first gesture carried out in three-dimensional space is detected by an image-based detection procedure, it is determined whether the first gesture is a gesture directed towards a virtual object superimposing a real environment around the vehicle. If it is determined that the first gesture has been detected, it is determined whether a second gesture carried out in three-dimensional space is detected by the image-based detection procedure. If so, it is determined whether the detected second gesture is a gesture allocated to a manipulation of the virtual object, and the virtual object is manipulated accordingly. | 01-22-2015 |
20150032328 | RECONFIGURABLE PERSONALIZED VEHICLE DISPLAYS - Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for reconfigurable personalized vehicle displays. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for executing computer-executable instructions by one or more processors for displaying personalized information on a vehicle. The method can include detecting an identity of at least one of the one or more processors, display information based at least in part on the detected occupant identity; configuring the display information for use by one or more display devices associated with the vehicle; and communicating the configured display information to the one or more display devices. | 01-29-2015 |
20150032329 | IN-VEHICLE LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM - An in-vehicle load control system configured to controllably drive one or more loads on a vehicle according to an input signal. The system includes a first electronic control portion configured to perform signal processing based on the input signal, and a second electronic control portion configured to controllably drive the load. A backup signal channel is provided independently of a signal channel through which a signal is transmitted in a multiplex communication portion to input the input signal to the second electronic control portion. The second electronic control portion receives a first control signal via the signal channel in the multiplex communication portion and a second control signal via the backup signal channel, and controllably drives the load by preferentially treating the first control signal when the ignition signal is on and by preferentially treating the second control signal when the ignition signal is off. | 01-29-2015 |
20150032330 | MOBILE OBJECT, SYSTEM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - There is provided a mobile object including an input detection unit configured to detect an input from an outside, an acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information detected by a sensor in a remote location, in accordance with a content of detection performed by the input detection unit, and a control unit configured to control an actuator other than a driving actuator in accordance with the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit, the driving actuator relating to movement of the mobile object. | 01-29-2015 |
20150032331 | System and Method for Controlling a Vehicle User Interface Based on Gesture Angle - An in-vehicle computing system allows a user to control components of the vehicle by performing gestures. The user provides a selecting input to indicate that he wishes to control one of the components. After the component is identified, the user performs a gesture to control the component. The gesture and the component that was previously selected are analyzed to generate a command for the component. Since the command is based on both the gesture and the identified component, the user can perform the same gesture in the same position within the vehicle to control different components. | 01-29-2015 |
20150039180 | CONTROLLER APPARATUS AND SENSORS FOR A VEHICLE DOOR HANDLE - In a vehicle door assembly, controllers processes signals from an extension force sensor and a retraction force sensor to control a door handle. As a motor retracts the handle, a swing arm in the vehicle door presses against the retraction force sensor causing the handle controller to stop the motor. Pushing on the retracted handle presses the swing arm against the retraction force sensor a second time causing the controllers to operate the motor and extend the handle. As the handle extends, the swing arm presses against the extension force sensor and the handle controller stops the motor as the handle is fully extended. Subsequently, a hand pulling on the door handle presses the swing arm against the extension force sensor a second time causing the controllers to unlatch a latch holding the vehicle door shut, and thereby allow the vehicle door to open. | 02-05-2015 |
20150039181 | MOTOR VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER COMPRISING A ROBUST PERIPHERAL, ASSOCIATED MOTOR VEHICLE - A motor vehicle electronic computer ( | 02-05-2015 |
20150039182 | METHOD FOR DECOUPLING A POWER TAKE-OFF OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method of decoupling a power take-off drive of a motor vehicle transmission during travel of a motor vehicle in which a form-locking shift element of the power take-off drive is controlled for disengaging the power take-off drive. To implement reliable decoupling without interrupting travel of the motor vehicle, if disengagement of the shift element initially did not occur, control of the shift element is immediately implemented the next time a separating clutch, placed between the motor vehicle transmission and a drive engine of the motor vehicle, is actuated and/or a connection of the shift element toward an output side of the motor vehicle transmission is interrupted, over the course of a subsequent gear shift in the motor vehicle transmission. A drive train of a motor vehicle, a computer program product, and a data carrier having the computer program product. | 02-05-2015 |
20150046027 | VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE - A vehicle body structure includes a first surface, a closure panel, an interactive display panel and a controller. The first surface has a first edge extending along an exterior portion of a vehicle and a second edge opposite the first edge extending along an interior portion of the vehicle. The first surface at least partially defines a door opening. The closure panel is movably coupled for movement between an open position exposing the first surface and a closed position covering the first surface such that a closure panel surface overlays the first surface. The interactive display panel is disposed along the first surface and is covered by the closure panel with the closure panel in the closed position and is exposed with the closure panel in the open position. The controller is in communication with the interactive display to display user inputted data on the interactive display panel. | 02-12-2015 |
20150046028 | METHOD FOR REPRODUCING INFORMATION IN A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND MOTOR VEHICLE DESIGNED TO CARRY OUT THE METHOD - A method for reproducing information in a motor vehicle ( | 02-12-2015 |
20150046029 | DISPLAY APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A display apparatus for vehicle includes a speedometer that measures speed of a vehicle, an eco-drive level determination unit that determines an eco-drive level at driving the vehicle based on a recommended depression amount and an actual depression amount, a determination display portion located inside a peripheral visual field region of the driver, a detail display portion located outside of the peripheral visual field region, and a display control unit that controls display in the determination display portion and the detail display portion. The display control unit performs the following controls of (A) setting the display in the determination display portion to ambient display in which contrast of the outline region is lower than contrast inside the outline region, and (B) changing the ambient display according to the change in the eco-drive level. | 02-12-2015 |
20150046030 | INPUT DEVICE - An input device includes a detection unit for detecting a first predetermined operation, and a control unit for recognizing a second predetermined operation as the first predetermined operation even when a second predetermined operation different from the first predetermined operation is detected within a predetermined time after detection of the first predetermined operation. For example, the device is disposed on a spoke unit that is operable by a driver's thumb when the driver grips a steering wheel. For example, the first predetermined operation and the second predetermined operations are swipes. | 02-12-2015 |
20150057880 | HEAD-UP DISPLAY AND METHOD WITH LIGHT INTENSITY OUTPUT MONITORING - A sensor is configured to monitor an intensity output of a light source of the head-up display and provide a measured actual light intensity value to a controller. The controller is configured to store a target light source intensity value in a computer-readable memory. The controller is configured to compare the measured actual light intensity value to the target light intensity value. The controller is configured to reduce the light intensity output provided at a vehicle operator viewable display surface in a situation where the measured actual light intensity value exceeds the target light intensity value. | 02-26-2015 |
20150057881 | Method And System For Integrated Assistance Services - A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a controller to process a travel assistance request for communication through a satellite and terrestrial mobile communication network. Data related to multiple assistance providers can be received in response to the request. At least one criterion can be processed for the assistance providers based on, for example, historical trip data. The assistance providers can be graphically represented for user selection based on the criterion. Data related to a selected assistance provider can be displayed, including navigation data to and/or from the assistance provider. In another embodiment, the travel assistance request can be communicated to a service center through the network. The service center can communicate data related to an assistance provider, including navigation data to and/or from the assistance provider. A rating of the assistance provider can be communicated to a specified community-of-interest through the network. | 02-26-2015 |
20150057882 | CONTROL METHOD OF CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT OF VEHICLE - Disclosed are a control device and a control method for vehicular daytime running lights. The control device comprises a sampling module and a controller, wherein the sampling module is electrically connected to a storage battery ( | 02-26-2015 |
20150057883 | DRIVER ADVICE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver advice system for a vehicle having at least one vehicle subsystem ( | 02-26-2015 |
20150057884 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERFERENCE REDUCTION DURING KEYLESS IGNITION AUTHENTICATION - Methods and apparatus are provided for interference reduction during keyless authentication. The apparatus includes a control system having a controller configured to detect an authentication event and deactivate at least one device within the vehicle. The control system is also configured to transmit an authentication command and to reactive the at least one device within the vehicle in response to receiving a valid authentication signal. The method includes an authentication method for a user to operate a vehicle wherein an authentication event is detected and at least one device within the vehicle is deactivated. An authentication command is transmitted and the at least one device within the vehicle is reactivated in response to receiving a valid authentication signal. | 02-26-2015 |
20150066292 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING VEHICLE ACCESSORIES - A method and system for operating vehicle accessories is described. The method and system allocate an available amount of engine torque between different accessories depending on boundary conditions and nominal vehicle operating conditions. In one example, the accessories may include an air conditioner compressor, an alternator, and various vehicle electrical loads that are in electrical communication with the alternator. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066293 | Windscreen Clearing System for a Vehicle | 03-05-2015 |
20150066294 | Steering Wheel Input Device Having Gesture Recognition and Angle Compensation Capabilities - A steering wheel input device is mounted on a vehicle steering wheel and includes a pointer detection device detecting a pointer event on a pointer detection surface, any movement or breaking of the pointer event, and the speed, velocity, and acceleration of the pointer event, and outputs a corresponding pointer detection signal. The steering wheel input device also includes a rotation angle sensor and a processor. The rotation angle sensor takes measurements related to an angle of rotation of the steering wheel and outputs a corresponding rotation detection signal. The processor determines the angle of rotation of the steering wheel using the rotation detection signal, determines which gesture that the pointer detection signal corresponds to using the pointer detection signal and the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, and outputs a command corresponding to the gesture. The command can serve as input to control vehicular systems. | 03-05-2015 |
20150073651 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SIMULATING A SMART DEVICE USER INTERFACE ON A VEHICLE HEAD UNIT - Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide an improved system that simulates a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of user interfaces, wherein each of the plurality of user interfaces is affiliated with a platform, and determining if a smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms. If it is determined that the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms, the method further comprises the steps of retrieving the user interface affiliated with the matched platform, and using the matched user interface on the vehicle head unit. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073652 | ENERGY CONSUMPTION OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM - A vehicle energy consumption optimization system may include a controller configured to detect a trigger event to determine a passenger departure. The controller may receive at least a first and second sensor input to determine a vacancy zone in response to the trigger event, associate a feature usage with the vacancy zone, and deactivate the feature usage associated with the vacancy zone. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073653 | POWER SUPPLY CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A vehicle power supply control apparatus is provided including a power supply control unit, a control signal connection circuit unit, a remote operation signal obtaining unit for receiving a remote operation signal, a power supply control unit that is operated during remote operation, relays serving as electrical path opening/closing units, and fuses. An air conditioner and a heater are connected to an electrical path that is opened and closed by the relay. A wiper, a washer and a turn signal relay are connected to an electrical path that is opened and closed by the relay. If the remote operation signal obtaining unit obtains a remote operation signal, the control signal connection circuit unit turns the relay off, and does not switch an electrical current on to the electrical path to which the wiper, the washer, and the turn signal relay are connected. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073654 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A ROADWAY IRREGULARITY IN A ROADWAY SECTION ILLUMINATED BY AT LEAST ONE HEADLIGHT OF A VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A LIGHT EMISSION OF AT LEAST ONE HEADLIGHT OF A VEHICLE - A method is provided for determining a roadway irregularity in a roadway section illuminated by at least one headlight of a vehicle. The method has a step of recognizing an instantaneous light distribution of the at least one headlight of the vehicle which is produced in the roadway section. The method also has a step of determining the roadway irregularity based on the instantaneous light distribution and a light distribution characteristic for the at least one headlight. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073655 | ANTI-ICING SYSTEM AND AIRCRAFT - Provide is an anti-icing system that can cause anti-icing devices to properly operate even if a breakdown occurs in a switch after a pilot sets the switch. | 03-12-2015 |
20150081167 | INTERACTIVE VEHICLE WINDOW DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH VEHICLE FUNCTION CONTROL - A system for a vehicle includes an interactive display subsystem operable to generate output for display on a vehicle window, the display visible from inside the vehicle, outside the vehicle, or both. The system also includes a control subsystem operable to enable a user to control at least one vehicle function through the interactive display subsystem. A method of controlling a vehicle function includes receiving instructions for controlling the vehicle function through an interactive display subsystem operable to generate output for display on a vehicle window and executing the instructions using a control subsystem. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081168 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ILLUMINATION CONTROL AND DISTRIBUTION DURING A VEHICLE BANK - A bank angle of a vehicle can be accurately calculated using yaw axis data and roll axis data, and based on the calculated bank angle, vehicle illumination optics can be controlled to maintain a pattern of distributed light from the illumination optics to be generally horizontal. The calculated bank angle may be zeroed when the yaw axis data equals zero. The improved pattern of distributed light from the illumination optics illuminates a more natural field of view for the vehicle driver during a bank. In some embodiments, the vehicle illumination optics can include a primary illumination group and a plurality of side illumination groups. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081169 | INTEGRATED WEARABLE ARTICLE FOR INTERACTIVE VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A method for operating a vehicle includes receiving, at a wearable article, a first input from a user indicating a vehicle function to be performed on a vehicle, receiving a second input indicating a gesture by the user for authentication, and generating, at the wearable article, a control signal for performing the vehicle function on the vehicle based on a successful authentication of the user. | 03-19-2015 |
20150088373 | OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS AND OBSTACLE SENSING FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES - A system and method is provided that permits optical communication between vehicles or vehicles and transportation fixtures by modulating an optical source located on either a vehicle or a transportation fixture. The optical source is modulated to include information about the vehicle or fixture. The modulated optical signal is then transmitted from the optical source to an environment external the vehicle or fixture. The system may further include sensors for receiving input optical information signals from the external environment that contains information about external sources, such as other vehicles or fixtures. The system further includes a processor for controlling signal modulation and processing input optical information received from the vehicle sensors. | 03-26-2015 |
20150088374 | AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE WINDOW CLEARING - At least one datum is received relating to a condition of a window in the vehicle. A determination is made to change a parameter based on the at least one datum, the parameter governing clearing the window. An instruction is provided to initiate or change operation of a vehicle component based on the change of the parameter. | 03-26-2015 |
20150088375 | SYSTEM FOR INFORMING FUNCTIONS OF VEHICLE - A system for informing a function of a vehicle includes a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) to control a corresponding function. A telematics multimedia system center (TMS) terminal receives signal values and state changed values input/output to/from the ECUs and transmits the received signal values and state changed values to outside. A function informing controller controls the TMS terminal and output function informing. A TMS center receives various signal values and state change values through the TMS terminal. A vehicle customer relation management (VCRM) platform provides information about a usage frequency of the corresponding function based on the signal values and the state changed values received. A usage analysis controller controls the VCRM platform and the TMS center so as to transmit the information provided from the VCRM platform to the function informing controller. | 03-26-2015 |
20150088376 | DISPLAY CONTROL DEVICE - In an adjustment mode, a control unit of a display control device displays, on a display, frame bodies imitating shapes of measuring instruments, and changes the display positions or/and the shapes at which or in which the frame bodies are displayed on the basis of input operation received by the input unit, and stores, to the parameter storage unit, the determined display positions or/and the determined shapes of the frame bodies as parameters of the display positions or/and the shapes of the measuring instruments. | 03-26-2015 |
20150088377 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE IN A PRESENTATION MODE - A method for operating a motor vehicle having one or more electrical systems/devices, wherein the systems/devices are operable in at least two different modes. In a normal mode, a vehicle key is required for activation of at least one of the electrical devices. After enabling of a presentation mode, activation of the at least one device is possible without use of the vehicle key. The presentation mode is optimized for use in a dealership, where certain electrical/electronic functions of the vehicle should be available for use by a potential buyer without the requirements of a dealership employee being present with the vehicle key. | 03-26-2015 |
20150094908 | LASER RADAR APPARATUS - A laser radar apparatus includes a beam projecting unit and a beam receiving unit that receives via a glass surface a reflective wave occurring when a beam projected from the beam projecting unit is reflected from an object. The laser radar apparatus further includes control unit that commands a prompt operation mode of a wiper when an amount of the objects is determined to be greater than or equal to a threshold level based on a beam reception level detected by the beam receiving unit, and a wiper operation control unit that controls the wiper to operate in the prompt operation mode after a waiting time period elapses. The waiting time period is from when it is detected that the amount of the objects is greater than or equal to the threshold level to when a wiper operation starts. | 04-02-2015 |
20150100203 | IN-VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICE AND OPERATING METHOD - The invention uses the backlight of a display monitor such as LCD monitor or OLED monitor as the lighting to replace dome light lamp in a vehicle. | 04-09-2015 |
20150100204 | HANDLE SWITCH DEVICE - There is provided a handle switch device provided at a position adjacent to a grip part at an end portion of a handle and provided with a control device for controlling an operation of a predetermined vehicle-mounted device by an operation of a passenger. The control device includes a touch pad having an operation surface that the passenger touches upon the operation, a touch sensor for detecting a touch of the passenger to the operation surface and a computing device for performing an operation determination based on an output of the touch sensor. The operation surface is formed as a continuous surface that can be touched by the passenger through a drag operation. The touch sensor can detect the touch to the operation surface at least by the drag operation. | 04-09-2015 |
20150105974 | Snow Plow Blade Detection and Compensation System - A snow plow blade detection and compensation system and method operable to detect when a plow blade is attached to the vehicle and then, when the driver is in plowing mode, take appropriate compensating actions. The systems and methods may include: (1) computer vision based recognition of plow blade position, wherein object recognition from a forward looking camera and computer vision system may be installed on the vehicle to recognize that the plow blade is in the down position; (2) proximity sensing system indicating that the plow blade is down, wherein multiple sensors may be used to indicate that the plow blade position is down; (3) direct input of plowing status, wherein vehicle Interfaces indicate that a plow mode is active; (4) drive pattern recognition; and/or (5) audio recognition, wherein microphones detect sound characteristics of “scraping” sounds, inferring that the plow blade is on the ground and pushing snow. | 04-16-2015 |
20150105975 | Electropneumatic Towing Stabilizer System - An automatic stability control system is provided which determines the lateral acceleration and lateral velocity of a towed trailer and forward velocity of the tow vehicle. When the lateral acceleration and/or velocity of the towed trailer exceeds predetermined values established for the current forward velocity of the tow vehicle, the stability system meters a gas, such as compressed air, from a gas reservoir into at least one cylinder of a pair of buffer arms each comprising a piston that is pivotably attached to the towed trailer and a cylinder which is pivotably attached to the tow vehicle. Gas is metered into one or both buffer arm cylinders until the lateral acceleration and lateral velocity of the towed vehicle meets or is below predetermined values established for the forward velocity of the tow vehicle. | 04-16-2015 |
20150105976 | PROCESSING METHOD, PROGRAM, PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND DETECTION SYSTEM - A processing method for a processing apparatus, the processing method causing a computer of the processing apparatus to execute steps comprising: detecting a position and a state of a passenger inside a vehicle on the basis of information indicating a state of space including seats of the vehicle, the information obtained from a sensor provided inside the vehicle, notifying an operator of the vehicle of the detected position and state of the passenger, and transmitting, upon detecting an operation, which is performed by the operator of the vehicle, for controlling a device near the detected position of the passenger, a control command corresponding to the operation to the device. | 04-16-2015 |
20150112547 | ROAD CHARACTERISTIC PREDICTION - A vehicle system includes at least one sensor that collects infrastructure information in real time and outputs sensor signals representing the collected infrastructure information. A processing device processes the sensor signals, predicts a future road characteristic based on the infrastructure information, and controls at least one vehicle subsystem in accordance with the predicted future road characteristic. A method includes receiving infrastructure information collected in real time, processing the infrastructure information, predicting a future road characteristic based on the infrastructure information, and controlling at least one vehicle subsystem in accordance with the predicted future road characteristic. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112548 | ROAD CHARACTERISTIC PREDICTION - A vehicle system includes at least one sensor and a processing device. The sensor is configured to output sensor signals representing infrastructure information collected in real time. The processing device is configured to predict a future road characteristic based on the infrastructure information, evaluate a prediction error, adjust a prediction horizon until the prediction error is within a predetermined accuracy range, and control at least one vehicle subsystem in accordance with the predicted future road characteristic. A method includes receiving infrastructure information collected in real time, predicting a future road characteristic based on the infrastructure information, evaluating a prediction error, adjusting a prediction horizon until the prediction error is within a predetermined accuracy range, and controlling at least one vehicle subsystem in accordance with the predicted future road characteristic. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112549 | LOCATIONAL AND DIRECTIONAL SENSOR CONTROL FOR SEARCH - A method of controlling a directional facing of a sensor mounted to a vehicle includes storing, by a sensor control computer, previously-searched locations of a terrain at which the sensor is directed. The method includes determining a likelihood of detecting a target at one or more points on the terrain and controlling a directional facing of the sensor onto the terrain based on the previously-searched locations and the likelihood of detecting the target. | 04-23-2015 |
20150120135 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSIGNING PROFILE DATA TO ONE OR MORE VEHICLE SUB-SYSTEMS OF A VEHICLE - This disclosure relates to a method, performed in an apparatus | 04-30-2015 |
20150120136 | SMART DEVICE EXECUTING APPLICATION PROGRAM BY OCCUPANT DETECTION - A smart device that determines whether an occupant is present within a vehicle is provided. The smart device includes a boarding detector that is configured to detect whether an occupant is present within a vehicle by detecting a connection with a connectivity module disposed within the vehicle or connectivity module connected to an on board diagnostics (OBD) connector. In addition, a controller is configured to execute a predetermined application program when the occupant is detected by the boarding detector. | 04-30-2015 |
20150127215 | ADAPTING VEHICLE SYSTEMS BASED ON WEARABLE DEVICES - Embodiments are described for an in-vehicle computing system, and methods of controlling vehicle settings using the in-vehicle computing system based on input received from a wearable device. Input may also be received from a mobile device. The in-vehicle computing system may automatically adjust one or more vehicle settings based on the received input. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127216 | Electronic interface control system - An electronic interface control system with indicators and switching controls being adapted to be disposed efficiently in a vehicle in communication with a pneumatic vehicle safety lift system to conveniently lift a vehicle aground to repair and/or change a tire. Further, a carrying case namely encasing a; safety strut with a means for a locking mechanism and cordless electric lug wrench torque gun to remove lug nuts. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127217 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ASSISTING PARKING - Disclosed are an apparatus and a method of assisting parking, and the apparatus for assisting parking includes: an around view monitoring (AVM) system including a plurality of cameras mounted in a vehicle, and configured to combine images photographed by the respective cameras, and output a combined image signal in a form of an around view; a controller configured to analyze the combined image signal and detect a parking guide line, calculate a distance between the detected parking guide line and the vehicle, and generate control information corresponding to the calculated distance; and a guide unit configured to output control information. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127218 | METHOD FOR DRIVER PERSONALIZATION BASED ON TUNNEL DETECTION FOR A SINGLE-TUNER SYSTEM - A method of operating a vehicle includes receiving a radio frequency signal and determining that the radio frequency signal has at least one characteristic indicative of the vehicle entering a tunnel. A setting of a vehicle system is automatically modified in response to the determining step. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127219 | CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE DRIVE UNIT OF A WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM - The invention relates to a control device ( | 05-07-2015 |
20150134199 | COMPONENT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a chassis, a modular component, and a central operating system. The modular component is supported by the chassis. The central operating system includes a component control system, a primary master controller, and a secondary master controller. The component control system is configured for controlling the modular component. The primary and secondary master controllers are in operative communication with the component control system. The primary and secondary master controllers are configured to simultaneously transmit commands to the component control system. The component control system is configured to accept commands from the secondary master controller only when a fault occurs in the primary master controller. | 05-14-2015 |
20150134200 | APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING SPECIFIC TASK OF VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A vehicle includes an input configured to receive a touch signal input by a user. A controller is configured to determine whether the input touch signal continues for a reference time or more and execute a specific task corresponding to the input touch signal when the input touch signal continues for the reference time or more. | 05-14-2015 |
20150142261 | METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR AN AUDIO PASS INTEGRATED VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEM - A system and method are disclosed herein for providing an integrated safety system for a vehicle. The system comprises a vehicle audio and infotainment system having software code to allow a mobile device to connect to it such that certain features of the mobile device can be controlled by the vehicle's audio and infotainment system. The system allows the mobile device to be authenticated with the vehicle such that the mobile device can also control the vehicle's ignition, security and audio and infotainment systems. The system only allows the mobile device to be operable within the vehicle via the vehicle's integrated audio and infotainment controls. The system prevents the use of certain features of the audio and infotainment system if certain safety precautions are not taken. The system determines if a passenger has properly engaged the restrain system before the audio and infotainment system becomes operable for a user. | 05-21-2015 |
20150142262 | Vehicular Simulation - Vehicle profiles allow drivers of vehicles to select any vehicle they desire to simulate. A graphical dashboard may be reconfigured to assume a graphical interface of any vehicle. A prospective buyer of an electric vehicle may configure the dashboard of a conventional, internal combustion vehicle to visually simulate an electric vehicle. | 05-21-2015 |
20150142263 | IMAGING UNIT, ATTACHED MATTER DETECTOR, CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE - An imaging unit includes a light source placed on one surface of a light transmissive plate-like element to project a light to the one surface of the plate-like element, an imaging element to capture an image of an attached matter on the other surface of the plate-like element illuminated with the light from the light source, and an optical element having an incidence surface on which the light is incident from the light source, a reflective surface by which the light incident from the incidence surface is reflected, a transmissive surface contacting the one surface of the plate-like element, through which the light reflected by the reflective surface transmits, and an exit surface from which the light transmitting through the transmissive surface and reflected by the other surface of the plate-like element is emitted towards the imaging element. | 05-21-2015 |
20150142264 | VEHICLE CUSTOMIZATION AND PERSONALIZATION ACTIVITIES - Information is provided to a vehicle by receiving, from a data center, a set of travel related services that are specific to an individual, where the travel related services are received into a control and interconnection system of a vehicle. The control and interconnection system comprises a vehicle interface that interfaces with vehicle subsystems, an operator interface that interfaces with an operator of the vehicle, and a system controller that communicates with vehicle subsystems. The method includes loading the set of travel related services into the system controller of the control and interconnection system, utilizing the control and interconnection system to monitor operational characteristics of the vehicle based upon the loaded set of travel related services, and communicating operational characteristics to the data center. In response, personalized information is received from the data center, whereby the control and interconnection system performs an operation in response to receiving the personalized information. | 05-21-2015 |
20150149034 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET CONTROL - Methods, systems are provided for controlling an auxiliary power outlet in a vehicle. The method includes connecting the battery powered device to the accessory power outlet, synchronizing communications between the battery powered device to a computing device of the vehicle, and determining when the battery powered device is connected to an electric bus and is charging. When the battery powered device is either not connected to the electric bus or the battery powered device is not charging, then disconnecting power from the accessory power outlet. The system includes a battery, an electrical bus electrically connected to the battery, at least one auxiliary power outlet in electrical communication with the battery and configured to mate with a battery charging port of a battery operated device; and an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to disconnect power from the accessory power outlet when the battery is charged. | 05-28-2015 |
20150149035 | MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A CONTROL DEVICE FOR AN EXTRAVEHICULAR COMPUTER SYSTEM - A motor vehicle has a control device that is designed to change over an operating state of an extravehicular computer system for office applications between an active state, in which the computer system executes at least one piece of office application software, and a passive state, in which the computer system is deactivated. | 05-28-2015 |
20150291032 | Vehicle Control Apparatus And Method Thereof - The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control apparatus and a control method thereof, and the vehicle control apparatus may include a body portion comprising an outer frame constituting an external appearance of a vehicle and an inner frame formed to allow a user to get on, a sensing unit configured to sense a user's input from at least one sensing region formed on the body portion, and a controller configured to drive at least one of functions that can be executed in the vehicle based on at least one of a location of the sensing region at which the user's input is sensed and the user's input to the sensing region. | 10-15-2015 |
20150298522 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE - A vehicle includes an engine, an engine cooling system configured to cool the engine with a coolant, an air conditioning apparatus, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the coolant and a refrigerant, and an ECU that controls the air conditioning apparatus. The air conditioning apparatus includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, and the compressor is driven in response to an air conditioning request to air condition a passenger compartment. Even in the absence of the air conditioning request, the ECU causes the compressor to be driven to heat the coolant by radiation of heat from the refrigerant. | 10-22-2015 |
20150300825 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING A HORIZON FOR USE IN AN ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM (ADAS) - A method of generating a horizon for use by an ADAS of a vehicle involves using digital location-based data, driver data and/or vehicle data to determine the likelihood that different outgoing paths are taken at a decision point along a currently traversed road segment, and deriving a probability that each path may be taken. The probability may be based on one or more of: an angle of the path relative to the incoming path, the road class of the path, a speed profile of the path, historical paths taken by vehicles at the decision point, and historical paths taken at the decision point by the individual driver or vehicle. | 10-22-2015 |
20150306936 | VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a drive motor, a battery, a front seat, a rear seat, a passenger-compartment air conditioning unit, an inlet port, a blower, a temperature sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to control the passenger-compartment air conditioning unit so as to selectively perform a first air conditioning mode, a second air conditioning mode, and a third air conditioning mode. The controller is configured to control the passenger-compartment air conditioning unit so as to perform the third air conditioning mode when the temperature of the battery is higher than a first temperature threshold. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306937 | VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle air conditioning control device calculates, through a thermal load calculating unit, a vehicle interior thermal load Q on the basis of, for example, a vehicle interior temperature Tin, a vehicle interior humidity Hin, a vehicle exterior temperature Tout, a passenger load factor θ, and a vehicle-interior-temperature set value Tset. Through an air conditioning output calculating unit, the vehicle air conditioning control device calculates an output command value for an air conditioner on the basis of a vehicle-interior-temperature upper-limit value Tmax, a vehicle-interior-temperature lower-limit value Tmin, the thermal load Q, power-running/regenerative electric power P, and then, corrects the calculated output command value for the air conditioner on the basis of power-running/regenerative electric power Pf at or after a prediction time point and of a passenger load factor Of at or after the prediction time point. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306959 | CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A CONTROL DEVICE - A control device for a vehicle steering wheel ( | 10-29-2015 |
20150307022 | HAPTIC STEERING WHEEL - At least one location of an operator's hand on a vehicle steering wheel is detected. One or more haptic devices may be actuated in the steering wheel to provide a message to the operator, the one or more haptic devices selected for actuation being determined according to the at least one location. | 10-29-2015 |
20150307025 | Identifying and Responding to Tailgating Vehicles - A computer-implemented method includes capturing, using a rear view camera of a forward vehicle, an image of a following vehicle. Based on one or more attributes of the image, a distance between the forward vehicle and the following vehicle is determined. Based on the distance between the forward vehicle and the following vehicle and on a speed of the forward vehicle, it is determined that the following vehicle is closer than a predetermined distance. In response to determining that the following vehicle is closer than the predetermined distance, a first safety response is activated. | 10-29-2015 |
20150307043 | VEHICLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A vehicle management system including a controller connected to at least one member of the vehicle by a network of the vehicle to exchange at least one item of information with the member, the management system including a symbol generator connected to the controller, the symbol generator issuing a symbol associated with the information held by the controller. | 10-29-2015 |
20150307110 | Method for a Driver Assistance Application - A driver assistance system with improved fault tolerance and a method for the same are provided. For this purpose, a control variable for an actuator for a reduced driver assistance system is calculated in a second control unit. | 10-29-2015 |
20150314740 | Method For The Controlled Connection Of A Plurality Of On-Board Power System Branches Of A Vehicle, Control Unit For Carrying Out The Method And On-Board Power System - A method for controlled connection of a plurality of on-board power system branches is disclosed, wherein electrical power is exchanged between first and third on-board power system branches if an uncritical supply state is present and electrical power is exchanged between second and the third on-board power system branches if a critical supply state is present in the first or third on-board power system branch. In a critical supply state, the first on-board power system branch is disconnected from the third on-board power system branch by opening a first switching device, and the second on-board power system branch is then connected to the third on-board power system branch via a second switching device. A second actuation device that actuates the second switching device receives a switch state signal from the first actuation device and closes the second switching device only if the received signal signals an open first switching device. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314788 | A Method for Estimating Torque Downstream of a Vehicle Transmission - A method for estimating torque transmitted to a structure located downstream of a transmission system of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises an engine for generating torque, a transmission system configured to transmit a fraction of the torque generated by the engine to a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, and a further fraction of the torque generated by the engine to the structure. The transmission system includes a shaft arrangement interposed between the engine and the structure, a planetary gearing supported by the shaft arrangement, and a transmission unit arranged in parallel to the shaft arrangement. The torque transmitted to the structure is estimated on the basis of a group of parameters which comprise torque upstream of the transmission system, twist of the shaft arrangement, and a parameter which is indicative of the ratio between an output rotational speed at an output of the transmission unit and an input rotational speed at an input of the transmission unit. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314791 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DRIVER TAILORED INTERACTION TIME ALERT - A vehicle comprising at least one controller in communication with a transceiver, and the transceiver capable of communication with one or more infotainment features. The at least one controller may be configured to receive a configurable constraint for the one or more infotainment devices. The at least one controller may be further configured to monitor an interaction between a driver and the one or more infotainment devices based on the configurable constraint. The at least one controller may be further configured to generate an alert if the configurable constraint is exceeded in the interaction. | 11-05-2015 |
20150321535 | Air Conditioner Control Assembly - A air conditioner control assembly for disabling the air conditioner in a vehicle while the vehicle is traveling up an incline includes a housing coupled to the vehicle. A processor is coupled to the housing. The processor is operationally coupled to the air conditioner in the vehicle. The processor de-actuates the air conditioner. A inclinometer is coupled to the housing. The inclinometer is operationally coupled to the processor. The processor de-actuates the air conditioner when the inclinometer detects the vehicle is traveling up the incline. A timer is coupled to the housing. The timer is operationally coupled to the processor. The processor actuates the air conditioner after a trigger duration of time has passed while the vehicle is traveling up the incline. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321642 | Method for preventing an unauthorized operation of a motor vehicle - A method for preventing an unauthorized operation of a vehicle, and an electronic hardware security module for implementing the method are provided. A vehicle immobilizer software is used therein, which is at least partially stored in the electronic hardware security module. | 11-12-2015 |
20150325126 | METHOD FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A TRAILER - A method for detecting the presence of a trailer connected to a host vehicle includes a rearward sensor secured on a vehicle that detects the presence of a trailer. An ESC unit determines the velocity of the host vehicle. A rearward sensor determines the velocity of an object and the distance of the object therefrom. When the host vehicle is moving above a minimum velocity, the velocity of the host vehicle is the same as the velocity of the object, and the distance of the object remains essentially the same, a trailer detecting unit determines that the detected object is a trailer attached to the vehicle. Further, when the distance of the object from the rearward sensor is greater than a defined value, the trailer detecting unit determines that a trailer is not attached to the host vehicle. | 11-12-2015 |
20150329121 | MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING APPLICATION FOR VEHICLE - A mobile terminal and a method for controlling an application for a vehicle are provided. The mobile terminal includes an acceleration sensor configured to detect a motion of the mobile terminal, a magnetic sensor configured to detect a magnetic field, a first control unit configured to determine whether the detected motion and the detected magnetic field correspond to a pre-defined condition of entering a vehicle, and output a signal according to the determination, and a second control unit configured to execute the vehicle application based on the signal received from the first control unit. | 11-19-2015 |
20150336438 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS INCLUDING A STAND-UP WHEEL CHAIR HAVING AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL - Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, a stand-up wheel chair having automatic stability control. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336441 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - Methods and systems for controlling a climate control system of a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: determining a solar azimuth angle curve associated with point of interest; determining at least one intersection point between the azimuth angle curve and at least one line that defines at least one edge of a transparent element of the vehicle; determining whether the point of interest is shaded or not shaded based on the at least one intersection point; and automatically controlling the climate control system based on the determination of whether the point of interest is shaded or not shaded. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336442 | Method For Controlling The Recuperation Power Of A Recuperation-Capable Drive, And Device For This Purpose - A method for controlling a recuperation power of a recuperation-capable drive of a motor vehicle includes first determining a future temperature-control effort that represents the energy required to cool or heat the motor vehicle, and then conducting to a temperature-control device a temperature-control proportion of a recuperation power that has been extracted from the kinetic energy of the motor vehicle. The temperature-control device uses the temperature-control proportion of the converted recuperation power to heat or cool a motor vehicle interior of the motor vehicle. The magnitude of the temperature-control proportion is controlled based on the future temperature-control effort. An increasing temperature-control proportion is conducted to the temperature-control device in response to an increasing temperature-control effort. | 11-26-2015 |
20150342807 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING OR MODIFYING PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETER IN POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR - A method and apparatus for setting or modifying a programmable operating parameter associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) operating a user interface device associated with a power driven wheelchair in a programming mode, b) selecting a programmable operating parameter associated with operation of the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device, c) selecting a value for the programmable operating parameter using the user interface device, and d) saving the selected value for the programmable operating parameter in a portion of a storage device associated with the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device. A method and apparatus for selecting one or more programmable parameter sets from a portable storage medium and saving the selected sets to a local storage device associated with a power driven wheelchair and vice versa is also provided. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343860 | TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM OF MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE AND METHOD THEREOF - A tire pressure monitoring system includes a resolver for detecting a motor speed generating driving torque. A wheel speed sensor detects a wheel speed of wheels rotated by the driving torque generated at the motor. A transmission decelerates the driving torque generated at the motor. A controller is configured to compare a first target wheel speed calculated using the motor speed detected by the resolver to the wheel speed sensor detected by the wheel speed sensor and determining a status of a tire, when a wheel slip ratio is less than a predetermined value. | 12-03-2015 |
20150344029 | LANE KEEPING SUPPRESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method is disclosed for suppressing or deactivating a lane keeping assist (LKA) system in a host vehicle. The method may include retrieving environmental data from a data gathering system, determining a current lane width based on the environmental data retrieved from the data gathering system, and comparing the current lane width with a pre-set lane width. The method may also include determining that the current lane width is smaller than the pre-set lane width, detecting the presence of an obstacle on the traveling path which obstacle will be passed by the host vehicle or which obstacle will pass the host vehicle within a pre-determined time period, and deactivating or suppressing the lane keeping assist (LKA) system. | 12-03-2015 |
20150349977 | Method and System for Transmitting Telematics Data from a Truck to a Telematics Portal - In a truck, consisting of a towing vehicle and at least one trailer vehicle, to transmit telematics data to a vehicle-remote telematics portal the telematics data from the trailer vehicle(s) are transmitted via a cable connection to the towing vehicle and sent from the towing vehicle, together with the telematics data from the towing vehicle, to the vehicle-remote telematics portal. Only the towing vehicle has an electronic telematics controller, and the cable connection is used as a PLC line in order to transmit the telematics data from the trailer vehicle(s) to the towing vehicle without the need for additional cable connections. | 12-03-2015 |
20150352952 | Adjustable Synthetic Vision - Systems, methods and computer-storage media are provided for displaying a real-time image in a cockpit of an aircraft. Use of a synthetic vision application is provided with a gradient-type feature such that a level of synthetic enhancements applied to an image may be adjusted to a synthetic vision application value that is less than 100 percent. The synthetic vision enhancement may be overlaid with the original image, according to the synthetic vision application value, to generate a modified image. Additional information may overlay the original image with the synthetic vision application such as a three-dimensional weather representation. The synthetic vision application may be used in conjunction with a high-definition camera to generate the original image. The modified image may be updated in real-time such that an updated view is continuously modified with an updated synthetic vision enhancement to provide accurate real-time views. | 12-10-2015 |
20150352953 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH MOBILE DEVICE INTERFACE - A vehicle control system includes a control and a communication link. The communication link receives a signal from a mobile device of a driver of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system. Responsive to receipt of a signal from the mobile device via the communication link, the control is operable to at least one of (i) determine a user input at the mobile device and control at least one accessory of the vehicle responsive to the determined user input and (ii) display at a display device of the vehicle visual content displayed at a display screen of the mobile device. | 12-10-2015 |
20150353156 | TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE - A two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame, a plurality of ground-engaging members for supporting the frame, and an engine supported by the frame and operably coupled to the ground-engaging members. Additionally, the two-wheeled vehicle includes an upper and lower fairing assembly that cooperate together to define wind flow around the vehicle. Vents and deflectors are controllable to regulate the airflow to the rider. A vehicle control unit is operable to control the heated grips and the cruise control. A trunk is provided for mounting to the motorcycle and is electrically coupled to a harness running beneath the seat. The vehicle is further profiled to receive a hand held GMRS handset and smart phone. | 12-10-2015 |
20150355703 | Automatic Proximity-Based Adjustments to Energy Management Routines - A method is provided for energy management for a telematics unit of a telematics-equipped vehicle. The method includes: determining, by a processor, that a mobile device is co-located with the telematics unit while vehicle ignition of the vehicle is on, wherein the mobile device is registered as being associated with the telematics unit; determining, by the processor, that the vehicle ignition has been turned off; determining, by the processor, a location of the vehicle corresponding to where the vehicle ignition was turned off and determining, by the processor, a location of the mobile device; and implementing, by the processor, situation-specific energy management based on the determined location of the vehicle and the determined location of the mobile device. | 12-10-2015 |
20150360540 | VEHICLE-COOLING-FAN CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - A fault in a fan motor is detected on the vehicle side with simple wiring. Provided is a vehicle-cooling-fan control system including a fan control unit having a motor control unit that controls a three-phase motor for driving a cooling fan, a vehicle-side ECU that is provided superordinate to the fan control unit and that controls a vehicle, and an air-conditioning-system ECU that controls an air-conditioning apparatus of the vehicle, wherein the fan control unit, the vehicle-side ECU, and the air-conditioning-system ECU are connected so that information can be transferred therebetween via a vehicle network CAN, the fan control unit outputs fault information via a CAN driver in the case where a fault has been detected at a switching device, and the vehicle-side ECU exercises control via the vehicle network CAN to protect the fan control unit and the air-conditioning-system ECU in the case where the importance of the fault information is high. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360564 | Control of a user equipment based on in-vehicle position - A user equipment includes a positioning unit which is configured to determine a relative position of the user equipment within a reference coordinate system that is defined with respect to a vehicle. The user equipment further includes a processor configured to selectively enable or disable a user access to at least some features of in-vehicle entertainment and/or control based on the determined relative position | 12-17-2015 |
20150360565 | SAFETY CONFIRMATION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE DRIVER AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING SAFETY CONFIRMATION OF VEHICLE DRIVER - In a driver's safety confirmation support system, a moving object detection section detects a moving object approaching to a vehicle in any of detection areas around a vehicle. When the moving object detection section detects the moving object in the detection area on a left side of the vehicle, a display control section controls a right display section provided in a right area relative to a driver's seat to display information regarding the moving object detected. When the moving object detection section detects the moving object in the detection area on a right side of the vehicle, the display control section controls a left display section provided in a left area relative to the driver's seat to display information regarding the moving object. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360583 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE MOTOR - A control apparatus for a vehicle motor is provided with: a characteristic switching device configured to switch a characteristic of a motor between a first characteristic in which the output upper limit is first predetermined torque and a second characteristic in which the output upper limit is second predetermined torque, which is smaller than the first predetermined torque; a characteristic determining device configured to determine whether the characteristic of the motor is the first characteristic or the second characteristic; and a characteristic controlling device configured to control the characteristic switching device to switch the characteristic of the motor to the first characteristic and to start the motor with the first characteristic at a next start of the driven body if it is determined that the characteristic of the motor is not the first characteristic. | 12-17-2015 |
20150362542 | PULSE WIDTH MEASUREMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS - A tyre monitoring apparatus comprising a monitor installed on a tyre and a pulse width measuring apparatus for measuring the width of pulses produced by the monitor. The pulse width measuring apparatus comprises a frequency analyzer for producing a frequency representation of the pulse, a signal processor for determining a minimum value of the frequency representation, and a pulse width estimator that inverts the minimum value to produce a measurement for the pulse width. The tyre monitoring apparatus uses the pulse width measurement as an indication of characteristics of the tyre. | 12-17-2015 |
20150364125 | VEHICLE, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD AND VEHICLE DRIVING SOUND CONTROL APPARATUS - A vehicle, a vehicle control method, and a vehicle driving sound control apparatus in which a user may freely generate a requested vehicle driving sound using a user terminal and generate an additional driving sound more similar to an actual vehicle driving sound by vibrating a structure of a vehicle using an exciter are provided. The vehicle includes a controller configured to receive vehicle driving sound parameters requested by a user from a user terminal and an exciter configured to vibrate a structure of a vehicle based on the vehicle driving sound parameters. | 12-17-2015 |
20150365024 | Motor Control System - Provided is a motor control system that can suppress production costs and suppress the occurrence of unexpected excessive torque, and continues system operation as much as possible even when the diagnosis results of a monitoring device are abnormal. A computation device ( | 12-17-2015 |
20150367729 | VEHICULAR INPUT DEVICE AND VEHICULAR COCKPIT MODULE - The present disclosure provides a vehicular input device, which is arranged in a vehicle having a meter hood protruding toward a driving seat from an instrument panel and surrounding a meter, for detecting an operation of a driver based on an input screen image displayed on a display device arranged on the instrument panel at a side of the meter hood. The vehicular input device includes: a detection unit that is arranged at a side surface of the meter hood and is arranged between the display device and the driving seat; and a display control unit that changes a display mode of the display device in response to an output of the detection unit. | 12-24-2015 |
20150367730 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING AT LEAST ONE OPERATION PARAMETER OF A SUBJECT VEHICLE IN THE VEHICLE - A method for displaying at least one parameter concerning the operation of a vehicle in the vehicle by a display device with a display surface wherein, in a first display mode of the display device, the display surface generates a display element with a first boundary and an area lying within the first boundary. The area is divided into at least a first sub-area and a second sub-area and the first sub-area includes a scale by which a state variable of the vehicle is displayed. The current value of the state variable is displayed in the first display mode by a graphical element which extends from the second sub-area in the first sub-area to the scale. Also disclosed is a device for displaying at least one parameter concerning the operation of a vehicle in the vehicle. | 12-24-2015 |
20150367731 | DISPLAY DEVICE - A display device includes: first setting means for setting a first operation amount to be performed by an occupant so as to increase an output in a state in which a vehicle speed is less than a predetermined threshold; second setting means for setting a second operation amount to be performed by the occupant such that an operation state of the vehicle can be shifted to a desired state in which optimal instantaneous fuel consumption is realized, by decreasing the output in a state in which the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold; and display means for displaying, on a display unit, at least one of the first operation amount and the second operation amount, and a present operation amount which is an operation amount performed at present by the occupant. | 12-24-2015 |
20150367855 | METHOD FOR DETECTING A ROADWAY AND CORRESPONDING DETECTION SYSTEMS - A method is provided for detecting a roadway of a vehicle including at least the following steps: generating a light signal and emitting the light signal onto a lit area of the roadway, receiving retroreflected radiation of the lit area and generating an image signal, evaluating the image signal. For this purpose, it is provided that the light signal having light structures is generated, the image signal is evaluated as a two-dimensional light pattern, a detection of pattern characteristics corresponding to the light structures being carried out in the light pattern during the evaluation of the image signals, a signal strength of the image pattern being evaluated in a space-resolved manner and a reflecting behavior of the lit area being inferred therefrom, and a roadway surface being inferred from the reflecting behavior. | 12-24-2015 |
20150367859 | INPUT DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - Embodiments are disclosed for an input device for a motor vehicle. An example input device for a motor vehicle having a dashboard and a steering wheel includes a sensor and a circuit connected to the sensor,
| 12-24-2015 |
20150375599 | AUTOMOBILE COOLING SYSTEM - A system and method for an automobile cooling system to alleviate high temperatures within a vehicle. The system includes a temperature sensor, which signals a control center when a preset temperature has been reached within the vehicle and an occupant sensor which signals the control center when an occupant is detected within the vehicle. Further, a fan system to circulate air within the vehicle, a window operating system for opening one or more of the vehicle's windows, an alert signal system for emitting an alert, and a signal initiating system to contact emergency personnel or subscribers to an automobile cooling system program when a preset temperature has been reached within the vehicle. Finally, the control center adapted to send signals to the fan system, the window operating system, the alert signal system, and the signal initiating system when the preset temperature has been reached within the vehicle. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375680 | VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS AND PROGRAM TECHNICAL FIELD - A vehicle control apparatus of the embodiment includes an acquisition portion acquiring captured image data output from an imaging portion that is provided at a vehicle and that images a surrounding of the vehicle, and vehicle state data output from a vehicle state detection portion provided at the vehicle, and a control portion performing a rotation control on the captured image data based on an inclination in a left-right direction of the vehicle relative to a horizontal direction which serves as a direction included in a horizontal plane orthogonal to a direction of gravity, the inclination in the left-right direction of the vehicle being calculated from the vehicle state data, the control portion performing the rotation control in a manner that a horizontal line included in a subject captured in the captured image data is substantially parallel to a lateral-direction side with respect to a display region serving as an output destination. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375743 | COLLISION MITIGATION APPARATUS AND COLLISION MITIGATION PROGRAM - A collision mitigation apparatus is mounted to an own vehicle and mitigates a collision between the own vehicle and an obstacle. The collision mitigation apparatus acquires information indicating that the own vehicle will make a right turn or a left turn at an intersection. When the information indicating that the own vehicle will make the right turn or the left turn at the intersection is acquired, the collision mitigation apparatus sets a target area on a predicted route of the own vehicle at the intersection. The collision mitigation apparatus determines whether or not an obstacle that becomes an obstacle for travelling of the own vehicle is present in or is entering the target area. When the obstacle is present in or is entering the target area, the collision mitigation apparatus performs output to mitigate a collision between the own vehicle and the obstacle. | 12-31-2015 |
20160001701 | Machine Safety Dome - A site-aware controller and various sensors determine if objects are located within a safety dome surrounding a machine such as a construction vehicle. The site-aware controller compares data from the various sensors to determine if the machine or independently moveable implements located on the machine are capable of impacting objects within the safety dome and/or travel of the machine into restricted areas. Detection of objects within the safety dome can trigger alerts (e.g., visual and/or audible) to an operator of the machine of a particular situation. Detection of objects within the safety dome can also prevent further movement of the machine or independently moveable implements located on the machine to prevent impacting the objects. The system can also prevent movement of the machine into restricted areas. | 01-07-2016 |
20160001704 | SURROUNDINGS-MONITORING DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A surroundings-monitoring device according to embodiments includes, as an example, a memory unit that stores therein captured image data output from an imaging unit imaging an area including a road surface in a forward direction of a vehicle and an area extending upward from the road surface and an output unit that outputs, to a display device, captured image data having been previously imaged by the imaging unit and including a road surface corresponding to a position of the current vehicle in the imaged road surface, from among the captured image data stored in the memory unit. | 01-07-2016 |
20160001781 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESPONDING TO DRIVER STATE - A method for controlling vehicle systems includes receiving monitoring information from one or more monitoring systems and determining a plurality of driver states based on the monitoring information from the one or more monitoring systems. The method includes determining a combined driver state based on the plurality of driver states and modifying control of one or more vehicle systems based on the combined driver state. | 01-07-2016 |
20160001785 | MOTION SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - The motion sensing system contains an application module installed in an information device, a control device in the automobile data-linked to the application module, an assistance subsystem data-linked to the control device and providing interaction with a driver of the automobile on behalf of the control device, and a motion sensing device data-linked to the control device and providing control to automobile and the information device through the control device by hand gestures performed by the driver. The motion sensing device contains a gesture definition module allowing the driver to define hand gestures by himself or herself. The driver then can wave his/her hand and make gestures within a coverage area by the motion sensing device to operate the automobile or the information device with little distraction to the traffic condition ahead | 01-07-2016 |
20160003114 | LUBRICATING OIL SYSTEM FOR A COMBUSTION ENGINE, IN PARTICULAR FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES - Lubricating oil system for a combustion engine, in particular for industrial or commercial vehicles, the system comprising a bypass connection suitable to bypass an oil pump associated to an engine oil circuit, a controllable valve suitable to adjust an amount of oil to be bypassed through the bypass connection, control means controlling the controllable valve, programmed to control said controllable valve as a function of the combustion engine speed. | 01-07-2016 |
20160009218 | VEHICULAR LIGHTING APPARATUS | 01-14-2016 |
20160009294 | ENVIRONMENT-BASED FUNCTION LOCK SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE | 01-14-2016 |
20160009296 | Information Providing Apparatus | 01-14-2016 |
20160009317 | HAPTIC DEVICE | 01-14-2016 |
20160010312 | DISPLAY SYSTEM OF EXCAVATING MACHINE AND EXCAVATING MACHINE | 01-14-2016 |
20160010955 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR THREAT MANAGEMENT FOR GROUND-BASED VEHICLE | 01-14-2016 |
20160016454 | Integrated Vehicle Cabin With Driver Or Passengers' Prior Conditions And Activities - Described herein is a system, apparatus, and method for providing an integrated vehicle cabin experience. A wearable device including one or more bio-physical sensors may be configured to sense bio-physical conditions from a wearer of the wearable device and determine a state of the wearer. The state information may then be referenced by a vehicle computing system in order to control one or more vehicle systems and/or components that create a cabin environment. | 01-21-2016 |
20160016473 | CONTROLLING ACCESS TO AN IN-VEHICLE HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE - An in-vehicle computer is programmed to determine that a driver's hands are at least one predetermined location in the vehicle, the at least one predetermine location including a location on a steering wheel, determine that a vehicle passenger is in a safe position with respect to a human-machine interface; and provide passenger access to the human-machine interface such that the passenger may access operations of the computer that are inaccessible to the driver. | 01-21-2016 |
20160016503 | INTELLIGENT CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOBILE HEADLIGHTS - Disclosed are an intelligent control method and system for automobile headlights, which is used for improving traveling safety and comfort, and meanwhile solving the problem that monitoring the control result is not provided by existing automobile control systems. The intelligent control system for automobile headlights can control turning on and off of the automobile headlights automatically according to the changes of ambient light intensity, and switching between high/low beam lights can be automatically realized when automobiles meet at night, and meanwhile a self-diagnostic function is provided. Whether the control system for automobile headlights operates in an automatic mode or a manual mode, the operating status of the headlights can be monitored by the self-diagnostic function of the system and a fault point can be located accurately, which is output by means of a fault display lamp or a fault code. It is convenient for maintenance personnel to repair or monitor the illumination condition of an automobile on the basis of the automobile operational system of the automobile network, and for a driver or relevant service staffs to know the operating status of automobile headlights in real time. | 01-21-2016 |
20160016536 | Method for Controlling a Wiping-Washing Process of a Rear Window Cleaning System for a Motor Vehicle - A method is provided for controlling a wiping-washing process of a rear window cleaning system for a motor vehicle that has at least one windshield cleaning system and a headlight cleaning system for headlights of the motor vehicle. The wiping-washing process of the rear window cleaning system is controlled on the basis of an actuation of the headlight cleaning system and/or the windscreen cleaning system. | 01-21-2016 |
20160023534 | IN-VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS - An in-vehicle control apparatus includes a command value change unit that changes a command value for adjusting a predetermined physical quantity when an operation switch which is operated by a user is on-operated, a physical quantity detection unit that detects the predetermined physical quantity, an engine start request unit that makes a start request to an engine mounted in a vehicle so as to match the predetermined physical quantity with a physical quantity according to the command value based on the command value and the predetermined physical quantity detected by the physical quantity detection unit, a switch determination unit that determines whether the operation switch is on-operated upon starting the vehicle; and a command value setting unit that fixes the command value at a predetermined value without changing the command value when the switch determination unit determines that the operation switch is on-operated upon starting the vehicle. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023621 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING A BATTERY MANAGEMENT AND ACCUMULATOR SYSTEM - Various systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein provide for receiving pressure data for an accumulator system, the pressure data providing an indication of a pressure in an accumulator tank of the accumulator system; receiving energy data, the energy data indicating an availability of free energy for use to charge the accumulator tank; and activating a charging source of the accumulator tank to charge the accumulator tank based on at least one of the pressure data and the energy data. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023663 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - An object of the present invention is to control a vehicle with less delay. A control system | 01-28-2016 |
20160031388 | APPARATUS FOR INTEGRATING DATA FUNCTIONS IN A MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - The present disclosure to systems for integration and communication of aftermarket vehicle components with existing vehicle components through an apparatus comprising a processor and a computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions. The apparatus is configured to be integrated into a vehicle comprising an existing motion-control system having existing motion-control-system components. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising (i) receiving, from an aftermarket motion-control-system, an input data signal containing a raw data set, (ii) processing the raw data set, yielding a processed data set, and (iii) transmitting the processed data set to one or more of the existing motion-control system components within the vehicle. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031418 | KEYLESS UNLOCKING SYSTEM AND KEYLESS UNLOCKING METHOD FOR VEHICLES - A keyless unlocking system includes an image capturing module, an image processing module electrically connected to the image capturing module, and a control module electrically connected to the image processing module. The image capturing module is configured to get real-time information of a user and feedback the real-time information to the image processing module. The image processing module includes a memory and a central processing unit. The memory pre-stores the unlocking information input by the user or by vehicle manufacturers. The memory also stores the real-time information of the user from the image capturing module. The central processing unit analyzes whether the real-time information matches the unlocking information and feedbacks an analyzed result to the control module. The control module operates according to the analyzed result. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031481 | Wheel Imbalance Rejection Module - A control system and method for a hydraulic-power steering system of a vehicle including magnetic torque overlay (MTO) is provided. The control system and method minimize undesirable vibration in a hand wheel of the vehicle as a result of disturbance in its front road wheels (e.g., road-wheel imbalance). In the control system and method, a desired torque command is determined or generated. At least the desired torque command is passed to a disturbance-rejection module. The disturbance-rejection module modifies the desired torque command to minimize the vibration. | 02-04-2016 |
20160033969 | Data Mining in a Digital Map Database to Identify Unusually Narrow Lanes or Roads and Enabling Precautionary Actions in a Vehicle - Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, an unusually narrow road width or lane width. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where an unusually narrow road width or lane width exists along roads. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the location where the unusually narrow road width or lane width exists. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching a location where the unusually narrow road width or lane width exists. | 02-04-2016 |
20160035203 | METHOD AND A DEVICE FOR DETECTING ICING AT AN AIR INLET OF A TURBOSHAFT ENGINE - A method of detecting that an aircraft is flying in icing conditions. A processor unit determines a real power developed by the turboshaft engine and a theoretical power that the engine can develop in theory, the theoretical power being determined using a theoretical model supplying a power as a function at least of a speed of rotation of a gas generator of the engine. The processor unit determines a difference between the real power and the theoretical power. The processor unit generates a warning to indicate the presence of icing conditions when the power difference is greater than a predetermined power threshold for a length of time longer than a time threshold, and when a temperature outside the aircraft lies between a low temperature threshold and a high temperature threshold. | 02-04-2016 |
20160039286 | VEHICLE DISPLAY SYSTEM - A vehicle display system displays information on a road surface. The vehicle display system includes an other-entity detector, an intersection detector, and a display device. The other-entity detector detects whether or not another entity approaches a vehicle mounted with the vehicle display system. The intersection detector detects whether or not the vehicle approaches an intersection. When the other-entity detector detects that said another entity approaches the vehicle or when the intersection detector detects that the vehicle approaches the intersection, the display device displays a predetermined shape in a predetermined region of a road surface ahead of the vehicle while moving the predetermined shape. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039365 | Systems and Methods for Sending A Message From Tire Pressure Monitoring System to Body Electronics - A tire pressure monitoring system electronic control unit for hands free operation of a trunk of a vehicle includes a receiver configured to receive pressure data transmitted from a tire pressure monitoring system sensor, and also include a vehicle controller area network interface configured to send a control signal to a body control module using a vehicle network. The tire pressure monitoring system electronic control unit further includes a control circuit configured to send the control signal to the body control module using the vehicle controller area network interface, wherein the control signal causes the body control module to open the trunk of the vehicle, and wherein the control circuit sends the control signal in response to determining, using the pressure data, that the tire of the vehicle has been kicked. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039416 | VEHICLE TRAVEL CONTROL APPARATUS - In a vehicle including a plurality of devices ( | 02-11-2016 |
20160039420 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - An information processing apparatus is mounted on a vehicle. The information processing apparatus includes: a first acquiring unit that acquires, from each of one or more traffic lights, traffic light information including identifying information for identifying a corresponding traffic light, position information of the corresponding traffic light, and start time and end time of lighting in a color of a traffic signal indicating stop of the vehicle; a calculation unit that calculates a signal waiting time that indicates a time period for the vehicle to stop at a traffic light by using one or more pieces of the traffic light information; and an electric power control unit that controls an electric power state during stop of the vehicle in a multistage manner in accordance with the signal waiting time. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039430 | PROVIDING GESTURE CONTROL OF ASSOCIATED VEHICLE FUNCTIONS ACROSS VEHICLE ZONES - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039644 | SUBSEA HEAVE COMPENSATOR - A heave compensator for heavy lifts with adjustable dampening characteristics is able to operate above and below the water line in environmental pressures ranging from the atmospheric up to several hundred atmospheres pressure. A method for automatic regulation of the available stroke length of the heave compensator during the lifting operation, based on the realization that heave compensating devices utilising a slide-able piston as a volume expanding mechanism to reduce the tension forces upon relative movements between crane and load, may obtain a simple compact construction able to execute a range of different compensation functionalities by registering the pressure and temperature in the gas filled chambers of the device, and employing this information to regulate the amount of gas in the single gas filled chambers. | 02-11-2016 |
20160046188 | INFORMATION REPRODUCTION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE USER OF A VEHICLE - An information reproduction system for a vehicle having an input device that receives a selection signal and a processor that produces a video or control signal, as a result of which a status bar arranged at an edge of a touch-sensitive display panel of a display device and a display area adjoining the status bar are reproduced on the touch-sensitive display panel by the display device on the basis of the video or control signal device. The selection signal has information about a starting point and an end point of a movement by a user that touches the display panel of the display device without interruption. The processor produces the video or control signal on the basis of the selection signal. The information reproduction system also has an output device that provides the video or control signal for a display device. | 02-18-2016 |
20160046292 | CHARGE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE, CHARGE CONTROL METHOD AND VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD - A charge control device for a battery is mounted on a vehicle, the vehicle comprises an engine, a generator driven with power of the engine, the battery configured to be chargeable with electric power generated by the generator, and auxiliary machinery operated with electric power of the battery. The charge control device comprises: a load condition detector that is configured to detect a load condition of the auxiliary machinery; and a charge controller that is configured to control charging into the battery, based on the load condition of the auxiliary machinery, wherein in response to detection of a state change from a state in which a magnitude of the load of the auxiliary machinery is smaller than a predetermined threshold value to a state in which a magnitude of the load is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the charge controller controls a generated voltage by the generator based on the magnitude of the load of the auxiliary machinery prior to the state change during a time period until a specified time has elapsed after the detection of the state change, and the charge controller controls a generated voltage by the generator based on a magnitude of the load of the auxiliary machinery detected by the load condition detector during a time period after elapse of the specified time. | 02-18-2016 |
20160047321 | VEHICLE WITH DEFINED POWER ON DEMAND - An vehicle with defined power on demand including a control system configured to provide to an operator a plurality of selectable features each have selectable options. The defined power on demand utilizes unrealized engine power which is limited by an engine control system for reasons of fuel savings and cost effectiveness. The selectable features include power take off (PTO), mechanical front wheel drive (MFD), front hitch, and rear hitch. Selectable options include a plurality of defined amounts of power delivered by a vehicle engine over a period of time with respect to a selected feature. The defined amount of power is greater than the power at which the engine typically operates as limited by the engine control system. The greater power is provided over a period of time to complete each of the selectable features. | 02-18-2016 |
20160050286 | Intelligent power and control policy for automotive applications - In automotive networking applications, data about vehicle's environment can be used in conjunction with a control policy to manage the performance and power usage of a networked device. The control policy can dynamically adjust the balance between link power and performance of the device's communications interface by taking into account the vehicles current situation and user preferences, e.g. location, destination, speed, sensor status, or the like. Controlling the balance between link power and performance of networked devices can be important in maximizing power savings without unacceptably decreasing network performance. | 02-18-2016 |
20160052351 | DYNAMIC TIRE AIR PRESSURE SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a dynamic tire air pressure system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a tire pressure sensor that measures an air pressure of a tire. The system also includes a first reservoir tank maintaining a lower air pressure than the measured air pressure of the tire. The system further includes a second reservoir tank maintaining a higher air pressure than the measured air pressure of the tire. The system additionally includes one or more valves that control deflation and inflation of the tire by selectively coupling the tire to the first or second reservoir tanks. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052393 | DASHBOARD INCLUDING RULES TO DISPLAY DATA - A system for displaying a dashboard display in a vehicle includes a vehicle data bus interface for communicating with vehicle subsystems of a vehicle management system, a dashboard display module, and a dashboard store for storing a dashboard display definition. In one example, the dashboard display module obtains from the vehicle bus information regarding which of the plurality of vehicle subsystems are enabled, and transmits the information regarding which of the plurality of vehicle subsystems are enabled to a device external to the vehicle management system. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052431 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACTIVE SEAT DAMPER - Methods and apparatus are provided for an active seat damper. The method of controlling a damper of a seat of a vehicle includes receiving data indicating a condition associated with the seat and determining a natural frequency of the seat based on the condition. The method also includes outputting one or more control signals to control a natural frequency of the damper based on the natural frequency of the seat. | 02-25-2016 |
20160059674 | TELEMATICS TERMINAL FOR PURIFYING AIR INSIDE VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A telematics terminal is provided. The telematics terminal includes a communication unit that is configured to receive weather information from a telematics center and a display unit that is configured to display the received weather information. In addition, a controller is configured to executed at least one item for triggering a function of purifying air inside a vehicle to be displayed when the weather information does not meet a predetermined air pollution standard. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059853 | CONTROL SYSTEM, RELAY DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD - A control system | 03-03-2016 |
20160059864 | PRIVACY MANAGEMENT - One or more embodiments of techniques or systems for privacy management are provided herein. In one or more embodiments, privacy management may be provided by adjusting the way a system provides notifications, handles communications, or executes applications based on the presence or positioning of one or more occupants within a vehicle. In other words, a vehicle may provide notifications in a first manner when merely a driver is present but provide notifications in a second manner (e.g., different than the first manner) when an additional occupant is detected. Sensors may be utilized to detect the presence or positioning of occupants and communications or applications may be managed accordingly. In this manner, privacy management is provided, thus enhancing security of applications or communications utilized by occupants of a vehicle, such as a driver, for example. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059865 | PARENTAL CONTROL OVER VEHICLE FEATURES AND CHILD ALERT SYSTEM - A system to access one or more user profiles that govern one or more vehicle functions. The system cooperates with a processor and verification module which are adapted to verify, using one or more of biometric information, gesture recognition, facial recognition and device identification information, that a user has authority to access the one or more user profiles, where the one or more profiles are stored in one or more of a vehicle, a cloud and a communications device. An edit module is further provided and adapted to allow the user to make one or more edits to the one or more user profiles. | 03-03-2016 |
20160061684 | CONTROL SYSTEM, PRESSURE DETECTION SYSTEM, METHODS AND PROGRAMS THEREFOR - A multiple channel control system, pressure detection system, a method and a program are provided. A pressure detection system may include first and second pressure transducers having a common pressure source as an input. The first pressure transducer is a different type than the second pressure transducer. The system also includes a storage device configured to store a look up table having a calibrated relationship between temperature and pressure for the second pressure transducer. The system also includes a processor configured to periodically update the look up table based on pressure detected by the first pressure transducer when a condition is met. | 03-03-2016 |
20160062531 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION TARGET DEVICE IN VEHICLE, AND STEERING WHEEL - A setting unit dynamically sets a first area and a second area on a touch sensor mounted on a grip portion that a driver grips on a steering wheel. A first detector is configured to detect a state where a first area in a touch sensor mounted on a grip portion that a driver grips on a steering wheel is touched. A second detector is configured to detect a state where a particular input operation is performed on a second area located on the upper side of the first area in the touch sensor. A controller is configured to control an operation target device to be operated with the touch sensor according to the particular input operation when the first detector detects the state where the first area is touched and the second detector detects the state where the particular input operation is performed. | 03-03-2016 |
20160063315 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE USING MOTION RECOGNITION WITH FACE RECOGNITION - Provided is a vehicle control apparatus including an image obtaining part that obtains an image of outside of a vehicle; a face recognizing part that finds and tracks a face of a person from an image obtained by the image obtaining part based on feature elements human faces and extracts feature information regarding a face of a person; a face authenticating part that compares the feature information extracted by the face recognizing part to feature information regarding faces of persons registered in advance and, if a difference therebetween is less than or equal to a critical value, authenticates that the recognized face as a registered face; the motion recognizing part that, when authentication is completed by the face authenticating part, recognizes a motion; and a control part that recognizes a motion of a face-recognized and face-authenticated person and performs a set function. | 03-03-2016 |
20160068099 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO CONTROL VEHICLE TURN INDICATORS - Methods, systems and program products are provided for obtaining navigation data indicative of a present position of a vehicle and assessing lane restriction information in connection with a road lane corresponding to a present position of the vehicle as designated by the navigation data. The methods, systems and program products also activate a turn indicator of the vehicle based on the lane information and the navigation data. The methods, systems and program products collect navigation data indicative of a present position of a vehicle. | 03-10-2016 |
20160068101 | Control System, Vehicle and Method - An apparatus ( | 03-10-2016 |
20160075233 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM AND VEHICLE INCLUDING VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM - A method for automatically controlling a vehicle infotainment system includes: detecting, by one or more sensors of a vehicle, whether a user of the vehicle is located in the vehicle when a door event of the vehicle occurs; and controlling, by a controller of the vehicle, an infotainment system of the vehicle so as to pause multimedia data that is playing in the infotainment system, when the one or more sensors detect that the user is not located in the vehicle. | 03-17-2016 |
20160075279 | IN-VEHICLE DEVICE - An in-vehicle device includes a functional unit to be arranged at an instrument panel of a vehicle and configured to perform an operation toward a driver seat of the vehicle, and a blinding panel covering a front surface of the functional unit. A plurality of perforations is formed in the blinding panel to extend through the blinding panel in a thickness direction of the blinding panel. | 03-17-2016 |
20160075282 | Vehicle Monitoring, Safety, and Tracking System - Devices and systems for vehicle monitoring, safety, and tracking are disclosed. Devices related to the present disclosure have a housing having at least one actuator, two or more flexible arms having attached video cameras, a processor positioned within the housing, the processor in electronic communication with each of the video cameras, a GPS receiver, and an accelerometer. The device can transmit and receive data wirelessly through a transceiver. A central server may be associated with one or more of the devices and allow users to track vehicle status remotely. | 03-17-2016 |
20160075283 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a camera that, when disposed at the vehicle, views through a windshield of the vehicle. The camera is disposed at a windshield electronics module attached at the windshield of the vehicle. The camera captures image data of a scene forward of the vehicle. A control includes an image processor that processes captured image data. The control, responsive to the image processor processing captured image data, detects an object of interest external to the vehicle. The control utilizes a blockage detection algorithm and, responsive to the image processor processing captured image data, is operable to detect at least a partial blocking condition at the camera. | 03-17-2016 |
20160075311 | VEHICLE LEVELING ASSEMBLY WITH DIGITAL SENSOR - Aspects herein relate to using a 6-axis digital sensor for feedback for controlling the extension or retraction of jacks for control of the angular orientation of a structure, or other means for accomplishing the same. | 03-17-2016 |
20160075339 | VEHICLE AND OPERATOR GUIDANCE BY PATTERN RECOGNITION - A method of vehicle and operator guidance by pattern recognition begins with collecting data on vehicle and operator patterns through sensors. The collected data is combined and analyzed with a pattern recognition algorithm. The combined and analyzed data is compared with patterns in a pattern database. If data matches a pattern in the pattern database, the pattern can be selected. If the data does not match a pattern in the pattern database, a new pattern can be created and selected. Based on the selected pattern, a determination is made to passively assist the operator, selectively assist the operator or passively and actively assist the operator. The determined action is then implemented. | 03-17-2016 |
20160080890 | AUTOMOBILE INTELLIGENT CONTROL INSTRUMENT AND AUTOMATIC INTELLIGENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BASED ON INTERNET OF THINGS - An automobile intelligent control instrument and an intelligent management system based on Internet of Things and belongs to an automobile instrument includes: a master controller of the automobile intelligent control instrument terminal based on the Internet of Things, wherein the master controller of the automobile intelligent control instrument terminal based on the Internet of Things is respectively accessed to many function modules inside an automobile and is further accessed to an information safety management module. The information safety management module is accessed to a signal base station, which is accessed to a remote control terminal. The master controller of the automobile intelligent control instrument terminal based on the Internet of Things transmits various data and control commands to the remote control terminal through the information safety management module and a mobile communication module. | 03-17-2016 |
20160082789 | Method and system for reducing vehicle oscillations - A method for reducing vehicle oscillations for an agricultural vehicle with a drive engine, a running gear cooperating with the drive engine for driving wheels having pneumatic tires, and a control unit for regulating a tire pressure of at least one tire requires a number of steps. For example, the method includes generating a sensor signal as a function of at least one determined vehicle oscillation and regulating a tire pressure of at least one tire by the control unit as a function of the sensor signal in order to reduce the determined vehicle oscillation. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082792 | TIRE PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A tire pressure control system for a vehicle for determining tire-specific parameters, includes a valve body with a mounting portion, at least one mounting element and a tire pressure sensor with a housing, which has a mounting area. The mounting portion is detachably engaged via a mounting element with the mounting area of the housing. The tire pressure control system can be mounted in an easy, compact, cost-effective and simple way in that the mounting element is integrally formed with the housing of the tire pressure sensor. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082837 | DATA EXTRACTION METHOD - An improved ignition interlock system being of the type including a plurality of ignition interlock devices. A vehicle is provided in which each device is installed. The plurality of service centers are provided with each service center having an associated computer adapted to extract data. A wireless transceiver is associated with each device. A wireless transceiver is associated with each service center. Computing functionality is associated with the service centers and with the devices and adapted such that when any of the vehicles attends any of the service centers, the computer associated with that service center can extract the data from the device disposed within that vehicle. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082839 | CONFIGURABLE DASH DISPLAY BASED ON DETECTED LOCATION AND PREFERENCES - A vehicle control system can determine a location of the vehicle and evaluate laws and rules of the location to determine if changes to an instrument display are required. The vehicle control system can automatically configure the instrument display for the location. The vehicle control system can image and translate traffic signs in the location. The vehicle control system can also determine if the location is associated with an interruption of a communication network, identify an alternate communication network, and automatically transfer to the alternate communication network. An alert may be generated by the vehicle control system that includes information related to traffic rules, languages, and communication networks of the location that are different than a previous location of the vehicle. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082840 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM AND INFORMATION DISPLAY DEVICE - There is provided an information display system for supporting a high safety driving, so that a driver can clearly recognize an obstacle. A shape of a virtual image indicating an outline or a frame line of the obstacle is changed according to a risk level of the obstacle against a vehicle, and a display position of the virtual image is adjusted according to a viewpoint position of the driver, so that a deviation in displaying between an actual obstacle and the virtual image is suppressed. In addition, there is provided an information display system which can make the driver intuitively recognize the obstacle without hindering the driving by displaying an estimated traffic line of the obstacle as the virtual image. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082965 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING DRIVING MODE OF VEHICLE - An apparatus and a method for controlling a driving mode of a vehicle are provided to control the driving mode according to a short term driving tendency and a long term driving tendency. The apparatus includes a driving information detector that detects driving information to determine driving tendency and a controller that calculates a short term driving tendency index based on the driving. The controller operates at least one of an engine and a transmission based on the short term driving tendency index and calculates a middle term driving tendency index using the short term driving tendency index. A delay time is then determined using the middle term driving tendency index. The controller enters a sport mode based on the short term driving tendency index and releases the sport mode after delaying the delay time when the short term driving tendency index satisfies releasing conditions of the sport mode. | 03-24-2016 |
20160086021 | Substance Testing Systems and Methods with Test Subject Identification Using Electronic Facial Recognition Techniques - A method for identifying a test subject being tested for consumption of a selected substance includes storing in a database of a facial recognition processing system a gallery of facial images of a set of individuals. The facial recognition processing system receives a facial image of a test subject being tested for consumption of the selected substance and compares the received facial image with at least some of the facial images in the stored gallery by executing a facial recognition algorithm. In response to a match between a facial image in the stored gallery and the received facial image having a predetermined level of match certainty; the facial recognition processing system identifies the test subject. In response to a failure to obtain a match between a facial image in the stored gallery and the received facial image having a predetermined level of match certainty, the facial recognition processing system flags the received facial image for subsequent manual analysis. | 03-24-2016 |
20160086395 | VEHICLE OPERATION SENSING SYSTEM, VEHICLE OPERATION SENSING UNIT, AND VEHICLE OPERATION SENSING DEVICE - A vehicle operation sensing system includes an operation sensor, a fixture sensor, and a vehicle operation sensing unit. The operation sensor is an acceleration sensor fixed to an operation member, and sensing an acceleration generated in the operation member at least in a gravitational acceleration direction. The operation member has one end fixed to a vehicle and the other end a position of which is displaced in the gravitational acceleration direction when the operation member is operated. The fixture sensor is an acceleration sensor used at a position unchanging part of the vehicle, and sensing an acceleration generated in the vehicle at least in the gravitational acceleration direction. The vehicle operation sensing unit has an operation sensing part sensing an operation of the operation member by using a sensing result of the fixture sensor as an object to be compared with a sensing result of the operation sensor. | 03-24-2016 |
20160089933 | SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING AQUAPLANING IN A VEHICLE - A system for preventing aquaplaning in a vehicle, said system comprising: a tank suitable for containing a fluid; sensor means configured to reveal the conditions of the vehicle and/or the environment in which the vehicle is found, and in particular, the conditions of a street surface; injector means configured to generate a jet of fluid on said street surface, said injector means being associated with at least one wheel of the vehicle; a control unit associated with sensor means and configured for controlling said injector means according to the conditions revealed by said sensor means. A unique feature of the system of the present invention consists in the fact that said injector means comprise at least one “fan-type” nozzle and equipped with a slit-shaped outlet opening suitable for creating a flat jet of fluid | 03-31-2016 |
20160089954 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SETTING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION IN OR AROUND A VEHICLE IN RESPONSE TO A DETERMINED MOOD - A system and a corresponding method are provided for setting at least one environmental condition in or around a vehicle in response to a mood. A sensor system senses at least one physical property indicative of a mood of at least one occupant in the vehicle and outputs a sensor signal with information regarding the physical property. At least one component is configured for providing an environmental condition, such as, lighting, temperature, sound, or aroma in the vehicle. A control system determines the mood by analyzing the sensor signal from the sensor system. The control system sets the environmental condition provided by the component dependent on the determined mood. The environmental conditions can be set outside the vehicle by suggesting an appropriate travel route dependent on the mood. A safety device can limit the maximum speed of the vehicle dependent on the determined mood. | 03-31-2016 |
20160089961 | VIEW ADJUSTMENT DEVICE OF VEHICLE - A view adjustment device of a vehicle which adjusts a view recognized by a driver through a windshield glass comprises a visual-stimulation indicating mechanism capable of indicating shielding portions in a view area of the diver and a controller to control an indication manner of the visual-stimulation indicator. The controller comprises a traveling-direction determination portion to determine a traveling direction of the vehicle, a traveling-speed determination portion to determine a traveling speed of the vehicle, and an indication control portion to control the visual-stimulation indicating mechanism. The indication control portion is configured such that when it is determined that the vehicle travels in a straight direction, the high-speed shielding portion is indicated at a position located relatively on a leftward side, in a vehicle width direction, compared to the low-speed shielding portion or the middle-speed shielding portion. | 03-31-2016 |
20160089977 | THREE DIMENSIONAL VIEW INTERACTIVE ACTIVATION SYSTEM TO DEPLOY INFORMATION - An interactive activation system having a base with a display module that projects two or more icons. The display module is connected to the base. A case is connected to the base and covers the display output module. The case has one or more apertures that aligned with the display output module in a manner that allows the two or more icons to be projected through the one or more apertures. An output screen is connected to the case and has at least one reflective surface that is positioned relative to the one or more apertures of the case. This allows the two or more icons projected by the display output module to be reflected by the reflective surface of the output screen toward a viewing zone. | 03-31-2016 |
20160090085 | Drive Assist Apparatus of Vehicle and Onboard Computer - A system ECU ( | 03-31-2016 |
20160096494 | AUTOMOTIVE AUDIO COMMAND SYSTEM - A control system for an vehicle comprising: a series of control tabs arranged on a steering wheel of the vehicle; a control panel within the vehicle, where the control panel includes a series of control indicators; software within the control system, the software enables a voice recognition and voice command protocol; a voice command microphone positioned on the steering wheel; and memory provided in the control system, where the memory stores parameters provided through the voice command protocol and said parameters are set for each of a plurality of drivers. The parameters may preferably include settings for a rear view mirror in the vehicle and any side mirrors provided on the vehicle and each driver sets driver specific parameters for the rear view mirror and any side mirrors. Finally, each driver may set parameters associated with the control of the radio, music, navigation and phone operation. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096508 | Geo-Proximity Vehicle Alert and Access System for Security and Package Exchange Efficiency - A geo-proximity Vehicle Alert and Access System (VAAS) is discussed that has a cloud based server having a GPS-based proximity system to control and track a package exchange process, to speed up a package delivery and pick-up process, and to ensure security for the package exchange process. The cloud based server is configured to receive both current GPS coordinates of a package carrier's vehicle and current GPS coordinates of a target vehicle for at least one of package delivery to the target vehicle and package pick up from the target vehicle. The cloud based server is configured to send to the target vehicle the commands to wake-up an on-board telematics module, to give an alert, to unlock the target vehicle, and to lock the target vehicle after receiving a confirmation of the package exchange process. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096528 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AVOIDING DISTRACTING A VEHICLE OCCUPANT - A method performed by an information suppressing system for avoiding distracting an occupant of a vehicle with superfluous information via a medium associated with the vehicle is provided. The medium is adapted to present at least a first piece of information associated with at least a first entity located in a current vicinity of the vehicle. The system determines status data comprising one or more status data parameters reflecting current conditions, and further determines the at least first piece of information to be currently superfluous, based on comparing at least a first status data parameter of the status data with predetermined suppression criteria. Moreover, the system suppresses the at least first piece of information, wherein at least a portion of the at least first piece of information is prevented from being presented via the medium. An information suppressing system in accordance with the foregoing is also provided. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096530 | INTEGRATED VEHICLE MONITORING AND CONTROL - The disclosed system discourages drivers from manual use of mobile personal communications devices while operating a vehicle. Software installed on the mobile device uses the mobile device itself to determine whether the device is being used during operation of the vehicle. The system uses vehicle equipment for alerts that notify passengers as well as others outside the vehicle (such as owners, parents, other drivers, pedestrians, law enforcement agencies) that the driver is operating the vehicle while distracted by a communications device, and as such, may be operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner. The system can use a mobile device running a security app as a required or alternative entry and ignition key. A web portal enables remote control of the vehicle's systems and limitations on its operation in the presence of a particular device, even disassociating the vehicle from a particular mobile device, and provisioning of a replacement device. | 04-07-2016 |
20160101682 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ACTIVE AIR FLAP - A method of controlling an active air flap, includes detecting a location of a vehicle from a GPS signal received through a GPS receiver, and acquiring a road surface gradient of a road on which the vehicle travels from location information of the vehicle and map information stored in a data storage, by a controller, determining an opening degree setting value corresponding to the road surface gradient of the road, by the controller, outputting a control signal for controlling an opening degree of an air flap according to a setting value, by the controller, and controlling the opening degree of the air flap by operating an actuator according to the control signal. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101695 | CLUSTER INFORMATION OUTPUT APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A cluster information output apparatus for a vehicle may include: a plurality of peripheral control devices having a function of displaying cluster information; a storage unit configured to store the cluster information and priorities for the plurality of peripheral control devices; and a control unit configured to determine operation states for the plurality of peripheral control devices when an error occurs in an operation state sensed from a cluster, and output the cluster information. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101696 | INFORMATION PROVISION DEVICE FOR USE IN VEHICLE - A first driving instability determining unit estimates driving instability based on a difference value between plural traveling state distributions of different time ranges on the basis of the traveling state data. A second driving instability determining unit estimates driving instability by a process different from the process used in the first driving instability determining unit. A learning completion determining unit determines that the learning is completed when a predetermined learning time elapses from the start of collection of the traveling state data, depending on a degree of learning at which the traveling state distribution calculated by a first traveling state distribution calculating unit is matched with the driving characteristic of a driver. An instability selecting unit selects the instability estimated by the first driving instability determining unit when the learning is completed and selects the instability estimated by the second driving instability determining unit when the learning is not completed. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101729 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING DRIVING BEHAVIOR - A vehicle computing system for a vehicle includes a radar system, a microphone, and at least one controller. The radar system is configured to measure a distance to a frontward-vehicle. The microphone is configured to measure vehicle cabin noise. The controller is configured to output a tailgating event when the measured distance to the frontward-vehicle is less than a predefined threshold value. The controller may be further configured to request cabin noise from the microphone based on the tailgating event. If the noise is greater than a threshold value, the controller may output an alert message. | 04-14-2016 |
20160107536 | APPLICATION MODULE MODE CONTROL APPARATUS AND MODE CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to an application module mode control apparatus and a mode control method thereof, and more particularly, to an application module mode control apparatus and a mode control method thereof which can arbitrarily change a mode for each application module regardless of a change of a mode condition of a project by taking charge of changing the mode of the application module so as to independently change modes of one or more application modules that perform functions of a battery management system (BMS). | 04-21-2016 |
20160107565 | DEVICE FOR PREVENTING ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY REAR-END COLLISIONS AND OPERATING SYSTEM THEREOF - An arrangement for avoiding rear-end collisions and a corresponding operating system formed by a control unit connected with the electronic circuit of the vehicle comprising a signal receiver and a signal generator, which performs the following functions in cooperation with a GPS antenna, an and the third brake light: activation of the third brake light so that it blinks when the vehicle travels on a highway or an expressway at a speed lower than the minimum allowable speed, the accelerator pedal encoder activates the third brake light 0.5 seconds before actuating the brake pedal, and, with a sudden reduction of the vehicle speed, the third brake light is activated. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107569 | TONE BASED CONTROL OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS - An apparatus and method for using audible tones generated by a vehicle driver's use of a tone actuator in a vehicle. The vehicle generates an audible tone which is capable of being heard by the driver as well as being received by a processor in the vehicle, the processor accessing a memory table correlating each distinct tone with a distinct vehicle control function. The processor outputs a signal to select the vehicle control function corresponding to the generated tone. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107654 | USER INPUT ACTIVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A user input activation method comprising operating in a deactivated mode in which a controller refrains from accepting input from a user input device, detecting a first presence condition at a first predetermined location, and detecting a second presence condition at a second predetermined location. The method further comprises changing, when the first presence condition and the second presence condition simultaneously exist, from operating in the deactivated mode to operating in an activated mode in which input from the user input device is accepted by the controller, and refraining from changing while the first presence condition and the second presence condition fail to simultaneously exist, and remaining in the activated mode while the first presence condition continues to exist. | 04-21-2016 |
20160109062 | VEHICLE OIL PAN WITH ACTIVE NOISE REDUCTION CONTROL - A vibration and noise abatement reduction method and apparatus for a fluid reservoir containing an automotive fluid and having a bottom wall. At least a portion of the fluid reservoir is formed of or carries a shape memory change material undergoing shape change at a threshold temperature. A controller detects a match between the vehicle vibration frequency at a measured vehicle operating characteristic and the resonant frequency of the fluid reservoir and varies the resonant vibration frequency of the fluid reservoir by changing the stiffness of at least a portion of the reservoir through the supply of heat to the fluid reservoir resulting in a change in the shape of at least the shape memory change material in the fluid reservoir. The heat is supplied from an electrical conductor in heat transfer relation with the fluid reservoir or an elevated temperature of the automotive fluid in the fluid reservoir. | 04-21-2016 |
20160110930 | METHOD, COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE DEVICE AND APPARATUS FOR EXCHANGING VEHICLE INFORMATION - A method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for exchanging vehicle information are disclosed. For example, the method receives the vehicle information from a second vehicle, wherein the vehicle information is received via a direct vehicle to vehicle communication, calculates an operating parameter of the second vehicle, determines an alert condition based on the operating parameter of the second vehicle, and provides a notification of the alert condition to a driver of the first vehicle. | 04-21-2016 |
20160114649 | METHOD FOR THE REMOTE ACTIVATION OF A FUNCTION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A method remotely activates an air-conditioning function of a motor vehicle by a mobile communication device. This involves transmitting an activation signal by a mobile communication device to a receiver device of the motor vehicle, receiving the activation signal by the receiver device of the motor vehicle, determining a current location by a location-determining device of the motor vehicle, transferring information about the determined location from the motor vehicle to the mobile communication device, and activating the air-conditioning function of the motor vehicle if the receiver device has received a confirmation signal transmitted by the mobile communication device. | 04-28-2016 |
20160114652 | ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS - A control apparatus is applied to a system including an engine and a compressor for air-conditioning, and adjusts an operating point of the engine when the engine is operated. The control apparatus determines whether or not to allow increase in engine output to drive a compressor based on an air-conditioning request, based on the operating point of the engine before driving of the compressor in relation to a predetermined high-efficiency region including a maximum efficiency point in an efficiency characteristics of the engine, when the compressor is driven in response to the air-conditioning request. The control apparatus controls the engine output such that the operating point of the engine is in the high-efficiency region, if the increase in engine output is determined to be allowed. | 04-28-2016 |
20160114682 | Remaining Fuel Level Displaying Method for Fuel Cell System and Fuel Cell Equipped Vehicle - If a main stop valve of a fuel gas tank is not opened, it becomes possible to display a remaining level of fuel gas. A remaining fuel level displaying method for the fuel cell system comprises: if the main stop valve is opened, then calculating a remaining level of fuel gas in the fuel gas tank using a pressure value acquired from the pressure sensor, and displaying the calculated remaining level of the fuel gas on a display device, and if the main stop valve is closed, then displaying on the display device a remaining level of the fuel gas that was stored into a memory at a time when the main stop valve was shut off. | 04-28-2016 |
20160114719 | Method for controlling a light emission of a headlight of a vehicle - A method for controlling a light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle, which has a traffic sign recognition device. The method includes receiving at least one traffic sign recognition signal from an interface to the traffic sign recognition device. In this instance, the at least one traffic sign recognition signal represents a traffic sign recognized in a course of the road currently being traveled by the vehicle. The method also includes setting a debounce time and/or a debounce stretch for a change in the light emission of the at least one headlight between first and second radiation characteristics as a function of the at least one traffic sign recognition signal. Finally, the method includes delaying the change in the light emission of the at least one headlight by the debounce time set and/or the debounce stretch set, to control light emission of the at least one headlight. | 04-28-2016 |
20160114722 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TURN SIGNAL - An apparatus for controlling a turn signal includes a turn signal switch configured to include at least one of operation modes of a lane change mode and a turn mode. A steering angle sensor is configured to detect a steering angle of a vehicle. A controller is configured to control the turn signal switch to turn on and off a turn signal lamp according to an operation mode and to turn off the turn signal lamp in at least one of a case in which the steering angle, which returns in a reverse direction to a course change direction detected by the steering angle sensor, reaches a preset angle and a case in which an operation time of the turn signal switch exceeds a preset time. | 04-28-2016 |
20160114802 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING VEHICLE PERFORMANCE - Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility. | 04-28-2016 |
20160119419 | SYSTEM FOR VERIFYING VEHICLE-BASED COMMUNICATION SERVICE - Provided is a system for verifying a vehicle-based communication service through simulation based on various environments. The system includes a first terminal configured to receive log data and output data from a vehicle terminal equipped in each of a plurality of vehicles, transmit the log data and a reproduction command signal corresponding to the log data, and display the output data and a second terminal configured to receive the log data from the first terminal to upload the log data, perform synchronization of a corresponding system time, and adjust a reproduction time of each of pieces of log data to a predetermined reference point according to the reproduction command signal. | 04-28-2016 |
20160121690 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COOLING - An apparatus for controlling cooling may include a deciding device configured to decide an idle revolution per minute (RPM) control mode by comparing an outdoor temperature measured by a temperature sensor and a predefined set value with each other when an air conditioner operating request is present in an idle control state of a vehicle, a mode setting device configured to set the idle RPM control mode to at least one of a first mode and a second mode, an RPM compensating device configured to adjust an idle RPM to a first value at a time of setting the idle RPM control mode to the first mode and adjust the idle RPM to a second value at a time of setting the idle RPM control mode to the second mode, and a controller configured to control a cooling operation of an air conditioner. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121723 | VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH TRANSPARENT DISPLAY - The invention relates to a vehicle computer system. The vehicle computer system gathers data from a safety sensor to determine whether the proper safety conditions are present for the vehicle operator to interact with the vehicle computer system. A safety controller receives safety condition data gathered from the safety sensor and instructs the display manager to disable the display of information to the vehicle operator during unsafe operating conditions. The vehicle computer system advantageously employs a transparent display screen to provide greater field of vision of the vehicle operator than could be provided by a traditional display screen. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121825 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An automotive control system includes a plurality of control units including a touch sensor. The automotive control system also includes a control unit recognizer that recognizes a control unit of the plurality of control units that a driver has touched through the touch sensor. The automotive control system also includes a voice recognizer that recognizes selection of a function of an automotive information appliance by analyzing a voice command from the driver. The automotive control system also includes a controller that connects the selected function with the recognized control unit and controls the selected function according to operation of the recognized control unit. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121850 | ANTI-THEFT DEVICE OF OPERATIONAL VEHICLE - An anti-theft device of an operational vehicle, in which an operation of cancelling an anti-theft mode is simply and easily performed, is provided. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121894 | SYSTEM FOR GUIDING ECONOMIC DRIVING, VEHICLE APPLIED TO THE SAME, AND METHOD THEREOF - A system for guiding economic driving may include a vehicle generating driving information in accordance with driving. A vehicle management server is configured to receive and store vehicle information and driver information of the vehicle from the vehicle. A vehicle terminal configured to store the vehicle information and transmit the driving information. A business management server is configured to generate economic driving evaluation information according to a preset economic driving algorithm using the driving information. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121899 | SYSTEM WITH SLIPPABLE TORQUE-TRANSMISSION DEVICE CONNECTING ENGINE CRANKSHAFT AND ENGINE-DRIVEN COMPONENT AND VEHICLE - A system for a vehicle includes an engine having a rotatable crankshaft and an engine-driven component having a rotatable component shaft. A torque-transmission device has a drive element operatively connected to the crankshaft and a driven element operatively connected to the rotatable component shaft. The torque-transmission device has a slipping state in which slip occurs during torque transfer from the drive element to the driven element so that a speed differential exists between the drive element and the driven element. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the crankshaft, the rotatable component shaft, and the torque-transmission device. The electronic controller includes a processor with a stored algorithm executed to establish the slipping state to maintain a rotational speed of the rotatable component shaft at or below a predetermined rotational speed. | 05-05-2016 |
20160129755 | MOTOR LOCK DETERMINATION DEVICE - In a motor lock determination device ( | 05-12-2016 |
20160129787 | Methods, Circuits, Devices, Systems & Associated Computer Executable Code for Driver Decision Support - The present invention includes methods, circuits, devices, systems and associated computer executable code for providing driver decision making support. According to some embodiments, there may be provided a driver decision support system, which may generate action recommendations to a commercial driver, such as a taxi driver, a cab driver, a limo driver or any other kind of driver who picks up and transports passengers or cargo on an ad hoc (or otherwise flexible/uncertain) basis. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129788 | METHOD FOR PRESENTING SAFETY INFORMATION, DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention relates to a method for presenting safety information on a display device ( | 05-12-2016 |
20160129789 | Vehicle Distributed Network - A vehicle distributed network subsystem ( | 05-12-2016 |
20160129835 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE DRIVING ASSISTANCE - The present invention relates to an apparatus for vehicle driving assistance, including: a camera photographing a front of a vehicle; a traffic sign board sensing unit sensing a traffic sign board in front of the vehicle; a traffic lane sensing unit sensing a traffic lane in front of the vehicle; a vehicle sensing unit sensing a vehicle in front of the vehicle; a collision warning unit raising a collision warning; and a control unit determining a collision risk situation and controlling the collision warning unit to raise the collision warning when determining that there is the collision risk situation. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129916 | VEHICLE USER IDENTIFICATION USING USER PATTERN DATA - A method performed by a vehicle user identification node is described for enabling configuration of vehicle user settings of a vehicle. The method includes receiving first user pattern data, requesting user identification data based on first user pattern data, receiving the user identification data, and transmitting the user identification data to a vehicle settings node for configuration of vehicle user settings of the vehicle. | 05-12-2016 |
20160131579 | ADHERING DETECTION APPARATUS, ADHERING SUBSTANCE DETECTION METHOD, STORAGE MEDIUM, AND DEVICE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICES - An adhering detection apparatus includes a light source to emit probe light to a light translucent object during an emission period, and to stop an emission of the probe light to the light translucent object during a non-emission period, a light receiver to receive light coming from the light translucent object during the emission period and the non-emission period of the light source, and an adhering detection processor to perform an adhering detection processing for detecting a substance adhering to the light translucent object based on light quantity of the light coming from the light translucent object and received by the light receiver, and to output a detection result of the adhering detection processing. The adhering detection processor selectively performs one or more processes depending on the light quantity of the light received by the light receiver during the non-emission period of the light source. | 05-12-2016 |
20160132725 | CONTROL METHOD FOR VEHICLE - A control method for a vehicle includes: predicting a position of an eye point of an occupant after a state of a vehicle seat is changed based on amount of adjustment of an adjusting mechanism due to change in state of the vehicle seat; determining whether or not the predicted position of the eye point is located within a measurement range of a camera member installed to a steering member; and if it is determined that the predicted position of the eye point is not located within the measurement range of the camera member, moving the measurement range of the camera member toward the predicted position of the eye point synchronously with the steering member. | 05-12-2016 |
20160137165 | METHOD FOR DETECTING A FUNCTION ACTUATION ON VEHICLES - A method for detecting a function actuation on a motor vehicle with a sensor device includes monitoring the signals of a proximity sensor as to a first signal reply S | 05-19-2016 |
20160137203 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE - A method for operating a vehicle includes: detecting an intended strategy of a vehicle occupant for a driving strategy of the vehicle; comparing the intended driving strategy to a number of multiple possible driving strategies for a current driving situation of the vehicle; and controlling the vehicle as a function of a driving strategy that is selected based on the comparison to the number of possible driving strategies. | 05-19-2016 |
20160137207 | Method and Apparatus For Efficiently Providing Occupancy Information on the Surroundings of a Vehicle - A method is provided for efficiently providing occupancy information on the surroundings of a vehicle, which vehicle has sensors for ascertaining the occupancy of the surroundings. The method includes the following steps: receiving sensor measurements of the surroundings of the vehicle; determining the occupancy of the surroundings by obstacles using the sensor measurements; providing a division of the surroundings into regions; for each region of the surroundings, determining the most certainly identified occupancy in the respective region if multiple occupancies of the surroundings have been detected in the respective region; and determining the next occupancy, namely the respective region occupancy for which the shortest distance has been determined according to a distance determination specified for the respective region; and providing the most certainly identified occupancy and the next occupancy. | 05-19-2016 |
20160137208 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING WEATHER PERFORMANCE FOR A VEHICLE - Systems and methods for obtaining data about road conditions as they pertain to an individual vehicle, using this information to build a model of vehicle behavior as a function of its environment, and aggregating information concerning multiple vehicles along with data from other sources in order to predict vehicle behavior in future environments. | 05-19-2016 |
20160140847 | ALERTING APPARATUS - An alerting apparatus issues an alert regarding a moving obstacle to a driver of a host vehicle when the host vehicle enters an intersection of a crossroad that is connected to a traveling road on which the host vehicle is traveling, and the traveling road, in a left-hand traffic jurisdiction. This alerting apparatus includes an ECU. The ECU is configured to issue the alert regarding the moving obstacle when it is determined that a path of the moving obstacle intersects with an intersect determination range, and set the intersect determination range to be shorter in length in a front-rear direction of the host vehicle when the traveling direction of the host vehicle is a left turn than when the traveling direction of the host vehicle is a right turn. | 05-19-2016 |
20160144714 | SYSTEM FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OF APPLICATIONS BETWEEN VEHICLE HEAD UNIT AND COMPANION DEVICE - Disclosed here is a system for a vehicle including a personal electronic device in communication with a vehicle head unit, the personal electronic device synchronized with the vehicle head unit for controlling which application icons appear on the vehicle heat unit. Also disclosed is a computer storage media having embodied thereon computer-useable instructions that, when executed, perform a method, the method includes synchronizing the display of a plurality of applications that each operate a respective vehicle system between a vehicle head unit and a personal electronic device. | 05-26-2016 |
20160144776 | AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES - A control system for a vehicle includes: an automatic control for controlling an operation of the vehicle; and a lever having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the lever is selectively operable to turn the automatic control from an off state to an on state; wherein when the automatic control is in the off state, manual control is required for the operation of the vehicle; and wherein when the automatic control is in the on state, the automatic control is configured to control the operation of the vehicle on behalf of a driver of the vehicle. | 05-26-2016 |
20160144781 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NOTIFYING A DRIVER OF POSSIBLE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS OR OBJECTS - A vehicle includes a body having a door and a door latch, a display screen, front and rear seats, a seat belt, buckle and door latch sensors, and a controller. The latch sensors determine a latch state of the seat belt buckle and door latch. The controller determines the respective latch states of the seat belt buckle and the door latch via the respective latch sensors. The controller also displays a first icon/message via the display screen in response to an ignition-off event, with the icon or message prompting a driver to check the rear seat for the presence of a passenger or object. A second control action is executed by the controller in addition to the first control action in response to the latch state of the seat belt buckle and/or door latch being in the latched or closed latch state for less than a calibrated amount of time. | 05-26-2016 |
20160144856 | PARKING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A parking assistance system and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The parking assistance system includes a parking-mode input unit, a parking-associated functioning unit having a plurality of parking-associated systems, a setting unit for selecting parking-associated systems that are operated, and a controller configured to control the respective parking-associated systems by receiving an input signal through the parking-mode input unit. The method for controlling the parking assistance system includes transmitting a parking-mode input signal by turning on a parking-mode input unit, recognizing that a parking action is ready to be executed through the parking-mode input signal, and controlling a set of parking-associated functioning units according to a predetermined condition stored in a setting unit. | 05-26-2016 |
20160144865 | CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A CONTROL DEVICE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A control device and a method for operating a control device of a motor vehicle by means of a driver profile of a driver of a motor vehicle are disclosed, wherein the driver profile can be created according to the driving behavior of the driver and is designed to be stored in a temporary storage means and transferred to a storage unit belonging to or associated with a control device of a motor vehicle, the driver profile of the motor vehicle containing operating data relating to parameters of at least one functional group characterizing or influencing the driving dynamics of the motor vehicle, by means of which parameters the driving behavior in the motor vehicle can be adjusted. | 05-26-2016 |
20160144868 | GESTURE BASED INPUT SYSTEM IN A VEHICLE WITH HAPTIC FEEDBACK - A vehicle haptic feedback system includes a haptic actuator, a detection device, and a controller. The haptic actuator is configured to provide haptic feedback to a vehicle driver. The detection device is disposed in an interior of the vehicle and is configured to capture movements of the vehicle driver and output data representing the movements. The controller is coupled to the detection device and is configured to receive a signal from the detection device indicative of the movements. The controller is also coupled to a haptic effect feedback system. Based on the signal, the controller is configured to send a signal to select a haptic effect from an effect table and is configured to send a signal to the haptic actuator to provide the selected haptic effect. The haptic actuator is coupled to a driver's seat, a steering wheel, a driver's seat belt, and/or an object wearable by the driver. | 05-26-2016 |
20160152180 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE CONTROL INTEGRATING HEALTH PRIORITY ALERTS OF VEHICLE OCCUPANTS | 06-02-2016 |
20160152199 | METHOD OF OPERATING AN IN-VEHICLE CHARGER, AND AN IN-VEHICLE CHARGER MOUNTED TO A VEHICLE | 06-02-2016 |
20160152210 | METHOD OF OPERATING A TELEMATICS SYSTEM, AND TELEMATICS SYSTEM | 06-02-2016 |
20160152235 | VEHICLE TRAVEL ASSISTANCE APPARATUS AND VEHICLE TRAVEL ASSISTANCE METHOD | 06-02-2016 |
20160152236 | METHOD FOR EXECUTING AN EVASIVE MANEUVER, COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT AND MOTOR VEHICLE | 06-02-2016 |
20160152240 | ATTENTION AND EVENT MANAGEMENT | 06-02-2016 |
20160152336 | HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE SYSTEM | 06-02-2016 |
20160153778 | TRAILER PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM | 06-02-2016 |
20160159190 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE IN ORDER TO DETECT AN OVERLOAD ON A ROLL STABILIZER - The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle in order to detect an overload on a roll stabilizer which is supported so that it can rotate on a vehicle body and includes two stabilizer parts that can be rotated relative to each other by a torsional angle (Φ) via a rotary drive arranged between these parts. In order to detect an impairment to the driving safety of the vehicle in a timely manner, a ratio of the torsional angle (Φ) to a variable which is equivalent to an applied torque (M) of the rotary drive is ascertained, and an overload is determined if the ratio lies outside of a specified tolerance range. | 06-09-2016 |
20160159197 | SYSTEM HAVING A CONTROL UNIT - The present invention relates to a system having a control unit ( | 06-09-2016 |
20160159200 | AVN TERMINAL, VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING VEHICLE - An audio video navigation (AVN) terminal may include a communication unit configured to receive a signal from a user terminal; an extracting unit configured to extract location information of the user terminal based on the received signal; and a controller configured to control an air conditioning environment in the vehicle based on a user's biometric information included in the signal and location information of the user terminal. | 06-09-2016 |
20160159218 | TERMINAL, VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A terminal includes: a storage unit configured to store a plurality of pieces of software, each having a function restriction level and in which a plurality of functions are selectively restricted, and store a plurality of applications; a communication unit configured to receive driving information of a vehicle and external environment information; a control unit configured to identify a function restriction level corresponding to a driving condition of the vehicle based on the received driving information and external environment information, determine software corresponding to the identified function restriction level, and restrict and control a function of at least one application of the plurality of stored applications using the determined software; and an output unit configured to output execution information of the at least one application whose function is restricted and controlled. | 06-09-2016 |
20160159345 | VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - Disclosed herein are a vehicle and a method of controlling the same. The vehicle may be safely controlled by considering a manipulation load amount for manipulating a function of the vehicle when a user manipulates a user interface of the function, thereby providing safer driving of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a storage configured to store information on sizes of manipulation loads for a plurality of user interfaces for using a plurality of functions of the vehicle, and a controller configured to perform safe driving control corresponding to a size of a manipulation load of the a corresponding function from the plurality of functions when the a user interface from the plurality of user interfaces is manipulated to use at least one of the plurality of functions of the vehicle. | 06-09-2016 |
20160159346 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING A HORIZON FOR USE IN AN ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM (ADAS) - A method and system of generating a horizon for use by an ADAS of a vehicle involving recording the historic movements of the vehicle on a road network, and using the recorded data to determine at least a most probable path that the vehicle will take at decision point of the road network. | 06-09-2016 |
20160159396 | STEERING DEVICE, VEHICLE INFORMATION PRESENTATION METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - The present disclosure provides a steering device, including: an acquisition section that acquires specific information related to whether or not a driving assistance section, which performs driving assistance processing that assists driving of a vehicle by an occupant, is performing the driving assistance processing; a gripping section that is grippable by the occupant, and that presents information so as to be perceptible to the occupant using an information presentation state that is one of a predetermined first information presentation state or a predetermined second information presentation state; and a controller that controls the gripping section so as to implement the first information presentation state as the information presentation state, and that, based on the specific information acquired by the acquisition section, controls the gripping section such that the information presentation state transitions from the first information presentation state to the second information presentation state. | 06-09-2016 |
20160163127 | METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING LEAKAGE OF ELECTRIC PARTS AND SERVICING GUIDE OF DRIVING STATE FOR VEHICLE IN BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method for diagnosing leakage of electronic parts and servicing guide of a driving state for a vehicle in a battery management system is provided. The method includes normally driving the vehicle or stopping the vehicle by cutting off a relay based on whether electronic parts broken due to insulation resistance breakdown are required for the driving of the vehicle. In addition, the method includes services a guide required for each broken electronic part about a driving state of the vehicle, by stepwise measuring insulation resistance of vehicle key on, engine starting, an operation of load parts such as a driving motor in the vehicle, an air conditioner, and a low-voltage DC-DC converter, and the like. | 06-09-2016 |
20160167461 | ASSISTANCE METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE PRESSURE OF A TIRE FITTED TO A WHEEL MOUNTED ON A MOTOR VEHICLE | 06-16-2016 |
20160167515 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM | 06-16-2016 |
20160167516 | Method and Apparatus for Infotainment System Control Through a Wireless Device Operating-System-Independent Protocol | 06-16-2016 |
20160167570 | AUTOMATIC ACTIVATION OF TURN SIGNALS IN A VEHICLE | 06-16-2016 |
20160167607 | VEHICLE SERVICE AND USER PROFILE SYNCHRONIZATION | 06-16-2016 |
20160167608 | USER PROFILE SYNCHRONIZATION FOR A VEHICLE | 06-16-2016 |
20160167636 | GENERATION CONTROL METHOD FOR VEHICLE | 06-16-2016 |
20160167661 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE | 06-16-2016 |
20160176411 | VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH DATA BACKUP | 06-23-2016 |
20160176528 | Automatic Activation of a Fog Protection System Onboard a Vehicle | 06-23-2016 |
20160177846 | System and Method for Optimizing Vehicle Settings | 06-23-2016 |
20160185219 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED DISPLAY CONTROL DEVICE - Provided is a vehicle-mounted display control device including: a vehicle state acquiring unit that acquires information related to a state of a vehicle as information to be provided to a driver; an urgency determining unit that determines urgency of the information acquired by the vehicle state acquiring unit; and a display mode deciding unit that decides a display mode so that the information will be displayed in a display area based on a result of determination by the urgency determining unit. | 06-30-2016 |
20160185267 | FEEDBACK BY MODIFYING STIFFNESS - A system for modifying a stiffness of at least a portion of a vehicle component includes one or more devices coupled to the vehicle component and a processor coupled to the one or more devices. The processor is configured to determine that a software application has switched from a first mode to a second mode and cause the one or more devices to modify the stiffness of the at least a portion of the vehicle component from a first stiffness associated with the first mode to a second stiffness associated with the second mode. | 06-30-2016 |
20160185279 | AUTOMATIC TURN SIGNAL ACTIVATION DURING A LANE CHANGE MANEUVER - A method for automatic activation of a vehicle turn indicator is disclosed. The method may include determining whether a lane change maneuver is impending in a specified direction. The method may also include determining whether the vehicle turn indicator has been activated through a driver interface. The vehicle turn indicator may be engaged when not activated through the driver interface. | 06-30-2016 |
20160185290 | NAVIGATION DEVICE, NAVIGATION METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - According to an embodiment, a navigation device installed in a vehicle includes an obtainer, a controller, and a reproducer. The obtainer obtains at least one of vehicle information related to the vehicle and driver information related to a driver of the vehicle. The controller controls, based on at least one of the vehicle information and the driver information, localization direction of a playback sound which is to be reproduced for the driver. The reproducer reproduces the playback sound using a three dimensional sound based on control of the localization direction. | 06-30-2016 |
20160185318 | AUTOMOBILE AND ANTI-THEFT METHOD FOR THE AUTOMOBILE - In an anti-theft method for an automobile, each of NFC devices on the automobile is activated to detect corresponding induction coils when the automobile receives a preset door locking command. The method confirms a status of each of the plurality of doors according to detecting whether each of the NFC devices detects the corresponding induction coil, and further determines whether at least one of the doors of the automobile is opened abnormally according to the confirmed status of each of the doors. When at least one of the doors of the automobile is determined to be opened abnormally, the method controls an alarm unit of the automobile to output a preset warning. | 06-30-2016 |
20160185354 | OCCUPANT MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state. | 06-30-2016 |
20160185356 | FORCE MEASURING STEERING WHEEL - A steering wheel within a vehicle includes a plurality of sensors that measure forces applied to the steering wheel. An application executing on a computing device records sensor data from the sensors, and then interprets that data as specific force inputs. The application then translates those force inputs into specific commands that can be executed by subsystems within the vehicle. At least one advantage of the techniques set forth herein is that the driver of a vehicle that implements the force control system need not remove either hand from the steering wheel in order to adjust the operation of subsystems within the vehicle, thereby improving driver safety. | 06-30-2016 |
20160189444 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ORCHESTRATE IN-VEHICLE EXPERIENCES TO ENHANCE SAFETY - A system and method to orchestrate in-vehicle experiences to enhance safety are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: queuing a collection of contextually relevant portions of information gathered from one or more vehicle-connectable data sources; selecting one or more of the relevant portions of information based on a vehicle's current context or a vehicle driver's current context; determining an active workload of the vehicle driver in the current context; determining a preferred manner for presenting the selected portions of information to the vehicle driver based on the active workload of the vehicle driver and the current context; and presenting the selected portions of information to the vehicle driver using the determined preferred manner. | 06-30-2016 |
20160190661 | TEMPERATURE-RAISING DEVICE AND TEMPERATURE-RAISING METHOD FOR IN-CAR BATTERY - A temperature-raising device for an in-car battery includes: a battery temperature acquisition unit configured to acquire a temperature of a battery mounted in a vehicle; an environmental temperature acquisition unit configured to acquire an environmental temperature; a heater configured to raise the temperature of the battery; and a controller configured to i) turn ON or OFF the heater based on a result of a comparison between the battery temperature acquired by the battery temperature acquisition unit and a predetermined threshold, and ii) reduce the threshold in accordance with a reduction in the environmental temperature acquired by the environmental temperature acquisition unit. | 06-30-2016 |
20160193920 | Construction Machinery Display System and Control Method for Same | 07-07-2016 |
20160193921 | VEHICULAR DISPLAY DEVICE | 07-07-2016 |
20160193976 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING A USER | 07-07-2016 |
20160193997 | Automatically Activated Cross Traffic Camera System | 07-07-2016 |
20160194092 | TILT-BALL TURRET WITH GIMBAL LOCK AVOIDANCE | 07-07-2016 |
20160195407 | VEHICLE DRIVING GUIDANCE DEVICE AND METHOD | 07-07-2016 |
20160198629 | A Cleaning Assembly for a Harvester | 07-14-2016 |
20160200246 | STEERING WHEEL LIGHT BAR | 07-14-2016 |
20160200322 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHANGING MODES OF CONTROL | 07-14-2016 |
20160200336 | ULTRASONIC IMAGING DEVICE | 07-14-2016 |
20160200343 | STEERING WHEEL LIGHT BAR | 07-14-2016 |
20160203652 | EFFICIENT TELEMATICS DATA UPLOAD | 07-14-2016 |
20160205521 | VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME | 07-14-2016 |
20160251019 | Method and Device for Controlling a Vehicle | 09-01-2016 |
20160375798 | OCCUPANT DISCRIMINATION SYSTEM OF VEHICLE SEAT - An occupant discrimination system of a vehicle seat includes: a load detecting portion disposed on a lower side of a seat and detecting a load acting on the seat; an occupant discrimination portion discriminating a state of an occupant among a no occupant, adult seated state, and child seat fixed states based on a load detected from the load detecting portion and a load continuation duration; and a door opening and closing detecting portion detecting an opening and closing state of a door, wherein the occupant discrimination portion changes the state transition condition from the no occupant or child seat fixed state to the adult seated state such that it is difficult to transition in a state in which the door is detected to be in an open state in comparison to a state in which the door is detected to be in a closed state. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375821 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. Image data captured by the camera is processed by an image processor of a control to determine location of objects present within a scene external the vehicle within the field of view of the camera. The image processor processes captured image data to detect lane markers on a road being driven by the vehicle and located within the field of view of the camera. The control receives vehicle data via a communication bus of the vehicle. The vehicle data includes at least (i) data indicative of speed of the vehicle and (ii) data indicative of trajectory of the vehicle. Responsive to processing by the image processor of captured image data, the control may control, at least in part, a pedestrian detection system of the vehicle. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375896 | FLYING CAR EXTENDED VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD - Systems and methods to adjust the operation of various vehicle control systems to improve performance based on detection of a condition in which the vehicle is in an unloaded or reduced normal force state. In one embodiment, the system includes a vehicle control system, a sensor module, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive sensor values from the sensor module. The controller is further configured to determine vehicle motion characteristics based on the sensor values. The controller is further configured to determine that an unloaded state exists when the values of the vehicle motion characteristics exceed threshold values. The controller is further configured to activate countermeasures when the controller determines that the unloaded state exists. | 12-29-2016 |
20160375910 | SENSOR SYSTEMS INTEGRATED WITH STEERING WHEELS - Steering wheel sensor systems are described in which a sensor array is attached to or integrated with a steering wheel and provides information about the forces exerted on the steering wheel for interacting with or controlling other vehicle systems. | 12-29-2016 |
20160376818 | System and Method for Controlling Vehicle Door and Closure Locks - A system and method for controlling vehicle locks is provided that enable control of both a vehicle door lock and a vehicle closure lock using a single multipurpose switch. The system includes a vehicle door lock, a vehicle closure lock, a momentary, multi-purpose switch, and a control module. The control module receives an input signal generated by actuation of the switch and determines an elapsed time between the actuation and release of the switch. The module generates a closure lock control signal if the elapsed time meets a predetermined requirement relative to a predetermined time. The closure lock control signal unlocks the closure lock. The module also generates a door lock control signal responsive to the input signal if one or more predetermined conditions are met. The door lock control signal switches the state of the door lock between locked and unlocked states. | 12-29-2016 |
20160378115 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WRITING OCCUPANCY GRID MAP OF SENSOR CENTERED COORDINATE SYSTEM USING LASER SCANNER - A system for writing an occupancy grid map of a sensor centered coordinate system using a laser scanner includes a data unit that includes scan data read by the laser scanner, a past measurement map, and data relating to a movement of the sensor, a mapping unit for stochastically combining a current measurement map written from the scan data with a predicted map written by using the past measurement map and the data relating to a movement of the sensor, and a static and dynamic object detection unit for determining whether an object in the occupancy grid map is a static or a dynamic object by using a mapping algorithm of the mapping unit. | 12-29-2016 |
20160379422 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING VEHICLE INFORMATION WITH SEE-THROUGH EFFECT - A display system suitable for use in a vehicle is set forth. The display system comprises a smart device, such as a cellular phone, tablet, smart display or the like, that is configured to display one or more types of vehicle information while at the same time diminishing any visual impairment caused by the device to the driver. | 12-29-2016 |
20170232914 | PORTABLE VEHICLE SETTINGS | 08-17-2017 |
20170232970 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A LANE OCCUPANCY BY VEHICLES | 08-17-2017 |
20180020896 | SHOPPING FACILITY ASSISTANCE OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS | 01-25-2018 |
20180022234 | Control Element Housing and Door Interior Trim Comprising a Control Element Housing of This Type | 01-25-2018 |
20180022299 | VEHICLE, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND POWER CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE | 01-25-2018 |
20180022358 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESPONDING TO DRIVER STATE | 01-25-2018 |
20180025554 | VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC DATA | 01-25-2018 |
20190143817 | OPERATION DETERMINATION DEVICE | 05-16-2019 |
20190143996 | CONTROLLING VEHICLE FUNCTIONALITY BASED ON GEOPOLITICAL REGION | 05-16-2019 |
20190144006 | TIRE VIBRATION AND LOOSE WHEEL DETECTION | 05-16-2019 |
20190146427 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WEATHER MODELING AND VEHICULAR ACCOMMODATION | 05-16-2019 |
20190146506 | ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM AND ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT METHOD, AND SERVER USED THEREIN | 05-16-2019 |
20190147274 | DRIVER STATE DETERMINATION APPARATUS, METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM | 05-16-2019 |
20190149956 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLE TELEMATICS REGISTRATION | 05-16-2019 |
20220134811 | AUTOMATIC AIR TIRE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM - A system and method provide automatic vehicle tire air pressure monitoring, warning, and maintenance for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a controller, wheel rims having tires coupled to wheel hubs, an air compressor configured to inflate the tires, a pressure sensor contained within each wheel rim on a vehicle for measuring air pressure within a tire located on each wheel rim, the compressor coupled to the tire rims for providing needed pressurized air, the compressor, an air pressure line connecting the compressor to the wheel rims, a driver display providing a warning to a driver, and a controller. The controller reads an air pressure value of the air pressure within each tire, determines whether the air pressure values within each tire, when one or more of the air pressure values are below the pre-determined value, activates the compressor to add air to each of the four tires needing the air pressure, and provides the driver a visual status of the air pressure values within in each of the tires and a visual status of the compressor state. | 05-05-2022 |
20220135043 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VERIFYING RAIN EVENT WARNINGS - A method, apparatus and computer program product for determining a rain event warning are described herein. In the context of a method, an indication of the rain event warning for one or more locations may be received. The method may obtain, for a respective rain event warning, sensor data corresponding to a weather condition within a region that includes the location with which the respective rain event warning is associated. The method may evaluate the sensor data to determine whether the sensor data is indicative of the weather condition (e.g., rain). The method may determine a rain event warning confidence based at least in part on evaluation of the sensor data. The method may cause the rain event warning to be published in an instance in which the rain event warning confidence satisfies a confidence threshold. | 05-05-2022 |
20220135055 | VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A vehicle includes a plurality of sensors mounted on a seat, an output device, and a controller. The controller is configured to obtain an acceleration in each of a first seat in contact with a driver's back and a second seat in contact with a driver's thigh through the plurality of sensors, to determine a specific frequency in each of the first seat and the second seat, to determine contact pressure information and load information of each of the first seat and the second seat through the plurality of sensors, to determine a human vibration sensitivity using at least one of the specific frequency, the contact pressure information, and the load information, to determine driver's emotional information including positive emotional information and arousal emotional information based on the human vibration sensitivity, and to control the output device according to the driver's emotional information. | 05-05-2022 |