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Vehicle subsystem or accessory control
Subclass of:
701 - Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Patent class list (only not empty are listed)
Deeper subclasses:
Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
701041000 | Steering control | 859 |
701045000 | Control of vehicle safety devices (e.g., airbag, seat-belt, etc.) | 383 |
701037000 | Suspension control | 235 |
701049000 | Vehicle equipment position control (e.g., seat, mirror, door, window, headrest, or headlamp) | 228 |
701048000 | Cooperative or multiple control (e.g., suspension and braking) | 121 |
Entries | ||
Document | Title | Date |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20090125183 | Wiper apparatus control method and wiper control system - A wiper apparatus ( | 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 |
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 |
20100094502 | DRIVE CONTROL APPARATUS, DRIVE CONTROL METHOD, DRIVE CONTROL PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A drive control apparatus ( | 04-15-2010 |
20120166042 | SOUND OUTPUT DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE - Disclosed is a sound output device for electric vehicle including a sound producing unit | 06-28-2012 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20130073143 | VEHICLE NAVIGATION APPARATUS - When a vehicle state changes from an off-road state (STEP S | 03-21-2013 |
20110015827 | DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE - In a distribution system comprising a center apparatus ( | 01-20-2011 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100121528 | DUMPER - In order to further improve driving stability, a dumper | 05-13-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100235044 | PNEUMATIC TIRE INTERNAL PRESSURE CONTROL DEVICE FOR VEHICLE, VEHICLE, AND ITS CONTROL METHOD - A pneumatic tires ( | 09-16-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20090048732 | RECORDING DEVICE FOR AUTOMOBILE - A recording device ( | 02-19-2009 |
20120109456 | ACTIVE ANTI-VIBRATION SUPPORTING DEVICE AND ANTI-VIBRATION CONTROL METHOD FOR SAME - An ACM_ECU ( | 05-03-2012 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20090082920 | ON-VEHICLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - An on-vehicle communication device according to the present invention includes initial signal estimating unit | 03-26-2009 |
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 |
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 |
20120239250 | SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY DETERMINING VEHICLE REAR/TRUNK LOADING FOR USE IN A VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system ( | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100145573 | COUPLING BETWEEN THE THERMAL ENGINE AND THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR OF AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - A hybrid drive of a compressor ( | 06-10-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20090248242 | AIR DEFLECTORS ADJUSTABLE IN RESPONSE TO AIR DRAG - A method of changing the aerodynamic drag on a vehicle ( | 10-01-2009 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100274448 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE, OUTPUT PROPRIETY JUDGMENT METHOD, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND PROGRAM - An utterance type vehicle-mounted device ( | 10-28-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100191417 | TRAVEL DRIVE APPARATUS FOR A WORKING VEHICLE - When the drive of a lubricant pump ( | 07-29-2010 |
20100274446 | VEHICULAR PARKING FEASIBILITY DETERMINING SYSTEM, VEHICULAR PARKING SPACE DETECTION SYSTEM AND VEHICULAR MOVABLE RANGE DETECTION SYSTEM - A radar device ( | 10-28-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20130218413 | VEHICULAR LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND VEHICULAR LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CONTROL METHOD - A vehicular light distribution control system ( | 08-22-2013 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20110035098 | INFORMATION PROVIDING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - An on-vehicle device ( | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100280712 | Hybrid Vehicles and Control Methods - A hybrid vehicle | 11-04-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20090030571 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND VEHICLE BEHAVIOR CONTROL DEVICE - An electronic control unit includes a sensor circuit board | 01-29-2009 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20110015826 | VEHICLE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH AUTOMATIC MODES - The invention relates to a vehicle air-conditioning system ( | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100121527 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - An onboard information retrieval apparatus | 05-13-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20120065841 | VEHICLE SURROUNDING MONITOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING SURROUNDINGS USED FOR VEHICLE - A vehicle surrounding monitor device | 03-15-2012 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20110166749 | LINE REPLACEABLE UNIT FOR AN AIRCRAFT - The subject matter of the invention is a line replaceable unit (LRU) ( | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20120109457 | ACTIVE ANTI-VIBRATION SUPPORTING DEVICE AND ANTI-VIBRATION CONTROL METHOD FOR SAME - In an active anti-vibration supporting device ( | 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 |
20120109452 | HUMAN/MACHINE INTERFACE FOR AUTOMOBILE - The invention relates to a human/machine interface ( | 05-03-2012 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20120123640 | VEHICULAR CONTROL APPARATUS - A vehicular control apparatus ( | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20090132116 | DRIVE SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN DUMP TRUCK - A drive system of an electrically driven dump truck that | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20120323443 | Connecting Device for a Towed Vehicle, and Towed Vehicle Having a Connecting Device - The invention relates to a connecting device ( | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20120323439 | VEHICLE APPROACH NOTIFICATION DEVICE - A vehicle approach notification device | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20130018546 | WINDSHIELD WIPING DEVICEAANM Zimmer; JoachimAACI XingshAACO CNAAGP Zimmer; Joachim Xingsh CN - The invention relates to a windshield wiping device ( | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20130096773 | VEHICLE DRIVING-SUPPORT APPARATUS - In a vehicle travel support device | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100286867 | VEHICLE SYSTEM COMPRISING AN ASSISTANCE FUNCTIONALITY - The vehicle system, controlled by control inputs, provides functionalities in the motor vehicle ( | 11-11-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20100299025 | Autowiper Controller - First and second temperature check portions | 11-25-2010 |
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 |
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 |
20100318261 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE, ROADSIDE APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM - An ITS vehicle-mounted device ( | 12-16-2010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20110313617 | SOUND-DIRECTED-OUTSIDE-VEHICLE EMITTING DEVICE - A sound-directed-outside-vehicle emitting device includes a storage unit | 12-22-2011 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |